Author's Notes
Anyone been wondering about my pen name yet?
NO? (Grrrrr, rats!) I'll tell you all about it anyway.
Fushigi=Wondrous, wonderful, mysterious, or strange (I'm not sure
about the last one ^_^;)
Kismet=Destiny or fate(I am sure about these ^_^)
So mix 'n' match and what do you have? Wondrous destiny, mysterious
fate, strange destiny, wonderful fate, etc., etc. . .
Anyway, *I* thought it was a cool pen name even if it does sound
really dumb when you say it. *Sigh*, oh well, you can't have
everything.
I owe Ninx and Connie a big apology. Ninx 'cause I didn't mention
you in Part One or Two, (now how did that happen?) and Connie 'cause
I goofed on your last name. (That's Connie Somerville Kotkins,
folks.) Sorry!
BTW, read Lianne, John Biles, Jendra, Lady, Pandora, Ninx, Connie
Somerville Kotkins, Tenshi & Jenn, Monica and anyone else that I've
mentioned before's 'fics. You won't regret it. (Though you may lose
track of days if you read them all . . .)
Anime Quote of the Day:"She loves me!"-Darien's brilliant realization, Sailor Moon. ^^; (It's right up there with, "Serena's
Sailor Moon!")
Okay, now the DISCLAIMER:
Sailor Moon belongs to Takeuchi Naoko, Nakayoshi, Kodansha, Bandai,
Toei Co. Ltd., I know Buena Vista's in here somewhere, D.I.C., The
Program Exchange?, and probably many, many, others. Copyrighted
1992. I am getting no money out of this, please don't sue. However,
this is an original work by ME, and the original song, "ANGEL LIGHT"
(COPYRIGHT 1997) is MINE, and I will suck out your not-so-pure heart
crystal, thereby KILLING you if you use it without my permission and
even scarier SUE you if you do. Mwahaha! Uh, I'm not joking so please ask first if you have any manners or decency at all. Thank
you.
Sailor Moon Past Loves
by Fushigi Kismet
Mamoru sat at Usagi's bedside, holding her hand tightly, willing
his strength to her, as she stirred in her coma. Oh, Usako, be all
right. I'd never forgive myself if anything ever happened to you.
Never.
Rei put a comforting hand on his shoulder, looking down at the
pale form of her friend and leader, her eyes full of worry. Her
quiet voice reached through the haze of Mamoru's thoughts and gave
him comfort. "She'll be all right. She may not act like it
sometimes, but she's a fighter. She won't give up! She can't," Rei
whispered softly, and Mamoru understood. What Rei was feeling, what
he was feeling, what everyone was feeling, those things just couldn't
be explained in words, ever.
"How 'bout I get you some coffee?" she asked, turning to leave the
room.
He stood, gently letting go of Usagi's hand, and turned to reply,
but an ominous beeping sounded out and they both turned to stare at
Usagi's life monitor. Her life readings sped up erratically then
began to drop. Mamoru and Rei stared at her, unable to move.
"She's a fighter," Rei choked out. "Usagi!"
The beginning of "Moonlight Densetsu" starts playing.
A painting of the Moon Kingdom appears. The camera pans away from it
and we see Minako, Rei, Makoto, Ami, Usagi, and Mamoru looking at it
in a store window. Yumeno Yumemi comes out and invites them in.
They walk in and are instantly surrounded by dozens of paintings of
the Moon Kingdom. Usagi sighs as she sees one of Queen Serenity.
Mamoru puts an arm around her and holds her close.
She leans on his shoulder, looks up at him while he is looking down
at her and they smile. The screen flashes BISHOUJO SENSHI SAILORMOON
PAST LOVES (in Japanese) and pans away until it is centered and
surrounded by flashing colors.
"Gomen ne sunao ja nakute,"
Fourteen-year old Usagi klutzes out with ice-cream in hand and falls
down.
"Yume no naka nara ieru,"
Sixteen-year old Princess Serenity dances *quite* gracefully at a
ball.
"Shikou Kairo wa shotto sunzen,"
Usagi is sitting on the ground wailing when a hand appears in front
of her. The camera pans back and follows the arm up until we see
Mamoru who is looking at her with a concerned expression.
"Ima sugu aitai yo."
Usagi gets a determined expression on her face and taking his hand,
gets to her feet. She then notices that the ice-cream is still
intact. She smiles.
"Nakitaku naru you-na Moonlight,"
Princess Serenity is alone in the palace gardens at night. She's
weeping, then she turns around and stares at Earth.
"Denwa mo dekinai Midnight."
She begins to glow, then turns around to face the camera. She is
smiling and her crescent moon glows. (Mamoru's dream. ^_^;)
"Datte junjou dou shiyou?"
Princess Serenity stares at the Earth with a *really* sad expression.
"Haato wa mangekyou."
Cut to a scene of the full moon in the sky. The view spirals around
it and then to the ground where we see a beautiful silver palace. It
is *not* the one in Crystal Tokyo.
"Tsuki no hikari ni michibikare,"
Princess Serenity stands on Earth in a patch of silvery moonlight.
"Nandomo meguri-au,"
Prince Endymion pulls Princess Serenity into an embrace.
"Seiza no mataki kazoe uranau koi yukue."
The stars sparkle in the sky as Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion
kiss underneath them.
"Onaji kuni ni umareta no Mirakuru Romansu."
Nineteen-year old Prince Endymion stands at a balcony twirling a dark
red rose between his fingers as he stares up at the full moon (which
is on the left side of the screen). The camera shifts to focus on
the rose which is pricking his fingers. Spots of blood fall onto the
floor and one of them glows and sends out a scarlet light which
fills the screen. It fades to show sixteen-year old Princess
Serenity standing on a balcony and staring at Earth (which is on the
right side of the screen).
"Mo ichido futari de Weekend,"
Usagi and Mamoru sit on a blanket spread out in the park and eat a
picnic lunch. Usagi is holding a pie in her left hand as she bends
to pick up her fork. Mamoru turns to say something to her as she
straightens up with a happy cry, her fork in her hand. He gets, you
guessed it, a cream pie in the face. Usagi and Mamoru look at each
other, (he's just eyes staring out of cream) then start laughing.
"Kami-sama kanaeta Happy-end."
Usagi uses a napkin to tenderly wipe the last bit of pie off of
Mamoru's face and she smiles cutely at him. He catches her hand and
smiles at her and they kiss.
"Genzai kako mirai mo,"
Flash images really fast of toddler Princess Serenity in the past,
teenage Usagi in the present, and Neo-Queen Serenity in the future on
the screen.
"Anata ni kubittake."
Flash images really fast of six-year old Prince Endymion in the past,
Mamoru in the present, and King Endymion in the future on the screen.
"Deatta toki no natsukashii,"
Prince Endymion and Princess Serenity smile at each other.
"Manazashi wasurenai,"
The stars sparkle in the heavens again. Cut to a split screen of
sixteen-year old Princess Serenity (on the left side of the screen)
and nineteen-year old Prince Endymion (on the right side of the
screen) standing on their balconies. (Since it's a split screen,
there are no moons of planets and it looks like they're staring at
each other.)
"Ikusenman no hoshi kara anata o mitsukerareru,"
Sixteen-year old Princess Serenity watches her older Sailor Senshi
while they train on the moon. Nineteen-year old Prince Endymion
watches his older Guardians while they train on Earth.
"Guuzen mo chansu ni kaeru ikikata ga suki yo."
Mamoru, Usagi, Rei, Minako, Makoto, and Ami walk through the park
together, laughing and talking. Usagi, who isn't looking because
she's talking to Mamoru, accidentally walks into Rei where she has
stopped to smell some flowers. Rei gets up, self-righteous and
annoyed and starts to yell at Usagi, who looks like she's about to
cry, but then Minako, who's talking to Makoto and Ami and also isn't
looking, walks into Usagi. Minako's sudden stop causes Makoto and
Ami to trip and fall onto her while she's falling on Usagi, who's
falling on Rei. They all land with a crash on the ground. Mamoru's
the only one who's left standing and he gets a *huge* sweatdrop.
Everyone gets to their feet, start to yell, stop, then start
laughing.
"Fushigi-na kiseki Kurosu-shite nandomo meguri-au,"
Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion stare out into space from their
balconies some more. Cut to a scene of a rose spiraling in a beam of
moonlight. There is the flap of a black cape at the edge of the pool
of moonlight on the right side of the screen, the rest is hidden in
shadows. On the left side of the screen a tiara flashes right before
that person turns away into the shadows.
