Chapter 3 – Apart
I woke up in the large bed again. When did I fall asleep? Memories were returning; I never moved from the floor where Darien faded away. I sat there, with my arms wrapped around myself, trying to breathe. I couldn't stop myself from crying with horrible thoughts plaguing my mind. The image of Darien injured because of me. Even worse, I couldn't help him and now, I don't know when I would see him again. What about Rini? I swore to Darien I would see him again, but I made a promise that I would stay on Nemesis. That thought made me cry even harder. I had to become the Princess of Nemesis. But I was already the Princess of the Earth.
During the Silver Millennium, I gave Darien my Star Locket as a promise of marriage. I told him that as long as he had my locket, he would have my heart. But now, I have my locket. It didn't matter; Darien would always have my heart. He would understand why I took it. I gave him something much more important, the Silver Crystal. No matter what, the Dark Moon Family couldn't get my Crystal. Rini was the next one to receive it and that was going to happen, no matter what.
Sitting up, my eyes fell on the place where Darien laid, where he and I bid our goodbyes. More tears spilled as more memories came back. The duel, Darien injured, surrendering myself to my enemy and our last kiss. My fingers brushed my lips, trying to hold that kiss there. Darien, I will find you again. It's what we've done. Even lost through time and new lives, Darien and I found our ways to each other. He was an arrogant jerk whenever I ran into him. But he was also so kind when I first met him as a hospital volunteer. No matter what, we were drawn together and there was nothing we could do about it. During our breakup, I actually missed when he would tease me about my hair. My hand curled under the pillow, hugging it closer while I thought about our last boat ride. The day Rini fell into our lives; literally. The sun was beginning to sink in the sky, the scent of flowers and the pond water was all around and we were just happy. If I closed my eyes, I was right back there again. My fingers moved through the water while Darien rowed the boat, sending a chill up my arm. The feel of his lips on mine, my hands on his chest, standing in his arms.
A cold breeze wafted around me, bringing me back to the present. Back in this cold room that was intended for me was not where I wanted to be. I was left alone and I spent the time dreaming, but I had a feeling my dreams were going to be my only comfort here. Sitting up, I looked down to see that I was in a different dress. At a second glance, I realized it was the same dress without the bloody stains. My eyebrows pulled together. Looking around, there were some changes to the room. The great doors were closed, the balcony doors too. Where did that breeze come from? On the right side of room, there was another door and it was slightly opened. A dim light came from the opened door. My eyes narrowed. Nothing was safe in this place and I wasn't going to wait for something else to come after me. This new bravery was triggered by my anger. I was sad because I was taken from those I loved the most and that grew into anger.
Stepping off the bed, my feet knocked something on the floor. I looked down to see a pair of white shoes. They were pretty; the heels weren't tall and the tips of the shoes were black, fading into white. Beneath my feet, the floor was very cold, making me shiver, so I put the shoes on. My eyebrow arched; they were a perfect fit. The shoes clicked on the hard floor with every step I took.
Pushing the door further open, I peeked in to see a grand bathroom. I blinked; it was a bathroom fit for a princess. My eyes scanned the room, looking for anyone else who could be in here, but there was no movement. Walking ahead, there was a golden vanity with a small matching chair. My reflection looked back at me; a range of emotions were in the reflection; anger, worry, fear and confusion. Why was all this here? What was Diamond trying to accomplish? "I will become ruler of everything and you will be at my side." I shivered, remembering what he said to me. Diamond wanted a queen to rule with him, but why me? Perhaps when he learns that I don't have the Silver Crystal, he'll let me go.
There were more doors inside the room. Well, I was already in here. Going further into the bathroom, on the right was a large in-ground bathtub. It was a large circle in the ground with several jets. Above the tub, there was a low hanging showerhead. I walked past the bathtub. It did look inviting, especially with the shelf lined with bath oils. There was a black door with intricate white lines. A thought struck me; what if those two main doors weren't the only way into this bedroom? I didn't want to worry about someone else, someone who wouldn't want me here, seeking in through the backdoor? Finally, watching those horror movies with Lita and Mina are paying off.
Opening the door, there was a tower of white and blue towels, along with folded silk sheets and more pillows. My shoulders dropped; a linen closet. There was another matching door next to this one, but it was dark inside. "Hmm, where is the light?" The room lit up, showing rows of gowns, more shoes and a tall column of drawers; a closet. My eyebrows shot up; this was the closet of my dreams. A wall length mirror was ahead of me, with a raised platform with shining lights along the mirror's edge. I noticed some of the gowns were white, others were blue and some light and dark purple. I huffed out a breath; this entire room showed that Diamond had been planning on coming for me for some time. Maybe this was the end game; getting me away from the Scouts and turned to their side. Is that why the King tested myself and Darien the way he did?
The door slid close behind me, clicking into place. I whirled; more nervous than I realized. I sighed when I saw a long black piece of clothing hanging on the back of the closet door. Taking it off the hook, it felt thick and heavy. It was a hooded cloak. The material was longer than I was and the lining was pure satin.
