Hey look, the plot is back! 'Bout time too... all that romantic mush, makes a huge mess, I tell 'ya! ^_~ Anyway, I hope you guys like this part better than the last, it got nice reviews on the mailing list. Okay, I have some serious thanks to do: 1) Sakura Girl, numero uno beta reader. She keep me ego in check, she does! ^^; 2) Rinoa (be sure THEY don't find you!) 3) Sailor Europa, for possibly one of THE nicest emails I've ever received! And BIG thanks to those of you that emailed me about the less than stellar part. I promise there won't be another low point like that again! Love always, Meredith Legal Disclaimer: This is based on the 'duck principal' that is; If it looks like a duck, waddles like a duck, quacks like a duck, and leaves duck s**t all over the place like a duck, then it's probably a duck. So, if it looks like a Naoko Takeuchi creation, and I can get sued for using it, like a Naoko Takeuchi creation, then it is probably a Naoko Takeuchi creation. That said, read on valiant one! The Will of Heaven 5/? by Meredith Bronwen Mallory mallorys-girl@cinci.rr.com Serenity shivered, knowing almost instantly that she had made her first enemy on this strange green planet. Queen Cassiopeia gazed at her intently for several seconds, and something unreadable passed through her eyes, before she turned away, interview apparently at an end. Serenity, while innocent, was too intelligent not to realize that the Queen was jealous of anyone and anything that came between her and her son, and the young girl was far too sensitive not to be hurt by that knowledge. Uncomfortably, Serenity shifted, wondering what it was she was supposed to do. Finally, Cassiopeia realized she was still standing there and said, rather off handedly; "Oh, you are dismissed now." With that, the herald came again, and led the young girl away. However, she managed to catch Endymion's eyes before she rounded the corner, surprised by what she saw there. She couldn't define it, didn't understand it, and wasn't even sure Endymion himself knew what it was, but somehow it comforted her. "Mother, you were right, the Mineral Kingdom is founded on absolute paganism!" the Prince let out as soon as Serenity was gone. Both his mother and father, not to mention the Generals, seemed rather taken aback by his sudden outburst, but he went on, almost without skipping a beat. "Do you know what happened there, mother? There was a decree that allowed all the females, fourteen and over, to be taken from their families to serve in the harem! Against their will! Think of Queen Obsidian last night, spouting all those lies about how the harem was only 'for those willing'... it makes my blood boil!" The Queen shot a look at her King, one that clearly said 'I told you so', but he chose to ignore it. Cassiopeia had her own reasons for hating the Mineral Kingdom, and he knew she did not approve of the treaty they had signed with the other monarchy. "I agree with you completely, Endymion," the Queen said, laying a hand on her son's arm with a reassuring smile. However, that smile soon withered died as another thought occurred to her. "Did you...sleep with her?" she asked, rather bluntly. "MOTHER!" Endymion was scandalized. "Cass!" King Cepheus looked equally shocked at his Queen's rather indelicate choice of words. "Well, did you?" the Queen was unrepentant. Both her husband and son recognized the mood she was in, one that was infrequent, but did enough damage the few times it showed through. "Of course I didn't," the Prince was defensive, "I gave you my word. Do you think me without honor?" Realizing her mistake, Cassiopeia was quick to get back on her son's good side. "Oh, my dear, heavens no!" she said, "I trust you completely, it's those concubines I don't trust. Crocodiles in women's clothing." Her expression was distasteful. "Serenity? A crocodile?" Endymion laughed, "Mother, you should have seen her. She was *weeping* and absolutely terrified of me." "You seemed on fairly good terms when you came in here," the Queen said, bitterness underlying her tone. The small smile on her son's lips did not escape her notice, though she didn't comment. For a moment everyone was silent. The King was at a loss as to what to say, the Queen was biting her tongue, and, while they had *plenty* to say, the generals would wait until they were alone to grill the Prince. "I want to find something for her to do." the Prince went on abruptly, "After all, she is our responsibility now, whether we like it or not." After stroking his beard for a moment, in thought, Cepheus smiled widely. "Excellent idea, my son!" he declared, "But what, pray tell, will she do. We have more than enough servants, especially with the new six." Here a sly grin appeared on Endymion's face, before he quickly schooled his features. However, the King caught it, and knew that his son already had this all planned out in that quick mind of his. "Mother," he said, using a carefully respectful tone he only put into practice when he wanted something, "Your maid servant is getting older, am I not right?" "Well, yes, but Haruna has been with me for ages, she's practically family! Kicking her out would hardly reciprocate for all her years of service!" she protested. "No, Mother, I'm not suggesting that at all," the Prince smiled again, "I merely think that you might need a younger...companion." For a moment, the Queen's blue eyes held confusion, but then realization dawned on her features, and she looked rather disgusted. "Surely you don't mean that concubine!" she protested, ignoring the disapproving glances from husband and son. "She has a name, Mother," Endymion