"Seiza no matataki kazoe uranau koi no yukue."
Another scene of the full moon and the earth. They spiral around
each other, before coming to a stop. Superimpose a picture of
Princess Serenity over the moon and Prince Endymion over the earth.
They're looking at each other while holding hands and smiling. Pan
away to show the other planets of the solar system in alignment.
"Onaji juni ni umareta no Mirakuru Romansu."
Queen Serenity smiles at the camera, before fading into the
background with a fully grown Luna and Artemis taking her place.
They also fade out and shadowy Senshi-like images appear and fade
out.
"Shinjite-iru no,"
Queen Serenity appears, smiling. Sixteen-year old Princess Serenity
appears in front of her, waving at the camera. Nineteen-year old
Prince Endymion appears next to her and they hold hands. All of the
other Senshi show up to the side of the trio. Mina makes a "V" for
victory sign and everyone else just gets into position.
"Mirakura Romansu."
The cats appear and everyone poses for the camera and freezes in
place.
FORBIDDEN LOVE
*In the Past*
After her time on Earth, Serenity changed. She had not a smile or
compliment for any of her suitors, she saved them all for *him*. She
became more quiet and withdrawn and her Senshi caught her, more than
once, staring at Earth. She was as relaxed as ever in their presence
and did not restrain her smiles or laughter then, but always,
*always* there was a part of her that belonged somewhere else.
Queen Serenity grew worried and directed Luna and Artemis to watch
over the princess and report anything at all that might have caused
the change in her. Unbeknownst to her, only Pluto had any inkling of
what was troubling the princess, but she had returned to her post,
guarding the Gate of Time.
The only thing that the Queen learned from her cat advisors was
that the princess cried each night before going to sleep and always
seemed to fall silent when confronted with a rose. She was restless
while she slept.
In this manner two years passed, and no one was the wiser as to
the ailment that the princess suffered, though it was rumored in
certain circles that something ill had befallen her on Earth, the
forbidden planet.
Only Princess Serenity, who knew the truth, would smile bitterly
as the rumors reached her and think quietly to herself, Not
something ill, something wonderful. I'm in love! And then she
would think of the object of her affections and wonder, Does he even
miss me a little . . . ?
Endymion leaned on the railing of the balcony outside of the
ballroom-where everyone else was laughing and dancing, and
celebrating to their heart's content-and stared up at the full moon
hanging in the starry dark night. In his hands he held a blood-red
rose. He twirled the stem between his fingers. The thorns stabbing
into his flesh and the blood dripping onto the spotless white marble
floor went unnoticed.
I wonder what she's doing, he thought idly. I wonder where she
is right now. Does she even think of me? I certainly think of her
enough. Oh, Odango Atama, I think of you too much for my own good.
I can't stop thinking of you. He sighed heavily. She was only a
child. Just a child. How can she have filled my heart so completely
in such a short amount of time?
The wind rose and ruffled his hair. His cloak flapped in the
breeze, smacking against his legs with a sound akin to a sail
billowing in the wind. Endymion didn't notice. I wonder what
you're doing, Usagi. Are you with a suitor? Has he kissed you yet?
Well, if he has, remember that your first kiss came from me. I know
it was your first, mine too. You were my first love, Usako. Was I
yours? Or was I simply some boy playing the part of your older
brother? I hope that's not the case. He sighed, thinking of how
beautiful she had been, how her eyes had seemed to light up whenever
she saw him. Or had he just been imagining things?
At the thought that even now, *his* Usako might be looking lovingly at some other man infuriated and worried him all at once.
If you're with someone else, then I wish I could be there to replace
him in your arms. I couldn't stand to see you with anyone but me.
I'm a selfish brute, but . . . I want to see your smile. I miss you,
Usako.
Lady Beryl came up behind him and shivered in the cold night air.
She saw his unseeing countenance and hesitated to disturb him, but
then her eyes fell on his bleeding hands. "Oh!" she cried. "You're
bleeding, my prince." She rushed forward and, pulling forth a clean
white handkerchief, sought to staunch the flow of blood.
"Leave it alone," he said indifferently, pulling away. He tossed
the rose over the balcony.
"But my prince-" she protested.
He looked at her and smiled gently. "Blood shed thinking of her
is no sacrifice to make. I would give her every drop in my body, had
she need of it." Bewilderment was plain to see on her features as
she drew away from him. Endymion bowed respectfully and turned to
leave as she curtsied. "I have given my heart to her," he said
simply. "I would not reclaim it for the world, for it is safe in her
keeping." He walked into the castle and Beryl could only stare after
him and at the blood soaked handkerchief, his words echoing in her
ears. "Every drop."
She crushed the piece of cloth covered in his blood in her hand
with a spurt of sudden anger, her vision darkening in rage until it
seemed to her that the floor of the balcony was covered with dark,
dripping blood. Endymion! Whoever she is, I will seek her out and
destroy her! You are *mine* . . . A tiny voice whispered to her,
admist the turmoil of her thoughts, Berr-ryl . . .
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Mamoru couldn't move. He was frozen to the spot, watching Usagi's
life readings fluctuate on the monitor, and hearing her labored
breathing. Then, all of a sudden, he pulled himself into motion and
reached for her hand-
-and was repelled. An invisible shield, shining silver only where
he touched it, had formed around Usagi, and merely coming into
contact with it had forced him back two feet. "REI! What is that?!
What's it doing to Usagi?"
Rei narrowed her eyes and stared at the shield. "I don't sense
anything evil from it. In fact, if anything, it feels exactly like
Usagi's energy!"
"Usagi's?! But how? Why?!"
"I don't know, but look, her readings are returning to normal and
she's breathing easier."
"That's some good news, but Rei, I *have* to get to her!"
"I know, but until the shield goes away, I don't think you'll be
able to."
Mamoru stared at the shield with slitted eyes. USAKO!
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Princess Serenity stared at the Earth hanging like a blue orb in
the dark starry void of space. She hummed a song that she had
learned as a child.
"When I see that world so blue,
I can't stop thinking of you.
Why can't love be so pure and true,
That I would never part from you?"
Sighing, she stared again at the blue of the Earth. The color of
his eyes.
Unnoticed, a figure crept up behind her. "Whatcha thinking about?"
Startled, Serenity turned, and found herself face-to-face with
Princess Minako, Sailor Venus, and Leader of her Senshi, as well as
being her double if the need should ever arise. "Venus," she said,
in surprise. She had not expected her to be out so late.
The girl placed her hands firmly against the railing of the
balcony and said, "Please, for right now it's Minako, okay?"
"Okay," Serenity said quietly.
Minako smiled sunnily. "Good. You know, it's hard being a senshi
all of the time. Once in awhile, I just like to be me."
Serenity nodded. She understood *completely*.
Minako looked at the Earth for a moment, then turned to face
Serenity. "I guess you don't ever have that luxury. To be yourself,
I mean."
Serenity looked at her inquiringly and after a moment's lapse,
Minako continued as though she had never paused in the first place.
"You're not just a princess like Rei and I and the rest of us. You're *the* princess, something you never have a chance to forget.
The rest of us, we're princesses, sure, but we're also your Senshi,
your Guardians, but now and then, we're just regular people too.
Now, mind you, not that I'm saying that we're *normal* or that any of
us will ever be *normal* but we can be just people, and you can't.
That's why you ran off before, isn't it?" Minako turned a frank look
on the princess.
Serenity flushed.
"Don't answer," Minako said a heartbeat later. "That's your
business, not mine. Still, you might not think it, but I *know* you,
inside and out because in more ways than one, I *am* you." Minako
gave her a sad look. "Being your double, that's the extent I have to
go to, to make myself like you. But I'm not you, and I could never
be. I'm Minako, always will be. I'm a princess, a senshi, a regular
girl, but I am not simply one or the other. I am not even the sum of
all of my parts, but something more." Her look became cooler.
"That's why I pity you. You don't really know who you are, do you?
You're a princess, a title that has no meaning unless you're
something else as well. You *were* something once, but that part of
you is locked away, waiting for something," she turned away from
Serenity, staring out at the Earth again "or someone. That's not any
good. You just can't wait for things, expecting them to happen! You
have to be willing to help them along so they can.
"Well, my advice to you is the only advice that I can give
*myself* and that's to go out and discover who you are for yourself
before it's too late and you end up never knowing and always
wondering."
Turning back to face Serenity, she let out a tired laugh. "I-I
guess I haven't been getting enough sleep lately. It's not like me
to wax philosophical. Don't mind me, I've just recently dredged up
some memories best left forgotten and they seem to be more painful
then I thought they would." She smiled at Serenity, but it was
strained, attempting to hide her pain. She straightened and began
walking off, her long blonde hair flowing behind her on the breeze.
