REVELATIONS
CHAPTER SIX: Bad Moon Rising
Hi there, faithful readers. I'm finished with law school for the year, so I will definitely be updating more frequently! I feel so accomplished – but it's strange to actually have free time again. Strange, yet wonderful!
Anyway, thank you so much for sticking with me. This chapter is longer than usual, but I know it's been a long time coming so I didn't want to leave anything out.
As always, thank you so much to everyone who reviewed the last chapter and followed this story. It means so much and is such a great motivation! So, THANK YOU! =]
Disclaimer: Nope. I still don't own Sailor Moon. Sad.
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"D Point," she breathed. "It came from D Point."
"I think I just hallucinated. Run that by me again?" said Mars as she tiredly propped herself up from where she had collapsed. Mercury simply blinked at her, seemingly in shock.
"What are the chances that you've made a mistake?" asked Tuxedo Mask, not quite believing what the Water Senshi's words.
Mercury let out a bitter laugh and shook her head. "I think you know that as well as I do," she said, pocketing her computer and powering down her visor. She couldn't deal with this right now. Tired as she was, she needed to do something, walk somewhere, fight something. She began pacing around the clearing. "The particles were a perfect match to the earliest youmas we faced. This thing came straight from D Point, no two ways about it. Now the question is – how?" Mercury looked around at the others, eyes a bit too bright and voice a bit too high.
"How could they come from D Point? We died clearing everything out of there and the Silver Crystal smoked Beryl! I mean we died cleaning house there - how is this possible?" asked Jupiter, who had just gotten shakily to her feet with the help of Venus.
We died, whispered a voice in the back of Sailor Moon's head. We died, so how can we be so sure? You assumed that the crystal had killed Beryl because you had woken up safe and warm in your bed and the attacks had stopped – but did you actually see her die?
Sailor Moon shook her head, trying to get rid of that doubt. The attacks had stopped, at least until the Cardians came to town – but those weren't from D Point. She and her Senshi were in their third year of university, Darian was in his second year of medical school. It had been over six years since she had recovered the crystal and defeated Beryl. Still, she couldn't shake that doubt…
"Mercury, run your scans again. This isn't possible," ordered Venus. Her voice was eerily calm, but loud enough to interrupt Sailor Moon's thoughts.
"What for? A one percent match doesn't leave room for questions!" shouted Mercury, hands in the air. The normally collected senshi seemed to have reached her breaking point – something which was not lost on Sailor Moon.
"Hey, hey listen to me!" cried Sailor Moon as she too pushed herself to her feet, effectively cutting off Venus's red-faced retort. "We're not going to start arguing with each other over this! I know a hell of a lot has been going on recently, but we've got to stick together. Now let's all just take a minute and process this. Got it?"
At this, Sailor Moon pushed her doubts aside and looked around at her Senshi. Slowly, they all nodded, their expressions softening to something between sheepishness and exhaustion, with an unmistakable glint of hysteria. God, this was the last thing they needed right now – to let this get the best of them - but she wouldn't let them take it out on each other. Not now. They needed each other too much.
"Good. Now Mercury, you're absolutely sure?"
"Yes," she replied, the edge gone from her voice. "Like I said, the residual particles that remain from their transport are the exact same composition of those from the youma originating in D Point. My computer doesn't indicate that there is any other place in the universe with that same makeup – they're distinctly Terran."
This was met with even further silence as the exhausted Senshi processed this. On top of their lives being completely uprooted by the knowledge of the Generals, it was clear that this was simply proving to be too much.
"If I may make a suggestion – maybe we should call it a night and meet tomorrow afternoon," suggested Tuxedo Mask. Clearly, they were not about to unravel this mystery tonight and could all use a decent night's sleep.
"I think that might be our best option," sighed Venus. She was exhausted – mentally and physically – and as dire a situation as this was, she knew that they were not going to have any revelations that night. "Tomorrow is Tuesday, so if memory serves we'll all be finished with classes by 3:45. Let's meet at the Temple at 4:30. If you have work, plan to call off. This isn't something that can be put off any longer."
The Senshi all nodded in agreement. None of the Senshi wanted to linger; no one had anything to say. They let their transformations fade and let the shadows claim them as they went their separate ways, all hoping that they had exerted enough energy to warrant a dreamless sleep.
Serena sighed as she watched them go. She stood in the shadow of the trees, pressed up against Darien's chest, his warm arms circling her.
"You know, I think you've earned some rest, too," he said, his rich voice close enough that his breath tickled her ear. Despite her exhaustion, she couldn't help but shiver.
"Well thank you, Your Highness," she said, twisting around so that she was facing him. She attempted to smirk at him, but her muscles just wouldn't cooperate. Instead, she sighed again and rested her head against his firm chest, taking comfort in his warmth and his unique scent and bringing her arms up to circle his waist.
"We're going to get through this," he said, pulling her closer as he began to rub slow circles on her back. "We just need some time to figure everything out – everything has been hitting all at once and everyone is still reeling. But we're going to get our footing back and put an end to this."
For a minute, Serena just closed her eyes and let herself be blindly comforted. Of course things would work out – they always worked out, didn't they?
Sadly, this train of thought didn't last for very long. She couldn't delude herself with false comfort. They were fighting an unknown enemy while dealing with life shattering revelations about a past they thought had been fully revealed to them long ago. Things could very plausibly not work out. Still, Darien's words and his presence did give her strength.
Sighing for a third and final time, she hugged him tightly and then stepped back so she could look at him.
"Dare, do you remember me killing Beryl?"
He shifted uncomfortably and pulled on his collar. "You know I wasn't really myself then…"
Serena flinched and shoved him, "I don't mean that! I mean do you actually remember me defeating Beryl? You were the only one with me at the very end. The others had all… fallen by then," she finished softly, looking away from Darian and up into the night sky.
