For the One I Love
Chapter 19
"Endymion"
"I'm sorry, what?!" Maker exclaimed. "Mind control?"
"And you've known about this for how long without mentioning a word to us?!" Healer added.
The Starlights were soaking in the giant bath that overlooked the walkways leading out to a frozen Mare Serenities. After confirming the Princess was securely in the possession of the other Senshi, Maker suggested they go have a discussion in the form of a long soak. Maker and Healer were leaning against the warm rocks that made the ledge of the bath, listening to Fighter retell her encounter with Demande from a few hours before. Fighter kept her body low, letting the steam consume her.
"I saw him do something similar in Crystal Tokyo. He lifted me from the ground with his third eye."
"Damnit Fighter." Maker growled. "This would have been a good piece of information to know ahead of time."
"Hey, I didn't know the full extent of it alright?"
"Do you know how many times we've left him alone with the Queen, thinking there wasn't any immediate danger?"
"Healer's right." Maker dropped her arms back into the water to warm them. "Luckily, in the time I've spent with her she's shown no signs of not being in control of herself, and Demande would have what he wanted by now. For some reason he either hasn't tried it on the Queen yet, or he has and failed. I'm guessing the later. I can't see a man like him not using an ability like that to his advantage."
"So now he's going after the Princess because he failed with the Queen? What was he saying to her again?" Healer turned to Fighter. "When you arrived?" Fighter scowled.
"From the sound of it he was trying to get her to agree to the marriage," Fighter flicked at the water with her fingers. "among other things…" She flicked at the water again, harder this time. "She thinks I attacked him for no reason." She added gloomily. "When I asked her about it, she couldn't remember anything he did to her, only my attacking… who knows what she thinks of me now."
"You shouldn't have attacked him like you did." Maker replied. "You weren't thinking rationally."
"What was I supposed to do?" Fighter perked up from the steam. "Let him crawl all over her?! When I got there, he was-"
"Of course not!" Maker sat up a little too, shifting her weight away from the ledge. "But push him aside and be done with it. There will be a time, Fighter." She cut her off before she could retort. "There will be a time when we can finally take that bastard out and go home, but for now all you did was create a divide between you and the Usagi here. You forget she doesn't know us, she doesn't know him, she isn't Sailor Moon. This Usagi has never experienced hostility in any form, these are still peaceful times. You have to be careful how you handle things."
"Oh, stop pouting already." Healer rolled her eyes as Fighter sank back into the hot water, bitterly blowing bubbles as she did so. "It'll take more than that for you to push that girl away from you."
"It's not just that, is it?" Maker eyed her suspiciously.
"…She saw him…" Fighter murmured. "…for the first time…Ma- Endymion. You gave her that picture." It wasn't a question; it was an accusation. Aimed directly at Maker.
"I did." She replied. "I scoured their databases to find more photos of Earth, since you mentioned before she only had the same few and none of him. Don't forget our mission."
"I know, but- she just, looked right through me... all she saw was him."
"Seeing as that's one of the main reasons we're here, good." Healer urged as she placed her towel on the ledge, before kicking off to float nearer the center.
"I told you earlier today, it's time to start being proactive. Seeing as Demande is getting more aggressive, it was good timing that Serenity finally learn of Endymion. I actually have some news." Maker pushed off the ledge as well, moving closer to Healer and Fighter. "After you took off I ran into Mercury at the ball and we started talking about the marriage proposal. Apparently the entire thing is a joke to them."
"A joke?" Healer looked back quizzically. Fighter also looked perplexed.
"According to her, the Queen would never force her daughter into an arranged marriage, no matter how powerful of an alliance it'd create. She cares too much for her daughter's happiness."
"Okay…" Healer pondered out loud. "That's good... so why do you look even more troubled?"
"Because Demande's actions proved something tonight. If Queen Serenity won't marry off her daughter to him, one of the only other options left is to-"
"Make her choose him." Fighter finished.
Maker nodded. "Either by mind control or seduction."
"That'll never happen. I won't let it."
"I agree, which circles us right back to our original problem. How are we ultimately going to get rid of this guy without creating massive vibrations in the timeline? Once he's failed in obtaining Serenity and the Silver Millennium through either of those options, he'll likely drop the act and use force. We can't let that happen, but how do we fight back? We can't transform as Senshi here."