"Good night, Princess."
"Minako, wait!" Serenity cried.
Minako halted, her back to her princess. "Yes?"
"Would you-would you like to be friends? I mean, I know we've
never been as close as we should be, not like the others and I-"
"No," Minako said tiredly, "we haven't. But, I'm different from
them and we both know it. Don't worry about us not being close.
We're closer than you think." She looked at Serenity's disappointed
face over her shoulder and her smile was blinding in its intensity.
"Good night."
"Good night," Serenity echoed.
As Minako walked off, she thought quietly to herself, No, we
can't be friends. At least not in this lifetime. In this life I *am* you, and until I can make peace with myself and learn not to
hate myself for doing what I've done, then I can't be friends with
you. Being your double makes us too much alike. I walk like you,
talk like you, move like you, breathe like you. Sometimes, I suppose
I think like you as well, though I hope it's not often, because no
one, no one should ever have to think about the things that I've
done, and an innocent like you should never think of the same things
as I. She closed her eyes and saw blood, and letting out a
shuddering breath, she opened them. No, my princess, you're better
off as far from me as possible. But don't worry, I would give up my
life to protect you. After all, it's not worth much.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
'Elios appeared in a burst of blazing white light. He took one
look at the scene around him and after staring at the shield around
Usagi for an instant, he turned to Mamoru. "You called, my prince?"
"No," Mamoru growled out. Then he turned to 'Elios and his tone
was accusatory. "What do you know about this?" He gestured at Usagi
and the shield.
"Nothing, my prince," 'Elios responded, puzzled as he stared at
the shield. "I can tell you nothing of this energy except to say
that it is not dream energy and it is not harming Usagi. Other than
that . . ." He shrugged.
Mamoru frowned. "Where are those doctors? Shouldn't they have
noticed her readings?"
"Do you want them to?" 'Elios asked, pointedly.
"I want them to tell me whether or not she's all right!" Mamoru
retorted.
"Oh, well I can tell you that."
"WHAT?!" Rei and Mamoru snapped.
"From what I can sense of her from here, she'll be all right.
Right now, she's simply dreaming."
"Well, I want her to wake up before it's too late!" Mamoru cried
heatedly, moving towards her.
"I'm afraid I can't let you do that," 'Elios replied easily,
interspersing himself between Mamoru and Usagi.
"What?" Mamoru asked, stunned.
"I said, I can't let you do that."
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Princess Serenity watched as Minako left. Though she had not
understood all that Minako had said, one thing did stick with her.
'You *were* something once, but that part of you is locked away,
waiting for something, or someone. That's not any good. You just
can't wait for things, expecting them to happen! You have to be
willing to help them along so they can.'
She's right! she thought suddenly. I've been moping around
here dreaming about Mamoru, but if I don't do something, I'm never
going to see him again. What was I expecting? It's not like he can
go here to seek me out. He doesn't even know who I am. Serenity
shied away from that thought. She hadn't liked lying to him about
that, but it was probably for his own good. Besides, she had wanted
to be just an ordinary girl and not a princess, and for that one
glorious week, she had been.
A determined expression formed on Serenity's face. Well then! If my Prince Charming isn't going to come calling, then I'm going to
go seek *him* out! She hesitated for an instant. Her mother had
been *VERY* upset with her when she had returned, but she had also
been so relieved that Princess Serenity had not been punished . . .
much. Well, I'll just have to face Mother's wrath again. I can
take it. However, there were more pressing matters that concerned
her more. The last time she had gone to Earth, she had been unaware
of the decree banning all Moon people from setting foot on Earth
soil. Since then she had been studying more with Mercury-sensei, and
the older girl had made sure that she knew every bit of history that
applied to the moon.
Serenity frowned. It's not like they could wage war on us if
they found out that I was from the moon. They can't even get up
here! Anyway, I'll just be extra careful, then there's no need to
worry. She nodded emphatically, to convince herself, then she stuck
her hand into the air and concentrating hard she cried aloud,
"PRINCESS TELEPORT!" In a shimmering of silver light she was gone.
Rei watched from the shadows off to one side of the balcony. Her
violet eyes were worried. She bit her lip as the princess
disappeared. Oh Sere, what are you up to now? Slipping back into
the shadows, Rei ran off to make her report to the Queen, but slowed
to a fast walk halfway there, her mind working busily. I'll give
you some time, Sere. Not much, but a little. If being on Earth
again will cheer you up, then I'll disobey my oath a little bit and
hope to Mars that you're capable of taking care of yourself for
however long it is before we find you. Good luck.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
"'Elios, get out of my way!"
'Elios gazed sternly at Mamoru. "She's not in danger. Right now,
she's only dreaming, but if you disrupt her dream at this point, the
consequences will be severe. I have warned you, my prince, do not
seek to change that which has been destined."
Mamoru replied quietly, his face calm, but his eyes and voice hard
as steel. "I am the last to stand in the way of destiny."
"Perhaps, or perhaps you've been trying to prevent it all along.
At any rate, she will sleep for a time, but nothing ill will befall
her. I promise you that."
"It had better not," Mamoru warned him.
'Elios nodded and, with a gesture, returned to Elysion, his world
of dreams. You too, my prince, shall sleep like the Endymion of the
days of old. However, your sleep shall not be as peaceful.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Princess Serenity arrived in the early hours of the morning. Not
too bad, this time. I only ended up on Jupiter twice and Mercury
once. Does this mean that I'm improving? She dusted off her dress,
then turned and taking a step forward . . . fell down.
"OW! I forgot that Earth's gravity was *so* HEAVY!"
"I bet you did!" a voice called from above her.
Serenity looked up to see a long-legged youth perched in a branch
above her. He wore a dangerous expression to go with the dagger
sheathed at his side. Serenity recognized him. Uh oh, not him
again!
"Recognize me?" the youth asked, leaping agilely down from the
tree. He wore a rather nasty expression.
Looking at him, Serenity decided that the safest answer was, "No."
He smirked. "My friends and I would've killed you last time if
your so-called prince hadn't come to your rescue. In fact, my
friends should be here any minute and then we can pick up where we
left off."
"What do you want?" she asked, truly frightened.
He looked at her and angry tears filled his muddy brown eyes. "I
want my family back!"
"Why does that have anything to do with me?" Serenity asked,
shocked.
"When you were hanging around the garden before, you just weren't
making the plants grow, were you? You were planning to kill off my
folks and my little sister!"
"What are you talking about?!" Serenity demanded, becoming uneasy.
This youth was nuts.
"They're dead," he said, trying to hold his emotions in check.
"They were drained to death when I came home from chasing you! They
were - It was like they had no energy left. I-I've never seen
anything like it, and I never want to again. That's why I swore to
kill you if I ever laid eyes on you again, and so did my buddies, you
off-world trash!"
Serenity stared at him without comprehension. His family's dead?
Drained of energy? And he blames ME?!! I didn't do anything but
admire their flowers! I would never do anything like that! But, he
doesn't know that.
The boy pulled out his long dagger and walked towards her.
Serenity scrambled to her feet and awkwardly backed away. "I didn't
kill them," she said softly. "I never even saw them."
"Then why are they DEAD?!!"
The other two boys showed up at that instant and seeing Serenity,
they too pulled out their knives and advanced on her. Surrounded,
she could only try and hold back the tears that she threatened to
shed. She let out one anguished mental cry, MAMOOORRRUUUU!!!!
Endymion was out riding his favorite horse, Mask that morning.
There was nothing that he enjoyed more than a chance to see how fast
Mask would go. Suddenly, he jerked as though stabbed through the
heart. His vision dimmed a little and he thought painfully to
himself, Is someone calling for me? Pulling Mask up short, he
halted for a heartbeat sensing in which direction to go, then rode
Mask back the way they had come. Someone needs my help. I know
it!
When they were within sight of a certain tree that he often
visited, he saw three youths with knives surrounding a frightened
girl. Cursing, he urged the horse forward. Fools, what do they
think they're doing?
As the horse raced by, he stretched out a hand to the girl who saw
him coming and grabbed on. Then in one quick heft, she mounted
behind him and they rode off. The three young men cursed after them.
Endymion could hear the girl's rapid breathing from behind him.
All right, first I get the girl to safety, then I take care of those
three villains. "Are you all right?" he asked the girl.
"I'm all right, Mamoru," she replied, and he froze at hearing her
voice.
