Love and Desperation Part 4 Author: Moon Sparkle E-mail: lovablegwen@hotmail.com Rated: PG-13 After a very long and rather tedious journey to Earth, Serenity felt exhausted. She stepped down from the enormous ship in which she had spent the previous five hours and sighed loudly. So unladylike, she thought with a smile on her face. A sudden urge to meet the ground with her whole body overwhelmed her. She felt her head spin and stumbled, only to be supported by Endymion’s muscular structure. Surprisingly, he chuckled. “And what exactly is so amusing?” she asked annoyed. As she walked, she felt as though her feet were tied to rocks. When she received no reply, she looked at Endymion sternly. “Well?” “It’s the gravitational pull, Angel. It’s a lot stronger on this planet than it is on the Moon and you’re just not habituated to it yet.” The prince explained. Considering it was her first visit to Earth, she let herself understand and not ponder on the situation. Serenity and Endymion walked ahead of their personal guards, surrounded by several soldiers who were, of course, armed. The king and queen walked in front of them, also accompanied by their guards. Serenity felt very secure, but a feeling of foreboding tugged at her, screaming for attention. She decided to ignore it. Not now, she ordered herself. Instead, she chose to absorb the new environment. She felt much more solid on this planet. The large tunnel through which they walked had walls constructed of marble and gold. Large crystalline chandeliers hung from the firm ceiling and as she studied it more, Serenity discerned small angels engraved into it. After not much longer, the group reached a very large, and very empty room. Nothing decorated its walls or ceiling, nothing was situated inside it. The room was simply white and void. Serenity looked at Endymion who was engrossed in a conversation with one of the soldiers that accompanied them. The princess didn’t know why, but she felt something very peculiar, very wrong rather, about this place. “Endymion,” she spoke barely above a whisper. He turned his attention to her immediately. “What is this place?” she said, looking around them. Endymion cleared his throat slightly and looked at her with narrow indecipherable blue eyes. "Why?” he asked, taking Serenity by surprise. What was this reaction from him?, she wondered. “Well,” she hesitated. She would sound like a fool if she told him that she received evil vibes from his own palace. “It just looks strange. It’s very…empty ” She said quietly. Endymion looked at her. He knew that she was not telling him the complete truth because her eyes would not meet his and she seemed troubled. A bit of confusion reflected in his eyes and he was going to insist that she tell him what was wrong, but his father interrupted him. “We need to attend the War Room, now.” Hastol’s dark voice announced. He looked at Serenity coldly before turning and walking down the hall, accompanied by two soldiers. Serenity smiled encouraging at Endymion who seemed very angry, indeed. Why? She didn’t know. “The guards will escort you to your room. I’ll see you tonight at dinner.” He said and lightly kissed her cheek before leaving. The princess and her court were led away from the large vacant room to their chambers. Serenity was not surprised when the senshi’s rooms were divided around hers. Endymion’s mother spoke very quickly and very sweetly as she walked into Serenity’s room. Her soft green eyes seemed somewhat concerned and pained, but she put great effort into hiding her emotions. “Now, Serenity sweetheart. Dinner will be announced in one hour. Please, make yourself at home and don’t hesitate to question anything. Oh yes, one more thing. If the guards question your authority in any way, do tell Endymion or me.” The queen kissed the young princess on the forehead lightly and walked out of the room, quietly closing the door behind her. Serenity smiled gently as she looked around her. The room was absolutely magnificent. Very much like a dome, the ceiling curved slightly upward, revealing engravings of angels in flight, not unlike the decorations in the large halls that she had walked through. A king-size four-poster bed that was situated against the wall in the up-center of the room, was dressed in creamy silky sheets and pillows of soft swan feathers. The carpet on which the princess stood, was so unbelievably soft that Serenity felt her small feet being engulfed in the material. Smooth buttery curtains caught Serenity’s eye and she turned her attention to them. They draped the entrance to a majestic columned balcony. The princess walked toward it gracefully and skillfully broke the curtains apart and gasped at what she saw. The balcony overlooked vast fervent oceans that Serenity had only dreamed of. For the first time in her life, the girl saw what caused the Earth’s color to be so magnificent from her own balcony at home. The