Authors Notes: Hey there Minna-chan! Been a while on this one, eh? Well, I hope you all enjoy. I have thank a bunch of people first. Sake-chan, sorry I didn't wait to hear back from you, but I just couldn't wait... Rinoa, for her betaing services, MK for her WAFFie fic that totally cheered me up, and lastly Peter (look, he's BLUSHING!!!) for letting me use his comp while mine is STILL in the shop. Note, the Authoress had a MAJOR crisis of writing faith while producing this chapter, FEED BACK IS NEEDED. I think it must be since I haven't posted in a while, help me... I'm going through with draw! ^_^; And now... on with the show... The Will of Heaven 7/? by Meredith Bronwen Mallory mallorys-girl@cinci.rr.com ------------------------------------ Olympus, Earth Capital of the Terrain Empire 6 am Earth Time ------------------------------------ The word spread like wild fire. At every well, every party, in every home, young women spoke in hushed whispers, their eyes darting about excitedly; the Royal Family of Earth was searching for the long lost Moon Princess. Servants and noblewomen alike speculated on her identity, where she had been hiding for all these years. Could she be someone they knew? Rumors flew like mad: Could she be the local beauty queen? The Noblemanıs adopted daughter? It was like someone flipped a switch, suddenly, every girl was Cinderella, a princess in disguise, waiting to be revealed. Almost as soon as the first announcement was posted, the first words of it were spoken by the herald, women packed their things and made their way to Olympus. At first the arrivals at the palace were a mere trickle, but then it became a torrent, a powerful tsunami. Rumor had it that the hand of the handsome Prince Endymion was reserved for the Princess Serenity IV- wouldnıt it be wonderful to be she!? Guards, employed by the Queen, directed the arrivals to a newly renovated building set aside just for their use, while they waited for an audience with the Queen. Looking down from his high balcony, Endymion thought they looked quite like a surge of salmon going upstream to spawn. He felt like the unfortunate spawning grounds. ³Would you look at all that?² Jadeite asked, his eyes trying to drink in the thousands of young women below. ³Iım looking, Iım looking,² Nephrite chuckled, ³Have you ever seen so many pretty women?² ³Not all in one place.² ³Did you know the guards turned out about twenty old ladies claiming to be the Princess?² Kunzite asked. ³Lucky you, Endymion,² Zoisite elbowed the other man. Jadeite looked ill, and the other generals made gagging noises. The Prince was not amused, but didnıt bother to say so. He suddenly understood what Serenity had told him about the harem, and he could sympathize completely. He felt like cattle up for sale. Serenity; that thought cheered him up somewhat. In the past few weeks, they had become closer than ever, she was his light and support. If today proved to be the hell he suspected it would be, at least she would be waiting for him at the end. ³I wish I could go hunting,² he said to himself. But no, as usual, duty intervened. Though it was occasionally acceptable for him to escape his appointments, he knew his mother would not allow him to miss this one. Not when he was required to sit with her while she gave audience to the young, would-be Moon Princesses. ³Endymion, if I were you, I would not go down there for all the gold in the treasury,² said Nephrite, who had over heard the Princeıs mutterings, ³Youıd be like meat in a tank full of piranhas.² The young man shook his head and resisted the urge to groan. ³I believe your mother is waiting for you, sire,² Kunzite said stiffly. With one last disappearing look at the throng of women, Endymion turned and followed the other man out the door. Cassiopeia was looking out the window when her son arrived, dark blue eyes gazing dully out on the crowd. She turned as he entered the room, and he saw guilt etched on her face in that spilt second before she managed to school her features. ³Oh, Endymion,² she said in distress, ³I really didnıt think... I thought that perhaps... but not this many!² The words stumbled on her tongue, but the Prince got the general idea. His mother was a true Queen, and like any monarch, once a decision was made, she could never take it back. It was as close as she would come to an apology. Endymion bent to kiss her cheek, letting her know that- yes, he understood. Shaking her black locks, the Queen took a seat, gesturing for her son to do the same. Across the cherry wood table was the chair in which the Œmoon princessı would sit, and beyond that, in a small, screened off alcove sat the priestess Rei. The young ladies who came in would never know she was there, but it would be Reiıs signal that, when the Queen was in doubt, deny or confirm whether a girl was, or was not, the princess they searched for. ³Alright,² said Cassiopeia, folding her hands in her lap and sitting up straight, stiff as a board and imposing. The Prince stifled the urge to chuckle, his mother would most definitely intimidate many of the girls. ³Haruna, please send in the first you lady.