"Usagi?" he asked in disbelief, then risked a look over his
shoulder.
She smiled. "It's been a while, hasn't it? Perhaps we should
find some other place to meet from now on. That spot under the tree
seems to get more dangerous every time I go."
"It *is* you!" Mamoru said, looking at her in amazement.
"Thank you for rescuing me," she said wholeheartedly.
"No," he replied, the three boys forgotten, "thank you for needing
rescuing." Thank you for coming back, he added in his mind.
He halted Mask when they reached the courtyard in front of the
stables. He dismounted quickly, then easily swung Usagi off. She
giggled in excitement at seeing him again. I've missed him so
much.
Endymion whirled her around then pulled her into an embrace,
nearly crushing her against him as he wrapped his arms around her and
held her tight, murmuring, "I've missed you, I've missed you," into
the sweet scent of her hair. Her body in his arms was soft and warm
and real. One thought kept ringing through his mind. She's really
here!
She pulled a little away from him and looked up at him and their
lips met in an accord. The tingling sensation that ran through his
body when her mouth met his was shocking in its intensity. Endymion
felt his heart rapidly beating in his chest. They held each other as
though they would never let go.
Lady Beryl ran up to meet Endymion when he arrived at the stables.
She had been waiting for him to return as she did every morning. She
stopped as she saw who he was with. What?! Where did *she* come
from? She watched as they embraced, the anger burning in her now.
How dare they-How dare SHE take my Endymion! He's MINE!
Again the tiny raspy voice murmured, as it so often had in the
past, dark and rich with promises of forbidden delights.
Berr-ryyl. Berr-ryyl.
What do you want?! she snapped, listening to it for the first
time.
I am the entity that your mother ssssought to ssssummon. I can
give you unlimited power, whatever your heart mosssst desiresss. I
can give you the world, little Beryl.
The world? No, I don't want that. I-I want-
Endymion, the voice supplied silkily. Yessss.
You know that?
I know all, little Beryl. If he isss what you dessssire, I will
give you the meanssss to acquire him. He sssshall be yoursss.
Who are you? Beryl demanded. You snake-voiced thing! she
added in the back of her mind.
I am METALLIA!
Metallia, Beryl breathed. Metallia, the ultimate giver of
power?!
Yessss.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Suddenly, the shield disappeared in a flash of silvery sparkles.
Makoto, Minako, and Ami ran into the room.
"Minna, what are you doing here?" Rei asked.
"We felt something from Usagi," Minako replied, her eyes on
Usagi's still form.
"You'll be in trouble if they find you," Rei warned.
"So? They can kick us out later!" Makoto retorted sharply.
"Yes, Usagi-chan needs us now."
"She does indeed," Rei whispered, turning her gaze back to her
princess.
*Minna* a faint voice whispered, Usagi's voice.
The Senshi started, but Mamoru, who had once again taken his
position at her side once the shield had disappeared, merely squeezed
her hand tighter.
*Minna*, lend me your strength . . . the voice called
desperately.
Usagi began to shine with a golden light in her hospital bed. Her
crescent moon appeared and started to glow. It flared out, sending a
wash of brilliant gold light into the room. She floated slowly
upward, off of the bed until she was hovering two or three feet above
it. Still in their civilian guises, the Inner Senshi stood, and
called forth their power as did Mamoru.
Rei, Minako, Ami, and Makoto's planet signs appeared, sending
their hair flying away from their faces. An earth sign also appeared
on Mamoru's forehead, but shone very weakly. Everyone's brightly
colored auras rose around them and they focused their power to Usagi.
The Senshi have determined expressions on their faces. Mamoru's
Earth symbol barely glowed but it flared up brighter as he focused
his power to his beloved. Please Usako, be all right. Let our
strength be enough to help you.
A light shot out and Usagi fell back into her hospital bed. The
Senshi and Mamoru collapsed to the ground.
"What happened?" Rei asked.
Ami looked anxiously at Usagi's life readings. "Her readings are
normal. I don't think anything's wrong now." She looked at Usagi.
I hope she comes out of it soon. "I think it's best if we leave
now."
"I think it is," a stern voice called out from the doorway.
Everyone turned guiltily to look at the owner of the voice.
"Oh, hi Mom," Ami squeaked in a little voice, swallowing a lump in
her throat.
"Hello dear," her mother replied, frowning. "What are you doing
in here, pray tell?"
"Uhhh . . . Well, this is Usagi, my friend - remember her, Mom? -
who got caught in a fire. She's in a coma right now and we all just
wanted to be here to give her our support."
Ami's mother's face softened a little. "Oh Ami, I understand
that, but Ami dear, you of all people should know that following
proper procedure is the first step in medicine. Now, I won't report
you and your friends but you'll all have to leave now."
"Yes, Ma'am," the three girls replied meekly as they filed out of
the room.
Mamoru held Usagi's hand a little tighter. "I'm not leaving."
"Neither am I," Rei piped up.
Am's mother took one look at their IDs and the determined
expressions on their faces and sighed. "All right, you two may stay,
but just you, no more. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Good." Cursorarily checking Usagi's monitors, she left, shutting
the door gently behind her.
Rei and Mamoru heaved a sigh of relief.
"Thank goodness Ami's mom wasn't mad."
"Yeah," Mamoru replied, brushing a tendril of hair from Usagi's
face. "Now, if Usagi would just wake up, that would make my day."
Rei smiled sadly. "Mine too."
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
"What must I do to acquire this Power?" Beryl asked suspiciously
as she sat alone at a desk in her quarters.
The little voice whispered to her, "You musssst ssssswear to
sssserve me and collect the energy that I require."
"If you insist. What else?"
"You musssst desssstroy my enemiessss for me."
"And they would be?
"The Planetary Ssssorceressssssssessss and their children.
Thosssse troublessssome bratssss will get in our way."
"Done. Is that it?"
"One thing more, you musssst give up your ssssoul."
Beryl hesitate for an instant, then another, and finally she put
her hand to her heart in a warriors salute and said, "Done."
"Now," Metallia said, pleased, "draw up the agreement in blood."
"Whose?"
"Yourssss."
Beryl stared at the blank piece of parchment in front of her, then
taking the ceremonial dagger Endymion had given her once, she slashed
open her hand and let the blood drip onto the point of a quill pen.
She began to write and the words that her mother had told her once
echoed through her mind, 'Remember Beryl, once a pact has been
signed in blood, there is no going back. There is nothing on Heaven
and Earth that can break an agreement written in the agreer's own
lifeblood.
'Blood is binding, Beryl. To spill your own blood freely is
something that is not to be taken lightly. The Creatures of Darkness
are the only ones who will ask this of you and only for them should
you do so, for those born from the Darkness are those born with great
power. You can use this power, Beryl, and twist it to your own ends,
but do not displease those born of the Dark, or your life will be
Hell.'
"I remember, Momma. I remember it all."
As she signed her name on the parchment the dark cloud of energy
that was Metallia manifested herself and snatched the parchment from
her. It burned the paper in a burst of unholy light and as she
watched it burn, Beryl felt a chill go through her. I have sold my
soul for you, Endymion, but never fear, once I have you, nothing else
matters . . .
"Now, it issss time for you to come into your power."
Metallia directed Beryl to a portal that led to her hidden
stronghold in the north. Beryl's hidden stronghold now, she assured
her.
Beryl looked about her at the dank dark interior of the caverns.
"*This* is our stronghold?"
"Yessss."
"This is not good enough for us!"
Metallia hissed. "Do not be impudent, Beryl. It issss good
enough for now."
Beryl frowned. "Very well, Empress."
"Good. Now, come to me, Beryl, and receive your Power."
Beryl nodded her head in acquiesance and followed the voice to its
source.
As she walked forward, her ears grew longer, her eyes narrowed,
and the stone that she wore dangling from a chain about her head
sprouted a dark stone growth in the shape of a boomerang. Her
clothes melted and soldified as a dark purple gown and a staff and
crystal ball appeared in front of her.
Unaware of the changes, Beryl stared at the objects floating
before her. "What are these?"
"Giftssss for you, Beryl. Giftssss for your sssstation in life.
Usssse them to desssstroy the SSSSorceressssesssss and their
children. The ancient power runssss deep in them and assss long
assss they live, they will be a hindrance to ussss. Kill them,
Beryl, and quickly."
"But what of Endymion? What about what *I* want?!"
"You sssserve me now. Your only dessssire sssshould be to
sssserve me."
"You promised that I should have him. That was our deal."