said, "It's Serenity." Cassiopeia opened her mouth, but Cepheus cut her off. "Now, Cass," the King put in, "I think it's a marvelous idea! She's young, but she doesn't seem to have too much energy. She'll be able to help you with things Haruna can't." With a sigh of defeat, the dark haired woman realized that, in the face of such persuasive arguments from the two men she loved most, such protests were useless. "Very well then," she said, as though it had been her idea all along. The others didn't comment, allowing her to keep her pride. "Thank you my dear," Cepheus said at last, "You are too kind." That said, the King with drew to his meetings, Endymion and the Generals stalking off, presumably for the hunt, leaving Cassiopeia allowing in the throne room. -------- Looking most vexed and displeased, the Queen idly twirled a lock of ebony hair between her thumb and forefinger, before clapping her hands to call for Haruna. "Wine, my friend," Cassiopeia ordered, "I am in grave need of it." The red/gray haired maid servant seemed to materialize from no where, and faded just as fast, off to do her mistress' bidding. Alone again, the older woman closed her eyes. It was obvious this concubine was a wonderful actress, to have convinced Endymion so of her good character, but Cassiopeia was not so easily fooled. After all, her son was still a man, no matter how intelligent, and men were always easily swayed by a pretty face. However, her son was a smart young man, no matter what wiles this 'Serenity' had worked on him, eventually he would see the truth. And, if need be, Cassiopeia would show him that truth. She had her own reasons for hating the Mineral Kingdom. Fifteen years ago, the moon had been a beautiful, prosperous place, ruled by the righteous and just Queen Serenity the 3rd, Cassiopeia's closest friend. Earth's Queen closed her eyes, thinking how long ago those care-free days seemed. Endymion had been but a toddler, and Queen Serenity had recently given birth to her own daughter. The two mothers had planned to have their children marry, but alas, it was not to be. The Mineral Kingdom's attack was as harsh as it was unexpected, taking the lives of both the Moon Queen and nine month old Serenity the 4th. Valiantly, Cassiopeia fought down the tears that rose to her eyes, it had been a long time since she had thought about her friend. At first Earth and the rest of the Solar System had placed an embargo on the invading Mineral Kingdom. But recently, some planets had reopened trade routes with their one time enemies, including Earth, despite its Queen's protests. She shrugged, now this concubine was playing head games with her son. The fact that the girl's name was Serenity had no effect on the older woman, it was a popular name among Lunarians. "Ma'am, your wine," Haruna said, handing the glass to her Queen. The other woman nodded slowly, her eyes fastening on the deep red liquid. "Thank you, my friend. That will be all, do go enjoy yourself," she said softly, feeling an oppressive need to be alone. "Thank you, my Queen, may your day be well," with that, the servant was gone, leaving only a brooding monarch and her long marble throne room. "Kindness indeed," Cassiopeia laughed, remembering her husband's remark. With a sinister smile, rivaling that of Queen Obsidian, she curled her withered fingers tightly around the glass and stared into it's depths. "Yes," she said, "We'll see how kind I am." ---------- "Kunzite, tell me, are the apartments in the north wing still unused?" Endymion asked as he flipped idly through the papers needed for his next diplomatic meeting. The white haired general looked up from his work, a frown making it's way to his face, before he exchanged a somewhat conspiratorial glance with Zoicite. "No, my lord," he said, "It hasn't been used since your aunt came to visit nine years ago." "And heaven help us if she comes to visit again!" Nephrite exclaimed with a shudder. The men laughed a little. "Why do you ask, Prince?" Jadeite wanted to know. He only received a 'hmmm' in response, for Endymion seemed to engrossed staring off into space to answer. "Nephrite, please see that the North wing apartment is re-opened, and that Miss Serenity is moved there," the Prince said at last. The red headed general raised an eyebrow, but said nothing, merely nodded. "Thank you," Endymion replied hurriedly, collecting his papers and heading for the door, "If you'll excuse my, I have a meeting with the Martian Ambassador." Amusedly, the generals watched their friend go. Finally, with a toss of his rusty blond locks, Zoicite smiled and commented; "I think he likes her." Jadeite and Nephrite nodded, having sworn they could see a blush on their Prince's cheeks. "Zoicite?" "Yes, Kunzite?" "Shut up." ---------- The day had been a long one, Serenity considered, but not all unpleasant Everything around here was so new, but she found that it wasn't as frightening as it seemed before. Though the young woman was almost certain she was not in the Queen's good graces, she had somehow gotten appointed as Cassiopeia's new maidservant. On top of that, she'd been given the most luxurious quarters she'd ever seen in her life. After the initial shock wore off, though, she found them to be incredibly large and intimidating After a year of living in a small cubical, four rooms were a great deal of space. It was even larger than the house she and Luna had shared. That was why Serenity was so glad she convinced Ami, her maid, to move in with her, rather than return to the servants quarters. Why a maid servant needed a servant of her own was quite behind the young woman, but she didn't