"I just – I don't remember actually beating her," she continued after a moment, her gaze finding his again. "All I can remember is the light of the crystal, wishing for everything to be over, for everyone to be safe, and for her to be defeated, to just be ordinary again. And then I woke up in my bed without my memories, until Luna brought them back. That's it. I don't remember her actually falling. I don't remember seeing her die. I don't – I don't remember…"
Darien looked at her searchingly. She had never told him this before. No one really talked about how their time at D Point had ended. It was painful, to say the least. But if she couldn't remember… then was Beryl dead? Had the Silver Crystal really killed her?
"Sere, the last thing I can remember is dying in your arms. That's it. I was long gone by the time you used the crystal…" At this, they both flinched.
"But then what does this mean? Could she be back?" Serena said, her voice almost a whisper.
"I – I'm not sure. Can you remember what exactly you wished for… in the end? Did you wish for her to die? I know it's hard, but try to remember anything you can, Sere."
"That's the thing – it's a blur, but I don't remember wishing for her to die. To be defeated, yes, but to die? God, I was fourteen! Yes, I had been dusting youmas, but I didn't actually want to kill them. I just wanted to defeat them and fight for love and justice and all that. You don't think… Would the Silver Crystal not kill her if I didn't specifically wish for that?" she looked up at him, eyes wide and fearful. "Oh God, Darien, what have I done? Did I not… did it… I don't…"
"Shhh… calm down, everything is going to be fine. Not wanting to end a life isn't a bad thing, Sere. Never think that, ever. If the crystal interpreted your wish as sealing her away, then she should still be there…"
"She should be, but does it seem like D Point is inactive to you?! Dare, I had no idea what I was doing back then. It was the first time I had ever really used the crystal to channel that kind of power. What if she was just sealed away and the seal was broken?!"
Serena had started to shake violently, and Darien couldn't blame her. She had been a fourteen year old kid with the fate of the world in her hands. Literally. Although the cold fear in the pit of his stomach told him that this wasn't something that could easily be dismissed, he couldn't blame her for it, either. Hell, she was the only one who had made it to that point alive – she was the only reason the world was still spinning, many times over. They would get to the bottom of this. He just hoped that Beryl wouldn't be there waiting for them. He still had nightmares about that bitch brainwashing him. It wasn't something that could be easily forgotten…
Not knowing what else to do or say, he simply held her close, whispering quiet words to her and rubbing her back. Finally, the shaking subsided, and Serena slumped against him, exhausted.
"Let's get you home so you can get some rest. I don't want you to think about any of this until tomorrow. No 'buts.' You need a decent night's sleep if you're going to keep using energy at this rate."
It's not like I'll ever be able to get to sleep…
"I heard that. Now I know you don't have class until 11, so I want you to take something to help you sleep. I'll just get something from my medicine kit and bring it by in a little. That should at least let you get some rest."
"Oh, the perks of having a boyfriend in med school," Serena said, managing to roll her eyes. He was glad he could at least get some kind of response out of her.
"Stick with me, kid, and you'll be just fine!"
At that, Serena couldn't help but smile. "Goof," she said, half-heartedly hitting his shoulder.
"Who would have thought?" he countered. "Although, considering what you used to call me, I'll consider that a compliment, meatball head."
Serena snorted, and pushed him away as she started walking toward the park exit. Darien caught up quickly and grabbed her hand. She leaned into him as he walked her home in a comfortably silence. The night was clear, but summer was quickly turning to fall and Serena couldn't tell if the chill in the air was from the weather or the thought of Beryl.
The couple stopped around the corner from Serena's house to say goodnight. It was already close to 10, and the last thing that Darien wanted was to be seen by Serena's father. Especially not at this time of night. He had faced enemies from across the galaxy, but none inspired the same kind of fear that Ken did… Especially since he had offered to take Darien to the shooting range and teach Darien what he knew.
Darien pulled Serena into his arms and kissed her deeply. The kiss was a little reckless, a little harsh, but he was feeling deeply unsettled and he just needed to feel her. Not quite aware of his actions, he soon had her pressed up against the stone wall and was kissing his way down her neck as she moaned his name, running her hands through his ebony hair. A sudden car alarm called them back to reality, and soon they were both straightening their clothes and slowing their rapid breathing.
"You should get inside before it gets too late," he said, not wanting her to leave. "I'll be back soon with that pill. Don't forget to unlock your window."
Serena leaned up on her tip toes and planted a series of hot kisses on his mouth.
"I'll be waiting!" She said as she quickly pushed away from him and sashayed around the corner, giggling as she heard him groan.
You'll be the death of me! She heard him complain through their link.
Love you, too!
Serena was still smiling as she unlocked her front door and carefully relocked it behind her. She slipped off her shoes and went into the kitchen to find her parents drinking tea.
"You're home late for a school night, aren't you?" remarked her father sternly.
Serena knew this had been coming, but wasn't concerned. She had come a long way from the 39% marks on her algebra homework, and Ken knew it. In university, she had received top marks in several of her classes and had even received honors for numerous semesters.
"I don't have class until 11 tomorrow, you know! I've been working hard – I think I deserve to watch How To Lose a Guy in Ten Days and have some ice cream with the girls!" Serena deflected his light criticism easily as she poured her own cup of tea.
"Did you learn anything from that?"
"What was that, dad?"
"Ken! "
"I said what are you learning in your class tomorrow?"
"Oh, I think we're supposed to be having a discussion on the American public education system. From what I've read, it's really depressing."
"Well, that sounds interesting. You know, I'm proud of you, dear. You really had us worried for a while, there, but no matter… Get to sleep, honey."