white capped waves broke fiercely against the gigantic rocks with a pleasant crashing sound and the hollow sound of the wind gave her a eerie, yet enjoyable feeling. Eagerly, Serenity unlocked the doors of the balcony and opened them wide. She shivered as a strong salty breeze brushed against her delicate figure. But, instead of causing her displeasure, the princess absolutely loved the feeling. She had never, in her life, felt surrounded by so much life. Compared to the Moon, Earth had so much more vitality and strength. She did not understand how the Moon was the strongest kingdom in the galaxy. She released the thought and concentrated her curious azure eyes back on the view. Quickly, she walked to the edge of the balcony and clutched the golden railing as she looked down. Remembering a rather short elevator ride, Serenity wondered how she found herself to be so much distance above the ground. Below her, she could see the back entrances of the castle and of course, the dangerously massive hard rocks that would surely not only break the fall of an object falling from above, but also destroying it. A violent shudder overtook Serenity’s body at the thought and she shakily walked off the balcony and back into the room. Deciding to prepare herself for dinner, the princess proficiently changed into a very long and very stunning silver gown. She had hoped with all her heart that the formalities wouldn’t take place on Earth. But, who was she kidding? Royalty was royalty. It was the same on every planet, and she, the High Princess needed to follow protocol all the way through. With a soft sigh, she lay down on the yielding white bed and looked toward the ceiling, her eyes unseeing, not really focusing on anything in particular. She wondered what she was doing on Earth in the first place. Her mother had not really given her a real reason why she joined the prince and his family on their way back home. For Endymion to protect her? She had the senshi to do that and she could take care of herself. She felt as though her mother was hiding something from her. The queen had seemed so distant when they had said their goodbyes, so cheerless. A sudden urge to hug her mother and comfort her, exceeded Serenity. She suddenly realized that it was not only Queen Serenity who was acting unusual, it was also Queen Galia who was not her normal spirited self. What had her mother meant when she said that if King Hastol was to give her any trouble to tell Galia? Serenity had a very strong idea that Endymion’s father did not like her very much. He was so…cold. She remembered the first time she had met him. *** Flashback *** A twelve year old Serenity walked inside the familiar ballroom, her guard on her heels. The familiar figure of her mother sitting on the throne welcomed her with a warm smile which the princess returned. That was when she realized that her mother was not alone. A very well built man stood on her right and a delicate looking woman on her left. Serenity was confused . “Darling,” her mother’s soft voice spoke. “These are the noble rulers of the Earth Kingdom, King Hastol and his wife, Queen Galia. They arrived yesterday but I could not find you, as usual, so I decided to wait until today to introduce them to you.” Serenity felt herself turn red at her mother’s words. She knew exactly that her mother wanted to make her feel guilty for not listening to her instructions of always telling her or the guards where she was going. Remembering where she was, Serenity curtsied very elegantly and smiled nervously. Her Court did the same, although very young, they radiated much authority and demand for respect. Serenity had heard so much of the king and queen from her mother, but she felt as though something was missing. “Hastol, Galia, may I present to you, my daughter, Princess Serenity, heir to the Moon Kingdom.” The king and queen bowed slightly, respectfully. Serenity felt surprised. They had bowed to her. No king or queen had done that before. Queen Galia smiled warmly, but King Hastol’s expression remained stoic. Serenity felt very strange, indeed. Something was missing, however, she could not place her finger on what. “Oh my! I almost overlooked it!” exclaimed the queen suddenly, a smile playing on her lips as she looked behind Serenity. The princess followed her mother’s gaze until she finally realized at who she was smiling. A pang of dizziness hit her and if not for Sailor Jupiter’s strong arms, the princess would have surely dropped. The missing puzzle piece had been put into place. Endymion. Serenity remembered her mother telling her about the Earth Prince. All she had said was that he was the son of Hastol and Galia and that he was the heir to the Earth Kingdom. However, the princess felt as though she had known the fifteen year old prince that was walking down the aisle forever. Suddenly, the young and rather naïve Serenity felt complete. It certainly