Chapter Four
Usagi sat in front of her mirror brushing her hair idly. She once again noted the crescent moon that faintly glowed on her forehead. She had become somewhat used to its presence over the last couple of days, but what she found strange was that no one else seemed to notice it-not even Luna.
She and Mamoru were going to lunch today, so she figured she should make herself look semi-nice. She'd been combing her hair and staring off into space for over fifteen minutes now. She felt as if the night before hadn't really happened. It was amazing to realize that she loved Mamoru and he loved her. They had decided that today they would start acting like a couple by going on their first date.
Usagi hadn't told Nate about she and Mamoru yet, but she figured that he knew because of her outburst at the arcade. She felt guilty for leading Nate on the way she did, but she didn't even realize she was doing it. She really did think she liked him, and she really did think she hated Mamoru. Obviously she was way wrong. She planned to find Nate and apologize, but it would have to wait until later. Mamoru would be there any minute.
"Usagi-baka, there's a boy downstairs!" her bother called obnoxiously.
"Shingo! I am not stupid!" Usagi yelled back defensively. "Little creep," she muttered to herself as she walked downstairs.
"You're actually ready on time, Usako?" Mamoru teased.
"If you were planning on picking on me all day, then I'm not going," Usagi pouted.
Mamoru smiled a million dollar smile at her. "Of course not, Odango," he said as he took her hand. "Now, let's go eat."
Usagi brightened, "Sounds good to me!"
After a BIG lunch at a small cafe, Usagi and Mamoru went for a walk in the park. They eventually stopped at a small bench by the lake. Mamoru sat with his arm around Usagi, and she rested her head on his shoulder.
As Usagi gazed at the scenery her vision began to blur. She knew what was coming: another flashback. From past experience, she learned it was best to just relax and let it come. Usagi watched a scene before her. She was in a bedroom, specifically "her" bedroom, and she was not alone. She saw herself, as Serenity, right in front of her.
Princess Serenity lay crying on her bed. Tonight was the celebration of her engagement to the Prince of Hecate, his kingdom located in the south pole of the planet Pluto. Serenity had been forced to meet with him several times, this Prince Thanatos of Hecate, and he was very handsome and charming; but he gave her an eerie feeling. She did not trust him and she certainly did not want to marry him. She wanted to marry for love; however, her mother was insistent on the union. Queen Serenity believed that a marriage between the Moon Kingdom and a kingdom of the outer Solar System would create a more solid Silver Millennium. What the Princess didn't know was that the Queen also secretly wished that her daughter could marry someone she loved.
Oh, to marry for love...how Princess Serenity wished she had been given that chance, for her heart did belong to someone. His name was Prince Endymion, the Prince of Earth. She loved him more than she thought it was possible to love anyone. She still did love him, but it did not matter. At least not to Queen Serenity, or Prince Thanatos, or the Earth Kingdom.
Even worse, Endymion was also engaged. His betrothed was Princess Melpomene of Saturn. She was engaged to Endymion for political and superficial reasons. Apparently, although Melpomene was the oldest daughter of Cronus, the King of Saturn, her younger sister, Hotaru, was chosen to be heir to Saturn's throne because of her healing abilities and immense inner strength. Melpomene was devastated over the decision and begged to be betrothed to an heir of one of the other planets in the Solar System. Her father agreed, and negotiations began with Earth.
This was oh so fortunate for Melpomene because, not only was Earth's the second most powerful kingdom (next to the Moon's), but its Prince was the most handsome and charming man in the galaxy.
Unfortunately, Serenity and Endymion did not meet until after they were betrothed to their suitors-but that did not keep them from falling for one another. At every possible moment they would meet, if even for a few minutes. They would share their hopes and dreams, not to mention kisses and much more. They adored and truly loved one another.
Serenity and Endymion had planned to run away together, Earth and Moon be damned, but they were somehow found out-most likely by one of the palace guards. Someone had told Endymion's parents of the Prince's plans and they instantly took action. Earth's Queen, Gaea, had contacted Queen Serenity and plans were made to send Serenity to Hecate immediately after the party tonight, and she would remain there until her wedding to Thanatos.