"Yes, dad," Serena giggled, hugging both of her parents before taking her tea and heading upstairs. "Good night!"
She slowly trudged up the stairs, feeling the physical toll that repeatedly fighting these freakishly strong youmas was having on her more and more with each step. Although she felt just about ready to collapse by the time she had reached her room and quietly closed the door behind her, she could not stop her mind from racing, reliving her memories from her final moments at D Point. Try as she might, she could not actually remember wishing for Beryl to die – or figure out what this could mean for them.
With a frustrated sigh, she went through her nightly ritual, pulling the pins from her hair and stepping into the shower to wash the day off. She let the warm water work over her aching muscles and washed the dust from the battle out of her long blonde hair. Darien had always told her that she looked like sunshine, but she remembered back in her days as a Princess of the Moon Kingdom, her hair had been more akin to moonlight, silver and fluid. She was thankful that at least that didn't change when she regained her identity – it would have been rather difficult to explain. Not many fourteen year old girls would die their hair that color: platinum blonde, yes, but not silver.
Serena finished conditioning her hair and turned off the water. As she toweled off her hair, brushed her teeth, and slipped on a fresh nightgown, she couldn't help but hope that whatever sleep aid Darien gave her would work. She was exhausted and knew that she needed to get some sleep to keep up her strength, but saw Beryl whenever she closed her eyes.
Cringing, she opened the door to her room to find her Prince lounging on her bed, flipping through one of her textbooks.
"Can you be any more of a nerd?" She teased, throwing her balled up pair of socks at him. She didn't know whether to cringe or swoon when he deftly caught them without looking up.
He looked up at her with a dazzling crooked smile – the one he reserved specially for her – and she though, Swoon. Definitely swoon.
"That's no way to speak to a man that is training to save lives. Show some respect!" He said as she plopped down on the bed next to him, all blonde hair and long legs. God, I'm lucky, he thought as he pulled her into his arms and planted a quick kiss on her forehead.
"Fork over the medicine and I'll consider it," she retorted, sticking her tongue out at him.
"What's the magic word?"
"Blow-"
They both held their breath as the creak of the bottom step indicated that Serena's parents were heading to bed. After a few minutes, they could hear Ken snoring from down the hall.
"What was that now, Princess?" Darien smirked at her as he propped himself up on one elbow, his hair ruffled. Damn him for always looking so good, Serena though as she playfully knocked his elbow out from under him.
"Keep that up and you'll never find out!"
"You're cruel," he groaned, handing her a tiny pill.
"And you complete me," she smirked at him, while taking the pill with a sip of water. Darien just groaned.
"What was that?"
"I said I love you, forever," he said, sitting up and pulling her into his arms. "Now, try to lay down and get some sleep. That should give you a solid eight hours at least."
"Yes, doctor," she giggled, kissing him softly.
"I'm serious, Sere. I'm worried about the energy levels you're using. I know, I know, you have to. But that also means you have to take care of yourself. And that means sleep!"
"I know. I'm exhausted. It's just that I can't stop thinking about everything that we've learned about Beryl in the past few days. How she tricked me into.. into… that… and now D Point…"
Darien wrapped his arms even tighter around her. "Don't think about that Sere. It's in the past. You're my soul mate, you're mine, and that's all that matters. Now get some sleep, love. You need it," he kissed her on the forehead and started to leave.
"Stay with me?" Serena asked quietly. "I know you don't want to sleep here in case dad checks on me, which I don't want either, but just, until I fall asleep, stay with me?
"Always," he said, laying back down and pulling her back into his arms.
"Thanks. I love you, Dare."
"I love you, too. I'll be here."
"I know," she said, snuggling closer.
Darien couldn't help but smile has he looked down at the blonde angel in his arms. They had been through so much together, but she had truly saved him in every possible way. He hated to think of his life before her. But he would not lose her for anything – and that included whatever would be waiting for them at D Point or in long lost memories. They would get through it all.
Serena's breathing slowed into the steady rhythm of sleep. Between the warmth of his Princess, the light breeze filtering in through the window, and the exhaustion from dealing with the past few days, Darien didn't even notice when he drifted off to sleep.
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Darien found himself walking through a rose garden that looked awfully familiar. It was foggy, and he could only see a few paces ahead of him. The only reason he knew it was a rose garden was the smell. That and the fact that he had visited Serenity here in his dreams, almost nightly, from the time of his accident to the time when he realized his Serena was Serenity.
Suddenly, a feminine voice swore, breaking the silence. Not a moment later, he heard the crash of someone falling to the ground.
"Sere, are you here?"
"Darien?!" She called back, astonished.
"I'm coming. Just stay right where you are and I'll find you."
He laughed aloud, heard her swear again, and laughed even harder. Serenity and her incarnation may appear to be identical, but there would be absolutely no confusing the two of them.
When Darien found her, she was sitting on the ground, her soft white gown spread out around her. He couldn't help but just stare at her for a moment, as she looked up at him, the moonlight causing her skin to glow. She looked every inch the goddess she was descended from. And then she spoke.
"Reincarnated Princes be damned, chivalry really is dead." With that she got to her feet, refusing Darien's help which came just a few seconds too late.
As Serena's grumbling finally subsided, the couple heard footsteps coming towards them. Endymion's warrior training took over as Darien planted himself firmly in front of Serena.
"Who's there? Show yourself!" He bellowed into the fog.
He was met with laughter which sounded like soft chimes. "Dear Endymion, it is I, Queen Serenity."
Serena gasped, stepping towards her. "Queen Serenity?"
"My Queen," greeted Darien, kneeling on one knee and lowering his head. "My apologies."
"Nonsense, Endymion, please rise." He heard her bell-like laughter again. "You were only protecting my daughter, as you have done now in two lifetimes and through countless battles. It is I who should be apologizing to you. To you both."