² ³Yes, Maıam,² the servant bowed and left, returning moments later with a burette in tow. She wore a lavish costume of greens and gold, which made her own features look pale, and Endymion felt her eyes on him, appreciatively taking stock. ³My Queen,² Haruna said dryly, wheezing a bit do to the massive amounts of perfume the other woman wore, ³Durido Gwendolyn, of Atlantis.² ³Durido-san,² Endymion watched as his mother plastered a most polite and diplomatic smile on her face, ³Oneagi, be seated.² ³Arigato, Cassiopeia-sama,² Gwendolyn took a seat, smiling a bright smile in the Princeıs direction. Endymion fairly gagged when her perfume reached him, wrapping deadly tentacles around his lungs until he fought the urge to cough. It was going to be a very long day. ------------------------------ Parsa, the Moon 25 miles north of Susa 7 am Earth Time ----------------------------- Parsa was the type of city that sucked at manıs soul. Itıs decent citizens long since having fled, Parsa was given up to the immoral, the perverted and the insane. No alleyway, or even main street was safe, dozens of bandits moving in the shadows, and little clusters of skimpily dressed women lining the street corners. Demando was back in his element. Since their arrival a few days ago, he and his friends had fallen almost immediately into old rhythms and habits, without a second thought. Slowly, but surely, Parsa was wearing Serenityıs influence away, pushing it deep down inside Demando, as the Captainıs less than stellar qualities returned to the surface. He was like gold, once polished daily, now left to tarnish. On a conscious level, he barely noticed the change; he still dreamed of Serenity, still scrimped and saved to earn enough money to buy her back, but the content of those dreams, and the way he earned the money were different then they might have been a few weeks ago. Parsa catered to those with weak hearts, and Demando definitely fit the bill. Here, everything was available... for a price. And if law enforcement in Parsa had been shoddy before, it was almost non-existent now that Obsidian was dead. Two monarchs gone in roughly two months. Though they should have expected it, the Lunarians were surprised. Ulexite was weak, but Obsidian, the Tyrant Queen, dead? Impossible. News of their Queenıs demise spread like wildfire all over the moon; stabbed to death by an unknown assassin, right under the noses of her most trusted guards. The people werenıt sure whether they should be fearful or relieved. They knew next to nothing of Beryl, the nineteen year old Princess who had taken the throne with little warning. Sheıd always *seemed* like the dutiful daughter, standing respectfully in the shadows while her father- then her mother- took center stage. She was a stranger to them, appearances can be deceiving. In the short, harried speak given less than two hours after her motherıs death, Beryl had sworn to find the perpetrators and make them pay for the Œterrible atrocityı, and yet, it was never followed up. If the Lunarians thought things were bad under Obsidian, Berylıs rule made that look like a cake walk. Her outrageous taxes reduced the fortunes of even the most wealthy merchants, while guards, armed to the teeth, patrolled the streets of the capital. They shot without a moments notice, and asked questions later. It was the type of atmosphere the people of Parsa preyed on. The depraved, the sick and the homeless rode the Lunar Railway as far as they could pay their way, to the City of the Immoral... end of the line, both literally and figuratively. To him, though, life was looking up. His latest commission had come in, and tomorrow he would leave the city to track his query. Like a tiger, he smiled, just thinking of his prey. Being a mercenary was just the job for him too, it played off his old role as a soldier, and appealed to his violent instincts as well. Moreover, the pay he received from this job would be just enough to put him over the top, finally, his shinning Serenity was within reach. Not to mention, his friends had given him the task of counting up their earnings and putting it to good use; buying food, clothing, and so forth. What they didnıt know was that, for every five gold coins they gave him, Demando stole two, adding them to his savings. What they didnıt know, after all could not hurt them. Turning down a long alleyway, the white-haired man looked around for a moment, before slipping through a back door and into his home. Inside, Esmerude lounged on the worn, tattered couch, staring at the shoddy view screen with bleary eyes. Demando was surprised to see her home so early, normally she was out until after dawn. A flicker of guilt flashed through him. No matter how much he hated Esmerude, some part of him would always consider her to be his best friend. That part of him spoke now, saying that she was hurting herself, that she would die young. Firmly, the young man stomped on that part. He didnıt care how Esmerude earned her money, as long as the coins made their way into his pocket. And yet... There was a brief frown of dismay. Things were changing, they could never stay the same. Saffir, who had been almost like a shadow since birth, would not be with them for long. The blue haired young man had no taste for the rough lifestyle the city offered, he too, was saving up to buy a small cottage in the neighboring city of Ceti, where he would live with Petz. Deep down, Demando