Awaken, Dark Nature! Part 4:
As seconds became minutes, I remained in my beloved embrace, before finally breaking away. I had been the one wrong, when he betrayed me that night so many years ago and now I knew. His soft eyes watched me for a little longer. Neither of us saying a word. I smiled softly.
"Now we both have that memory, don't we?"
"Yes. We both have." As I watched him, I knew in my heart that we both had broken free from Queen Beryl a little, but we still had a long way to go. As Zoisite turned to leave, I followed for a moment.
"Zoisite those words you said to Nephrite, do you think he will listen?" I asked, as he turned back to me.
"That I do not know, but if he wants to break free and remember our last Master, he will need to."
"You have always been concerned for your friends and Endymion, haven't you? That's one thing I can never forget about you." Zoisite smiled for a moment, and nodded.
"I always will be, as I am for you."
"I know, thank you. Already I can see you have regained some of your will and broken away from Queen Beryl's control a little. Your music, helps."
"It does help. As have you, Moriko. Even so, there is still more to do before any of us are free from her control." I nodded.
"Yes that is true. Even so your great concern for them and trying to reawaken their memories is what pushes you forward. As you do, you regain more of your own will. But it is up to rest of the generals to decide whether or not they allow you to help them remember their pasts and break free from Beryl's hold over them."
"That is entirely up to them, Moriko. As it is with Master Endymion. Though I believe they all will return sometime as will both you and I fully." When those last words left Zoisite's lips, he moved towards me. Gently his gloved hand ran down my cheek, thumb softly moving over my chin as his eyes watched my kindly. Eyes showing a mixture of emotions, love, relief and joy.
Feeling his tender touch seemed to make warmth grow inside of me, as my heartbeat quickened rapidly. I had missed his touch. I was glad that he helped answered the one question I wanted to know through his Requiem of Love. For now as my eyes watched his tenderly, I felt like I was my own person again, free from Beryl's control. When his hand returned to his side, I felt longing for his touch again.
"I know they will come back some day Zoisite. The four Generals of the Earth Kingdom, Endymion, Us. One day we will all be free from the darkness that blinds us." My soft, silken tone replied.
A smile passed his lips.
"Yes. We will" With that, once more he turned away, disappearing the way I had come. His silver cloak resting lightly behind him as he walked away fading from my line of sight. Turning around, a soft sigh left my lips as my eyes drifted to the night time around me. At least, for this moment everything seemed bright again. The silver stars, the crystal beads of dew even the gentle aroma of nature. Around me, the soft chirps of crickets blended sweetly with the whispering wind. For once it felt as though nature and animals were at peace in a blissful harmony. As those words of Zoisite's and my conversation played in the back of my mind, my heart seemed to hold onto that hope that one day we would be all free of the Dark Kingdom's grasp.
That one day the four generals I knew, and Endymion would return like I remembered them from my last existence. Until that day I would hold onto hope, no matter what and when they came back I would be joyous. But for now, I would keep it hidden within my heart. At least one had returned to me, Zoisite. No longer did I feel any hate or anger towards him, just joy, relief and love. Now I knew why he had betrayed me that night, many years ago. I smiled once again, eyes closing as the soft breeze brushed against my cheeks and lips as though playing sweetly. When I opened my eyes again, I knew I couldn't enjoy this night for much longer. I was still under Queen Beryl's control and a loyal servant to the Dark Kingdom and would remain so for a while yet. Once again I turned around, eyes drifting to the entrance way and the darkness that illuminated it, like phantom shadows.
Making my way inside, once more I felt myself returning to Dark Nature. The joy and happiness I had felt around Zoisite, now faded as my coldness returned. My soft smile, no longer visible as my lips became hard and straight. Even my eyes, became cold again as Queen Beryl's hold on me grew stronger. My footfalls echoed faintly in the entrance as I made my way deeper inside, preparing to return to my room. Before I had gotten too far, I could feel myself being summoned. Even if Queen Beryl didn't talk exactly, I knew when I was being summoned. The unyielding dominance of her power flooding through me as she summoned me.
Making my way to the throne room, I quickly scanned the areas around me and to my surprise I couldn't see Kunzite or Dark Mercury anywhere. Perhaps Kunzite had gone after her when she didn't return to the Kingdom, earlier. Maybe he to, had worked out that Mercury was slipping from his grasp and that his control over her was fading. Either way she would be gone from him sooner or later. Entering the throne room, I could see Beryl's eyes shone cruelly as she watched me. Bowing before her, I made sure my eyes rested on the floor. Something told me I was in for a scolding.
"Moriko, would you mind telling me why you failed to kill the Moon Princess when she was revealed?" Beryl's ice cold tone thundered in my ears.
Carefully I rose, bringing my eyes up until I could look at her. Immediately that day played behind my eyes as a surge of anger rose inside, remembering how Kunzite had behaved as I carried out Queen Beryl's orders. Biting my lip, I carefully though of my next words.
"Queen Beryl, I had come only inches from taking her life when the Moon Princess was revealed to be Sailor Moon. But before I could, Kunzite pulled me back saying we were only there to prove a theory not to kill her."
"Kunzite?"
"Yes. He was the one who stopped me. You orders me to kill her when she was revealed before the princess could awaken and when she did, he did not move a muscle nor kill her." Hearing my words, I could see anger shine in her eyes.
"I will deal with him later. Either way you still should have killed her! But instead you failed to do so!" Anger burned through me, shining in my eyes.
"Only because Kunzite stopped me! If he hadn't I would have succeeded in killing her!" My voice rose. She watched me, eyes heartless as her lips became a hard straight line. Without realising it, my hand was resting in a fist, nails digging into my palm. I knew I was treading on dangerous waters being like this towards Queen Beryl, but I couldn't help it. My anger for Kunzite, shone through deeply.
"Enough, Moriko! You were the one who failed!" Her voice boomed like raging thunder. I fell silent, eyes falling to the floor. Silence lingered around us, before she spoke.
"Even so, I will give you one more chance to prove yourself to me! If you fail again, you will be sorry! Next time you find her, don't falter!" I swallowed thickly, but quietly. Her rage seemed to crash through me pushing my anger for Kunzite away. For a moment, Nephrite passed behind my eyes. His disgraced form as he cowered in the darkness trying to hide from his failures. Seeing that, fear took hold of me. There was no way in hell, I would end up like him and no way that I would fail again. Kunzite you better be careful around me… I won't let you stop me again. I WILL be the one to take the princess's life… I thought darkly.
"I will not fail you again, Queen Beryl." I replied darkly. Not even fazed at the iciness it held.
