Love and Desperation Part Five Author: Moon Sparkle E-mail: lovablegwen@hotmail.com Rated: PG-13 Maybe angels such as Serenity were expected to be peaceful and willing in all matters. If they were, however, Endymion could not place the princess in this category. Perhaps humans such as himself were expected to pour their emotions and desires into one thing that would capture their being and imagination for as long as eternity. If they were, the prince knew that he was one of them. For him, Serenity was this specific thing that an individual so dearly needs to exist, and this was the reason why he did not want her to come with him to the camp in Trascar. He did not want to lose her. A he waited for her to pack and walk out of her chambers, Endymion pondered. He knew very well that absolutely nothing could change Serenity’s mind. She was obstinate. He had learned that much in his four years of knowing her; and only five months of these years were lived in a “relationship”. He remembered, how, before those five months, he tried so hard to stop looking into those beautiful azure eyes of hers, to stop himself falling for her. But, the more he looked, the more he read her. He knew, that she never hid her emotions from him, never kept him in the dark. Light allows one to see, does it not? But then why had his vision been unlimited in the silent darkness of his own soul? She was his only light. She had opened his eyes to see the true colors of life and love. Before her, Endymion recalled, there had been so many others. However, all had been so artificial and no matter how beautiful, how sweet and gentle they were, they could never match the Moon Princess. She had all that and more. Unlimited kindness. A pure, naive soul that could bring a smile to one’s lips without even trying. He had been trying to block this all out. By being involved with other women, he had thought that she would stop preoccupying his mind. She never did. Since that day at the ball, every day had been the same. He tried desperately to block out the secret awareness that he had fallen for her: the famous Moon Princess who had been twelve years old at the time. It had been the perfection that he could so easily see inside and out. Nevertheless, he did not allow his mind to accept the comprehension. As a result, he built a wall of ice around his heart, making himself not know of his clandestine desire to be hers forever. This coldness had scared his mother very much. It also frightened Hastol, but not nearly as much as given him pleasure. The prince’s father thought he knew very well what would happen to Endymion if he would fall for Serenity. He would become mentally weak, or so the king believed. Therefore, he did everything in his power to keep a distance between the two. Yet, as time passed, Endymion had become completely oblivious to Hastol’s orders and actions, teleporting to the Moon almost every week, saying he needed a “respite”. Not even Endymion knew back then that his attraction to the Moon had been Serenity. All he knew was that he had to become a great military leader and a strong fighter. In all, a great king. Little did he know that it would take much more to become a magnificent ruler. However, he admitted that his father was a great leader, but only in military and political terms. Never, ever, in anything else. And now? What was different now that Serenity had accepted and shared his love? In the five months, he became wiser. He opened his eyes, for the first time, and actually saw what the universe was. He had always known that there had been much evil in all of creation, but now he saw how much goodness there was in it as well. His soul became warmer, brighter. Frowning, Endymion shook his head lightly. He knew the reason to all his deep thinking: do not lose Serenity or your soul will once more become ice. If only there was a way to stop her from coming to the camp... But her mother had said: “You are safest when together.” he prince’s troubled ocean eyes stared at the perfectly white wall, unseeing. It seemed as though they were truly searching his mentality for an answer. He just wished he knew the question. hadows invaded his heart as his mind wondered back to the dream he had had the night before. It had been so real, so frightening that for once in his life he had felt helpless. Never, in all of his days, did he want to feel like that again. uddenly, the large door opened and Serenity walked out of her room, her chin raised proudly and determinedly. A long white silky dress hugged her body perfectly and she held a dark cloak in her slender arms. Having forgotten most of his dark thoughts already, Endymion’s gaze fell on her. She did not look at him, obviously upset about the argument they had had in the War Room. Endymion’s heart wanted desperately to comfort her, to make her laugh. But, his mind knew very well that it was not the time. It was too