Well, Minna-chan, here she is, as promised, the 6th chapter. There's a little more Endy/Sere romance thrown in here, along with the plot (WOW!). Big thanks as always to Sakura Girl, for beta-ing and to Rinoa (sorry I took so long, I just found out my email is acting up. Grrr... did I mention I miss my laptop?). Speaking of my laptop, a little update: Turns out that, no, my hard drive didn't transfer to the jazz drive, because the chord wasn't working right. That means, yes, all my stuff is trapped on my laptop still. So, since Apple knew about this problem, but didn't warn any of the clients, my lovely live in lawyer, Peter *grins*, called up their legal department to have a little talk. He managed to work out an agreement. Apple will email everyone with a iBook and tell them about the problem, and they are paying half the money to retrieve my information. On Tuesday, Peter went on a business trip and took the iBook with him, and mailed it to a company called Drive Savers. Hopefully they can get my hard drive back. Okay, now on with the story..... The Will of Heaven 6/? by Meredith Bronwen Mallory mallorys-girl@cinci.rr.com Rated PG-13 for language ---------------------------------------- Olympus, Earth (Capital of the Terrain Empire) Five am Earth Time "Begging your pardon, your majesty!" Rei cried, belatedly remembering to bow, "But I have the most important news, it cannot wait! The fire has shown me... the Moon Princess is alive!" Jaws dropped, and silence rushed into the room, almost as loud as any sound. The Queen was the first to recover, fanning herself with her hand as she struggled to grasp what the young Priestess had said. King Cepheus and Prince Endymion just stared. ³You mean to tell me,² her voice was uncommonly quiet, ³That Serenity the fourth... did not die in the battle for the moon?² Rei must have been trying to nod, for her head moved halfway through the gesture, when suddenly the color fled from her cheeks and she pitched forward. The guards rushed from their positions at the door, but Cassiopeia got there first, catching the young woman and leading her gently to a seat. ³Please bring Rei-san a meal as well, I imagine she has not yet eaten this morning,² she addressed the guards. When they continued to stare, her usual impatient nature boiled over, ³Well, what are you waiting for?! Are you daft!? Go get the poor girl some food!² ³Yes, Maıam,² they said quickly, then hurried off to do her bidding. The Royal Family watched expectantly while Rei took the time to catch her breath, before pummeling her with questions. ³The fire showed you that, the Moon Princess, Serenity, is alive?² Cassiopeia probed gently when it once more became appropriate to do so. ³Yes, my Queen,² Rei replied, before taking another bite of her breakfast. She hadnıt had anything to eat since the night before; fasting was required for mediation. ³What exactly did you see?² Prince Endymion wanted to know. ³Well,² the Priestess took a deep breath, ³I saw a young woman carrying a bundle through the streets, a baby. She was running from the palace. Then I saw the symbol of Moon Royalty, the star locket, and it rebuilt the ruins of the palace. Then the was a figure, a woman, but I couldnıt make out her features. She came out of the palace and linked arms with Endymion. That was it.² All were silent for a moment, trying to digest the information. If the Moon Princess was indeed alive, it could turn the whole solar system upside down. One of the only reasons the Mineral Kingdom was able to maintain their control over the Moon, was the fact that the rightful heir to the throne was dead. For a while after the attack, Cassiopeia and a few other members of other planetary royalty had proposed a counter attack to drive the Mineral Kingdom off the moon, and return it to itıs people. The action would have been perfectly legal, after all, the Mineral Kingdom had directly violated almost every rule in the charter by attacking the moon in the first place. Unfortunately, other less bold monarchs had stressed that, if indeed they did take back the moon, both itıs potential rulers were dead, and it would throw the whole planet into chaos. Well, the Earth Queen hadnıt known what to say to that, thus she and her supporters had been silenced. Years passed, and the proposal was altogether forgotten. But *now*, Cassiopeia's eyes glittered, now there was hope. Joy leapt in her heart, filling the void left by the death of her dear friend. If Serenity IIIıs daughter was alive, the Queen of Earth intended to embrace her with open arms. (AN: Does anyone else see the irony here?) ³What does the vision mean?² Cepheusı voice interupted the Queenıs elated thoughts. Three pairs of blue eyes looked on the Martian girl with expectancy. ³It means,² Rei said intensely, voice rising with excitement, ³That the Princess is alive, that it will be she who finally drives the Mineral Kingdom off the moon and back behind itıs proper boarders. It also means,² here she paused, looking directly at Endymion, ³That it is her destiny to marry the Prince of Earth.² Had anyone actually been looking at the Prince at the time, they would have seen the color flee from his cheeks, his eyes taking on a new, protective hardness. But no one was looking, because, in her excitement, Cassiopeia had all but leapt from her seat, her excited words echoing in the hall. ³Itıs like Serenity and I always planned! A marriage between our children, to cement the tides between Moon and Earth!² she glanced between Rei and Cepheus, who both nodded. ³Oh, my husband, isnıt this wonderful?² No one noticed as the Prince paled further. ³That it is my dear,² Cepheus agreed, less enthusiastic, but still pleased. His smile faded, though, and he began to stroke his beard thoughtfully. ³But how are we to find the Moon Princess. If she is still alive, she must be very adapt at hiding. After all, if she was discovered, no doubt Obsidian would have her killed.² ³That should be fairly easy,² the Queen said, ³Weıll simply put out the word that we are looking for the Princess. No doubt weıll get a lot of pretenders and gold diggers, but in the end it should be fairly easy to distinguish them from the real thing. Donıt you agree, Rei-san?