As Fighter and Maker began to contemplate in silence, Healer glanced out of one of the large arched windows, staring out at Mare Serenities. Off in the horizon a faint shimmer caught her attention, the edge of the Queen's protective barrier. A shield which surrounded the castle and all the people of The Moon Kingdom from their native surroundings. She watched as the shimmer faded back to nothingness, once again making it appear as though nothing was there between them and the vastness of space. Then, she got an idea. "We could technically transform here, but the issue is being detected or seen right?" Her voice instantly caught their attention in the quiet. "What if…" She pondered to herself for a second before pivoting around to face the others. "What if we found a way to lure him outside the barrier, and take him on there? I mean, we're no strangers to the conditions of space."
Maker and Fighter exchanged glances with one another before looking back to Healer. Her finger was outstretched, pointing outward beyond the window. They traced the invisible line she had created with their eyes, resting their gaze on the same spot Healer had been staring at before.
"If we could lure him out there…" Maker mulled the scenario over in her head. "Lure him out, transform, grab the key off of him and chuck him back into his own timeline… This could work. Assuming everything goes to plan-"
"Which it won't." Fighter closed her eyes, letting the water begin to float her upward. "There's a million things that could go wrong. For starters, how do you even plan to lure him out that far?"
"Things can go wrong with any plan, but for now this is the best idea we've got. As for luring him out, we'll need to-"
Sploosh! Fighter dove straight down into the water, twisting her body as fast as she could to face the opposite direction, blushing furiously. Before Maker could finish what she was saying, the bathroom doors had opened and five girls walked in, completely naked. Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, and Venus, with Serenity in front.
"Oh." Mars said slightly taken aback. "Sorry, we didn't realize anyone else would be in here this late. Mind if we join you?"
"Not at all." Maker gestured invitingly.
"Serenity, I put your towel over here okay?" Fighter heard one of the girls say. Suddenly the steam from the bath felt hotter than it had.
"Oh please." Healer complained in an undertone as she waded past Fighter. "Don't be such a prude. It's not like she's got anything you haven't seen."
"Shut up." Fighter hissed.
Plip. Plip. One by one the girls entered the baths. Fighter continued to stare intently at the wall as idle chatter began to fill her ears. Only a few moments later, the water around her began to sway and she felt the presence of someone coming up behind her. Her heart began to thump. "Fighter?" A soft voice called for her. Her heart thumped harder. Hesitantly, she turned around to see Serenity a mere foot away. The Princess's hair was pinned to the top of her head in a giant messy bun, with wet curls falling from it and sticking to her face and shoulders. Her wet skin was pink from the hot water, and her brilliant eyes looked up into Fighter's as Fighter concentrated as hard as possible on not looking down. She hoped her bright red face would be easily explained away from the heat. "Would you like to join us?"
Fighter glanced up over Serenity's shoulder to see Maker and Healer conversing with the other Senshi. Healer caught Fighter's eye, and winked. "Stupid Healer…" Fighter grit her teeth.
"Are you okay?" Fighter carefully looked back to Serenity as she asked.
"What a loaded question right now…" She thought to herself, but managed to say, "That's, something I should be asking you. How- are your hands?"
"They're okay." Serenity lifted them to look them over. "Just scratched a bit."
"I'm sorry, again." Fighter said. Serenity awkwardly placed them back to the water. "But uh, about what happened- do you really not remember anything-" The Princess stiffened. "about, what happened before I, uh- attacked him." The last few words tasted bitter in her mouth.
"Erm, you asked me that before but-" Serenity fidgeted uncomfortably, glancing to the side. "Am I supposed to remember something else? When- when you asked me that before honestly I got a little afraid." When Fighter didn't respond, Serenity looked back up at her. Fighter met her timid gaze with a befuddled one. "I don't remember anything else, and that worries me. When you asked me, and I tried to think back, I got this feeling of uneasiness. And just now, every time I think about it, I feel it- something off. Cold. Dark?" The Princess shuttered. "There's this blur, as if I fell asleep and then-"
Fighter instinctively grabbed one of the Princess's hands. She had begun to tremble. Is this what was really bugging her? Not the fact that Fighter had attacked Demande, but not being able to understand why? She had felt it, the dark power surrounding him, and she didn't understand it. "I didn't mean anything by it." Fighter lied "I just meant to know what you were talking about. When I saw you two together you seemed upset, and I- overreacted. I'm sorry I caused you to worry, and for my behavior. Nothing else happened except my idiocy. You likely just got overwhelmed, and that's why you started to feel that way."
