Hello! I'm Selena! I hope you liked the Prologue and Chapter 1. Writing is not something that comes super naturally to me. I'm more of an art sort of person. In fact I'm creating a poster to go with my fic. Due to my hectic schedule, it may not be finished for a while. I'm really excited about it. It features Endymion. Behind him is a really big rose. In front of and to the left of it is his sword. In the bottom left hand corner is a globe featuring the Asian continent. (For obvious reasons) In the far distance are high cliffs reflecting the light of the moon hanging far above. Hazy clouds cover the moon in a starry sky. Behind Endy, is a rearing white horse. Glowing, The Golden Crystal floats to his right. I'm not sure if I'm going to draw The Golden Palace with a lake or just The Golden Tower behind the crystal or not. I really wish I had a scanner. Unfortunetly, I don't own one. So, you'll probebly never see it. Although I have had several requests to purchase it by some admirers. Who knows? Anyway, the next chapter is going to be super romantic. This chapter features a little, but its not full of it like the next one is. Hopefully I'll have them out together. Thanks go to Fushigi Kismet and to MJ. Join Project Star. It's really a lot of fun. The usual disclaimers apply. Send all questions and coments to JMcChick@juno.com. Enjoy! **************************** Cords of Silver and Gold: Chapter 2 - Dreams of Light and Darkness On the sandy beach, Endymion falls into a peaceful sleep. No nightmares- this time the dream is beautiful. The light is always there to guide him…yet, somehow different from that of the sun…a single light to extinguish the darkness. Its cool brilliance serves as the preservation of his soul. The void in his heart-in his life is gone, filled by a warm glow. He turns his head in his sleep. Endymion smiles faintly as the moon's light illuminates his face. Then images of his people all around the world fill his vision. He sees how each one is connected to the other. Orbed cords of love and hate, and of kindness and oppression; some are strong, others are weak. Yet throughout each of these strands is a common link. The faces of his four generals appear. 'Ah, of course,' his mind generates. Every person on Earth contains at least one trait of their colored strands. Those that are stronger, contain more. Each cord comes to one of four points. At those points they unify. His vision turns toward the other living creatures of Earth-from the delicate, silky strands of nature to the stronger, darker cords of the animal kingdom. Together they form another cord. Finally a different cord appears. This mystical one lustrously shines as it advances to combine with the other five. Once entwined, a large, unbreakable, crystalline structure forms-strength and brilliance radiating from every strand. Once dissipated, the bright light leaves a soft golden aura surrounding the tight weave. A gold rose lays engraved in the surface. Everything goes black. The air becomes thick and stale. The foul stench of death lurks around every corner. It chokes all light out. Slowly, the outer bonds decay and snap apart. After a great explosion, six remain in the place of the once unbreakable cord. One by one, they turn black and fade into the darkness. Only one remains. Its light refuses to give in. A wave of pain severs through Endymion's spirit as the final light goes out. *********************** Gasping for breath, Selenity kneels in the sand. The moonlit night casts an iridescent glow upon her body. "I…never…thought……….so much…energy……….Just…need to…rest…" She falls as she feels herself drift into the realm of unconsciousness. *********************** Sifting through various papers, Kunzite sits at a long table. Suddenly his eyes go wide and his head jerks back. "Did you feel that?" Jade asks as he bursts through the French doors leading from the gardens. Nephlite, who walks from the balcony, adds, "I think we all did." Computer in hand, Zoisite comes in from the hallway. "The pain was immense." Kunzite looks up. "It's Endy…let's go! ********************* Queen Selenity has been restless for the past few days. Her arm covering her face, she lay on her huge bed. Silver pillows accent the rich décor. Silver moon lily petals are strewn across the spread. Luna and Artemis quietly enter into her tremendous chambers. "You called my Queen." Artemis lowers his white, feline head in a bow. "Yes. Is all well?" She rises from her resting position and walks to the front room. "As far as we know. Is something wrong?" Luna asks. "I am worried about my daughter. She seems so …so…" "Distracted." "It is more than that. She longs for something that she simply cannot have." With tear filled eyes, she pauses, closing her eyes briefly, and