The Line of Serenity
Part 5 - Downfall
Several months earlier...
"Beryl! Come down here! I need to speak with you!" Lord Avarice was a short,
obese man. He was completely bald and vain enough to wear an ill-fitting
hairpiece. He had his family fortune almost intact because he was also very
miserly. He strived to be included in the best social events, but was left off
the most exclusive guest lists. He had decided to use his best asset to ensure
his inclusion on those very lists from now on, his beautiful, scarlet haired
daughter.
"Yes, Father." Beryl sighed. She really didn't care much for her father, but
coveted the same social advances. In public, they were a devoted pair, but in
private they were indifferent except when one or the other needed something.
"How are you? It's been awhile since we've talked. Would you like me to ring for
some tea?" he obviously needed something.
"Oh Father, just drop the niceties, what is it you want me to do for you?" Beryl
snapped.
"You needn't be rude. But I will get to the point. I have arranged a meeting
between you and Prince Endymion. I had to call in some favors, so don't
disappoint me."
"And what if I'm not interested in meeting 'his highness'?" she sneered.
"You better be interested. This is our last shot at being accepted in the top
social circle, and I will not allow a selfish brat to ruin my chances!" he
shouted.
Beryl was torn. She hated being bullied into things by her father, but she
delighted in the thought of being married to a Prince. She would finally have
true power as Queen! She could have her father banished later, she thought
wickedly.
"I will do it, but not because you order me to." Beryl said shortly.
Beryl was not prepared for the rush of feelings she experienced when she was
introduced to Endymion. He was the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on.
She was suddenly very nervous, and began to fidget in her seat, when his clear,
blue eyes seemed to bore right through her soul. She smiled too brightly, and
chatted too loudly as they drank tea and talked. She voice sounded brassy and
forced to her own ears, and she fought to get it back to a normal level. She was
very surprised when, at the end of the meeting, he asked to see her again. She
was filled with possessive love for the young prince. She would sometimes follow
him to make sure she was the only one he was seeing. Their courtship continued
through one month, and into the next. Her father was getting impatient, and
asked for a sitting with Queen Gaia.
"Your Majesty. It is an honor to be here." Lord Avarice said graciously.
"Please, have a seat. Would you care for a refreshment?" Gaia said.
"No, thank you. I am here to discuss the courtship of our children." he stated,
"This has been going on for some time now, I would like to inquire of your son's
intentions."
"My son and I have spoken of this matter." Queen Gaia began, "And he has decided
not to pursue a relationship with your daughter. It is not for anything she is
lacking, he finds her to be a very lovely girl, but he wishes to...ah...expand
his interests."
"I see..." Lord Avarice said slowly, "I must be going now...I...have an
appointment." He left the palace quickly. He was very angry. Beryl must have
done something stupid and had ruined his chances of acceptance. He would now be
known as the father of the girl that the prince had rejected. He fumed all the
way home.
Beryl was sitting in the dining room when her father stormed into the house.
"What did you do?! I practically gift-wrapped that prince for you and you
couldn't even hold onto him then!" he screamed at her.
"What are you talking about?" she demanded.
"I'm talking about how the prince has decided to 'expand his interests', and
apparently, those interests don't include you!" he spat.
"That can't be true! Endymion asked me to meet him this afternoon. He said he
had something important to tell me! I thought he wanted to ask me to marry him!
He loves me!! I know he does!" She ran blindly out of the house.
Hot tears scalded her face as she ran towards the palace. She would find
Endymion and prove her father wrong. She came to the low, brick wall that marked
the palace grounds, and climbed over it. She made her way stealthily to the
small garden under his private balcony. She had done this very thing many times
before. She would often just sit and watch him from a secluded spot in the
hedges. She wriggled into her hiding place and stared up at the balcony. She
didn't have to wait long to see her prince. Endymion strolled out onto the
balcony, humming contentedly. *I knew Father was lying! Endymion is obviously
thinking about how he will propose to me later today!* she thought. Endymion
looked back towards his room, and smiled happily. Beryl heard a feminine voice,
and her eyes widened as a beautiful young girl stepped onto the balcony. Beryl
stared in horror as Endymion wrapped his arms around the girl and kissed her
deeply. The couple walked hand in hand back inside. Beryl's stomach contracted
and she gagged. Her father had been right! Endymion had chosen another! She
backed out of her hiding place in the hedges and walked lifelessly back towards
her home. Her mind reeled as she stumbled along. She couldn't face her father.
He would never let her forget her failure. She sat heavily on a small stone
bench about half-way home. A cloaked figure approached her and sat beside her.
"You are Beryl of Avarice?" the figure question.
"Who wants to know?" Beryl asked defiantly.
"My master is very powerful. She would like an audience with Beryl of Avarice."
"Very well, I have nothing better to do." Beryl followed the mysterious figure
into the adjacent forest.
"Where are we going? Where is this master that you speak of?" Beryl demanded.
