Disclaimer:
Sailor Moon copyrights February/March 1999 and all its characters are the rightful property of Naoko Takeuchi, Toei Animation, Kodansha Ltd., Bandai. English adaptation copyrights 1995 DIC Corporations.
Author's Note:
None. Just enjoy. ^_^
"Gravitation is not held responsible for people falling in love."
Albert Einstein
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
My fingers tightened around his. "South of here? Where?"
"In a kingdom called Gorion. If you want a ride, we can fly you there. It's a long one, though. There's bound to be dangers along the way, and it might be saver to have a fire spitting dragon close by."
"Yes, thank you. We'll take the offer," Darien nodded. "We'll go pack right now. You can fill us up on the way there."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I packed all my things with Darien and called Athena and Hermes. Linda and Horton were excited, already waiting for us to ride them. I slung my backpack onto my shoulders and climbed onto Linda's back, and there was a – a place, I guess – made of wood, tightened with ropes to her back, so that I could have a seat. It was the same with Darien. The others gave us enough food to last us years, good luck charms – and we said goodbye tearfully. It just wasn't a really happy scene.
As the four dragons took flight, London began to explain.
"This ride will probably take twelve hours to fifteen hours – it depends on the weather, etc., etc. Gorion has a queen – her name's – what's her name again, Olivia?"
"Her name's Marie," Olivia supplied promptly. "She's very just and fair – a very good queen – but her eldest daughter is unspeakably…abominable. The other two daughters aren't that good, either, but at least they're bearable. The first one – trust me, don't go anywhere near her unless absolutely necessary. Her name's Beth, and the second one is Elsie, and the third one's Claire. The kingdom itself is very good – no dark business whatsoever, and that's mainly due to Queen Marie's wise reign – but it's a bit of shock that Vanson had appeared at her borders."
"Yes," London agreed. "And Queen Marie's very alarmed. Be polite and reasonable, and she'll give you anything that's within her power."
"Okay," I registered the information, sitting back to think.
"Her kingdom's by the Vast Sea, and very prosperous. That's all we can tell you. We don't know anything else," Olivia said apologetically.
"Oh, that's fine! The information's very useful. Thank you very much," Darien replied, catching my eyes.
This is going to be a long ride.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
We were clear until we had come out of the mountains. Then, flying elves – and other creatures that I have no name of – flew to us, squealing irritable and shrill notes, and London scared them away with his fire.
As we drew nearer to Gorion, guards flew up; fully armed, and attacked without even asking who we were and what business we were on. We fired back without a choice.
Some time after, we realized that fighting wasn't an option, and I drew closer to Darien. "Go," I insisted. "Go to Queen Marie and explain why we're here. I'll be fine here – with London and Linda. You go with Olivia. Be careful,"
Darien was about to protest, but I shook my head firmly. "No time for argument. Just go!"
He stared into my eyes for a moment and climbed to the edge of his seat, where he kissed my lips crossly. "Don't get yourself killed. You promised. I'll see you later," with that, he directed Horton and Olivia downward, toward their destination.
I diverted the guards' attention from them by firing dozens and dozens of Stun Spells. Which didn't really work out, though, since they had armors. But that was just my intention, to get them away from my descending love and Horton and Olivia.
We fought on bravely. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I was frowning – I'd never promised Darien that I wouldn't die, right? But I wouldn't die – not when he's waiting for me – death is too far a distance from him. And so, in my sub-consciousness, I promised him that I will not die, and brushed my soul with his.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~Darien's POV~*~
I smiled when I felt her soul kissing mine. It was comforting to know that she loved me.
There were guards coming, but I managed – along with a ferocious Olivia and brave Horton – to fight them off and continue toward my destination.
There were guards all around the castle, on the ground, and Queen Marie and her three daughters were watching through the second floor windows.
I jumped down from Horton and scratched Hermes's back. I knew that he was anxious for Athena, who was back up in the sky fighting with Serena.