continues. "Long ago I broke a promise to Apollo. I did that to keep Selenity safe. I will do whatever it takes to keep her so. I worry about her future. My reign was peaceful, but peace does not last forever. Already the many of us have fallen. My only hope is that we can bring her back before any more damage is done." Luna looks at Artemis. He shrugs his shoulders. She turns back to the Queen. "I'm a bit confused. What exactly are you saying?" Queen Selenity peers up at Luna with tear-filled eyes. "She is gone, Luna." "What?!! Where?!!" She panics. Selenity covers her face with her hands again and sobs. "To Earth. I knew the moment I felt the energy surge. She has used the great seal. It takes energy from the crystal to teleport. She did not use it. Now, I do not know what has happened to her!" Artemis decides to take the initiative in this scene of panic-stricken women. In a bright flash of light, he stands in his human form. His long white hair blows as the breeze off the Sea of Serenity blows from the balcony in the far end of her chambers. With a determined tone, he says, "We must find her. What do you want us to do?" "I would send the girls, but I do not know where to send them." She sobs. "She could have arrived in several places! I do not know the locations of all of the seals. Long ago they were constructed as a way to reach Earth from any planet. Since the last council was abolished, they were all but forgotten… until now. Oh Gods! If she is found, we are all doomed! I can not let this happen." The Queen sinks to her knees and conceals her face in her hands. "I will not fail you as I failed your father." She begins to cry harder. Completely upset, Luna, now also in her human form, steps forward and kneels in front of her shaking form. "Queen Selenity, I am so sorry. This is all my fault. I took her to Earth once. I should have known better." "Luna?!" Artemis seems VERY surprised. "No, it is all right. I already knew." She says, regaining her composure. "That is in the past. What is important is that we find her now. Artemis, find Lady Venus and tell her what has happened…" ********************* "Ughhhh!" Something falls right on top of him. Endymion groans in pain. Whatever it was just had to crash on his broken ribs. 'Maybe if I could get some sleep, I'd actually be able to heal…but no, the dream…' He slowly opens his eyes to see a white blur, and quickly closes them. 'That's it! I'm dead, aren't I?! Whatever it was just killed me…Wait a sec…' He brings his hand to his face to wipe away…hair?! 'Ok, so it's not what, but who.' Endy sits up and lifts a mass of hair away from her face. His breath catches as he uncovers the most beautiful creature ever seen. ********************* Selenity gradually opens her eyes to what seems to be a blinding light. "Luna?" More awake, her eyes widen as she realizes that she's not in her room. She lay on a large bed crammed with pillows. Everything in the room is a whitish-blue color. In some aspects, it reminds her of home, except for the bright splashes of color coming from various types of exotic plants and blooms that she has never seen before. It is lavishly decorated with fine furniture and plush tapestries. To the right of the bed, is a large wall of glass with two large, French doors in the middle. In an attempt to get to the doors, she almost faints from light-headedness. "Now, where are you goin, miss?" Startled Selenity quickly turns to face a young girl about her age. She has shoulder length auburn hair and cheery, green eyes. "Who are you?" I'm Molinda. I'm here to look after you, my lady. "Where am I? And why are the lights so bright?" "I'm a might sorry about that, m'lady. It's said that the sun warms your heart, and you were so cold. I thought it would do you some good. I think it has too- you're awake!" She giggles. "How long have I been asleep?" "Near two days." "Two days?!" "How am I ever going to explain this to mother? She's probably frantic." She thinks. And Luna?! I'll never hear the end!" Selenity's shocked mind leaves her staring at her lap. The girl notices that something is wrong, but with her warm voice and cheery smile, she's able to lighten her mood. "Come now, miss. Don't worry. You're safe and in good health. The funny thing was that the healers couldn't find a thing wrong with you - just plain exhaustion. Speaking of, you must be famished. I'll bring something up right away." "Wait. Please, tell me where I am, and how I got here." "This is the Quartz Castle. I don't know how you got here. All I know is that you were found on the beach near by, and brought here. Don't worry, I take good care of you." "Where is the Quartz Castle?" The girl looks puzzled for a moment. "Well, it's the castle of Lord Kunzite. Hmmm…Oh, you must be