² ³Oh, yes my Queen,² the Martian priestess nodded, ³Iıll also be able to read their aura, see if they are lying, as well as if they are of noble descent.² The Queen fairly beamed. ³Rei-san, you are a great asset to the Kingdom, you are be commended,² Cassiopeia said, patting the young girl on the shoulder. Her attention swinging in another direction, the Queen smoothed her robes and turned to the King. ³And when we do find the Princess,² she said, her voice having toned down to the gentle, demure quality drilled into even noble woman since birth, ³She shall marry Endymion, as was Serenity and my greatest wish.² ³Of course, my dear,² the King nodded. ³Now, Endymion,² Cassiopeia, turning to the man on whom the entire conversation had been focused. It was a shame *he* hadnıt been included, ³Iıll need you too..² The silverware jumped as Endymion slammed his hand down on the table. ³You will excuse me, Mother,² he said roughly, ³I do not feel well.² Then, in a swirl of black cape, he retreated from them, leaving his mother to stare after him open mouthed. Her son was rarely rude! One must try to be a little understanding of the Queen and her situation; excitement had over-ridden her normal maternal instincts, and now she could not sense what troubled her son so. Turning to her husband with puzzled eyes, Cassiopeia asked, ³Do you think heıs sick?² ------ Prince Endymion stood in the rose garden, heedless of the falling rain. It was, after all, flood season, and for months at a time, all it seemed to do was rain. He enjoyed that rain now, let it roll down his body, taking with it the rage that had paled him so. In itıs place came a tumult of other disturbing emotions. For some strange reason, Endymion fought off the temptation to seek out Serenity. She was always so perceptive, somehow sensing his burdens and helping him lay them out, and move on. But now she would be busy, for it was day and she was no doubt helping Haruna with the Queenıs laundry. He would not have her undivided attention, as he so often did at night. Marry the Moon Princess? Marry a complete stranger he had never met, didnıt even know if he liked? How could anyone, especially his own Mother, ask such a thing of him? Oh, Endymion knew that more often than not, marriage was not for love, but for political gain. He understood that perfectly, and yet, it never seemed like that would happen to him. Heıd been called an idealist, a dreamer and romantic, but truth be told, when he married, he wanted it to be for love, nothing more, nothing less. The Prince was convinced that only the deepest love would induce him to a state of matrimony, but now he mother asked the impossible. And worst of all, he knew he couldnıt talk to her about it, she would never understand. Cassiopeia's own marriage had been arranged by her parents, though she had been lucky, eventually she and Cepheus had become friends. In most marriages, this was not the case, as Endymion well knew. Suddenly, the rain could not take away his rage, or his sorrow. The Priestess, Rei, spoke of destiny. Who was fate to dictate who he should marry!? ³My Prince,² a voice piped up from behind. Endymion whirled around, finding himself face to face with General Kunzite. ³My Prince,² the other man repeated, ³Princess Orion is waiting for you in the conservatory.² Endymion blanched. The Orion Royal Family had come to Earth for a diplomatic tour, and Princess Orion would not cease chasing after him, despite his repeated protests. A somewhat amusing thought crossed his mind; how would Orion react when she found out about this whole deal with the Moon Princess? ³Never mind that, Kunzite,² Endymion said suddenly, ³I would like to go hunting,² he needed to shoot at *something*, ³Summon the other generals and have them ready as soon as possible.² ³But...milord,² Kunzite stuttered, ³What about Princess Orion... you appointments...² ³Cancel them,² he responded curtly. ---------------------------------------- Susa, the Moon (Colony of the Mineral Kingdom) Five am, Earth Time They say that in times of dire peril, sensory perception is heightened to an almost unbearable level. Colors become bright and intense, smells are overwhelming, the sound of a pin dropping is like an explosion. Saffir, second in command of King Ulexiteıs army, expierenced exactly that as he fought his way through the general chaos that reigned in the palace corridors. It would seem he had not been the only one to get wind of the Kingıs death, and now every servant grabbed what little they owned and ran for their lives. ³Excuse me!² he said as he pushed past another young woman, polite to a fault. ³Saffir-chan!² a feminine voice cried, moments before warm arms snaked around his waist and a body clung to him. ³Petz!² his own arms held her to him now, the young kitchen maid heıd fallen so desperately in love with. ³There you are,² he said, ³Iıve been looking for you!² ³And I you!² fawn brown eyes met with Saffirıs, reflecting mutual panic and fear. ³The King...² ³I know,² he said simply, hands raising to cup her pretty face, ³Petz-chan, I want you to go down to the hall near the harem, you know where that is, right?² Petz nodded, ³Rubeus will be there, I want you to wait with him, Iıll be there as soon as possible.² ³But what about you?² ³I have to warn Demando-oniisan,² he replied quickly, already extracting himself from her embrace. He hurried down the hall, not daring to look back. Pushing his way through the mob, the young blue haired guard made his way towards his brotherıs chambers. Without even bothering to knock, he threw the door open. ³Demando! Oniisan! We must hurry the...² the words died in Saffirıs throat without warning. In a blur of black, green and white, two naked bodies scrambled to cover themselves under the dark sheets of the bed. Demando and Esmerude stared at the intruder, like two guilty children caught with their hands in the cookie jar. After a few moments of silence, Demando cleared his throat and pushed the hair away from his eyes. ³H-hai, Saffir-otoutosan, what is it?