Oceanus Procellarum: A Silver Millennium adventure
By Lady Moon Goddess
Disclaimer: No, I don’t own the lovely Sailor Senshi.
I did have some struggles with this chapter. However, I managed to come up with something that will keep you wondering. Without further ado, enjoy!
There is another age jump. I know it’s probably confusing, but these ages are going to stay the same for a while now. That’s what I plan, at least. : ]]
Age Name Sibling Age
Nineteen Mercury Hermes Twenty
Twenty-one Venus Eris Eighteen
Eighteen Mars Kasei Twenty-one
Twenty-two Endymion Tierra Nineteen
Seventeen Serenity No siblings
Nineteen Jupiter Thor Twenty-one
Eighteen Saturn Rhea Twenty
Twenty Uranus No siblings
Nineteen Neptune Kaiousei Nineteen
Twenty Pluto Dorian Twenty-two
~*~
Chapter Five: Odd Behavior
Serenity looked at herself in the mirror. She held the beautiful bouquet in her hands. She sighed deeply then looked at her friends standing around her. Each of them rushing about, getting everything ready for the bride.
“Sere, you aren’t the one getting married! Come help me find Venus’s other shoe,” Mars yelled.
Serenity snapped out of her trance and looked around for said golden shoe.
~*~
“… Soon their friendship grew into an impregnable love,” Awws were heard winding their way through the crowd. “I wish you two a happy and wonderful marriage.” She lifted her glass, her actions mimicked by a sea of people, “To Thor and Venus, may your love shine throughout the galaxies!” The multitude cheered at the speech given by Serenity’s maid of honor.
Venus wiped her tears away and hugged her friend. The reception continued throughout the night. The stars fading into morning before it ended.
Venus and Thor then fled to their galactic carriage and escaped to their much-anticipated honeymoon. Serenity waved to her friends. She sighed deeply as she watched the celestial carriage fly away with stardust drifting behind it. Serenity sighed and started walking back towards the group. “It must be nice,” she stopped for a moment and looked at the vapor trail amongst the stars, “to be in love.”
Kasei looked confused. And as Serenity walked slowly along the path, he ran after her and stopped her. “Sere, listen to me.” he grabbed her by the shoulders, but she maintained eye contact with the ground. Tingling sensations escaped from Kasei’s fingers to her shoulders. She shivered, but it was not from the cold. “You are going to get through this. You need to give this a chance. Your friends are here for you… I am here for you.”
Serenity shook him off and stood by the nearest white rose tree, gripping its lowest branch.
“Stop it. You’re making it more difficult.”
She stared up the length of the tree’s trunk and sighed exasperatedly, looking at the network of intertwining branches overhead covered with leaves and flowers. She felt his presence, but did not acknowledge it.
He sighed deeply and plucked a rose from a branch only to find another instantly bloom and replace it. Kasei tucked it behind her ear and ran the back of his hand down her soft cheek. “I will always love you, even though I won’t be the one waiting for you down the aisle.” he brushed his lips against the cheek he just caressed and left.
A twinge of pain pulsed in her chest. She felt her rapid heartbeat within and gazed at the remaining guests at the party. She cleared her throat, regained her self-control, and refused to abandon her duties and spending the night with the man she loved.
~*~
Endymion sat in his room, staring out the window. He gazed at the stars then his eyes took him to the moon. He sighed deeply and continued looking at what could be his future kingdom. Suddenly, he heard someone outside his door. He closed the curtains and sat quickly on his bed, reaching for his book. Queen Gaea quietly knocked then slowly opened the door.
“May I come in?” Her head peeked out from behind the chestnut door and Endymion smiled with an almost silent ‘yes’ escaping his lips. She gracefully made her way towards his bed then sat beside her son, “It’s been three months since Venus and Thor’s wedding. Have you talked with Serenity since then?”
“Yes, I have…”Endymion replied, but his expression said no.