knew he should be happy for them, but there was possessiveness too. It had been him, not Petz, who had sat with Saffir, oh so many years ago, looking up at the stars, retelling tales of white knights and princess learned from his mother. It had been him, not Petz, who had looked after Saffir during military training, made sure he got a good position. ŒWe can not walk the same path forever,ı Serenity had once said. As true as those words of wisdom might be, it didnıt take away the sting. Good mood gone, Demando trudged up the steps his room, pausing only long enough to remove his soiled jacket and shirt before reaching for a bottle of whisky he kept stashed away. Outside his window, over the blackened, decrepit skyline, Earth rose in all her glory, a great, blue green marble sewn in the sky. Demando smiled and toasted that planet, one thought and one thought only ringing in his mind. -------------------------------------- Olympus, Earth Capital of the Terrain Empire 8 pm Earth Time -------------------------------------- ³Oh, Endymion, did you see them?² Serenity asked, referring to the newly arrived Œmoon princessesı, ³They looked like peacocks!² ³I saw them,² Endymion chuckled, watching as Serenity minced around the room, nose in the air, mimicking. Their laughter mingled, and died a painless death as she took a seat on the couch beside him. Without a second thought, the Prince reached out and drew her near, placing arm around her. Serenity allowed her head to rest against his chest, her dainty fingers curling around her glass of tea. Their embrace was a comfortable one, exchanged between friends. Or so they told themselves, when they were alone, and the warmth of the otherıs arms would not dissipate. But then, friends did not occasionally fall silent in the middle of a conversation, entranced by each others eyes. They did not lean towards one another, only to draw back, and blush. ³Your day was hard?² Serenity asked softly, all seriousness now. Endymion nodded slowly, letting her compassion wash over him. How she had so much of it to give was quite beyond him. The moment he had walked in the door, she had paused only long enough to close the door behind him, before giving him a hug. As though she had known, had been waiting all day, to do this one simple act, to ease his burdens through that one touch. She was, he considered, like no other girl heıd ever met. Heıd never heard her judge anyone harshly, never seen her become jealous over another woman, and dispite her humble station, she moved at times, with the grace, and air, of a princess. Her mind, too, had taken to politics and reasoning like second nature. The Prince imagined she would make a better Œmoon princessı then most the girls Œtrying-outı. She was priceless, simply priceless. They lapsed into companionable silence, yet somehow sensed a tension rushing like an uncontrollable rapid, just beneath the surface. Something about tonight just felt... wrong. Even the moon, partially hidden by the clouds, seemed to shine down on the couple with an urgency, as if to say, Œhurry, your moments together are precious, time is short.ı Endymion glanced at the hourglass sitting on the mantle. Was it just him, or did the sand seem to slip through it more swiftly then it had previous nights? Did his eyes deceive him, or was dawn already beginning to color the sky? ³Youıre awfully tense,² Serenity commented. ³I know...² the Prince sighed, ³It has been a very long day.² ³Poor thing,² she said softly. Then, before he could register what Serenity was about to do, and perhaps, before she even thought about her actions, her small, nimble hands dove underneath the collar of his uniform to massage the taunt muscles of his neck and shoulders. Endymion opened his mouth once or twice to say something, he wasnıt sure what, but the feel of her warm hands made thinking, let alone talking, very hard. ³You hold all your tension in your shoulders,² Serenity explained as she dug with her thumb at a particularly knotted muscle. ŒWhat are you *doing*?!ı some sensible part of Serenityıs mind shouted. The golden girl shook her head. She was just trying to help him, he was so tense, always keeping everything bottled up inside. Often Endymion told her that she was the only one he could talk to. What had he done with all this pent up emotion before she came along? She knew he thought holding everything was a way of showing his independence, his ability to handle anything. But deep down, Serenity knew he was just like a little boy, trying to act grown up. Roughly, she shoved those thoughts away, trying desperately not to think about how hard his muscles were, so strong, like steel, or how he smelled like roses and fresh evergreens. Her warm little hands seemed to be everywhere. Endymion stifled a groan as he felt himself relax beneath her touch. Suddenly, the air seemed filled with tension, the same tension that had occurred a few weeks earlier, when he had thought about kissing Serenity. Only this time, it seemed to have increased ten-fold, and for a moment, the Prince considered abandoning the massage, no matter how good it felt. It would be so much better if he could just turn around and capture her lips with his. Maybe bury his hands in her golden mane of hair, feel her shudder beneath him. ŒYou are a true baka!