"It is not far. This way."
They came to a small cabin. The cloaked figure opened the door and stood aside
to let Beryl enter. Beryl looked inside suspiciously and hesitantly entered the
cabin. The figure followed her in and closed the door.
"Where is your master?" Beryl asked.
"I am Metallia!" the figure threw off it's cloak to reveal a cloud of swirling
blackness. Beryl backed away fearfully, but the spirit consumed her before she
could reach the door.
"Stupid girl! You have lost the prince already!" it hissed, "But what's this?
Another girl? OH! She has the sign! I will have my revenge at last!" It laughed
wickedly.
Beryl's mind was in a fog. She could feel her thoughts being drained by the
entity, but was helpless to stop it. Hatred and bitterness filled her heart as
Metallia invaded her soul. Her last thought was a pure one. She wished for
Endymion's safety as her spirit was destroyed and replaced with that of a
spiteful, cold-hearted madwoman.
The new Beryl left the cabin normally. She held a small, ornate box in her
hands. She did not go back to her father's house. She left her village and made
her way North. She came upon a large encampment, filled with followers of the
Cult of Metallia. She went straight to the largest dwelling and entered it.
Inside, she opened the box and took out a jeweled tiara. The largest jewel was
in the center. It was a green stone with a dark swirling mass inside. She put
the tiara on her forehead and stepped out onto a high balcony.
"I have been summoned by Metallia herself!" she announced to the group. "I am
Queen Beryl, and from now on, you will obey only me!" The large, green jewel in
the center of her tiara began to glow, and the group of followers started to
chant her name. She laughed bitterly and raised her arms high to accept her new
subjects.
Queen Gaia was nervous for her son. She knew he was confident that the Moon
Queen would give her blessings to his and Usagi's engagement, but Gaia wasn't
sure. She knew how her own father had treated the Moon and the Silver Alliance
many years ago, and although she nor Endymion shared his elitist views, she was
sure the Moon family hadn't forgotten. She was also worried about the Cult of
Metallia situation. It was rumored that they had formed an army North of the
palace, and planned an invasion. Gaia had already put her troops on alert, but
was concerned nonetheless.
Endymion had been dressed and ready to go since before dawn. He couldn't wait to
see Usagi and make their engagement formal. He wanted to shout to the entire
universe that he loved the young Moon princess. He looked again out the window
and saw the moon hanging in the bright, sunlit sky. He couldn't wait anymore. He
went down and told his Mother goodbye, and teleported to his love.
Gaia was working in her throne room when the alarms went off. Endymion had been
gone for about an hour, and she was alone in the palace. She rushed to the
observation tower and saw a horrific sight. An enormous army was thundering down
the Northern hills towards the palace. Her own troops, led by the Earth's finest
generals, were tearing towards the fray. The two armies clashed and blood
spilled. The fighting was painfully short, and the opposing force, too soon,
made their way to the palace. Gaia ran down the stairs as the army crashed
through the palace doors. A young, familiar looking, woman stepped into the
foyer.
"Queen Gaia. Will you surrender this palace?" she questioned sharply.
"Beryl?!..." Gaia could not believe her eyes. This couldn't be the woman her son
had courted briefly.
"That's Queen Beryl now. You will show me the proper respect!" Beryl eyes
flashed with anger, "I'll ask again. Will you surrender this palace?"
"No, I will never surrender. You belong to the Cult of Metallia, don't you?
Those people killed my husband many years ago. I will show no respect for
murderers. If you want to take this palace, you will have to kill me." Gaia said
strongly.
"Very well..." Beryl took out her sword, and thrust it into Gaia's heart. When
the Earth Queen's body fell to the floor, she looked back at her troops, "This
palace is now mine! Take what you want, but if you find the prince, don't kill
him."
Beryl searched the palace, looking for Endymion. When she did not find him, she
became angry.
"Calm yourself...He is on the Moon...We have business there anyway. You may have
him when I'm done." The evil black spirit encased in Beryl's tiara spoke
silently in her mind. Beryl smiled. "Then let's go to the Moon."
Princess Usagi Serenity floated down the stairs, out of the palace, and into the
gardens. She sat on the same iron bench she used to play on as a child. She
sighed happily as she thought of the ball tonight.
"Penny for your thoughts." said a husky voice from behind her.
"Endymion!" she squealed, throwing herself into his arms, "When did you get
her?"
"I just arrived a few moments ago. Come on, let's go see your Mother now." he
said.
"Now?" Usagi hesitated. She was very nervous about telling her mother of her
relationship with Endymion.
"Yes, now." he said firmly.
He took her hand and gently pulled her up from the bench. They walked together
into the palace, and Usagi led the way to her Mother's offices.
"Mother?" Usagi questioned from the doorway.
"Yes, dear?" Solana looked up from her desk.
"Mother I....I mean....well.....I..."