had been a very peculiar feeling that had taken her over then, even before meeting the prince’s eyes. However, when she did, the princess thought that she would fall unconscious. It was a strong blow to not only her body, but to her heart also. The ocean blue that made Serenity feel as though she could hide nothing, as though she was bare, made the princess fall in love with him right then. As young as she was, she knew that he was the one. She had never seen eyes that made her feel as though they could see right through her. His dark bangs fell over his forehead and she suddenly had a very strong impulse to brush them away with her delicate fingers… “Serenity!” Mars hissed in the princess’s ears. The girl snapped back to reality and felt herself blush a very bright red when she realized that her court all had smirks on their faces. Venus, in particular, was grinning widely. “You are gawking at the prince.” Sailor Mars stated the obvious. Serenity turned even a brighter shade of red, if it was possible, and turned her head angrily. “I am not.” She said defensively. The senshi giggled quietly but stopped as the prince approached them. Four teenage generals stood behind him, not unlike the way Serenity’s guard stood behind her. They were dressed in dark armors and the princess realized that even at their young age, they and the prince were all very well built. She blushed once again, and mentally slapped herself for thinking such things. Endymion smiled handsomely and bowed. “Ladies,” he greeted. He took hold of Serenity’s hand and kissed it lightly. A shiver traveled down the young girl’s spine as he did so and she felt herself become nauseous once again. “Princess, I am honored to finally meet you.” He spoke softly. “Likewise.” She said quietly, her heart beating against her chest so hard that it almost hurt. How could a boy make her feel this way when she resented most of his gender so much? She smiled at the generals behind her and that was when she realized how good looking they were also. Unlike the Lunar boys, whose skin color was ghostly white, the Terrans seemed as though they spent much time under the sun. Of course, Serenity did not know much about the sun and its strength on Earth, but she had read in books that if a person stood under it for a period of time, their skin color would become darker. It was one of the many odd things about the Blue Planet. “Serenity, darling.” The Moon Queen interrupted her daughter’s train of thought. “This is Prince Endymion, accompanied by his faithful guard. Kunzite, high general,” a silver haired striking young man with very piercing gray eyes bowed slightly. Serenity could have sworn that she heard Sailor Venus gasp silently. The princess smiled at him once more and he retreated back into the line behind Endymion. “Jadeite, second in command.” The handsome boy with short blonde hair also stepped forward and bowed. Serenity noticed a glimmer of playful mischief in his blue eyes and she returned it with a knowing smile. Mars giggled slightly and Serenity gave her a confused look. “Third in command, is Nephrite.” Just the same way the other two generals had done, the prince’s guard stepped forward. He had long wavy brown hair that looked unusually good on him and deep green eyes. The princess smiled at Nephrite also and was surprised when he looked behind her to meet Jupiter’s challenging eyes. He stepped back behind Endymion. “And fourth in command is Zoicite who has a incredible amount of knowledge in science and technology.” The queen introduced. A blond boy that looked to be a bit younger than the others, walked forward and bowed. His long blonde hair was tied loosely in the back with a ribbon and his pale green eyes met Sailor Mercury’s who blushed timidly. With the introductions made, Serenity could not keep herself from looking at the handsome prince. The armor he wore fit him perfectly and his eyes, they were so deep and reflected so much… King Hastol cleared his throat and Serenity looked up at him only to meet his blue eyes that resembled his son’s so much. There was one difference though, they were cold and mirrored suspicion. Serenity felt fear trickle through her veins. He made her feel so uneasy. “Father, I believe that you are making Her Highness feel uncomfortable.” Endymion said sharply. Even then, he had always challenged his father. Hastol scowled at his son and looked away from the small princess. It has been the first time that Endymion had saved Serenity from his father’s frostiness. *** End Flashback *** And now, a older Serenity was still in love with that same prince. She felt her cheeks become warm as she remembered her reaction to the prince’s kiss on her hand. She had not seen him much, at first. But as they both grew older, Endymion had begun to not listen to his father at all and disobey his orders of staying on Earth. He teleported to the Moon as often as he could, but