"Yesss, and sssso you sssshall. Sssshe who holdssss ssssway of
his heart issss one of the children that you musssst kill. Kill her,
and Endymion issss yourssss."
"Yes, my master."
"I am here."
Beryl walked obediently forward, seeing a hint of light at the end
of the tunnel. Walking into it, she was instantly struck with two
thoughts. It was cold and a feeling of dread had settled over her
heart. She saw it then, the otherworldly nebulous mass that was
Metallia. And she was afraid.
"Come to me, Beryl . . ." the voice hissed. "Come to me . . ."
Unable to resist, Beryl walked forward and was engulfed by the
dark matter that streamed about her and filled her.
Beryl screamed in anguish as her body contorted and was shaped by
the darkness. With no more effort than it takes to blow out a
candle, all of the light was extinguished and everything was silent.
Slowly, slowly, two red eyes opened in the darkness and a voice
filled with evil and malice whispered into the night, "I have come
for your souls. Princess. Prince. As Destiny has ordained, I,
Beryl, shall rule all!!!!!!"
The light flashed on in a burst, but the cavern was eerily lit,
filled with shadows. A sickly glow of purple light emanated from
Beryl as she stood, holding her staff with the crystal ball atop it.
"The Power," Beryl hissed, and it was no longer Beryl's voice,
"The POWER IS MINE!!!!!!" She threw back her head and laughed, her
eyes flashing red. The terrifying sound of her laughter echoed
throughout the hollow caverns. And soon Endymion, soon, you shall
be mine as well . . .
*Back on the Moon*
"Sailor Senshi, sworn to defend Princess Serenity at any cost, I
have summoned you here."
"What is your will, my queen?" Mars asked on bended knee, not
daring to look up. Her demure gaze was shaded by her dark lashes.
"What else?" Serenity asked, her gaze full of anguish.
"My queen?"
"Find the princess!" Serenity commanded. "I don't care what it
takes, just find her and bring her home!"
"Your will be done," Mars responded formally as Jupiter and
Mercury echoed her.
"You are in charge of this mission, Mars," Queen Serenity
directed.
"Venus is needed here."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Mars replied.
"Go now!"
Mars stood. Jupiter and Mercury followed suit. The three of them
bowed simultaneously to their queen, then, sticking their hands into
the air and motioning, they summoned up portals.
"MARS TELEPORT!!!"
"MERCURY TELEPORT!!!"
"JUPITER TELEPORT!!!"
They disappeared in three swirls of light.
"Good luck," Serenity whispered.
Behind the pillar where she had been observing all this, Minako
frowned. Why can't I go?! I'm the Leader of the Senshi! Why was
this done behind my back?! Where are you, Sere?
"Venus," a voice whispered from behind her.
Minako jumped several feet into the air upon feeling the person's
breath on her neck. Turning around she hissed, "You scared me! Oh,
it's you."
"Yes, it's me," Setsuna replied.
"You know something about this, don't you?" Minako accused,
stabbing a finger at Setsuna.
"Of course. There is nothing in the Moon Kingdom that escapes my
notice."
"Then why wasn't I sent?!"
"You are too valuable. There is an evil approaching, Venus, and
we cannot afford to be off of our guards for an instant. *You* are
needed here."
Minako sighed doubtfully, an irritated look on her face. "If you
say so."
"I do."
*A week later*
*Back on Earth*
Endymion and Serenity strolled leisurely through the Royal
Gardens. They had sneaked in secretly under cover of darkness,
though it was hardly dark since the moon was out and nearly full.
I can't believe that Mamo-chan actually suggested that we sneak
in here to get me a "garden rose"! Serenity blushed as she thought
of the nickname that she had given him when he had accidently called
her "Usako". Both names had stuck as their terms of endearment for
one another.
Princess Serenity was once again staying with Ikuko and Kenji, but
this time there was a new addition to the family, Shingo. Princess
Serenity had been delighted when the babe had smiled at her and had
started calling him her "little brother" for fun. 'You're cute,
Shingo,' she had told him once. 'You'll grow up to be a fine man,
just like your father.'
Ikuko and Kenji had been worried when she had departed so suddenly
the last time and were more than happy to have her back. However,
they both worried over why she had returned and why she wouldn't tell
them anything. Princess Serenity, keeping to the oath she had sworn
herself of not getting them involved, had refused to devulge
anything.
Though she worried over keeping things from them, she had spent
her days with Endymion with a light and happy heart. For how can
someone not be happy when she is finally with the one that she loves?
They had gone to the places that he had promised her they would
go. He had taken her on moonlit rides on his horse, Mask. Serenity
had taken delightfully to riding, seeing as when they rode Endymion
always had his arms around her waist to keep her from falling off.
They had walked together in their rose clearing, talking of how much
the one had missed the other's company. They were always together,
every minute of the day, and they were together at night as well, in
their dreams.
In this manner, a week had passed and Serenity would have begun to
worry, but she was so blissfully happy that she could not bear to
even think of ever leaving. It was impossible to her that their
little paradise should ever be spoiled.
To Endymion it was all too clear.
He had spent the week happy every instant that he spent gazing
into her eyes, and distraught every instant that he was separated
from her. Always the threat of her departure loomed over him has he
recalled how he had lost her the last time. He swore to himself that
it would not happen again. He and Serenity would never part. But in
his heart, he knew better.
He had not returned to the palace for a week. He had only gone
once to the stables, to fetch Mask, and then he and Mask had
retreated to a small deserted cottage in the woods.
Even when he was alone with Serenity, treasuring the sight of her
and her smile, he was aware that his Guardians were searching for
him. The populace did not know yet that their prince had vanished,
but his Guardians knew well enough that Endymion was nowhere to be
found. That was the way he wanted it. He did not want to be
reminded of his royal duties at a time like this. All he wanted was
to be just an ordinary boy spending time with the girl that he loved,
and for a time, he got his wish.
In the gardens, Endymion found his thoughts drifting.
"Are you all right?" Serenity asked. "I know how it troubles you
to be here."
"I'm all right, Usako. I was just thinking."
"What are you thinking about, Mamo-chan?"
He smiled at her and watched the color rise on her cheeks as he
said, "About how beautiful you are. And, I was thinking about the
Moon Kingdom."
"Moon Kingdom?" Serenity asked carefullly.
"There's an ancient legend about a group of Sorceresses who took
to the stars and left Earth behind. They founded a vast kingdom of
all of the planets in our solar system save Earth itself. It was
called the Moon Kingdom."
Serenity began fidgeting. Why is he thinking of that? Does he
suspect who I am? No, that's silly. Right? "Why are you thinking
about an ancient legend?"
"The moon - it made me think of it. And this garden. I don't
like thinking about that legend much, but when I do, I just can't
seem to stop. I don't know if I could forgive the Moon Kingdom, if
it truly exists. My parents - they were killed by someone from
there."
"Are you certain?" Serenity asked softly, dreading his answer.
After a moment, he let out a long sigh. "No, I'm not. I'm not
even certain the Moon Kingdom is real. Perhaps, I'm just seeking
someone to blame." He looked off into the distance.
Serenity kept her eyes downcast. "Perhaps."
All of a sudden Endymion smiled, and let out a chuckle, releasing
the tension between them. "Why are we discussing this?"
Serenity smiled back at him, a tad wistfully. "I don't know."
He put an arm around her and she nestled her head against him as
they continued walking.
"I do know something about the moon," Endymion said, playfully,
tweaking one of Serenity's ponytails. "There's a rabbit on it."
"Oh?" Serenity asked, as innocently as she could, desperately
trying to hold in her giggles.
"Of course, Usako. But as for you, you belong right here on the
earth with me."
She smiled. I wish he'd talk about something else.
"Not that I have anything against the moon itself. It's quite
lovely, and I always find myself staring at it, late at night, but I
just want you to stay close, Usako. I want you to always be with
me."
Serenity put a hand to his face, blinking her suddenly tear-filled
eyes. "You and I will always be together. No matter what happens,
we'll never really part."
"I'll do everything I can to ensure that, because I know now that
I can't live without you."
Serenity pulled away. "Don't be silly," she said in a shaky
voice.
"It's true. Usako, you're my life. You've filled the void that I
thought could never be filled. I'd be empty without you. I couldn't
go on."
Staring at him with wide eyes, Serenity realized that he spoke the
truth. "Mamo-chan . . ." she whispered, and sorrowed. What kind of
a life together could an immortal and a mortal lead?
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Rei left, silently shutting the door behind her on the
heart-breaking scene. Mamoru was holding Usagi's hand whispering to
her and she just hadn't been able to bear watching it any longer.