"Actually, we need to talk to you about something." Both women were startled by
Endymion's sudden entrance.
"Mother, this is Prince Endymion....of Earth." Usagi introduced him.
"It's very nice to finally meet you Endymion. I have wondered when you two would
get around to telling me." Solana grinned at her daughter.
"You knew?" Usagi asked incredulously.
"Of course I knew. Did you think no one would tell me you had been sneaking off
the Earth? I put two and two together and realized you must have met someone
special to take such a risk."
Endymion came up to Solana and bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty, I love your daughter very much, and would like to ask you for her
hand in marriage. I can provide for her quite well, and promise to make her
happy." He then stepped back and waited for her answer. He had not expected to
be so nervous, but his knees were quaking as he wiped his damp palms on his
pants.
"Usagi, Endymion, I think I know why you were reluctant to tell me of your love.
I want you both to know that the Moon family has never harbored ill feelings
toward the Earth. The Silver Alliance was a voluntary commitment, then and now,
and if you both wish to marry, then I give my blessing." Solana went over to the
two and put her arms around them both. "I would have to be blind to not see the
happiness you give to each other. Be prepared, however, others may not accept
your union as easily as I. There is a lot of prejudice between the Earth and
Moon. I do not condone this, but I cannot prevent it either. However, if your
love is strong, and your commitment true, you will persevere. Now, Usagi, you
must go upstairs and get dressed for the ball. Endymion, would you like a tour
of our palace?"
"I would be honored, but I would like to contact my Mother first. She was
nervous about our audience with you, and I would like to let her know the good
news." Endymion smiled.
"Of course, the communications room is right this way. I will take you there
myself..."
Usagi went up to her room, happier than she had ever been. She was engaged to
her dream prince, and would be able to tell her friends in person tonight. She
thought of her four best friends and wondered if they, too, had found love. She
dressed for the ball, her mind wandering to her future, not knowing that her
future would have to wait a thousand years.
Solana led the Earth Prince to a large room filled with the most advanced
electronic equipment of the Moon Kingdom. Endymion was fascinated, for he had
never seen most of the devices before. The Earth Kingdom was more advanced
technologically than any of the villages on Earth, but far less so than the
Moon.
"Endymion, before you talk to your mother, there is something I need to speak to
you about. How old do you think Usagi is?" she questioned.
"Isn't today her sixteenth birthday?" Endymion replied with a confused look on
his face.
"Yes, she is sixteen today, in lunar years. In Earth years, she is one-hundred
sixty."
Endymion could only stare. He had no idea of the time differences between the
two worlds.
"How is that possible? She looks...I mean...Your Majesty, I'm afraid I don't
understand." He was actually afraid he did understand. "Do you mean that for
every ten years I age, she will only age one?"
"Yes, Endymion, that is correct." Solana smiled kindly.
The Prince's face fell. He could imagine himself at sixty, and Usagi still
looking very young. "Does Usagi know this?" he asked.
"She does, but I'm afraid that her heart has let her forget. It is not hopeless,
though. I am able to use our Royal treasure, the Ginzuishou, to slow down time
for your body. From this point on, should you so choose, you would age as Usagi
does. When my Father founded the Silver Alliance, he offered to use the
Ginzuishou on your entire planet, but your Grandfather refused. I'm sure he had
his reasons, and if you also have objections, I will not hold it against you.
You and Usagi still have my blessing for marriage no matter what you decide. I
thought you might like to discuss this with your mother, so I'll leave you and
let you have some privacy." Solana reached out her hand and brushed his arm
lightly, then she turned and left the room.
Endymion picked up the communication device that Solana had shown him how to use
earlier, and was put through to his palace.
"En....dy......mion....."
"Mother??"
"I...don't........... much.......time....."
"Mother? What's happened??"
"I.....wanted .......record.... message........in.........case ... were able
.......contact me..."
Endymion realized that it was indeed a recording he was talking to and
immediately became alarmed. He knew his Mother must be in terrible danger if she
had taken these kinds of precautions. He listened to the static riddled message.
"There...has been ........an attack
by.......Metallia.....army....defeated....don't.....home...
surely.......killed..."
Endymion stood quickly and rushed out of the room. Solana was standing in the
corridor and saw him run towards to teleporter.
"Endymion! What's wrong? Can I help?" she asked the hurried prince.
"I must go home immediately. There has been an attack on my Kingdom. My mother
may be in danger."
"Here, this will take you very close to your palace." She pushed him onto the
pad and quickly typed in the coordinates that Usagi had used so many times
before. Not twenty minutes later, he returned. He looked haggard. Solana
realized that almost a day had passed for him on Earth. She led him up the
stairs to him room, and spoke softly, "Is it very bad?"
"My mother was killed. My palace has been taken over by a group who call
themselves the of the Cult of Metallia. I have no home." He did not notice that
Solana blanched at his confession. His face became hard as slow tears tracked
their way down. He shook his head violently to clear his eyes and looked at
Solana with a stony expression.