"What are you saying?" asked a bewildered Serena.
The Queen sighed. "It appears as though my magic is waning. As you grow in power, my dear daughter, my own hold on the Crystal's magic grows weaker."
"What.. what do you mean?" breathed Serena, stepping away from the Queen of the Silver Millenium and moving to stand beside Darien.
"My dear, you know that I am but a fragment the Silver Crystal's power. I was killed that day on the Moon, after using my life force to seal away Metallia. My last wish was that I could see you, dear Serenity, inherit the power that was rightfully yours. That is why the Crystal has allowed this piece of my spirit to remain with you, to offer you all the guidance I can."
"Well, yes… Yes, I know that. But what does that have to do with anything?" asked Serena. Darien could hear the slight panic in her voice and put his arm around her waist, pulling her close to his side. She involuntarily leaned into his warmth.
Queen Serenity chuckled; although Serena may be far less graceful than her Serenity, it seemed some things would never change. "My dear, it was everything to do with everything. Particularly the visions of the past that have been starting to escape my hold and find their way back to you."
"So you're the one who's been sending them? Not the new enemy?" asked Darien, who was now also trying his best to remain calm.
"I don't know if 'sending' is exactly the right phrasing… When you were reincarnated, I shielded you both from some of the more… painful memories of the past in an effort to give you a better life. I never thought that the day would come when I would be too weak to confine those memories, or that you would, in fact, need them."
"Need them?" asked Endymion. "So this does have something to do with the new enemy…?"
"Yes, dear Endymion, it does – although sadly the enemy you are now facing is not quite so new. Maybe it's for the best if I were to share your full memories with you first, and then answer any questions you may have."
Darien nodded. Serena looked reluctant, but eventually nodded as well, taking Darien's hand.
"Close your eyes, children, and remember…"
Her voice faded away as a burst of warm, silver energy washed over them. The last thing Darien was aware of was Serena's trembling form and quiet whimper.
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"Everyone, thank you for joining us tonight for this great celebration," Endymion began. As his words were met with applause, a bitter smile played on his lips. Once the people heard his next words, there would be no more applause. Except from a certain dark haired man…
"Before the festivities begin, I have an announcement to make. Princess Serenity and I have decided…"
Endymion's words died on his lips as a tremor shook the Grand Ballroom of the Moon Palace. Screams echoed through the gargantuan chamber as an explosion destroyed the East wall. Chaos erupted as partygoers scrambled away from the destruction. Deadly bursts of dark energy coming through the massive hole in the wall hit several and they crumpled to the ground, unmoving.
"Serenity, Endymion," Endymion gasped as he turned to find Queen Serenity standing behind him, hugging Serenity tightly, and looking through him with wild, panicked eyes, taking in the chaos.
"Y-Yes, my Queen?" Despite everything that had transpired between him and her traitorous daughter, Endymion still held great respect for the Queen of the Silver Millenium.
Endymion's voice seemed to draw Queen Serenity out of her trance. She blinked down at him, her eyes once again held the serene yet calculating gaze that he had come to know.
"Endymion, please take my daughter to safety and protect her with your life. I will find you when it is safe."
Endymion nodded; the skills drilled into him during the long hours spend training with his generals instantly kicked in and he found himself calculating the best route to escape the ballroom, where to safely hide Serenity, and where he was most needed in the fight. He had known that it would only be a matter of time before the force that had overtaken his own planet sought out the Moon Kingdom. At a time like this, he wished he had his generals at his side. Sadly, they had been missing, presumed dead, ever since the final battle and the fall of Terran Palace – his home. However, Endymion's training kept these thoughts from entering his conscious mind. Grabbing Serenity by the wrist, he raced up the grand staircase.
"Endymion, please, slow down!" cried Serenity, tears streaming down her face. "What will become of my mother? Of all of our guests? Of my friends? Oh, Endymion, we have to do something!"
Her words were lost on Endymion, who was concentrating on the sounds of battle coming towards them from the main entrance to the palace. Sensing that the battle was approaching from that side as well, he changed directions and charged out onto the terrace, Serenity in tow.
Endymion was looking for a way out of the chaos, but Serenity had other ideas. She pulled him close, tears sliding down her cheeks, and kissed him deeply. It was a lover's kiss, and Endymion wasn't prepared to defend against it. Instead, his body responded automatically to hers. Soon, he had her pushed up against a wall on the terrace, as the chaos swirled around them. Finally, Serenity broke away with a loud, pained cry.
"Oh, Endy," Serenity sobbed. "Please, hear me out. It was never supposed to be like this. She promised! She promised no one would get hurt if I left you alone!"
"Shhh, we need to get to safety. Fast." Endymion was confused as hell, but his warrior instincts were taking over again.
Serenity nodded as he grabbed her hand and led her deep into the palace gardens. When they could no longer hear the fighting, Endymion still insisted on moving forward. It was not until Serenity forcibly sat down on a bench that he finally stopped.
"Endy, you have to listen to me, please," she begged, looking up at him with terrified, broken eyes. "I did all of this to protect you. To project our kingdoms. But that bitch tricked me! She lied to me and it was all for nothing!"
Now her bright blue eyes flashed with fiery anger.
"Serenity, what are you talking about?" Asked Endymion, trying to keep his voice calm. His eyes were sweeping the landscape around them, on the alert for even the most minute sign of trouble.
Serenity took a deep breath and then looked up at him, her eyes unsure but yet full of a maturity that Endymion had never seen before.
"I'm talking about Beryl."
"Wh.. what?" stammered, Endymion, completely numb.
