A/N: Yes, I know, I know, I said I'd post yesterday. I'M SORRY OKAY?! I got distracted and lost track of time. Either way, here is your chapter. Again, I have the next one written. If I can get 5 reviews I'll post it Wednesday. If not you can expect it Friday. I'll make sure it isn't late next week, promise. Please enjoy!
Serenity lay crumpled on the floor of their room. Her sobs came from the deepest depths of her soul. Her head rested on someone's lap and they tried as hard as they could to comfort her. "It will be okay, your highness." They said. No it wouldn't. What was he thinking? She grasped at her heart and let out a soul shattering cry. She remained there, trying to control her breathing, trying not to hyperventilate. Deep breath in through the nose, hold it for 3 seconds, then back out through the mouth. Gradually her composure returned and her breathing became normal.
Serenity became aware that it was Neptune's lap she was laying in. Neptune was brushing her fingers through Serenity's bangs. Feeling confident that she wouldn't collapse again, Serenity sat up. Neptune watched her carefully and with deep concern in her features. "Thank you…" Serenity whispered hoarsely. "I think I'm composed enough now." They both stood together, Neptune holding her arms out in case she wavered.
Serenity took stock of the aftermath. Uranus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars had left the room. Neptune and Mercury were intent on her, clearly concerned she may collapse again. Pluto was looking out of the room towards where Endymion had beeen dragged from the room. Finally her attention was drawn to Venus. Venus stood silent, staring at Kunzite trapped in the crystal pillar.
"Venus?"
"Y...yes?"
"I am so sorry, Venus." Venus, Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter had never formed any serious lasting relationships. Serenity was sure it was because their soulmates had been ripped from them by Queens Beryl and Metalia. Serenity caught sight of the tears on Venus' face. "Mina-Chan" Serenity said quietly. Venus looked at her finally.
"Your highness… I… I'm sorry…". With that Venus rushed out of the room. Serenity sighed and looked back at Kunzite. She could see the deep sadness on his face. Serenity turned to the remaining three guardians.
"Thank you all. I believe today has been stressful enough. I will call a meeting tomorrow morning to address today's events and our actions moving forward. For tonight please get some rest. You all are dismissed." Neptune, Pluto, and Mercury hesitated for a moment. It was clear that they were worried about her. "I will be fine, please leave me." After a moment they bowed and left the room. As soon as the door clicked shut she turned her attention to Kunzite.
"Your Majesty." Kunzite crossed his hand over his heart and bowed to her.
"Kunzite." She acknowledged him. She approached the crystal pillar. "I am surprised to see you. I… imagined you four had passed on…"
"Yes. That would be a logical conclusion." Serenity furrowed her brow in thought. Her attention shifted to the desk and the glass box that rested there.
"Oh god." She went to the desk to get a better look at it. "Kunzite… your crystal…"
"It was damaged during the battle with Queen Beryl. The four of us sacrificed our crystals to protect our prince from the sword."
"So it is my fault. I was the one who struck him…"
"No, your majesty. You ARE NOT to blame. The circumstances necessitated your actions. Had you done nothing then all would have been lost. We made a choice to protect him… and you." Serenity recalled the pocket watch that prevented the sword from piercing her heart.
"You… you four moved his watch there… didn't you?" Kunzite simply stared back at her, silent. "Thank you." She looked back to the four crystals. "Because of your actions back then your crystals were damaged to the point that none of you could return to the cauldron… am I correct?"
"Yes."
"And sadly now your presence may have jeopardized Endymion's life. Is there a more cruel irony?"
"Jeopardized?" Serenity looked at him again, scrutinizing his face.
"He didn't tell you, did he?"
"He said something about committing high treason, that is all." Serenity sighed.
"Endymion committed high treason, yes. It took an astronomical amount of legal maneuvering in order to avoid the death penalty. A condition of his punishment is… no contact with anyone outside myself and my guardians. Disembodied or not, you are outside contact. If I conceal this and it is found out some other way then he most certainly will be put to death. Not to mention start a war… Damn fool…".
"I am so sorry. We were unaware of this."
"Endymion is to blame. He is so desperate to help me… I can't say I'm terribly surprised. Are the other three active as well?"
"Yes."