"Endymion," she said gently, "You will always have a home. Usagi and I will be
your family. I know we cannot replace what you have lost, but we can help fill
some of the empty spaces. I know about loss, and I know that your heart will
never fully heal, but with the love of Usagi, and help from me, you will be
happy again." Solana began to weep, Endymion's tragedy unlocked all of the pain
from the small, secret place in her heart. She forced her feelings back into
that hidden place. She could not break down. She must be strong for Endymion.
His face finally crumpled and the tears came in earnest. Solana put her arms
around the young man and held him as he grieved.
"Please, don't tell Usagi of this. I don't want to ruin her birthday party." He
begged Solana.
"As you wish, but you do need to tell her eventually. She will sense that you
are upset."
"I know, I will tell her tomorrow. Now, I have another favor to ask of you." he
said, "Will you please use your Ginzuishou to slow my aging. I would like to be
with Usagi for the rest of her life as well as mine." Endymion smiled sadly.
"I would be honored." Solana beamed at her son-in-law to be.
Solana went to her throne room after she had completed her task. She was still
very shaken by who had attacked Endymion's palace. Metallia! If she was on
Earth, that explained why she was never found after Orion's death. Solana knew
that somehow, Metallia had mutated into a spirit form and had incredible power.
It was probable that this Beryl had been possessed. Solana called Artemis and
her Royal Guard into the throne room and told them to increase the army's state
of readiness. She also posted guards to watch the Earth for any sign of
aggression. She dismissed them and sat alone. A feeling of dread consumed her,
and a vision of her mother appeared in front of her.
"Mother!" Solana was very surprised, because her mother usually appeared only in
her dreams.
Aurora Serenity's spirit form floated a few inches off the floor. She was a
robed in the purest white and was surrounded by a glowing silver aura. Her
crystal blue eyes, that matched her daughter's and granddaughter's, was solemn.
"Solana, I'm afraid the time has come for you to make a decision. There will be
a battle here tonight, and the Moon will not be victorious. Many people will be
killed, including your own daughter, her fiance, and all of the Senshi. You
can't prevent this tragedy, but you can give them all a second chance. By
sacrificing my spirit, you will gain the full power of the Ginzuishou."
"But......." Solana interrupted.
"That's not all. Even the full power of the Ginzuishou will not be enough to
save them all. You must also use all of your own life energy."
Solana was overwhelmed by the information she had been given. The locked part of
her heart burst open and she cried torrents. When the tears subsided, she looked
at her mother's spirit with strength.
"If it will save my daughter and keep her happy, there is no question, I will do
it."
Aurora's spirit glided forward and she reached out and placed one finger on
Solana's sigil. The silver aura that surrounded her flowed into Solana and when
it was over, she was gone. Solana felt the power of the Ginzuishou pulsing
inside her. Many feelings swirled inside her heart, but the strongest of these
was relief. No longer would she have to suffer in silence. No longer would she
have to hide her pain from her loved ones. She would be free, and she would be
with Orion again. She decided that Usagi and Endymion did not need to remember
the loss of their homes and families. She would use the power of the Ginzuishou
to send them into the future, where they could start over and have normal happy
lives. She knew the two would find each other again, but just to make sure, she
would create a soul bond that would link them forever. She would also bond the
Senshi, and send them all to the same city so Usagi would have her cherished
friendships as well. As she was preparing her plans for using the Ginzuishou,
another entered the room. Sailorpluto appeared in her usual fashion, and walked
over to Solana. She was not surprised to see the Guardian of Time.
"I have been expecting you." Solana said grimly.
"I already know what will happen tonight. It has been set in the time line for
quite some time now. I cannot prevent any of it." Sailorpluto told the Queen.
"I know you can't. What is it you need to ask of me?" Solana questioned.
"You must keep the Senshi together and let their powers remain. The magic will
be dormant unless it is needed." Pluto replied.
"I can do that." Solana nodded.
"You must also activate your daughter's senshi powers. Her magic will also be
dormant unless it is needed. Give her henshin wand to Luna, and send the cats to
be their advisors. I have spoken with Luna and Artemis, and they know what to
do." Sailorpluto spoke with sadness in her voice. She knew already of some of
the trials the girls would be put through, but did not tell the Queen.
"It will be done." Solana said quietly.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Pluto bowed. She raised her staff and a portal
opened, she stepped through it and vanished.
Solana made it to the party, and greeted her guests with a smile by sheer will
alone. She watched as Usagi danced with Endymion, his own pain evident in his
eyes. When the cats sounded the alarm, she walked calmly out of the ballroom.
She watched with horror as all the things her mother told her would happen, did.
When it was over, her daughter lay dead next to Endymion. The senshi princesses
had also perished, along with more senshi she had not known of. When Beryl and
Metallia demanded her surrender, she raised the Ginzuishou over her head and
with a happy heart, went to join her husband.