from one of the other realms. People don't travel much between them anymore-or so I've been told. Being that it's the closest, you must be from Lord Zoisite's territory. Ohhh…tell me what it's like." Selenity looks down, searching for an answer. "I…I…um…" "Oh! I'm sorry. Asking you questions that are really none of my business." With much relief she smiles and says, "No, it's alright. And please, call me Selenity." The girl beams as she walks away. Her light green skirt rustles as she exits through the door. "I'll be back in a moment Lady Selenity." Within a few moments, the girl returns bearing a tray filled with foods completely unknown to her. Wide eyed she gasps when she sees it. "What is it?" Molinda gets a very confused expression on her face. "Huh?! Oh, perhaps they don't have this where you're from. These are various fruits, those are sweet breads…and ohhhh…you just have to try these!" Selenity eats until she can no longer move. 'If only they had food like this on the moon!' she thinks. "You sure were hungry! I suppose I would be too after two days! You know, perhaps Lord Kunzite will know who you are. You seem like an important person. Perhaps you're a member of court. I've never seen such long hair…" 'This girl is a lot like Venus!' she thinks. 'Able to talk about everything and anything without taking a breath.' "I know this may sound silly, but who is this Lord Kunzite?" She gasps and runs over to her. "Why he is one of the four Lords. My Lady, are you feeling all right? Perhaps you have a spell of memory loss. I should talk to the healers right away." "No, please do not say anything. I'm sure that I will remember everything in a few days." "Very well, but only for you, Lady Selenity. Now, let's find you something to wear! I've never had an opportunity to wait upon a noble lady." She giggles. "Usually, only the Lords visit here." "I'm sorry, please tell me who these Lords are." "They are the four who guard. They are the guardians of the prince." Selenity stares at her lap. 'Guardians…Earth…I remember something about…' She thinks. Suddenly, she blurts out, "The Prince of Earth!!" Molinda seems a bit taken back, but smiles anyway. "Yes, Lady. Although no one has ever seen him. They say that he's very powerful." She gets a far off look in her eyes. "Oh, I would just die if I were able to meet him!" She sighs dreamily. "I bet he's incredibly handsome. Unfortunately, I don't think he leaves the Golden Palace." "The Golden Palace?" Still in her dream-like trance, she continues. "Yes, in the land of legend and seclusion, Elysion. That is supposedly the heart of Earth, where he protects us. I used to doubt that the legends were true, until I came here. Once you see Lord Kunzite, you will understand. I never knew a man to command so much respect. He is the head of the guardians. And he possesses a great power himself. Actually, I've never seen him use it, but I heard about it from those who have." "I was never told…Err…I mean…It must be my memory again." She smiles nervously. "Hmmm….I see. Well come on. Let's find you something to wear. You should go outside, and enjoy the sunshine. You're as pale as a ghost!" *********************** A few hours later, Selenity finally sets foot outdoors. 'What a relief.' She thinks. 'All those questions! I have got to get out of here before something happens!' Although Selena likes Molinda very much, she's glad to get away from her fawning and probing questions. "How beautiful!" She stands in awe as she looks at the modest sized garden at the foot of the stairs. "Gods! I never seen anything like it!" The rich assortment of colors and the fresh aroma of nature fill her lungs with sweet scents. Selena walks to each bloom, carefully drinking in their beauty. As she ascends deeper into the garden, she hears strange noises. A man's voice breaks through the clamor. She follows the voice until she approaches a clearing. Then, she sees him… A young man, perhaps two or three years older that she, sits upon a majestic white creature. It rears and kicks, but in the end the master wins. His voice speaks soothing words to calm its anger. He wears a white sweat-soaked tunic that shows off his well-formed muscles. Black boots rising to his knees cover his black pants. Rich, ebony bangs, wet from the exertion of his task, stream into his eyes, where long fingers unconsciously sweep them away. Selenity watches a broad smile flash across his face. Suddenly he looks up, and stormy, midnight-blue eyes meet deep, indigo ones for the first time. If there was ever a moment she felt like she was drowning, it was now. Selenity finds herself in a bottomless ocean of blue. She awakens from her daze when she notices that he is coming closer. She feels her cheeks become hot, and her legs turn to jelly. If she only had the strength, she would run as fast as she could. She was positive that her face was as red as Mars's hair. So she was glad when… ************************** "There you are!" "Kunzite!" Endymion turns to see a very unhappy general rushing toward him. 