"You better not! You're more valuable to me as you are now, then a pathetic Sailor Scout! The power you hold, is the only thing that can destroy the Moon Princess for good!" I bowed my head respectfully, before turning to leave a cold smile on my lips.
"One more thing, Moriko. There's something I want to discuss with you." I stopped, turning towards her once again.
"What is that?"
"Its about Dark Mercury."
"Oh?"
"I have reason to believe Kunzite's hold on her is slipping. Since the true Princess was revealed, to me it seems as though she is losing her power as Dark Mercury. She seems almost... distant." It seems Queen Beryl's feelings were like mine.
"His hold is slipping on her, you are not wrong."
"And how do you know this, Moriko?" I moved forward a few steps.
"I know this because as soon as the Moon Princess was revealed and we left, she seemed more confused then anything, Almost as if trying to find answers to questions she has yet to think of."
"Can you prove this theory, then?"
"I already have."
"How?" I smiled.
"By giving her a taste of her own medicine. I used the same technique she used on me, before I became Dark Nature..." I had treated her the same way back as she had treated me that day.
From the way Queen Beryl watched me interested, I knew she was both surprised and curious.
"Oh?"
"Yes. I used her friendship against her, pretending to be the Moriko she knew beforehand. At first she didn't seem to know what I was doing but soon after, her Dark Mercury guise fractured and she became who she was before. That's when I knew she had been affected by the Moon Princess's light."
"You continue to interest me, Moriko. Using your 'friendship' against her. Either way, Kunzite's hold is slipping on her…" She turned away, lost in thought.
"That is all, Moriko." I bowed once more and left the throne room.
One thing I was grateful for though, was that she had given me another chance to kill the Princess and I would not waste it. For now, I would wait until I had the best opportunity to kill her. Even if I didn't like the idea of sitting on the sidelines I would, for now at least. My heels echoed softly in the abundant halls as I returned to my room. I didn't feel tired exactly, but my room was a good place to reflect on everything so far. Especially the latest memory I had gotten back from my previous existence and when I was with Zoisite beforehand. That as well as everything else. For the next few hours I remained like that, reflecting on what I had witnessed and experienced. Soon the first few pale streaks of sunlight shone faintly in my room.
Seeing them, broke me from my thoughts. Getting to my feet quietly, I stopped for a moment as a faint dizziness swept through me. Once it subsided, I could feel how tired I was, only to push it away. Thinking and reflecting hadn't helped me much, but I still knew what I had to do. My mind drifted back to Nephrite. Perhaps I could change his mind about Zoisite's words. As I thought about it, I could feel my own will returning even if it was only briefly. Once more I found myself a little concerned for him and the other generals. My own words coming back to me.
"You are all blind in the darkness..." I was a little relieved and surprised at myself to know that I still worried about them, even if I hated them. Well all but Zoisite. He had answered one of my questions with music and memories. To my surprise I felt my lips soften as they formed a gentle smile. Leaving my room, I headed towards where Nephrite rested. Before my eyes, the lone tunnel rested, mist dancing over the floor as icy wind though faint, bit into me.
I swallowed, unsure of why I felt like this. The loneliness seemed to seep into me, as what felt like sympathy for Nephrite rose inside. At my sides my hands rested, relaxed but also tense at the same time. I didn't like that feeling and within moments my coldness returned. Entering it, my feet softly hit the ground beneath, echoing in the vastness until I was standing before Nephrite. Before my eyes he sat, cowering in the darkness around us. In what light this place had, I could see his torn red cloak covering his head as if trying to hide him. He looked almost like a naughty child sent to his room. He usual height, no longer visible as he sat in silence, disgraced and ashamed. Seeing him like this, I wanted to laugh, but settled for a cruel smile as it passed my lips.
"It seems you haven't changed, Nephrite. Cowering in the darkness, trying to hide from your failed life." My dark tone said, voice echoing around us. He seemed to jump at my words, slowly turning towards me, removing his cloak from his head. When his eyes slowly drifted up to my face, they became hard, shining with malice and hate.
"What do you want, Moriko? Aren't you Queen Beryl's favourite? Why bother with me?" Nephrite's bitter tone replied. I could hear the venom and hate it held.
"I only came to see if you were still the same when Zoisite visited you. Though since then, it seems you've fallen even further. Cowering like a naughty child, not bothering to prove yourself to your master."
"She's your master to, Moriko." I scoffed.
"Hardly. I'm just her servant. Part of this kingdom like you, and the other generals."
"Then shouldn't you be with them, rather then wasting your time with the likes of me?!"
"Why? They are nothing more then comrades. Besides Kunzite despises me as do the others and you. They would rather try to wipe me out then join with me." Nephrite laughed, cruelly.
"From what I have heard, you are in alliance with Kunzite and Jadeite. To me it doesn't sound as though they want to wipe you out."
"For now, maybe. But once that alliance is gone anything could happen. I may have the same skill with a blade as Kunzite. Not enough that if he wanted to, he could wipe me out."
"Then you best be careful not to let your guard down around him. So stop wasting your time with a disgraced general like me and leave me be!" He turned away, ruined cloak clutched tightly in his hand now standing.
"I don't aim to." I said, almost like a whisper. Eyes dropping to the floor, as my coldness faded. I felt my own will break through Beryl's hold. As if Nephrite had sensed the sudden change in the air around us, he turned back to me.
"So why are you still here?" My eyes looked at him.
"Because I feel sorry for you. You aren't the general I once knew many years ago. You used to be much stronger, someone who didn't give up so easily. Someone who was a strong as the other generals and as skilled as them." Nephrite's eyes grew hard again.
"How would you know this, Moriko?" I faintly smiled.
"Because I knew who you were then, when I was the Princess of Earth and Nature. You were a general of the Earth Kingdom. A good friend. Someone who in the beginning, hated the idea of me learning to use a weapon but soon accepted the idea. Even offering to teach me once in a while. We had a good friendship then, as you did with the other generals. You were also loyal to Prince Endymion, your master no matter what. Though since then Nephrite, you've lost yourself becoming someone you're not." I said, voice low and soft as new flickers of memories returned to me. Nephrite, Kunzite, Jadeite and Zoisite as they laughed with each other. I smiled sadly, as I remembered the warmth of each individual laugh, blended together like summer rain. Another memory being the day it was first suggested that I should learn a weapon, and Nephrite saying it was a bad idea, concerned for me, all of us talking softly before I was being trained again and then the last one being the day I had found all of my friends dead in a ruined Earth Kingdom. Pain and sadness flowing through me.