"Serena," someone called me from the large room, quickly drawing my attention. That voice sent a shiver down my spine. I was so lost in my searching; I almost forgot where I was. "Serena?" Diamond was looking for me but I didn't want to see him. Looking around the closet, I searched for somewhere to hide. There was a knock on the bathroom door, "Serena?" His voice was sterner. My body began to shake as he got closer. My hands looked along the back of the closet, hoping to slip beneath the gowns. No, that's no good. Stepping back on the hem of my dress, I fell backwards and Diamond caught me.
My breathing quickened, looking up at him, "I'm sorry." Would he be mad because I was in here? "I shouldn't be in here," I explained, "I'm sorry." I didn't need him mad at me. Diamond studied me, still holding me in his arms, "Why? This is all yours." His hold was tightening and I didn't like it. I tried to stand and he helped me, "I selected this room for you. Everything in here is yours." His hand was on my back as he guided me back to the main room. I blinked in surprise, there were more furniture in the room; a lounge chair, nightstands on both sides of the bed and a dresser with an attached mirror. I was starting to wonder how these things were getting into the room. All of the furniture was black and white and very boring. Diamond walked with me to the raised platform, "Serena, this is your home now. You can go anywhere you wish." My body stiffened when he leaned down kissed my bare shoulder.
On the new nightstand, there was a covered tray. Diamond noticed where I was looking, "I had your meal brought in." My eyes closed, turning my head away. It was becoming too much of a challenge to hold it together. I was so angry, but all I could do was cry and I was trying to hold back. Something tilted my head up, making me look at Diamond. I couldn't face being in this room, where Darien nearly died. The same room I was trapped in, with the man who brought me here against my will. I was trapped in this palace and Diamond wasn't going to let me go.
I turned my head, moving out of his hold. I needed to be alone. I walked away from him, only looking at the bed. "Are you all right?" I didn't answer. I just kept my eyes on the bed. The shoes on my feet fell off, as I pulled my legs onto the downy mattress "Please," I whispered, "I just want to be alone."
He didn't move and I didn't care if he heard me. My anger always triggered tears and I wasn't out of those yet. My body slumped into the mattress and my frame began to shake. A cold hand rested on my shoulder, "Serena?" My eyes pinched closed, "LEAVE ME ALONE!" I shrieked and screamed. Diamond needed to leave. Cold air drifted and the hand on my shoulder was gone. My tears spilled as I let my grief take over. There was no comfort for me, none that anyone or anything in this place could offer.
TMPOV
Pain, there was only pain, but it was nothing compared to what I just endured. He, the one who stole her, stabbed me. He tried to kill me, but she scarified herself, which was far worse fate. I begged her not to do this, but she said she had to. To keep me alive. What was the point of living if I didn't have her? No, there had to be another way. We have fought to be together for over a millennium. The Negaverse, rebirth and losing our memories, Alan & Ann and now this? Serena and I were drawn to each other, only to be torn apart at every turn. When we finally could be together, I had to do the worse possible thing. I had to pretend I didn't love her.
I had to watch her from a distance and pretend I didn't care anymore. To see the pain in her eyes, the tears my love shed because of me; I thought that would kill me. To stay away and watch her cry when I fought the urge to hold her to me, telling her it wasn't true. Now, to see the pain on her face change to bravery, standing up to our enemy, promising herself to him. Why? Why my princess? The cold was eating away at me, biting around the wound. I woke up on the cold, broken ground of the Crystal Palace courtyard. My body is numb, thinking of my last sight of her. Her face fading into the darkest and her eyes sad, "I love you." I wanted to reach out for her, but the dark energy was holding me down, Serena, I will find you. It was getting colder. "Darien!" Someone was calling my name, but it wasn't her.
"Mars, Jupiter, Mercury! Come quick!" My eyes opened slightly, seeing golden hair, but it wasn't her. My body was being moved to the side and I groaned as something pressed against the wound. "No! Darien, what happened? How did you get here? Where's Sailor Moon?" I couldn't answer. My body was too weak from blood loss. "Let me see him." The hologram of my future self stood above me. His eyes closed, knowing what happened. "We have to get him inside, Your Majesty," Mercury was holding pressure to my back. Cold wrapped around my body and I was lifted off the hard ground. The bastard intentionally left me outside in the harsh conditions. "Come," the King announced, leading us inside. I don't know what I was on, but it offered better comfort. It was getting warmer, but I was still numb from pain. "Mercury, can you help him?" She sighed deeply, "I will try. Your Majesty, please tell me what to do."
"What happened?!" Quick, small footsteps echoed off the walls, "Darien!" Something shook my body, but I didn't open my eyes. The movement was causing more pain. The sweet voice was worried. My eyes opened and I saw her sweet face. It was her face with deep pink eyes. Her eyes were big as she stared at me, "Where's Mommy?"
I couldn't tell her the truth. She was so young and she wouldn't understand. My bond to this child was finally explained and I had to shield her. Shield her in the way I failed her mother. This was my daughter, my child. I groaned again, feeling something touch the wound. "This is deep." "Venus, Mars, could you please take Rini?" "Yes, Your Majesty."