She was leaving her home tonight, as well as her love; but at least she would see him one last time. Endymion would be at her engagement party tonight-with Melpomene. Serenity was in a state of anguish knowing that she would have to see the man she loved with another woman...and she hated knowing that she could not kiss him one last time. That is why she has been laying on her bed sobbing for the past half an hour. She was not ready to give him up. She would never be ready...
"Serenity, it is time to get ready for the party," her mother said quietly, her guilt coming through in her voice. "Come, Dear. I'll help you get dressed."
The Queen pulled her daughter from the bed and looked at her face. It was red and puffy, tears brimming her eyes and covering her cheeks. The Queen felt her throat close, as she was close to tears, and tried desperately to push them back. "Oh, my daughter, I am sorry."
At her mother's words, Princess Serenity only cried harder, and the Queen wrapped her in a warm embrace.
Her mother broke the hug saying, "Come, we must get dressed. Tonight, your future begins."
Once dressed in her traditional white satin gown with golden embroidery, Princess Serenity was escorted to the main ballroom. Her tears had ceased almost an hour ago, but she could not hide the sadness that still lurked in her eyes.
The doors to the ballroom opened before the young Princess, and she had to squint her eyes briefly because of the brightness inside. Serenity paused a moment before entering. She watched as her guests danced and laughed, celebrating this joyous occasion. 'Joyous indeed,' Serenity thought bitterly. Didn't they understand that their Princess's heart was dying tonight?
Serenity took a deep breath, raised her chin, and bravely entered the room. She tried her best to smile warmly at her guests; she wanted them to believe that she too was happy about the union. Her smile was bright and beautiful, but her eyes betrayed her. Anyone who looked closely could see that the Princess was falling apart. Serenity continued her path to the throne where her mother waited, glancing at the faces that surrounded her. She was nearly at the throne when she felt something-his eyes. She could feel him watching her, begging her to turn and look at him. Serenity tried to resist the urge to look at her Prince, but her emotions would not let her. She stopped her stride and turned to her right. Her movements were so stiff and frightened, she seemed as she was moving in slow motion-that is until she found his eyes. At that moment time had stopped. Serenity stopped, Endymion had stopped, and those around the couple stared in awe.
A sickening silence fell over the room as the two gazed at each, neither caring enough to hide the love in their eyes.
Serenity held her breath as Endymion strode over to her.
"Princess, I have come to congratulate you on your engagement," he said kissing her hand.
"And I congratulate you on yours as well," Serenity replied shakily.
Endymion looked up from where his lips still rested on her hand. As he looked at his Love, his brow creased in sorrow. This would be the last time he could touch her. This was the last physical contact they would have, and all he could do was kiss her hand. Endymion straightened and looked around cautiously. All eyes were focused on him and Serenity. After a few minutes Endymion sighed, coming to a decision-a decision that a kiss on the hand just wasn't enough.
Quickly, before he had the urge to back out, he grabbed Serenity and kissed her passionately on the lips. Endymion heard the gasps in the crowd as his mouth made contact with hers. He knew that he'd be in big trouble after this, but he didn't care. For this moment in time, he was completely and utterly happy.
Serenity's eyes widened as Endymion pulled her close. For a moment, she thought she was dreaming, but she knew it was no dream when she felt his lips on hers. She felt her body relax as he held her. She did not want this to end, for she knew when it did, they would most certainly be forbidden to talk ever again. Serenity tried to push all the negative thoughts from her mind, and she wrapped her arms tightly around Endymion's neck, holding him tighter than she ever had.
"What the hell is going on here?" a voice shouted angrily.
"Endymion, how could you?" shouted another.
It was Thanatos and Melpomene. Endymion and Serenity broke their kiss at hearing their fiancees' voices. Endymion held Serenity protectively as he saw the rage in Thanatos' eyes.
"Serenity, what are you thinking?" Thanatos asked crossly. "You are MY fiancee, not his!"
"I don't care if she is your fiancee! She loves me, and I her." Endymion yelled at him.
"I doubt that! Serenity, come here. Come to the man that you truly love," Thanatos ordered.