feel like she was in a position to argue. Besides, she and Ami had hit it off right away. "Goodnight, Serenity," the small, blue haired young woman paused in the doorway. Serenity smiled at her new friend. "Goodnight, Ami, don't let the moon bugs bite," she giggled a little, watching as the mousy girl closed the door, leaving her alone in the darkness with her thoughts. Once alone, Serenity lit a fire in the fireplace, taking a small caldron and hanging it over the yellow blaze. She wasn't quite sure why, but she made enough for two. ---------- Endymion raised his hand to knock on the door, then stopped. What was he doing here? Just checking up on Serenity, yes, that was it. She was his responsibility, as he had stressed to his mother earlier that morning, and he wanted to make sure the young woman was... comfortable. A small part of his mind whispered. Firmly stomping on the little voice, he raised his hand and knocked. The wooden door opened just slightly, and Serenity's pretty face gazed out at him. "Yes..," she began, before her aqua eyes raised to his and surprise washed over her face, "Y-your highness! I'm terribly sorry, I... can I help you?" "Um," Endymion coughed a bit, "I just came to make sure you were settled in." "Oh yes!" Serenity said happily, "I'm quite fine," she blushed a bit, looking down at the floor. "So..." "So..." "Would you... like to come in?" the golden child inquired, blushing even more. Endymion opened his mouth to say that there were things he needed to do, but something else came out. "Sure." So she opened the door for him, allowing him into her modest (in his opinion) apartments. She offered him a seat on the couch, before turning to tend to the small pot suspended above the fire. Endymion watched her move, admiring the simple blue dressing gown that clung to her figure, the delicious smells swirling around him. "What is that?" he asked. "It's tea, my foster mother taught me how to make it," Serenity said as she used two scraps of cloth to lift the pot, pouring the liquid into two wooden cups. "I had to substitute a few ingredients, but it smells all right." "It certainly does," the Prince agreed, feeling his mouth water. Serenity turned to him, a smile on her face as she held out a cup to him. "Would you like some, your highness?" she asked sweetly. "Hai, oneagi," he nodded, taking the cup from her, "And please, I ask again, call me Endymion." Serenity blushed, and Endymion kept his eyes on her as he took a sip of the moon tea. Sweet liquid course along his tongue, down his throat, like honey."This is really good," he said, almost surprised. "Why thank you," the maiden took a seat on the couch, a respectful distance away, "It's supposed to help you relax." "Well then, I need it," the Prince chuckled ruefully, thinking of the endless meetings with annoyingly polite ambassadors and flirting princesses. "Your day was quite stressful, then?" Serenity asked, blue eyes filled with what looked like concern. No, he told himself, she's just being polite But, once again his tongue betrayed him. "Yes, actually. The Neptunian Ambassadors were hear today, and, mind you they aren't as bad as the ones from Uranus, but if I *ever* have to listen to another speech on the benefits of proper irrigation, I swear I'll loose my mind. And then the Princess from the Orion belt..." he looked up to see Serenity leaning towards him, intense interest in her eyes, "You probably don't want to hear this," he sighed. No one ever wanted to listen to his problems. "Oh no!" Serenity said, scooting closer, "Please, do go on." Endymion was surprised, to say the least. But her aqua gaze was so honest, encouraging him to bare all to her, that she was as silent as the elm, that his secrets would remain safe within her... he found he *wanted* to tell her about his day, about everything. "All right. The Princess from the Orion belt..." ------- Much, much later, Dawn painted the sky a rich violet, as Endymion exited Serenity's chambers. The Prince was surprised to find he was not tired, in fact, he felt more alive, more awake, than he had in ages. With a smile, he bid Serenity good night (or was it morning?), delighting strangely in her blush as he kissed her hand. The golden child watched him go, blue eyes shimmering with wonder, and something else... From the shadows, another pair of eyes watched, brown orbs narrowing to mere slits as she watched the Prince walk away. So that was were Endymion had been all night... In a matter of hours, the entire palace knew that Endymion had a mistress. Her name, apparently, was Serenity, and she came from the Mineral Kingdom. Obviously the King and Queen did not know about these lesions, for the young woman was acting as Cassiopeia's maid servant. By the time the sun rose completely, every one, from the King's guards to the lowliest scullery maid knew of this despicable woman, who had corrupted their gentlemanly, virgin prince. It was only a matter of time before the subject reached the Queen. In his own chambers, Endymion, Prince of Earth, was blissfully unaware of the rumors circulating about him, and a certain blue eyed concubine. In fact, he really wasn't thinking at all, his thoughts merely a pleasant swirl of warmth and honeyed tea. Shedding his uniform, he climbed into bed, anxious to catch a few hours of sleep before he had to face Princess Orion once more. As he climbed into bed, a strange, yet pleasant scent reached his nostrils. It was like vanilla, and roses, with just a hint of Serenity's moon tea... Serenity. Endymion quickly discovered one of the pillows still carried her scent, and, without really thinking, he