I raised my hands. "We come in peace!" I shouted across the grass, so that it was loud enough for the queen to hear. "We mean no harm! Please stop your soldiers from attacking! There is a girl and two more dragons up in the sky!"
Queen Marie stared at me through narrowed eyes. "No human has ridden a dragon within any living memory – even the elves don't remember the last human that has ridden one. How about you? Are you not afraid of them?"
I was prepared for these kinds of questions. "The dragons saved us, and we are forever indebted to them. It is only one way to pay them back by trying to become their children's riders."
"You mentioned 'us' and 'we'."
"As I had said, there is a girl fighting off the guards – or trying to – she is outnumbered one to thirty or forty," how long is she going to take? I could feel that Serena couldn't hold on much longer.
Queen Marie fell to a thoughtful silence. I was desperate, so I said the only thing that seemed to help: "We're here to destroy Vanson!"
That seemed to startle everyone within hearing range – except Olivia and Horton, who knew it already.
Queen Marie was suspicious, I could tell. But I couldn't have afforded another moment with Serena up there hurting. "You've got to trust us, Queen Marie! If you won't believe us, then believe what we know – we have come for vengeance, because he killed my dear uncle and aunt. Is that enough?"
Queen Marie nodded finally and said to one of the guards to order the guards in the sky to back off. I breathed a sigh of relief, patting Hermes assuringly. "Thanks," I whispered to Horton and Olivia. They nodded in understanding.
Athena flew down and snuggled closer to Hermes. London and Linda were descending. I was so impatient that I had to restrain myself from jumping up. They were exhausted, I could tell. London picked up Serena from her seat and laid her gently down onto the grass. I rushed toward her, thanking Linda and London mindlessly.
She was still conscious – oh she was still gloriously conscious! "It's okay," I told her. "It's okay, Rena. I'm here," I wrapped my arms around her limp body, rocking her back and forth.
She – probably with what little strength she had left in her – wrapped her slender arms around my shoulders, pulling herself closer. "I love you," she murmured softly.
I kissed her forehead. "I love you too. Don't worry, you'll be fine."
She nodded and closed her eyes. "I'll just sleep for a moment…" her voice gave way as she slipped into somewhere between a faint and a sleep.
I lifted her into my arms. She felt amazingly light. Queen Marie herself was walking toward me, her three daughters at her heels. She waved my bow away, saying apologetically, "I'm sorry that my soldiers have attacked you. Vanson has appeared by my borders, and we are very alarmed."
I nodded.
"Please, follow me. I will get a doctor to tend the lady's wounds," she continued.
"Do you think, Queen Marie, that the dragons can possibly stay here and rest for a while before taking flight again?" I added.
She nodded. "Of course, as long as they stay here. They will be provided food, also," she turned away, indicating that I should follow. I caught the dragons' eyes, telling them that I will be back.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I had no idea of how the doctor was, and stayed by close as he examined the cuts and burns on her porcelain skin. I cringed when I saw how badly her wounds were.
Queen Marie and her three daughters stayed close by. She offered for her doctor to take a look at me, and I refused politely. I was fine – just a few mild burns and small cuts.
When the doctors left, Serena was wide-awake, lacing her fingers through mine. I felt a thrill of comfort to know that she was all right, and together, we faced Queen Marie.
"We will not ask questions just now. It is obvious that you will need some rest. There will be a Welcome Feast tonight, and we will be honored if you will attend."
We accepted – again, politely, heeding the dragons' warnings. Queen Marie left, but her three daughters stayed behind. Oh, this doesn't look good. This definitely does not look good.
"Tell us, what are your names?" a milder looking young girl – probably about Serena's age – asked curiously and politely. This must be Claire, the best one from the three.
"I'm Darien, and this lady here is Serena," I replied courteously.
"Burned pretty badly, though. Will you be all right?" a second one asked, and I guessed that she was Elsie.
