The Citadel

With the warmth of kindness and the alluring scent of her true love filling her up, Neo Queen Serenity began the perilous ascend upon the dark mountain to Beryl's Citadel. When the young queen reached the foot of the rocky mountain she sucked in a breath. It was extraordinarily far above the ground and it looked like there was no normal path to the summit. It was extremely desolate and it looked quite foreboding. Nevertheless if she wished to save Endymion she must scale it.

She tightened the boots and made sure the knapsack with the scissors and tablecloth were strapped on tight. Prior to beginning her ascend she pulled out the rose. She inhaled the divine flower's scent. She then threaded it next to her right odango. Taking a deep breath she placed one foot on the base of the granite mountain and held it. Her foot remained on the base. So the boots worked their magic as she start to climb the mountain. She was halfway up when she notice something. The shadows were beginning to blanket the land, and if they did before she reached the top she would be in terrible trouble. For if she couldn't see she could easily fall, with or without the magical boots. And she knew she wasn't one of the most graceful on the planet.

Her fears were realized when she was almost at the top and the sun was almost set. She couldn't see a small puddle of condensation and she slipped. She grabbed the nearest rock and held on tight. She didn't even dare look down as the boots fell down the cliffside. She just closed her eyes and touched the rose in her hair. Feeling the strength of her husband's love she just kept going. After a few minutes she managed to reach the top. There was a great stonewall blocking her path, but someone threw a rope down to her and pulled her up.

As tired and weak as she was she still found the strength to climb over the wall and fall on the bed of black roses. For a few minutes she lost conscious and didn't feel anybody scoop her up. When she finally regained conscious she found she was in yet another cottage. But this one wasn't nearly as charming or cozy of that little family. There wasn't even a warm fire raging in the fireplace. It was so dark and cold and she was crepe out.

Just then the door opened and a man walked in. He looked maybe nineteen or maybe twenty. He was dressed in a plan black robe which somehow didn't go well with his light blue hair. He went to the table and poured some tea and an apple. He handed both of them to Neo Queen Serenity.

"Here you are. Taking it easy, that was some feat you just preformed. No-one has ever climbed up the mountain before. How did you do it, if I may ask?"

"Magic boots," she replied simply as she sipped her tea. "Thank you for your kindness, it is greatly appreciated."

"You're most welcome, Neo Queen Serenity."

"How do you know my name when I don't even know yours?"

"Who else would scale the mountain to rescue King Endymion? Even those who've been enslaved for generations know of you. We hear Beryl ranting about you all the time. Gossip is the same wherever you live. So how are you feeling?"

"I'm exhausted, covered with sweat, and a bit woozy, but otherwise in good health. Now please tell me what news do you've of my husband? And what's your name if you don't mind me asking?"

"My name is Diamond, and I've been enslaved from the time when I was a boy. My father use to be part of King Adam's court. He was one of his pageboys. I use to sneak cookies from the kitchen, only Endymion knew who was to blame for it. My father on one occasion mocked Beryl just before her banishment. He called her a repulsive aged snake with a black soul and that she by no means would ever be attractive. Well the next day he was dead and I was enslaved. Now I'm her pageboy. When I heard the news that King Endymion had found you it gave me more hope then I had possible. I understand your desire to see your husband's face. Enticement is extremely hard to resist. When I was pinching cookies I had the temptation to do more then that. I didn't want to be a thief, yet it was just too inducement not to pilfer. Therefore I identify with why you did it."

"Thank you for your sympathy. If I can save Endymion I shall set all of Beryl's slaves free. I swear in the name of the Moon that I'll set you free. Now tell me what news do you have of my husband?"

"He's being kept under lock and key in the starlight tower. It's the highest and most secure tower in the citadel. The wedding is the day after tomorrow. We must act quickly if we are to rescue him. Do you have a plan on how to do it?"

"No, I don't, I'm afraid. But I'm sure I'll figure out one. I just need to get close to Beryl and figure out how to stop her," she replied and then reached into the knapsack and pulled out the scissor. "Hmm, Beryl has never been beautiful has she?" she asked surreptitiously.

"No, she's always looked like the wrong end of a horse. Even before she sold her soul for power. She never has been attractive. Might be another reason she hates you, because you're beautiful and she is not. Why do you ask?"

"Well, she said coyly as she twirled the enchanted scissors, "I think I can get her to let me near Endymion. Just tell me where she is and I think I've got a golden idea."

At the same time as Neo Queen Serenity was contemplating her plan Beryl was busy in her lab concocting a deadly potion. She was happily humming as she looked at her ancient manuscript of spells.

"Oh, how wonderful it is! Before long I shall be the Queen of the Earth! And then I shall conquer the Moon and bring Queen Serenity to her knees! Oh how I love my job. All I need to do is prepare a little bit of evil so Endymion shall share my desires!"

Out of the blue an evil chortle filled the secret lab and Beryl looked up from her potion. An alluring voice rang out from everywhere and nowhere at the same time. "My dear, sweet Beryl! How is the bride to be?"

"Very well, Master! I'm so glad you could come! Please show yourself so I may greet you properly."

"What form shall I take?"

"The face that which familiar with everyone!"

"You mean like this?"