Serenity gripped Endymion's hand. What was she to do? She looked up at Endymion, hoping that he would give her the answer. He did.
Endymion nodded to Serenity, then glared at Thanatos. "It appears that she is with the man she loves. This evening was lovely, I had a wonderful time; but if you'll excuse us, now it is time for our grand exit." With that, Endymion grabbed Serenity by the wrist and sprinted for the door.
With all the guests staring in shock, none of them made an attempt to stop them. The two ran to the northern most end of the balcony and paused to decide their next line of action.
"Endy, what are we going to do? We'll never get past the palace guards!"
"I don't know Ser, but we'll figure that out when the time comes."
Serenity looked around suspiciously. "Endymion, do feel someone watching us?"
"If someone saw us, Serenity, I'm sure they would have shown themselves by now," he replied.
"I guess you're right," Serenity muttered, relaxing. She suddenly tensed when a thought occurred to her. "Endy, do you remember seeing Melpomene when we left the ballroom?"
Endymion looked at Serenity blankly. "No, why?"
"Well, while Thanatos was busy screaming at us, I don't remember her saying a single word. In fact, I don't even remember seeing her there. Don't you think that she must be angry?"
"You're damn right I'm angry, you little tramp."
Serenity whipped around and came face to face with Melpomene. The rage in her purple eyes made Serenity uneasy. What made her even uneasier was the 10-inch dagger in her right hand. Serenity held her breath; she knew that Melpomene was going to try to kill her. Serenity may have been able to sufficiently defend herself had her mother finished her lessons on how to use the Silver Imperium Crystal and her other innate powers, but they would not have completed her training for another three months.
Suddenly, Melpomene lunged at Serenity, dagger outstretched. Serenity dodged the attack easily and prepared for the next one. Melpomene gripped the knife fiercely and charged at the Princess one again, but she was stopped by a pair of masculine arms.
"Melpomene! You do not touch my Princess!" Thanatos commanded as he knocked the dagger out of her hand. He and Melpomene watched as the dagger flew through the air and landed at Serenity's feet.
Melpomene tensed, thinking the Princess would use the dagger against her. "Not very likely," she replied to Thanatos' order. "Your PRINCESS has betrayed you and taken away what is mine," she continued. "I will see that she pays for her crime," Melpomene went on as she grabbed the sword that hung from Thanatos' hip.
"Melpomene, no!" Thanatos screamed, charging at her. Melpomene pushed him away roughly, and Thanatos stared in shock as she once again rushed at Serenity.
Serenity stared in horror, frozen in fear as Melpomene neared her. She closed her eyes tightly, trying to ready herself for the pain she would soon feel. However, the only pain she felt was that of her body hitting the stone floor. Serenity opened her eyes, and she looked down at her torso where she expected to see blood; there was none. 'But how...' she thought just before she found her answer.
The Princess stood erratically, shaking her head in disbelief. "No, no, no, no..." was all she could say. There before her, was her beloved Endymion lying on the ground with a sword through his chest. Melpomene's hand still gripped the handle on the sword, and she looked down in shock. Endymion's breathing was quick and shallow, and he clenched his eyes shut trying to deal with the pain.
"Endy?" Serenity whispered fearfully.
Endymion opened his eyes and looked at his Princess. "Ser-" he tried to speak.
Serenity stumbled over to him and fell by his side. "Oh, Endymion. Why?"
"I love you, my Serenity," he whispered.
Serenity felt heavy tears pouring down her face. "Endymion, please. Don't, don't-"
Endymion closed his eyes as he felt himself dying. Serenity began to hyperventilate as she watched him die. "NO! Endymion!" she cried. "ENDYMION!"
Thanatos watched the scene with a smug look on his face. 'Serves him right,' he thought haughtily. Melpomene stood next to him, still in shock over what she had done, but no real regret was in her eyes.