pulled it close and fell asleep holding it. ----------------------- Two Weeks Later ----------------------- Serenity flinched and waited for the inevitable explosion. It wasn't long in coming. "Can I not give you a simple task without you ruining it!?" Cassiopeia raged at the unfortunate maid servant. The blond bit her lip and shook her head. "Begging your pardon, my Queen, I didn't do it on purpose!" she cried. "Of course not," the Queen said sarcastically, tossing the failed attempt at embroidery on the floor. Serenity squeezed her blue eyes shut, trying desperately not to cry. Of course, in Cassiopeia's eyes, she couldn't do anything right. It seemed no matter what Serenity did, be it brushing the Queen's hair, mending her clothing, or embroidering a hankie, it was never good enough. Granted, her stitching skills were not marvelous, but she was trying, and perhaps if she were shown *how* it might have helped. "You are by far the laziest girl I have ever seen!" the Queen went on, tossing her black hair as she gazed on the servant with great distaste, "I curse the day I brought you into my service!" "Yes, my Queen," Serenity mumbled. What else was there to say? She couldn't very well 'stand up for herself' in front of the Queen. "You are dismissed, Serenity," Cassiopeia waved her away, "I do not want you in my sight for the rest of the day." "Yes, Ma'am," and with that, Serenity fled the room as quickly as her feet would carry her. The Queen watched the younger girl go, and the hard, uncaring expression fell from her face. Had she been too harsh? Her mind told her 'no', the girl was a disaster waiting to happen, but her heart told her yes. Serenity was only sixteen, and she did the best she could. Granted her mind would occasionally wander, did didn't every adolescent girl suffer the same flaw? Cassiopeia knew the real reason Serenity could not please her... she would not allow her to do so. From the first day Serenity had arrived at her chambers, looking incredibly young and innocent in a simple blue dress, the Queen had been fighting her maternal instincts tooth and nail. The young maidservant was so naive, innocent and sweet... no, the Queen reminded herself ruthlessly, that was how Serenity *acted*. Concubines were famous for their acting skills, they used them to get into the beds of the most powerful men alive. In reality, may a time it wasn't a king ruling, but a particularly clever concubine doing so, from the bed chamber. 'I will not allow myself to be manipulated,' Cassiopeia thought, roughly shoving from her mind the image of Serenity fleeing the room in tears. With that she took a seat at her vanity and began to brush her hair herself. But she couldn't help wondering where Serenity had gotten off to, and if she was alright. ------- Sobbing, Serenity flung herself onto the wet grass, her body shaking. She tried, she really did, why couldn't she do anything right? The golden child was too kind to blame the Queen for what she assumed were her 'failures', no matter how unkind her thoughts had been moments ago. Sniffling, she pulled herself up into a sitting position, wrapping her arms around her knees and hugging herself. It seemed she didn't have *any* friends on this awful planet. In the kitchen, even the young scullery maids whispered about her behind her back, and whenever she went to parties in the servants quarters, she was shunned at all costs. Well, except from Ami, who was kind and generous as ever, not to mention completely supportive, and Mina, her friend from the moon, whom she didn't see much of any more. And then, there was Endymion, she was reminded. Now Serenity smiled through her tears. She didn't know how she'd come to expect him the second night, but she had, and sure enough, he had come. And the night after that, and the night after that... he came almost every night. At first she'd been a little wary of his motives, but he never made any advances, in truth, he never touched her save to kiss her hand when he left. The young woman found him charming, sensitive, and an easy conversationalist, sharing with her some of the pressures he felt as prince. In turn, Serenity told him about times before the harem, and her dreams of having a family. She came to depend on those nightly visits, and never once did she mention the 'mistreatment' she received from his mother. Rain fell around her, on her, but the golden child didn't seem to notice she was soaking wet. Sniffling, Serenity wished Demando was with her, just so she'd have some one familiar, some one she trusted by her side. After the initial shock of his actions wore off, the young woman concluded that, in the intensity of their goodbye, the guard had merely misread his feelings. No, he loved her as she loved him, like a sibling Serenity was so eager to pardon her friend that she did not, could not, see the flaws in her excuse. It mattered not anyway, she'd probably never see him again. But now, crying alone in a strange earth garden, Serenity wished her friend to her side. In her mind's eye, she could see him take a seat beside her, a little uncomfortable as he tried to tuck his long legs beneath his lanky form. A few strands of white hair would fall over his eyes, and he'd brush them away with annoyance, then place a large, warm hand on her shoulder, violet eyes darting this way and that, to make sure they were not seen. 