ı he scolded himself inwardly, ŒShe is your friend! Why are you doing this? What you have is special...ı And yet she was so gentle, and caring, he could help but wonder, what if she was waiting for him at night, not only as a friend, but lover as well? It was a silly thought, of course, because they would never be more than friends, but it was a delicious one all the same. Slowly, the warmth of her hands seeped into his body and mind, the movement of her fingers building up a rhythm that seemed to beat in time with the newly falling rain on the roof. ³Arigato, Serenity,² he said softly, not realizing his eyes were drooping. ³Donıt mention it,² came her reply. It seemed so far away. The Prince didnıt even realize that heıd fallen asleep. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It certainly was taking a long time. The small boy, of perhaps four years, scrunched his face up in annoyance and went back to playing with the small wooden horse. It had been his only source of amusement since his mother had disappeared into Queen Serenityıs chambers, what seemed like ages ago. Little Endymion just couldnıt figure it out. Why was it taking so long just to have a baby? He grimaced, heıd heard a couple of screams come through the door, but each time he scooted over and pressed his ear to the cool wood surface, the noise ceased. Did it hurt to have baby? Or maybe, maybe Queen Serenity had sent for the baby from someplace far away, and the soldier in charge of fetching it had been detained. The boy sighed, whatever it was, it was taking unbearably long. Then, as if somehow sensing his thoughts, there was a long, drawn out scream, before silence crashed down, only to be broken by the cries of a child. Without really wanting to, Endymion smiled. The baby had been born. Though he wouldnıt admit it for the world, he was curious to meet this baby, Serenity, daughter of his motherıs best friend. He had been trying to hide his excitement about it ever since the Moon Queen had taken his small hand in her own and pressed it to her enlarged belly. In that moment, Endymion had held his breath, waiting to see what would happen. He wasnıt disappointed, suddenly, there was a little kick, and for a brief moment, something connected with Endymionıs hand, through the barrier of skin. What would this baby be like? ³Endymion?² his mother poked her dark head out the door, a brilliant smile adorning her face. ³Come here sweetie, donıt you want to meet the baby?² ³Oh, I guess,² he said with exaggerated carelessness. His mother merely smiled and shook her head, allowing him to enter before her. Putting a hand on his shoulder, she lead him towards the large bed, on which rested Queen Serenity III. At first the young prince believed there wasnıt a baby in sight, but when he looked closer, he saw a small white bundle in the older womanıs arms. ³Is that the baby, Aunt Serenity?² he asked. ³Yes, it is,² the Moon Queen replied, adjusting the bundle in her arms so that he could see the child properly. Endymionıs eyes widened. *That* was a baby?! Why, it was all pink and wiggly, with itıs eyes closed and a little tuft of gold fuzz on itıs head. His detest must have shown on his face, for his mother inquired; ³What is it, Endymion?² ³How can you be sure about her?² he asked. ³Whatever do you mean?² ³Sheıs all pink,² he wrinkled his nose. The two women laughed a little, but whatever it was that amused them, it went over Endymionıs head. ³Oh, my dear,² the Moon Queen chuckled, ³She wonıt be pink for long.² ³You know youıll have to keep hold of her all the time,² the boy said, sounding as though he knew everything. ³Is that so?² ³Yes, or sheıll get squished.² Again, the Queens chuckled, but Endymion kept his eyes on the baby. ³Would you like to hold her?² Cassiopeia inquired. ³Can I really?² Endymionıs eyes gave away his excitement. He held his breath, she was so small, what if he broke her? ³Of course you may,² the Earth Queen gently took the child from her mother, showing the young prince how to hold the baby just right. When at last the little bundle of humanity was situated, Endymion took a seat on the bed, rocking her as heıd seen young girls do with baby dolls. Then something wonderful happened. Up until that point, baby Serenity had her little eyes squeezed shut, but then, slowly, the pink lids lifted, and she squirmed a little in the boyıs arms, her lips parting in a huge yawn. She blinked, once, twice, then looked up at the prince with bright blue eyes, sparkling in contrast to the rest of her. Endymion just stared at her, and she stared back, her tiny fist reached out to encircle one of his fingers, griping it lightly. ³Hello,² he breathed, completely forgetting the presence of his mother and the Moon Queen. The tiny princess giggled, giving the prince a toothless smile. The two mothers exchanged glances over his head, accompanied by sly smiles. ³See, isnıt she cute?² Cassiopeia asked as she took the child from her son, gently handing her back to the Moon Queen. ³Oh hai!² Endymion agreed readily, before he schooled his features into a look of dissatisfaction. ³Sheıs still pink,² he said stubbornly. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ He woke reaching for the truth, grasping at it like straws, and failing miserably. For a moment it had danced before his closed eyes, but now that his mind returned to reality, it had become insubstantial as the fog, slipping through his fingers. Bright blue eyes floated to the surface of his mind, but nothing else. Groaning, Endymion opened his eyes and struggled to sit up. His body protested his sleeping conditions, but he could remember exactly what theyıd been. It took a moment, but his eyes adjusted to the dim light of the dying fire, and he realized, with a start, that he was still in Serenityıs chambers, and even more shocking, there was an angel sleeping with her head pillowed in his lap. Without really meaning to, the Prince grinned, a traitorous hand reaching down to stroke the golden locks that pooled about them in a single fan of sunshine. Serenity had probably fallen asleep propped up against him, but sometime during the night, slipped from her precarious position. Now her head lay pillowed on his thigh, her torso draped over, with the rest of her curled into a ball. She was beautiful. Not daring to inspect the emotions he felt raging within, Endymion simply blocked out all thought as he traced gentle, adoring fingertips up the silken length of her arm, down the slope of her shoulder, the curve of her neck, before tracing the perfect shell of her ear. Serenity did not awaken, only gave a sigh of pleasure as she moved closer to the Princeıs hand. So beautiful. Dimly, he heard the rain pouring down outside, battering the roof in vain. It would never touch them, inside, he and Serenity were sheltered. some distant part of him questioned. Endymion shook his head, he was afraid to think, afraid to let his mind analyze, then tear apart, this glorious warmth his heart was feeling. His mind said that he and Serenity were just friends, that was all they could be, considering his position. It said that she understood him because theyıd come to know each other so well. His heart told him that they were destined to be together, that fate cared not for titles and empires. His heart said she understood him because they were soul mates. For now, he would not think, he would let Serenityıs presence shelter him from reality and rationalizations. He sat there for the longest time, just stroking her hair, his eyes drinking up every detail, so that he would never forget. She seemed to extrude innocence, even in sleep, her aura a simple essence of pure gold, nothing else. The girl in his arms never once awakened, seemingly oblivious to the world, moving only closer to the warmth of her prince as he trailed fingers over the soft down of her cheek. But reality would return, it could not be kept at bay forever, and as the elaborate hourglass clock switched to the next hour, Endymion knew it was dawn, though the rain hadnıt ceased itıs down pour. he thought, only half joking. Gently, the Prince moved Serenity into a sitting position, shaking her shoulders. ³Serenity,² he whispered. She moaned, shivering from cold as she attempted to move closer to him. ³Serenity,² he tried again. No response. A mischievous smile spread across his features, as he leaned in close and whispered; ³Serenity, my mother is here!² ³WHAT!?² blue eyes flashed open, and the golden girl jerked up. For a few minutes, she looked about wildly, before Endymionıs soft chuckle reached her ears and she frowned. He could see the smile in her eyes, though, watching as she stretched, opening her mouth in a yawn. ³What time is it?² she asked sleepily. ³Itıs past dawn,² he said regretfully, ³I have to go, some one will get suspicious if Iım not in my chambers when the servant comes.² ³Of course,² Serenity nodded, climbing to her feet. With a gentle smile, she walked with him towards the door, trying desperately to ignore the strange twisting of her stomach, the illogical fear she felt stemming from within. ³See you tomorrow,² Endymion said softly, as they paused in the threshold, ³May your day be well.² ³And yours,² Serenity smiled. Her eyes riveted on his, she felt, rather than saw, his hands trace up her arms to rest on her shoulders. A moment of delicious panic raced in her veins,-completely unrelated with her earlier fear- this was not part of the ritual! Every other morning, the Prince had merely kissed her hand, but now... Now he craned his head towards hers, and she could only watch him with wide eyes as he lowered his lips, closer, and closer. Her eyes darted to the firm line of his mouth, and stayed there, all she could think was; Œoh my god is he going to...