"You'll be all right, won't you? That much is for certain. Mother's doctors are the best on the planet," the third one, probably Beth, said sweetly.
Definitely not the best on Earth, though. This is like the Middle Ages doctors. But I said nothing and inclined my head politely.
The three daughters left, and I breathed a sigh of relief. "How do you feel?" I asked her, kissing her hand.
She blushed – I could feel my heart lightening – and smiled at me. "I'll live," she whispered weakly.
I bent and kissed her softly, lingeringly. Then, I pressed my cheek against her hot one, and held her in my arms. "I'm glad you're okay."
"Me, too."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
We took the liberty of washing up – I had used my pendant to heal her wounds properly – and changed into a fresh change of clothing magically. This time, we were inclined to dress more like the Middle Ages, and sat in the room, waiting for a maid or someone to lead us to the Dining Hall.
There was a knock at the door, and a maid came in. She curtseyed and said that she will lead us to the dining hall, and we followed warily, taking in the glittering halls, corridors, ceilings, etc., etc. Rena had some jewelry on, and she was more beautiful than words could describe.
I smiled despite the gloom that I felt, and squeezed her hand tenderly.
She turned her head, smiling at me, and I felt my heart jump in joy. Oh, she loves me! It has never stopped to amaze me that she loved me – that she loves me!
We entered the dining hall, momentarily blinded by the glittering and momentarily deaf by the noise. Queen Marie stood up, indicating that we should sit by her, and I was relieved to see that we weren't too much out of place in terms of clothing – in other words, we weren't that conspicuous.
Okay, never mind. Everyone's looking at us, some curiously, some warily, some in alarm, some in interest. We sat down by Queen Marie, and we began to eat.
I wasn't really hungry, and I could tell that Rena wasn't either. So we conversed with anyone and everyone that asked us questions, mainly our names and why we were here.
At last, Queen Marie pushed back her chairs and stood up. The hall fell quiet, waiting for her to begin.
"We have two young people here to join us," she said clearly. "They are here on a quest of avenging their aunt and uncle, who were murdered by Vanson. We shall welcome them here, because they are here to do an honorable thing. Let us drink to the health of this young pair!" she raised her goblet, and was followed by the rest of the hall. We accepted the toasts politely.
Later that night, after the Welcome Feast, we were gathered in the Queen's office, discussing what we had planned to do. I found that we had no plan at all, so made up one along the way.
"We plan to find him first, and then destroy him with magic and force – both physical and mental."
"And how will you do that? You are only two; Vanson has defeated a whole country's army before," Queen Marie questioned.
"It is a question of faith, not number," Serena answered quietly.
Beth snorted as if to say that it was too vague a notion. Indeed, it was, but that was the only way that we could defeat him. So I ignored Beth and concentrated on Queen Marie's questions.
"Still, how will you be able to defeat him? I mean no offense, but you are so young and so little compared to Vanson. How will you do this deed?"
This is getting ridiculous. "If we prove it, Queen Marie, will you believe us?"
She nodded too quickly to be polite. "Tomorrow morning, I will have a hundred soldiers facing you. You will be outnumbered one to fifty. Will you be able to handle it?"
I nodded. "We will do it. Shall we continue this conversation tomorrow?"
"Yes, we will."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It was rather awkward the second day. Rena had to wear a dress, naturally, but if she wore a dress, it wouldn't be so convenient. So she changed into tight shorts and wore a skirt over it, which had worked out just fine.
We made our ways down the where we had left the dragons. They were energetic again, now after a thorough meal and a sleep. We hugged each other goodbye – which was comical, of course, dragons hugging humans – and they promised that they would come in time of our need. We thanked them for everything, and waved as they flew away, until we couldn't see them anymore.
"We'll say goodbyes to them after this," Rena whispered to me.