"Oh." Serenity pondered her words.
"So please, don't worry about it anymore. I misread the situation, and I just wanted to protect you."
The Princess blushed a little, then smiled. With Fighter's hand still wrapped around hers, Serenity placed her other hand around Fighter's and brought it close to her chest. "Thank you."
"Fighter!" Healer shouted wickedly from the other side of the bath. "Your nose is bleeding!"
"Ah!" Fighter, who had been gaping stupidly at Serenity, finally caught herself. She blinked herself awake, and politely withdrew her hand back to her side. "N-no problem." Her face reddened as she made a conscience effort again to not entirely look at the Princess.
"Your highness!" Healer called again. "Grab her by the arm and drag her over here! Ow." She added when Maker elbowed her in the ribs.
"Would you knock it off." She sighed under her breath.
The Princess continued to smile. "Let's go join them." Without waiting for a response, she wrapped her arm around Fighter's and stood partially from the bath to lead her towards everyone. Fighter lurched her head in the opposite direction, cursing the steam in her mind for not being much thicker than it was. Then again… She guiltily glanced back over her shoulder, taking in the fact that Serenity's wet curls had fallen even more out of place, sticking to the small of her back and the undersides of her breasts…
"I saw that." Healer smirked when Serenity parked Fighter right next to her.
"I hate you."
"You're welcome."
They all talked about nothing of importance for what seemed a good portion of time with no other incidences. Healer did try to explain and coheres the girls into a game of chicken, Serenity paired with Fighter of course, but Maker shut that idea down immediately much to Fighter's relief. Eventually, the Royal Guardians called for Serenity to leave with them and Fighter turned around once more as she slipped from the water into the outstretched towel Jupiter held for her. After exchanging goodnights, The Starlights decided to head back as well.
"Seems you're back to normal with her then." Maker commented as they swung a door open to their quarters.
"Yeah…" Fighter thought for a moment. "You were right. She's extremely vulnerable in this time period. I'm not used to that."
"Yes." Maker said as she grabbed a small bag from her bed and began throwing things into it. "She's extremely innocent."
"Never would have believed she could be even more naïve though." Fighter shot Healer a dirty look. "What? It's true, and what are you doing?" She looked over at Maker as she finished placing a couple small books inside her bag.
"Packing."
"I got that." Healer scowled. "For?"
"To take watch. I'm going to read up on some things while I'm at it." Maker crossed from her bed and knelt down in front of a large pearl colored dresser. She opened the bottom drawer, dug to the bottom of their clothing, and pulled out a small jewelry box they had received as a gift after first arriving here. She removed the top inside portion, revealing a secret compartment. Sitting inside were their transformation brooches.
"That's where you hid them." Fighter leaned over her shoulder to peer inside.
"Yes…" Maker grabbed hers from the box. Not wanting to chance things, particularly Fighter's resolve to not transform and attack Demande the first chance she got, Maker hid them away from her comrades. "But, I'm wondering if we should start carrying them on us again." She debated, staring down at her brooch before boxing it back up and shoving it inside the drawer once more. "Tomorrow we'll go over a plan to lure out Demande. Until then…" She clicked the dresser drawer shut. "Hurry up and go to bed." She directed at Healer as she stood from the ground. "I'm only taking a partial watch so you can get more sleep, as soon as I'm done it's your turn. I'm exhausted too."
"Psht." Healer stuck out her tongue as Maker turned back to the bag on her bed.
"I'll go." Fighter volunteered. Maker looked over at her, unconvinced. "What?" She added defensively.
"Haven't you had an eventful night already?" Maker questioned.
"Maybe, but I'm not exhausted like you are." Fighter pointed out. "We all know you're the one who needs the most rest if we're going to come up any sort of plan tomorrow." Maker glanced over to Healer, still hesitant. Healer shrugged.
"If anything happens-"
"I won't do anything. I'll come straight here if I need to."