'Mayumi,' Demando would say, in that tone he used only for her, 'Dry your tears. There is no use crying over what you can not change.' The words might sound harsh, but he'd have this cocky smile on his face, a warmth in his eyes that took out all the sting out. Then she'd nod and give him a watery smile as she sniffled, and he'd take the edge of his long cape and dry her tears, smoothing the hair that had fallen in her face. A renewed sob escaped Serenity's lips, for when she opened her eyes, Demando vanished. He had never been with her at all. she thought, looking up at the place in the sky where the moon would be, if it were night. "You all right, girly?" a voice inquired. Serenity looked up to see a tall, brunette woman staring down at her. She wore a copper suit of armor, which gleamed in the rain, her tresses pulled back in a ponytail, green eyes kind. "I... I'm fine," Serenity sniffled. "You don't look so fine to me," the woman said, "Come on, we gotta get you cleaned up and outa this rain." She held out her gloved hand. After a moment of staring at it, Serenity grasped it in her own, and allowed the woman to pull her to her feet. She wondered at the stranger's kindness, most the other servants and guards wanted nothing to with her. They walked along the garden paths, but Serenity found they were heading in an unfamiliar direction. In the distance, a great marble compound rose against the gray sky. "I'm Makoto, captain of the Queen's guard," the woman said, "You must be Serenity." "Y-yes," the other girl was surprised, "How did you know?" "Doesn't everyone?" Makoto asked cryptically. Deciding she didn't want to know what that meant, Serenity allowed them to lapse into silence. Makoto gazed at the other girl from the corner of her eye, taking special note of the simple blue dress, tear stains around her eyes, flushed cheeks. Rumors had been flying for weeks about this young woman; she was terribly vain, an evil seductress, and (according to the children) she ate a little girl for breakfast and a little boy for lunch. The Captain shook her head, she hated rumors, had been reluctant to believe anything she heard second hand. After all, when she'd first been appointed captain, a ton of rumors had circulated about her, everything from her sexuality, from whether or not she might really be a man. But one glare from the captain herself, and sometimes a curled fist, had been enough to shut anyone's mouth on the subject. It was obvious to Makoto that the poor girl walking beside her had no idea of the terrible things being said behind her back, or else she would have been very, very hurt. She resolved to see that they never reached Serenity's ears. "You are a captain?" Serenity inquired, breaking the silence. Her blue eyes held no scorn for the fact Makoto held a man's position, just curiosity "Yup," Makoto beamed with pride, "I can kick any man's ass, 'cept the Prince's, but then, no one has ever beaten him." "Wow, you must be really strong," the blond said in wonder. The brunette blushed a little and ran her hands through her hair. "Naw," she said. Together the unlikely pair climbed the steps of the strange white compound and went inside. Serenity's eyes widened when she realized exactly where they were. All around her, the main room stretched, wide floors, tall ceiling, every inch of the walls covered with work out equipment, swords, spears, weights, even a long bow. On padded mats, soldiers (many of them male, but a few female) battled each other, or practiced on dummies. It was the Training Center. "Are you sure I'm allowed to be here?" Serenity asked nervously. "D'you think anyone's gonna question me?" Makoto replied. The other girl gulped, she was glad she'd gotten on the Captain's good side. "Come on, I'll take ya to the showers and we can get you cleaned up." Some time later, Serenity sat on a long wooden bench, dressed in a simple brown tunic and pants (which she'd never worn before, and found slightly uncomfortable in). Makoto's long finger's expertly wove her hair into a braid. "How can anyone stand to have so much hair?" the Captain asked as she discovered yet another tangle in what seemed like miles and miles of Serenity's golden mane. "I like it," the other girl said, "Besides, it's not too much trouble when it's up in the buns." "Well," Makoto replied, "It'll be easier in the braid too, once I finish it. So anyway, the Queen dismissed you for the day?" "Yeah," Serenity said sadly. She was glad she'd shared her problems with her new friend, though. Makoto was a good listener. "Well, you can just stick around here," the brunett said, "It's best to stay out of her majesty's way after one of these things." "Alright..." "There, finished!" Makoto declared triumphantly, allowing Serenity to stand so she could see the handywork. A long rope braid streched down her back, ending just below her knees. "And we did this because...?" "'Cause all that hair will get in your way while we're practicing." "Practicing what!?" Serenity asked, feeling very out of the loop. Makoto had already turned, stalking back to the main room, the golden child hurrying after her. "Makoto-san, what's going on!" "Here, think fast!" Makoto turned, having plucked a small, metal cylinder off the wall, she tossed it to Serenity. The other girl barely managed to catch it, looking at the object with a puzzled expression. Makoto took one for herself and pressed a small button on the side. The cylinder quickly shot out until it was the slize of a long, heavy stick. After a moment of fumbling, Serenity managed to do the same. "What is this?" "It's a denbok, or fighting stick. Around here we just call it a pike," Makoto said, twiling the weapon in her fingers, "I'm gonna teach you how to use it. It's great to relieve stress, plus, you look like you need to know how to defend yourself." Serenity looked at the other woman, wide eyed, but resigned. "Oh