I nodded in agreement. "Come on. Let's get to the battlefield."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
We flew on our Star Distances to meet Queen Marie and the three princesses by a grassy plain. They, with some other nobilities, no doubt, where watching in a tower. Queen Marie acknowledged us, and we went to receive good luck's before setting out.
There were a hundred soldiers, with every piece of artillery that I know and don't know. They hurtled fire at us, but we dodged it quickly, since broomsticks were more of a thinking type than fires. Serena sent out a dozen of Stun Spells, stunning some soldiers, and we flew higher, out of the range of the ground forces. Now was the time for the air force – it was easier than I'd thought. Their fliers – some creatures that have wings – were less flexible and slower, and within seconds, there was a big gap between us. I sent back a swirl of Sleep Spells, Stun Spells, and other harmless ones.
"I'll take care of the ground," Serena said to me and dived.
I turned sharply to face the oncoming soldiers, and waved my hand to release a sweetly perfumed powder. It was called the Sleeping Powder, but Rena and I were immune to it. The soldiers and the creatures fell flat to the ground, snorting, and I dived to help Serena.
"On your left!" I yelled as some weird looking green gas ball hurtled toward my love.
She dodged it and sent a Dissipation Charm. The gas ball dispelled into the air and we breathed a sigh of relief. I sent a Massive Spell to Hermes and Athena, who grew as large as dragons, and roared.
Some soldiers fainted from fright. More fireballs were hurtling toward us. I made a Protection Spell around the two of us – and the humongous owls, as well – and the balls bounced back toward the soldiers. We were better prepared than yesterday. Yesterday, we were taken off guard, and didn't want to harm the guards in the case of misunderstanding. But today, we knew exactly what we were up against.
Rena pulled sharply up and I dived as we both dodged yet another one of those green gas balls. There still seemed dozens and dozens of soldiers left, which puzzled me. One glance with her told me that she was suspicious.
"Go," I whispered, and she flew away toward the tower.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~Serena's POV~*~
When I asked Queen Marie why there was backup on the one hundred soldiers, she seemed puzzled as well. She called a stop to the battle, and Beth swept forward to me.
"Can't you handle some soldiers?" Beth put in. "After all, you have agreed to prove yourselves."
I could feel my anger rising. I could feel his pendant radiating intense heat against my skin. "That was a mistake, Princess Beth," I answered coolly.
"Ah, but you've agreed to prove yourselves."
I didn't mean to insult or upset Queen Marie, but it looked like I had no choice. "If you remember, Princess Beth, there was the deal of one hundred men, not two hundred, nor three hundred."
"A soldier should expect the unexpected at all times," Beth said breezily.
That was it. "You don't know a thing to begin with me, Princess Beth. You have no idea of what we can do, so unless you want to see it, you will stay polite and out of our ways."
"Oh, really?" Beth challenged, her eyes shining maliciously.
Who did she think she was? "Darien, if you don't mind, how about the glass?" I called over my shoulder.
"Of course, Honey," his reply was controlled, but angry nevertheless. I flung my hand out as he did so beside me, and the glass exploded into charred pieces – and then into powder. They were all quite astonished, and Beth stepped back involuntarily. "As Serena has said, Princess Beth, you don't know a thing that we can do, so please, stay cool and out of our ways."
"What else can you do? I bet you can't transfigure anything!" Beth retorted.
Darien flung out his hand and a broken piece of the window frame became a ferocious, roaring, fire-spitting dragon. "You would be very careful from now on, Princess Beth. Please, excuse us, Queen Marie, Princess Elsie, and Princess Claire," he turned toward me. "Come on, Sweetheart."
I took his hand and we turned our Star Distances. Just then, though, as we faced the ocean, I saw something peculiar.
There were at least half a score of scorpions – huge, huge scorpions at least four times the length of me and ten times the width. I exchanged a curious glance with Darien, and he confirmed that he had seen it as well. Without another word, we flew high toward the beach, where the scorpions were surfacing.
Queen Marie, along with her three daughters, and an entire army – or it seemed so – was by the beach in some half hour.