serious of a situation. Without a word, the two walked down the large halls. Endymion stole a fleeting look at Serenity occasionally, reassuring himself that she was still there. He knew it was unnecessary because the clicking of the solid heels of her shoes against the firm marble floor was a reassurance itself. God, he was becoming paranoid already. “When are we departing?” the princess asked as they took a corner toward the Royal Gate. Her voice had been somewhat hard, but Endymion felt that her anger was slowly fading. He tried frantically to enter her mind, but she had blocked herself from him completely. Still, she allowed him to read her, knowing that he didn’t need to enter her mind in order to do so. Her eyes said enough. “Well?” Realizing that he had lost himself in his thoughts again, Endymion looked at her briefly. “In fifteen minutes.” He said. She nodded and her steps faltered briefly as though she was in thought, but realizing that Endymion was ahead of her, she quickened her pace, equaling his once more. “How long will it take us to arrive at Trascar?” Serenity inquired, her voice now back to normal. Endymion felt a trickle of happiness surge through his veins. Her anger was diminishing. “Approximately two hours.” Serenity groaned in nuisance, obviously regretting that they could not teleport. When the couple reached the Royal Gate, the senshi and generals were already present. Serenity winced as she noticed her guards’ worried faces that evidently reflected extreme disapproval. Consideration of staying at the Earth Palace crossed her mind for a split second, and she shook it away horrified at her own thoughts. She would not back down! She will prove how strong and underestimated she really was. “Serenity, all I can say right now is that you are a complete idiot.” Mars snapped angrily as the prince and princess approached them. Serenity had already known it was coming and did not let her guard down. She looked at the senshi of fire with cold blue eyes. “Do not try to change my mind, Mars. I shall go with the prince and his generals to Trascar lest they need my help.” Serenity stated calmly. She felt the eyes of her companions on her and she suddenly had the intention to hide behind one of the enormous pillars that towered over them proudly. No. No, she would not back down now. She found herself wondering why exactly her will to go was so strong. She had not really thought about it before. The princess shook her head slightly in order to clear her mind before mentally slapping herself once more that night. There was no explanation to her actions. She felt like a fool. But did she need an explanation? Was her love and will to be with Endymion at all times not enough? Silence reigned the air for many awkward moments. Nobody knew what to say, for the fear of releasing unnecessary words from their quick tongues. In fact, Serenity had a strong suspicion that they did not speak in dread that they would say something they would regret later. Serenity considered Mars’s words at last. ‘You are a complete idiot’ she had said. Maybe she was, but she felt as though something was encouraging her to go, to risk herself. After all, was Endymion not risking his life also? Serenity knew but too well how treacherous military settlements were. Like the prince had said, they were forever highly unpredictable... No! She would not backpedal! She felt like a foolish little girl. She would not be scared. This was nothing compared to what many others had faced before her. She would be brave and worthy! Worthy of what? Her mind questioned unexpectedly. With a very soft sigh escaping her peach colored glossy lips, Serenity realized that she had absolutely no idea what the answer to that question was. “Why your mother does not want us to go with you, Serenity, I do not know. You are making a thoughtless move, and I do not approve of it by any means. However, it is your will and I wish you safety.” Sailor Venus’s voice was quiet, yet controlled. The other senshi nodded and the princess felt tears forming in her eyes. Why exactly was this such a great transaction? She blinked the tears away. She was *not* a baby. “Thank you.” Serenity uttered clearly. She glanced at the generals. Jadeite looked almost amused, but the rest did not. Her gaze moved to Endymion’s. His blue eyes were hard and his fine jaw was tight. He was the most unhappiest of them all with her decision, Serenity supposed. A loud clank broke the uneasy stillness as King Hastol entered the Gate through the metal doors. He was accompanied by two soldiers and the queen herself. A very ugly scowl contorted his facial features and Serenity felt a slight shiver race down her delicate spine. “You!” the king exclaimed angrily, pointing his index finger at Serenity. She gasped quietly, obviously surprised by his outburst. She stood proudly however, not faltering the slightest bit. “You have gone too