“Endymion! It will not be long until you two are married! How do you expect to have a healthy marriage unless you develop some sort of relationship?”
Endymion refused to look at his mother, and got off the bed and leaned against the wall and crossed his arms looking at his mother, “I don’t know how anyone could have a healthy marriage with someone five years younger than them!”
Gaea rose from the bed and moved towards her son, “Darling, Serenity is a wonderful girl. If you spent time with her, you would see how lovely she is. Then, five years would seem nothing to you,” she placed a kiss on his cheek before heading for the door. She paused on the threshold before turning back to Endymion and smiled sweetly as she grasped the doorknob, “I know it seems like we are asking a lot of you, but your father and I were joined in an arranged marriage, and I think it was one of the best things that ever happened to me,” with this, she turned and left him to his thoughts.
Once more, he stood before his window staring in wonderment at one of nature’s miracles in the form of a meteor shower and made a promise to himself to give Serenity a chance.
~*~
She lay there, immersed in soft fluffy pillows. She breathed in the sweet smell of white roses coming from the vase on a side table. She grabbed one of the beautiful blooms and pricked herself, forgetting the thorns. She sucked on her finger and grabbed her handkerchief from the bedside table. She lay on her back holding the embroidered cloth to her finger and shut her eyes until the pressure diminished. Pictures of Kasei drifted into her mind, but she shook him out of her head. She opened her eyes and picked up the picture off her nightstand. She fingered the glass protecting the image containing all her friends. She searched for his face then found him standing next to Dorian. Endymion was an attractive man. Then she looked for Kasei. Her heart quickened its pace, and she felt blood rush to her face. She shared a smile with herself then placed the picture back.
Serenity clutched her pillow tightly to her chest before falling back onto her mountain of pillows. She curled herself up into a ball and looked out her window. Her smile immediately faded. She let go of her pillow, rolled out of bed and strolled towards her window. She opened it and leaned on the windowsill. She gazed at the Earth examining the blue sphere suspended in the Lunarian sky. Her eyes suddenly felt heavy, and curling up on the window seat, sleep soon overcame her.
It wasn’t long before someone found her. Artemis carried the sleeping princess to the bed and tucked her in. She snuggled into the covers and grabbed her favorite pillow. He smiled at the sweet girl and kissed her on the forehead before finding Luna waiting for him at the doorway. He walked by her, but she stopped him with a kiss.
“You’ll be a good father someday,” she smiled, shutting the door.
~*~
The sun rose over the Moon Palace, filling its interior with warm sunshine, casting long shadows in its wake. Serenity was sipping her juice when a man brought her a note. She broke the seal displaying the Terran emblem then read the contents of the letter.
“He wants me to stay at his palace for a week,” Serenity handed the letter to her mother. She began pacing back and forth, fidgeting nervously.
“I see this as a perfect opportunity for you two to get acquainted; don’t you think so, Luna?” Luna nodded enthusiastically then read the letter herself.
“My dear, you have nothing to worry about. He invited others,” Luna pointed to the line in question in the letter and Serenity read it.
“Still, I do not wish to go,” Serenity sat in the nearest chair and bit her nails.
“You are already packed, darling. You are leaving in an hour,” Selenity folded the letter then handed it to Luna. Serenity’s mouth dropped, and she crossed her arms in anger, “Sere, you must form a relationship with him,” she approached her daughter and opened her locket, “See this pendant? It is a symbol of royalty. Royalty needs protection.”
Serenity leapt from her chair and stomped her foot, “So that means I must be handed over to anyone who will fulfill this requirement?”
She looked at her mother, waiting for an answer and glared at Luna. Luna offered a shrug and walked towards the princess and placed her hands on the girl’s shoulders, “Honey—” but before Luna could speak, Serenity stormed off to her room.
Selenity sighed and turned to Luna, “I do not know what is going to happen between those two…” They shared a short chuckle then made their way to the Moon Gallery to wish Serenity goodbye.