Not really wanting Fighter to go, Maker only felt slightly comforted by the idea because she knew Fighter wouldn't want to cause a scene that would upset Serenity again. Honestly though, she gave in based on one fact: she was just too tired to argue at the moment. Maker thrust her finger in Fighter's direction. "Watch only. Report only. Don't do anything."
"Alright, alright." Fighter walked over to the dresser and grabbed her own small bag, slinging it over her shoulder as she walked to the door. "'Night." She called from the other side as the door swung slowly closed, shielding her from view. The last thing she saw was Maker begrudgingly teeter to her bed.
The corridors at night were dimly lit with low glowing lights across the walls and the castle was an eerie silent. There were no winds at night to create even the smallest of rustles outside. Only the occasional clanking of armor would echo down a passageway, as castle guards strutted around. Fighter pressed herself against a pillar as one of the guards came marching past. So far, the Starlights had gotten away with patrolling on their own unnoticed by anyone, and she wanted to keep it that way. The last thing they wanted at the moment was the Queen alerted to their late-night wanderings, and Fighter especially didn't want to be caught in the corridor she was currently headed towards. Once the guard was gone, Fighter took a hard left opposite the direction of Demande's chambers. Instead, after a few more minutes of walking and a close encounter with another guard, she came to stand outside the double doors that led into Princess Serenity's chambers. She figured watching over Serenity was just as good as watching over Demande, and, well, a part of her really wanted to see if the Princess was still awake.
Fighter knocked against the doors, just light enough she hoped would alert Serenity if she was awake, but not disturb her if she was already asleep. As she waited a moment for a response, Fighter glanced in both directions over her shoulders as another round of clanging metal could be heard impending towards her. Fighter looked back and noticed her knock had easily nudged the door open. The clanging growing louder, she pushed the door further, slipped inside, and softly latched it into place behind her.
"Princess?" The room was near pitch black. Only the faint outlines of objects reflecting moonlight from the windows helped create a map for Fighter to navigate around. She moved inward, using her outstretched hands to help guide her closer to the bed. "Princess?" She called again gingerly. When she reached Serenity's bedside, she immediately turned around and ran to the doors, only briefly pausing to check for guards before scurrying back in the direction she originally came. The bed had been unkempt and empty. Fighter tried hard not to panic, she'd heard before that the Princess liked to sneak around the grounds at night, but it had never been an issue during their stay. She hoped that's all it was, because the only other explanation was one Fighter didn't want to think about. Either way it didn't matter. If Demande didn't have Serenity already, he would definitely try something again if he found her alone. She had to find her. But first, there was an easy way to rule out one scenario.
Fighter hurriedly rounded another corner while still trying to avoid any guards coming her way. As she came to a different set of doors she didn't bother to knock, but instead tried as quietly yet as quickly as possible to push one open to peer inside. Any resolve to try and keep calm shattered the instant she found Demande's chambers empty as well. "Shit." She spun around in the doorframe, panicking, unsure of where to look next. "Stay calm, think." She told herself. "No sign of a struggle. The guards are still calm. But if he's used his power…they could be anywhere." Fighter's last hope was that Serenity simply left her room on her own, and Demande hadn't found her yet. "Where would she go?" Instantly answering her own question Fighter kicked off her shoes so she could run at full speed without creating countless echoes. There were only two places she could think Serenity had any interest in going; the gardens, and more so the balcony, where her new-found interest in the image of Endymion awaited her.
As she ran, Fighter thought back to Healer and Maker asleep in their beds. She should tell them, but with every second counting Fighter couldn't afford taking the extra time. If she couldn't find Serenity on her own, "I'll wake them then…" Coming up the last stair leading out near the balcony, a sense of relief instantaneously spread through Fighter's body as she saw Serenity standing off in the distance, only to immediately be dampened by the sight of who she was with. Demande had found Serenity first, and they seemed to be in deep conversation. Serenity hung her head low, as if avoiding looking at the Prince who had a grasp on her right hand. Ignoring her instinct to immediately interfere, Fighter slid behind one of the archway walls instead.
"I-I'm greatly flattered, but, I- I think I should get back to bed for tonight, before I'm found out."
"Surely," Prince Demande towered over her, his usual cool farce slipping as he started to become agitated. "the Princess would want to show her future husband the entirety of his new home."
"I'm sorry, it's late." Princess Serenity said flustered as she focused intently on the ground. "Perhaps tomorrow, Mama-"
"No. I want you to take me."