far. This is absurd! A military camp is not the place for a woman, never mind a child!” Nobody spoke a word. Queen Galia let out a slight whimper, but bowed her head in defeat. She agreed. Was everybody against her? How dare he call her a child? She was a soldier of the Moon! Her looks were deceiving. She was not just the peaceful princess who almost always dressed in white and spoke softly when around others than her friends. She was a fighter. Serenity looked straight into the angered king’s dark blue eyes calmly. “Sir, I am a warrior.” Hastol scoffed and for the first time in his life, Endymion did not cut in. He did not rescue the princess from his father’s cold presence. Serenity suddenly felt very alone. There was nobody on her side this time, nobody was going to help her through this. “Your Highness! The ship is departing in three minutes, please board!” a soldier called from a tube-like hallway that led to the ship from the Gate. Endymion nodded. “I shall notify you of the conditions at Trascar as soon as I am able to.” The prince said to his father. Serenity looked at her guardians for one quick moment. She had such a strong urge to run into their protective embraces! “No,” she whispered to herself. She gave them a weak smile before accompanying Endymion to walk toward the ship. The four Generals followed silently. As they entered the war craft, they failed to notice once more that a cloaked figure boarded as well. * * * The craft landed heavily and a soft hiss of pressure being released reached Serenity’s ears as she exited. The air was very cold and shivering, she positioned the black cloak that she had been holding, around her slender bare shoulders. The journey had been very ill at ease for her. Endymion had avoided her eyes in every way possible throughout the whole trip. He talked of strategies of war and such with the generals, spreading extensive parchments on the metallic tables and devising cunning plans of attacks. She had not only been bored to tears, but she had felt rejected and all alone as well. She had never thought that she would feel this way around Endymion. Why was he so angry, so distant? Serenity decided once more that she would be strong and not let trivial things such as arguments weaken her. She raised her pretty chin proudly yet again as she walked beside Endymion and watched carefully as men carried their luggage for them. It had become rather dark outside and the sky was enveloped in thick ominous clouds. Serenity’s nose wrinkled slightly as the scent of damp soil, fire smoke and grimy beasts reached her tender nostrils. She squinted her large sparkling blue eyes as to see her surroundings for the reason that it was too dim for her to observe anything closely. She discerned many trees and spots of freezing dirty snow on the frosty ground. She shivered slightly as they walked on and secretly wished that she would be lying in her warm soft bed back at home, on the Moon. The Moon… The princess looked up to see that it was presently covered by the murky clouds. She suddenly felt homesick. When would she go back? Not any time soon, she knew. Serenity sighed wearily. She felt extremely tired and drowsy. Before long, they reached the camp. In the dim light produced by oil lanterns, Serenity could distinguish tired and injured soldiers sitting wherever they could: under trees, beside the small brown tents and next to small fires that crackled softly on the chilly land. Endymion looked extremely angry. “Soldier!” he barked. Serenity’s heart jumped at his tone that had become so suddenly frightening. A young man that had been sitting on a cumbersome chair quickly stood up and hastened to the newly arrived group. “Y-Your Highness!” he saluted and bowed nervously. “We weren’t expecting you, sir!” the soldier exclaimed uneasily. Serenity noticed the fright that radiated from him. She pitied him. But then again, was this not how the army was? Everybody respected the leader. “Princess,” came Nephrite’s drawling voice in her ear. She turned quickly. “Please put the hood of your cloak on. It will be best if the soldiers do not know who you are.” He explained. Serenity nodded and speedily put the hood over her head. She felt her knees starting to weaken. It had been a long day. Endymion’s harsh voice giving orders to the soldier was becoming increasingly distant and Serenity felt her head starting to spin. A loud bestial howl filled her ears before her legs gave up beneath her and everything became black. * * * Serenity awoke to the sound of faint voices that she could not exactly comprehend. She recognized one, maybe two. But her senses were not cooperating and she realized that she did not know where she was. She moved slightly, her muscles protesting furiously. She was lying down on what seemed like a rather hard bed, although the princess wasn’t sure, for she had yet to open her eyes. What had happened? Comprehension