Farewell by Amethyst Serenity
AN: Thanks to everybody who reads and reviews, including AngelicMoonDJ, Ichigo, Deny (my new im buddy!), S. Wright (love your stories!), Diane, ScorpioNightShadow, Frosty, I_am_the_Walrus-chan, Allure, Brightstar, Tyria, TKDgrl, Za Kaze no Nisou, Arabella Silverbell, Faith, Heather and Natsumi.
Disclaimer: Since when do I own anything?
Chapter 14- Masquerade
Haruka, Michiru and Serena entered the gymnasium, transformed into a ballroom by crepe streamers, wall hangings and balloons in sea green and white colors. Pale yellow and white bouquets were scattered throughout the room. The lights were dimmed, adding romantic atmosphere. Set up in one of the corners, a live band tuned its instruments. A dozen students, all acquaintances, were clustered around the punch table. With a quick smile at Haruka and Michiru, Serena gathered her skirts and joined them. Gaily chatting, the crowd gossiped and complimented each other on their costumes. The rest of her classmates slowly trickled in. The band started its first song, warming up with a slow number. Expectantly, Serena sipped her punch and looked around, barely aware of Haruka and Michiru's watchful presence nearby.
In a group, her friends came striding through the doors. Carrying a bow and quiver of arrows, Justin was Robin Hood in a laced, emerald-green jerkin over a white shirt, a brown leather belt, green mask and a pointy hat with a jaunty red feather. Since he absolutely, positively *refused * to wear tights and pointy shoes, he wore dark green slacks and brown leather boots. With a wooden shield on his arm and a plastic broadsword hanging by his side, Zack was a medieval knight with a navy-blue surcoat over chain mail-like stuff, a silver mask, gray pants and boots. An authentic-looking, sky-blue-and-gray coat of arms with an owl design was embroidered on the front of his tunic and painted on his shield. Keith looked dashing in a tailored Zorro costume complete with a fake rapier, black mask, sombrero and billowy cape. Always willing to bare his chest, Neil wore a knee-length, gold-trimmed, creamy white Greek toga, a gold mask and leather sandals. With a wreath of laurel leaves on top of his head, he was Apollo and carried a gilded wooden lyre. Instantly recognizing them, Serena laughed in delight and waved at the guys.
Before they reached her, an audacious King Arthur swept her away in a dance. When he stepped on her poor, abused toes for the *third* time, she looked around for rescue. Haruka smoothly cut in, cutting off "Arthur's" protests with a well-honed death glare. When Haruka winked devilishly at her, Serena giggled. After two or three dances with various partners, Serena joined the guys at the refreshment table. While Keith sipped a drink and Neil plucked at his lyre with a pained expression, Justin and Zack were hotly debating who the prettiest girl was (in their words, the hottest babe). The lights framed her from behind, casting her face into shadow and silvering her hair. Her eyes were twin crystalline blue gems scarcely concealed by her mask. Neil turned ashen gray. Nearly choking, Keith spat out his drink. Alerted by Neil and Keith's antics, Justin and Zack turned to stare at Serena with gaping mouths. Mystified by their peculiar behavior, Serena was more than a little peeved when Neil uttered one unmistakable word.
"*Serenity!* "
Feeling dizzy, Serena wobbled. Her vision wavered. With that one word, she *remembered* them. Over each of the four boys, images of grown men were superimposed…. tall, fierce-eyed men in ebony-black armor who lived, breathed and died for honor… men of courage, kindness and strength… They had laughed with her, teased her and sworn their loyalty to her… to them… to *him*. They were *his*, *Endymion's* guards... the lovers of her Senshi in a forgotten past. With a trembling hand, she pointed at Keith.
"The Knight…"
In an almost hypnotic trance, she turned toward Zack, Justin and then Neil.
"The Sage… the Archer… the Seer…"
Memories of the Silver Millenium flooded her mind. Clutching her head, Serena lost her balance and fell into a dead faint. Swearing softly, Haruka shouldered past dancing couples and reached Serena in the nick of time. Shooting "Wait-until-I-get-my-hands-on-you" glares at the boys, Haruka cradled her protectively and carried her away to an empty classroom. Michiru quietly followed. Recovering quicker than the other guys, Justin succinctly summed up everyone's feelings.
