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	   	      Written by Avanla Mireille

Book Three, Chapter Six - "Entropy"
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	A year past, a blur of events. An election for new councilmen
was held, most re-elected, although new faces graced the board. Kunzite
and Mina finally married, and she moved into the Ielaquian palace. I 
didn't see her very often, but we still kept correspondence. She was 
also pregnant again, just starting her fifth month. Artemis and Setsuna
also had a child, a girl named Sariane, a baby with all her mother's dark
attributes, except her hair was more dark silver than green, and Setsuna 
was too expecting her second. Lady Moleara and Lord General Nephlite 
had another child, a boy named Jurian, also with his mother's attributes. 
	
	And me? I was still very much in love with Endymion, and very
much alone.

	Endymion and Elaina were not expecting, nor did they have any
children. Want to know why? Because Elaina was barren. Yes, the worst
possible thing for a king's wife to be. That meant no heir, and I wasn't
about to give him mine. My children were growing beautifully, Cairan 
looking like his father more each day. Caitriona looked the same as her
father, yes, but she had uncharacteristic curly hair, mounds of plush 
ringlet curls. And I loved it, knowing their was something de la 
Teratariarc in her. My grandmother had, had curly hair, as did my 
brother, Anvier. 

	But something strange was happening. Mysterious raids of
villages, cattle, food, imports vanishing. It was a nuisance at first,
but it grew to something greater, something that changed life for all
of us.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

	Endymion paced in his office, blowing off steam from a fight
his wife and he had, had. They were all on edge, learning that Elaina
was barren. Of course it was a blow to Endymion, who would succeed him?
Every little thing set her off, especially the mention of Serena, which
he had foolishly done.

	"You love her, don't you?" She had said.

	"No, I did once, but it's over. You're the one I love Elaina."
He pleaded with her. "If I loved Serena, I'd be with her right now. But
I don't, I'm here with you. And that's the way it shall be forever. I
will never betray you Elaina."

	"I know." She shook her head, backing towards the exit. "But 
will you ever love me?"

	And with that she had stalked out of the room, leaving Endymion
to his own. He loved Elaina!

	'Do I?' He thought, grabbing his chin in a thoughtful pose.

	"Oh, I don't know anymore!" He yelled, annoyed. The door opened
suddenly, and Jedeite came through.

	"Good day your majesty." He said, setting down a bunch of papers
on Endymion's desk.

	"Thanks." Endymion sighed, sitting down.

	"What's wrong Sire?" Jedeite asked.

	"Elaina." Endymion shook his head.

	"Oh." Jedeite sighed, leaning against the desk. Endymion stopped
his work, throwing down his pencil.

	"What am I supposed to do?" He asked, and Jedeite smirked.

	"You're asking the wrong general." He chuckled. 

	"Why must women be so confusing?" Endymion pushed his hands
threw his hair. "Like this isn't hard on me either?"

	"Well, what can you do?" Jedeite sighed, and Endymion looked
up at him.

	"Is that the best you got, 'what can you do?'" Endymion said.
Jedeite shrugged, placing the last of the papers onto his desk.

	"What do you expect from me, a psalm?" Jedeite said, causing
Endymion to laugh. "But seriously, just take her out for a nice picnic,
somewhere serene, where it can be just the two of you."

	"Alright Jedeite, thanks for your, advice, I suppose I could 
call it." Endymion said and Jedeite smiled, walking out of the room.

	"A picnic. Hmm, not a bad idea." Endymion nodded his head, 
jumping out of the room in the direction of their quarters.


	The room was quiet, the only light a torch mounted on the wall.
It flickered lazily, only lighting half of the stone room. The door 
opened and a thirty some year old man entered, and looked around the
darkness.

	"You wanted to see me?" Feet shuffled, and a quiet voice 
answered him back.

	"Yes, it's time, tell our accomplice he can make his move."
It said.

	"As you wish, your highness." The man bowed, exiting the room
quickly. The sound of metal against metal echoed in the room, and 
something gold reflected off the torch's light, the sword twisting 
around in lithe hands. A small laugh escaped pale lips, echoing through
the stone room.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

	Two days later Endymion took Elaina to a small lake north of
the palace. It was nestled seep within the green shrubbery, an ideal place
when you want to be left alone. 

	Elaina lay face down on the a rock perched half on land and 
half in water, her long hair just touching its cool surface. She swirled
her hand across the surface of the water, making designs. Endymion
watched from the bank, leaning against an apple tree.

	"Finally." She sighed.

	"Finally what?" Endymion asked.

	"Finally some peace and quiet. Finally just us." She sat upright,
holding out her hand to him. Endymion pushed himself off the tree, and
joined her on the rock, taking her in his arms. 