rushed to her half-slumbering mind almost too quickly and a soft groan escaped her soft lips as she remembered how she had departed the world of consciousness. She brought a hand up to her forehead, chastising herself mentally. She had fainted! Oh goddess, how could she let herself show such weakness when she had been trying so hard to prove that she was strong? It will not happen again, the princess thought sternly. Realizing that she was most likely in a tent within the camp, Serenity opened her eyes and looked straight ahead to see that she was covered by a thick black blanket. There was little light in the tent and soft discussion captured Serenity’s attention. “As you know, Beryl’s forces attacked Mosble last. General Tertle’s messenger arrived here approximately twenty minutes after the wolves attacked and informed me that the enemy is gradually moving up North. Toward us.” Serenity recognized her prince’s serious tone. He sounded quite exhausted and she felt an urge to run up to him and embrace him tightly, never to let go. But she was to do no such thing. She looked toward the direction of the voices and recognized Endymion, Kunzite and Nephrite standing around a wooden table on which a map was situated. The tent was large compared to the others she had seen outside. She discerned another cot at the other end of the tent and a large trunk positioned next to it. It was chilly and Serenity felt very grateful to the blanket that lay upon her. She moved her head slightly and felt her neck crack quietly. She looked at the men again, her big cerulean eyes resting upon Endymion’s muscular figure. He stopped talking abruptly as he felt Serenity’s eyes on him and he averted his gaze from the map to look at her. She appeared adorably sleepy and very small in the large cot that he had laid her on an hour before. Her long golden hair pooled around her angelic face in two cascades of melted sunshine. Her gorgeous light blue eyes looked back at him curiously and he found it hard to keep back a smile. The two generals followed his gaze and realized that it was their cue to adjourn the meeting. “Princess.” The two greeted politely. She nodded in return. “Do you wish us to leave, My Lord?” Kunzite asked with a perceptive smile playing on his lips. Endymion looked at him and nodded. “Yes. Please return to your tents and sleep. We need rest for I’m afraid we will have a long week before us. We shall resume our discussion tomorrow morning,” the prince articulated. The generals bowed and marched out of the tent. Serenity made no attempt to sit up. She realized that she felt fairly tired, even after sleeping. She became aware once again of Endymion’s presence and she inhaled deeply, waiting for his lecture for her inability to stay mindful. But the prince did no such thing. Instead, he strode toward her and sat on the cot effortlessly. Serenity felt the mattress give beneath his weight and looked at him. His raven black bangs carelessly fell over his weary sea-blue eyes and the princess reached to brush them away with graceful delicate fingers. He smiled and closed his eyes wearily as she cupped his face with one hand. “What happened?” Serenity asked silently, even though she knew what had occurred. Endymion opened his eyes and looked at the princess, stroking her rosy cheeks with his fingers. He sighed softly. “The White Wolves attacked the camp, Angel. You fainted right when they appeared,” he explained gently. A blush crept up to her cheeks before Serenity’s brow puckered slightly in small surprise. “That’s what the howl was…” she mumbled quietly to herself. “What are The White Wolves?” she inquired as she sat up and took Endymion’s hand into hers, caressing it gently with her tender fingers. He seemed so tired, and so frustrated. Serenity found herself starting to regret her decision. Like she had thought on the Moon, maybe she was a hindrance? Oh, by Selene she hoped not! She could not let herself fall weak again. She wanted to help, not to impede the process of advancing on the Negaverse. Through inviting lips, Endymion let out an exhausted breath. He wanted to recline back and fall asleep, but he was afraid of crushing the frail princess. “The forest that surrounds us here is the home of a species of wolves that often attack the camp during winter to feed. They are extremely beautiful creatures, but awfully dangerous,” The prince elucidated. He was quiet for a moment as if in thought, and suddenly, he looked at Serenity with fierce, hard eyes. She winced under his look and wanted to slap him for it, but she let go of his hand instead and returned the gaze. What was troubling him? “One thing I want to make clear now, Serenity.” He said harshly. “Do not leave the tent without me or one of the Generals by your side. It is too dangerous outside, particularly the forest. When you do exit, cover yourself with the cloak that you have brought. There