Serenity nodded sadly, with the regal air of the queen she would never become in this life. "She cornered me at the Terran Palace, not too long after our parents started finalizing the arrangements for our engagements."
What are you talking about? Those arrangements were made in private! No one else knew about them!"
Serenity could sense Endymion's anger building, and she knew that she deserved it. Still, she couldn't handle his temper right now. Not when their time together may be so short. She shuddered at the thought.
"For once in your life, will you just listen? Beryl cornered me and said that if I did not leave you alone, if I did not somehow break off our engagement and convince you that I didn't love you, your entire family would be killed and the Earth would fall into the hands of an evil being called Metalia. She said that only she had the power to save your life, but she would only do so if you had nothing to do with me."
"Serenity…"
"What choice did I have?! I was a pampered princess. I knew nothing of the ways of the world. She said that she would kill me and Mother if I breathed a word of this to anyone. She had threatened the lives of everyone I cared about. What else could I do? I had to do as she asked. "
"Sere…"
"That's when I remembered Seiya. He had obviously been interested in me, but of course I only had eyes for you, love. But I needed a plan. As much as it killed me to use him, I did. I used him! I betrayed him, like I betrayed you! I convinced him that… that…" Tears threatened to overtake her, but in a moment of strength that Endymion didn't know she was capable of, she composed herself. "I convinced him to sneak to Earth with me… to sneak into your Rose garden. The one place where I knew that you would find us."
"Serenity I… Why didn't you tell anyone?" Endymion's mind was reeling. So Serenity did love him and only him? It had all been a ruse? He felt the feeling of hope bloom in his chest and for a moment completely forgot about the chaos in the Moon Palace and the danger they were in. Serenity was the only thing that mattered to him in that moment.
"Did you not hear what I just said?!" Her eyes flashed in anger.
"Serenity, how could you be so stupid to believe her? Why wouldn't you tell someone? Why wouldn't you tell me? Why…" Thousands of questions rushed through his mind, but she cut him off before he could make any further inquiries.
"I know now that I was stupid. And it didn't matter anyway. The Earth is lost, your people have been brainwashed, and now my kingdom is being attacked. Nothing I did could save anyone anyway! I was such a fool, Endy! Such a naive little fool! How could I have been so stupid?"
Serena finally broke down and buried her head in her hands as sobs wrecked her body. Finally, Edymion sat down beside here and pulled her into his lap.
"Did you honestly believe her bluff?"
"Look around, Endymion, it's not a bluff!"
"So you think Beryl and this Metallia are behind this?"
"Who else?"
After of moment of silence, Endymion conceded. "I think you're right, Sere. Gods, I never thought we'd be in a mess like this. I have to get back to the palace and warn your mother. Stay here and stay hidden. I'll be back as soon as everyone is safe."
"No, Endy, I'm…"
Serenity's words were lost as Endymion pulled her into a scorching kiss. It wasn't nearly as gentle as the kisses they had shared in the past, and nowhere near as safe. Endymion kissed her until his breath ran out, and then he pulled back and kissed her again.
When the couple broke apart, they were both breathing heavily. Serenity felt dazed, but at the same time her blood was on fire. Only Endymion could do this to her. It had always only been him. The fact that she had been tricked into giving her virginity to a man she didn't love… a man who wasn't Endymion… Well, when this was over Beryl was going to have a lot to answer to.
"I love you, Sere," he breathed. "Even after everything, you've always had my heart. Somehow, I think, I knew it couldn't be true. I knew you were mine and mine alone."
"I love you, too, Endy. And never forget it," she reached up on tiptoes to plant a gentle kiss on his lips.
Endymion pulled Serenity into a tight embrace and then suddenly broke away, heading in the direction of the palace. Turning to look over his shoulder, he called, "Please be safe, Sere, and remember to stay hidden! Remember, I'll be back for you. I love you, always."
With that he raced away, towards the battle.
"I love you, too, my Prince," Serenity whispered to his retreating form.
Serenity got up the bench and paced. She hated to just sit here, but what else could she do? She would only be in the way…
Her thoughts were interrupted by a piercing scream that seemed to originate from behind the thick hedging. Moving slowly forward, she tried to get a look at what was happening without giving away her presence.
"Zoicite… what?"
Mercury! It was the Princess of Mercury, her longtime friend and sworn protector! Mercury was dressed in her warrior uniform, a sailor fuku, and she seemed to be in trouble. But Serenity couldn't see where exactly the trouble was coming from. She stood facing Zoicite, one of Endymion's generals. Mercury and Zoi had fallen in love during a chance meeting at the Terran palace. Mercury had accompanied Serenity for a secret meeting with Endymion, and Zoicite, in turn, had been protecting his price. The two quickly became inseparable, and Serenity knew that they, too, planned to marry.
But looking at the two of them together, now… Serenity could tell something was wrong.
"Lady Mercury," Zoicite sneered.
"Zoi, what's wrong? You shouldn't be here. It's your duty to protect Endymion, not me! I'll be fine… I just need to figure out where Serenity went." With that, Mercury called upon her computer and started doing a scan of the area.
Serenity was just about to step forward when Mercury turned toward Zoicite and gasped.
"You're… You're not…"
Zoicite chuckled darkly, "No, I'm not." With that, he sent a blast of dark energy hurtling toward Mercury. She deftly dodged it by jumping high in the air, coming to land behind Zoicite.
"What have you done with him?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HIM?"
"It'll all be over soon, Lady Mercury. Then your body will be infused with dark energy, just like Zoicite's was. You'll be a great asset. So much power, so much beauty…" He stepped forward and ran an icy hand down her cheek.
Mercury shivered, and let her guard drop for a moment as she remembered the times when her Zoicite had caressed her in the exact same thing. Now, he was dead. She had thought she felt their bond break, but for once in her life had refused to face the facts that were just too painful to bear. She would never see him again, never hear his bell-like laughter or see his crooked grin.