² he asked. Gulping, Saffir ran a hand through his blue hair. ³Oniisan, the King... the king is dead!² he finished, eyes wild with fear, for shock had soon given way to memory and panic. Time was groaning short. ³Shimatta!² Demando cursed violently, ³Of all the nights for the bastard to die...² he stopped there, obviously knowing there was no time to pursue that thought. ³Alright, Saffir, I assume Rubeus has everything ready?² ³Heıll meet us down by the entrance to the catacombs,² Saffir said, ³we should be able to get out from there, but with such little notice, I donıt know how much money or food he was able to acquire.² ³It matters not,² Demando said, ³Go now! Weıll be right with you.² He didnıt need to say it, Saffir was already moving, the door slamming behind him. Not a second later, Demando was up and searching for his clothing. He couldnıt wear his uniform, he would be recognized immediately, so he donned the peasants clothing heıd procured for just such an emergency. He and Rubeus had not taken the Kingıs ill health lightly, almost the moment theyıd discovered his immanent death, plans had been made for their eventual escape. Now Demando wished theyıd had more time to prepare. With much annoyance, he looked up to see Esmerude still in bed, staring at the door, mouth agape. ³Baka woman! Get moving,² he barked, ³I donıt think you fancy a visit to the incinerator, and I am sorely tempted to leave you!² That was all it took, Esmerude was nothing but a green blur, collecting her scattered articles of clothing. Perhaps it was cruel of him to take his anger out on her, after all, he was just as much to blame as he, and maybe, considering the situation, he should have been more understanding. But Demando was one who could not tolerate failure, and right now he was combating his own. ³What about my things?² Esmerude whined. ³Youıll have to leave them,² the guard replied tersely, grabbing for his sword, while she busied herself with buttoning her cloak. ³But-² ³Kami-sama, Esmerude,² Demando said with disgust, ³You would have us all die for want of your trinkets!² Well, that shut her up, and together they rushed out into the hallway, moving against the general tide of people as they hurried to meet their friends. Demando cursed again when the mob of sobbing women and children did not part quickly enough for his liking. ³Move it ALONG!² he shouted, pushing some stranger. ³Wanna come over here and say that?² a low, female voice asked in a most threatening tone. Demando did a double take. There, pressed against him by the crowd, was none other than the tomboy Haruka, aqua haired Michiru clutched protectively to her side. ³Ah.. gomen, Demando-sama,² Haruka said, realizing who sheıd just threatened. ³Haruka-san, what are you doing?² ³What does it look like?² the blond asked impatiently, ³Trying to get outa here before they turn us into crispy critters!² Michiru blanched. ³Ruka-chan,² said the aqua haired girl, ³We should hide. Thereıs no way weıll ever get through this crowd.² Sorrow and fear flickered in the brown eyes of her companion, but the tomboy fought it down. ³Michi-² she began. ³Never mind,² Demando said, pulling them both aside, along with Esmerude, when they reached the corridor that would lead them to the catacombs, ³Come with us. I know a way out.² He could see the surprise in all three pairs of eyes that fastened on him. He was rarely one to do favors or give charity, but... these two girls were Serenityıs friends. Dare he hope, his friends as well? ³Arigato, Demando-sama,² Michiru said. Then, a scream pierced the air, and another, and another, and another, until they came at such quick intervals that the overall effect was one long wail of terror. ³What the hell?² Haruka swore. Being closest to the corner, she peered around her, and whatever she saw made her breath catch in her throat. ³Bloody bitch,² she turned back to the rest of her party, ³Looks like Obsidian got a little premature on us. She was ready for this.² ³Did you honestly think Ulexite died of a seizure?² Esmerude scoffed. Of course, no one in the Kingdom had believed it, not with a blood thirsty Queen like Obsidian itching to take the throne for herself. Now, it would seem their Queen had also anticipated the general panic that would result from her husbandıs death. While all Ulexiteıs guards were to be liquidated along with the rest of his possessions, it appeared that Obsidian had her own army ready. Glancing back into the crowd, Haruka saw the new guards rounding the people up like cattle, prodding them with spears when they did not move fast enough. ³Weıve gotta get out of here,² she said. ³Youıre telling me,² Demando muttered as he lead them down the twisted maze of hallways and stair cases, making sure no one followed them. The catacombs beneath the palace hadnıt been cleaned for centuries, but that didnıt mean they werenıt used. They had served as crypts and torture chambers, even shrines for dark gods forbidden to be worshiped, and now they would aid Demando and his small band in their escape. Lighting a small torch, the white haired guard lead them down one of the tunnels. Towards the end, Rubeusı flaming red hair gave away the rest of their party. ³Took you long enough,² Rubeus complained. ³We had a little delay,² Demando explained as he handed his friend the keys that would allow them to continue their journey. ³Yeah,² the other guard said with a leer, ³Saffir said somıthin like that.² Indignant, Esmerude swapped at him with her hand, ignoring Petzıs sniffles as she clung to Saffir. ³Alright, *children*,² Demando said tiredly, ³Come on, this all very entertaining, but I donıt fancy being ashes anytime soon.