~*~
Serenity placed her belongings on the floor then watched as Dorian, Pluto, Mars, and Kasei joined her. She hugged Pluto and Mars then received a peck on the back of her hand from Dorian and Kasei. Endymion entered the room with a handful of servants following him. Before long, the bags and cases were gone, and the small group found themselves within the impressive granite antechamber of the Terran Palace.
“Follow me.”
He left in a flash, leaving the others confused. They looked at one another bewildered. Serenity was the first to follow. They were escorted to a long hallway lined with doors, Endymion stood waiting by the nearest of these beside the central hallway.
“This is your room,” he told Mars. She inclined her head and he turned towards the door opposite and spoke again, “and this is your room, Kasei.”
As he continued along the corridor he was suddenly besieged, “Surprise!”
As if out of nowhere, Venus, Thor, Eris, and Jupiter popped out from their rooms, startling everyone. The girls milled about hugging one another while the guys shook hands then let Endymion finish assigning rooms to everyone. After accommodations were allocated, they all met later in the ballroom. As they waited for those stragglers amongst their number, Serenity asked, “Why couldn’t the others make it?”
“From what Endymion tells me, Neptune was having their annual Aqua Festival,” Eris curled her hair around her finger then smoothed it out. “So Neptune and Kaiousei had to be there.”
Serenity nodded and turned to find Mars had entered the chamber. Serenity flicked her hair over her shoulder and set her hands on her hips. “Mars, do you know why Mercury or Hermes couldn’t come?”
“Umm, Mercury said that they were training with their parents.” Mars joined the small circle and straightened her red dress.
“What about— ”
“Uranus is visiting Saturn and Rhea. Their parents had to discuss some things…” Mars answered.
Serenity smiled and then felt the hands attacking her shoulders. She screamed and jumped, nearly knocking Eris over on her way down. She turned around to find Venus laughing at her. “Venus, don’t ever do that again!” Serenity playfully hit her friend as she struggled to regain her composure.
It was then the others entered the room along with Endymion. He strode passed his friends and continued onto the terrace.
He waited for them to accompany him before directing their attention to the grounds below where Eleven horses were saddled up and waiting, these watched closely by a palace stable hand.
As each found a horse to their liking, Kasei approached Serenity. “Do you think you should ride one alone?”
Endymion overheard his question and took this as an opportunity to form…something.
“Maybe you should ride with me,” Kasei was taken aback by this statement. Was he trying to win her heart after all these years? “We—I don’t want anything happening to you.”
Everyone in earshot immediately stopped what they were doing and stared at Endymion. Did he hit his head on something?
Serenity’s eyes bulged at his offer and understood his reasoning. Her mother’s voice echoed in her head, and she knew what she had to do. “Why yes, I agree.”
Endymion held out his hand and Serenity placed hers in his. He walked her to the horse and assisted her into the saddle. Serenity then noticed the horrible expression on Kasei’s face, and immediately regretted taking Endymion’s hand.
Once Endymion had mounted his own steed, he turned and said, “Hold on, princess,” she followed his instructions and clasped her hands around his waist. “I also suggest that you do not ride side saddle,” Serenity was not surprised, but she looked down at her dress and found the task impossible without being unladylike. Endymion sensed no movement and repeated his statement. Before frustrating them both, Serenity lifted her dress high above the knee and swung her leg over, then adjusted the hem as best she could, even though it remained ruffled at the thigh. She slipped her arms around Endymion’s waist once again, then he lightly kicked the horse, and they were off.
~*~
The dark queen sat on her throne, her hand supporting her chin. She stared at the floor, cogitating, while going over her options. With a shimmer of silvery lining, Kunzite appeared, already in a low bow. He opened his mouth to speak, but Beryl, having opened her eyes, held up her hand and addressed her general, “Kunzite!” stepping forward he waited. He was soon accompanied by Zoicite and Nephrite. Beryl slowly approached them. Her black heels echoed through the throne room, sending chills down Zoicite’s spine. She stood before Kunzite, who knelt upon bended knee. She held out her hand, which he took and planted a quick kiss. She smirked at his unwavering obedience, and looked at Nephrite then Zoicite, “This is what the people of the moon will do once I take over their kingdom.”