never remained there for more than a day. With warm thoughts swimming through her mind, Serenity felt her eyelids become heavy and let sleep overtake her. She slept peacefully until a loud knock on the door woke her up and she stood up, rubbing the sleep off her eyes and opened it. The four senshi stood there and before she knew it, they all walked into the room and absorbed the surroundings. “Wow, why don’t we get rooms like this?” Sailor Mars complained, sitting down on the soft bed. Serenity grinned and sat down next to her friend. “Seems as though you took a nap, Serenity. Feeling refreshed?” Venus asked as she also sat on the bed. Mercury and Jupiter went on the balcony to look at the ocean, as she had. Serenity yawned, remembering to cover her mouth, and nodded sleepily. “No, not exactly. I feel more tired now. I don’t understand why we had to travel with the ship, instead of teleporting.” She said as she stood up and walked to the full sized mirror. She looked at her reflection and studied herself. Her hair had been disturbed as she slept and she skillfully fixed it, putting it back up into the unusual style of two buns atop her head from which two very long streams of golden hair flowed. “Well, your mother said that she does not want us to teleport unless it is an emergency. The enemies can track us very quickly if we do. I’m not sure how, the queen did not tell us that. And plus, you know it is very dangerous to teleport from one planet to another.” Mars explained. “Yes, I know. Yet, Endymion and the Generals do it all the time.” Serenity replied. “That’s because they’re idiots. They don’t care what happens to them.” Venus said hotly. Serenity laughed at her friend’s words and hastily put on her glass slippers. She grimaced at the thought that she would have to wear them throughout the whole night. Sailor Mercury and Jupiter walked back into the room, shivering from the cold air outside on the balcony. “You have a beautiful view from the balcony, Serenity. Have you checked it out yet?” Jupiter said smiling. She rubbed her arms in order to warm herself up. Serenity nodded. “Indeed, you do.” Mercury uttered. “But, please, be careful. The palace has twenty stories and you are on the sixteenth. Do not lean much over the railing, because if you fall…” she left the sentence hanging but Serenity knew exactly what would happen if she did. A very loud gong interrupted the girls’ thoughts and they immediately knew that it was time for dinner. Serenity took one more good look in the mirror before walking out. The senshi walked behind her, and they all exchanged playful banter as they traveled down the majestic hallways, not knowing exactly where they were going. Serenity decided to ask a guard. “Excuse me,” she said clearly, a friendly smile playing on her face. The guard turned his attention to her, but did not return the smile. The senshi stood behind her, protectively. “Will you please tell us how to reach the Royal Dining Hall?” she asked sweetly. The guard looked her over, a scornful smirk appearing on his face. Serenity felt hot anger beginning to boil in her blood. How dare he? “Answer my question.” She demanded vehemently. The guard’s smirk became even more mocking and Serenity felt a strong desire to slap him. “Or what?” the guard drawled. The senshi behind the princess became very impatient and angry. But no, the guard would not let himself be intimidated by a group of good looking girls. Serenity furiously waved a hand in front of her forehead, making the Royal Moon Symbol appear. The guard’s eyes widened and he speedily kneeled, his head bowed. “I apologize, Your Highness. I did not know.” He pleaded. The princess flashed a triumphal smile. Sailor Mars mumbled something very unladylike and Jupiter’s hands formed fists. “If this happens again, I shall speak to Prince Endymion of your discourtesy. Even if you did not know who I was, you should have known better to treat a lady with some hint of respect. Now, stand up and tell me which way to go.” She scolded. The guard stood up hastily, almost tripping over himself. This brought a smile to the girls’ faces and he quickly told them the directions. * * * Two hours later found Endymion sitting at the Royal Table. He looked across the table to meet Serenity’s cerulean eyes. She looked stunning in the silver dress she wore. It revealed most of her delicate back and it hugged her hips beautifully, making her look much older than she was. He had realized that the symbol appeared on her forehead once again and she told him the story about the incompetent guard. He felt rage build up inside him as she informed him, but she smiled sweetly and asked for him not to penalize the man. Endymion should have known. Serenity did not like to see people suffer, it did not matter how stupid or evil they were. He recalled the hour spent inside the War Room. Apparently, the enemy had advanced while he and his