Darien and I circled the air high above, but decided that our curiosity was stronger than our resolution to stay out of this, and landed lightly by Queen Marie. We made our Star Distances into the size of a pencil and put it back into our pockets.
The sea was mostly frozen, it seemed, because it was January, and the snow was thick on the mountains. I stared at one especially large, and surprisingly, he spoke to me – and Darien, as well.
"We heard that one young couple will fight Vanson, is that true?"
We nodded.
"Then we have come in the aid of them," he answered, satisfied. "Where are they?"
"I am Serena," I answered.
"And I am Darien," he said beside me, lacing his fingers through mine. Oh, isn't he wonderful?
The scorpions looked delighted – again, I wonder how I could read their expression – "That's wonderful!"
Beth stepped forward impatiently. "Don't move!" I warned her, but she wouldn't listen.
"But you're brother and sister! You aren't wife and husband!" she stared at us.
"We are," Darien replied coolly. "We didn't say that we're married; you just assumed that we aren't."
Beth narrowed her eyes and stepped dangerously toward the scorpions.
Well, she got what she deserved. One scorpion stung her, and she fainted right on the stop. Yep. She totally deserved it.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The scorpions brought news that Vanson had gone east of here, and we started to pack.
I kissed him and smiled at him. "I love you," I told him for the third time that evening.
He squeezed my waist. "I love you too."
I'd never thought that being in love could be this gloriously magnificent. So it's true that you could love a person more and more as time passes on – and it's also true that there is love-at-first-sight, love beyond death, love so deep that you don't know what to do with it…
He bent and kissed me again. Oh, isn't he just wonderful?
I smiled rather blushingly as he drew away. He grinned, kissing my nose. "You know," he murmured, kissing my cheek.
I knew that he had something on his mind – something wonderful, mind you – and smiled encouragingly. "Before that – we're leaving tomorrow at dawn with the scorpions, right?"
He nodded.
I grinned. "Continue on with your thought. You were saying?"
He leaned closer and smiled mischievously. "You know," his eyes twinkled merrily, and I felt my heart doing somersaults. Hey, what did you think? This is Darien we're talking here – can you not blush when he's so close to you and smiling at you like you're the only thing important to him and the rest of the world doesn't exist?
It was when he had raised his eyebrow did I realize that I had voiced that thought aloud. I squeezed out a small smile for him, hurrying to kiss him and make him forget what I had said.
But he didn't. Even my kiss didn't do the trick. "But you are the only important thing to me," he whispered, looking at me tenderly. "And the rest of the world doesn't exist when I'm with you."
I blushed. Then I leaned closer and pressed my lips to his for his reward.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Queen Marie and her two daughters were there to bid us good-bye and good luck.
"We wish that you will go with our friendships," Queen Marie was saying.
We nodded. "Of course."
As we settled ourselves on our Star Distances, the scorpions began to move. We waved good-bye to Gorion and headed east, where the sun was dawning on this world.
"Rena," Darien held my hand, kissing my knuckles. "What did we do yesterday? It was most unusual…there wasn't a Breaking Charm for glasses, you know…well, maybe there is, but there certainly isn't a Powder Breaking Charm."
I shrugged and smiled, lacing my fingers through his. "Don't worry. We'll find out soon enough. I have a feeling."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
We camped at night, but couldn't sleep, so we listened to the voices outside.
"No human could understand dragon talks other than their fliers," someone was saying. "And yet this young couple understands every dragon – and us, too – which is impossible – it hasn't been for over thousands of years."
Darien and I stared at each other. So that's why Olivia was so startled when we'd first met and answered her question.
"Yes," someone else was saying. "The last time that it happened, it was Prince Endymion and Princess Serenity," they fell silent.
Darien and I stared at each other again, startled. Wasn't that painting by and of Endymion and Serenity?