"What the HELL?!?"
Grumbling vague threats, Haruka gently set Serena down on a chair and removed her mask. With worried looks at Serena's pale face, Haruka frowned and gently chafed her wrist. Michiru pressed a cool, damp cloth to her forehead. Much to their relief, Serena's eyes fluttered open. She pressed a hand on her forehead. Her eyes finally focused on Haruka and Michiru.
"I… they… what happened?"
"You fainted, little butterfly. Perhaps, you were overcome by the excitement and the heat."
"I… I was near the boys. Where are they?"
"Stay away from them, Koneko. They might hurt you."
"They would *not*! They are friends… have *always* been…"
Serena's eyes widened. This conversation was familiar, *too* familiar. Once again, her vision flickered. In a lush garden with many softly glowing, pearl-hued flowers, two shadow figures held hands. The indistinct figures walked towards her, gradually becoming clearer. One was a man… no… a *woman* dressed as a lord… with a navy blue, gold-embroidered jacket, tan knee breeches and lace ruffles at her neck and wrists. The other was a lady, a picture of elegance in a pale violet, extremely fashionable, formal ball gown. With smiles on their faces, they offered her bouquets of glowing, pearl-hued flowers, *moon roses*. Up above, the *shining earth* hung in the sky. Gasping, Serena focused on Haruka and Michiru. Haruka merged with the woman dressed as a lord and Michiru fused with the lady in the violet gown. Their outfits melted into Sailor Senshi fukus. They were the *same* people. And she knew them, had always known them.
"I *know* you. Why did you not reveal yourselves to me?"
"Koneko, are you feeling well? The heat's really gotten to you."
"Do not lie to me, *Uranus*. By the grace of Selene, I *demand* the truth," Serena commanded. Imperial in her bearing, she stared challengingly at Haruka and Michiru. Haruka shot a wry glance at Michiru. Shrugging her shoulders, Michiru smoothly dipped into a curtsy. With an ironic half- smile, Haruka bowed. He… no, *she*… went to one knee before Serena. Her hands rested on her upright knee. Michiru came forward to lay her hand on Haruka's shoulder, squeezing it for reassurance. Ever the diplomat, Michiru mildly offered an explanation.
"Your wish is our command, Your Highness. We did not know if you recalled your past. Forcing the memories on you may have had… severe consequences… which we were *not* prepared to risk, especially since we could protect you without your knowledge."
Serena leaned forward, searching Haruka's face. She looked up and stared at Michiru. With a tiny smile, she tenderly placed one hand on Haruka's cheek and the other on Michiru's hand, gripping it tightly. Tears glittered in their eyes. Haruka's hand covered the hand on her cheek.
"I have… missed you, my dear, beloved friends. It has been too long since our last meeting."
"We have been lonely without you… little princess."
"Well, we can't have that, can we? If you don't stop it immediately, I'll scold you," Serena teased to make Haruka smile. A golden crescent moon gleamed on Serena's forehead, softly bathing the room with clear, white light. At that moment, she looked very much like her mother, the Queen. Michiru sank to one knee in front of Serena, similar to Haruka's position. With a serious, determined air, she spoke.
"We are your Senshi, as our mothers were the Queen's Senshi before us. Freely renewing my oath of loyalty, I, Amphitrite of Neptune, eternally pledge myself and my life to your service, Princess Serenity of the Moon."
"I, Diana of Uranus, eternally pledge myself and my life to your service, Princess Serenity of the Moon. Anybody who wants to hurt Koneko has to get through *me* first!"
Serena giggled and then turned solemn. Kissing each of their foreheads in blessing, she spoke the words to complete a fealty ritual last performed in the Silver Millenium.
"I, Serenity of the Moon, gratefully accept your oaths of loyalty, valiant warriors, and name you Senshi of my Royal Guard… even though you are a bit overprotective."
"That wasn't nice, Serenity-sama," Michiru gently reproved.
"How did I *ever* get along without you two?"
