Against All Odds

Author: tokyo_rabbit

Rated: PG13

Sorry for the delay! Totally my fault of course, as this one has been sitting on my desktop for a little while. Loki got it back to me lickity split! Well, hopefully I'll finish hacking out the next chapter.

Also! Thanks for all of your reviews and support! It's what keeps this story going!

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Chapter 11

XI

Festival of Lights

"Now explain again, who these are from?"

Madelina laughed and took the pile of cards from a perplexed Serenity and filed through them, "Kyle, Hubert's ten year old son, Nolan, Taylor's eleven-year-old son. Matt, his younger brother, Benjamin Jr. and Ben senior's eight-year-old son, and the list goes on of likely candidates for your affections, Sere."

Luna burst into fits of laughter. Earlier in the day, her Princess had received a basket full of gardenias. All of which were from the young boys of the village. Serenity was a touch exasperated, but nonetheless found it funny in a charming sort of way. Only two in the basket came from men older than herself, both of which she knew. Overall, she was pleased and disappointed with the results of the gardenias.

The sun was close to setting for the day and the festival was about to begin. Serenity was in a gown of cheery cornflower blue; nothing too extravagant, as she argued with Luna that she didn't want to flaunt her status amongst the wonderful people of the Glen, it was both arrogant and a sure fire way to alienate herself among the others. Luna begrudgingly packed away her finer dresses, settling with the fact that her Princess was actually going to wear a dress. If she ever found out who gave her those men's trousers and shirt, she would kill them twice over.

Serenity giggled while Luna fixed gardenias and ribbons within her golden hair, "My, how shall I ever make a decision?"

Setting the cards back down, Madelina smiled coyly, "Well, I'm afraid they're the only ones brave enough to challenge the King for your affections."

Both Luna and Serenity stopped what they were doing. The Moon Princess's bright blue eyes grew large as a nervous, shrill laugh came spilling from her lips, "I-I think you have gotten a horrible thought within your head Madelina...!"

The pregnant woman smiled and leaned back with satisfaction, "Have I?"

"Yes, yes you have!" Luna cried out, fumbling with the task at hand of tying a yellow ribbon around a golden braid.

Madelina laughed and put her hands up defensively, "I imply nothing towards the Lady Sere, Luna, only of my cousin's obvious affections."

"But then why did he not give her a gardenia, dear wife?" William walked in, kissing the top of his wife's head, "Bite your tongue before you insult our honored guests with your shameful thinking."

"No, no harm done. Womanly talk is all," Serenity quickly explained, ignoring the strange stab of pain she felt in her heart, "I would only take offense if Madelina could not talk so comfortably with me."

William nodded and wobbled a little on his feet as Mable and Millie tugged at his knees, wanting to be lifted up by their most wonderful daddy.

"See, William. I am behaving," Madelina said, her cheeks growing red, "We are friends, are we not?"

"Aye, wife, aye," he sighed happily, smoothing down her black hair, careful not to disturb the gardenia he had given to her that morning in bed, "But we best be heading towards the square. The feast will be beginning soon."

"Aye, husband, aye," she replied in turn, standing with the help of William, "Ready, Lady Sere? Lady Luna?"

"Ready Ma'ma!" The twins piped up, taking a turn tugging at her dress, "I ready!"

"Ah, yes Dears. I know you to be ready," the mother laughed.

"Done," Luna said with triumph.

Serenity stood with her basket of ambrosias she had picked herself that morning, "Let us go then."

~*~

The feast was, as always, a sight to behold as it sprawled across many rows of long wooden tables. The ambiance of the sun setting upon the fluttering large, colorful ribbons strung throughout the trees, between the posts erected the day before and rooftops were striking. Torches flickered in the pleasant breeze as well, their job to light the tables and dance area when the sun would completely set. That would be when the real revelry would begin....

Endymion stood next to his cousin who was in turn standing upon a hay-covered crate. Mathias spread his hands wide and looked over the mass of villagers, "Welcome to the Festival of Lights! As our yearly honored guest, Endymion will lead us in a prayer of thanks!"

Coming to stand on a crate as well, he watched the mayor step down. He took a deep breath and spoke so that all may hear what he had to say, "Friends, it is time that we celebrate many blessing within our lives tonight! Come, let us bow our heads and say thanks!"

There was a slight mummer within the crowd as all did so.

"Father, may You bless this village and it's abundance. We thank you for giving another successful harvest and pray that you will provide many more in the long years to come. We thank You for all that You have given to us, and ask that You continually watch over all the Silver Council so we may better serve You! In the Father's name, amen."

A collective "amen" washed over the crowd.

"Now, let the festival begin!" Endymion announced, smiling.

Many appreciative hollers were heard as the villagers all sat down at the tables to begin the long awaited feast.

The King made his way to his seat, stopping several times along the way shaking hands and greeting people. As he took his place at the table where his party and his kin were already sitting, he looked up to see a vision in blue walk towards her own seat.