² Once again, their peril became real to them all, and silently they followed the captain down the narrow, twisting caves. It seemed like they would never reach the end, but eventually, a small, bluish point of light appeared, the portal to the outside world, and their freedom. Freedom, that was a hard word to grasp. For Demando, it meant shrugging off his years of service to a tyrant, it was a chance to start over from scratch. To Saffir, it meant being able to marry the woman he loved, to touch her without fear of retribution from his King. Haruka could almost taste it, for both her and Michiru, it meant being able to recognize their feelings. To Esmerude and Rubeus it meant nothing. They had, and always would be, slaves to the physical; money, drinking and sex. Their freedom from Ulexite meant only that the title of master would change hands, nothing else. Surprisingly, their escape went off without a hitch. True to his word (for once) Rubeus had arranged for a horse and cart to be ready for them, stocked with as much money and supplies as he could find with such short notice. After much debate, Haruka and Michiru were allowed to come with them, piling in the back with Esmerude, Saffir and Petz. But just because they were outside the palace gates didnıt mean they were home free yet. No doubt a few others had escaped as well, and Obsidian's guards would be everywhere, trying to track them down. The ancient law stated that all the Kingıs possessions must be burnt, *all* of them. No one was allowed to slip through the cracks. ³Look for a house with the symbol of Selene on it,² Saffir suggested. ³Why?² Demando asked. The name Selene struck a chord with him, it was she who had granted his prayer for Serenityıs safety, it was she who ensured that Demandoıs angel would not be here to see this day. She would not be kindling for Ulexiteıs funeral pyre. Serenity; he loved her like every terribly flawed man loves a good woman, with all the burning intensity of his nature, seeking from her not only love, but redemption as well. In her he saw all the good qualities he could never possess, in her he sought to recapture the innocence that was once his. Saffirıs words broke through his revere, perhaps it was merciful, thinking of Serenity made him long for her. ³Theyıre the only religion that wonıt bow to the monarchy. If anyone will help us hide until we can get out of the city, they can,² the blue haired guard explained. ³I knew there was some reason I let you come along, kid,² Rubeus said as he steered the cart down another back road. Suddenly, the perpetual twilight that passed for Lunar daytime lit up like a day on Earth. Every head turned to see a great flame rising in the distance, flanked by the hulk of the Mineral Palace. The Incinerator. ³Kami-sama,² Michiru breathed. Yes, Demando thought, thatıs right, God help us all. -------------------- Olympus, Earth (Capital of the Terrain Empire) Noon Earth Time Serenity folded the napkin over one last time before placing it on the tea tray. Gently she took the delicate china tea cups and set them on the golden server along with the other utensils. ³Someday,² she said to no one in particular, ³I hope to have a tea set as fine as this one.² The gruff cook merely grunted, praying the young woman no mind. The fickle scullery maids shot the golden girl withering looks, but Serenity had learned to ignore them. Their opinion no longer mattered to her. Besides, *wouldnıt* it be lovely if she and Endymion could drink their tea from elegant cups like these, instead of her plain wooden ones? Serenity nearly smacked herself up the head, she was being silly. She had so, so much to be thankful for, and here she was dreaming of tea cups. ³What am I to do with myself?² she muttered as she took hold of the tray, balancing it carefully so as not to spill. ³Getın out of my kitchen might be a nice start,² the cook barked, giving the young girl a sharp little kick in the foot. Serenity yanked the offended body part back and shot the older woman a withering glance. ³Asking politely might be a nice start too,² and then she swept from the room like a princess, head held high. She refused to let them hurt her feelings by being unkind and indifferent. She had friends, Endymion, Ami, Minako, and Makoto, she didnıt need them. Then Serenityıs caring nature kicked in, and she wondered what she had done to offend them so. Was it that she was a forgiener? No, it couldnıt be, Minako was also a Lunarian. With a sigh, she shoved those dismal thoughts to the back of her mind as she came to the door of the Queenıs parlor. Inside, Cassiopeia was entertaining Kohoutek, queen of the Orion belt. From long practice, Serenity knew to enter without knocking, to be seen and not heard. She did just that, setting the tray down on a small table and serving the two queens their tea, allowing them to correct her for personal preferences. They were talking about the same thing theyıd been discussing an hour ago; the Moon Princess. Serenity really wasnıt paying attention. Like most royal chit-chat, it honestly failed to capture her attention; whoıd worn what to which ball seemed awfully trivial. ³...but how will you weed out the imposters?² Kohoutek inquired politely as she took the cup and saucer from Serenity. After lifting the tea to her lips, she made a slight face and turned to the servant, ³Two more lumps of sugar, dear,² she said, before returning to the previous conversation without missing a beat. ³Our head Priestess, Rei, will be able to read their auras and see whether or not they are lying,² Cassiopeia explained. ³I must tell you, my dear, I am most relieved to hear this news,² Orionıs queen went on, ³I have despised the Mineral Kingdom for ages. I was saying to my husband just the other day what pagans they are.² ³I agree completely, Kohoutek,² the Earth Queen said, ³By the way, speaking of the Mineral Kingdom, have you heard King Ulexite died last night?² Serenity dropped the sugar cup sheıd been holding, and the dainty china fell to the marble floor, shattered. Casseopia turned her head, blue eyes filling with disgust. ³Honestly, Serenity!² she said impatiently, ³Canıt you even pour sugar without dropping something?!² ³Iım sorry, your majesty, Iıll be more careful,² the apology slipped from Serenityıs lips without a thought. Sheıd long since learned the right words to placate the Queen. Inside, the servant was shaking. If the King was dead, that would mean... that would mean... ³My Queen, my I be excused?