Part 5 - Downfall
Several months earlier...
"Beryl! Come down here! I need to speak with you!" Lord Avarice was a short,
obese man. He was completely bald and vain enough to wear an ill-fitting
hairpiece. He had his family fortune almost intact because he was also very
miserly. He strived to be included in the best social events, but was left off
the most exclusive guest lists. He had decided to use his best asset to ensure
his inclusion on those very lists from now on, his beautiful, scarlet haired
daughter.
"Yes, Father." Beryl sighed. She really didn't care much for her father, but
coveted the same social advances. In public, they were a devoted pair, but in
private they were indifferent except when one or the other needed something.
"How are you? It's been awhile since we've talked. Would you like me to ring for
some tea?" he obviously needed something.
"Oh Father, just drop the niceties, what is it you want me to do for you?" Beryl
snapped.
"You needn't be rude. But I will get to the point. I have arranged a meeting
between you and Prince Endymion. I had to call in some favors, so don't
disappoint me."
"And what if I'm not interested in meeting 'his highness'?" she sneered.
"You better be interested. This is our last shot at being accepted in the top
social circle, and I will not allow a selfish brat to ruin my chances!" he
shouted.
Beryl was torn. She hated being bullied into things by her father, but she
delighted in the thought of being married to a Prince. She would finally have
true power as Queen! She could have her father banished later, she thought
wickedly.
"I will do it, but not because you order me to." Beryl said shortly.
Beryl was not prepared for the rush of feelings she experienced when she was
introduced to Endymion. He was the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on.
She was suddenly very nervous, and began to fidget in her seat, when his clear,
blue eyes seemed to bore right through her soul. She smiled too brightly, and
chatted too loudly as they drank tea and talked. She voice sounded brassy and
forced to her own ears, and she fought to get it back to a normal level. She was
very surprised when, at the end of the meeting, he asked to see her again. She
was filled with possessive love for the young prince. She would sometimes follow
him to make sure she was the only one he was seeing. Their courtship continued
through one month, and into the next. Her father was getting impatient, and
asked for a sitting with Queen Gaia.
"Your Majesty. It is an honor to be here." Lord Avarice said graciously.
"Please, have a seat. Would you care for a refreshment?" Gaia said.
"No, thank you. I am here to discuss the courtship of our children." he stated,
"This has been going on for some time now, I would like to inquire of your son's
intentions."
"My son and I have spoken of this matter." Queen Gaia began, "And he has decided
not to pursue a relationship with your daughter. It is not for anything she is
lacking, he finds her to be a very lovely girl, but he wishes to...ah...expand
his interests."
"I see..." Lord Avarice said slowly, "I must be going now...I...have an
appointment." He left the palace quickly. He was very angry. Beryl must have
done something stupid and had ruined his chances of acceptance. He would now be
known as the father of the girl that the prince had rejected. He fumed all the
way home.
Beryl was sitting in the dining room when her father stormed into the house.
"What did you do?! I practically gift-wrapped that prince for you and you
couldn't even hold onto him then!" he screamed at her.
"What are you talking about?" she demanded.
"I'm talking about how the prince has decided to 'expand his interests', and
apparently, those interests don't include you!" he spat.
"That can't be true! Endymion asked me to meet him this afternoon. He said he
had something important to tell me! I thought he wanted to ask me to marry him!
He loves me!! I know he does!" She ran blindly out of the house.
Hot tears scalded her face as she ran towards the palace. She would find
Endymion and prove her father wrong. She came to the low, brick wall that marked
the palace grounds, and climbed over it. She made her way stealthily to the
small garden under his private balcony. She had done this very thing many times
before. She would often just sit and watch him from a secluded spot in the
hedges. She wriggled into her hiding place and stared up at the balcony. She
didn't have to wait long to see her prince. Endymion strolled out onto the
balcony, humming contentedly. *I knew Father was lying! Endymion is obviously
thinking about how he will propose to me later today!* she thought. Endymion
looked back towards his room, and smiled happily. Beryl heard a feminine voice,
and her eyes widened as a beautiful young girl stepped onto the balcony. Beryl
stared in horror as Endymion wrapped his arms around the girl and kissed her
deeply. The couple walked hand in hand back inside. Beryl's stomach contracted
and she gagged. Her father had been right! Endymion had chosen another! She
backed out of her hiding place in the hedges and walked lifelessly back towards
her home. Her mind reeled as she stumbled along. She couldn't face her father.
He would never let her forget her failure. She sat heavily on a small stone
bench about half-way home. A cloaked figure approached her and sat beside her.
"You are Beryl of Avarice?" the figure question.
"Who wants to know?" Beryl asked defiantly.
"My master is very powerful. She would like an audience with Beryl of Avarice."
"Very well, I have nothing better to do." Beryl followed the mysterious figure
into the adjacent forest.
"Where are we going? Where is this master that you speak of?" Beryl demanded.