'Uh oh. I'm in for it now.' He thinks. "Just where have you been?! How are we supposed to protect you of we don't even know where you are?!" Endymion cringes when he sees how red Kunzite is. In fact it looks like a blood vessel will pop out of his forehead any minute. 'No, not this time.' He says to himself. "Not now, Kunzite." He turns to walk away, but Kunzite stops him. "What do you mean not now?! Look, if you wanted to disappear, fine! But at least let ME know where you're disappearing to first!! We've searched almost every corner of this planet only to…" "Kunzite, I said not now!" Endymion uses a forceful, determined voice that he never knew he could ever use with Kunzite. Surprised, Kunzite stops and looks at him. He is actually proud of Endy, although he'd never admit it. Instead he raises a brow, and gives him a look saying, 'What's going on?' "My Lord?" He asks impatiently. "Damn!" "What?! What's the matter with you now?!" "She's gone." Endymion starts looking everywhere for her. A very confused and annoyed Kunzite follows in his shadow. "Who?!" "The girl." "What girl?!" "I've got to go find her." Endy begins to walk away, but is once again stopped by Kunzite. "Wait a minute." Despite receiving a stern look, he continues anyway. "Prince or not, you are not going anywhere until you tell me what on Earth is going on. And another thing, last night all four of us felt your pain. Now, what happened?" Endymion gives a deep sigh. "Kunzite, I swear, I'll tell you later. Right now, it's more important that I go and find this girl." The suspicious general giving way to the caring friend, his eyes harden and his body tenses. "Why? What's so important about this one?" "She's not from here Kunzite." Unnoticed by Endymion, a flash of hatred runs through his eyes. "Where is she from? When did you meet her?" "I don't know, and I didn't meet her. She just kind of…dropped in." He smiles as he recalls her 'rude' awakening. Coming out of his daze, he says, "Anyway, I'll tell you about that later. But right now, I have to go." He turns and walks away, leaving Kunzite to his unrealized battle. *********************** Endymion storms through the rear castle doors. Upon rounding a corner, Jadeite appears. He leans against the wall with one leg crossed over the other. His eyes are closed, and his hands rest behind his head. "So, in pursuit of a certain female are you? Hair the color of white diamonds, fair complexion, rosy cheeks to add to her beauty, and man, a body that kills. Hmm?" He raises an eyebrow. Endy inwardly growls. "Alright I get the point. Now where is she?" He closes his eyes again and smiles wryly. "Sorry, don't know. But here's a little suggestion for you. Take a bath and change your clothes because man you not only look like hell, but you smell worse than a dead dog." Endymion gets a devilish grin on this face. He puts his arm around Jade's neck and buries his face in his armpit. "Ugh!…Man!…" Jade manages to escape, gasping for air. "Alright that does it!" The two attack each other and begin fighting in a 'brotherly manner.' (Boys will be boys! ^_^) *********************** Late that evening, Kunzite stands behind a pillar, stealthily watching a silent figure tread through the night. The moonlight casts a bluish light upon his hair, and dark shadows conceal his face. Selenity creeps through the garden pathways, trying desperately to find a way back to the beach. 'If only I could stay a little longer.' She thinks as she looks at the blooms budded in their sleep. One glance up at the moon ends all longing. 'No. That's impossible.' She pulls the hood of her cloak back upon her head. Suddenly she stops when she sees a bush of a certain pink flower. Selenity takes the white flower she received two nights ago and compares it with this one. 'Gods! It is the same flower, only a different color!' The image of two midnight blue eyes appears before her. 'But why would I think of him when I look at this flower?' "Going somewhere, my lady?" Startled, Selena turns to find the most frightening eyes she had ever seen. Their cool, grayness look scornfully at her. Never had anyone gazed at her with so much hatred. 