is no need for the soldiers to know who you are. They have not seen a woman for many months and they may harm you.” Serenity’s eyes widened in protest and she gasped, squirming under the heavy blanket that covered her lower body. Unexpectedly, she felt too hot for comfort and she felt the impulse to stand up and start yelling at the prince. Why were all men of the Royal Earth Line so stubborn and so cold? She felt anger once again filter her veins and had it not been for years of proper training as a princess, she would have brutally hit Endymion’s handsome face. How dare he? She felt like a prisoner! For the first time in many years, Serenity’s self control triumphed. She shot him a piercing look. “We shall see about that,” came her response through gritted teeth. Endymion stood and walked to his side of the tent. “I do not understand why you wanted to come with me in the first place, Serenity.” He said, his voice unbelievably calm. “I am sure there must be a way I can help.” She said quietly. The prince shook his head, causing Serenity’s previously reduced irritation, to increase. Filled with fury and hurt, Serenity lowered herself and turned on her left side, facing away from him and toward the sturdy side-flap of the tent which shuddered against the stabbing wind that blew powerfully outside. Hot tears welled up in her eyes and she closed them painfully, feeling very alone. In the comforting darkness behind her eyelids, Serenity registered the feeble light being turned off. She heard the snaps of clasps on Endymion’s armor being unfastened and she blushed hotly, realizing that she was a princess in a man’s room in which he was stripping off his clothes. She also perceived the sound of the prince wearily lying down in his own cot before she fell once again in slumber’s soothing embrace. * * * Endymion arose instantly at the sound of his soldiers’ morning drills led by Jadeite’s highly spirited nature. He sighed heavily, thinking about the day that was already threatening to be relatively strenuous. The prince shivered slightly as he pushed himself off the bed with a small effort. He rushed to his trunk, retrieving a dark colored attire which he rapidly covered with his protective armor. He moved swiftly, and suddenly froze as his stormy eyes rested upon the cot across the room in which an angel slept. His heart plummeted painfully. He knew he was crushing her heart every time that he behaved so harshly toward her, but he also knew that it was the only way she would listen to him. Or maybe she would not. Either way, he could not risk his authority being underestimated by her or she would not take it seriously and wander into danger. Endymion smiled. It was her nature. He looked at her peacefully sleeping figure. Even in the somewhat rough cot, she looked like royalty. Her arms were gracefully resting above her head on the pillow and the dark blankets that were supposed to keep her fragile body warm were carelessly pushed down to her waist, revealing the contrasting white dress that left her slender shoulders bare. Her face was turned from him and Endymion approached her cot softly. Her lips were slightly parted and her eye lashes fluttered softly against her cheeks. He bent down and placed a butterfly kiss on her dove cheeks before carefully pulling the blankets up to her lovely neck. The prince smiled sweetly and felt the urge to hold her in his protective embrace. He landed another whisper soft kiss on her pretty cheeks and felt his heart melt as her lips curved into a sweet smile that, he knew, only belonged to him. Kunzite’s commanding bark outside the tent startled Endymion and he hastened out of the tent, leaving the princess inside sleeping serenely. As he stepped outside, the chilly air invited him with a almost pleasant hit and the prince inhaled deeply, letting the morning’s oxygen soothe his tired lungs. The sky was still dark as the sun had not risen yet, resulting the atmosphere to drip with a wet sense of threat. Endymion spotted his High General standing next to Jadeite who was still giving drills to the soldiers who had yet to wake up their senses. The prince turned to look at the guards who stood on each side of the tent’s entrance, bearing weary expressions on their young faces. “Nobody goes in, she does not come out. Do I make myself clear?” Endymion said in a authoritative voice. “Yes, Highness,” the soldiers responded in unison. Endymion nodded satisfied, and made his way toward his Generals. Kunzite greeted him immediately and they both turned their attention to the blonde General. “Let’s go ladies!” Jadeite yelled to the warriors. “Five hundred pushups without pause! And fast, we do not have all day! Let’s go, let’s go!” The men hastened to the ground to commence their exercises as Jadeite turned to Endymion, scowling. “They’re as useless now as they would be dead. I have never seen a regiment this poorly trained. I