"Okay… how long has Endymion been in contact with you four?"
"Honestly only today. He called us this morning and I was reporting to him when you found us."
"That may be a blessing. I will need you to testify to this. We may yet be able to save him…"
"We will do anything to prevent his death. All of us are prepared to do whatever you need."
"Very well, thank you."
"No thanks is necessary."
"Even so…". Serenity trailed off for a moment. Her eyes widened slightly. "Kunzite… I may be able to give you more than my thanks. We will have to see how things play out with these developments…" Kunzite looked at her confused.
"What are you talking about?"
"You will know when it is time to know." Was all Serenity would say in response. "In the mean time I must seal you and the other three generals until I call upon you to testify at Endymion's hearing. I am unsure when it will take place. I must gather the judicial committee as well."
"I understand. Until we meet again, your highness." Kunzite bowed to her once more before she gestured towards the glass box. It emitted a faint glow and Kunzite disappeared along with the crystal pillar he was trapped in. Serenity could sense the other three, Jadeite, Nephrite, and Zoisite, return to their crystals one by one.
A great wave of grief and sadness washed over her. As exhausted as she was she knew that she wouldn't sleep tonight. Even so, she changed into her nightgown and went to the bed. Most of the night was spent tossing and turning, her dreams haunted by images of Endymion being put to death.
Endymion stirred. He felt so warm and so comfortable, why on earth was he awake? A better question was when had he gone to sleep? He couldn't remember the last time he'd slept so well. It felt like the bed was hugging him, begging that he stay wrapped in the sheets. A nagging feeling of sharp pain in this heart drew him closer to consciousness. Why did it hurt so much? Tears pricked his eyes. Soon after that the memory of the shock and terror on his wife's face tore the last vestiges of sleep from him.
"SERENITY!" He cried out her name as he shot up in bed. He looked around frantically but it was clear he wasn't in their room. His head throbbed all of a sudden and his vision went fuzzy. He covered his right eye with his palm, trying the ease the pain a little. 'Okay, okay… slow down. Where am I?' He looked around the room. It appeared to be the holding room he was put in the night before his public lashings but.. something was off. There was still a clock on the wall and a bookcase. Then it dawned on him. There was no door. His heart rate shot through the roof. He jumped out of the bed and went to the section of wall that should have had the door. He pressed his hands against the wall, feeling for some hidden trigger or concealed latch.
"You search in vain, master Endymion." Sailor Saturn appeared seemingly walking through the wall. "The door to this room has been shifted out of phase with normal space time. Only Sailor Pluto and myself can access this room."
"But.. but Serenity…".
"She cannot, and more accurately, will not see you now. Your actions were very foolish. Your life now hangs in the balance along with Her majesty's." Saturn's comment was met with silence and Endymion hung his head in I shame.
"I so badly… just wanted to help."
"The best way for you to have helped would have been to remain faithful to your original sentence. You are a very selfish person." His head snapped back up and he looked at Saturn sternly.
"How dare you-"
"Me? You cannot seem to simply accept circumstances. You have a need to insert yourself into everything. You clearly don't trust Her Highness Serenity. If you did, we wouldn't be here." Endymion moved to argue but stopped. Saturn was right. He couldn't set his feelings aside and simply let his wife handle the situation.
"I thought I was making it easier for her… but you're right… I was being selfish… and I haven't shown any faith in my wife…". Saturn watched him silently for a time.
"So now you see…. Hopefully it isn't too late." Endymion didn't answer. He sat on the edge of the bed and stared at the floor. Suddenly he didn't care about much of anything. He sunk into a depression, realizing how awful he'd behaved. Now, by trying to help he'd put Serenity in an even more compromising position. He felt tears run down his face. "Today is September 19th. A judicial hearing is scheduled for the 25th. Your fate will be determined at that time."
"I understand."
"After I leave, you will have no contact with anyone, including Her Royal Highness Serenity, until said hearing. This room will be your home indefinitely. You have forfeited your privilege to the library, the garden, and your own room. Meals will be delivered at 9 a.m., 1p.m., and 7p.m. By either Pluto or myself. "
"I understand." They both fell silent. Saturn looked at him for some time.