² she asked, surprised by the effort it took just to push those few words out. Cassiopeia looked surprised, before her blue eyes narrowed and she nodded. ³I suppose,² she paused for a moment, and Serenity held her breath, ³Yes, I will have no need of you for quite some time. Just clean up this mess, and remember to be back in time to help me prepare for this eveningıs festivities.² ³Yes, maıam.² She never saw the little flicker of worry that passed through Cassiopeia's eyes, only to be stomped out. ----- Skirts flying, Serenity ran down the long hall leading to the Shrine of Aries. Her heart beat so quickly it threatened to spring from her breast, but she barely noticed. All she could focus on was the fact that her friends were in danger; Haruka, Michiru, Naru, Hotaru, Cere, Juan, Palla, *Demando*. They were lost to her, hundreds of thousands of miles away on the Moon, and there was nothing she could do to help them, save pray. The Shrine was empty when she entered, painted walls flickering with the glow from the sacred fire. Eyes closed, Serenity sank to her knees and prayed. In reality, she had never been one for mediation, indeed, sheıd had trouble sitting still for long periods of time, until she had come to the harem. Now, in what would no doubt be an hour of need for so many of her friends, Serenity sat still for some immeasurable period of time. When had Ulexite died, she wondered. How many of her friends had escaped the wrath of the incinerator... how many were dead? How much time passed, Serenity would never know, a minute or a millennium? It didnıt seem to matter. ³Who are you!?² a defensive voice asked from behind. This broke the slight trance Serenity had placed herself in, and she whirled around to face one slightly angry Martian priestess. Rei had come to the Shrine expecting it to be empty, as she had left it. Instead she found a young woman crouched before the sacred fire, head bent down in prayer. In the dim light, it looked as though she had been crying. The Priestess took in her plain clothing, a simple, blue cotton dress, somewhat elaborate hairstyle and innocent, upturned face. She looked like a puppy, afraid it might be swatted for being found under foot. ³Who are you!?² she asked, surprised that anyone had come to this place. After all, the servants and guards all kept Rei at arms length, both her mystery and her temper were legendary. While she might have been powerful and gifted, she was also very lonely. ³M-my name is Serenity,² Reiıs mind laughed. Lord, what rubbish that was. Heaven knew the kitchen maids loved their gossip, but this was just a bit too far out for the fiery priestess to believe. *This* girl was supposed to be the seductress whoıd stolen the Princeıs virginity? ³Iım terribly sorry if Iım not allowed to be here. Itıs just, I needed to pray and, well, this seemed as good a place as any....² ³Donıt worry about it,² Rei said, helping the young woman to her feet. Their hands touched, and for a moment, a bright, glorious light engulfed Reiıs sight. It came on so suddenly that at first the Priestess gasped for breath, fulling over powered. But then, gradually, her good sense returned to her, and she realized she was reading this girlıs aura! It was strange, normally the Martian woman had to delve deeply, sometimes even go into a trance in order to find the bright chord that was a persons aura. And yet here was this girl, with such bright, golden purity running just bellow the surface. There was something else there too, something Rei couldnıt quite grasp, but sensed the importance of. It was like an under current, something precious, to be revealed, but only at the right time. ³Thank you,² Serenity removed her hand, and the vision faded. ³You... you probably donıt want to be bothered, Iıll just be going.² ³So soon!?² Rei whirled around as the other girl passed her. It had been ages since sheıd talked to someone as simply Rei, not Priestess of Aries. She really was very lonely, whether or not she wanted to admit it, and besides, there was something about this girl... ³I have to meet my friends for lunch,² she said, ³But you could join us, if you like?² The Martian woman was taken aback, she was not one who received social invitations on a regular basis, she never even went to parties in the servants quarters, though that was mostly because it was thought to be beneath a priestess status. The ones she did receive she rarely accepted, why should any of the change now... ³Iıd love to,² Rei said. ---- Minako, Ami and Makoto were already waiting for them when Serenity and Rei arrived. They sat on the stone steps of the training center, stretched languidly like cats in the sun, their meager lunches in their laps. The rain had stopped, though only for a little while, and it seemed like everything on Earth was trying to get a few hours of dry living in. ³Konichiha, Serenity-chan!² Makoto greeted the golden girl, offering her a piece of rye bread. ³Hello, Minna-cha,² Serenity smiled, taking a seat beside Ami. Rei stood off to the side, unsure of what to do with herself. Oddly enough, it was only her pride that kept her from taking a seat, not the usual awkwardness she felt around strangers. ³This is Rei, sheıs a priestess.² The otherıs lifted their eyes to meet with the strangerıs, offering several variations of Œnice to meet you, Reiı. ³Rei,² Serenity went on, ³This is my friend, Ami..² ³Servant,² Ami corrected with a pink tint to her cheeks. ³Friend,² Serenity was inflexible, ³Thatıs Minako, sheıs from the Moon as well, and Makoto, Captain of the Queenıs guard.² Rei nodded, theyıd all heard of each other, at some point in time, but they had never sought each other out. Within each of Serenityıs friends, the priestess sensed a different aura, like the colors of the rainbow, they should have clashed, but they didnıt. There was something about Serenity herself, that golden glow and hidden tide, that drew them all, these four girls who were such polar opposites, together. For the first time in her life, Rei felt as though her purpose was ready to be filled, that standing here on the marble steps, with these four other girls, at last she was complete. Rei sat down. ------ ³I have a bit of dilemma, Sere-chan,² Endymion said to his friend later that evening. They lay on their sides, leaning against their elbows, opposite one another before the roaring fire. ³What would that be?