A white glove took Rini's hand, but she tried to stay. Mars leaned closer to her ear, "No, honey, let's go. He's weak right now." I closed my eyes and saw the face I tried to save. The sapphire blue eyes set into her sweet face, surrounded by sun-gold hair. I remembered her smile and the light each one brought to her eyes. Oh, her eyes and the way they looked right before I kissed her. Then, seeing the fear in her eyes as she was being taken away. Seeing the one I loved being taken is something I will never forget. Being pulled away, she reached for me, but I couldn't reach her. My mind flashed back to our last night in the Moon Kingdom, when I was the one being taken away. She jumped and reached for me. I wanted to reach for her, but she entrusted me with Rini. She didn't scream, she only fought. She was braver than people thought. She wouldn't scream, she wouldn't give up. Even in the hands of the enemy, she knew I would come for her. Her faith in me never waiver. I did come for her, but I couldn't save her.
Since the first time I saw her, I loved her. She was the rebellious princess in the Silver Millennium. Contact between our worlds was forbidden, but she came anyway. She loved my planet and wanted to see it for herself. She appeared in the Royal Gardens. I was there, escaping my father, the first King Endymion. He was arguing that it was time to find a bride and take up his throne. I was tired of this argument. On the terrace, I saw a girl with long golden hair in a snow white gown. I'd never seen her before and she looked lost. Being the prince, it was my duty to help my people. I walked toward her, while she looked around herself, admiring the gardens. She heard my approach and hid behind a pillar. I paused in my approach.
She peeked out and I saw her eyes for the first time. They were like mine; sapphire blue. No one on my planet had eyes like mine. They were eyes of royalty. She blushed, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be here." I smiled, "It's all right. Are you lost?" She nodded once, still hidden behind the pillar. "Please, I won't hurt you. Would you please not hide?" She stepped out from the pillar and looked at me. I couldn't stop looking at her. She was the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. Her eyes were innocent as she looked at me. I bowed at the waist, "I am Prince Endymion. And you are?" She blinked, hiding her eyes from mine, "Serena." I smiled, "Why is it I have never seen you before? I've met ever maiden in the world." She looked up, her eyes wide, "Because I'm not of your world." She closed her eyes, tilting her head back slowly and a glow came from her face. I shielded my eyes until the light faded, that's when I saw the crescent moon on her forehead. I stepped back, "You are the Moon Princess Serenity."
She took a step back, "Are you going to...?" I stepped closer to her, "No. I said I wasn't going to hurt you." Her smile was sweet and she stepped out from behind the pillar, "I know I'm not supposed to be here."
The princess and I spoke for hours until her guardians came searching for her. Serena was unlike any princess I've ever met. She was interested in weaponry and defending herself. Against my own guardians' warnings, I went off to the moon during their masquerade ball. I had to see her again. From our time in the gardens, she was drawn to the red roses, "They're only pink and white on my planet," she lamented. I picked one and offered it to her, "Then you should have one." Her smile grew, "I thank you, but I can't. I cannot take this with me, for someone will know I came here." She handed it back to me.
Arriving on the moon, I leaned that the ball was for the princess's birthday, but she was nowhere in sight. My eyes looked over the people, catching sight of the queen. I turned and wondered to the water feature that housed dozens of fish. On the other side of the tank was the veranda. I could plainly see the outside, but I was drawn to the fish. They weren't ones we had on earth.
Looking through the glass, my eye fell on something blue, a deep shade of blue that I recognized; her eye. I stood up straight and so did the girl on the other side. It was the princess and she smiled so beautifully through the glass. I met her on the veranda, "Hiding from your own party?" She giggled, walking over to the banister. My hand reached out for hers, "May I have this dance, birthday girl?" She smiled at me, "I would be delighted." It was just the two of us, dancing beneath the light of my home planet. "How did you get here?" I smiled at her, "The same way you got to my planet. Against my guardians' wishes." A blush colored her cheeks. We spun in our dance and she moved so gracefully. We sat on the banister, looking up at the sky, then to each other. Soon, I couldn't help myself. Our first kiss was shared as fireworks blasted in the sky.
My princess blushed when her mother and feline advisors caught us. My heart halted; I wasn't supposed to be here and yet, I was kissing the princess on her birthday. Queen Serenity only smiled, she did not object. The queen hoped our union would unite the Earth and the Moon again.
Our marriage was to unite our planets, but it condemned them. My people weren't happy that I was going to make a Lunarian our queen and they rebelled. All the negative energy powered Queen Beryl and she was able to destroy our worlds. Beryl was one of the maidens that showed interest in me, above all the others and her anger and jealousy made her the best target for the Negaverse chose her to be their queen. Beryl's hatred of Serena was the strongest. Beryl tried to separate me from Serna during the last battle, but Serena knowingly leaped to her death to be with me.
I told her to run, but she scarified herself to be with me. One sacrifice was too much. While laying in unconsciousness, I vowed I will save Serena from our enemy and we will be together forever.