"It is not far. This way."
They came to a small cabin. The cloaked figure opened the door and stood aside
to let Beryl enter. Beryl looked inside suspiciously and hesitantly entered the
cabin. The figure followed her in and closed the door.
"Where is your master?" Beryl asked.
"I am Metallia!" the figure threw off it's cloak to reveal a cloud of swirling
blackness. Beryl backed away fearfully, but the spirit consumed her before she
could reach the door.
"Stupid girl! You have lost the prince already!" it hissed, "But what's this?
Another girl? OH! She has the sign! I will have my revenge at last!" It laughed
wickedly.
Beryl's mind was in a fog. She could feel her thoughts being drained by the
entity, but was helpless to stop it. Hatred and bitterness filled her heart as
Metallia invaded her soul. Her last thought was a pure one. She wished for
Endymion's safety as her spirit was destroyed and replaced with that of a
spiteful, cold-hearted madwoman.
The new Beryl left the cabin normally. She held a small, ornate box in her
hands. She did not go back to her father's house. She left her village and made
her way North. She came upon a large encampment, filled with followers of the
Cult of Metallia. She went straight to the largest dwelling and entered it.
Inside, she opened the box and took out a jeweled tiara. The largest jewel was
in the center. It was a green stone with a dark swirling mass inside. She put
the tiara on her forehead and stepped out onto a high balcony.
"I have been summoned by Metallia herself!" she announced to the group. "I am
Queen Beryl, and from now on, you will obey only me!" The large, green jewel in
the center of her tiara began to glow, and the group of followers started to
chant her name. She laughed bitterly and raised her arms high to accept her new
subjects.
Queen Gaia was nervous for her son. She knew he was confident that the Moon
Queen would give her blessings to his and Usagi's engagement, but Gaia wasn't
sure. She knew how her own father had treated the Moon and the Silver Alliance
many years ago, and although she nor Endymion shared his elitist views, she was
sure the Moon family hadn't forgotten. She was also worried about the Cult of
Metallia situation. It was rumored that they had formed an army North of the
palace, and planned an invasion. Gaia had already put her troops on alert, but
was concerned nonetheless.
Endymion had been dressed and ready to go since before dawn. He couldn't wait to
see Usagi and make their engagement formal. He wanted to shout to the entire
universe that he loved the young Moon princess. He looked again out the window
and saw the moon hanging in the bright, sunlit sky. He couldn't wait anymore. He
went down and told his Mother goodbye, and teleported to his love.
Gaia was working in her throne room when the alarms went off. Endymion had been
gone for about an hour, and she was alone in the palace. She rushed to the
observation tower and saw a horrific sight. An enormous army was thundering down
the Northern hills towards the palace. Her own troops, led by the Earth's finest
generals, were tearing towards the fray. The two armies clashed and blood
spilled. The fighting was painfully short, and the opposing force, too soon,
made their way to the palace. Gaia ran down the stairs as the army crashed
through the palace doors. A young, familiar looking, woman stepped into the
foyer.
"Queen Gaia. Will you surrender this palace?" she questioned sharply.
"Beryl?!..." Gaia could not believe her eyes. This couldn't be the woman her son
had courted briefly.
"That's Queen Beryl now. You will show me the proper respect!" Beryl eyes
flashed with anger, "I'll ask again. Will you surrender this palace?"
"No, I will never surrender. You belong to the Cult of Metallia, don't you?
Those people killed my husband many years ago. I will show no respect for
murderers. If you want to take this palace, you will have to kill me." Gaia said
strongly.
"Very well..." Beryl took out her sword, and thrust it into Gaia's heart. When
the Earth Queen's body fell to the floor, she looked back at her troops, "This
palace is now mine! Take what you want, but if you find the prince, don't kill
him."
Beryl searched the palace, looking for Endymion. When she did not find him, she
became angry.
"Calm yourself...He is on the Moon...We have business there anyway. You may have
him when I'm done." The evil black spirit encased in Beryl's tiara spoke
silently in her mind. Beryl smiled. "Then let's go to the Moon."
Princess Usagi Serenity floated down the stairs, out of the palace, and into the
gardens. She sat on the same iron bench she used to play on as a child. She
sighed happily as she thought of the ball tonight.
"Penny for your thoughts." said a husky voice from behind her.
"Endymion!" she squealed, throwing herself into his arms, "When did you get
her?"
"I just arrived a few moments ago. Come on, let's go see your Mother now." he
said.
"Now?" Usagi hesitated. She was very nervous about telling her mother of her
relationship with Endymion.
"Yes, now." he said firmly.
He took her hand and gently pulled her up from the bench. They walked together
into the palace, and Usagi led the way to her Mother's offices.
"Mother?" Usagi questioned from the doorway.
"Yes, dear?" Solana looked up from her desk.
"Mother I....I mean....well.....I..."
"Actually, we need to talk to you about something." Both women were startled by
Endymion's sudden entrance.