She returned to her throne as Kunzite got to his feet. Beryl crossed her legs and waved her hand over her black orb. Four black crystals materialized, and each general claimed one.
Nephrite examined the circular crystal, “…What is its purpose?”
Beryl’s hand wavered over the orb once more and Prince Endymion appeared. “We will attack once more…”
Jadeite rolled his eyes. Beryl took offense at this gesture and directed an energy burst towards him. Jadeite flew back and hit the floor with a thud. Zoicite gasped at this unexpected attack and Kunzite placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Kunzite,” Beryl commanded. He took his hand off Zoicite’s shoulder and bowed, “go to Jadeite with your crystal.”
Kunzite followed her instructions…
~*~
The horses took the young royals deep into a forest. Serenity held tightly onto Endymion’s waist, for the horse had jumped over many obstacles. Tierra screamed with excitement as her horse leapt over a fallen log. Serenity squeezed Endymion as they also cleared the log. Kasei pouted as he watched the two interact.
They arrived at their destination and Endymion dismounted, helping the princess down. He grabbed her around the waist and lifted her off the horse then set her on her feet. She smoothed her dress and took a moment to fix her hair. Kasei raced to Serenity’s side and accompanied her to the lake. Endymion watched Kasei steal her away, his eyes squinting with anger. Dorian approached Endymion and placed a hand on his back.
“Looks like you have some competition,” he said before continuing on his way and accompanied Mars.
Endymion joined his friends at the lakeside and sat on a nearby log. He watched Eris and Saturn hold the hems of their dresses up and dip their feet into the water. The afternoon sun shone down on the children of the galaxy. Small circles formed and Endymion listened to the many voices interlace. He heard Dorian call his name, and he joined his circle.
~*~
The sun began slowly setting, Serenity watching closely as the sky faded from blue to pink. She sat on the soft sand with Pluto and Jupiter flanking her. She turned to see Venus lying back with her head resting upon Thor’s lap and Mars doing the same with Dorian. She searched for Kasei, and he was sitting next to Jupiter then she noticed Endymion sitting next to him. She met Endymion’s gaze, and quickly looked away.
Endymion was also aware of the closeness between the couples. Thor and Venus were to be expected, but he stared at Mars and Dorian, and once seeing them together, he found it not surprising also. He debated whether or not he should sit, at least, next to Serenity. He was about to get up, but Kasei rose first. He walked the few steps it took to join Serenity and whispered for Jupiter to slide over a little. The lightning princess agreed and moved closer to Endymion.
Kasei sat down and stretched his legs. Serenity brushed her legs lightly against his and smiled. The prince of Mars smiled back and lightly brushed shoulders with the princess. She did the same, and they shared a moment of laughter. Serenity slowly lowered her head on his shoulder and nestled herself into a comfortable position, which resulted in she and Kasei holding hands.
The sun fell beneath the horizon, and the stars began to emerge with the night sky. Kasei and Serenity fell asleep, but he was soon awake when he heard Mars chanting. He sat up, supporting Serenity’s head having fallen against his chest. He watched tiny sparks rise from a newly started fire. He noticed Mars chanting and the fire escaping from her fingertips. Kasei coughed then opened his palm, letting a burst of flame add to Mars’s small fire. The Senshi of fire stared at her brother, the fire no longer coming from her fingertips.
“The whole point was to keep the fire small, brother,” she stood, making her way towards Dorian.
“We need some light,” he coughed again and the fire grew. Serenity’s eyes fluttered open and she softly yawned, her hand covering her open mouth. She pushed her hair behind her back and smiled at Kasei. He stood and helped her to her feet.