"What are you saying?" Nephrite's voice drew me away from those memories as I looked at him. He had moved towards me now, eyes not hard but confused. Even his tone seemed to have softened faintly.
"You have changed since then, Nephrite. Instead of being the strong, bold general I knew then, you have become cowering and weak. Disgraced and lost. Someone I no longer see or remember. You should take note of Zoisite's words and remember your past, to find the true you. Goodbye, Nephrite." As I prepared to leave, I could see Nephrite was on the verge of saying something but soon he turned away. I sighed quietly, before leaving. Barely looking back at him.
As my heels hit the ground softly, grief seemed to swamp through me. For some reason I felt disheartened after seeing him. I felt empty, almost. He was once a mighty general. But now seeing at how far he's fallen, I felt my heart breaking. I blinked furiously, trying to erase any tears that tried to form. But he wasn't the only one, lost in the unyielding darkness. Kunzite and Jadeite both were to. Zoisite was, but I knew he was breaking free slowly. Hardening my features, I prepared to return to my room once more feeling my will being overwhelmed. Even so, inside I could feel my own will growing stronger with each day that came and went. Enough that I would be free of Beryl's influence someday.
The further I walked away from Nephrite, the more I felt Beryl's influence over me growing and soon, barely blinking my emotions faded as the coldness washed through me. Soon my eyes fell onto the fading figure of Ami as she left. What are you up to, Dark Mercury? I thought quietly. I really didn't care what it was. Though I still had my orders and had been given another chance to kill the Moon Princess. I wouldn't allow her or anyone else to get the chance. It wouldn't be worth it to follow her, but I had to make sure she wasn't up to anything 'suspicious'. Remaining silent as a shadow, I followed her from a distant. Even If I didn't like the idea of shadowing her, I still needed to keep an eye on her. She was also after the scouts as was everyone else here. Soon Ami came to what looked like a mall, though it was hard to tell from the distance I was away from it. Even so, Ami was no longer in her scout uniform, that much I could see.
Before she had the chance to turn and look over her shoulder, I faded in a dark green light. There was no way I would be caught again. Once was enough. But to be caught by Mercury? No thank you. I didn't want to get too close though. I knew Kunzite wouldn't be far behind Mercury. If he didn't show it, he seemed almost, fond of her. That much I knew. Reappearing some distance away from the building, I watched silently and soon I could see Sailor Moon running towards the building where Ami had disappeared into. It seems that Kunzite and Ami had created a plain to lure the princess here. Within moments, I knew I was being watched. Turning round swiftly, a young girl smiled at me. Immediately I knew it was the scout from a few days ago.
"What do you want?" She remained silent. Moving towards her, I made my weapon appear. As her eyes drifted towards it, she seemed surprised; only for it to fade a second later.
"Your power has grown, Moriko. I can tell. Yet you still have more of it to awaken." The young girl said, blinking almost innocently.
"Yes. I know it has. I can feel it. Again, what do you want?" The girl smiled.
"You will be a scout again soon, I can feel it." I raised my weapon, preparing to attack.
"How can you be so sure, I will be a scout again? My allegiance is still with the Dark Kingdom."
"I just know. Even if you don't admit it, your will is returning and Queen Beryl's control over you is slipping, Nature." At the mention of those words, I lowered my sword briefly. Zoisite had said the same thing. Well not exactly. Not the part about being a scout, but the part that my own will was returning as Beryl's hold over me grew less and less.
"You are wrong!" With that, the girl left, leaving me stunned. My sword faded from my hands. Anger replaced my confusion, there was no way I would be a scout again.
Once more Queen Beryl's words came back to me, harsh and cruel. I did not want to think of what would happen to me if I failed to kill the Moon Princess this time. Immediately, my eyes returned to where Sailor Moon had entered the building not far from me. I needed to investigate. As my heels fell against the floor, the soft echo of them resounded for a few seconds before the trill of a sword and sceptre replaced it. Before my eyes, I saw Sailor Moon falling to her knees, and Ami following after her. In Dark Mercury's eyes, anger shone almost menacingly as Sailor Moon tired to get to her feet. As I watched in silence, Ami's eyes shone with determination as she prepared to strike Usagi.
Her strike seemed more aimed then it had beforehand, but it was barely blocked by the moon sceptre. The trill of them hitting each other, could have sent chills down anyone's spine. Cold and bitter. Both girls seemed to be using their full strength, as Usagi got to her feet enough to shove Ami away from her. Stumbling, Dark Mercury barely stopped herself from crashing into a column. Once again, she seemed confused as though trying to work out what was happening. The longer Usagi was around, the more Kunzite's hold on Ami slipped. Soon Dark Mercury was swinging weakly as she moved towards Sailor Moon. Each swing was blocked effectively. But I could tell both of them were growing tired.
"Ami-Chan!" Usagi cried. Once again, the same soft allure of golden light radiated from her, as her eyes drifted to Dark Mercury. This light wasn't as powerful as it was the day Sailor Moon became the Moon Princess. Yet, the soft light bathed us in its healing glow. Lifting my cloak I shielded my eyes, the best I could so I wasn't blinded. In the halo, I could see Dark Mercury growing weaker and weaker. Soon a figure of a young girl with glasses took form beside her.
"Usagi-Chan..." Ami's gentle voice whispered, the same voice I had heard when I pretended to be someone I no longer was.
"Ami-Chan..." I could see Sailor Moon reaching out to her. The sound of footfalls drew my attention behind me as I looked back briefly.
"Kunzite..." I said harshly, but under my breath. He to had covered his eyes, which immediately fell on Mercury.
"Mercury! Don't hesitate now!" Kunzite's smooth cold voice said, as a rush of dark petals raced towards the figure of Ami. The power behind Kunzite's strike seemed almost desperate as if trying to hold onto what little power he had over her. As soon as the figure faded, the golden light seemed to dull and fade around Sailor Moon. When it finally did, I could see Dark Mercury return. In that one moment, Ami seized the chance to strike Sailor Moon before she could protect herself. The bitter trill of her weapon against Usagi's sceptre sang, before silence replaced it. Watching quietly, I could see cracks appear on the moon princess's sceptre before it shattered like porcelain.