parents had been on the Moon. Endymion was not surprised. His father had been very angry, but Endymion could not care less. He had decided long before to ignore his father’s annoying irritability. Keeping his word, Hastol had assigned half of the army to his son. Endymion had not been taken aback when his father had given him the weaker side, to make him look like a fool. The prince frowned at his father’s foolishness. Hastol was much more experienced in warfare and it would have been easier for him to turn a weak army into a strong one. But, because he wanted to prove to Endymion that he could make his life miserable, he assigned him with the job. The prince was determined, however, to prove him wrong. He wanted to show him that he underestimated him greatly. Years of military training would finally pay back, and Endymion would make sure that his father would come out looking the fool in the end. His mother broke his train of thought as she stood, raising a glass filled with blue liquor. She smiled happily and looked at Serenity who smiled back, just as sweetly. The two women he loved most in the world were good friends. Endymion suddenly felt very content and happy with the way things were going so far. “Welcome!” Queen Galia exclaimed. “I am honored to announce that the High Princess of the Moon Kingdom, Serenity and her loyal Guard have joined us here, on Earth!” A loud burst of claps echoed in Endymion’s ears and he glanced toward Serenity, whose cheeks turned a very pretty shade of pink. “Serenity, darling, please rise.” Galia said in a more quiet voice. Endymion glanced toward the other end of the table where his father sat, a look of strong disapproval on his face. The prince ignored it. Serenity stood up, shyly. She looked at Endymion who flashed her a charming grin and it seemed as though it encouraged her. She straightened her back and gracefully picked up her glass. Even though so young, she radiated much authority. Endymion’s heart swelled with pride at the knowledge that she was his, and his only. At that moment, he felt as though he would have literally killed another man if he would dare to as much as touch her. “Thank You, Queen Galia.” Serenity began. “I am extremely grateful for your hospitality and welcomes. I am completely amazed at the beauty of this planet, for you know that the Moon seems to me to be a mere snowflake compared to Earth. It is not like I actually know what a snowflake looks like, or feels like, but I believed it to be a reasonable metaphor.” The princess said and smiled as the guests laughed heartedly. “As a little girl, I have always wanted to visit Earth but my mother, of course, thought it would be too dangerous. And now, that I am here, I am surprised and overwhelmed by the energy and life that surrounds me. On the Moon, very few changes take place, physical changes, that is. Thus, I am experiencing a whole new way of life here and again, I am tremendously obliged to you all.” Endymion smiled as the beautiful princess spoke. She knew exactly what to say, and her warm presence brought smiles to everyone’s faces. Well, almost everyone, for his father’s expression had not changed a bit. “Consequently, during these harsh and merciless times, let us all be friends and work together. If we unite, the Negaverse will have no chance against u-“ Serenity was cut off as a group of soldiers marched inside the colossal room. They looked fierce in their dark uniforms and lethal swords that hung from their hips. The fragrance of cold air flooded the room. Endymion watched as the warriors marched to his father and one of them handed him a note. His father read it quickly and stood up, sending a soldier toward his son with the note. Serenity and the rest watched in confusion. Kunzite, Jadeite, Nephrite and Zoicite stood as the soldier approached and Endymion did the same as he took the note. He read it thoroughly and let out a breath in frustration. His father called him, and accompanied by his Guard, Endymion left the room. * * * Serenity leaned against the cold wall, her dress and glass slippers still on. She glanced toward the door through which Endymion should have long ago walked out. After he had left the Dining Hall, she and the senshi followed until they were prohibited by the King to come in the War Room. They decided to wait outside. The matter seemed serious for Endymion’s eyes turned dark when he read the note and Serenity felt worry overtake her almost immediately. Jupiter pressed her ear against the door, trying to listen to the men’s conversation. She made a disgusted face and cursed silently. She walked toward the group who were standing several feet away. “The damn door is soundproof.” She said hotly. “The hell with them.” Serenity placed a hand on Jupiter’s shoulder, trying to calm her down even though she herself felt like screaming at the stubborn king. Unexpectedly, the door opened and several men