² Serenity asked as she filled her cup with tea, then did the same for his. The Prince drank in her movements, so simple, and yet he could not get enough of her. ³I was approached today by two of the soldiers in my army, both of them claiming to be married to the same woman,² he said. Serenity handed him his cup, sitting back and looking at him with interest. Behind that pretty face, there was a diplomatıs mind developing, even Cassiopeia could see that, though she never said anything about it. The Prince was not entirely sure what had prompted him to do so, but he took extra care to ensure that his mother would never discover his late night meetings with his golden girl. Though Serenity was definitely more than beautiful, Endymion appreciated her quick wit and talented mind as well, so refreshing in a woman of his day and age. Their bond had grown so much during recent weeks, to the point where they trusted one another completely. Beyond the simple wooden doors of Serenityıs quarters, the real world lay in wait, but within- within was their own world, for just the two of them. Nothing else mattered when the sun sat bellow the horizon and freed them to come together, if only for a few hours. ³Isnıt that illegal?² Serenity asked. ³Indeed it is. I looked into it, and sure enough, somehow this woman had managed to get by the local authorities. Now each man wants me to declare their marriage the proper one, and annul the other,² he sighed, ³Iım not quite sure what to do, both their claims are honest.² ³Tell me of their temperaments? ² the young woman asked. After raising a curious eyebrow, Endymion nodded, scooting closer. ³Well, one is by far the most brash in my service, the other is more tempered.² ³I think this woman must be a shrew,² Serenity made a face, it was not in her nature to be unkind. The Prince merely laughed at her sentiments. ³That she is,² he said. A few minutes passed in silence, with Serenity watching the fire, and Endymion watching her. At last she said; ³Endorse this womanıs marriage to the brash man, if she is a shrew, she would dominate the meeker man.² Endymion nodded, it was good, sound judgement, but somehow he couldnıt keep his mind on the conversation at hand. The faceless Moon Princess had been hanging over his head all day, and he was about ready to snap. All day, it seemed, heıd been waiting to come to Serenity, to tell her how betrayed he felt, and yet now the words couldnıt seem to escape his lips. ³Tell me, Serenity,² he said suddenly, ³Do you believe in destiny?² The golden girl raised her blue eyes to meet his, sympathy in their depths. Maybe it was the way he said it, or maybe it was just the way she was so apt at reading his emotions, but the Prince swore she knew what was the matter before he even told her. ³Is there something bothering you, Endymion?² ³Hai,² he said bitterly, ³The Priestess, Rei, had a vision. It is supposedly my destiny to marry the Moon Princess.² He found himself searching her expression for a hint of betray, or pain, though he couldnıt fathom why. All he found etched on that china face of herıs was compassion, and it touched him deeply. ³Come here,² she said, rising to her feet. Endymion did the same, following her as she made her way over to the window. They stood so close he could feel her body heat, and suddenly wondered what it might be like to take her in his arms. Would she be surprised, push him away, or would she stare up at him innocently, lips half parted, just waiting to be kissed? What would she do if he gave into this bubble of warmth rising within him, and brought his lips to hers as he had done in so many of his dreams? Moreover, would she taste as sweet as he imagined? He had half a mind to test that theory. On the heels of those thoughts came disbelief. Was he really thinking these things about Serenity, his closest friend and confidant!? he thought with determination. Still, this was the closest theyıd been to touching since heıd first met her. Heıd always made sure to treat her with courtesy, make sure it was clear that he wanted her friendship, not her body. And yet, he found now that he wanted to touch her. ³Endymion,² Serenity spoke softly, drawing him away from his disturbing thoughts. ³Gomen,² he said sheepishly. ³Donıt worry about it,² she turned her face towards the stars. ³When I was in the harem,² she began softly, ³I had a lot of time for thinking. Thereıs really not much else to do during endless beauty treatments. I used to wonder why Iıd been so unfortunate as to be brought there, what Iıd done to deserve such a thing,² she turned back to Endymion, her blue gaze meeting his head on, steady, ³I think I understand now. Destiny is where youıre going in life, but there are different roads to take, and you control your destiny, not the other way around. Sometimes it seems like everythingıs crazy and youıre not in control but... you are. Maybe youıre meant to be a partner to this Moon Princess, in a political way, or maybe youıre meant to be friends,² Serenityıs gaze drifted down to where the Princeıs hand gripped the edge of the railing. Slowly, she raised her own hand, and Endymion waited patiently, knowing she had to make this choice for herself. Then, as though she knew if she waited another moment, she would loose her nerve, Serenity took her hand and placed it over his. He found it to be warm and soft. ³Besides,² she said softly, ³If I hadnıt been taken to the harem, I would never have been sent to Earth, and then I would never have met you.² It was like those few words broke a dam in him, letting loose everything in one overwhelming tsunami of emotion. Without a moments hesitation, or warning, Endymion drew Serenity near and engulfed her in an embrace. She was stiff for all of three seconds, before her body relaxed and she lay her head in the curve of his shoulder. He let his hand wander into her golden mane, the other arm securely around her waist. ³Arigato, Serenity-chan,² he whispered, his voice husky with emotion, ³What would I do without you?