	"I'm sorry I've made you feel left out, but I hope you can 
understand I've been busy." He said. "And the fact that this isn't easy
on me either."

	"I understand, being a king is a full time job." She smiled
ruefully. "I feel, so useless, like I've disappointed you."

	"No Elaina," He shook his head. "You could never disappoint me.
There are other jobs for a queen then producing an heir, you know that.
And you're not just a queen to me, you're my wife. I love you, and 
we'll find a way, I'll just make someone else my heir. Everything will
be fine. I'm going to have a lot of children to pick from soon." He 
chuckled and kissed her sweetly, roaming his hands through her soft 
hair. Suddenly they heard a noise in the foliage, and looked to see 
three guards and a rider come out of the green. Endymion stood up and 
helped Elaina up as well. 

	"Yes?"

	"Sire, there's been a horrible misunderstanding throughout the
council. They're up roaring, demanding answers. Lord General Kunzite wishes
you to come immediately, for he fears they'll revolt." He announced, and
Endymion moaned, turning to his wife.

	"Elaina..."

	"It's alright." She smiled weakly. "Go, but I wish to stay till
the afternoon, if you don't need me."

	"I'll stay behind and watch her, if you wish me to." Volunteered
the rider.

	"Alright." Endymion nodded. "You two stay with her as well,
you come with me." He turned back to Elaina, giving her a quick goodbye
kiss.

	"I'm sorry, I'll see you soon." He said.

	"Goodbye." Elaina called after him, as they disappeared into
the foliage. She walked back into the water, aware of the uncomfortable
stares of the guards, and the absence of her love.


	"Ielaquians have been spotted in the south east of Besunta.
But it's only a small number, no more than twenty men." Broc announced
as he, Anthony, Artemis and Serena talked in the throne room.

	"Not much of a threat." Anthony shrugged. "Maybe they're 
training or something."

	"And Endymion's just taking advantage of your friendship,
invading out land and using it." Added Artemis. Serena played with her
pen, placing it in her mouth.

	"What should we do?" Artemis asked. After a moment of consideration
Serena sighed, shaking her head.

	"I don't know. I'm too involved with Endymion to make any
decisions." She stood up slowly, and walked over to them. "I don't want
to start something that could end up dangerous."
	
	"But if you don't, the same thing could happen." Broc countered.

	"Just, just watch them closely. And if they do anything suspicious
confront them, and keep me posted on everything they do." Serena said.

	"Yes, your majesty." They bowed and walked out of the room.
Serena sighed, looking out the window. "What are you up to Endymion?"


	Endymion and the guard pulled up to the palace and ran inside to
find Kunzite. They found all the generals in the study, checking over
their days work.

	"What happened?" Endymion asked breathlessly. Kunzite looked
up at him surprised, then raised an eyebrow questionably.

	"What are you doing here?" Kunzite asked, putting his pen down.
"Aren't you supposed to be on a little vacation?"

	"Yes, but a message was sent to me, saying there'd been a brawl
in the council."

	"Endymion, I have no clue what you're talking about." Kunzite
shook his head.

	"But then wh-" He stopped suddenly, eyes wide with realization.

	"Endymion?"

	"Oh no...Elaina!" Endymion raced out of the room, his generals and
five guards not far behind.

	They rushed back to the lake, which took fifteen minutes, and found 
the little lake empty, like no one had even been there.

	"Elaina!" Endymion called out. "Elaina!!"

	"There's no one here." Jedeite said. Kunzite came up and touched
Endymion's shoulder.

	"And we're not going to find anyone just standing here." He
said, and Endymion nodded.

	"I know." He said. "Kunzite, Jedeite and I will double back on
the road and see if we can find anything, Zoycite, Nephlite, and the 
rest of you go up the road." 

	"Alright." They agreed, going their separate ways. They rode
down the road in complete silence, concentration glued on finding 
anything.

	"Wait!" Jedeite stopped his horse and jumped off to the side of
the road. He bent down and picked up a piece of tattered pink silk, the
color of Elaina's dress. They looked at each other only for a moment,
before barging into the forest. It ended shortly, to reveal a brown
cliff with a view of the other mountains. They walked to the edge, the
wind wiping their hair.

	"Look." They all looked over to Jedeite, who had his gaze down
below. Endymion looked down, to find the bodies of his queen and the 
two guards strewn on the far rocks below. He ran his hand over his 
forehead, falling to his knees.

	They stayed there even as Nephlite and Zoycite came, even as
the wind and temperature become more chilling, and even as the sun 
began to dip behind the far mountain top. They were afraid to move him,
afraid to say anything, but made sure that he did not try to join his
bride down below. 