"Just don't expect me to curtsy. I *don't* do curtsies," Haruka grumbled. Laughing uncontrollably, Serena hugged them both. The golden crescent moon on her forehead dimmed and faded to nothing. Smiling, Haruka and Michiru stood and then pulled Serena to her feet. Above Serena's head, Haruka and Michiru exchanged sober looks and silently repeated their promise. *Never again*. Bursting into the room, Justin, Keith, Neil and Zack surrounded them with anxiety and concern on their faces. After searching for the trio, they were finally able to find them when Serena laughed. With grim faces, Haruka and Michiru formed a protective wall before Serena. Surprised, Serena protested but the women would *not* let her go to her friends. Puzzled by their behavior, the boys didn't want to leave Serena alone with them. The ladies rapidly whispered in Japanese to keep the boys from overhearing.
"Haruka-san! Michiru-san! What is the meaning of this? Let me pass!"
"Stay back, Koneko. They are not to be trusted," Haruka muttered.
"Are you okay, Serena?" Justin said. Although Serena nodded her head, the boys watched Haruka and Michiru cautiously.
"Your highness, they were *Beryl's*," Michiru hissed under her breath. The name sent chills down Serena's spine but she shook it off. Haruka and Michiru eyed the boys warily.
"Nay, they were not. Her Dark Kings are gone."
"They *killed* you! We saw them on the Moon." Haruka growled softly.
"You did *not* see all. Endymion's men were slain by treachery *before* the attack on the moon. Demons wore their faces for the attacks… and afterwards. Beryl taunted me with it before I… died. Her Generals are no more. *They* are Endymion's and no threat to us. Must I *order* you to let me through?"
"Very well, Koneko, but we *will* be watching," Haruka murmured. With distrustful looks at the boys, Haruka and Michiru stepped aside. The boys clustered around Serena in their concern, freely dispensing hugs. She smiled gently, unsure of how to deal with them. Endymion's Knights… they were another piece from the past binding her to him… even though he cast it all aside. Her heart twisted.
"Are you okay, Serena? *They* are acting really strange," Justin asked, with a head nod toward Haruka and Michiru.
"I'm fine, Justin. I… felt a little dizzy."
"It was more than that. You *Named* us," Zack insisted.
"You knew us in our other lives," Neil stated solemnly.
"I… who do you think I am?" she mumbled, lowering her eyes to the ground. Part of her wanted to lie, to deny everything… to abandon him as he had abandoned her. Serena wished to forget him, even his memory, and stop the pain. It still *hurt* so badly.
"Serenity… the princess from the Moon… our liege lady," Justin mumbled.
"Liege lady? You owe no obligation to me."
"Actually… we do. We swore allegiance to you and our Prince, as did your Senshi," Keith replied calmly. Too surprised to deny her other identity, Serena stared at him. Vague memories of the past threatened to overwhelm her. The boys looked at her expectantly. She pressed a hand to her head, trying to quell her incipient headache. Zack and Justin patted her shoulders.
"I think… I think it's been a long day and I'm tired. We can discuss this some other time."
"You can't avoid this, Serena. Or run from it," Zack said, almost kindly. Serena hesitated.
"Tomorrow. Come to my place and we'll talk about it."
The boys nodded vigorously. Without a backward glance, Serena glided out of the room. Haruka and Michiru followed her closely. Silent but sympathetic, they drove her home. After swallowing aspirin for her headache, Serena went straight up to her room. Taking off her costume, she wiped tears out of her eyes. Something unexpected did happen but it wasn't a handsome stranger sweeping her off her feet. Deep down, Serena was afraid that her peaceful times were over. She did not have the heart for any more battles. *He* had given her strength… but he was lost to her. Would she ever be free of him or their past? Serena looked up at a silent, clouded crescent moon and prayed for guidance.
Interlude 6
In a darkened room, a lady in a pastel ball gown stared intently at the crystal globe. By her side, the woman with a staff watched the globe impassively.
"She begins to remember."
"The strands of fate bind tightly."
"She will fight it."
"The princess cannot deny her destiny."
