Sailormoon Genesis: #4 - Endymion & Serenity By: Janelle Jimenez (miaka@bishounen.org) Official Webpage: www.sailormoon-millennia.net [http://bishounen.org/smmillennia/] Note: To my (very) loyal fans--I'm so sorry you had to wait 6 months for an episode that may very well disappoint you. I hope to get back into full swing. :) "Princess Serenity! Come back please!" the maid cried in frustration, it was the third time today that the young Princess had raced to the full-length mirror to view herself. While this in itself was not a bad thing, it was quite bothersome when they were in the middle of doing the intricate things necessary to put Serenity's hair in round spheres atop her head with long tails coming down. "Oh! Kouri-chan, isn't this exciting? My debutante ball. When I was young I dreamed of this day..." Serenity gushed as she twirled around in her long white gown sending a flurry of satins and silks whipping around her. "Yes, your highness, this is quite exciting. No doubt you'll be the most beautiful girl at the ball, and rightfully so--but first, let's do your hair..." the maid said, her patience returning to her as she saw the princess' happy smile. She's not like other girls, the maid thought, she's special--like her mother. "Serenity? Are you almost ready?" asked a voice at the doorway to Serenity's quarters. A figure walked forward, it was Lady Isuka. As usual, she wore her long black hair tied up in a loose bun behind her head, but for the special occasion it was bedecked in jewels--as was her long violet dress. "Almost, Lady Isuka. We're just finishing up on Princess Serenity's hair." Kouri replied as she returned to tying Serenity's hair up. "Good. Now, Serenity, I have arranged a meeting with Prince Endymion of Earth..." Lady Isuka began, "Endymion of Earth? I have never heard of him. Is he handsome?" Serenity asked, feigning innocence, of course Endymion of Earth was handsome--but she wanted to see Lady Isuka's reaction to the question. "Yes, he's quite handsome. However, that doesn't matter in affairs of the state, Serenity." Isuka replied without missing a beat. "Affairs of the state?" Serenity repeated, ah--so it was clear to her now. "But...what if I don't love him?" "'Love' is not an issue in this situation. Your introduction and courtship will be more for ritual than for actual meaning." Lady Isuka replied bluntly. There was a cold stab in Serenity's heart, this wasn't the way it was supposed to work, she thought. Yet, deep down--she knew, and had always known, that her husband would not be her choice. She knew that she would marry for political reasons, rather than romantic. But still... "Lady Isuka, I cannot marry a man that I do not love." Serenity said firmly. Isuka shot her a fierce look, but then smirked slightly. Shrugging her bare shoulders slightly, she turned to leave the room. She stopped halfway out and turned her head over her shoulder, "Then you'd be well advised to make yourself love him." * * * * * "Follow the way of Goddess Metallia--her way is the way of truth." "...Metallia? Keep your blood-gods away from our village!" "Hers is the only true way. She will deliver us from the decay of death! Believe in her and you will see great things." Metallia's following continued to grow, but at the same time, she found herself rejected by more and more people. The rate at which she was being embraced compared to rejected was far from equal. You will never control Earth, Metallia, said one entity to the foolish goddess. Nor will you, Bastet, I will show you that I will be the one who is worshipped on Earth. Those who will not kneel to me, will be destroyed. Soon. Very soon. I will control Earth. * * * * * "No! You CAN'T make me wear this!" Uranus moaned as she stared at the dress Miranda held up for her. Miranda rolled her eyes and thrust it into Uranus' arms, "Yes, yes you must. Honestly, Uranus, how can you lure a husband when you refuse to look like a woman?" Miranda demanded as she reached out and smoothed Uranus' short amber hair into a more feminine style. Uranus slapped her hand away, "Miranda, leave me alone..." she groaned as she reluctantly put on the royal blue dress that Miranda had insisted she wear. She then ran her fingers through her hair to undo the style Miranda had just placed in it. Miranda sighed heavily. "Oh Uranus..." she said, but then smiled brightly and assisted Uranus in putting on an amber necklace. --- "Is this infernal cape on straight?" Zoicite asked as he squared his shoulders in the looking glass. No matter what I do, he thought, I'll never be able to not look feminine. "No, it's not straight." Kunzite replied, keeping his smile hidden as best as possible. He gestured to Zoicite to come towards him and proceeded to absently readjust Zoicite's white cape so it fell regally around him and not so sloppily. "You are choking me!" Zoicite exclaimed and grabbed Kunzite's hands. He felt his heart skip a beat as he looked down and saw his hands holding Kunzite's at his neck. The two kept that position for a moment, eyes locked. "Zoicite...you--" "Are you two done yet?" said a voice as a man with long curly brown hair stuck his head in the room. Kunzite quickly pulled his hands away, "Just about." he replied with dignity, as if nothing had happened. He casually