walked out, still talking. The Generals were among them and the princess wanted to ask them what was going on but decided to wait until the prince would join them. She watched the door carefully and frowned when Endymion and the King did not exit the room. She looked at the open door. Having a better a idea, she took a deep breath and walked inside, her expression confident. A gasp escaped her mouth as cold air greeted her. A long table was stationed in the middle of the room. The king sat at one end and the prince at the other. The walls were plastered with hundreds of computers, small screens that radiated blue light and thousands of minuscule buttons. The room was reasonably large, but Serenity still wondered why it was so cold. King Hastol looked up from the papers that lay on the table before him and met the princess’s eyes. Serenity noticed that he looked very tired and frustrated. She curtsied almost nervously and mentally smacked herself. She needed to be confident and oblivious to his cold and always suspicious eyes. “What are you doing here?” Hastol asked her coldly. Endymion turned immediately. He also seemed tired, and Serenity noticed, that in his eyes, sparks of anger made him look almost ferocious…yet, so devilishly handsome. Serenity smiled at the thought, but the smile quickly faded as she once again caught the king’s eyes boring into her. “I came to see what the problem is since I was so rudely told to wait outside.” She said coldly, satisfied with her tone of voice. Hastol needed a taste of his own medicine. She quickly decided it was a bad move. Hastol looked as though he was about to explode. Endymion quickly stood up. “Hastol, may I please speak to Serenity in private?” the prince asked, his voice controlled. Serenity found it strange that Endymion did not call Hastol, father. The king looked outraged, but something kept him back from screaming at the younger man. Without a word, he exited the room, anger visible in his very stride. Endymion mentioned for Serenity to sit and when she did, he looked at her with striking ocean eyes. They were turbulent and the princess felt desperate to find out what had made them so. Silence filled the room and Serenity felt as though she would scream if he would not say anything soon. She did not think that she had to ask what was going on. “Serenity, I have to leave tomorrow.” He said, calmly. The princess’s heart fell all the way down to her toes and she struggled to mentally pick it up because she had trouble breathing. Of all things, she did not think that that would be what he would say! She looked at him steadily, her eyes quivering. “Then I shall go with you.” She stated softly. Endymion smiled at her resolve. He shook his head. “No, you will not. The only ones to accompany me are the Generals.” He replied. Serenity felt like standing up and stomping on his head with her glass slippers until he would realize that he could not leave her behind. He actually thought that she would let him go, without her? “Like hell they are.” She said hotly, her anger rising. Why was she always treated like a child? “What has happened?” Endymion squirmed in his chair, uncomfortably. “The Northern Wing has been affected greatly by the recent attacks. It’s falling apart. Those idiotic commanders have no idea what they’re doing. The Generals and I are going to a certain camp in Trascar that desperately needs straightening up. We are leaving tonight and returning in a week if things go as planned.” Endymion explained patiently. Serenity narrowed her eyes. She was not going to give up without a fight. “I am coming with you.” She said flatly. Endymion’s eyes turned darker than before. “Damn it Serenity!” he exclaimed slamming a fist into the table. He stood up and ran a hand through his hair tensely. “Why do you have to be so stubborn? You will not set foot inside that camp! Understood?” He ordered angrily. Serenity stood up, trying desperately not to let herself falter. She approached him until her face was just inches away from his. “I will not be told what to do.” “Serenity, if anything happens to you, your mother would have my head with a snap of her fingers!” his voice was harsh as he spoke. Serenity’s eyes widened. Is that what he was afraid of? Is that the only reason why he did not want anything to happen to her? She opened her mouth to protest, but Endymion put a hand up to silence her. “That is not the reason why I do not want you in any sort of danger. If anything did happen to you, I would not be able to forgive myself.” The princess felt her anger diminish, but she still had a fight in her. “Fine. Then I shall contact my mother this instant and consult her.” Serenity stated. She knew that if her mother gave her permission, Endymion would not be able to do anything about it. She was just so tired of being treated like a baby. She was not, however, going to lose control of herself. She was Princess