"Her heart will not allow it."
AN: Thanks to everybody who reads and reviews, including AngelicMoonDJ, Ichigo, Deny (my new im buddy!), S. Wright (love your stories!), Diane, ScorpioNightShadow, Frosty, I_am_the_Walrus-chan, Allure, Brightstar, Tyria, TKDgrl, Za Kaze no Nisou, Arabella Silverbell, Faith, Heather and Natsumi.
Disclaimer: Since when do I own anything?
Chapter 14- Masquerade
Haruka, Michiru and Serena entered the gymnasium, transformed into a ballroom by crepe streamers, wall hangings and balloons in sea green and white colors. Pale yellow and white bouquets were scattered throughout the room. The lights were dimmed, adding romantic atmosphere. Set up in one of the corners, a live band tuned its instruments. A dozen students, all acquaintances, were clustered around the punch table. With a quick smile at Haruka and Michiru, Serena gathered her skirts and joined them. Gaily chatting, the crowd gossiped and complimented each other on their costumes. The rest of her classmates slowly trickled in. The band started its first song, warming up with a slow number. Expectantly, Serena sipped her punch and looked around, barely aware of Haruka and Michiru's watchful presence nearby.
In a group, her friends came striding through the doors. Carrying a bow and quiver of arrows, Justin was Robin Hood in a laced, emerald-green jerkin over a white shirt, a brown leather belt, green mask and a pointy hat with a jaunty red feather. Since he absolutely, positively *refused * to wear tights and pointy shoes, he wore dark green slacks and brown leather boots. With a wooden shield on his arm and a plastic broadsword hanging by his side, Zack was a medieval knight with a navy-blue surcoat over chain mail-like stuff, a silver mask, gray pants and boots. An authentic-looking, sky-blue-and-gray coat of arms with an owl design was embroidered on the front of his tunic and painted on his shield. Keith looked dashing in a tailored Zorro costume complete with a fake rapier, black mask, sombrero and billowy cape. Always willing to bare his chest, Neil wore a knee-length, gold-trimmed, creamy white Greek toga, a gold mask and leather sandals. With a wreath of laurel leaves on top of his head, he was Apollo and carried a gilded wooden lyre. Instantly recognizing them, Serena laughed in delight and waved at the guys.
Before they reached her, an audacious King Arthur swept her away in a dance. When he stepped on her poor, abused toes for the *third* time, she looked around for rescue. Haruka smoothly cut in, cutting off "Arthur's" protests with a well-honed death glare. When Haruka winked devilishly at her, Serena giggled. After two or three dances with various partners, Serena joined the guys at the refreshment table. While Keith sipped a drink and Neil plucked at his lyre with a pained expression, Justin and Zack were hotly debating who the prettiest girl was (in their words, the hottest babe). The lights framed her from behind, casting her face into shadow and silvering her hair. Her eyes were twin crystalline blue gems scarcely concealed by her mask. Neil turned ashen gray. Nearly choking, Keith spat out his drink. Alerted by Neil and Keith's antics, Justin and Zack turned to stare at Serena with gaping mouths. Mystified by their peculiar behavior, Serena was more than a little peeved when Neil uttered one unmistakable word.
"*Serenity!* "
Feeling dizzy, Serena wobbled. Her vision wavered. With that one word, she *remembered* them. Over each of the four boys, images of grown men were superimposed…. tall, fierce-eyed men in ebony-black armor who lived, breathed and died for honor… men of courage, kindness and strength… They had laughed with her, teased her and sworn their loyalty to her… to them… to *him*. They were *his*, *Endymion's* guards... the lovers of her Senshi in a forgotten past. With a trembling hand, she pointed at Keith.
"The Knight…"
In an almost hypnotic trance, she turned toward Zack, Justin and then Neil.
"The Sage… the Archer… the Seer…"
Memories of the Silver Millenium flooded her mind. Clutching her head, Serena lost her balance and fell into a dead faint. Swearing softly, Haruka shouldered past dancing couples and reached Serena in the nick of time. Shooting "Wait-until-I-get-my-hands-on-you" glares at the boys, Haruka cradled her protectively and carried her away to an empty classroom. Michiru quietly followed. Recovering quicker than the other guys, Justin succinctly summed up everyone's feelings.