A distraction was exactly what the evil creature masquerading as Zoicite had been looking for. Before Serenity could even yell out a warning to Mercury, the Dark Zoicite had lodged an ice crystal through Sailor Mercury's abdomen.
"You… you…"
"Such a waste, Lady Mercury," the Dark General said as he turned on his heel and sauntered away from his dying love.
Calling up one final burst of strength, Mercury rose of her feet and launched herself towards Zoicite with an inhuman cry. The couple was engulfed by a blinding blue light. Serenity tried to shield her eyes, but she was a moment too late.
When Serenity finally regained her vision, Mercury lay on the ground, breathing shallow breaths. Her sailor fuku was in tatters and covered with blood from the gaping wound in her side. Already, the blood was pooling under her.
Next to her was Zoicite, or what had at one time been his body. It was frozen in ice, the dark creature's face contorted in a mask of rage. He didn't seem to be a threat anymore, and to be quite frank, Serenity didn't care. She forced her way through the hedging and knelt down beside Mercury.
The warrior was mortally wounded, but she could still sense Serenity's presence.
"Sere…"
"Shhh, Ami, I'm right here."
"Sernity, they got him! Zoi… They got him!"
"Shhh, shhh"
"Sere, they killed him, and I felt our bond break, and I knew… I knew…" Mercury tried to sit up, but couldn't make it. Serenity knelt down in front of her so she could clearly see her face, unable to mask the tears that were flowing steadily.
"Ames, what did you know?"
"I... I…" She coughed and tried to continue, but her strength was wavering. "Sere, I failed you," Mercury whispered. "You need to get out of here. I knew it wasn't Zoi, but I couldn't accept it. And now I can't protect you anymore."
"Ami, it's alright, everything's going to be alright, you just need to rest…" Serenity's tears were starting to flow harder now. She was just this was the last conversation she would have with her friend.
"Serenity, listen to me. You need to get out of here. You need to hide. Endymion will come for you. Stay safe, you're the Alliance's only hope."
"Ami? AMI!" sobbed Serenity. "Ami, please hang on. Help will be here soon."
A small, sad smile played on the ice senshi's lips as she drew her last shallow breath. "No one's coming, Sere. This is it. Thank you, for being my friend. Be strong… I believe… in you… my friend" Amy exhaled and was still.
"Ami?" Serenity shook her gently. "Ami, please, you have to wake up! AMI!"
Serenity collapsed, sobbing, her friend's blood soaking her pristine, white evening gown. In her heart, she had felt Ami's soul leave her body. She knew it was too late for her dear friend.
Serenity allowed herself a few moments of despair before she forced herself to take deep, steadying breaths.
The generals were brainwashed. Even Ami, smart, proud, Ami, had been distracted by their disguise. Whoever was attacking knew the inner workings of Serenity and her guard – knew that not only were she and Endymion in love, but that her senshi had also fallen for the Terran generals. Now, it appeared as though the enemy was brainwashing the generals and using them against the senshi. And maybe even Endymion.
I have to warn the others. I have to make this right. Serenity raced through the hedging and along the path that Endymion had disappeared to ten minutes prior. She held up her skirts as she raced towards the terrace.
As Serenity ran along the path, she felt Jupiter and Mars fall. Tears flooded her vision and she wanted nothing more than to stop running, hide, and cry for her friends. But she had to grow up. She had to protect her kingdom. She refused to let her senshi sacrifice their lives in vain.
She had already endangered everyone by not telling them about Beryl's threat. It may have cost the senshi their lives, and it almost cost her Endymion. Somehow, she had to make this right. If they could just defeat whatever enemy dared attack the Silver Alliance, surely Mother could use the Silver Crystal to revive her Senshi. Everything would be alright. It had to be…
Serenity could see the terrace come into view. Behind it, the Moon Palace was engulfed in flames. As she continued to run, her white satin dress flying out behind her, Serenity felt the leader of the Senshi, her cousin, Venus, fade.
Mother will save them. She has to. She will save the kingdom. She will save all of this. Tomorrow, it will be as if none of this was real… I just need to reach her. To warn her.
As Serenity sprinted up the steps of the terrace, the world exploded. Rubble rained down around her, and she found herself thrown back against the trailing.
Through the dust, she caught a glimpse of the fires of hell. Or so it appeared on first glance. As the smoke settled, she realized it was actually Beryl's flowing, red hair, silhouetted by the flaming Moon Palace.
Serenity gasped as she heard movement to her left. Endymion threw rubble off of himself and stood shakily. Then, with a king's grace and a warrior's fury, he turned toward Beryl.
"You pitiful witch. If you think that I would ever join you, you're more delusional than I thought."
"But my dear," Beryl crooned, "together we could rule the entire universe. If you come with me, I will see to it that Metallia releases your people. And once we destroy that pitiful, cheating Moon Princess, the Alliance, too, shall be ours!"
"You will never hurt a hair on Serenity's head, you filthy whore!" Endymion charged towards her, sword drawn, and impaled her. As Endymion pulled his blood covered sword out of Beryl's torso, she started to cackle.
Endymion, whose confusion quickly gave way to concern, retreated back a few paces.
Beryl continued to laugh, even as blood gushed down her hideous purple dress. Then, before his eyes, she began to glow with a dark energy.
With just a flick of her wrist, Beryl sent Endymion flying back into the railing.
"Endymion, NOOO!"
Both Endymion and Beryl froze. Neither had noticed Serenity before she ran toward Endymion, flinging her arms around him.