The two watched as Serenity clutched her head and rocked back and forth crying loudly. After a few minutes, however, her rocking and crying stopped abruptly. Serenity stood and paced by Endymion's body, a million thoughts running through her head. The most recurring thought being, 'I can't live without him.' Serenity roughly grabbed the dagger at her feet, and within seconds she hit the ground. Thanatos and Melpomene stood bemused. What had just happened? Why had Serenity fallen? It was not until they turned the Princess on her back that they understood.
Thanatos gaped in disbelief at his fiancee. When she grabbed the dagger, she had sliced a deep gash on her left wrist, followed by a gash on her right. But what was most horrifying was the self-inflicted slit across her throat that stretched from her right ear to her left. The Princess was dead-she had killed herself.
Usagi had watched this tragic event, and it made her heart throb painfully. It was surreal and almost traumatizing to watch herself die. It was most certainly traumatizing to watch Mamoru-no, Endymion die, though they were one in the same to her.
Unable to handle her emotions any longer, Usagi jumped up from the bench she and Mamoru were sitting on. She stood there for a moment, paralyzed by shock, then she collapsed crying to the ground.
"Usa! What's wrong? Are you okay?" Mamoru asked frantically. He pulled her into his arms and looked at her face. "Usako?" he said as he saw the moon shining on her forehead. "Usa, what is that?"
Usagi brought a hand to her forehead. 'He sees it?' she thought in disbelief.
"Mamo-chan, you can see it?"
"Of course I can. Who could miss a glowing moon on your forehead?" he asked.
"Apparently everyone. It's been there for over a week and no one has noticed it but me." Usagi looked up at Mamoru in hope, "Mamo-chan, do I look familiar to you at all?"
"Well, you're Usagi and Sailor Moon-but I feel as if I know you from somewhere else as well. You remind me of..." he trailed off as he brought his fingers to tough her forehead. "Serenity."
Usagi's eyes widened. "Mamo-chan, how did you-"
"I don't know," he cut her off. "It just came to me now. I've been having these dreams...I remember you as her."
"And I remember you as him-as Endymion."
"Excuse me," a voice interrupted.
Usagi and Mamoru looked toward the voice in unison.
"Can we help you with something?" Mamoru asked while Usagi squinted at the stranger, her sleek black hair and purple eyes looking strangely familiar.
"Oh I'm sure you can," the woman replied seductively.
Mamoru felt himself blush. "Look, I don't know what you want, but-"
"Get away from us, now!" Usagi suddenly said forcefully.
"Usa, what's the matter?" Mamoru asked confusedly.
"Obviously he doesn't recognize me. It's too bad that YOU do," the stranger said to Usagi. "You do realize that I am her to collect what is mine."
"You'll have to kill me first," Usagi said angrily.
The woman smiled, "Fine by me."
"Whoa, whoa. What is going on here?" Mamoru asked.
"This isn't the Silver Millenium," Usagi continued, ignoring Mamoru. "This is a different time and you are no longer betrothed."
"Oh, Serenity, I pity your ignorance. We will always be betrothed," she said matter-of-factly.
Usagi raised a disbelieving eyebrow, "How do you figure?"
The woman faltered a bit, "Uh, uh...we just are!" she screamed childishly just before she threw an unexpected ball of energy at Usagi.
Usagi flew backwards and hit the ground with a thud. She vaguely remembers Mamoru calling her name just before she looked up, with hazy vision, and saw Melpomene pulling Mamoru roughly into a black hole.
Mamoru was flabbergasted at the amount of strength this petite woman possessed. Before he knew what was happening, she had dragged him here-where ever that was. It was dark and dank, yet rich looking at the same time.
"You don't remember me, do you?" Melpomene asked, interrupting his thoughts.
"Uh..."
"Hmm. Somehow I'm not surprise. My name is Melpomene, Princess of Saturn."
Mamoru's eyes slowly widened with recognition, "Melpomene...but, but how are you here?"
She laughed at his question and rolled her eyes, "Why, the same way you are, Endymion. Why, were just reincarnated on different-teams, if you will. You see, after your unfortunate death, the Moon Kingdom was attacked by a dark kingdom led by a woman named Beryl. When she first invaded, she had given the people the option of joining and fighting under her protection, or staying with the Moon Kingdom and trying futilely to defeat her. I had never made a simpler choice than I did that day." Melpomene mocked trying to make a difficult decision, "Let's see, fight for a kingdom ruled by a queen who's daughter I loathe, and who would most likely have me executed for yours and her deaths, mind you...or, live a life of immortality, basking in the glory of the Dark Kingdom? Which path would you have chosen, Endymion?"