The heart in her was breaking. Her hand still on the doorknob, she
leaned against the door, sliding to the ground until she was curled
up in a little huddle. Bright tears starred her eyelashes. Oh
Usagi, get better soon. Please . . . for all of us, especially for
*him*. He blames himself, Usagi.
Mamoru barely noticed Rei's departure. He whispered to Usagi,
staring at her pale sleeping face, "A dream, huh? You always love to
sleep late, don't you? Usako, it's time to get up now, though.
Please, just wake up. Just . . . just open your eyes! Usako!"
Usagi stirred in her slumber. "Mamo-chan . . . Mamo-chan!"
"Usako!"
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
*The next evening*
"Mamo-chan."
"Hmm?"
Serenity looked up at her love as they walked arm in arm among the
roses in what she had come to think of as *their* place. The rose
clearing had always seemed like a special place ever since she had
first seen it and realized that a temple to the moon had once stood
there. She felt stronger in this clearing, feeling the full moon's
light on her. Gathering her courage, she found the strength to blurt
out the question that had been on her mind ever since last night
revelations.
"Do you love me?"
Endymion stopped short and looked at her. "Usako, can there be
any doubt? I've loved you since you ran into my arms that first
day."
Serenity drew a deep breath and prayed to the Moon that the
decision that she had made was the correct one. The words etched on
the archway echoed in her mind, 'When the sacred Moon reaches its
zenith in the sky, the light of the full moon will infuse she who
possesses the blood of Serenity, descendant of the goddess Selene,
with the power of the Sacred, the power to perform a sacred rite by
moonlight, fulfilling her deepest desire at that time.' "If you
love me, will you do something that I ask?"
"Of course."
"Then let us mingle our blood, not so that we are brother and
sister, but so that we are always one, no matter what happens to us."
This, oh Goddess, is my deepest desire.
He looked down at her. "Usako-"
"For your love for me," she whispered.
He nodded and pulled out a shining dagger. He made a nick in his
finger and handed the dagger to her. She too pricked her finger and
drew blood then they pressed their hands together, palm to palm and
kissed in the light of the shining silver moon.
A bubble of blood welled up in each of their cuts and then their
life's blood met each other. It mixed, merged, became one, and
Endymion could suddenly feel the burning hot flow of the blood within
him, setting him ablaze. What is this power that I feel? Is this
the strength of her blood? I feel . . . I feel different.
Serenity gasped a little as her blood drained into him and his
into her. His blood is so hot in my body. Yet, it's so alive.
This is mortal blood, mortal life! Oh, what is this feeling? I feel
as though I could fly!
Then together as the flow of blood dimmed, I feel a new strength!
A new life! This is the power of our love.
They pulled apart from their embrace and as their hands parted, a
shining trail of blood fell to the ground. "I didn't know we would
bleed that much," Endymion said, observing the blood. It was only a
pinprick, how is that possible?
"Nor did I," Serenity replied. Did I do the right thing? Does
he want the immortality I have given him? I know I'm selfish for
forcing this upon him, but . . . I can't bear the thought of living
without him. I shan't tell him and everything will be all right. He
doesn't need to know right now.
Endymion put his hands on Serenity's shoulders. She looked up,
inquiringly. "Mamo-chan?"
"We are bound now. You were right. No matter what happens, we
will never truly be apart."
She smiled happily. "And I hope that we will never be apart at
all! Always together, that's what I want us to be."
"Always together," he echoed. Then he bent and pulling her to him
gently, he kissed her tenderly.
Serenity gave herself to the kiss, shutting her eyes. I won't
worry, for now. We're together, that's what's important. Just,
don't-don't let me regret what I've done . . .
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
A deep languor fell over the Inner Senshi and Mamoru.
"What . . . is going . . . on?" Minako struggled, trying to fight
the feeling. She stared at her friends passed out around her and
tried one last time to keep her eyes open. Nevertheless, her
strength gave in to exhaustion and she joined the others in their
uneasy slumber.
"Usako," Mamoru murmured, not letting go of her hand as he slipped
into unconsciousness. "Hang on, Usako . . ."
Setsuna felt a jolt as the timestream altered slightly. So, the
time has come. Well, let it come! It is time they knew . . . all.
Over a thousand years have passed and the time has finally come for
the knowledge to be given them.
In his realm of dreams, 'Elios shook his head and sighed. Sleep
softly, sleep well. There is nothing that I can do against Destiny.
Fate is both cruel and merciful. Nothing can stop your memories from
returning in full now, and nothing should. He stared at the two
Dream Gates, the one constructed of ivory and the other of horn.
Your dreams pass through the Gate of Horn, the Gate of Truth.
You are dreaming true dreams, my friends.
"So dream," he whispered softly, "dream of past deeds, past lives,
and past loves . . ."
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
When their kiss ended, Serenity laid her head against his chest,
breathing raggedly. "I'm sorry!"
"For what?" Endymion asked, confused. What does my Usako have to
be sorry for?
She looked up at her love. "There are things about me that I have
told no one, not even you, dearest."
"What things?" he asked, amused.
"Secrets. I wish I could tell you, but then things between us
would change and we would no longer be as we are now."
"Why?" he asked her suddenly serious. "There is nothing that
could ever change the way I feel about you, except . . . It's not
another man?" His tone changed as he said that, and his eyes changed
a little. She read worry in those eyes and she didn't know whether
to laugh or to cry.
"No," she whispered, placing a finger on his lips to silence them,
"it's not another man. There's no one but you. I could not give my
heart to another, for it is yours."
"Then what could you have to tell me that would change anything?"
He held her tighter, but she pulled away.
"Oh, if I did not love you so, this would not hurt me as much as
it does." Her eyes grew harder then. "I *lied* to you."
He looked at her, disbelieving and she saw the smile that hovered
about his lips. "About what?"
"Don't take it so lightly," she snapped, then instantly regretted
it. "I am not who I said I was. I was never who I said I was."
"I know," he said looking at her with an amused expression. "You
are royalty, aren't you?"
She drew her breath in sharply and gazed up at him.
"Did you think that you could hide it? I knew from the moment
that I saw you that this was no ordinary girl. This angel-vision
could only be royalty. No ordinary girl would hold herself like
that, would speak and smile and gaze like that. No one but a woman
of noble birth could ever have such an air about her. If you are
afraid that I would be upset that you did not tell me such things,
you need not have feared. Though I promised myself long ago that I
would never be tricked into loving someone, this was no trick. Ever
since I laid eyes upon you and felt the purity of your soul, I knew
that the love between us was destined."
She looked at him and tears gathered in her eyes. "I feared that
yes, but I fear my true secret more." She felt his hands on her
shoulders and turned to be in his embrace. "If I told you my secret,
could you ever truly love me, if you knew?"
"Dearest, as I told you before, nothing could ever stop me from
loving you, Usako."
"I'm not Usagi. I'm from the-" A huge bubble of energy formed
around her and floated her up into the air.
"Mamoru!" she screamed, the manifestation of energy taking her
away.
"Usagi!"
"I'm from the Moon! I'm from the Moon Kingdom!" she cried back
and her tears fell and hit him where he stood as she vanished into
the night.
To be continued . . .
A brief musical intro is played involving a keyboard, xylophone
(maybe), soft drums, guitar, and harp.
A full white moon on a black background fades into existence.
"My heart says to me,"
Sixteen-year old Princess Serenity clasps her hands together in front
of her chest, and stares down with a heart-broken expression on her
face.
"I love someone so dearly,"
Nineteen-year old Prince Endymion rides his horse (Mask) with a sad
but determined expression on his face.
"That I know,"
Endymion dismounts and stares into the fog.
"There's no one for me,"
Serenity slowly materializes from the fog.
"But you."
She looks up and their eyes meet.
"I would like you to see,"
They stand, staring at each other for an instant, the wind blowing
about them.
"What is wrong and what is true,"
Suddenly, Endymion and Serenity start running towards each other.
"I am in love,"
A close up of Serenity's face. She's weeping.
(I am in love)
The Guardians and the Senshi stand together in the shadows.
"I am in love-"
A close up of Endymion's face. He's desperate to get to her.
"With you."
They embrace, tearfully.
"Angel light,"
A white light explodes outward from them.
"Please bathe me in your love tonight,"
The light fades and the moon shines down on the two of them kissing.
"I am longing for a glimpse-"
Lady Beryl stares at Endymion wistfully, but when he turns away, her
eyes fill with tears.
"Of your Angel light."
Serenity and Endymion take each other's hands.