do not know what Flapston was thinking when he supposedly “trained” these awful men.” He sighed, irritated, and suddenly grinned boyishly to the two men who stood before him. “How’s the princess, Endymion?” he asked the prince. “Sleeping,” came the short reply and Jadeite grinned again, more widely now. “Kept her awake, did you Endy?” the blonde teased and winked before skillfully ducking from Endymion’s dangerous blow. Kunzite smiled. “Honestly, you two. We are here to discipline an immature army and you, yourselves, are acting as though you are children. Behave,” he scolded slightly, but a hint of amusement hung in his tone. Jadeite chuckled and with a twinkle in his eyes, looked at Endymion who stared daggers his way. A cold breeze blew past them and they all shivered slightly, but straightened as business settled forcefully into their minds. Jadeite called the chief officer and left him in charge of the soldiers before the trio headed toward the generals’ tent where Nephrite and Zoicite were already seated at a table, tracing maps and devising plans. “How are we doing on the southern frontlines, Nephrite?” Endymion asked as he balanced his fists on the table, leaning toward the map. Nephrite’s tired eyes looked at his prince. “Not too well, my lord. We are losing men extremely quickly. We are suspecting that Beryl has found a new way to battle with her dark arts,” the dark-haired general informed. He traced a line with his finger on the map at which they all gazed. “The Negaverse has advanced two thousand miles in three days by foot,” Nephrite stated grimly. Endymion let out a heavy breath, softly blowing the black bangs off his forehead. He looked down at the map, pessimistic thoughts racing through his mind. Beryl was advancing rapidly and despite the Terran army’s extreme efforts, they had not impeded her progress, much less stopped it. Oh Angel, Endymion pleaded, pray that we win this wretched war. * * * Big sparkling light blue eyes opened to stare at a grimy ceiling made out of a certain type of plastic. They blinked once, twice, before the princess jumped up with a gasp. Where was everyone? Serenity struggled to untangle herself from the many blankets that had covered her throughout the nippy night and almost lost her balance as she set herself free. She looked down at herself, realizing that she was attired in the thin dress that she had put on the day before and shuddered violently as the icy air bit her tender skin unmercifully. She rushed to change into a dress that was more suitable for the weather and also slipped into her black cloak. She looked around her again, eyeing a tray on which food lay. She felt very tempted to wolf it all down, but restrained her desire and unconsciously fixing her hair, headed toward the tent’s exit. Alarm bells started ringing in her mind as she remembered Endymion’s orders. But she drove them out with a slight shake of her head and stepped outside. She almost ran back in when the cold air caused her skin to tingle. However, she stood straight and stepped forward, only to be stopped by a gentle hand. She yelped quietly and turned around rapidly, finding herself face to face with a young soldier. She noticed that he drew in a sharp breath as he saw her face and loosened his grip. “I’m sorry Princess, but I have been given strict instructions to ensure that you do not leave this tent without an escort,” he said quietly. Serenity smiled kindly before answering. “Do you mean that I need an escort to accompany me to the lavatory? I think not. Do not worry, I shall make sure that you will not be punished.” Her reply was considerate, yet superior. The young man shifted uncomfortably. “But, Pri-“ He started, but was cut off as the girl strode away, her hood hiding the beautiful features of her face. Serenity walked quickly, not really sure where she was going. She truly did need to use the lavatory, but decided to put that off until later. She looked around, realizing that she, indeed, was the only female inside and within miles of the camp. The soldiers were training, Serenity supposed. Grunts and yelps could be heard from the northern part of the camp where the fields stretched out continuously. Instinctively, she held her hood from falling back as she looked up at the heavens, closing her eyes and letting the sky’s integrity wash her worries and painful thoughts away. Endymion pierced her mind again. She could have sworn that he had kissed her cheeks earlier, but maybe it was just a dream. Serenity frowned. She missed him terribly; the way he looked at her, the way he teased her lips with his before embracing her sweet form and holding her close and the way that he always let her know he loved her. She was not receiving much of that lately, but she knew why. War always stole away happiness and love from the strongest people, no matter how bonded they were. Serenity felt her heart fill with hatred