As soon as it did, Usagi collapsed. Her crystal sceptre, no more. Within seconds the shock slowly came into Ami's eyes she was on her knees, doing everything she could to stir her friend. Only for her attempts to be futile. Not once did Sailor Moon stir. Anger burned through me violently, as I faded in a dark green light before either of them could see me. The only thing that showed I had been there was a small trail green leaves and petals. Returning to the dark kingdom, immediately I knew they had planned this from the start. This time I had been one step behind and lost my chance to kill the Moon Princess. An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. Soon Queen Beryl would learn of the Princess's death and would learn of my failure, then I would be summoned once again and no doubt criticised. Hate towards both burned dangerously, blending with my anger like a violent storm. If I didn't get a hold of my temper, Kunzite would be the first to die by my hand. Even if he was one of the four generals. My hand became a tight fist, as my nails dug into my flesh. Taking in a shaky breath, I closed my eyes as I tried to calm down. No matter how hard I tried, my anger and hate still burned inside.
He would pay for this! As if that was all, Kunzite's voice echoed, drawing my eyes over my shoulder. Behind me he seemed almost frantic calling for Mercury. Our eyes met as Kunzite watched me dangerously and I watched him back. The air around us grew tense and dangerous, filled with the hate we had for each other. As much as I wanted to rest my blade against his throat, so he could feel the cold metal against his skin, I ignored the urge, settling for a dark smile.
"Lost someone, Kunzite?" My ice cold voice asked bitterly. His lips became hard and straight.
"It seems Mercury has slipped from my grasp."
"Perhaps she has broken free from your control after she killed her best friend. Maybe she is off somewhere hidden from your line of sight."
With that, I turned on my heels not sparing a second glance at him. Although I could feel his hate burning into me. I would leave him be for now. Perhaps Zoisite would find these new developments, interesting. At the thought of his name, I felt my anger reside as my hate, faded with it. Even if Mercury had 'killed' the princess, she would take the body with her and retreat to a place she felt safe. Soon my heels fell silent as I stopped outside his room surprisingly, hesitant. As that memory of Sailor Moon's Sceptre shattering played behind my eyes, something told me it had shielded the Princess from actually dying. I still had a chance to kill her then. Either way I would tell Zoisite what information I had.
Entering his room quietly, my eyes fell on his lone figure resting at his piano. His silver and white clothing, seemed to softly kissed by what light his room had as though embracing him in a gentle allure and for a moment he looked almost… angelic. I took a step back, taken by him somehow as he wrote on his music sheets. Once more, I felt almost like myself again. Like I had broken free of Beryl's control slightly. Nerves somehow seemed to blossom inside of me as I watched him in almost blissful silence. As if knew I was there, Zoisite put his quill down, sky blue eyes turning towards me. He seemed surprised as I walked towards him.
"Moriko, what brings you here?" His soft, gentle tone asked. My eyes avoided his for a few seconds, as heat grew inside.
"I have information on some developments that have occurred. One as you may already know is that the Princess was supposedly killed by Dark Mercury." He barely moved for a minute before walking towards me.
"No. She is still alive. Mercury only shattered her sceptre." My eyes grew wide for a moment.
"Which would mean... It protected her." Zoisite nodded. I felt like a fool. I should have known that.
"Yes and she is still very much alive. Just not in the Dark Kingdom, but within the forest around it."
"So she did indeed slip from Kunzite's grasp, both her and the Princess."
"Yes, for now. Though I doubt both will break free of Kunzite once he knows where they are."
"No, but they will still try to defy him and work together on how to break free of the forest. No doubt by the help of their friends." I said quietly, smiling. If I knew them, they would help each other.
"Jupiter and Mars will find them before Kunzite does, that I can agree on Moriko."
"If he hasn't already found them, Zoisite." He turned back to me.
"He may have already."
"Possibly." I didn't doubt Kunzite's skill. If he wanted to find something, he would quickly. If it was Mercury and Sailor Moon well then, they would be out of luck within seconds. For a few minutes silence lingered around us, both watching each other gently.
"I went to see Nephrite earlier, he has fallen further." Zoisite's posture barely shifted.
"I don't doubt that. He has lost himself in the darkness that binds him." As he appeared in my memories again, I felt saddened to see him cowering and disgraced.
"I tried talking with him again about his previous existence and as I did, I regained some more memories. Mainly about who we all were. And that Nephrite is no longer someone I remember." I said, eyes falling as I reflected on them.
The soft steps of Zoisite echoed softly, before his gloved held my chin as my head lifted slowly.
"Perhaps he will listen to you after you spoke with him. I know he isn't who we remember, Moriko. He's been in the dark too long and in being so, lost himself."
"I doubt he will listen, Zoisite. He didn't listen to you, nor will he listen to me." I could feel my heart shattering as tears threatened to form in my eyes. I didn't like seeing all the ones I cared for trapped in an endless void, with Queen Beryl being their master. Zoisite's hand soon rested on my hair lightly.
"It may not seem like it, but I know he will want to remember his past soon." I smiled faintly. Just being around him, I could feel my emotions stirring as the love I once had for Zoisite returned briefly.
"I can only hope Zoisite. That's all I can do for all of you. Yet in my heart, I feel as though we are all returning, little by little and that soon Mamoru will to want to remember his past rather then run from it." Zoisite smiled, before nodding.
"Yes. Soon." He lowered his hand from my hair.
"But for now, we all stay the way we are. I will say one thing, Moriko. As you regain memories from your previous existence, I do to and so does Nephrite, Jadeite, Kunzite and Master Endymion." I nodded. A few minutes later I turned to leave.
"Thank you, Zoisite."
Leaving his room, a gentle calmness seemed to wash through me as I walked into the silence of the Dark Kingdom. No longer enraged but at peace somehow. Had I always been like that around him? Seeing his relaxed posture back there, told me he was experiencing what I was. But as much as I wanted that bliss to last, it faded soon after. The further I walked away, the more I felt Queen Beryl's hold on me grow. As it did, my emotions grew muddled and confused. Around Zoisite I felt like myself again, as my will became my own. That part of me loved him truly, wanted the rest of my previous existence and wanted the rest of the generals as well as Endymion to remember their last lives. Freeing them from the Dark Kingdom's hold, but at the same time it bound me to it as Dark Nature.
In doing so, I couldn't be with my beloved. We were both servants of Queen Beryl. I had been ordered to kill the Moon Princess, he was trying to reawaken his master. Yet just being with him, it felt possible to be free. As my emotions and thoughts grew more confused, I felt myself growing more frustrated. I was at a lost. Was I to follow my heart or was I to follow my head? If I chose to follow my heart I would be going against Queen Beryl's orders and control, which could put Zoisite in danger. But if I followed my head, I would be drifting further away from him as Beryl's hold on me grew stronger, making me remain cold and heartless. For now, I would ignore my clashing memories and emotions.