"I will be forever yours tonight,"
They dance together, the moonlight streaming down around them.
"Just smile at me,"
Serenity smiles and Endymion smiles back.
"With that Angel light."
Serenity trails a hand along the etchings on the archway, and looks
back at Endymion, saying something.
"Angel light,"
The white light expands and fades.
"You are like an angel in my sight,"
Princess Serenity unfurls her angel wings and looks at the camera,
her blue eyes filling with tears.
"I have never felt a love as bright,"
Endymion whispers "Usako", and a fierce wind starts to blow about him
where he stands on the ground, staring up at the sky.
"As your Angel light."
The white light flares out and fades.
"Angel light,"
Endymion is alone with darkness all around.
"You bring love to lift the darkness in my life,"
He sees an outstretched hand, glowing with brilliant light. Looking
up, he sees that it's Princess Serenity's and he takes it.
"I am enveloped by your Angel light,"
The light flows from her body to his and both of them glow softly in
the darkness.
"Please say that it's all right,"
A close up of Princess Serenity's face as she gazes lovingly at
Endymion.
"That I let you in my life."
A close up of Prince Endymion's face as he looks back at her, his
eyes loving.
"Angel light,"
Princess Serenity looks down at the Earth, from her balcony on the
moon.
"As I hold you in my arms tonight,"
Prince Endymion stares up at the moon from his balcony.
"I won't let your dreams give you fright,"
Usagi stirs in her coma, and Mamoru holds her hand tightly. Rei puts
a comforting hand on Mamoru's shoulder as he sits at Usagi's bedside,
but her eyes are worried.
"You don't have to fight,"
Usagi starts glowing in her hospital bed and her crescent moon symbol
appears and flares out, sending a wash of brilliant gold light into
the room, as she floats upward. The Inner Senshi (in their civilian
forms) are standing around, and Mamoru is kneeling at her bedside.
"It'll be all right,"
Rei, Minako, Ami, and Makoto's planet signs appear, sending their
hair flying away from their faces. An earth sign also appears on
Mamoru's forehead, but it's very weak. Their auras rise around them
and they stare at Usagi.
"My Angel light,"
A close up shot of the Senshi's faces, with their symbols appearing.
"My Angel light."
A close up shot of Mamoru's face, with *his* earth symbol appearing.
It is very weak but flares up brighter.
"Angel light,"
Princess Serenity floats into the air in her bubble of energy.
Mamoru stares at her despairingly.
"I am filled by love when I get you in my sight,"
Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion walk together (arm in arm, how
else?) along a path in a rose garden.
"I just want to forever hold you tight,"
Prince Endymion (in full battle armor *hint hint*) holds Princess
Serenity (in her princess gown) in his arms.
"'Cause together just it feels so right,"
There is a closeup shot of what Princess Serenity is holding in her
right hand almost squashed between the two of them. It it the *star
locket* (open) dangling from a golden chain.
"So just bathe me in your-"
Princess Serenity undoes one of her buns (the other already undone)
the spins around, her hair falling free, so she is facing the camera.
Her hair is slightly wavy and she smiles, cutely.
"Angel light,"
The bright white light transforms her princess gown into Sailor
Moon's uniform, but her hair is still down and she is holding the
Silver Crystal in between the thumb and index finger of her hand.
"I will be forever yours tonight,"
Prince Endymion runs onscreen, his armor morphing into his Tuxedo
Kamen outfit, only without the mask. He embraces Serenity in her
Sailor Moon outfit, and startled, the Silver Crystal slips from her
fingers-
"Shining in your-"
-into the air. Falling, it shines and the silvery sheen of it turns
into the bright white light-
"Angel light."
-which flashes as the screen shows a scene of Endymion and Serenity
smiling wistfully as they embrace. The scene is washed with white
light, growing fainter and fainter until it fades to white and then
to black.
Next, Sailor Moon Past Loves Part Four: Unlikely Love
Well, the truth is out. (Most of it.) Will Endymion and Serenity
find each other again? Will he let the past lie forgotten, or will
his old enmity against the Moon Kingdom come between them? What has
befallen the Senshi in the hospital, and what have the Senshi been
doing in the past? When Destiny decides to take a hand, the
unlikeliest things have the tendency to happen . . . I will not
forgive those who stand in the way of love! In the name of the moon,
I will punish you. The moonlight carries the message of love.
Okay, I hope you liked this part. Um . . . Minako's odd behavior
*will* be explained. The shield and 'Elios really have no part in
this 'fic at all, but I got bored and wanted to spice things up a
little. Parts of this Part (ugh, listen to this) were just plain
terrible and rushed. (I'm ill. Humor me.^^) The next Part will
probably be out in two weeks (I'm busy!) but I'll try and have it
done as soon as possible. However, I *promise* that it will be much
*much* better than Part Three.
Ja for now!
Fushigi Kismet
E-MAIL ME! Send all Comments, Compliments, & Criticism to
hsun@erols.com (Remember, that's CONSTRUCTIVE criticism.
Criticizing just to be mean isn't nice at all.)
P.S. I am unable to respond to any e-mails at this time, but I will
try to address any problems or questions in the Author's Notes.
Anyone been wondering about my pen name yet?
NO? (Grrrrr, rats!) I'll tell you all about it anyway.
Fushigi=Wondrous, wonderful, mysterious, or strange (I'm not sure
about the last one ^_^;)
Kismet=Destiny or fate(I am sure about these ^_^)
So mix 'n' match and what do you have? Wondrous destiny, mysterious
fate, strange destiny, wonderful fate, etc., etc. . .
Anyway, *I* thought it was a cool pen name even if it does sound
really dumb when you say it. *Sigh*, oh well, you can't have
everything.
I owe Ninx and Connie a big apology. Ninx 'cause I didn't mention
you in Part One or Two, (now how did that happen?) and Connie 'cause
I goofed on your last name. (That's Connie Somerville Kotkins,
folks.) Sorry!
BTW, read Lianne, John Biles, Jendra, Lady, Pandora, Ninx, Connie
Somerville Kotkins, Tenshi & Jenn, Monica and anyone else that I've
mentioned before's 'fics. You won't regret it. (Though you may lose
track of days if you read them all . . .)
Anime Quote of the Day:"She loves me!"-Darien's brilliant realization, Sailor Moon. ^^; (It's right up there with, "Serena's
Sailor Moon!")
Okay, now the DISCLAIMER:
Sailor Moon belongs to Takeuchi Naoko, Nakayoshi, Kodansha, Bandai,
Toei Co. Ltd., I know Buena Vista's in here somewhere, D.I.C., The
Program Exchange?, and probably many, many, others. Copyrighted
1992. I am getting no money out of this, please don't sue. However,
this is an original work by ME, and the original song, "ANGEL LIGHT"
(COPYRIGHT 1997) is MINE, and I will suck out your not-so-pure heart
crystal, thereby KILLING you if you use it without my permission and
even scarier SUE you if you do. Mwahaha! Uh, I'm not joking so please ask first if you have any manners or decency at all. Thank
you.
Sailor Moon Past Loves
by Fushigi Kismet
Mamoru sat at Usagi's bedside, holding her hand tightly, willing
his strength to her, as she stirred in her coma. Oh, Usako, be all
right. I'd never forgive myself if anything ever happened to you.
Never.
Rei put a comforting hand on his shoulder, looking down at the
pale form of her friend and leader, her eyes full of worry. Her
quiet voice reached through the haze of Mamoru's thoughts and gave
him comfort. "She'll be all right. She may not act like it
sometimes, but she's a fighter. She won't give up! She can't," Rei
whispered softly, and Mamoru understood. What Rei was feeling, what
he was feeling, what everyone was feeling, those things just couldn't
be explained in words, ever.
"How 'bout I get you some coffee?" she asked, turning to leave the
room.
He stood, gently letting go of Usagi's hand, and turned to reply,
but an ominous beeping sounded out and they both turned to stare at
Usagi's life monitor. Her life readings sped up erratically then
began to drop. Mamoru and Rei stared at her, unable to move.
"She's a fighter," Rei choked out. "Usagi!"
The beginning of "Moonlight Densetsu" starts playing.
A painting of the Moon Kingdom appears. The camera pans away from it
and we see Minako, Rei, Makoto, Ami, Usagi, and Mamoru looking at it
in a store window. Yumeno Yumemi comes out and invites them in.
They walk in and are instantly surrounded by dozens of paintings of
the Moon Kingdom. Usagi sighs as she sees one of Queen Serenity.
Mamoru puts an arm around her and holds her close.