"What the HELL?!?"
Grumbling vague threats, Haruka gently set Serena down on a chair and removed her mask. With worried looks at Serena's pale face, Haruka frowned and gently chafed her wrist. Michiru pressed a cool, damp cloth to her forehead. Much to their relief, Serena's eyes fluttered open. She pressed a hand on her forehead. Her eyes finally focused on Haruka and Michiru.
"I… they… what happened?"
"You fainted, little butterfly. Perhaps, you were overcome by the excitement and the heat."
"I… I was near the boys. Where are they?"
"Stay away from them, Koneko. They might hurt you."
"They would *not*! They are friends… have *always* been…"
Serena's eyes widened. This conversation was familiar, *too* familiar. Once again, her vision flickered. In a lush garden with many softly glowing, pearl-hued flowers, two shadow figures held hands. The indistinct figures walked towards her, gradually becoming clearer. One was a man… no… a *woman* dressed as a lord… with a navy blue, gold-embroidered jacket, tan knee breeches and lace ruffles at her neck and wrists. The other was a lady, a picture of elegance in a pale violet, extremely fashionable, formal ball gown. With smiles on their faces, they offered her bouquets of glowing, pearl-hued flowers, *moon roses*. Up above, the *shining earth* hung in the sky. Gasping, Serena focused on Haruka and Michiru. Haruka merged with the woman dressed as a lord and Michiru fused with the lady in the violet gown. Their outfits melted into Sailor Senshi fukus. They were the *same* people. And she knew them, had always known them.
"I *know* you. Why did you not reveal yourselves to me?"
"Koneko, are you feeling well? The heat's really gotten to you."
"Do not lie to me, *Uranus*. By the grace of Selene, I *demand* the truth," Serena commanded. Imperial in her bearing, she stared challengingly at Haruka and Michiru. Haruka shot a wry glance at Michiru. Shrugging her shoulders, Michiru smoothly dipped into a curtsy. With an ironic half- smile, Haruka bowed. He… no, *she*… went to one knee before Serena. Her hands rested on her upright knee. Michiru came forward to lay her hand on Haruka's shoulder, squeezing it for reassurance. Ever the diplomat, Michiru mildly offered an explanation.
"Your wish is our command, Your Highness. We did not know if you recalled your past. Forcing the memories on you may have had… severe consequences… which we were *not* prepared to risk, especially since we could protect you without your knowledge."
Serena leaned forward, searching Haruka's face. She looked up and stared at Michiru. With a tiny smile, she tenderly placed one hand on Haruka's cheek and the other on Michiru's hand, gripping it tightly. Tears glittered in their eyes. Haruka's hand covered the hand on her cheek.
"I have… missed you, my dear, beloved friends. It has been too long since our last meeting."
"We have been lonely without you… little princess."
"Well, we can't have that, can we? If you don't stop it immediately, I'll scold you," Serena teased to make Haruka smile. A golden crescent moon gleamed on Serena's forehead, softly bathing the room with clear, white light. At that moment, she looked very much like her mother, the Queen. Michiru sank to one knee in front of Serena, similar to Haruka's position. With a serious, determined air, she spoke.
"We are your Senshi, as our mothers were the Queen's Senshi before us. Freely renewing my oath of loyalty, I, Amphitrite of Neptune, eternally pledge myself and my life to your service, Princess Serenity of the Moon."
"I, Diana of Uranus, eternally pledge myself and my life to your service, Princess Serenity of the Moon. Anybody who wants to hurt Koneko has to get through *me* first!"
Serena giggled and then turned solemn. Kissing each of their foreheads in blessing, she spoke the words to complete a fealty ritual last performed in the Silver Millenium.
"I, Serenity of the Moon, gratefully accept your oaths of loyalty, valiant warriors, and name you Senshi of my Royal Guard… even though you are a bit overprotective."
"That wasn't nice, Serenity-sama," Michiru gently reproved.
"How did I *ever* get along without you two?"