"But, I- even I'm not supposed to go where you're asking. Tomorrow, Mama could-" She dared glance up, and instantly regretted it. Demande's dark narrow eyes probed down into hers with a bold, almost cold intensity.
"Princess Serenity." Both Serenity and Demande turned to look as Fighter's stern voice intruded from beside them. Demande glared in annoyance as she approached. "It's late. What are you doing out of bed? Forgive me Prince," Star Fighter said sarcastically sweet, barely bowing. "but as handmaiden to her highness, I must insist she get back to bed." Fighter placed her hands on the Princess's shoulders and began to steer her away when Demande let go of Serenity's hand and snatched Fighter's wrist instead.
"Watch it, Senshi." He hissed underneath his breath and into her ear. "You're getting in my way."
"Good." Fighter sneered back.
"Hmpf." Demande smirked. "Final warning." He added before straitening back out and releasing her wrist. "Princess," he bowed. "tomorrow then." Fighter watched him take off, turn the corner and head down the stairs before shifting her attention back to the small figure underneath her hands.
"Your highness?" Fighter looked down and was caught off guard. The Princess's face was completely flustered, her pale face as red as a rose. "What's wrong?"
"Uh." Serenity placed her hands over her cheeks. "I- wasn't expecting that. A proposal." She elaborated when Fighter continued to stare at her. "I mean, I knew he was here for an alliance, but- forgive me, I'm just overwhelmed. I mean, there's always been talk of marriage to strengthen an alliance in the past before, but- never an actual proposal, and-"
"You don't have to you know." Fighter said instantly. "You know your mother would never force you."
"Oh, I know." She affirmed. "But…" Serenity trailed off, looking blankly away. The Princess jumped back to reality when Fighter abruptly grabbed her arm.
"Are you actually considering this?!" She demanded intensely. "Why?!"
"Um- well," Serenity kept staring at Fighter's fanatical expression, slightly startled. "It's just, Mama tries to hide things from me, but I know more than she thinks I do, even if that may not be much. Right now, our kingdom could benefit from a strong King, and the extra protection. It's just…" Princess Serenity's features fell heavy, her pupils momentarily dilating in her eyes as she stared fixedly on nothing Fighter could see. "Every time he looks at me, or touches me, I get this- feeling I can't explain. It's as if everything around me; the air, my body, suddenly become cold and weighted- I'm uh," She looked back at Fighter, smiling weakly. "sure it's just nerves. I'm sure in time, the more I got to know him…"
"No!" Fighter insisted, her hand still around Serenity's arm. She gave it a light squeeze. "Didn't you just say to me earlier today, that you were envious when I described my own feelings? To have something so special? That's what it should feel like. That's love. Warmth. Light. Respect. How you feel towards your friends and family, but something deeper, something more, something that can't really be explained until you experience it yourself." "This can't be happening…this can't actually be happening." Fighter gawked at the Usagi before her, disconcerted and mortified. Fighter knew all too well how easily Usagi could sacrifice herself for the ones she cared about, but this- there had to be a way to change her mind. Then something caught her attention in the background. The large screen that showcased the images of Earth to Serenity had been cycling through them in the background the entire time. Fighter had just now noticed, as the image of Endymion once again beamed down over her. Fighter looked back, staring up at the man she once wanted next to nothing but to replace. "'Come on." Without saying anything further, Fighter yanked on the Princess's arm, hauling her forward.
"Eh?!" Serenity said in surprise. "Wait, where are we going?!" She'd assumed Fighter had decided to drag her back to bed after all, but once they had descended to the lower level they veered off in the opposite direction. "Fighter?" Fighter didn't answer her, and only quickened her pace down the corridors, not letting go of Serenity's arm until they were outside the double doors leading into Fighter's chambers. She turned around and looked seriously at the Princess.
"I need to do something really fast, and then I'll be right back." She stated. "I need you to promise me you'll stay here, no matter what, just right outside. Don't walk away for any reason, with anyone else no matter who, alright?"
"But Fighter-"
"Just one second. Promise. I'll explain when I'm back." Fighter assured her, and Serenity hesitantly nodded. She opened one of the doors and squeezed inside, leaving Serenity alone on the other side. After making sure it was firmly in place behind her so Serenity wouldn't be able to overhear, Fighter made a beeline for Maker's bedside. "Maker!" She called as she shook her shoulder. "Wake up!"