brushed back his silver hair, "Good, Endymion's getting restless." Nephrite said nodding with approval and he leaned over the table and picked up a rose, "I almost forgot this. Why, Zoicite, you look quite ridiculous in that cape." Nephrite said with a small smirk. "Less commentary from you, Nephrite, I didn't know when you became so involved in other people's fashion concerns." Kunzite replied dryly. "Isn't that just lovely?" asked a voice from behind Nephrite, "Three of the greatest general's in Prince Endymion's army acting like a group of Princesses." "Another comment we didn't need. Thank you, Jadeite." Kunzite muttered, he made his way towards the door, conversing with Jadeite on the way out. Zoicite was left behind. "Are you coming, Zoicite?" Nephrite asked. "I shall meet you in the transport room in a few minutes. I just need to fix my cape." Zoicite said, waving his hand. A weak excuse, he thought. But it was enough to send Nephrite on his way. Zoicite sighed and stared at his hands. Kunzite...your hands and mine, they seemed like a perfect match, he thought. Zoicite shook his head, this thought is ridiculous. It can't ever be...how can it when he doesn't know my true feelings for him? How would he react if he did? But I can't help but feel my soul and his belong together. If only there was a way... --- "Mars, you look the epitome of grace." Juno said with a gentle smile, "Thank you mother." Mars replied she looked around uncomfortably for a moment, she rarely ever visited her mother's quarters. Her sleeping quarters yes, but not her... 'work' quarters. The particular room she was in had a desk covered with various maps and letters, volumes of books on matter ranging from theology to warfare. In the adjoining room was her mother's divination room, where she saw the future. Everyone knew that Queen Juno de Kasei's powers to see the future were extraordinary. She could see far into the distance with such clarity it was amazing. However, it was also fairly known that she couldn't do it without the aid of the Shin-ka to channel her will...and she couldn't see the future without growing very weary afterwards. More powerful than an Oracle, yes. However...more powerful than her own daughter? When Juno had discovered that Mars was gifted with clairvoyance, she thought this meant Mars' destiny was to be a prophetess or an Oracle...but her vision was so clear and precise. It was obvious she had Juno's strength, but without the need to channel energy. "Mother, I had a dream last night. A vision of evil..." Mars said slowly, she and her mother did not get along. Correction, they got along--but they were both mutually uncomfortable with one another. To talk like this with her mother was unusual and difficult. "Tell me what you saw, Mars." "Well, I saw a beautiful field of silver wheat with nine particularly tall stems of wheat. Then all of a sudden, a black cloud of locusts came upon the field and tried to destroy the entire field--but it couldn't do it fully. After a fierce battle, a skeleton dressed in a black cloak with a large scythe swung down upon the field and destroyed everything--the wheat, the locusts, the earth. All that was left was black." Mars replied. Juno was silent for a moment, the expression on her face was shock and surprise. Such a detailed dream, Juno thought, full of symbolism. But it's so obvious the symbolism in her vision--the same thing the Oracles and prophets have known for centuries. But no one must know, only Selenity and I can know... "What does it mean, mother?" Mars asked after a moment of silence. "Nothing, Mars. It means nothing." * * * * * It was a night created out of magic itself. The Great Hall of the Moon Palace looked at its best. A team of servants had worked to polish the marble floors until once could think they waltzed upon mirrors. All the chandeliers in the hall were shining brightly, leaving the large room bathed in soft light. The orchestra was already playing beautiful music and guests were beginning to pour into the room, all congratulating Princess Serenity on her debutante. "I just love a good party!" Venus exclaimed and twirled about, watching the golden silk flare out around her ankles. "This will truly be interesting, don't you agree?" she said with a sigh as she gazed at all the handsome princes and lords who were milling about, kissing hands, and the like. Serious she may have to be as leader of the Sailor Senshi, a role her mother prepared her well for, but she could be as frivolous as any normal girl when at a ball. "There's certainly some handsome princes here," Mercury said with a soft smile, "But the thought of marriage makes me somewhat wary. I'm so timid, who would ever ask me for a dance?" "Why should we even be forced to marry?" Mars asked, she wasn't in the best of humors, since her mother brushed her visions aside like she did. "Ah! It's Princess Uranus and Princess Miranda!" Venus exclaimed as she saw the sisters enter the hall, "Miranda always looks so beautiful. Why must there be two elegant blonde women? Why must I compete against her?" Venus sighed woefully. "Err..umm...right. Well, my friends, I must mingle now, my mother expects it of me." Mars said, "Mercury, come with me, I shall introduce you to some fine potential husbands." she added with