toward the woman that had started this catastrophe five months before. Beryl. The heartless monster who would do anything to attain the prince of Earth. Serenity’s prince. “Nice,” a rough voice drawled in her ear. Serenity gasped at the realization that she had let the hood fall off her head. Her eyes came back into focus and she turned around, allowing a startled gasp escaping her lips. A reasonably old soldier stood before her, a lustful smile on his ugly face. Serenity hastened to cover her head once more, but he clutched her wrist painfully, making her hands become numb. Serenity glared. “How dare you? Sir, remove your dirty hands from mine this instant!” she ordered, a menacing expression on her usually peaceful face. The man laughed and without warning, placed a solid hand on the princess’s mouth. She tried to scream, but it was impossible. She looked around her, but the camp looked deserted with everyone training in the fields. Serenity’s heart thumped painfully in her chest and she found herself having trouble breathing as the man dragged her toward the forest, which was only a couple of hundred feet away from them. Had all these years of training been nothing but games? Why could she not break free from a wretched man’s grasp? She had killed dangerous monsters, for Selene’s sake! The man chuckled at Serenity’s attempts to break free. She kicked and punched, but all to no avail. She tried desperately to reach out to Endymion’s mind, but he was too far away. As he dragged her deeper into the forest, Serenity felt her need for air become dire. The soldier’s hand blocked her nostrils and kept her mouth shut. As he was slowly killing her, he cackled evilly. What was a man like this doing in Endymion’s army? Finally, they stopped and the princess looked at her surroundings through eyes blurred with unshed tears. The trees were very dense and they hung low, as though they were giant hands that could easily crush any being smaller than them. The man violently threw her to the ground and Serenity drank the air hungrily. Pain registered in her mind without delay and she groaned softly as she realized that something was broken. The man whistled admiringly as he looked at her attractive figure and she glowered at him. Realizing that she was now free, Serenity stood and reached in the small pocket of her cloak for her transformation brooch, finding nothing. Her eyes widened as dreadful revelation hit her. She had pinned it on the dress that she had been wearing the night before and had forgotten to take it with her when she left the tent. “Well, my, my, my. Who could have ever guessed that Prince Endymion had something like you hidden in his tent? Mighty handsome, isn’t he?” The man spoke, his voice dripping with evil delight. With great difficulty, Serenity pushed herself up. Her leg objected immeasurably, but she ignored it. She had to figure out a way to get out of this mess. The soldier advanced on her and Serenity limped back. Without warning, he lunged himself at her and the princess thanked Selene for all her years of training, as she moved out of the way just in time, leaving the man to fall on his face. Grasping her opportunity, Serenity took off, limping through the snowy trees. She let out a cry as her cloak caught itself to a branch and she struggled to free herself. Unluckily, the man had been trained well also, and he rapidly rose to his feet, running after her with a roar fleeing his throat. “Poor pretty princess,” hissed a wicked voice. Serenity looked up and almost screamed at the sight. A woman dressed in a long shimmering ebony dress that hung to her like a second skin, hovered before her. She had wild hair, the color of blood and her malevolent eyes matched it perfectly. Serenity sensed the extreme evil that radiated from the woman and she knew immediately who it was. “Beryl.” She breathed, finally becoming loose of the branch. Hatred poured into her heart lavishly and she stared at the woman with icy eyes. She heard the man’s quick steps near and she felt a very strong impulse to run. But she couldn’t. She was standing in front of Beryl who was hovering before her. “Good. Very Good.” Beryl mocked. The man ultimately appeared and he stared at the sight, mouth open in frozen shock. Beryl looked at him briefly and with a wave of her clawed fingers, the man disappeared with a bloody scream echoing behind him. Serenity stared in fright at the space where he had stood, but turned her gaze back to the evil Queen who seemed as though she was having the time of her life. “Perfect,” she purred. She lowered herself down to Serenity’s level, but the princess still had to look up slightly to see her face. The queen smelled of death, and Serenity felt as though she would be sick. She wanted to turn and run, but she knew that she should be strong. Beryl brought her hand up to Serenity’s face and traced a line on her cheek with her