"Mother, this is Prince Endymion....of Earth." Usagi introduced him.
"It's very nice to finally meet you Endymion. I have wondered when you two would
get around to telling me." Solana grinned at her daughter.
"You knew?" Usagi asked incredulously.
"Of course I knew. Did you think no one would tell me you had been sneaking off
the Earth? I put two and two together and realized you must have met someone
special to take such a risk."
Endymion came up to Solana and bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty, I love your daughter very much, and would like to ask you for her
hand in marriage. I can provide for her quite well, and promise to make her
happy." He then stepped back and waited for her answer. He had not expected to
be so nervous, but his knees were quaking as he wiped his damp palms on his
pants.
"Usagi, Endymion, I think I know why you were reluctant to tell me of your love.
I want you both to know that the Moon family has never harbored ill feelings
toward the Earth. The Silver Alliance was a voluntary commitment, then and now,
and if you both wish to marry, then I give my blessing." Solana went over to the
two and put her arms around them both. "I would have to be blind to not see the
happiness you give to each other. Be prepared, however, others may not accept
your union as easily as I. There is a lot of prejudice between the Earth and
Moon. I do not condone this, but I cannot prevent it either. However, if your
love is strong, and your commitment true, you will persevere. Now, Usagi, you
must go upstairs and get dressed for the ball. Endymion, would you like a tour
of our palace?"
"I would be honored, but I would like to contact my Mother first. She was
nervous about our audience with you, and I would like to let her know the good
news." Endymion smiled.
"Of course, the communications room is right this way. I will take you there
myself..."
Usagi went up to her room, happier than she had ever been. She was engaged to
her dream prince, and would be able to tell her friends in person tonight. She
thought of her four best friends and wondered if they, too, had found love. She
dressed for the ball, her mind wandering to her future, not knowing that her
future would have to wait a thousand years.
Solana led the Earth Prince to a large room filled with the most advanced
electronic equipment of the Moon Kingdom. Endymion was fascinated, for he had
never seen most of the devices before. The Earth Kingdom was more advanced
technologically than any of the villages on Earth, but far less so than the
Moon.
"Endymion, before you talk to your mother, there is something I need to speak to
you about. How old do you think Usagi is?" she questioned.
"Isn't today her sixteenth birthday?" Endymion replied with a confused look on
his face.
"Yes, she is sixteen today, in lunar years. In Earth years, she is one-hundred
sixty."
Endymion could only stare. He had no idea of the time differences between the
two worlds.
"How is that possible? She looks...I mean...Your Majesty, I'm afraid I don't
understand." He was actually afraid he did understand. "Do you mean that for
every ten years I age, she will only age one?"
"Yes, Endymion, that is correct." Solana smiled kindly.
The Prince's face fell. He could imagine himself at sixty, and Usagi still
looking very young. "Does Usagi know this?" he asked.
"She does, but I'm afraid that her heart has let her forget. It is not hopeless,
though. I am able to use our Royal treasure, the Ginzuishou, to slow down time
for your body. From this point on, should you so choose, you would age as Usagi
does. When my Father founded the Silver Alliance, he offered to use the
Ginzuishou on your entire planet, but your Grandfather refused. I'm sure he had
his reasons, and if you also have objections, I will not hold it against you.
You and Usagi still have my blessing for marriage no matter what you decide. I
thought you might like to discuss this with your mother, so I'll leave you and
let you have some privacy." Solana reached out her hand and brushed his arm
lightly, then she turned and left the room.
Endymion picked up the communication device that Solana had shown him how to use
earlier, and was put through to his palace.
"En....dy......mion....."
"Mother??"
"I...don't........... much.......time....."
"Mother? What's happened??"
"I.....wanted .......record.... message........in.........case ... were able
.......contact me..."
Endymion realized that it was indeed a recording he was talking to and
immediately became alarmed. He knew his Mother must be in terrible danger if she
had taken these kinds of precautions. He listened to the static riddled message.
"There...has been ........an attack
by.......Metallia.....army....defeated....don't.....home...
surely.......killed..."
Endymion stood quickly and rushed out of the room. Solana was standing in the
corridor and saw him run towards to teleporter.
"Endymion! What's wrong? Can I help?" she asked the hurried prince.
"I must go home immediately. There has been an attack on my Kingdom. My mother
may be in danger."
"Here, this will take you very close to your palace." She pushed him onto the
pad and quickly typed in the coordinates that Usagi had used so many times
before. Not twenty minutes later, he returned. He looked haggard. Solana
realized that almost a day had passed for him on Earth. She led him up the
stairs to him room, and spoke softly, "Is it very bad?"
"My mother was killed. My palace has been taken over by a group who call
themselves the of the Cult of Metallia. I have no home." He did not notice that
Solana blanched at his confession. His face became hard as slow tears tracked
their way down. He shook his head violently to clear his eyes and looked at
Solana with a stony expression.