I had one order, and one order only. Kill the Moon Princess. Making my way through the halls of the Kingdom, I let the silence sink into me. Somehow it held me in a cold comfort. Silently I walked past a single room, hidden from the view of others. It sat in alcove, covered with shadows but with what I could see in the corner of my eye, the figure of Kunzite stood as silent as death. Even though his back was towards me almost fully, I knew it was him. He seemed to thinking about something. In his hand a single statue rested, shaped like some kind of monster. Perhaps it was a chess piece, but I couldn't see fully. As my eyes quickly scanned his figure I could see a small crystal board resting on a table left of where he stood. Watching him quietly for a few moments, I could tell he was trying to stop something. No doubt Mercury and the Moon Princess. A cold smile came to my lips. I still had a chance to kill her then.
Walking onwards, I left Kunzite to play with his 'toy' as he tried to trap both of them in the forest that rested outside the reaches of the Dark Kingdom. Making my way through the abundant halls, I prepared to return to my room not getting far before I felt Queen Beryl's looming presence.
"Moriko come forth! I want to talk with you!" The dark edge in her voice sent chills up my spine. In all my time here I hadn't heard that dangerous tone in her voice fully. It was almost like a thunderous typhoon. I swallowed thickly as fear rose inside. Fear I was surprised to feel. Entering the throne room, I kneeled before her as he power both intimidating and overwhelming.
"You summoned me, Queen Beryl?" I asked, voice low.
As I rose, I had to find strength to look her in the eye.
"Do you know why I have summoned you before me once again, Moriko?!" The iciness in her tone cut into me like jagged rose thorns. My mind went blank for a moment as I tried to work out why I had been summoned again. Nothing came to mind.
"I do not, Queen Beryl."
"Are you certain?" She barely fluttered an eyelash at me. I gritted my teeth.
"Yes. I have no idea why you have summoned me." Anger flashed in her eyes. Before I had time to avoid what was heading my way a ball of dark energy struck me. I flinched as the electricity it had lashed against my skin like a bull whip. I gasped, leaning forward for a moment.
"I will ask you again, do you know why you're here Moriko?!"
"I do not." Another attack, I barely avoided lifting my cloak up to shield myself.
"Would be like me to remind you why?!"
"Please do." I said almost defiant. In Queen Beryl's eyes I could see her anger growing before once again I was struck. Dark energy blasting into me, as the same lighting bit into my skin through my cloak, I gritted my teeth trying to ignore the pain as it lashed me again and again.
"How dare you defy me!" Beryls voice thundered as she attacked again. I smiled coldly. Was this the best she could do?
"I wouldn't if you told me why I was summoned." Another strike, one I barely blocked again. Each second that passed, she grew more infuriated.
"Because of what I have seen between you and Zoisite." She said, inhaling deeply for a second. As soon as those words left her lips my cloak fell away from where I had used it as a shield. Immediately I knew why I was here, because of how I was around Zoisite. No longer Dark Nature, but Moriko of the Earth Kingdom. As my eyes grew wide, Queen Beryl seized that hesitation and struck me again. The full blast of her power hitting into me, like a violent wave. Energy and electricity lashing across my skin, as though cutting it with glass.
I fell forward almost as a sharp burst of pain shot through me and burning at my heart. Immediately my hand went to my chest as the same heat I had felt from first becoming dark nature swept through me. Not as heated but still cruel and menacing.
"Urgh!" I cried out falling to my knees as a swarm of darkness coursed through me catching me off guard and weakening me. Another hit. Feeling Beryl's attacks crash into me, seemed to almost melt with the darkness that was rushing through me. As it did, I could feel myself barely able to fight both influences off. Growing tired, I tried to stand only to fall down again. Both swept through me, as I grew slightly faint. Amongst the pain, the sound of running footsteps echoed around us.
"St… stop..." I barely whispered. Too weak to try shielding myself from another attack. If Queen Beryl hit me again, I wouldn't be able to protect myself and would probably become unconscious. Whatever this dark power was, it seemed to be seeping into every part of who I am as I felt myself becoming more heartless.
The soft touch of arms wrapping around my waist weakly pulled me to my feet. Even that simple movement seemed to make me hunch over in pain, hand still on my chest where my heart rested.
"Ah..."
"Zoisite, leave us! This is between Moriko and myself!"
"She's been through enough, can't you see? One more attack and she will be unconscious." Zoisite's soft, kind tone said. Even though I was in pain, I could hear the worry it held.
"Move away, or you will be punished to for defying me also!" With what strength I had left I pushed Zoisite away from me so he wouldn't be hurt.
With him near me, I could feel some of my strength.
Standing up as straight as I could, my eyes drifted to Queen Beryl.
"You still have strength to stand, Moriko?"
"Yes. I was only reporting what I had learned to him, before you called for me again."
"You are wrong! From what I have seen both of you have regained memories from your last life." Another attack, I blocked it barely.
"Perhaps… But..." My words fell silent. Even though I hadn't felt the full power, the darkness inside my heart seemed spread. Whatever this was, it was weakening me to the point that if I were attacked anymore I would be lost in it.
Almost on cue, the darkness swept through me as my will faltered. Behind my eyes memories of what I had regained seemed to becoming more hazy by the second. If I had been attacked again, I hadn't felt it. As those precious moments I had with Zoisite the past few days, danced over my eyes; reawakening the same emotions I had felt in his presence earlier and when we first met. With each moment that passed, they seemed to grow less and less, devoured by the darkness in my heart as it grew. It was as though my own will was failing, caught off guard by the darkness of Metaria in my heart, and Beryl's endless attacks.
"I… don't… want to… forget…" My voice was almost a whisper, but it was enough that Zoisite heard me. Without realising it I sought out his hand. Perhaps if I held onto it with my heart and soul, the dark haze around them would fade to nothing. He seemed to squeeze it lightly as though comforting me and saying he was right there. I tried to hold onto them, but they slipped from my grasp.
"Zoi...site..."The last word left my lips almost like a plea before the darkness erased them. My hand fell from Zoisite's as the last of my will caved. I bowed down.
"Forgive me, Queen Beryl. For I strayed. It will not happen again." The cold tone in my voice had returned, harsher then is was beforehand. No doubt from the darkness that embraced my heart dangerously. The surprised look in her eyes, was quickly replaced by an almost satisfied gleam. The dark ball in her hands vanished. A bitter smile crossed her lips, before she gave me a single nod. I rose, not sparing a second glance for Zoisite. His eyes seemed to shine with confusion more then anything. I scoffed before leaving the throne room. As my heels echoed in the darkness around me, I knew I was being followed. Something I really didn't need right now. I needed to track down the scouts and kill their princess before the past reoccurred.