"Huh?"
"Healer, you too, wake up!" She picked up one of Maker's pillows and chucked it across the room, hitting Healer on the side of the head. Healer grunted as her eyes opened and Fighter threw another. Thump!
"What the hell?!" She shouted.
"What's going on?" Maker demanded. She leaned over her bedside dresser and fumbled her hand over it until she found the switch to her light. "Fighter? What the heck-"
"You need to get up and follow Demande." Fighter said urgently.
"Demande?" Healer sat up as well.
"What happened?" Maker said firmly.
"He's up to something. I don't know what. I caught Serenity out of bed, and he was with her. Trying to persuade her to take him somewhere in the castle, somewhere Serenity said even she wasn't allowed to go."
"That can't be good." Healer lowered her eyes as she swung her legs out of bed.
"No, and he proposed to her I guess. Tried using it a reason for her to take him. You have to follow him." Maker and Healer were either already getting out of bed or starting to throw on clothing when she said the last part. "The last place I saw him was the balcony, I think he was heading towards the center of the castle but I'm not sure."
"Wait!" Healer called through half a dress over her head as Fighter suddenly headed for the doors. "Where are you going?!"
"There's something I have to do first. I'll be with Serenity, then come back!"
"Wait! Fighter!" Maker hollered after her. "Fighter!" Clunk. The door closed without her turning back to look. "Damnit."
"What the heck is she doing?" Healer stared after her.
"No idea, but that idiot just ran off into who knows what kind of situation without her transformation brooch." Now fully dressed, Maker bent down and opened the bottom drawer of their large dresser, and pulled out the small jewelry box that contained their transformation brooches. "Here." She said tossing Healer hers after sticking Fighter's and her own into her bag. "Be prepared, but don't do anything unless you have to. Alright? Let's go."
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Much to Fighter's relief, the Princess was still waiting for her outside the bedroom doors when she reemerged from the other side. She grabbed a hold of Serenity again and continued to pull her forward, weaving through the castle's long corridors. Serenity had no real objection to her lead, other than wanting to know what they were doing.
"Fighter?" Serenity called from behind her. "Please, you promised. Where are we going?" Fighter hesitated, not wanting to tell her until they were slightly closer, for fear Serenity may be too hesitant. Fighter decided to settle on a partial truth.
"The south end of the castle grounds." She replied.
"The south grounds?" Serenity looked uncertain. "But, why? There's nothing out there."
"There is. I overheard Mercury and Maker talking about it once."
"Uh-" Serenity tried to think as Fighter continued to lead her around one corner after the next. At one point they stopped, Fighter pushed in against her as she tried to shield them from being caught by a patrolling guard. Serenity glanced upward, taking in Fighter's feminine but strong arms pressed against the wall above her head, and her dark blue eyes looking determinedly onward.
"He's gone, let's go." They pulled away from the wall and kept going.
"Really, though." Serenity said after another minute. "Why the south grounds? I can't think of a single reason to go there, and at this time of night-"
"This is the best time, hardly anyone around guarding them."
"Guarding them?"
As she said it, they finally reached the end of the South Hall. With a final glance over her shoulder, Fighter pushed open one of the giant doors that led out onto what looked like a vast empty field. The Earth was bright in the sky high over the ground, and in the distance they could see the walls that extended around the castle. "We need to walk a bit further out, away from the castle." Serenity looked around her, taking in a part of the grounds she had never seen before being led further along. They came to a halt maybe a few more yards away, stopping in front of what looked like some ruins of the pillars used to build the castle. "Abandoned transports." Fighter concluded. "You're going to Earth."
"Earth?!" The Princess exclaimed nearly tripping over herself. She glanced up at the blue-green planet above, her mouth hanging open slightly. "But- How-" She gaped at Fighter, looking back between her and the planet.
"These transports look ancient, but they should still work." Fighter knelt down and pulled back some of the grass that had begun to grow over one of them. "I figured sneaking here would be easier than trying to use your current ones."
"It's forbidden." Serenity bit the inside of her cheek. "If anyone on Earth were to see me, or find out who I was-" Fighter chuckled at her. Standing up, she took Serenity's hands in hers, pulling them away from her face where she had started to clutch them anxiously.