ı He didnıt. Later, Endymion would not know what possessed him . Why was he trying to kiss Serenity in the first place?! Maybe it was the lack of sleep, maybe it was because heıd never felt as warm, as happy, as when sheıd been sleeping peacefully in his lap. Maybe heıd spent so much time dreaming about what she might taste like, temptation finally over rode common sense. Or maybe he just wanted to. Whatever the reason, heıd found himself unable to complete his usual ritual of simply kissing her hand. Instead, his hands had traced up her arms, to rest on her shoulders, to keep her still as he bent towards her. She was so kind, so wonderful, so full of life...such a contradiction to all trhe other women in his life. Mere centimeters away from her lips, heıd paused, gazing on the pink oasis sitting in the middle of a flesh tone desert, feeling like this kiss just had to be destiny. At that last, pivotal moment, his mind finally kicked back into gear, shrieking and cursing. Oh what mayhem had arisen while it was temporarily offline! His mind ordered him to stop, to pull back, to retreat, but his body had too much momentum going. His kiss had landed somewhat harmlessly on her cheek, right next to her mouth. Could it be that Serenity had sighed in disappointment? No, it was his imagination. Shaken by what heıd almost done, Endymion had merely bid her good morning and hurried away. Neither knew they were being watched. --------------------- Wandering down the corridors at an ungodly hour in the morning, Kunzite, Captain of the guard, was not a happy man. One would think that having thrown your lot with what was perhaps the single most powerful force in the galaxy, was cause for celebration, but it wasnıt. Maybe it was the cost of that small power heıd corridors, that shook the young man to what was left of his soul. He ran a hand through his hair, whistling a derriere tune as he rounded the corner, and stopped dead in his tracks. Never, not for a kingdom, not for the entire solar system, would Kunzite have believed it had he not seen it with his own eyes. There, standing in the threshold of the North Wingıs apartment, was none other than Endymion, and in his arms, a young woman. And not just any woman, the guard realized on further inspection, but Serenity, the concubine from the Mineral Kingdom! Artfully, he darted behind a stone pillar, silently watching the scene unfold, like a spider spinning itıs web. He watched as they talked for a moment, before his Prince slowly dripped his head down to kiss the girl. And he heard the young woman sigh, then bid Endymion good morning, before returning to her chambers. The smile that adorned Kunziteıs face was not a nice one at all... My, my, my, wouldnıt the Queen be interested in this little episode? Moreover, wouldnıt Beryl? ------------------- Quietly, Serenity shut the door to her quarters, wandering aimlessly through the room, eyes glazed over in a light trance. She was a jumble of emotions, a column of light. Why, sheıd never felt this way before! Stopping to stare in the mirror, Serenity recognized herself for what she was- a woman gloriously, utterly, completely and eternally in love. Blue eyes narrowed as she studied her face. Did she look different? She certainly *felt* different. Love; sheıd never thought she would experience such a thing, not after the harem. But now, now there was Endymion, of raven black hair and sapphire eyes. *Her* Prince, of quick wit, charming humor, and, yes, gentle touch. With a sigh of contentment, Serenity fell back on her bed, not even bothering to pull up the covers. And yet, as she rolled over, smiling in anticipation of sweet dreams, the words of the bitter Natsumi, one of the harem girls, rang in her mind. ŒFalling in love is the worst thing a woman can do to herself. You may believe the man you love is honest and true, but trust me, he will break your heart. Itıs what men do. I know.ı Serenity frowned. Why would she think of that now? In the harem, they had all been bitter, every one of them the victim. But Endymion was certainly nothing like Ulexite, and she was no longer a concubine. They were friends, and maybe, her hopeful heart whispered, he loved her as well? Forcibly, Serenity shoved Natsumiıs advice away, pulling the covers up around herself. Outside, the window battered the palace, dashing the rain against the brick, like one giant, tribal suicide. And yet, even as Serenity smile in the darkness at the thought of her prince, Natsumiıs words would not part. ------------------- Kunzite watched the darkness of the screen dissolve into Berylıs form, and almost felt like laughing. Almost. She lay draped over the throne, almost developed curves shown off at odd angles, her hair like errant blood, dripping down her back. If not for the way her hands trembled ever so slightly as she grasped the cup of black wine, the strange set of her mouth, she might of looked intimidating. Just like her mother. But she was not used to her power yet, not even the dark goddess Metalia could give her the experience she needed to truly look intimidating. It was *almost* funny. I would have been funny, had Kunzite not sold his soul to the dark goddess. It would have been funny had he not betrayed his Prince, his planet, and everything heıd been taught to believe in the pursuit of power he knew he could never truly possess. As it was, the situation merely left him with the taste of bitter regret, the feeling you get knowing you have done true wrong, which can never, ever be taken back. It wasnıt that Kunzite didnıt consider Endymion his friend, theyıd been loyal companions almost since birth. And the guard didnıt hate Earth either, in fact, he loved the lush green land, even though Venus was his true origin. No, within Kunzite was a seed of darkness, a terrible need for control that had ruled over his entire life. Power was control, control was security, and security was what Kunzite needed most. ³Yes, Kunzite?² Berylıs voice grated his nerves, no real quality to it at all. It was like listening to pure deadness. ³What is so important that you have contacted me over an open channel?