After all, she had been the one who destroyed Earth and my Kingdom years ago. The footfalls seemed to slow as I turned back, anger in my eyes. Behind me, Zoisite watched me quietly. Not speaking, only breathing. Soft and gentle.
"Why have you followed me, Zoisite?!" He seemed to flinch as my voice hit him like hail. As I eyed him coldly. Slowly and cautiously he moved towards where I stood, shadows loomed behind me in a sense of impending doom. They had never looked so taunting.
"I had to see if you were alight, Moriko." His soft, gentle tone whispered. Even though I was a figure of anger, he was one of pure calmness and peace.
"I am perfectly fine. Now all that's left for me is to kill the Moon Princess." Within two more smooth strides he stopped only centimetres from where I stood.
"No you are not, Moriko. I can sense the change in you, ever since I saw you in pain."
"Why the concern?"
"Because… I get so far from freeing you, then I loose you." He closed the space between us, enough that I could feel the warmth of his skin. I turned away, avoiding his saddened eyes.
"Then let me go, Zoisite. Go back to your piano and focus on Endymion. Awaken him and stop the past from reoccurring." I replied, voice softened faintly. I took a few steps forward, preparing to leave.
"Moriko, wait. Please." He caught my wrist, pulling me back so we were almost in an embrace.
"What is it?"
"I can't let you go. Master Endymion is returning to us little by little. We all are."
"That maybe so, but I have one goal only. Destroy the Moon Princess. The others need you more then I do. Free them." I pulled away from him.
"Moriko.."
"Let me be. Goodbye Zoisite." Even through the darkness, I felt my heart break once again. We had come so close, only to get so far. I started walking again as he followed, stopping in front of me.
"I don't want to loose you..." With an elegant movement, he was in front of me, inches from my face. His gloved hand rested against my cheek momentarily. The softness of it, seemed to comfort me. A finger ran down my cheek and over my lips. Being so close to him, my heart began to race as love started to return to me. I had to push it away. I couldn't let it stop me from my goal. Before I could say anything, his lips found mine almost longingly. My eyes seemed to close as I felt the tenderness they held. Without realising it, my hand had made its way up to his chest where his heart strongly beat beneath It. Beneath my fingers I could feel his skin trembling beneath my touch. If we hadn't been kissing, perhaps he would have sighed with contentment from my touch. I pulled away. Part of my soul wanting to remain with him.
"Please, don't make this harder, Zoisite. We are both part of the Dark Kingdom. I was punished by Queen Beryl because of my memories from our last life together. I don't want to see you get hurt, so forget about me." Even though my voice was soft, it was filled with sadness. My eyes seemed to burn with tears. If that wasn't enough, Zoisite gently smiled at me the same angelic one I had always known. My hand rested, on his cheek as he held my wrist.
"I love you, Moriko." Those words made my heart skip a beat.
"I love you to. So don't worry. Either way I'll come back to you, but for now focus on your goals and I will focus on mine." Without a second glance I walked away as our entwined hands slipped apart.
Holding in a sigh, I disappeared into the shadows. As much as I found peace in his words, I was still unable to be with him. We both were serving one person, but our goals separated us, sending us in the opposite direction. His goals were to reawaken Endymion, mine was to kill the Moon Princess. I had made a promise to him, but it would be hard to fulfil like this. Soon enough, I felt myself being consumed by the darkness. Yet, it didn't feel like I was fully lost in it. Deep inside a small part of my will remained, untouched by Metaria's influence or Queen Beryl's hands. That would be what I held onto and not let go of. Returning to my room, I focused on thinking of my next steps carefully.
Steps I knew would lead me taking matters into my own hands. If the scouts and their Princess didn't come to me, I would go to them. In doing so, I would be able to defeat them myself. Immediately, my hand became a fist. That shouldn't be too hard a job for me. As soon as that came to mind, a cold smile passed my lips before I faded into a dark green light.
Now all I had to do was create a scene and draw them out. Perhaps a monster would be a good way to send my plan into motion. Though instead of a rose monster like I had created beforehand, this one would be one of earth. Choosing my area carefully, near a popular park. As my sword appeared in my hands, I used my strength to hit the ground in front of me. On my blade the same green flames danced wildly, as the ground rumbled. At the tip of my weapon roots slowly crept over the ground, like a tree in growth. The roots, growing thicker and darker until a monster took form.
Adorning it's head a crown of sharp dark brown roots rested, reaching towards the sky. Around the waist a belt rested, sharp and deadly where small dagger like shapes sat. Instead of being clothed in greens and white this one was cloaked in colours of black, grey and dark brown. The colours of Earth beneath the greenery of grasses. With a single cry it came to life as I drew my sword from the ground. Sharp thorns sat on its shoulders, menacingly. I smiled cruelly.
"Cause destruction where ever you walk, and drain the energy of all those who come to face you! Draw the scouts to us!" My voice said to it bitterly. I didn't have to wait long before my monster caused destruction in it's wake. Devouring energy from men, women and children.
Using earth as it's main weapon. Breaking the jagged roots and thorns off, turning them into daggers as it threw them towards its victims. The sounds of endless screams echoed around me, as I watched my plan unfold. Soon those scouts would come running, followed by their precious princess. It wouldn't be long now. More victims fell around us and within minutes the sound of running drew my eyes upwards. Now for my plan to unfold. As the two girls came to a halt, I could see one was Ami. The other, Rei. It seemed to me that Ami had slipped from Kunzite's grasp after all. What a shame.
"Mars, power!"
"Mercury, power!"
"Make, up!" The both cried in sync. Before me, both stood now in their scout forms. Ready to fight both my monster and I. My monster stood before them, ready to attack. Already in it's hands two brown daggers rested, sharp. Even though I didn't like using monsters as my first choice in combat, they did have their uses. Today, was one of those days. I had created one to draw the scouts out. I made myself shown, walking towards them as the dark green light around me faded. Ami's eyes were the first to grow wide with worry and sadness.
"Moriko-Chan…" Mercury's disheartened voice whispered. I only smiled coldly.
"It seems that Kunzite's hold in no more, Mercury. You've become a useless scout again. Such a shame and when he was wanting to hold on to you, a little longer..." My cruel voice said. In my hand, I made my sword appear. The cold blade shining harshly in morning light. Turning to my monster, I gave a single nod before it cried out. Daggers, clutched tightly in its hands. With a single swift movement I moved towards Mars, carving harsh arcs in the air around us. There was no way I would let these senshi deter me from my goal.