"Don't you want to see it?" Fighter asked. "To see the flowers in person and all their colors? Feel real grass amongst your feet, smell and feel a real breeze? Touch the ocean?"
"Of course, I do, but-"
"Then go. Go see and find everything you've ever dreamed of. I'll be right here, waiting for you to return."
"You- you won't come with me?"
"No." Fighter hummed softly, her eyes glistening in the dark. "This is something I think you should experience on your own. Besides, I'm not that strong…" She mumbled the last part, hoping Serenity hadn't heard. Serenity gazed at Fighter, trying to take in everything about her.
"Why? Why are you doing all this for me?"
"If you're so keen to sacrifice everything to help your kingdom, then you should at least get one night to call your own. One night to hold precious and look back on in favor of, forever. I want to do that for you. I want to give you the future you deserve…"
"But why-" Fighter pressed her finger to Serenity's lips to quiet her.
"Go." She grinned, gently nudging her towards the stone. Serenity glanced back at Fighter before nervously raising her body to sit on the wide pillared stump. Her dress spilled over the sides, and her feet dangled just inches from the ground. She placed her hands in her lap, closed her eyes, and took a deep steadying breath as she tilted her chin towards the stars.
"Earth..." She sighed longingly. A bright, silver-white light began to emanate from all around her, engulfing her body in it. Long strands of her hair and the tips of her dress fluttered in an invisible breeze that casually began to pick up speed. She opened her eyes wide, looking up at the Earth and then down to Fighter. She opened her mouth in a wide giggle, before she faded away.
The breeze died and the warmth from the light was gone, leaving Fighter standing alone starting to chill in the night air, staring after the spot she'd vanished. "Please work…" Fighter sat on the ground, leaning against the opposite pillar to wait for her return. She curled her legs against her chest, tugging on the hem of her dress to shield her ankles from the cold. As she curled in tighter, folding her arms in on themselves, she peered up at the Earth hanging ahead. Serenity would have landed by now, somewhere on the outskirts of The Golden Palace Elysion if what she had overheard prior had been correct. Either way, Fighter could only imagine Serenity's initial reactions to the planet. She smirked to herself as she tried to envision it, all the goofy faces she was making and how with her grace, she probably got tangled in some shrubs the moment she arrived or fell flat on her face. But she would love it anyway, and then if Endymion were there…
Maybe she should have went after all, to help push the situation in the right direction, ensure the two meet tonight. If there was anything that would steer her away from choosing Demande, it was Earth and Endymion. However, as concerned as Fighter was about them not meeting, she was even more concerned about what could happen if they did while she was there, how her presence at such a crucial moment could influence change. "Not just that…" Fighter thought selfishly to herself, picking at the artificially grown grass beneath her. She didn't really want to go either. To stand in the background behind a tree, hiding away out of site while watching them find each other for the first time... Watching Serenity freeze in fright at being caught, but then watch as her eyes grew large and her cheeks began to flush at the sight of him. To watch him react near the same, stall in mid stride and begin to unleash his sword, but slowly sheath it as he took in her appearance, mesmerized by her beauty. To sit and do nothing, but continue to watch as the two talked, laughed, not getting enough of one another. Stroll together among Earth's flowers, watch him place a rose in her hair and her turn red as he does so… she didn't want to see any of it.
She lowered her head into her arms, burying her face in the dark warm void they created. "What a mess." Fighter muttered. "How am I ever going to face them after this?" Everyone's faces swam into her mind, screaming up at her as she vanished with the time key into the past what felt like so long ago. "Seiya please! Don't do this!... come back! Please!" Usagi had cried out to her, her long golden-blonde hair whipping around in the wind as she looked up with tears in her royal blue eyes… and now she was sick, sick because of her. Not only that, but her entire future was in jeopardy, her planet, everything… Fighter thought back to some of the things she had said and felt in the last couple of weeks or so, and all of a sudden, she felt very small…
Daylight started to generate it's away across the sky. Gold light crept along the fields to Fighter's toes before the pillar opposite her was surrounded in light once more. Princess Serenity appeared, materializing in the same way she'd disappeared. The silver-white light died, her hair and dress falling beside her before she opened her eyes.
"So?" Fighter smiled warmly at her. "Was it everything you thought it would be?"