And a fire cyclone spun around the stone archway. As soon as it had stopped a man dressed in red so dark it was almost black with hair black as night and golden eyes appeared. He may have had no horns, tail, or pitchfork, but there was no denying who he was, the source of all evil on Earth, Satan.

"Oh, Master! You look as devilish as ever. I'm so glad you're here. It would be proper if I wasn't married by anyone other then you! So welcome to my happy home!" she said amorously as she curtsy.

"Yes, Beryl, it's nice to see my favorite apprentice once again. You've grown more beautiful then the last time I saw you. So what are you doing today my little imp?"

"Just a little potion, a drop of evil if you please," she replied eagerly as if waiting for the Satan approval.

"Ah, what a clever little witch you are. Still do be careful, too much evil destroys evil. So be careful. I shall see you at your wedding soon my little witch," Satan informed her with a grin and he disappeared into a fire cyclone for a second time.

Beryl frowned for a moment. How dare he say her to be careful with her potion! And now he was going to be even more handsome then her at her wedding. Still there had to be a way she could be the most beautiful woman ever. Even more beautiful then Aphrodite or that stupid Neo Queen Serenity! Just then she perceived the sound of someone humming. Looking out the window she saw a young girl with a pair of scissor. She watched in silent amazement as she snipped at the air and beautiful clothes appeared. She rushed down the stairs and confronted the young girl.

"YOU!" she barked as she thundered close to the nameless maiden. She couldn't see the maiden face completely seeing how she had a scarf around her face to shield her from the chilly winds. She looked up surprise at Beryl abrupt arrival.

"Yes, Mistress Beryl? How may I be of assistance to you?" she asked quietly to her. She tried to alter her voice some and kept her crescent moon birthmark hidden behind her hair. She couldn't risk Beryl recognizing her.

"Where in hell's name did you acquire those scissors?"

"They're a gift from a friend. I'm afraid they only work for me though. On the other hand, dear, Mistress Beryl, I'd be happy to weave you and Endymion some clothes for your wedding. But I'll have to get his measurements first."

"Very well, I'll shall have my pageboy Diamond escort you to his chambers in one hour. Now I must go and finish my potion. Diamond's shack is at the edge of the grounds. He shall be there to escort you to Endymion. Now get out my sight!"

"As you wish, Mistress Beryl," Neo Queen Serenity replied obediently as she got up. However as she was getting up and leaving Beryl notice something out of the corner of her eye. She saw a flash of gold on her forehead.

The scarlet haired mischievous sprite glared suspiciously at the girl's fading back, but shrugged it off. She went back to her lab and started a new potion. She glared once out of the window and saw that the unnamed maiden was walking a bit klutzy. She tripped over a rock and fell flat on her face. "Hmm, I wonder?" she muttered as she finished putting together the sleeping brew.

"Well? How did it go?" asked Diamond as Serenity slipped back into the hovel. She lowered her scarf and smiled.

"She took the bait. In one hour we shall see Endymion. Then I can put into action my second plan. But I'm worried, Diamond. I couldn't hear everything but I manage to hear that she is creating a special potion. We must make sure Endymion doesn't take it. So please warn him for me if I don't get the chance."

"I shall, dear, Neo Queen Serenity. Now let's fix that hair of yours. We can't risk you being found out. I'm not my mother who was the palace hairdresser, but I think I can manage to do something halfway decent."

So very reluctantly she let down her hair and allowed Diamond to fix it into a long braid and then coil it into a hair bun. He also smudged up her features and covered her crescent moon up with makeup. She looked into the mirror when he was done and had to admit not even her own mother would recognize her.

But by the time they did see Endymion he was asleep because of the potion, so they could talk. Still Serenity slid him her rose and whispered that she was there. But by now Beryl suspicion was aroused. Still what could some silly little girl do to ruin her plans?

After designing the wedding attire she slipped into the dinning hall where the reception would be held. As the cooks argued over what would be served she slipped the tablecloth on the table and clapped her hands. At that moment Beryl who'd been on her way to check on the preparations for her wedding saw the spread.

"You!" she barked for a second time she gazed at the tablecloth's food. "How did you make all this stuff appear? It's a thousand times better then my incompetent chefs could ever cook. So where did it all come from?" she demanded irritably.

"It came from my tablecloth. It was given me to by my friend, yet I will loan it to you for your wedding. I'm sure it'd be superior then the bits and pieces your cooks can think up."

"Very well, I thank you for bring it. I trust you can produce some outstanding wine to go with it? For a wedding must have the tastiest wine ever. I must go now. My master will be here soon and I must prepare for his arrival. Now go!"

Neo Queen Serenity rolled up the tablecloth and smiled. She followed Beryl to her lab and overheard her talking to Satan. She heard her mummer about making sure the potion wasn't too evil. This gave Serenity an idea. As soon as Beryl was gone she snuck into the lab and created a potion of her own. She disguised it as the wine. With a smile she snuck out of the lab and raced to find Diamond.

Diamond had managed to warn Endymion about the evil potion and he distracted Beryl long enough for him to dump the potion. He of course began to act evil to appear that he had taken the potion. He even started to mock and verbal abuse Neo Queen Serenity. All this did was inflated Beryl's ego and she smiled thinking even if Neo Queen Serenity had managed to get inside she was completely helpless in stopping her plans. So she felt that victory was now in her grasp!