boy." --------- Susa, the Moon (Colony of the Mineral Kingdom) Midnight, Earth Time. He awoke shivering, bolting up in bed, the covers falling off his body with ease. In his mind's eye he could still see the dream; Serenity, his angel, sitting in a forgien, lush green garden, blue eyes filled with tears. Demando wondered. Logically, his mind told him it was his guilt manifesting itself as a dream, but something deeper than that, maybe it was his heart, couldn't help but wonder. What if she was alone, crying, with no one to dry her tears, as he had done for her on that first day in the harem? What if he'd been wrong about the Earth Prince, and Endymion had stolen her innocence away? What if... "Enough!" he shouted to the empty room. Demando was not a man used to feeling guilt. He had served bravely in the Mineral Kingdom's army, he had killed before without remorse, and would no doubt kill again without a thought. And yet the thought of Serenity being hurt by his hand was enough to make his insides burn. He remembered Esmerude's snide comment, just after Serenity left. The seamstress had found him in the gardens face lifted towards Earth, eyes closed, trying to relive those few brief moments his lips had been pressed to his angel's. 'Well, well, well,' she'd said, leaning up against him, making him jump back as if burned, 'Looks like you have a heart after all.' He'd yelled at her then, told her she no longer understood what it meant to be human. He told himself it wasn't really hurt he saw in her eyes, just his imagination. In a violent motion, Demando threw the covers back, stalking over to the window. Outside the dark, intimidating hulk of the Mineral Palace nearly engulfed the green orb of light. But it wasn't the Earth Demando was interested in now, but a small, almost unnoticable window on the top floor of the palace. Now it was the only one lit, shadowy forms periodically moving across it's small expanse. The King's chambers. The guard's violet eyes slipped closed, and he found himself returning to the newly formed habit of prayer. He knew it was a crutch, a weakness, but for some reason, he found himself doing it more and more. He knew not to what or whom he prayed, only that he begged mercy and forgiveness for the black, withered husk of his soul. King Ulexite was dying. The rumors had only been confirmed today, but Demando had known for days. After returning from Earth, the King had fallen ill almost immediately, and at first it was believed he'd merely caught a foreign bug. Now it was clear that wasn't the case. All the Mineral Kingdom held it's breath, waiting to see what would happen, and praying their monarch live. Not because they loved him, in truth, he was a horrible ruler, but because the alternative was much, much worse. The power hungry Obsidian would have every right to the throne, should her husband pass away, then nothing would be able to stop her. But for Demando, the danger was allot closer to home. It was law in the Mineral Kingdom, followed since the ancient days, that when a monarch died, all their possessions, slaves and concubines, were to be liquidated... and Demando, despite his high rank, was still a servant of the King. In reality, he was grateful that he'd managed to save Serenity when he did, she, as a concubine, would have faced the same fate he did now. But that didn't make the thought of his imminent demise rest any easier on the guard's shoulders. His eyes snapped open and he turned from the window. Almost immediately, his violet gaze rested on the delicate, silver chain bracelet sitting on his dresser. A gift from Serenity, the last bit of her he had left. Carefully, afraid it might break at his touch, Demando picked it up, gazing at it's small form as it rested in his large palm. What had he done to deserve this? He'd finally learned to love... and he wasn't allowed to. He almost dropped the bracelet when a knock sounded from the door, startling him from his revere "Come in," he called out, not even bothering to look up. "Konbanha, Demando," the guard flinched as he raised his eyes, the last person he wanted to see stood in the doorway. Esmerude. Strangely enough, in the shadowy darkness, lit only by the glow of Earth, the weight of Esmerude's trials seemed to lift, and she looked almost beautiful. "Gods," she said with a sneer, cool brown eyes dispassionate, "You're still not over her yet? Demando, she was nothing but a child!" "Leave me, Esmerude," he said, clutching the bracelet in his hand, "You wouldn't understand." The guard closed his eyes, willing her away. The next thing he knew, her body was pressed intimately to his, her gloved hands having buried themselves in his white hair. Violet eyes snapped open, and he tried to push her away, but he just couldn't. He looked down into those brown eyes of hers and for a moment, saw the girl he used to know. Back when he'd just returned from his first year at the military academy, uniform crisp and bright, head filled with heroic ideas still yet to be trampled. He'd come home only to find that Esmerude, his best friend from childhood, had up and turned into a woman on him. Suddenly, Demando found himself thinking of things he hadn't remembered in years, like the first time they'd made love, snatched and unhappy, too heady with a sense of rebellion to totally grasp the reality of what they'd done. Now he looked at her, and found that though he couldn't see them in the darkness, he knew those crows feet around her eyes, the frown lines around her red lips, by heart. He couldn't help but wonder where they'd gone wrong. "Darling," her tongue was like that of a snake's