'This is that man from before,' she thinks. "I…I…was just…" "Leaving so soon, hmm? Allow me to escort you back to the safety of the castle. The last thing I want is for you to get hurt." His words sting like a thousand needles jabbing her back. They chill her to the bone. In a frightened, soft, barely audible voice she says, "Of course." ****************** Endymion approaches a figure with long brown hair. He stands on the grand balcony, staring up at the stars. In his hands, he holds a scroll, which maps the stars. "Nephrite, do the stars tell you the future?" "At times." "What is our future?" Nephrite closes his eyes. "It is uncertain - as are most things. I think that means it will be what ever we make it." He smiles, and looks at Endy. The stormy gaze clouding his eyes causes him to continue. "Prince, I have learned to listen to the stars by hearing what others do not. Sometimes, I think that you see what others do not." Zoisite walks up behind them. He wears his gray uniform with a blue stripe around the collar. "Has that been the subject of you dreams?" "Yes, but I hardly know what to make of it. I've always had dreams. I see people…places…I feel what they are thinking, but I've never had one like this." "Perhaps you should talk to Kunzite." "No. He would brush it aside as he does everything else. Somehow, I think he's different. Either that or something old is surfacing. I can feel it in him…some sort of hatred that I don't understand." Nephlite puts his hand on his shoulder. "Endy, Kunzite watches over you as if you were his own. At times, he may seem uncouth, but I trust his judgement. If this is really bothering you, tell him. What's the worst thing that could happen?" ********************* Endymion sits on the stairs below the balcony. Sighing, he looks up at the moon. "The light guiding my path…hmmm…" He looks down. "I wonder…" Suddenly, a long faded, purple skirt interrupts his grounded gaze. A tall woman with red hair, and light green eyes looks down at him. She is very beautiful. Her long hair cascades in waves down her neck and across her shoulders. She smiles a warm smile. "Beryl…" "Hello, Endymion. Thinking again? You spend entirely too much time alone. Why don't you get your mind off what ever it is? Come on, there's a beautiful moon out tonight, and the ocean is calm. It's a perfect night for a walk on the beach." Endymion looks up and smiles. A nicer person he never knew. She is always ready to cheer him up. "Thank you, Beryl. It is a lovely night, but…I don't really feel like going for a walk." All this talk about the beach. It reminded him of her, with her silvery hair and intense indigo stare. There is a certain sense of love and kindness, seeming to emanate from the core of her soul. Alarmed, Beryl looks at him wide-eyed. "What is it? Has something happened? You can tell me!" "No. No. I just need some time to be alone right now." "It's me, isn't it? Have I done something wrong?!" "No! I was telling the truth. It has nothing to do with you. Honestly, I appreciate you're trying to cheer me up and all. Right now, is just a bad time." 'There was a time when he'd go anywhere with me. What's happened? Perhaps I should tell him that I love him. Surely he must feel the same way. All those nights spent walking by the sea. You saved me, my love, at a time when no one else could.' She thinks. 'But now, I wonder. Why is he so distant? Has his affection for me turned sour? Is there someone else? NO! I must tell him! Now!' "Endymion, there is something that I need to tell you." She sits down next to him, and looks deep into his eyes. I want to thank you for everything you've done for me. No one else would have bothered to help a poor girl, who had just lost her parents. I was desperately searching for a way out. But you saved me from that fate. For that, I am eternally grateful." "No thanks are necessary. I know how you feel. My parents died long ago. It was difficult, but my friends were always there to help me. I knew that you needed someone. It was the right thing to do, and I didn't mind doing it." "Oh Endy, do you really mean it?" He nods his head and smiles. 'Endy!' He thinks. "I'm so glad you feel this way because this is going to make what I have to say a whole lot easier." Endymion did not like where this is going. "Uh…Beryl…" She places her hand on top of his. His eyes are ready to pop out of their sockets, and he begins to sweat. And, once again, looking deeply into his eyes, she says, "I love you. I love you with my whole heart." He looks down. Abruptly he stands, and her hand falls back into her lap. "Beryl…I…I don't know what to say." He turns to face her and says, "Um…look…we've been friends for a long time. You are truly a wonderful person. And I am always willing to stay your friend. But that's all. I do care for you. But just as a friend. Please, try to understand." At this particular moment, he feels like digging himself a hole and sticking his head in it. Beryl sits with her fist wrung tightly on her lap. Silently, tears stream from her hurt eyes. "Oh, I understand…" She sobs. Endy crouches before her, and speaks