'How can I give you up when you look as you do, Serenity?' Endymion thought.

She wore a beautiful dress of cornflower blue and a cheerful yellow. Most of her silken hair was braided into intricate knots, with a long plait flowing down her back. The only sense of disapproval he could think of was the amount of gardenias accenting her hair....

"Your Majesty," Serenity curtsied along with Luna.

"I hope you will find the festivities as pleasant as I have for all these long years, Lady Sere, Lady Luna," he smiled carefully, gesturing for them to take their places.

They did so and the Princess smiled, "I am most excited. We have no festivals such as this where I come from."

Mathias grinned, passing a platter of honey baked biscuits to Endymion who wearily eyed Serenity, "And where would that be, Lady?"

"I-- uh," she fumbled, looking desperately at the King.

"Norria, a province not far from the Elysian borders. Within Zoicite's northern territories," he supplemented with a smoothness that did not give away his impromptu lie in any way.

"Ah, yes," Serenity smiled with gratitude, "It is such a wonderful place. Have you ever happened upon it, Mayor?"

"No, I cannot say that I have," Mathias said thoughtfully, "I do know of its location though. Most of my travels take me to trade in Crosstowne or on a rare occasion to Elysian...."

The conversation continued on like this, with small idle chat, between all who sat around Endymion. He was mostly silent throughout the meal, but his gaze would often land on Serenity, yet he would on occasion chance a glance at Nephrite, to see if the General's attitude might give something away. However, the Princess seemed determined to keep her attention away from Endymion. She wouldn't so much as spare him a single glance. He wondered about that, but there would be no asking her right out in front of all these people.

The evening's first soft folds of dark began to blanket the village, giving an informal end to the feasting. The flower exchange was beginning, which would be followed by the dance, Endymion thought sourly. He found himself by two trees, sulking in the extra shade they gave against the torches. He watched Serenity intently as she marveled at the sheer amount of fireflies that seemed to come and join the revelers. Their light added a magic to the atmosphere and only made her seem more beautiful, he thought sullenly.

'How will I give you up when you smile as you do?' He sighed mentally.

Serenity took her basket of ambrosias and approached a group of boys Madelina had pointed out to her. She smiled knowingly and handed each of the boys a flower with tied with a yellow ribbon. He chuckled as each of their faces fell until she kissed their foreheads, sending them into elation. They suddenly didn't mind so much that their ribbons where yellow, showing that she wanted to remain their valued friend and nothing more.

Her task done, she then approached Endymion it seemed, even though he thought himself well hidden. His heart lurched when Nephrite intercepted her within earshot.

"Sere, I believe you have something for me?" He smiled, offering her a knowing look.

"Ah yes, Nephrite. Of all the flowers I got I valued this one," she indicated one on the left side of her head and then the right, "and this one the most. Your cards were sweet and encouraging. I am glad I have such good friends as you and Zoicite on this precious Earth!"

F-friends? Endymion blanched and was beside himself, Just friends! he shouted within his mind. Serenity handed him an ambrosia with a yellow ribbon, matching the one Nephrite had obviously given her in an act of friendship! The King was shocked to find himself shaking with laughter and had to clamp a hand over his mouth to keep quiet. All that worry for naught!

"We are blessed to have such a fine friend in you, as well!"

Appeased, his time passed more pleasantly as he merrily tapped his foot in time with the music. Watching her dance with several men within the village and all of her young admirers was also much less painful. He was so pleased, in fact, that he did not notice Madelina's presence as she came to stand beside him, free of the twins for only those few hours; they were being watched by Bram, that blessed woman.

"Will you let such a lovely creature slip through your fingers, dear cousin?" she asked.

Endymion's dark gaze never left the silver sprite, "What do you mean?"

She laughed and waved her hand, not feeling up to playing her King's game, "Oh, nothing, nothing, cousin. Well, I'm off to go and retire for the night. I see the twins sleeping on Bram's lap. Goodnight Endymion, may you have your every heart's desire tonight."

He opened his mouth in shock as Madelina waddled off, laughing at her own boldness. She was quite the wild card, that one! Sweet and docile one moment and in the next as conniving and nosy as an old crone. However, he supposed she was right. The wine, he hoped, mostly aided his agreeability. He caught Serenity sitting down with the now liberated Bram, laughing as she fanned the sweat off her brow.

"May I?" He bowed, extending a hand to her.

'How can I give you up when you bathe others in the golden light of your heart?'

Serenity's laughter ceased at once as she looked at him doubtfully. Her gaze flicked down to her hands now in her lap, to Bram, and then back down to her hands with uncertainty, "Ah, yes. I suppose."

This caused his ebony eyebrows to shoot up in question while she accepted his hand. The song was a slow one and they danced accordingly but she still avoided his gaze as much as possible. Unable to stand the silence any longer, the Princess began small talk, "Remember the last time we danced? This is much different than the waltzes of the Court, do you not think so, Your Majesty?"