	"Who could have done this?" Nephlite asked quietly.

	"The only person with any reason would be the empress, but, she
would never do something like this." Zoycite said. "Right?"

	"She did say the only way to make things right was if the queen
were dead." Jedeite added.

	The setting sun suddenly shone upon something, and the blinding
reflection danced in Kunzite's eyes. He looked over to his right, to a
place above them where an outcropping popped out of the mountain side.
Something shinny was stuck in the ground, and he shielded his eyes from
the glare.
	
	"What is that?" He said and they all looked over.

	"I'll go see." Zoycite volunteered, climbing up. Endymion stood
up as he descended back down, and he reached out and grabbed the sword
Zoycite offered him. He turned it over in his hands, an unbelieving
look upon his face.

	"Isn't that-"

	"Go and get Queen Elaina and the guards from the bottom." Endymion
interrupted Zoycite, looking at the guards. He then turned o his generals,
his knuckles white from gripping the sword so tight. 
	
	"We're going to Alvediaca, immediately."

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

	Serena sat reading a book outside in the open sunshine while her 
children played with blocks beside her. 

	"Your highness!" Serena looked up to see Lita sprinting up the
path.

	"Lita, what is it?" Serena asked as she finally stopped in front
of her.

	"Endymion's here!" She announced, and Serena dropped her book.

	"Hurry, get the children inside!" Serena ordered, and Lita
nodded, picking them up and scurrying into the palace. Serena watched
as Endymion and the generals came storming up the path, their armor
and swords clanging loudly. As Endymion neared, Serena could see the
disgusting look upon his face, one of anger she had never seen before.
He stopped in front of her finally, and they stared each other down for
a moment, before her exploded.

	"Why did you do this!?" He demanded, and Serena racked her
brain for what she did.

	"Did what?"

	"Kill Elaina!"

	"What are you talking about? I didn't kill her!" Serena shook
her head, standing up. Endymion wretched the sword from his side, and
threw it at her feet. Serena bent down and picked it up, carefully
twirling it in her hands.

	"The Dynasty Sword? Why, what are you doing with this?"

	"It was embedded in the ground at my wife's murder scene. But 
of course you would know that. But what *I* want to know is why you 
would kill her?!" He yelled.

	"I didn't kill your queen!" Serena yelled back. "Someone must 
have taken the sword, I swear I saw it this morning."

	"How could you?"

	"Would you listen, Endymion I-"

	"You shall pay for this Serena!" He exclaimed, and with that
marched away. Nephlite turned around, staring at Serena for a moment.

	"Nephlite." Serena begged, but he just turned around and
followed his king. Moments later Lita and Rei came up behind her,
and they all watched them disappear.

	"What just happened?" Lita asked. Serena looked down at the
Dynasty Sword, and then to Endymion's back, shaking her head.

	"I don't know."

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

	Misunderstandings are the most horrible thing in the entire
world. 
	
	We found out that the Dynasty Sword had been replaced with a 
fake, so somebody had stolen it, and made me the main suspect. I hadn't
killed Elaina, even though I thought of it many times. I could feel
Endymion's hatred, and I pictured him staring at my country from his, 
anger flaring from his eyes. I sent many letters trying to explain, but
he never even budged. So two questions were left, who killed Elaina, 
and who stole my sword? Could it be two, or one in the same? I didn't 
know, and I hoped I never would. I just hoped everything would just 
fade away...but, it never does.


	The sun shone brightly over the land, the warmth of the dry 
season putting everyone at ease. Well, almost everyone. Trade between 
Alvediaca and Ielaque was almost non-existent, and there were brawls 
all across the border, sentries having to be sent from both side. Like 
I said, when you're lost you become afraid, hostile, and both of us 
were more lost than ever. You could feel it in the air, the tension and 
expectancy, everyone waiting to see who would break first. They didn't 
have to wait long.

	"Yes?" Serena asked, as Broc, Artemis and Anthony approached
her.

	"Well, there's no easy way to put this." Artemis began.

	"We found out what the Ielaquian troops were up to." Anthony 
added. They were silent then, and Serena's questionable look turned to
one of worry.

	"What is it?" They looked at each other, reluctance in all their
faces. "Broc?"

	"Maybe you should just come and see." He said.

	They rode not too far away from the palace, to a graveyard made
for the royals of Alvediaca. The carriage stopped, and Broc helped 
Serena out. 

	"Why are we here, tell me what's going on!" Serena demanded.