against his ear, "Pleasure is the only thing that's real in this world. Let me help you." Her other hand found it's way to a very private zone. "I hate you," he seethed, even as his free hand buried itself in her hair. "I hate you too, darling," she laughed, "but we always made better enemies than friends." Well, Demando couldn't argue with her on that one. "This is wrong," the guard said. Serenity filled his heart and mind with her golden glow, his angel, lost to him on a world far away. His resolve cracked, just a little. "You know how bad we are for each other!" "This is bad?" she did something new with her hand. Then her lips were on his, hard and demanding, no pleasure in it at all. Demando didn't even struggle, didn't try to push her away. He just closed his eyes and pretended she was someone else. The silver bracelet fell to the floor. --------- It smelled of medicines and herbs, magic and otherwise, it smelled of alcohol, wreaked of blood, and sulfur. The feminine figure, cloaked in shimmering blacks and greens, held her nose as she entered the King's chambers. Her yellow, reptilian eyes glittered as they darted this way and that, betraying her excitement. On the large hulk of the bed, the King lay sprawled, like a beached whale, struggling to pull air into his lungs. His fatty expanse amused the figure, and she had to stifle her laughter, noticing the various doctors and healers crowded around the dying King. Expertly, the figure hid amongst the dark curtains, shielded from sight. After a while, the last of the healers filed out, and the large marble door clicked shut. Carefully, the shrouded figure left her sanctuary, making her way towards the bed, high heeled shoes clicking on the floors like a funeral dirge Standing before the seemingly sleeping King, she removed a jewel encrusted vile from her robes and popped the cap. Reaching over, her sharp nails grazed the King's flesh as she forced his mouth open. Ulexite's eyes snapped open, and he gazed on her for a moment before recognition, then realization set it, and he tried to shake his head, force his fat lips to say 'no', but no sound would come out. The woman laughed throatily. "Last dose," she said to the King, her grip tightening as she poured the contents of the vile into his mouth, watching with amusement as Ulexite tried, and failed, to avoid swallowing it. "The poison will do it's work in a few hours," she told him, giving his plump cheek a slap, "Enjoy the rest of your life." Then she was gone, hurrying out the door and vanishing into the darkened hallway. Ulexite's eyes filled with rage and betrayal, and he tried in vain to move his lips, to shout after the traitor, bring her to 'justice', but he was far to weak. There was nothing he could do. --------- Hours later, he awoke, not quite sure what had pierced his exhausted slumber. The events of the past few hours momentarily devolved from his mind, and he was alarmed to find he was not alone in bed. As he moved, the earthlight found it's way on the 'stranger's form, and he let out a sigh. It was only Esmerude, stretched widely, taking up most of the bed as she snored, green/gray hair falling over her face. The guard gave her a shove, rolling her nude form towards the other side of the bed. Damned woman never did give him much room to sleep. Demando felt guilt race in his veins as the reality of the last few hours shifted into focus. It weighed heavily against him, a millstone around his neck. He hadn't been with anyone since he'd met Serenity, that is... until tonight. Hatred joined the guilt, it was all the witches fault, she made him...made him. Oh, Demando knew it was his fault as well, it takes two to tango, but it was so much easier to blame it all on Esmerude. With a disgusted sigh, he leaned back against the headboard. His back and arms stung where she'd scratched him, his lip throbbed from where she'd bit him. This act had never been pretty when it involved the two of them... it hadn't been pretty since the first time, and even then it was flawed. It was almost as though they didn't know how to be gentle. Did they hate each other? Probably. Or maybe they just hated what they had become. They'd been such good friends once, but they'd never had love. No, Demando had not known love until he met Serenity... Serenity. Stars, planets, whole galaxies seemed to revolve around her and her alone. He claimed to love her, and yet he'd touched another, been with another, no matter how ugly it had been. Demando closed his violet eyes, wondering why they stung so. He'd never cried before, never. He'd been a tough child, wouldn't even let his mother give him a hug, he thought he didn't know how to cry. Roughly, the guard rubbed at his eyes, looking around the room. And then his gaze rested on the floor, and then, he did cry. In the earthlight that spilled through the window and onto the floor, Serenity's bracelet gleamed reproachfully ------------- The impressive towers of the Mineral Palace were black against the Earth, each window dark, save one. For a moment, a black, shadowy figure flitted across, then it was gone, and the light burned on. It burned long into the night, and it burned as the doctors rushed into the room, summoned by the epileptic seizure that had gripped the King, and it burned on as drugs and herbs of all kind, even spells, where administered. Then, sometime around three o'clock Earth Time, the lone, black candle sputtered... and died. In the city below, a low moan rose up, for all around. The people of Susa knew what it meant, surely they were all doomed now! Though it was the middle of the night, thousands of