Holding Kasei’s hands, looking for Endymion, he was nowhere in site. Serenity’s hands fell to her side, and she walked beside Kasei towards the fire. Venus and Thor soon joined them around the fire, seeking its heat as refuge from the harsh wind. Serenity stared into the fire, focusing on the small embers at its base. She shook herself out of her trance and swayed from side to side, causing Kasei to take her arm to balance her. The young princess stumbled to the nearest log and sat down, unfortunately, missing the log. She raised herself and buried her head in her hands. Her head started throbbing, and she began to massage her temples. Mars sat up abruptly, startling the sleepy Dorian, and ran towards Serenity.
“Sere, move,” she screamed, pushing the princess from her spot as four arrows flew over the log and landed in the fire.
Eris shrieked as she started running towards her horse, only to be stopped by Endymion. He grabbed her arm and shoved her down, arrows nearly striking him. He noticed Serenity and Mars on the ground, and he ran to assist them. Mars brushed the sand from her face and helped Serenity regain her balance. Endymion held Serenity close, as if he was frightened for her life. She looked up at him, then pressed herself against his chest, moving him back a few steps. An arrow scraped her forearm. She held her arm, blood escaping between her fingers. Mars watched the protective act. She smiled to herself when she was led toward the horses.
“We cannot go that way,” Endymion warned as he carried Serenity. She winced in pain, this quickening Endymion’s step. He gestured towards the left and soon everyone was following him.
Their quickened pace was hushed, and they heard the footsteps of strangers. Endymion stopped running when he noticed the footsteps were not only behind them but in front of them as well. He stopped and observed his location. He turned to face his friends, “Go this way,” he whispered, “Dorian knows where to go from here.”
Dorian nodded and passed his friend, Mars at his side. He saw the last of his friends and followed close behind when a burst of energy knocked him and Serenity down. Thor and Venus noticed the attack and stopped to help. Endymion gripped Thor’s jacket, “Leave,” Thor immediately noticed exposed skin on his back and attempted to help but Endymion refused, “Get Venus someplace safe,” Endymion ran for Serenity, “I’ll make sure Serenity is safe, too.” Thor smiled briefly at this statement. He took Venus’s hand and darted back towards the group.
Once again, Endymion picked up Serenity in his arms, she was completely aware of the situation, “We need to get out of here.” she quickly examined their surroundings and noticed dark shadows encircling them, “Set me down, and we’ll be able to move faster.”
Endymion noticed the sudden change in behavior then ran in the same direction as his friends. Serenity followed closely behind, making Endymion look back over his shoulder at her. Serenity stayed right behind him, running as fast as possible, but lost her footing. Thankfully, as Endymion looked over his shoulder, he moved quickly to catch the princess before she fell. He helped Serenity to her feet, taking a few moments to catch their breaths. Endymion looked up and watched the arrow rapidly approaching. He swung Serenity behind him and felt the sharp arrow pierce his abdomen.
Serenity screamed and tried to move around him to help, but he turned to face her and suffered another arrow in his back. Serenity stared at his expression, seeing the pain he endured to save her. Blood seeped through his clothing and sweat gleamed in the starlight. He groaned softly then re-assumed his posture. He grabbed Serenity’s hand and began to run faster than before. Serenity watched her feet as they barely touched the ground. She sighed in relief as she saw light coming from the palace.
They approached the gardens and hid under a willow tree. Endymion used branches he had used as a kid to climb high into the tree, then lifted Serenity up next to him, surprised his strength hadn’t deserted him despite the wounds caused by the small arrows. Serenity trembled as she saw shadows moving around the gardens. Endymion held her close, comforting her as her head was pressed against his chest as his steady heartbeat leant her strength and comfort.
Endymion slowly climbed to the ground and searched for signs of the strangers. He motioned for Serenity to descend, and he helped her down. He separated the curtain of leaves adorning the tree and taking Serenity’s hand, entered the palace.