	"Well," He looked over to their right reluctantly, and Serena
followed his gaze. From a rafter, four bodies hung by their necks. But
they had been long dead, dug from the ground, their flesh hanging off
their bones. Serena's breath caught in her throat, and she grabbed onto
Broc's hand.

	"Is that, is that-"

	"Yes, it's your family. They've been dug up, and the Ielaquian
soldiers have vanished." He said. Serena could feel herself losing
control, as she stared into the blank eye sockets of her mother, hearing
her scream. The whole world spun around her, her heart having a hard
time beating.

	Serena collapsed to her knees, throwing up. Broc was immediately
beside her, his hand on her shuddering back. Her eyes glazed over, her
breath coming out in short rasps. 

	"Endymion..." She coughed out, digging her fingers into the 
ground. "ENDYMION!"

	"Serena, come, please." Broc begged, practically lifting her
up and putting her in the carriage. He wiped his brow, glancing at
Artemis and Anthony as they came to stand beside him.

        "What should we do with, with them?" Anthony asked Broc, pointing
to the bodies. He looked up at them, tears brimming in his eyes.

        "Burn them." Broc shook his head, hopping into the carriage.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

	"Do you think this is wise?" Artemis yelled, as they rode quickly
through the Mordre Forest, located in Ielaque. Serena shook her head, 
pushing Claudissa faster.

	"It does not matter whether it is wise or not, it is what I
must do." She replied. "He has shamed us and he shall pay for it!"

	"How can you kill the father of your children?" Artemis
questioned. Serena looked at him, then back in front of her.

	"He killed me first." 

	
	They arrived a half an hour later, and they stormed into the 
palace. Serena was dressed in a red outfit with baggy pants and a long 
sleeved mid-drift, the sleeves cut on the top side, revealing her creamy 
skin. A headdress wrapped around her forehead, with two oval shapes on 
the sides of her head, and a long train. A sword rested at her side, held
tightly by a golden belt and sheath, and a bow and arrows slung over her 
shoulder.


	Endymion sat going over papers as usual, when the doors were
flung open. Serena came barging in with Artemis, Anthony and Broc, all
their swords raised. Even though the generals were excellent swordsmen,
they had the element of surprise, and soon Artemis, Anthony and Broc
had them cornered, defenseless. Mina turned around and gasped, almost
dropping the cup she held.

	"Serena?" She said, but Serena paid her no heed. She marched
straight up to Endymion, not taking her gaze away from him.

	"You shamed my country, now I will destroy yours." She seethed,
Endymion standing up.

	"What are you talking about?" He said. Serena drew out her
sword, holding it to his throat. Endymion swallowed, looking her in the
eyes.

	"No! Serena don't!" Kunzite stepped foreword, but Broc held 
him back. Serena faltered, releasing and tightening her grip on the sword.
She looked into Endymion's eyes, seeing her son and daughter. She dropped
the sword, but didn't put it away. 

	"I trusted you, I loved you, but the only thing I feel for you
now is hate." She threw down a medallion with both their symbols, a sign
of their allegiance that they had formed long ago. 

	"If it's a war you want, than it's a war you shall get." She gave
him one last look, before turning around.

	"Serena wait!" He called out, and she turned on her heels. She 
grabbed the bow and an arrow, aimed, and let it fly. It sank deep into
Endymion's arm, and he cried out in pain. Mina gasped, covering her son's
eyes.

	"Never address me so again, you have lost all right. I am
Imperial Empress Serena de la Teratariarc, and I am your enemy."

	"Serena, what are you doing?" Mina said. Serena turned to her, 
putting away her sword.

	"You're coming with me, Mina." Serena said, but Mina shook her
head.

	"Serena, no I-"

	"Mina! Will you betray me once again because of him!?" Serena 
screamed. "NOW!!" Mina swallowed, looking at Kunzite.

	"Mina..." He breathed, fighting against Broc. Mina nodded,
grabbing her son's hand and walking past Serena and out the doors. Serena
looked once more at Endymion, who held his injured arm. They looked at
each other, but Serena just shook her head. With that she motioned to 
her men, and they left in a furry of swords and silk.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-	


	Serena stood in the Throne Room staring out one of the ceiling
length windows. Her council of Broc, Artemis, and Anthony sat behind her,
patiently waiting for her to begin.

	"I never thought this day would come, when war would knock on
my doorstep. I thought I could control things like this, especially 
with my allies. But this is a matter that cannot be forgotten. Endymion
has disgraced us, disgrace *my* family. And I do believe I've set in
motion events that cannot be forgotten either. We will go to war, we 
will defend our honor, we will defeat him. Start assembling the army, we 
begin as soon as possible."


		     And so began our eight year war.

			  A war between Titans.
	
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