a snicker and the two left Venus to her own devices. She sighed again and readjusted the satin bow in her hair, her eyes randomly scanning the room. Then her eyes caught a pair of sapphires staring at her, she felt her heart skip a beat for a moment. Her first instinct was to look behind her and make sure she was the woman that his handsome lord was staring at, but her rationale got the best of her and she smiled politely. This seemed to be enough encouragement for the mysterious man to come forward, "Good evening, my lady." --- "Good evening, my lady." Kunzite said as he bowed before her and kissed her outstretched hand. He had seen her from across the room, Nephrite had just dragged a reluctant Zoicite away to meet some other important officials when he had caught the gaze of this enchanting blonde. She was like the sun itself: bright, happy, glowing with life. Beautiful she was, enchanting. "I am Kunzite, General of Prince Endymion's Army." he said introducing himself. "Hello," Venus said with a slight blush as she curtsied politely, "I'm Venus de Kinsei. It's a pleasure to meet you, my lord." "Would it be an impropriety to ask you for a dance?" he asked in a silken voice. Now she was really flustered. "I...well..." she stammered, "I would be...honored, my lord." she said finally. For formalities, he bowed once more to her as she curtsied in return and the two whisked away amidst the sea of dancers. * * * * * The beautiful twins, Charon and Pluto. The jewels of the outer planets, said some. It was wondrous enough to see one beautiful Princess, but to see two was a dream. And it was always two you saw, never just one. They were never apart from each other, they seemed to adore being twins. On this occasion, the girls both wore the same dark blue dress. The only way to distinguish them from another was by their hairstyle. Pluto wore her hair down with portions of it in a tight bun, while Charon had a penchant for wearing her hair in a more modern version of her mother's style--a braid wrapped around a ponytail. Two beautiful princesses. Two girls destined to be great warriors of the Sol System. Two soldiers targeted from birth. A woman in the shadows, dressed in beautiful red silk. Unassuming to anyone, just another guest from the powerful Black Star Galaxy. The perfect disguise for an assassin. The assassin smiled to herself, now was not the time to eliminate them. It would cause too big of a scene, but she knew their schedules. She knew exactly where they were going to be. She was amusing herself at giving these beloved sisters one last night of laughter and happiness. It was rather sad they had to die, but this was the course of things. The woman flicked her wrist and her fingernails extended to deadly sharp claws, sharp enough to cut through flesh. She smirked to herself as she raked the marble pillar she was hiding behind with these claws. They had to be destroyed, the future of the Black Star Galaxy depended on it. * * * * * Zoicite's eyes burned with rage as he watched Kunzite and Princess Venus dance, they made a beautiful couple, to be sure--nonetheless. It was a rage that Zoicite was somewhat ashamed to feel, to feel this way towards his friend, a male friend. Would Kunzite understand his feelings if he were to tell him? "It seems Kunzite has found a potential wife?" Jadeite asked with a smirk as he watched the two dance about. Zoicite felt his cheeks redden, but he remained quiet. Jadeite handed him a white mask, "What is this for?" Zoicite asked as he watched Jadeite tie his mask around his head. It covered only the eyes and the top of his nose, leaving his mouth exposed. "There's going to be a few masquerade dances. I personally don't see the point since everyone has seen each other without the masks, but supposedly it's customary. There's some sort of Moon Kingdom legend that the Princess will find her true love wearing a mask." Jadeite said with a slight shrug. "How ridiculous." Zoicite scoffed as he put on his mask. He didn't like his line of vision being at the mercy of a mask. "Ah, look, Prince Endymion." Jadeite said gesturing over to him, he looked very handsome in a tuxedo--the mask seemed to complete his attire, despite the fact he came to the ball without it. Zoicite smiled and mused, "It rather looks like he was meant to wear a mask." -- Beautiful. Graceful. Feminine, with a touch of masculinity. Neptune watched the amber haired female talk in a lively manner with her sister. It was something of a secret indulgence she had. She was fascinated by this creature, whom she often sat near during training. In fact, it was this woman who was the cause of Neptune's troubles in class. How often she'd get yelled at for daydreaming. Neptune smirked to herself, Lady Prosperina probably thought that she was dreaming about some handsome prince. In reality, she was dreaming of this beautiful woman. Princess Uranus, how Neptune loved her! "My Lady, may I have this dance?" asked a man, some random prince from some random planet, no doubt. Neptune scoffed at him and turned away, walking towards the refreshments while she fanned herself furiously. Aloof, cold, distant. That was how most people thought her to be. It was a difficult situation to explain, how her mind worked. It wasn't that she didn't like