"You know which, and my name in Mamoru."
Melpomene rolled her eyes, "Right...Mamoru..."
"You know it's useless," Mamoru informed her, "I'm in love with Us-Serenity."
"Is that right?" she asked him curiously.
"Yes. It is."
Melpomene gave Mamoru a sweet and loving smile...just before she punched him.
Usagi was still in the park. It was now dusk, but she could not make herself leave. She turned her face up toward the darkened sky and silently wept. She never felt her own tears as they blended with the raindrops that steadily fell against her cheeks. She thought of Mamoru and let out a soft sob. How could he expect her to be strong enough to save him? She was nothing. She had failed him before. What kind of princess would allow her prince to be taken from her twice? A PRINCESS wouldn't-but Usagi was no princess, not anymore. And even when she was royalty, she wasn't very good at it. She was flawed, or damaged...broken.
Was this her test? Was this all happening to give her a chance to prove herself, to prove that she truly is the princess she was fated to be? More importantly, if this were a test would she pass? Was she strong enough? Could she really be brave enough to risk everything she's ever known for him?
She scoffed at the thoughts running through her mind. Why was she only thinking of herself right now? She should be thinking of Mamoru. She knew she would give everything and more for him, and she was prepared to. Besides, without him, she had nothing. She loved him. Not just for their past, but also for their present. He was a part of her life before she ever even wanted him to be. She had fallen in love with him sometime ago, but she refused to acknowledge her feelings. It was not until that night in the rain that she realized how deeply she felt toward him.
And now-now it was too late. He was in another place that she did not know or understand. And what scared her most was that she had to rely on herself to find that place. One thing she was sure of, though, was that when she did find that place and him, she would hold him and kiss him and tell him how she loved him so. But would he want her after she let him be torn away from her? What if he expected her to still be the princess she once was? Even if she was, it may not be good enough for him. Besides, who wants a broken princess?
She came out of her reverie and turned to make her short journey home. She walked in what seemed like slow motion as the harsh wind whipped her wet hair around her sulking body. The dejected look that rested in her eyes made this young girl appear much older than fifteen, and limpness that took over her body made it seem as though it was a struggle for her even to walk.
When Usagi finally arrived home, she dragged her self to her bedroom and proceeded to collapse onto her bed. She cried into her pillow quietly, as to be sure not to alarm her mother, and she thought of her missing Love.
"Oh, Endymion, where are you?" she whispered sadly.
Mamoru awoke slowly, hours later, his temples throbbing. He sat up groggily and suddenly remembered where he was. He looked around and noticed that he had been moved. He could tell that he was still underground, but he was in a different room-a bedroom to be exact. Mamoru rubbed his head in an attempt to cease the pounding within it. It wasn't working too well. 'That Melpomene sure can pack a punch,' he thought dryly. How did he get in this room in the first place? Melpomene couldn't have possibly carried him here herself, could she? His thoughts were interrupted by a seductive, yet chilling voice.
"Well, well, well. Looks like someone finally decided to return to consciousness. And how are we feeling Prince Endymion? I hope I didn't hit you too hard," Melpomene drawled.
"I'm fine," Mamoru said curtly. "I'm a bit surprised to see you're so concerned."
Melpomene laughed deeply then said, "Well, I wouldn't want to cause my soon-to-be lover too much harm."
Mamoru straightened, "I will never make love to you."
"Oh please, Endymion. No man has ever been able to resist me. I doubt that you will be any different."
Mamoru raised an eyebrow, "Well, you certainly are confidant, but it won't do you any good. My heart-and my body-belongs to Serenity. She is my only love and my only lover."
Melpomene's face grew hard. "I thought I told you not to mention that tramp-unless you would like to be knocked out again."
"Melpomene!" a strangely familiar voice called from the hall.