"Take the words I have spoken to heart. Her Highness Serenity is an incredible woman and ruler. You owe her your trust and respect. Your recent actions are neither respectful of the arrangement she put in place for you or trusting of her judgement." He simply nodded in response, not looking up from the floor. "You are not a child, Endymion. So stop acting like one." This last comment was spoken with spite. It made the statement even harsher coming from Saturn who always spoke in an even, modulated tone. With that Saturn disappeared through the wall and he was alone again.
Attention was drawn to the door of the private meeting room. Saturn entered, shutting the door again behind her. She took in the scene and then walked to her place at the table. Serenity sat at the head of a large rectangle table. On one side sat Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. On the opposite side were Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto. Serenity took a deep breath and sighed it out. "Although all of you were present last night I would like to go over the events briefly." All of the guardians looked at her sadly. "Last night when I arrived at our quarters I caught Endymion conversing with the ghost of his primary general, Kunzite." Venus shifted her gaze to the table. Without a choice Serenity continued. "One primary term of Endymion's sentence as you know is no outside contact. Now that this mandate has been violated it has voided the original ruling." Serenity turned to look at Saturn. Saturn nodded and spoke.
"He is awake. I have explained the situation to him."
"Thank you. We must gather the judicial committee again. I'm sure they will not be happy to come back so soon after handling the last incident. Can I count on you, Neptune to do this?"
"Yes your highness." She responded.
"Then please begin right away, you are dismissed." Neptune stood, bowed, and then left the room. "Uranus, I am appointing you to be Endymion's personal guard. Please stand watch at his door. He found a way to gain outside contact. I just feel like I can't trust him to follow any rules put in place for him. Please make sure he doesn't try to leave that room."
"Of course your highness." Uranus also bowed and left.
"I am going to ask that you four go to make preparations for our guests." Serenity looked at the side of the table where Mars, Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter sat. They all looked back at her quizzically. "Please, go." She encouraged them. Slowly they all rose and left the room. One the door swung shut again Serenity turned to her two remaining guardians. "Now for the current issue. I need to know if the two of you have thoughts about these." Serenity produced the glass case housing the four generals' crystals.
"These are the star crystals of Kunzite, Zoisite, Nephrite, and Jadeite?"
"Yes."
"They are severely damaged." Saturn noted.
"Yes." Serenity affirmed. "They are damaged to the point that their souls are trapped here. They do not have the ability to return to the cosmic cauldron as they should have done centuries ago. Pluto, do you know of any way to repair star crystals?" Pluto's brow furrowed and she sat back in her chair as she considered the question. They sat in silence for some time before she came back with an answer.
"Theoretically, yes, they can be repaired."
"Is there a way for you to do better than 'theoretically'?" Serenity asked. Pluto thought about it for a while longer then cleared her throat.
"Most star crystals form in the galactic cauldron. When one is damaged to the point that it cannot return, usually all hope is lost for that crystal. Ultimately, in the past, the soul attached to the crystal was forever in limbo, doomed to wander blindly through space. However, in some incredibly rare instances some star crystals form outside of the cauldron in nebulae. Of course normal stars form in these all the time. Star crystals though… I've only heard rumors."
"Okay… what is the implication?"
"If we could somehow… place their damaged crystals within a nebula where the gas is thick and hold them suspended in these clouds it could possibly facilitate the repair of their crystals." She fell silent again for a time, thinking over what she'd said. "I just can't figure out how to do this. It's not like you can just throw these into any nebula and expect them to pop out good as new."
"What if we used a pocket universe?" Saturn asked. Pluto looked at Saturn.
"A pocket universe? That … might work…". Pluto touched her chin and closed her eyes. "If we can figure out the density of the necessary elements needed it is possible that a pocket universe might match those parameters."
"Would that be hard to do?" Serenity asked.
"I should be able to locate one." Saturn said. "As long as I knew what I was looking for I could potentially find something that would be acceptable."
"But, your majesty, the probability of this working is almost infinitesimal. If we try this it will be completely experimental."
"Is there a possibility of further damage?" Serenity asked.
"Well… not that I can think of."
"Okay then its settled. I want the two of you working on this immediately. Also, it must remain between us for the time being."
"Yes your highness." They said in unison.
"Thank you. I know I can trust you with this.