"There has been a prophecy from the dragons…they say that the ones that would be able to talk to all animals in all worlds, the Only Ones, would be Prince Endymion and Princess Serenity. So this Serena and Darien must be there reincarnations…they've come back to defeat evil and protect the worlds…"
There was a murmur of agreement.
"But we can't tell them…we're not supposed to help, nor are we supposed to tell them, or else it'd all fall apart…if they knew, they wouldn't succeed, and evil and darkness would rule the worlds forever…"
There was another ripple of murmurs of agreement.
"It's so tragic…I still do not understand why love was forbidden between the moon and the earth… It's not forbidden now, of course, but back then…and Prince Endymion and Princess Serenity broke the rule by falling in love…and they discovered their amazing abilities to communicate with animals and trees and every living and non-living thing in their world… They accidentally stumbled upon the White Light, and from then on, it only served them…"
"And they made two identical ruby pendants for each other…the legend says that they didn't do it on purpose, that they made the pendants for a gift…but it came out exactly the same…"
We stared at each other, clutching each other's hands.
"And in it, because of their soul-deep and everlasting love, the key to the Golden and Silver Crystals lies. Only those two pendants can wake the Crystals. No one knows where they are, not even Vanson or any evil or darkness. Prophecies say that only they will discover the place where the Crystals shine, and only they will be able to unlock its powerful magic…"
"And I cannot believe that they actually died for each other in the end…"
Everyone agreed.
"All the same, the legend does not tell of where the pendants went, if they were destroyed or lost. Did you notice the pendants on their necks, though? They're exactly as the legends have described them as – rubies, gold chains, shining and radiates heat and energy whenever the owners – namely Endymion and Serenity – feel intense emotions."
"And their powers would be multiplied by the tenfold if they have the pendants, which is fortunate. But if they had the Crystals, they're unbeatable and invincible… Although, I doubt if the couple knows that… Only Endymion and Serenity knew that their pendants were the keys…"
"But did you hear? They say that Paige Joyce Merritt – Serena's biological mother – was killed by Vanson, along with her husband and Serena's father, Ken Merritt. I heard from rumors that Vanson had stolen her ruby pendant, thinking that it was one of the two that would lead him to the Crystals, even if he wouldn't be able to do anything or know anything because he's not the owner."
"Then Paige Merritt's pendant must just be a present from her husband. But that's impossible…such coincidence is too coincidental…"
"Then the Merritt's and the Shields' must've known. But how could they? They knew everything about the White Light, the Legends, the Prophecies – they must've believed that their children were The Ones."
"Which is very strange and bizarre in itself. They could've have known…or maybe they'd guessed, but wasn't sure, and had a fake pendant made just in case?"
"That seems like the only logical explanation."
"And did you notice how well they knew just about everything?"
"That can be learned, though."
"But they seem to know exactly what they're doing, what they should do with their magical powers – and yet they're so kind and humble."
Everyone agreed again.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Some times during the night, I fell asleep in his arms, thinking about what I've come to know through the scorpions.
When I woke up next, Darien was still sleeping, his arms tightly around my waist. I smiled. He looks so much like a child just then… I leaned closer and kissed him softly and sweetly on the lips. He began to stir awake, and I drew a little away, waiting with anticipation.
"I love you," he said before anything else.
I smiled, my heart bursting with love again. "I love you too."
We cuddled for half an hour longer, not speaking, but understanding each other now more than ever. When we'd finally managed to get up, however, I felt tired and reluctant to go on. A glance with him revealed that he didn't want to, either.
But we were determined to avenge my parents no matter if we were Prince Endymion and Princess Serenity in our last lifetimes. I felt his lips on my fingers, and smiled faintly. "Come on, let's go."
Athena and Hermes came in, hooting, and perched on our shoulders. We folded the tent magically and made it disappear into the air. Then, we climbed onto our Star Distances and continued east.
That's it for this chapter. Hope you enjoyed it. Yes, and feedbacks, please! ^_^
Crystal Selena