softly. "Hey listen to me. Nothing is going to change. You are still one of my dearest friends. You needed someone, and I just happened to be there, that's all. You deserve to be loved fully, for the beautiful woman that you are. And I can't give that to you. The only thing that I have to offer is my friendship. Giving you my heart would be a lie. I would only end up hurting you in the end." This was not what she wanted to hear. She wanted, no needed him to hold her in his arms, and profess his undying love. But it wasn't there. She had no hope. Nothing left. She stood, her eyes never meeting his gaze. "Is this the only answer I am to receive?" "Yes." He breathes softly. "Very well then. Always know, that there was a poor girl who loved you, and you scorned her." Beryl then took off and ran through the garden and into the forest. "Beryl." Endymion contemplates going after her, but decides against it. 'It would only make matters worse. Maybe she just needs some time alone to sort things out.' He thinks. Sighing heavily, he sits back down on the step. ******************** Endy looks up. 'There she is! That angelic face…is with…Kunzite?' He thinks. His mind clears as they approach the beginning of the garden path. She is trembling, and her violet eyes no longer sparkle with the curiosity and vivaciousness of before. Now they are heavy with fear and something else that he can't quite place. That is enough to alarm him. He stands. "Kunzite, what is going on?" In a serious almost mocking voice, Kunzite answers. "The lady had a desire to view the gardens. As you well know, it is dangerous for one to be out alone at this time of night. So, I graciously escorted her back to the safety of my castle." Endy knows Kunzite too well. 'He's up to something. But what? What could she have possibly done to make him suspicious?' He has to admit that she is intoxicating. 'My God, look at her!' But Kunzite would never… *************(Flashback) "Women are nothing but trouble. Don't let their beauty deceive you. One is no different from the other. Therefore it's best to avoid them as long as possible. Trust me." **************(End of Flashback) 'No, not this one. She is different. I can feel it.' Endy straightens and hardens his glare at Kunzite. " I'm sure she gives you her thanks for her safe return." He drawls. "I'll see her back to her chambers, if you don't mind?" "Not at all." Kunzite bows low. Before leaving he casts one more icy stare at the girl. 'I'll be watching you.' His eyes convey. Endymion stops him. He leans toward him and whispers, "I'll talk to you later." Kunzite gives another low bow and continues on his way. He then turns back to see the young woman still trembling. She now sits on the steps trying to breathe steadily. "Are you alright? I'm sorry if Kunzite came off a bit intense. He has a tendency to do that on occasion." Afraid that he might see her blushing, Selenity looks down. The way his eyes consume her makes her feel warm again. His boyish grin is all too charming. Upon receiving no response, he crouches in front of her. His eyes fill with worry and concern. "My lady, are you alright?" 'Gods, how deep and penetrating his eyes are.' She is more afraid of him than she was of Kunzite. Nervousness completely replaces any previous fear that she had. Even more concerned, he places a hand on her shoulder. With the other, he lifts her chin. Their eyes meet again. Endymion can't help but stare into her indigo depths. "He didn't hurt you did he?" He almost whispers. 'What on Earth possessed him to ask that such a stupid question?! Of course he didn't! Kunzite is forceful, but never brutal. He'd never do anything like that…would he?' Somehow, Selena regains enough strength to speak. "No! Of course not. Like…like he said…I…I wanted to see the gardens in the moonlight." She smiles a sort of half smile. "You were trembling." "I…I…was just cold." 'Stupid! Stupid! It's such a warm night…at least…it is now.' She feels something warm in the pit of her stomach. She lifts her head only to drown in his deep depths once again. "You're sure." She nods slowly. He smiles and offers her his hand. "Alright. Come on, I'll take you back to your room." Her heart skips a beat the moment their hands meet. She feels as though she is in a dream, and now that they are joined, they will never separate. The warmth in her heart fills her with a sweet, gentle feeling that she hopes will never disappear. ***************************** Hopefully chapter 3 is posted along with this chapter. So read it next! I really think you'll like it. At least you will if you're a hopeless romantic like me! Please, I love hearing from you. Tell me what you think. Selena at JMcChick@juno.com. Bye! ^_^ _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]