"Sere," he said, embracing her tightly and cringing at the pain in his back as he did so, "what are you doing here? You're supposed to be hiding in the garden, safe and sound…"
"Zoi got Ami. I came to tell you as fast as I could," she whimpered, looking at him with wild, frightened eyes.
"What are you talking about? You need to get out of here!"
"Endy, listen to me! You need to listen! Beryl brainwashed your generals! She killed them and filled them with a dark energy. They killed the senshi," Serenity said with tears streaming down her face. "They're gone. No help is coming. I think they killed the generals, I know Ami did, but.. but… God Endy, this is all my fault."
"Shhh, Sere, it's all going to be alright. I just need you to run. ARRRGHHHHH!"
Endymion collapsed on top of her, as Beryl cackled wildly behind him. Serenity gasped, "Endy, Endy, no!" She couldn't quite believe that she was seeing. Beryl had run Endymion through with his own sword while Serenity had distracted him He had collapsed in her lap and was breathing shallow breaths. It was her fault, it was all her fault… this couldn't be happening. She looked from Endymion to Beryl with wild eyes. Where was her mother? Why wasn't she using the crystal to save them? To make everything right with the world, like she always did before?
"Sere, run, promise me you'll run!" Endymion called her back to attention, wildly trying to find her face and squeezing her hand.
"Endy, I love you, don't leave me!" she sobbed. This was all a nighmare. She would wake up in her bed, safe and sound, any second now…
"Sere, I love you too. Now go!" A seizure shook him, and he was still.
Any second now, Luna will come in and wake me, yell at me for sleeping the day away. She'll brush my hair and I'll pick out a dress that I think Endymion will like…
Endymion. Endymion was lying unmoving in her arms. This wasn't a nightmare. This was real. She had to act. She couldn't sit here, frozen, an easy target. She had to face her fear.
Serenity gingerly removed herself from under him and stood to face Beryl, who was still holding Endymion's sword and laughing manically.
"So, we meet again, you pitiful little princess. I told you it would come to this if you didn't get out of my way!"
"YOU KILLED HIM!" Serenity cried. "I did all that you asked and you killed him anyway!" The sound of Beryl's voice had awoken a deep rage in Serenity; the Princess of the Moon lunged forward toward Beryl. The Dark Queen saw her coming and pushed her away with minimal effort.
Serenity was scrambling to get up when she suddenly felt her body stop responding to her. Her limbs wouldn't respond, and she blinked, startled. A cloud of dark energy surrounded her, and she no longer could control her movements. Even as her mind screamed with protest, Serenity found herself kneeling before Beryl in total submission.
"Very good, little princess. Now, finish it for me so I don't get my hands dirty."
Serenity watched in horror as she accepted Endymion's sword from Beryl and turned to walk towards her prince. She tried with all of her might to fight against Beryl's power, but the witch was just too strong.
Endy, her mind cried out to him. Endy, please wake up. Please help me.
To her surprise, her prince began to stir. She watched in wonder as golden sparks played over the rapidly healing would in his chest.
The Golden Crystal! She thought. He must have inherited its power when his parents were killed!
Endymion got shakily to his feet and turned back towards Beryl and Serenity, who was now only ten feet away from him, sword drawn. His Princess was jerkily walking towards him with tears streaming down her face.
"Serenity what are you doing, you need to get out of here! This isn't a game! Go now, before it's too late!"
Endymion blinked in confusion as Serenity kept moving towards him. He could feel the terror through the mental link he shared with her; he could hear Beryl's maniacal laughter in the back ground.
"Sere?"
Endymion began to take note of the dark cloud surrounding his Princess. Suddenly, he felt his stomach drop as the pieces fell into place. Serenity was under Beryl's control.
"Let her go, if you know what's good for you!" he screamed at the witch, lunging towards Serenity in an attempt to remove the sword from her grasp.
"Too late," smiled Beryl. With the flick of her write, she forced Serenity to hold the sword high above her own chest.
"NOOOOO!" Endymion watched in horror as Serenity raised the sword, her tear stained eyes meeting his own.
I love you, Endymion. Be safe. Her voice entered his mind like a sweet breeze, and then she was gone. Blood stained her pearl white dress crimson, and his sword clattered to the floor.
"Sere, Sere, look at me! Please look at me!" He tried to revive her, but it was no use. The blade had entered through her heart.
Endymion knelt beside his fallen Princess. He couldn't comprehend the blood staining his hands and the deafening silence that reverberated in his mind as their link shattered. He hardly noticed as Beryl continued to laugh as the air around her crackled with dark energy.
Then she spoke, her words cutting. "Tut, tut, my prince. No great loss. Now you are free to rule the universe at my side! Rise and join me as I slay the Moon Queen and take my rightful place!"
"Beryl, you will pay," he said, his voice steely, his eyes never leaving the face of his lost love. "Prepare to die."
Beryl's laughter ended abruptly; she could feel the golden energy radiating off of the Prince of Earth. This was not how things were supposed to happen. He was not supposed to gain control of the Golden Crystal. This was not going to end well for her, despite the dark energy flowing through her veins.
Serenity was weak and pitiful, without training or control of a crystal. Endymion was anything but.
Endymion called forth the golden energy burning inside of him. In a blinding flash of light, the golden crystal appeared before him. Beryl shrieked in pain as its golden rays collided with her dark energy.
The Prince of Earth channeled all of his energy into the crystal. It beamed in a steady, golden arc towards Beryl, who was attempting to hide behind a shield of dark energy. As Endymion poured more and more of his energy into his crystal, Beryl's shield broke and she was engulfed by the golden glow. When it finally subsided, the witch was lying motionless on the ground. Before she took her final shallow breath, a dark shadow left her body and fled into the sky.
Endymion barely registered this as he walked slowly back to his Princess's side. Endymion was spent, but he couldn't stop. Not until Serenity was safe.