"Fighter I'm so sorry!" She shouted breathlessly, apologetically bowing and catching Fighter off guard as she stumbled off the pedestal and nearly crashed to the ground.
"What-" Fighter blinked confused, half preparing to catch her.
"I never meant to leave you here for so long! It's just- time got away from me and I-"
Fighter roared with laughter. "Is that what you're so flustered about? Come here." Fighter gestured to the ground beside her. "You really are amazing you know, always worrying about others no matter what." Serenity sat down beside her friend, still looking at her from the corner of her eyes. "It's alright, really." She said reassuringly when she saw how hesitant the Princess was still. "You don't need to feel guilty, c'mon…" Fighter teased her. "I know you're bursting to tell me."
Serenity bit the bottom of her lip, trying to hold back before she couldn't anyway. "It was stunning!" She squealed. "Absolutely everything I imagined it to be! Their ocean is so cold, and smells of salt! I didn't think it would be that cold on as warm of a planet. All their plants had a unique scent, even their wind had its own, yet it carried the scent of everything else. I got to see a real sunrise, full of different colors, and I saw a couple rabbits and even a deer. Their flowers! Oh Fighter, their flowers were so much more beautiful in person. The red ones that I love so much, they're called Roses. I got to walk through an entire garden just full of them."
"It sounds wonderful." Fighter couldn't help but enjoy the Princess's enthusiasm. "And you stayed safe? No one saw?"
"Ah-" Serenity instantly blushed, going silent. It was all Fighter needed to see to know. It was a strange sensation, feeling both a sense of relief and sadness at the same time. She just hoped a single meeting was enough.
"If you'd like to, we can come again, and you can stay as long as you like."
"Really?" She beamed, her face still flustered. "I would love that. Would we be able to sneak away earlier? I was told their sunsets can be even more colorful than their sunrises- I mean-"
"We can try." Fighter smiled. "But now, let's get you back to the castle. You have a long day ahead of you," She added as they both started to rise. "lessons on no sleep."
"I usually sleep through them anyway." The Princess grinned guiltily.
The Princess continued to talk all about her experience on Earth as they made their way back to the Moon Castle. She had finally confessed to meeting a man with black hair and blue eyes, but never gave his name or went too into detail about their interaction, to which Fighter was thankful. She mainly assured Fighter that he was kind, and she was safe and cautious, having hid her identity from him. As they slyly walked back down then out the South Hall, the conversation turned to getting food and sneaking away for sleep when they had the chance during the day. They were almost near the Princess's quarters when a group of guards who were standing around turned at the sight of them, before starting to run towards them.
"Great." Fighter muttered. "Looks like we've been caught after all."
"But-" Serenity peeked out from behind her. "It's not curfew anymore, we're fine to be in the corridors. Only Mars or one of the others would have noticed if I were out of bed when I shouldn't-"
"Lady Fighter of Kinmoku." One of the guards roughly approached her, but before she could even say anything two more guards had walked around her and grabbed a hold of her wrists. "You are hereby under arrest-"
"What?!"
"-for the kidnapping of her Royal Highness, Princess Serenity-"
"No! Fighter!" Fighter swiveled around at the sound of her name, still locked by the guards. Another pair of them had a hold of Serenity, who was struggling against their grip. "Stop! She didn't kidnap me!"
"-and for the plotting of a coup against the Moon Kingdom." Serenity froze.
"This is insane!" Fighter grunted, trying to cement her feet as the guards began to shove her forward.
"W-wait!" Serenity shouted from behind. "R-release her! This has to be some kind of mistake."
"There's no mistake your highness."
"No!" She shouted louder. "Then I command you to release her!"
"We're sorry your highness, but this order is above your authority. Take her to the dungeons for now."
"Fighter!"
"Damnit." Fighter grunted as the guards pushed and grabbed at her. There was nothing she could do, if she fought them it would only escalate the situation. She turned her head to see Serenity beside herself, staring after her with her mouth open and tears in her eyes. Scared, hurt, and confused. "Serenity, I swear-" She tripped as she was yanked forward. "I didn't-" She was jerked around the corner before she could finish.
"Fighter! Fighter! Fighttterrr!"
Authors Note:
After all these years, this story is finally nearing its end with only one chapter planned left, two if it gets too long. Hope you enjoyed the read, this has been my favorite chapter to write thus far.