² she frowned, not a pretty sight, ³I think you must be a very stupid man.² Beryl waited, as though she expected him to contradict her, as though he could still do such a thing. Even thousands of miles away, on another planet, such was Metaliaıs grip on the unfortunate man, that one snap of Berylıs fingers, and Kunzite would be dead. One disrespectful word, one wrong move, that was all it took. There were sometimes he thought she might kill him just to amuse herself. Besides, why bother to contradict her? Kunzite knew she was right. He was stupid, stupid to have cast his lot with her to begin with. ³Gomen ne, Beryl-sama,² he gave a stiff bow, ³there have been recent developments involving the Prince. I wanted your instructions before acting further.² ³Oh?² she raised an eyebrow at the mention of Endymion, ³What type of developments?² ³You recall, of course, your late fatherıs visit to Earth?² he asked, ³The concubine he brought as a gift for the Prince?² Yes, of course Beryl remembered it. She remembered arguing her mother about the wisdom of sending a beautiful concubine into the arms of the very man *she* was supposed to marry. In the end, pagan logic had prevailed. Every man had at least one concubine, Obsidian had reasoned, wasnıt Beryl showing her intelligence by openly recognizing that fact? Inwardly, the Princess turned Queen cursed her parents. Her fatherıs perversions and her motherıs insane pursuit of power had caused her more trouble than she liked. Of course, she didnıt realize that she was like them in oh so many ways. The fruit never falls far from the tree. ³Yes, I remember,² she said tersely, ³What of it?² ³I thought that perhaps you might like to know,² Kunzite paused annoyingly, ³That, contrary to previous beliefs, Endymion is indeed sleeping with her.² Beryl gapped like a fish, looking incredulously at the man on the screen. Deep within her, the well of darkness rose like a vengeful torrent, intent on destroying everything in itıs path. Only Metaliaıs steel like grip on Berylıs soul, stopped the new Queen from flying into a passionate rage. Instead, she calmly looked at the screen, eyes burning black with all the fires of hell, and clenched her fists at her side. ³And what do you propose to do with this information?² she asked, before allowing just a trickle of her anger to show through in her voice, ³I want this to go no further. You will put a stop to these liaisons even if you must kill Serenity!² ³My Queen,² the guard replied, ³I knew this would not please you. Serenity is... not liked here. She has few friends, and has even made enemies with the Princeıs mother. Iım sure if I were to tell Queen Cassiopeia, she would immediately put a stop it. We wouldnıt even have to be directly involved.² ³You think Endymion will listen to her?² she asked. ³Most definitely. The Prince holds his mother in high esteem. Besides, he could not disobey her, even if he wanted to. She is, after all, the Queen.² Beryl frowned for a moment, eyes narrowing as she studied the situation inwardly, listening to the muted whispers of Metalia as she slithered in her mind. After a moment, she said; ³Very well, tell the Queen.² ----------- Cassiopeia was preparing for another day of interviews when Kunzite happened upon her. Batting away a stray lock of hair, she sighed in annoyance, turning to face him. ³General Kunzite, it is rather early,² she said, not even bothering with true formality. It was obvious to the guard that she was under a great deal of stress, taking it out on anyone she could. Too bad Serenity was going to get the burnt of that stress, ³Is there something you need?² ³A word with you, my Queen,² he bowed, white hair falling over his face, hiding the mocking smile that bloomed on his face. ³Very well,² Cassiopeia took a seat, a look of practiced patience on her features that did not fully hide her harried state. ³I mean no disrespect, my Queen,² Kunzite began, ³I merely thought that you should be aware... your son, Endymion, has been secretly meeting with the concubine, Serenity,² at the Queenıs stunned expression, he added for effect; ³In the middle of the night.² Silence. For a few, brief moments, not a sound was heard as guard and monarch stared each other down. Then an expression of pure disgust rushed over the Queenıs features, and she looked as though she might strike him. ³My son would never do such a thing,² she spat, ³The kitchen maids have been speaking of such things for weeks now. Honestly, Kunzite-san, I did not believe you listened to rumors.² The guard fought to keep from shaking his head, covering his amusement with a look of remorse he did not feel. ³Nay, my Queen² he lowered his gaze, as though taking the responsibility of Endymionıs actions on himself, ³I did not believe the rumors either. But this morning, I was on patrol, and I saw the Prince leave her chambers,² Kunzite raised his eyes, aware that Cassiopeia was preparing to jump in with a contradiction, ³I swear, by the gods of sea and air, I saw him kiss her.² There was nothing the Queen could do to refute such a statement. Vows in the name of a god were not taken lightly, and Kunzite knew that the Queen considered herself to be a follower of Poseidon, god of the sea. She wouldnıt dare contradict anything said in his name. All color fled from Cassiopeia's cheeks as her eyes cast wildly about, seeming to look for a way to deny his words, but finding nothing. ³You...