"Endymion," she said gently, "You will always have a home. Usagi and I will be
your family. I know we cannot replace what you have lost, but we can help fill
some of the empty spaces. I know about loss, and I know that your heart will
never fully heal, but with the love of Usagi, and help from me, you will be
happy again." Solana began to weep, Endymion's tragedy unlocked all of the pain
from the small, secret place in her heart. She forced her feelings back into
that hidden place. She could not break down. She must be strong for Endymion.
His face finally crumpled and the tears came in earnest. Solana put her arms
around the young man and held him as he grieved.
"Please, don't tell Usagi of this. I don't want to ruin her birthday party." He
begged Solana.
"As you wish, but you do need to tell her eventually. She will sense that you
are upset."
"I know, I will tell her tomorrow. Now, I have another favor to ask of you." he
said, "Will you please use your Ginzuishou to slow my aging. I would like to be
with Usagi for the rest of her life as well as mine." Endymion smiled sadly.
"I would be honored." Solana beamed at her son-in-law to be.
Solana went to her throne room after she had completed her task. She was still
very shaken by who had attacked Endymion's palace. Metallia! If she was on
Earth, that explained why she was never found after Orion's death. Solana knew
that somehow, Metallia had mutated into a spirit form and had incredible power.
It was probable that this Beryl had been possessed. Solana called Artemis and
her Royal Guard into the throne room and told them to increase the army's state
of readiness. She also posted guards to watch the Earth for any sign of
aggression. She dismissed them and sat alone. A feeling of dread consumed her,
and a vision of her mother appeared in front of her.
"Mother!" Solana was very surprised, because her mother usually appeared only in
her dreams.
Aurora Serenity's spirit form floated a few inches off the floor. She was a
robed in the purest white and was surrounded by a glowing silver aura. Her
crystal blue eyes, that matched her daughter's and granddaughter's, was solemn.
"Solana, I'm afraid the time has come for you to make a decision. There will be
a battle here tonight, and the Moon will not be victorious. Many people will be
killed, including your own daughter, her fiance, and all of the Senshi. You
can't prevent this tragedy, but you can give them all a second chance. By
sacrificing my spirit, you will gain the full power of the Ginzuishou."
"But......." Solana interrupted.
"That's not all. Even the full power of the Ginzuishou will not be enough to
save them all. You must also use all of your own life energy."
Solana was overwhelmed by the information she had been given. The locked part of
her heart burst open and she cried torrents. When the tears subsided, she looked
at her mother's spirit with strength.
"If it will save my daughter and keep her happy, there is no question, I will do
it."
Aurora's spirit glided forward and she reached out and placed one finger on
Solana's sigil. The silver aura that surrounded her flowed into Solana and when
it was over, she was gone. Solana felt the power of the Ginzuishou pulsing
inside her. Many feelings swirled inside her heart, but the strongest of these
was relief. No longer would she have to suffer in silence. No longer would she
have to hide her pain from her loved ones. She would be free, and she would be
with Orion again. She decided that Usagi and Endymion did not need to remember
the loss of their homes and families. She would use the power of the Ginzuishou
to send them into the future, where they could start over and have normal happy
lives. She knew the two would find each other again, but just to make sure, she
would create a soul bond that would link them forever. She would also bond the
Senshi, and send them all to the same city so Usagi would have her cherished
friendships as well. As she was preparing her plans for using the Ginzuishou,
another entered the room. Sailorpluto appeared in her usual fashion, and walked
over to Solana. She was not surprised to see the Guardian of Time.
"I have been expecting you." Solana said grimly.
"I already know what will happen tonight. It has been set in the time line for
quite some time now. I cannot prevent any of it." Sailorpluto told the Queen.
"I know you can't. What is it you need to ask of me?" Solana questioned.
"You must keep the Senshi together and let their powers remain. The magic will
be dormant unless it is needed." Pluto replied.
"I can do that." Solana nodded.
"You must also activate your daughter's senshi powers. Her magic will also be
dormant unless it is needed. Give her henshin wand to Luna, and send the cats to
be their advisors. I have spoken with Luna and Artemis, and they know what to
do." Sailorpluto spoke with sadness in her voice. She knew already of some of
the trials the girls would be put through, but did not tell the Queen.
"It will be done." Solana said quietly.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Pluto bowed. She raised her staff and a portal
opened, she stepped through it and vanished.
Solana made it to the party, and greeted her guests with a smile by sheer will
alone. She watched as Usagi danced with Endymion, his own pain evident in his
eyes. When the cats sounded the alarm, she walked calmly out of the ballroom.
She watched with horror as all the things her mother told her would happen, did.
When it was over, her daughter lay dead next to Endymion. The senshi princesses
had also perished, along with more senshi she had not known of. When Beryl and
Metallia demanded her surrender, she raised the Ginzuishou over her head and
with a happy heart, went to join her husband.