~*~
Kasei slowly wrapped the white cloth around the princess’s arm. She winced as the medicine began to take effect. The dawn sun rose; its brilliant rays showing no mercy towards her blue orbs. She sighed deeply, regaining her composure with each breath. Kasei finished wrapping the bandage and placed a small kiss upon it. Serenity smiled then leaned back on her pillows. He caressed her cheek, gazing upon her porcelain face. He lowered his lips onto hers, startling her for a moment. Her eyes shot open, but she did not break the kiss. She surrendered to her forbidden emotions and wrapped her arms around Kasei’s neck. He put his arms around her waist and helped her sit upright. Serenity repositioned herself closer to Kasei, their chests making contact. Serenity pulled back, breathing heavily from the sudden burst of passion.
“Kasei…” her red cheeks burned as she stared into his eyes, “what about Endymion?”
Kasei’s chest rose and fell heavily as he contemplated their predicament. After a few moments of silence, his hand moved to her face and he tucked a curl behind her ear, “Right now,” he sighed, “let’s not think about it,” he smiled softly then Serenity shared the moment of happiness and pushed him down and gave into another moment of intense passion.
~*~
Venus sat next to Thor, watching Luna and Artemis attend to Endymion’s wounds. Their fingers interlinked and she placed her head upon his shoulder. Venus sighed deeply, thankful to have reached the palace. Thor looked down at his wife, and softly kissed her. She smiled, squeezing Thor’s hand.
~*~
Kasei looked up at Serenity. The Lunarian Princess smiled brightly as she lowered herself to kiss him once more. He placed his hands about her, sending sensations rushing up her spine. She laughed in mid-kiss then fell by his side. Serenity, then held her head in her hands, a slight headache forming. She hit the footboard and laughed. Kasei silence her by placing small kisses on her neck. He had taken the position Serenity was in only moments before.
Serenity stared at the silver buttons holding his shirt together. She bit her lip as he lowered himself to bestow kisses once more upon her skin. Kasei straightened when he noticed Serenity’s expression, “Sere, something wrong?”
She slid from underneath Kasei and leaned against the footboard, “I feel,” she scratched her head, “guilty.”
Kasei tilted his head to the side, “It will not be long until you are of age,” Serenity bowed her head, “Why not share a night with the man you truly love?”
Serenity thought for a moment then shook all worries from her mind.
~*~
Thor gently shook Venus, “Wake up,” Eris said, tapping Venus’s hand. She sat up, yawning.
“Is something wrong?” She rubbed her eyes. Eris guided her attention towards her fingernails. The golden light gleamed from her shimmering nails and watched them fade. She recalled her mother discussing something about her nails. As she searched her mind for the answer, once more the color of her nails intensified. She closed her eyes and concentrated, suddenly seeing two images appear. She watched these materialize and found familiarity in their faces. Venus quickly stood up, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She exited the room and hurried down the hallway, leaving Eris and Thor confused.
~*~
Serenity hit her head once more on the footboard. She sat up and moved away from beneath Kasei. She crawled to the opposite end of the bed and lay down. Kasei could not help but smile at her action. He followed her and grinned. She fiddled with his buttons, attempting to undo them. Kasei pushed her hands away, unfastening them himself. Before Serenity removed his shirt, Venus walked in.
She stood gaping at the site before her. Her flashing nails stopped immediately, yet Venus covered her eyes. Kasei swiftly rolled off the bed and started buttoning his shirt. Serenity cleared her throat and shifted to the other side of the bed. She stood and pulled down the skirt of her dress, smoothing the tiny wrinkles out as best she might. She walked up to Venus. Kasei fixed his messy hair before leaving the room.
Venus’s eyes widened as she looked at her friend, “What was going on?” Venus took her friend’s hands.
“Well—” Kasei walked back in and stole a quick kiss, leaving Serenity beaming.
~*~
A/N: This chapter was a challenge. I think it turned out nicely in the end, though.