"I'm in here," she replied.
Mamoru watched as a man entered the room, and he straightened with anger and surprise as he saw the man's face. "YOU! What the hell are you doing here? Are you working with her?"
"THIS is Endymion! Well I'll be damned. I knew I recognized you from somewhere. I thought-well hoped, more accurately-that I would never have the pleasure of your company again."
"Thanatos! I will not have you talk to my Prince in such a manner," Melpomene interjected.
"My deepest apologies, Melpomene," Thanatos drawled sarcastically. "I am assuming, Mamoru, since you are trapped here for the rest of eternity that my beautiful Usagi, or should I say Serenity, will not been under you watch. And since I know you are now permanently out of the picture, I don't see how you could blame me if I got to know Usagi a little more INTIMATELY."
Mamoru jumped up, seething with anger, "If you touch my Usako, I swear to God I'll kill you!"
Melpomene directed her hand toward Mamoru and threw a blast of energy at him, throwing him across the room. "Don't think that just because I want you I will hesitate to hurt you. You're mine now, and trust me-you will surely feel my wrath if you ever refer to HER again."
Mamoru stared at Melpomene bewildered. This was completely insane.
Usagi sat by her window in silence. Luna watched her worriedly. 'It's two o'clock in the morning and Usagi has been sitting there since eleven. What is bothering her so much?' Luna thought concerned. Usagi stood up and turned to her cat.
"I need some fresh air, Luna. I'll be back up in a little bit."
"Usagi, it's the middle of the night! You can't go out now!" she argued.
"Calm down, Luna. I'm just going to sit out front," Usagi told her.
"Well, at least let me come with you."
"No. I need to be alone," Usagi said as she left her room.
Usagi sat down on her front step. She looked up at the Moon and she felt tears sting her eyes. How would she find Mamoru? This question had been plaguing her for the past twelve hours.
Usagi shivered, noting that her sleeveless nightgown was not very appropriate for this weather. Then, her ears pricked as she heard something-footsteps? Usagi was beginning to back toward her front door when a familiar face came into view.
"Nate?" she asked confusedly.
Nate paused when he heard Usagi's voice, and when he looked at her he became breathless. She was quite a site to see. She stood there in a thin white nightgown that showed, yet hid, her every curve; and her hair was loose from its ponytails, flowing all around her. She looked incredible.
"Nate, what are you doing here?" she asked.
He shook his head to clear it and answered, "I couldn't sleep. I decided to walk past here, but I didn't expect you to be up."
"Oh..."
"So, what are you doing up? And why are you out here-like that?" he asked.
Usagi blushed, remembering what she was wearing. "Um, I couldn't sleep, either."
"Any reason? I mean is there anything on your mind?"
Usagi laughed. "That's an understatement. How 'bout you?"
He looked at Usagi fondly. "I've had a girl on my mind."
"Oh," Usagi said, blushing. "Listen, Nate, I-" Usagi paused. "Thanatos?" asked, more to herself than him.
"Yeah, that's my full name," he informed her.
Usagi blanched. Thanatos. 'It couldn't be,' she thought. 'Does he know?'
"Listen, I-I have t-to get inside," Usagi said, standing hurriedly.
"I don't think so, Serenity. I think you'll stay right here."
Usagi felt her breath increase. What did he want with her? "Serenity? What are you talking about?" she said, trying to play dumb.
"Usagi, you are an awful liar. I've known who you were since the first day I met you."
"Nate, I, I-" she stuttered.
"You-you what? Did you think you could leave me for HIM again? I don't think so! You were meant to be with me, and I am not just going to stand by while you throw yourself at that pitiful Endymion!" Thanatos smiled cockily. "By the way, do know what has become of Mamoru?"
Usagi straightened. "You know where he is?"
Thanatos just smiled again. "Usagi, now is not the time for questions. NOW, I will take you back to my home-and you will become my Princess as you were meant to so long ago."
Usagi tried to run, but he caught her easily. Thanatos held out his hand and a warp hole of sorts appeared. He held Usagi firmly by the wrist and pulled her in after him.