² Serenity closed her eyes and smiled in Endymionıs embrace. She knew she should have been frightened, should have drawn back, but he was just so... warm. Like a blanket resting around her shoulders, the night chill could no longer reach her, and she felt safe. The feel of his hand in her hair tickled just slightly, but it was pleasant all the same. Sheıd only ever been in manıs arms once before, and it hadnıt been at all like this. Demandoıs embrace had been somewhat threatening, like she would be smothered, or engulfed. His arms hadnıt made her want to melt. The clock in the outer hall chimed loudly, proclaiming to the world that it was indeed 1 am, and it jolted the two friends from their comfort. ³Gomen, Serenity, itıs late,² Endymion said as he pulled away. She merely nodded and showed him to the door. ------- Once in the safety of his own rooms, Endymion lay down in bed and stared at the ceiling. What had possessed him to take hold of Serenity like that? For all he could have known, she might have pulled away, been angry with him. he was reminded. No, sheıd wrapped her own arms around him, holding onto him, as heıd held onto her, an anchor amidst this sea of uncertainty. He could still feel her warmth, as though she was still wrapped around him, and not on the other side of the palace, no doubt having retired to her own rest. his mind whispered as he rolled over and closed his eyes. Yes, he would see her again, tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that. Serenity was his constant. ------- What just happened here? Serenity wondered as she sat before the fire. There were some pretty strange feelings churning in her stomach, her heart seemed to be dancing. What could this be? She remembered her days in the harem, laying out in the garden with her friends, always under the watchful eye of the guards. She remembered their voices, hushed whispers as they laid on their sides, talking about true love, marriage, and other things they, as concubines, were no longer entitled feel. A few of the girls had been wrenched from men they loved, and brought with them all their somewhat limited knowledge of romance. Over educated, but with little experience, they speculated on everything from sex to simple kissing, knowing they would never be free of the king. But now... Serenity thought decisively. She was treading on the edge of the truth, but she wasnıt sure she would like what she found. Putting out the fire, Serenity emptied the cups and moved towards the bedchamber. She said a prayer for her friends on the moon before going to sleep. ----------------------- Two Weeks Later ----------------------- Susa, the Moon (Colony of the Mineral Kingdom) Two am. In the end it had not been a Selene household that had given shelter to Demando and the others, but an abandoned barn on the edge of town. Esmerude complained bitterly, saying that to sleep in hay was beneath her station, but Rubeus threatened to smack her around, and she wisely shut up about it. Their meager supplies lasted only a few days with the added mouths of Haruka and Michiru to feed, but after a while Demando and Saffir found that, in the midday hours, when the streets were crowded, it was easy to go begging and not be suspect. A week and a half passed, yet still Obsidianıs guards patrolled the streets, looking for escapees from Ulexiteıs reign. It was obvious the Queen wanted to cement her power, and letting someone as important as Demando escape the incinerator was not a good way to go about that. Oh, but she was a tyrant, their Queen, sheıd learned from the best. Originally from Nemesis, Obsidian was quick to implament the laws that had worked best in controlling her homeland; outrageous taxes, an early curfew, and plenty of harsh penalties for minor crimes. That panic which had so gripped the capital the night of Ulexiteıs death was not misplaced, the Lunarians had known they were in for it, and boy, were they right. Now Demando crept to the roof of the barn, dark cloak billowing around him, hiding the former Captain from prying eyes. He would take this hours watch, and then, at last, they would leave. He and Rubeus had finally found a safe way out of the city, without alerting the guards, and he feared if they waited more than a few days, the opportunity would be lost. The Earth rose in the distance, reminding Demando of his new purpose in life. As soon as they made it to a safe city, he would get work, and start saving up to buy Serenity back. The idea had come to him late one night, when he had crouched on the roof, much like he did now, staring at the blue/green orb and cursing it for taking his angel. But, if he could only get enough money, perhaps he could send for her on Earth, convince the Prince that the money was worth more then her services. It was a hope Demando clung to, all the lonely nights he spent dreaming of Serenity. Twice now Esmerude had tried to come to his Œbedı, and each time he resisted her; he would not fail again. He would kill to get Serenity back, if he had to. Climbing down from his precarious perch, Demando stood at the entrance to the barn. Though his shadow spilled into the barn, they did not notice him, and he suddenly felt invisible. A sense of loss filled him, unlike any he had ever known. some truthful part of him spoke, in reference to Serenity. he said, And yet, there it was, as he gazed on his friends, like the apex of a mountain, when you stand at the top, look down below, and wonder why you went to all that trouble to climb. How was it that he had never really seen these people before? Rubeus and Esmerude were having a fight, but Demando could tell, just by the way they were leaned towards each other, that they were lovers. That knowledge hurt him somehow, yet he should have known Esmerude slept around. Haruka and Michiru were sitting in the dirt, playing some childıs game with a bunch of pebbles, just to pass the time. Harukaıs hand brushed Michiruıs, and they gazes met. The Captain understood now that, yes, they loved one another, and everyone around them pretended not to notice. Saffir sat in the corner, with Petz in his lap, theyıre hushed tones speaking volumes their words could not. Demando wondered. He stomped that thought out, of course he would! He would buy Serenity back, and they would be together, they would have that closeness he longed for. Just now, Rubeus turned, and noticed Demando for the first time. An eyebrow raised in question, and the young man knew his emotions must have played out on his face. ³See anything?