mothers, children, young women and men, rushed towards the temples like salmon moving up stream to spawn, a single, huge current. And they prayed. They prayed to Selene, they prayed to Isis, they prayed to Diana, they prayed to Apollo and Circe and Calypso. But no god, or goddess, and certainly no human, could save them now. In that high, once lit window, a curved, feminine figure stood, dark onyx hair falling down her back like a thing alive, ready to choke those who came to close. Her claw like hands gripped the fragile curtains as she threw them aside, baring herself to the world... her new kingdom. She was Obsidian, yellow eyes alit with inhuman, perverted joy. "At last..." she spoke softly, like a chant, her tongue running along her teeth, "At last that fool is dead! Now, they power is mine, ours, Beryl. He can hold us back no longer. "Yes, Mother," Beryl hissed from her place by the cold body of her father. From his head, she took the golden crown, encrusted with black diamonds, and held it in her hands. It weighed a great deal, as if it contained of all the power it symbolized. Slowly, she made her way over to her mother, who knelt down slightly, allowing her daughter to place the crown atop her ebony tresses. Obsidian laughed, a wicked, evil laugh that echoed threw the city as shook the souls of all who lived there. "Destiny is on our side." Beryl smiled widely at that one. Obsidian's back was turned to her daughter, so she did not see the sneer on her blood red lips. She moved back a step and something fell from her black/green robes, connecting with the floor. The small, jewel encrusted vile glittered in the dark, and Beryl's yellow gaze rested on it from a moment, before she swiftly kicked it under the bed. "Yes, Mother," she said, "It most certainly is." ------- Rubeus, out on his usual patrol, walked alone his tall frame threatening. He carried his uniform jacket slung over his shoulder, as if to show he was indeed rebellious, even in the service of the King. Turning the corner, he saw Saffir, his ear pressed to the door of Ulexite's chambers. For a moment, Rubeus' seemingly stone face twisted with fear, before once again smoothing to dispassion. "Saffir, what *are* you doing?" Rubeus snorted, but it sounded forced in his own ears. The younger guard whirled around, shoulder's sagging in relief when he saw it was only the red head. That relief was brief though, for his face was ashen, eyes wild with fear. "Rubeus," he cried, "We must get out, immediately The king is dead!" ------- Olympus, Earth (Capital of the Terrain Empire) Five o'clock am, Earth Time. In the dark, shadowy catacombs of the Earth Palace, a young woman knelt before the sacred fire of Aries, crimson robes flowing around her. Eyes closed, she concentrated an intense amount of energy on her meditations, a surprised gasp escaping her lips as her brown/violet eyes snapped open. She took a moment to still her heart beat, the fire light reflecting off her tan Martian skin. Then she rose, and went to inform the guards that King Ulexite, of the Mineral Kingdom, had passed beyond. She gave her message to Jadeite, who would no doubt relay the information to King Cepheus. Satisfied that she had done her duty, Rei returned to the fire and her meditations. For some reason, the trance was much easier, and she found herself breathing in time with the heart beat of universe. The fire danced before her closed eyes, then gave way to reveal the black tapestry of space, dotted by little, twinkling lights. Then the view shifted, to that of the moon. Rei realized she was seeing the past, for space ships, baring the symbol of the Mineral Kingdom, where bombing the gleaming white Moon Palace. The vision zoomed in, so that Rei could see a cloaked figure, fleeing the palace, a baby in her arms. Then the image shattered, and a golden star locket hung in the air, suspended above the ruins of the Moon Palace. As Rei watched, the locket descended on the ruins, planting itself like a seed. Then the ruins began to rebuild themselves, until they put the old Moon Palace to shame. Then, a shadowy, but distinctly feminine figure appeared before the scene, linking arms with a man. As the vision came into focus, Rei recognized the handsome visage as Endymion's. Her breath caught in her throat as she realized what the vision meant. she asked the fire. The focus shifted to Earth. No answer, the vision shattered before Rei's eyes, and the walls of the temple came back into focus. Hope leapt in the Priestess' heart, and she scrambled to her feet in a most undignified fashion, she rushed past the guards, down the corridor and up the large flight of steps, at he last she reached the doors of the dinning hall, where the Royal family was currently having breakfast. The guards protested as she threw the heavy doors opened, but one look from the fiery priestess made them more willing to face the fires of hell than her wrath. The King, Queen and Prince looked up as the disheveled Martian Priestess stood in the doorway. "What is the meaning of this!?" Cepheus asked, rather perturbed that his breakfast had been interrupted "Begging your pardon, you 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!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WHEW! Thirteen pages... I'm exhausted. Ladies and gents, I think it's WAY past my bed time ^^;. What can I say, I like the write at night. (Maybe I'm a vampire.) I'm not really, but I *do* crave email. Yes, email would be nice... *hint, hint*. Oh, and for those of you wondering when the next part of Cadre Sister will be coming out ::cough:: Kari ::cough::, I *promise* it'll be next week.