The sooner they were defeated the better. Then I could kill the Princess before anything else occurred. With each swing, Mars and I danced almost elegantly. Ami danced with my monster as she to tried to fight, avoiding each well aimed attack.
"Mercury aqua, mist!" She cried. The sound of rushing water echoed on the wind, racing towards my monster. With a cry it returned to its original form. This time I wasn't affected by its destruction. In fact I didn't even feel it. Once more my attention returned to Rei.
"Monster, disperse!" Turning to my right, I avoided it. Racing past me, I could feel it's intense heat. Mars' power had increased since the last time we had met. My foot hit the ground as rose thorns raced towards her, quickly ensnaring her legs. The surprise attack seemed to catch her off guard.
"Rei-Chan!" Mercury cried, as ice water in the form of a beam raced towards me. With a simple movement I avoided it.
Anger shone in my eyes as I turned back to them. I didn't need my sword at this moment, daggers were better. Instead two daggers appeared in my hands. I stood, ready to attack. With a single shift of my hands, emerald flames soon turned to shards of green crystal as they raced towards both girls. Dangerous and deadly, but also beautiful. My favoured attack as Dark Nature. Yes Jadeite may have crystal when he attacked but I had blades of emeralds, infused with the power of nature. Much deadlier and sharper. To make it harder, neither scout could move. Both now trapped by the roots of Earth from where my monster had been born of.
"Let's see if you scouts can survive."
Watching quietly, Rei seemed to draw what looked like an infinity sign with her flames, before it formed what looked like a shield. In anger, I could see my attack melting away as it raced towards both. Burning away like dry leaves in the summer. How dare she! I raced towards her, ready to strike her down before she could protect herself again.
"Rei-Chan, Ami-Chan!" Usagi's voice cried. A cold smile came to my lips. Now the princess was here, I didn't need to waist anymore time with Mars or Mercury. I moved back, dagger still clutched in my hand. What was a bonus for me though' Kunzite wasn't here to stop me killing the Princess. Turning towards her, I lowered my blade.
"Princess, how nice of you to join us." I said, eyes hard.
At the mention of the word Princess, Sailor Moon turned towards me. Immediately she became alert, ready to fight.
"Moriko-Chan!?" I only nodded.
"Shall I take your life quickly or slowly?" I moved towards her. There was no way I would miss this one chance to kill her. With a simple movement from my dagger's blade vines crept from them, wrapping around Jupiter's legs and up her body before she could even move. Now that they were out of my way, my attention was on the princess. Her eyes went from Mars to Mercury, then to Jupiter as the struggled against their bonds.
"I won't fight you, Moriko-Chan! You have to be in there somewhere!" I walked forward, dagger in my hand.
"So you chose to die willingly, Princess?" Drawing two small circles with my dagger, a flurry of leaves turned into a cyclone. True to her words, Sailor Moon refused to fight me. It was kind of disappointing. My attack struck her as she fell to her knees crawling backwards.
"Moriko-Chan! Please!" Though it wasn't Usagi who spoke, but Ami. My eyes turned to her.
"I'm not your friend, anymore Mercury! I'm part of the Dark Kingdom!" The full fury of my anger hitting Ami, as she fell silent. In her eyes I could see small tears starting to form.
"Mori...ko-Chan..." Her voiced seemed almost pleading.
I turned away from her raising my dagger above me. Dark emerald green flames melted into the light green blade, as it turned almost black. With one movement, I would be able to kill the Princess.
"You should have chosen to fight me, Sailor Moon! If you had, then maybe you would have survived." In her eyes utmost fear shone as she tried to move back. With the full force of my power, the icy rush of wind whipped at my cheek as my dagger raced towards the Princess's heart. A burst of pain shot through me as I felt the darkness inside of me grow. My hand went to my chest.
"Ah..." I cried. This pain was not like something I had felt before. It coursed through me like burning venom, worse then Beryl's power when she had attacked me yesterday. I forced my eyes closed. As the shadows behind my eyelids shifted once more I saw Zoisite's angelic smile. It only caused more pain to me. "I love you, Moriko..." his soft voice whispered gently before our lips had met. I bit my lip. "Either way I will come back to Zoisite. But focus on your goals and I'll focus on mine." Our voices faded as I clutched my dagger tightly.
I had to kill the Moon Princess. Anger burned inside as my eyes snapped open again. Once more I raised my dagger.
"Now Princess, it's time for you to die!" I shouted through pain.
"Moriko-Chan! Don't! Remember your friends! Remember who you are!" Ami's voice cried out. As soon as those words left her lips, a small part of me returned. Memories of my friends raced behind my eyes, all of us laughing. Then us battling together.
"Please, help me..." I barely whispered, battling the growing darkness, and Beryl's influence.
"Moriko-Chan!" Usagi cried, joy replacing her fear. A small smile coming to her lips. With everything I was trying to fight only caused pain to me.
"Pl...please… Usa-gi-Chan! I can't fight this off… much… ah..." I cried weakly, dagger dropping from my hand before doubling over.
"Moriko-Chan! Fight it!" Rei cried.
"I… I Can't! Save me before it's too late!" Once again, I tried to fight both forces inside, weakly stepping back a few steps from Usagi so she could stand. My will was failing and within seconds I was lost again.
"You should have helped me when you had the chance, but now you're too late." My last dagger appeared in my hand.
She seemed unfazed as a new determination shone in the Princess's eyes. In her hand, her moon sceptre appeared.
"Moon healing, escalation!" she cried, drawing a circle in the air around her. I raised my cloak, as the glistening light radiated from it's tip. It was strong enough to halt my attack but not enough to break through the darkness exactly but the longer it shone, the more it grew. In the allure of it, I could feel myself lowering my dagger. The power of both Metaria and Beryl seemed to reside. Joy seemed to blossom in my heart, enough that my own will grew stronger with each second.
But soon it was for nought. In the back of my mind, I could feel Queen Beryl's influence consuming me again. Enough that it fuelled me to fight against Serenity's light. Minutes later, the light faded. Lowering my cloak I moved forward dagger carving neat arcs.
"You will have to try harder then that to defeat me, Sailor Moon!" Each strike, she avoided elegantly, clutching her sceptre close to her chest.
"Moon twilight, flash!" It was a quick movement, that the attack caught me of guard knocking the blade from my hand.
She moved towards me, ready to fight. Each kick she did I avoided elegantly. A beam of water struck me in my right shoulder, causing me to get moved back a little. Even if I was skilled with weaponry, attacks and fighting, I would have a little trouble deflecting all four scouts if they decided to attack at once. The sound of breaking roots drew my eyes to Jupiter as Mars broke her free from her bonds.