"You are upset with me," he interrupted, not in the mood for small talk, "Why?"

Finally, he was rewarded with her clear blue gaze, "I am not."

It was such a blatant lie, "Sere, do not shut me out. What have I done?"

She again looked away and he saw that she was searching for the next lie. He sighed with frustration and stopped their dance. Serenity gave him a questioning look as he sought for a secluded area to continue their discussion. Not far from the dance was a small cluster of trees near a building. Taking her hand, he, as inconspicuously as possible, pulled her there. Luna was his biggest concern but she was dancing with the mayor at the moment. Lucky for him.

The Princess started as he turned on her quickly, grabbing her shoulders almost roughly.

"Do not tell me another lie, Serenity," he frowned, "I cannot bear you lying to me."

She bit her lower lip and looked down at her feet, obviously frustrated with something, "I have no right to be upset."

Fireflies lazily went on their way circling the two as they conversed in the secret shade of night. Endymion's gaze softened as the glowing insects illuminated her beauty, "Serenity... I...."

Again, the King sighed and loosened his grip, letting his thumbs caress her shoulders with tenderness. The tendrils of her hair framing her soft, beautiful features, the firefly's light giving her skin an extra ethereal glow, and the vulnerability she showed as tears welled up in her eyes. Here within his grasp he had the manifestation of his every wish, hope, and desire.

Looking dejectedly to the ground she murmured, "You failed to give me a gardenia, Majesty."

He blinked in surprise and pulled back slightly with disbelief, "Serenity...?"

Her face went aflame and he smiled triumphantly. Did this mean...?

A horrified cry rang out in the night well over the music, "FIRE! FIRE!"

Serenity jerked from him, looking frightened. He frantically looked at her then at the villagers rushing off into the night with torches, then back at Serenity. He cursed and ran off following the tell-tell glow in the night. Horrified, he came upon William and Madelina's home engulfed in flames. Mathias was shouting orders while villagers were already trying to douse the flames with water-filled buckets.

"Zoicite!" Endymion bellowed.

The General was by his side with his hands clasped in a meaningful way, eyes fierce with concentration, "On it!"

"Nephrite!"

The other was doing his part, hands weaving through the air before him. Dirt began to wash against the wooden home in an attempt to smother the fire. Nephrite's expression was just as intense with the same single-mindedness as that of Zoicite. Figures came running from the home. Endymion rushed forward as he saw William practically dragging his wife from the burning structure. They fell to their knees and relief flooded him when he heard a small cough as Madelina revealed a safe Millie.

Shaking furiously, Madelina cried hysterically, "Mable, I could not find Mable! Oh my baby! Someone save her!"

William and Endymion were about to rush in to find the girl, but a figure came barreling past them just as the roof began to give way. The breath in Endymion's lungs was robbed as he saw Serenity's water drenched figure rush into the flames.

"SERENITY!"

~*~

It was stifling and even though Serenity knew that she had only been in the house for a scant few seconds, it was already impossible to breathe. Eyes burning, she squinted through the red smoke and flames searching for a small figure. Surely, the child was not upstairs?

She made her way through the kitchen, her vision beginning to waver with the lack of air. Panic began to fill her body as the possibility of passing out was apparent to her. She had to find Mable and soon or they would both die in the inferno.

"Mable!" She choked out, "Mable are you here?"

Above her she could hear a blood curdling crash. The wooden house was collapsing around her.

"Mable!" She shrieked and fell forward, her foot catching on some burning debris.

Falling to her hands, the air quality was only a little better. She winced at her now bloody hands. A hacking cough forced her eyes shut, rendering her blind as she groped for the table she knew to be next to her, all the while wary of the fire consuming everything around her.

A small cough reached her ears. Her eyes painfully snapped open and to her left was a small figure. It was Mable, now unconscious. Serenity pushed aside a smoldering chair and clamored underneath the table to scoop the girl in her arms, "Mable! Thank God!"

The cinder-covered child had obviously hidden under the table in a confused attempt to seek shelter. She felt as if her lungs were on fire. Serenity began to crawl towards where she thought the parlor was. They, however, did not get very far, for a large portion of the upper floor gave way and came hurtling down upon the table pinning the Princess's legs. She cried out in pain, shoving the child beneath her to shield her. The heavy wooden table groaned in protest and it was only a matter of seconds before it gave way too. Trying to pull herself free was impossible she found. Something was obviously broken and the smoldering debris was too heavy for her to lift.

Another coughing fit came over her and blackness began to press upon her consciousness.

Laila....

Her eyes began to flutter shut and breathing was impossible. Serenity lazily thought, 'I am going to die here....'

Laila....

'Mable is going to die here....'

Laila tu waylay....

Her mind weakened against the void pressing upon her, 'Please... I need help.... I am no one. I cannot do it alone.... I do not care what happens to me... only save... Mable....'

Laila!

The moment before she passed out, the Princess vaguely noticed the immense crashing sounds as the house collapsed upon itself and upon them both.