men...and it wasn't that she liked women. No, it was more like she liked Princess Uranus because she embodied to Neptune the mix of the two. The elegant figure of a woman and the strength of a man. If only these brutes would understand her feelings and stop asking her to dance. None of them were beautiful enough for her. Princess Neptune continued to discreetly watch Uranus talk to others and laugh with her sister, all the while not knowing that her object of affection was watching her in return. --- Princess Serenity gazed about the room, it was foreordained that she would find her true love wearing a mask. Which one of these men was that? She spotted two men speaking to each other, their eyes hidden behind their white masks. Someone asked her to dance and she politely obliged, spinning about the room, her attentions not really on her partner whose attentions were not on her. "Excuse me, may I have this dance?" asked a man who gracefully cut in. Serenity moved into his arms and began to dance, when something struck her. Such beautiful blue eyes. She stared into them, like the blue oceans of the Earth. Likewise, the man was staring at her with equal interest. A creature of pure beauty, he thought, surely one of the beautiful ladies of the White Moon. "May I be so bold to ask your name?" he asked, Serenity smiled charmingly. "I'm sorry, you cannot know this until after the waltz." "I assure you, my lady, that I cannot wait that long." he whispered. He was truly enchanted, there was more to her that outer beauty--a warmth of light and love seemed to pour out of her. Did such a person exist? Before anything else could be said, the music ended and it was announced that the masquerade portion of the ball was over. With shaking fingers, Serenity lowered her white mask and her partner did the same. Serenity's heart stopped as she saw his beautiful face, the face of a prince, she thought, noble and courageous. The man bent down on one knee before her and took her hand and kissed it tenderly with soft lips, "My Lady, I am Prince Endymion of Earth." he said as he gazed upon her with adoration. Serenity's heart once again stopped as the realized who it was, "Endymion? I...I...I am Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom." she whispered softly. So it really is destiny, I really did meet the man I would marry during a masquerade, but...will I love him? "Serenity!" he exclaimed as he stood back up, he still held her hand, even more tenderly than before. "You are even more enchanting than you were described." Serenity blushed slightly, she looked around...she felt so uncomfortable being in the middle of a large crowd as they spoke such tender words to each other. "Come..." she said and began to lead him towards the large terraces, "Let's get some fresh air." They walked out in silence, but Endymion was enchanted. He didn't know what to say, the words couldn't come to him. He never thought he'd ever feel this way, "It's beautiful out here." Serenity sighed as she stared up at the beautiful blue Earth which gently kissed Endymion with a blue-white glow. "Earth is a beautiful place." "Yes, it is." Endymion said, he gently turned Serenity to face him and stroked her cheek lightly, "My Princess, I cannot even begin to tell you how I feel towards you. I feel such...contentment. I cannot explain it, I know I don't even know you, but I feel drawn to you. You are my destiny." he whispered as he cupped her face in his hands gently, he closed his eyes and began to lean his face towards hers. Serenity felt heat rush to her face as she closed her eyes as well, she could feel his warm breath upon hers. "Princess Serenity!" a sharp voice exclaimed, the moment was shattered. The two parted quickly, as if they were both doing something wrong. "Princess Serenity, come with me IMMEDIATELY." Lady Isuka demanded, she glared at them both, her icy eyes staring at Endymion with such hatred that Serenity began to tremble. "What...what's wrong?" she asked. "Our relations with the Earthians have gone sour." she said coldly, "You are never to see Prince Endymion again. I was hoping you'd never meet him, but somehow you did." she added, the tone of her voice angered Serenity, it was as if she were implying something less than decent. Before Serenity could speak one more word, Isuka clamped her hand on Serenity's wrist and roughly pulled her away from Endymion and back inside the palace. "Lady Isuka, what are you talking about? As Prince of the people of Earth--" "What Prince?" Isuka scoffed, "What Earth? Perhaps you should return there and see who exactly is ruling your 'kingdom' now. You are never to come here again. I am sure you'll forget about our little Princess, you've had lots of women before and no doubt one less won't harm you." she snapped before pivoting back into the palace. "Earth..." Endymion murmured as he stared up at the blue planet, there WAS turmoil there--he could feel it within him. As if the Earth itself were crying out to him. "Princess Serenity...I'll be back for you..." he whispered to himself, he removed the rose from his lapel and laid the blossom on the marble ledge. There was no wind on the Moon and if it truly was Destiny, then she'd surely find the rose and know that it was a symbol. A symbol of his love for her.