Author - perfect goddess E-mail - perfect_goddess@start.com.au Title - Untitled (So far) Chapter - 1 Disclaimer - standard disclaimer applies * * * The ring of steel against steel echoed throughout the chamber. The smaller opponent quickly moved out of the was of the oncoming thrust, before pinning him to the wall, sword on throat. Reaching for his mask and removing it, the dark haired man grinned. "Well done." The sword was released from his neck, and Endymion massaged the spot where it had been. The winner of the duel removed the mask. Long, silver locks fell from their fastenings and cascaded down her back, reaching to her waist. Smiling at the prince, she rolled up her sleeves, sword in hand. "Who's next?" she asked, the four generals backing away slightly. No response. "Aww, you're no fun." She pouted, bottom lip protruding slightly. "It's not a matter of being no fun, Sere." Said one, "It's just a matter of pride. No man would willingly get beaten by a woman." "I'll take that as a complement." She said dryly. "I figure it's going to be the best I'll get from you, Kunzite." Smiling wryly, Serenity left the sword and walked out of the chamber. "Why do you bother?" asked Zoicite, reaching for a towel and handing it to Endymion. 'It's nice to have competition for a change." He said, grinning again. 'What's the time?" Jediete squinted up at the sun. "I'd say its just past noon." He said, rubbing his eyes. "Shit!" cursed Endymion, quickly getting up. "I was supposed to have a meeting with mother!" and with that, he too left. "So, anyone for a duel?" * * * Running a hand through his ebony hair in a futile attempt to smooth it down, Endymion opened the door to his mothers chambers. "You're late." She said, fixing him with a blue-eyed stare. "Sorry mother." He apologized. "I got a bit carried away. What can I do for you?" Endymion sat down in a chair next to her. "There is an commission coming from the moon." Queen Gaia said, smoothing out her sky blue gown. "Queen Serenity and her Senshi are arriving here in three days. You have of course heard of the search for the princess?" "Of course." Said Endymion. The rumors going around were amazing. The rumor mill in the palace had been working overtime for weeks on end. Maids and guards lived on gossip, and the search for Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom was a favorite topic. "I expect you to greet them. No tardiness will be accepted. I am also putting you in charge of the Senshi's training sessions. You and your generals will train with them." She paused. "You, however, will not be in charge of showing them around the palace. I will be leaving that up to *Lady* Serenity." Gaia emphasized the word. Serenity was noted around the palace for wearing breeches and shirts, fencing and training with the prince and his generals, and being reputedly the only woman - no, only person - to have defeated Prince Endymion in a duel. This, Gaia conceded, was probably because no one had the guts, except Serenity to challenge, let alone duel her son. "Are you sure that is wise mother?" asked the prince carefully. "Serenity is hardly a lady of the court. Perhaps Lady Beryl would prove a better choice." 'Lady Serenity will do fine." She said firmly, closing the conversation. "And beside, the Senshi are her own age, and it will be good for her to have some female companions." Endymion shifted uncomfortably. Serenity and him had never really gotten along. In fact, it would be a stretch of the truth to say they were friends. Serenity had been left on the doorstep of the palace as a child. His mother, pining for a daughter of her own, had accepted her immediately. Although Serenity had been trained as a lady, she much preferred hunting, horse riding and archery than dancing and embroidery. Chuckling inwardly, Endymion remembered their duel today. The Senshi would be a match for her even. "So," said Gaia "Can I expect your co-operation?" It wasn't really a question. No one defied the Queen, even her son. "Of course, mother." He replied. "Very well." She smiled. "Now dear, try and be charming. We do want to give them a good impression." "So really, what you're saying is just be my normal self." "Not quite." She said, as Endymion came over and kissed her cheek. "Bye dear," "Bye mother," he said, as her left the room. * * * Serenity looked at the dresses and frowned. "And you seriously expect me to wear one of those?" "The maid sighed. Trying to get Serenity to don anything apart from breeches, shirts and boots, was like trying to stuff a pig into a peanut shell. In other words, impossible. "Lady Serenity, the queen insisted that you wear one for the ball to welcome the Queen of the moon." Said the maid meekly. "I don't care!" she said hotly. "She'll take that one." Said a voice behind her. "Very good sir." Said the maid breathlessly, exiting the room to let Serenity vent her anger on the intruder, "What do you think you're doing?" yelled Serenity, turning around to face the handsome prince. "It really touches me, the way you're always happy to see me, Sere." He said, smirking at the look of pure rage she gave him. "If looks could kill, buddy, you'd be chopped up into little pieces on the floor right now." Said Jediete, striding into the room, followed by Kunzite, Nephrite and Zoicite. "Don't you knock?" she yelled in fustration, fists clenched at her sides. "Nope." Grinned Nephrite coming in to admire the gown. "Nice dress." It took all of Serenity's self control to keep from screaming or punching someone. Taking a deep breath, Serenity controlled her temper. 'Was there something in particular you boys wanted?" she asked sweetly. "Can't we just come and visit our favorite fencer without wanting something?" asked Endymion innocently. "Not bloody likely." Muttered Serenity. "Just tell her why you're here, Endy, before she beats you to a bloody pulp." Said Kunzite helpfully, "Okay, okay." Said Endymion. "Serenity." "Endymion." He glared at her. "As you are probably aware, the Senshi will be arriving in three days. During their stay, they will be attending regular training-" "What he means is," cut in Jediete, "Is that we want you to train with them" "What?" spluttered Serenity, "But they're the Senshi!" "Nonsense!" said Kunzite. "They're just women -and I use the term loosely- like you." 'We think-" "Hmph." Snorted Serenity, as Endymion glared at her before continuing. "We think that they will be more comfortable with a woman and with someone they'll be seeing everyday-" Serenity cut him off again. "What do you mean they'll be seeing me everyday?" she asked incredulously. "Mother has requested th you show them around the palace." Said Endymion. "Their sleeping quarters will also be next to yours." Serenity gripped onto Zoicite for support. "Omigod. Someone bring back that maid!" "It's okay, Sere." Said Endymion, brow creasing as she sat down. "They're going to love you." "Really?" she managed a weak smile. "Breeches and all?" "Well-" Endymion received a sharp slap on the face. "That was for that rude comment." Said Serenity smugly. "And that-" she slapped him again. "Was for earlier. And this-" she punched Endymion in the stomach. "Is in advance. Have a nice day!" she smiled brightly. Stifling laughter, the four generals led a winded Endymion out of the room, and bid Serenity good bye. * * * "You know, you did kind of deserve that." Said Zoicite, as Endymion put a hand gingerly to his face. "Shut up." He said crossly. "Zoi's right. You could've at least made and effort to be a bit nicer. She is practically the fifth general after all." Pointed out Jediete. "Didn't I just tell you to shut up?" asked Endymion, his blue eyes glinting dangerously. "Okay! Gosh!" excalimed Jediete, backing away. "Bye the way," he sat down and pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. "Have you seen pictures of these Senshi's? They're *babes*!" Endymion rolled his eyes and sighed heavily. It was going to be a long night. * * * @}--->----