Serenity, and damn it, she was known for being serene! Well, most of the time. But that was not the point at that moment. She needed to convince her mother and Endymion to let her go. Endymion looked satisfied. Serenity was convinced that he thought that her mother would never let her go. She herself felt almost the same way. She looked around the room, at the complex computers and controllers, trying to figure which one would allow her to communicate with her mother. She looked at Endymion whose arms were crossed as he leaned his back against the door. “Show me how to contact her.” She said, feeling herself turn hot with embarrassment. Here she was, trying to prove that she was strong enough to face an unorganized camp, but she did not know how to take the first step. Endymion smiled and walked toward the end of the room and switched a few controllers on and off. He typed something in the computer. Serenity watched him intensely, her eyes following his every move. “Destination?” a rather loud computerized voice that was not unlike the speaker in the palace of the Moon Kingdom, questioned. “Selenity, Moon.” Endymion spoke clearly. The largest screen on the wall turned on and to Serenity’s amazement, her mother’s figure appeared on it. “Hello, sweetheart.” Queen Selenity said softly. The sad look that had been visible in her eyes when she had watched her daughter board the craft was still there. It pained Serenity to see her so, but remembering what she had to do, she cleared her throat and spoke. “Hello, mother.” Serenity replied, returning her mother’s smile. “Prince Endymion and I have come across a small problem.” The princess struggled to find the right words. This would be harder than she had realized. The queen looked at her expectantly. Endymion sat on the chair his father had been in and watched the mother and daughter talk. How much they resembled each other, it was amazing. The hair, the eyes, the serene look. However, there was one major difference. Serenity seemed ready to fight, constantly. She was full of life and energy, while her mother seemed tired and sad. Why? Endymion did not know. “You might have heard, that Beryl has attacked the Northern Wing of the Terran Army.” Serenity spoke loudly. The queen nodded. “Endymion has been called to a camp situated in Trascar to organize the now feeble and unsystematic army. I want to go, mother. To help. I am tired of sitting around and doing nothing. I have not been training for nothing.” The princess said slowly. She knew she had no chance. The idea sounded much better before she had actually gone through the process of accomplishing her goal. She felt stupid and childish…having to go to her mother for permission. She knew what was coming. “If you wish to go,” her mother began. “You may.” Serenity’s eyes widened and she looked at Endymion, a triumphal look on her face. He looked a bit taken back, but he regained control of himself extraordinarily quickly . “However, I do not want the senshi to accompany you.” It was now Serenity’s turn to be surprised. Now, this, was ridiculous. Her mother had this much faith in her? Endymion stood up and walked next to her, to face the queen, the screen rather. “Your Highness, I believe that it would be much wiser if Princess Serenity stays here. The camp is very dangerous. Everything is highly unpredictable there. It is not a place for a fragile princess such as your daughter.” Endymion argued. He could not let Serenity go. He did not understand why her mother would let her, especially without her court. Serenity turned to face him. She felt anger reach the very tip of her fingers and she had a very strong desire to slap him. How dare he call her fragile? She’d show him exactly how fragile she was! “Prince Endymion, I know that you are worried for my daughter’s well being, and I appreciate that greatly. However, if she wishes to accompany you, I will not stop her. I do not want the senshi to go with her. You two are safest when together.” The queen explained. Serenity turned to face Endymion, then her mother. “Will you two stop talking as though I am not here!” she protested angrily. However, she felt much better knowing that she was not going to stay locked up in the castle for a whole week. Her frown turned into a smile, and saying good bye to her mother, she left the War Room and headed toward her own. * * * Queen Selenity sat in her daughter’s garden. The night sky was jeweled with stars and off in the dark distance, she could see the beautiful blue Earth. She looked toward it, longing reflected in her blue eyes. “Are you sure I have done the right thing?”, she asked the shadow that stood behind her. “Yes.” “Pluto, you know very well that I do not want to cause my daughter pain.” “Yes, I do, My Queen.” “Then why does she have to go through this?” “I cannot say.” “Then, can you at least tell me if this is the wish of the Fates?” “It is." End Part Four.