² she began, before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, ³You will excuse me, General,² then she was up from her seat, skirts clasped in her hands as she hurried down the hall as fast a as dignity would allowed. Kunzite smirked in her absence. ------------- ³You told me you didnıt sleep with her!² were the first words out of the Queenıs mouth as she burst into Endymionıs chambers minutes later. The Prince, only half dressed and in the middle of breakfast, looked up from his food with wide, uncomprehending blue eyes. ³Come again?² he asked, climbing to his feet. ³Serenity,² Cassiopeia said the name as though it were sheer poison on her tongue, ³From the moment she came here I knew she was trouble! And then... well, the kitchen maids always talk. I heard them saying she was your mistress, but I didnıt believe them. Heaven knows I thought I raised you right, but now... I heard from a very reliable source, that... that... itıs true.² She paused as the words tumbled from her lips, sucking in a deep breath, waiting for Endymion to deny it. ³Iım not sleeping with her,² it came out as a sigh, as though he had been expecting that, somehow or another, they would eventually be found out. He ran a hand through his black hair tiredly, ³Weıre just friends mother. Yes, I have been to her chambers, but not for the reason you think,² his tone was even, reasonable, as though he was patronizing *her*, ³She is... easy to talk to.² ³Donıt tell me lies!² his mother fairly shouted, blue fire raging in her eyes, ³You kissed her!² ³On the cheek!² the Prince retorted, exasperated, ³And where the hell are you getting this from anyway? I thought you were above listening to kitchen gossip.² ³I donıt! I knew from day one that she was nothing but trouble, I *told* you so but you wouldnıt listen to me! Sheıs manipulating you, itıs what woman like her *do*. Look,² her tone was like the one she used to take with him- when he was five, ³I know sheıs pretty, but Endymion... the Moon Princess...² ³Damn the moon princess!² Oh, he was angry now. Having his mother berate him was one thing, but having her insult Serenity, who was anything *but* manipulative, was a whole other story. ³I never wanted one part of this whole business with the Moon Princess! Do you think I want to marry someone I donıt even know? Have you ever thought about what I might want, instead of your precious plans?² ³Endymion,² her voice was hurt now, ³From the time you were in the cradle, the Moon Queen and I planned...² ³Yes!² he shouted suddenly, ³Thatıs it! *You* planned *my* future! I donıt care if you are my mother, I donıt care if youıre the Queen, you donıt have the right to do that! And now, you want to choose who Iım allowed to be friends with? I think not!² The Prince turned away, disgusted with her, stalking over to the rain drenched window, staring out with unseeing eyes. Cassiopeia looked at him incredulously, his back to her, leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his bare chest. Normally, she might have been swayed by his words, had they not been fighting, had he not challenged everything sheıd been taught from birth, had she not been so riled up. But it wasnıt about respect, or her rights as a parent, or even Serenity anymore. Now it was about being right, and the Queen had far too much to let her son strike the last blow. ³I donıt want you to see her anymore,² Cassiopeia said softly, but firmly, eyes boring into the Princeıs back, ³Sheıs putting ideas in your head.² ³Didnıt you hear me?² he asked with a snort, not turning around, ³No. You want me to give up the one person who really, truly understands me? How can you ask such a thing of me?² That did it. Steel hardness crept into the Queenıs eyes, and she stood up straighter, smoothing her rumpled gown as she prepared to deliver the winning blow. ³Iım not asking you,² she said, ³Endymion, I *order* you never to see Serenity again.² He turned around slowly, almost as though he wasnıt sure heıd heard her correctly. Posture stiff, he stared at his mother in disbelief, in betrayal, blue clashing with blue. But Cassiopeia stood like statue, unyielding, and Endymion saw the truth of the situation, felt everything fall away. In his minds eye, he groped for Serenityıs hand in the darkness, but there was nothing to be found. Slowly, he lowered his eyes to the floor, turning away only slightly. The Queen watched him, watched the pure sorrow swarm into his eyes, and realized with sickening clarity that sheıd just done the one thing sheıd promised herself sheıd never do. Sheıd pulled rank on her son. When his voice came, it was hoarse, alien in his own ears. ³Yes, Mother.² *~*~*~*~*~*~* Alas, the wheel turns, but the hamster is dead. *~*~*~*~*~*~* Meredith Bronwen Mallory Evil Mad Scientist ----------------------------------------------------------------- By the time you swear you're his Shivering and sighing And he swears his passion is Infinite, undying Lady make a note of this-- One of you is lying -"Unfortunate Coincidence" by Dorothy Parker -----------------------------------------------------------------