"Sere, just hang on, I'm coming."
Even as he reached her, he knew that he was too late. Her petal soft lips were already cold, and there was a large pool of blood staining her once pristine white dress and the cool marble underneath her still form. Regardless, he once again channeled the crystal and directed a warm, golden arc of healing energy toward Serenity.
Sitting there, sobbing, Endymion poured all of his remaining life force energy into Serenity. Still, she would not wake. He knew he was killing himself, but he didn't care. All he could do was try to save her, no matter what the cost. Eventually, spots of gray clouded his vision and he fell on top of his Princess.
It was there that Queen Serenity found them hours later, when the fight was over and Metallia had been sealed away. Her own energy was waning, but as she looked down with sorrow at her beloved daughter and Serenity's lost prince, she knew that she would have to give them a second chance.
Holding the Silver Crystal high, she let its cool silver light encompass them all, sending them to Earth, years in the future, to have a chance at a normal life.
XXXXXXXXXX
Serena and Darien found themselves in the rose garden once again, with Queen Serenity standing in front of them. A lone tear slid silently down the Moon Queen's cheek as she took in the emotions running through the reincarnated forms of Serenity and Endymion.
"Sere…" Darien cried, pulling her into a crushing hug, trying to convince himself that she was safe and whole.
"Oh, Darien…" she sobbed into his shoulder.
"My dear children, I know this is much to take in, but my power grows weaker as the moon leaves the night sky. I trust that there are some questions you have for me. This may be the last opportunity that I have to speak with you."
Serena tried to compose herself, but Darien refused to let her out of his embrace.
"So you're saying that I succeeded in killing Beryl?"
Queen Serenity sighed. With time short, it wasn't a surprise that Endymion's reincarnation was dropping the formal pretenses. Still, it was strange to be spoken to in such a manner.
"Yes and no, Endymion. You killed a part of Beryl that day, but she had already sold herself to Metallia. That is why she was not completely destroyed. You used the power of the Golden Crystal, which is still alive and well within you. It is where you draw your power from as Tuexdo Mask. You inherited it from your father, the Terran King, when he was killed by Metallia during that fateful battle."
"Why… Why am I just finding out about this now?" He growled, barely able to control his anger.
Queen Serenity sighed again, this time sad. "As you can see from what happened last time you used the crystal, you are willing to sacrifice your life for my daughter's. You were not ready to wield the crystal's true power then, and it killed you in your attempt to save her. I couldn't allow you to do that again. Look back on the battles you have had. You know that you would have used the crystal had you known about it. That would have killed you. Again."
Darien grudgingly admitted that Queen Serenity was right. There was no doubt that he would have used the crystal to protect Serena. He recalled the times that he had simply drawn on what must have been its energy and felt close to losing all of his life force.
Queen Serenity saw these realizations flitting across his eyes, and she laughed. "Endymion, you haven't changed, as much as I know you hate to admit it."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. But I have another question…"
"Please be quick, for my time grows increasingly short."
"Has Beryl truly been defeated? And if Serenity defeated Metallia, where is Beryl drawing her power from now, if it is truly her?"
"You are as perceptive as always, dear Endymion," replied the Queen with a sad yet proud smile. "Beryl was defeated, yes, but she was not killed as Metallia was. When Serenity made a wish using the Silver Crystal, she did not wish to kill Beryl, and as the Crystal at times requires very specific instructions, she was merely imprisoned."
The Queen glanced at her daughter, who was now looking pale. "This is nothing to be ashamed of, dearest Serenity. Trust Endymion when he says that seeking to spare a life is never undesirable."
"But -"
"No buts! I am proud of the choices you have made and all that you have accomplished. You saved the world, channeling an incredible amount of energy through the Silver Crystal – a process that could have ended your life even with careful training. Yet, you had none and you succeeded. You have accomplished much, and I am so very proud of you, my daughter. However, we have reached the point where you cannot proceed alone. Beryl has broken free from the crystal that you imprisoned her in at D Point. She has journeyed to the center of the Earth, where she has joined forces with an ancient evil that has been fabled to reside in the planet's core. The tale was truly one of legends, for I did not believe that such an entity existed until witnessing these events."
At this, the Queen paused and looked at the two young people standing bravely before her.
"This power is truly ancient. Serenity, the Silver Crystal alone will not be enough. You will need the power of the Golden Crystal to defeat this being. Endymion, you must learn how to summon it and how to channel its power. It is only with the two crystals working together that you can hope to defeat this evil and bring about the future that has been revealed to you.
"Now, I must go," said Queen Serenity reluctantly, her figure already beginning to fade.
"No, don't leave! " cried Serena, throwing herself out of Darien's arms and rushing forward to embrace the fallen Queen.
"My dear Serenity, fear not! I have every confidence in your abilities, and in those of the team you have surrounding you. These Senshi are the most powerful that our universe has ever seen. Trust in them. And use the crystal to restore their full memories, as well as Luna and Artemis's, when you feel the time is right. You must also use the Silver Crystal's power to reincarnate the Shitennou. You must find them, for they will guide Endymion as he masters the Golden Crystal, and you will need their strength as well. Farewell, my daughter. Farewell, Endymion. Master the Golden Crystal, for it is our only hope."
"Wait! Where can I find the crystal?" Darien shouted at Queen Serenity's fading figure.
"Only you can answer that, Endymion. Take care, dear ones."
With those words, Queen Serenity faded away. Serena and Darien were left alone with their thoughts in the misty rose garden of the long forgotten Terran palace.
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A/N: So, this was longer than usual, but I hope you enjoyed it! Please tell me what you think, what you liked, what you weren't a fan of. I appreciate every review so much that I can't even begin to tell you!
-Elle