² the red-head asked, referring to the threat of Obsidianıs guards. ŒYes, I saw something, but not any guards,ı Demando thought, ŒI see all of you.ı ---------- A few hours later, the group arrived safely outside the capital city. They stood on the beach of the Sea of Selenity, the peaceful waters stretching out forever, like a pane of glass. To the south, the beach road would take itıs travelers to the city of Sappho, and to the North, was Parsa. One of the cart horses had been unharnessed for Haruka and Michiruıs use; this was where they parted ways. ³Youıre lucky, you know,² Demando said to Haruka as he helped her saddle up the horse. For a moment, the woman looked at him in confusion, but then sudden comprehension poured into her features and she smiled. Her brown eyes darted over to gaze on the aqua-haired girl standing a few feet away, dividing up the supplies with Esmerude. ³I know,² Haruka said, ³Sometimes I think Iım the luckiest girl on the Moon.² Demando nodded solemnly. Turning, she called out; ³Come on, Michi-chan, we gotta go!² Michiru nodded, gathering their things and allowing Demando to help her up into the saddle. Haruka took a seat behind her, and, with no more than a curt wave to their former traveling companions, the tomboy gave the horse a sharp kick. Silently, Demando watched them go. --------- Her soul was twisted beyond recognition. Had she ever possessed one shred of human compassion, you would not have known it. Beryl, daughter of King Ulexite of the Mineral Kingdom, and Queen Obsidian of Nemesis, was most displeased. She sat in what had once been her nursery, the walls painted with scenes of death and destruction, so untypical of a childıs room. But this was what Beryl had grown up with, all that she had known. She came here now, not because she wanted to reminisce, but because it was located directly bellow her motherıs chambers. The Princess was angry, she had awaited her fatherıs death eagerly, longing to become part of the process, hold some power of her own. For all her motherıs pretty promises of Œusı, one thing had become painfully clear to Beryl; there had never been an Œusı for Obsidian, only a selfish Œmeı. She felt betrayed, but she would not let go of what little power she had, so she crept down here to listen in on her motherıs conferences with the guards, hoarding information as others might gold. Now, in this shadow strewn land of memories, Beryl listened, and was disgusted. As it turned out, it wasnıt a ³conference² her mother was having, but a sexual liaison with the new captain of the guard. The Mineral Princess snorted, she should have known. Her mother was as perverted as her father. Though it wouldnıt be said for many centuries, the saying; Œabsolute power corrupts absolutelyı certainly fit the bill now. Beryl thought, Childishly, she smiled. Yes, she was focused, she kept her eyes on the prize. In this case, that prize was Endymion, the handsome Terrain Prince. With him by her side, Beryl believed herself capable of any destruction. But what to do about Obsidian? Quickly, Beryl fled her old bedchamber, walking the short familiar route to the catacombs, where the shrine of the dark goddess, Metallia, awaited her. Sheıd first walked this stone cavern at the age of five, her half sister Quartz in tow. Quartz had been the lovechild of Ulexite and one of his many mistresses, raised with Beryl by the same Nanny. As children, the two of them would roam the mazes beneath the palace, searching for adventure. It had been then, when poking around a deserted hallway by herself, Beryl had first heard the faintest whispers of Metallia. ŒFeed the fire, feed the fireı, the dark goddess had said. Curious, Beryl had followed the whispers to their source, and abandoned shrine. The raw, dark energy had washed over the five year old with surprising force, though Metallia was quite weak from years of neglect. Like a stranger offering candy, the goddess spoke to Beryl of power, how wonderful it was to have it, and how it could be used against others. The childıs yellow eyes shone bright, for her mother Obsidion was a paradox, often something the Princess with possessive love one day, and practically abandoning her the next. Here was Metallia, a constant, offering Beryl power and control, two things that, even as a child, she yearned for, but had never possessed. But first, the goddess had said, the Princess would need to give human sacrifice, if she wanted Metalliaıs help. Eagerly, the child asked what to do, anything for her new Œfriendı. Quartz had been Berylıs first offering. Kneeling before Metallia, Beryl bowed her head and waited for the goddessı attention. In her mind, she heard Metalliaıs urgent whispers. There was impatience coloring her tone, she was hungry. There was question as well. ³It is my mother, Goddess,² said the Princess. She need not say more, Metallia understood. Beryl cocked her head, listening as the whispers came more quickly, powerful in their desire. ³Yes,² she nodded, her tone zombie-like, ³yes, I understand.² She reached for the ceremonial knife she had used so many times before, to kill. ³I understand perfectly.² ---- That night, a figure clothed in green and black made itıs way towards the Queenıs chambers, moving along the shadows. The candles in the hall seemed to dim, as though even the light shunned her. Quietly, she slipped inside, and if someone had pressed their ear to the door just then, they would have heard the screams and protests of a frantic mother. Minutes later, the figure emerged, bloody dagger clutched in her hand as she wiped the red liquid on her cloak. ³It is done, Metallia,² said she, ³I hope you understand, Mother. I make my own destiny.² ----------- @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ EMAIL IS GOOD! (Hehehehe)