"We will free you, Moriko!" Ami cried. Jupiter nodded at them before they formed a line facing me straight on.
Now I was out numbered and no amount of skill would help me, nor power. I stood my ground, preparing to attack. At once all the scouts attacks raced towards me, all of which I could barely avoid. With the strength I had, my attack transformed into one of emerald shards, razor sharp as it raced towards them aiming straight for Sailor Moon. Two scouts turned to their right, two to their left. Again they attacked in sync. Unable to avoid Rei's fire, I felt myself being hit as my back hit a tree. I coughed, resting on my arm as I wiped my lips with my free hand.
"There's no way to escape, Dark Nature!" She said walking towards me. I laughed.
"Perhaps not, but I still have strength left to fight." I got to my feet. Immediately I created a cyclone of razor leaves.
I scoffed quietly. Kunzite would be laughing if he saw me like this. My attack was avoided again. Making my daggers appear again I moved towards them. Now they would witness my full skill with a blade. Each time they attacked I danced, avoiding them. Striking effectively. Around us, winds blew gracefully. But soon, I could see all of us growing tired. I was doing well being outnumbered and outmatched. Using my teachings carefully and precisely.
"Flower, Hurricane!" Jupiter's sudden cry, made me pause as once again, I was hit. Already tried, I barely blocked it.
Sailor Moon raced towards me.
"Moon healing, escalation!"
"Urgh…. This is irritating..." As it hit me, I doubled over again. The soft halo grew more powerful. I could feel Usagi's desperation to free me rush over every ounce of my being. This time, I couldn't fight it. The strength of Queen Beryl's control over me, suddenly grew less as I stumbled. In the back of my mind I could hear her voice echoing, cold and heartless.
"I will let you go this time, Moriko! But you will be mine once more and next time I won't let you go so easily! Next time, the Princess won't be able to save you..." As her voice faded, I felt myself falling forward. My eyes closed. Beryl's hold on me was no more.
"Moriko-Chan!" A voice cried, as the soft embrace of grass welcomed me like the petals of a rose. Cool and gentle. My head rested on my outstretched arm. The first person I thought of was my beloved. Zoisite… I'm free… The blissfulness of the darkness behind my eyes, soothed me. At least I was myself now. Though I wouldn't know for how long. A soft shaking on my arm, pulled me from the darkness. When my eyes opened, a light green cloak streaked with silver smiled at me.
"Moriko-Chan! Are you ok?" Ami's worried voice was enough for me to raise my head as I turned towards her.
"Ami...Chan..." My voice said, almost drowsily. Joy washed through me as I sat up quickly.
"Ami-Chan! Ami-Chan!" A gentle smile came to my lips as I rose to my feet. A moment later I fell down again, dizzy. The sound of three other sets of shoes ran towards me, before Rei, Makoto and Usagi kneeled down beside me. My eyes drifted to each.
"Rei-Chan! Makoto-Chan! Usagi-Chan!" They all nodded. My eyes drifted to the cloak that rested on my shoulders briefly. No longer shaded in dark colours, but light. The colours I remembered from my last life, the colours of nature. My finger gently ran over the silver. Zoisite… Perhaps someday all of you will be free from Beryl's control. When that day comes, then maybe, we can be together again…I let my cloak fall through my fingers. Its soft material blowing with the wind.
Breaking from my thoughts, my eyes returned to my friends.
"Am I really back?" I asked quietly. Ami held out her hand, I took it as she helped me up. Usagi hugged me, and soon I was surrounded in a group hug. When they pulled apart, Usagi smiled.
"Yes. You are really back, Moriko-Chan!"
"I'm relieved to be." My eyes drifted over my body and grew wide.
In the sunlight, I was no longer wearing a gown of midnight blue and dark green like I had as Dark Nature. Instead I was wearing a light green gown that softly fell around my ankles where the second layer shone rose white in colour and the last was a soft sunlight yellow. Adorning my feet were a pair of light yellow heels and draped neatly around my neck a light green necklace rested. My fingers gently touched cool metal on my forehead. What ever this was, I knew this was what I had worn in my last existence as the princess of Earth and Nature.
Even my friends eyes were looking at me.
"You're beautiful Moriko-Chan..." Usagi's voice said to me as she smiled. I felt my eyes hit the ground. I really didn't need them saying this. It was only what I wore in my last life. Even my hair, rested delicately down my back,
"Who knew such gentle colours rested beneath the colours of the Dark Kingdom..." This time it was Rei who spoke.
"Please, stop. I'm not beautiful. This is what I wore once upon a time when…" I was cut off by a young girl's voice.
"You were the Princess of Earth and Nature..." Walking towards us was a young girl with black hair, styled in two buns.
"Luna?" I asked, surprised. She had been the little scout I ran into as Dark Nature. I blinked, surprised at how human she looked.
"Yes. I knew you would come back to us Moriko-Chan, just like Ami-Chan." She had been right. I smiled.
"Yes we both did, thanks to Usagi-Chan and her friends." My voice said gently, joy shining in my eyes. I lifted my gown slightly.
"Now how do I change out of this? I don't want all of Tokyo seeing me like this..." As soon as I said those words, green petals and leaves surrounded me before I was one more wearing normal clothes.
This time consisting of a light green skirt, edged with white, a light green shirt, white jacket and shoes. Around my neck, a light green necklace rested no longer my pendant.
"Shall we go?" I asked. All of my friends nodded. They walked ahead for a moment, before Rei looked back at me.
"Are you coming, Moriko-Chan?" she asked. I nodded.
"In a minute." She joined the others. When they were a small distance ahead, I looked over my shoulder. We hadn't been alone. The last shiver of silver, white light faded from my sight. A feeling of calmness washed over me.
"Now you know I'm safe Zoisite, you can breathe easy. Reawaken Endymion and the others and help the past from reoccurring..." I whispered, my voice carrying on the wind. A tender smile came to my lips. At least for now, we were all ok. But soon chaos would devour everything in it's path starting with Endymion's reawakening. Before we all would be fighting for our lives on this Earth once more, when the Princess fully awoke. A battle that may result in lives lost, but until that day I would stand strong with my Kingdom, with the generals and with the scouts, to ensure the past wouldn't reoccur.
"Moriko-Chan! Come on!" Usagi waved back at me.
"Coming!" I replied, taking a moment to glance back over my shoulder where Zoisite rested not too long ago. I didn't glance back and ran to catch up with my friends.
"Let's go." I said, as we walked together in the afternoon sun, content and joyous now we were all together again. But what lay before us would remain a mystery until the time was right.