"Just don't expect me to curtsy. I *don't* do curtsies," Haruka grumbled. Laughing uncontrollably, Serena hugged them both. The golden crescent moon on her forehead dimmed and faded to nothing. Smiling, Haruka and Michiru stood and then pulled Serena to her feet. Above Serena's head, Haruka and Michiru exchanged sober looks and silently repeated their promise. *Never again*. Bursting into the room, Justin, Keith, Neil and Zack surrounded them with anxiety and concern on their faces. After searching for the trio, they were finally able to find them when Serena laughed. With grim faces, Haruka and Michiru formed a protective wall before Serena. Surprised, Serena protested but the women would *not* let her go to her friends. Puzzled by their behavior, the boys didn't want to leave Serena alone with them. The ladies rapidly whispered in Japanese to keep the boys from overhearing.
"Haruka-san! Michiru-san! What is the meaning of this? Let me pass!"
"Stay back, Koneko. They are not to be trusted," Haruka muttered.
"Are you okay, Serena?" Justin said. Although Serena nodded her head, the boys watched Haruka and Michiru cautiously.
"Your highness, they were *Beryl's*," Michiru hissed under her breath. The name sent chills down Serena's spine but she shook it off. Haruka and Michiru eyed the boys warily.
"Nay, they were not. Her Dark Kings are gone."
"They *killed* you! We saw them on the Moon." Haruka growled softly.
"You did *not* see all. Endymion's men were slain by treachery *before* the attack on the moon. Demons wore their faces for the attacks… and afterwards. Beryl taunted me with it before I… died. Her Generals are no more. *They* are Endymion's and no threat to us. Must I *order* you to let me through?"
"Very well, Koneko, but we *will* be watching," Haruka murmured. With distrustful looks at the boys, Haruka and Michiru stepped aside. The boys clustered around Serena in their concern, freely dispensing hugs. She smiled gently, unsure of how to deal with them. Endymion's Knights… they were another piece from the past binding her to him… even though he cast it all aside. Her heart twisted.
"Are you okay, Serena? *They* are acting really strange," Justin asked, with a head nod toward Haruka and Michiru.
"I'm fine, Justin. I… felt a little dizzy."
"It was more than that. You *Named* us," Zack insisted.
"You knew us in our other lives," Neil stated solemnly.
"I… who do you think I am?" she mumbled, lowering her eyes to the ground. Part of her wanted to lie, to deny everything… to abandon him as he had abandoned her. Serena wished to forget him, even his memory, and stop the pain. It still *hurt* so badly.
"Serenity… the princess from the Moon… our liege lady," Justin mumbled.
"Liege lady? You owe no obligation to me."
"Actually… we do. We swore allegiance to you and our Prince, as did your Senshi," Keith replied calmly. Too surprised to deny her other identity, Serena stared at him. Vague memories of the past threatened to overwhelm her. The boys looked at her expectantly. She pressed a hand to her head, trying to quell her incipient headache. Zack and Justin patted her shoulders.
"I think… I think it's been a long day and I'm tired. We can discuss this some other time."
"You can't avoid this, Serena. Or run from it," Zack said, almost kindly. Serena hesitated.
"Tomorrow. Come to my place and we'll talk about it."
The boys nodded vigorously. Without a backward glance, Serena glided out of the room. Haruka and Michiru followed her closely. Silent but sympathetic, they drove her home. After swallowing aspirin for her headache, Serena went straight up to her room. Taking off her costume, she wiped tears out of her eyes. Something unexpected did happen but it wasn't a handsome stranger sweeping her off her feet. Deep down, Serena was afraid that her peaceful times were over. She did not have the heart for any more battles. *He* had given her strength… but he was lost to her. Would she ever be free of him or their past? Serena looked up at a silent, clouded crescent moon and prayed for guidance.
Interlude 6
In a darkened room, a lady in a pastel ball gown stared intently at the crystal globe. By her side, the woman with a staff watched the globe impassively.
"She begins to remember."
"The strands of fate bind tightly."
"She will fight it."
"The princess cannot deny her destiny."
"Her heart will not allow it."