deadly nails. “Even more beautiful in person, I see.” She spat. “Well, that shall not last for long, dear Princess. Endymion shall be mine in the end. However, I need to rid him of you first.” “Never,” the princess spat back. She was becoming very aggravated with this woman’s nerve. Beryl laughed. “Farewell, Princess.” Serenity frowned, knowing that this would be the end if she was not going fight back. Her eyes widened as Beryl’s arms raised above her head, evil contorting her potentially beautiful face. A snarling bark interrupted Beryl, however, and both women looked behind her. Serenity’s heart jumped a mile as her eyes settled on three gorgeous white creatures. She knew that she should have been scared of their threatening fangs which they demonstrated dexterously, but she could not. They were so beautiful. Large graceful paws touched the frozen ground effortlessly and luxuriant tails erected behind them. Their coats were the color of the freshest snow and they sparkled in the morning sunlight. Serenity knew what they were. White Wolves. Unexpectedly, the wolf furthest on the right lunged himself at Beryl who screamed as its fangs dived into the skin of her scrawny arm. Serenity knew that the opportunity to flee was hitting her in the face, but she stood her ground. A deafening howl filled her ears as another wolf jumped on Beryl, ripping the flesh of her leg. The queen screamed a piercing cry and in a wave of black roses, disappeared. Serenity let out a uneasy breath and looked at the three wolves that stood before her. She did not know whether to flee or to stay, but she did know that she was not frightened by these beautiful creatures. They had saved her life after all, had they not? Suddenly, the three wolves formed a line before the princess and she gasped as they lowered their graceful heads into a bow. She felt confused, but comforted. “Thank you,” she whispered shakily. “It was our duty, Princess.” A serene female voice replied. Serenity’s head shot up and looked around her, frantically trying to find the source of the voice. “Do not be frightened, your highness. It was I, Anjuli, who spoke.” The same voice articulated and the princess looked at the creatures before her. “I-I am hallucinating,” she stammered, but the wolf in the middle shook her beautiful head. “You are not,” she said softly. “We have been waiting for your arrival for decades.” Serenity could not believe her ears. A *wolf* was talking to her. She staggered backwards, hearing voices of men approaching. She supposed that they had heard the screams and howls from the location. She did not know what to say. “Why have you been waiting for my arrival?” Serenity asked, her azure eyes fixed on the striking beasts. “I am sorry, princess. But it is not in my power to tell you. You shall find out for yourself, I believe. For the remainder of the time of your stay here, at Trascar, Acnili and Arob shall guard the camp. Beryl could be back any time because she has found a way to break the teleportation block field that surrounds the camp.” Anjuli spoke softly, nodding to the two wolves at her sides. Serenity nodded, thousands of questions still swimming in her mind. She did not know why, but she felt a very strong bond between her and the creatures. A loud sound of swords being drawn attracted her attention and Serenity looked behind the creatures and almost ran. Endymion stood behind Anjuli, his handsome face bearing an expression of worry and anger. His bangs hung in his tempestuous eyes and his breathing was heavy. His Generals stood behind him, all holding large, fatal swords. The prince looked ready to severe the wolves’ heads off and Serenity rushed toward him. A low growl rolled from the throat of the wolf named Acnili, and she tried to nip at Endymion leg. The prince kicked at her, and Serenity protested. “Endymion, Acnili. Stop it. You are not enemies!” Serenity exclaimed. She moved between them, spreading her arms. She looked at Endymion, her eyes pleading. He looked utterly confused. “Serenity, please. The wolves can not understand you!” Endymion said through gritted teeth. The princess shook her head violently. “Please, do sheathe your swords. Endymion, please, let us talk about this.” She begged, her blue eyes filling with burning tears. Reluctantly, Endymion lowered his sword. He looked at Serenity, anger licking his ocean eyes. “To my tent, now.” He said coolly. “But, I-“ “Now.” Serenity looked at the beautiful wolves and thanked them once again with a watery glance. Without a word, she walked between Endymion and his Generals toward the camp. With a heavy heart, she knew that a long tongue lashing would follow her arrival to the tent. End Part Five. A.N. Oookay, hope you liked it! I know Endymion is being sort of a jerk here, but you all know he hates it. He just has to be that way in order for Serenity to listen. Take her personality into consideration. ;)