She leans on his shoulder, looks up at him while he is looking down
at her and they smile. The screen flashes BISHOUJO SENSHI SAILORMOON
PAST LOVES (in Japanese) and pans away until it is centered and
surrounded by flashing colors.
"Gomen ne sunao ja nakute,"
Fourteen-year old Usagi klutzes out with ice-cream in hand and falls
down.
"Yume no naka nara ieru,"
Sixteen-year old Princess Serenity dances *quite* gracefully at a
ball.
"Shikou Kairo wa shotto sunzen,"
Usagi is sitting on the ground wailing when a hand appears in front
of her. The camera pans back and follows the arm up until we see
Mamoru who is looking at her with a concerned expression.
"Ima sugu aitai yo."
Usagi gets a determined expression on her face and taking his hand,
gets to her feet. She then notices that the ice-cream is still
intact. She smiles.
"Nakitaku naru you-na Moonlight,"
Princess Serenity is alone in the palace gardens at night. She's
weeping, then she turns around and stares at Earth.
"Denwa mo dekinai Midnight."
She begins to glow, then turns around to face the camera. She is
smiling and her crescent moon glows. (Mamoru's dream. ^_^;)
"Datte junjou dou shiyou?"
Princess Serenity stares at the Earth with a *really* sad expression.
"Haato wa mangekyou."
Cut to a scene of the full moon in the sky. The view spirals around
it and then to the ground where we see a beautiful silver palace. It
is *not* the one in Crystal Tokyo.
"Tsuki no hikari ni michibikare,"
Princess Serenity stands on Earth in a patch of silvery moonlight.
"Nandomo meguri-au,"
Prince Endymion pulls Princess Serenity into an embrace.
"Seiza no mataki kazoe uranau koi yukue."
The stars sparkle in the sky as Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion
kiss underneath them.
"Onaji kuni ni umareta no Mirakuru Romansu."
Nineteen-year old Prince Endymion stands at a balcony twirling a dark
red rose between his fingers as he stares up at the full moon (which
is on the left side of the screen). The camera shifts to focus on
the rose which is pricking his fingers. Spots of blood fall onto the
floor and one of them glows and sends out a scarlet light which
fills the screen. It fades to show sixteen-year old Princess
Serenity standing on a balcony and staring at Earth (which is on the
right side of the screen).
"Mo ichido futari de Weekend,"
Usagi and Mamoru sit on a blanket spread out in the park and eat a
picnic lunch. Usagi is holding a pie in her left hand as she bends
to pick up her fork. Mamoru turns to say something to her as she
straightens up with a happy cry, her fork in her hand. He gets, you
guessed it, a cream pie in the face. Usagi and Mamoru look at each
other, (he's just eyes staring out of cream) then start laughing.
"Kami-sama kanaeta Happy-end."
Usagi uses a napkin to tenderly wipe the last bit of pie off of
Mamoru's face and she smiles cutely at him. He catches her hand and
smiles at her and they kiss.
"Genzai kako mirai mo,"
Flash images really fast of toddler Princess Serenity in the past,
teenage Usagi in the present, and Neo-Queen Serenity in the future on
the screen.
"Anata ni kubittake."
Flash images really fast of six-year old Prince Endymion in the past,
Mamoru in the present, and King Endymion in the future on the screen.
"Deatta toki no natsukashii,"
Prince Endymion and Princess Serenity smile at each other.
"Manazashi wasurenai,"
The stars sparkle in the heavens again. Cut to a split screen of
sixteen-year old Princess Serenity (on the left side of the screen)
and nineteen-year old Prince Endymion (on the right side of the
screen) standing on their balconies. (Since it's a split screen,
there are no moons of planets and it looks like they're staring at
each other.)
"Ikusenman no hoshi kara anata o mitsukerareru,"
Sixteen-year old Princess Serenity watches her older Sailor Senshi
while they train on the moon. Nineteen-year old Prince Endymion
watches his older Guardians while they train on Earth.
"Guuzen mo chansu ni kaeru ikikata ga suki yo."
Mamoru, Usagi, Rei, Minako, Makoto, and Ami walk through the park
together, laughing and talking. Usagi, who isn't looking because
she's talking to Mamoru, accidentally walks into Rei where she has
stopped to smell some flowers. Rei gets up, self-righteous and
annoyed and starts to yell at Usagi, who looks like she's about to
cry, but then Minako, who's talking to Makoto and Ami and also isn't
looking, walks into Usagi. Minako's sudden stop causes Makoto and
Ami to trip and fall onto her while she's falling on Usagi, who's
falling on Rei. They all land with a crash on the ground. Mamoru's
the only one who's left standing and he gets a *huge* sweatdrop.
Everyone gets to their feet, start to yell, stop, then start
laughing.
"Fushigi-na kiseki Kurosu-shite nandomo meguri-au,"
Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion stare out into space from their
balconies some more. Cut to a scene of a rose spiraling in a beam of
moonlight. There is the flap of a black cape at the edge of the pool
of moonlight on the right side of the screen, the rest is hidden in
shadows. On the left side of the screen a tiara flashes right before
that person turns away into the shadows.
"Seiza no matataki kazoe uranau koi no yukue."
Another scene of the full moon and the earth. They spiral around
each other, before coming to a stop. Superimpose a picture of
Princess Serenity over the moon and Prince Endymion over the earth.
They're looking at each other while holding hands and smiling. Pan
away to show the other planets of the solar system in alignment.
"Onaji juni ni umareta no Mirakuru Romansu."
Queen Serenity smiles at the camera, before fading into the
background with a fully grown Luna and Artemis taking her place.
They also fade out and shadowy Senshi-like images appear and fade
out.
"Shinjite-iru no,"
Queen Serenity appears, smiling. Sixteen-year old Princess Serenity
appears in front of her, waving at the camera. Nineteen-year old
Prince Endymion appears next to her and they hold hands. All of the
other Senshi show up to the side of the trio. Mina makes a "V" for
victory sign and everyone else just gets into position.
"Mirakura Romansu."
The cats appear and everyone poses for the camera and freezes in
place.
FORBIDDEN LOVE
*In the Past*
After her time on Earth, Serenity changed. She had not a smile or
compliment for any of her suitors, she saved them all for *him*. She
became more quiet and withdrawn and her Senshi caught her, more than
once, staring at Earth. She was as relaxed as ever in their presence
and did not restrain her smiles or laughter then, but always,
*always* there was a part of her that belonged somewhere else.
Queen Serenity grew worried and directed Luna and Artemis to watch
over the princess and report anything at all that might have caused
the change in her. Unbeknownst to her, only Pluto had any inkling of
what was troubling the princess, but she had returned to her post,
guarding the Gate of Time.
The only thing that the Queen learned from her cat advisors was
that the princess cried each night before going to sleep and always
seemed to fall silent when confronted with a rose. She was restless
while she slept.
In this manner two years passed, and no one was the wiser as to
the ailment that the princess suffered, though it was rumored in
certain circles that something ill had befallen her on Earth, the
forbidden planet.
Only Princess Serenity, who knew the truth, would smile bitterly
as the rumors reached her and think quietly to herself, Not
something ill, something wonderful. I'm in love! And then she
would think of the object of her affections and wonder, Does he even
miss me a little . . . ?
Endymion leaned on the railing of the balcony outside of the
ballroom-where everyone else was laughing and dancing, and
celebrating to their heart's content-and stared up at the full moon
hanging in the starry dark night. In his hands he held a blood-red
rose. He twirled the stem between his fingers. The thorns stabbing
into his flesh and the blood dripping onto the spotless white marble
floor went unnoticed.
I wonder what she's doing, he thought idly. I wonder where she
is right now. Does she even think of me? I certainly think of her
enough. Oh, Odango Atama, I think of you too much for my own good.
I can't stop thinking of you. He sighed heavily. She was only a
child. Just a child. How can she have filled my heart so completely
in such a short amount of time?
The wind rose and ruffled his hair. His cloak flapped in the
breeze, smacking against his legs with a sound akin to a sail
billowing in the wind. Endymion didn't notice. I wonder what
you're doing, Usagi. Are you with a suitor? Has he kissed you yet?
Well, if he has, remember that your first kiss came from me. I know
it was your first, mine too. You were my first love, Usako. Was I
yours? Or was I simply some boy playing the part of your older
brother? I hope that's not the case. He sighed, thinking of how
beautiful she had been, how her eyes had seemed to light up whenever
she saw him. Or had he just been imagining things?
At the thought that even now, *his* Usako might be looking lovingly at some other man infuriated and worried him all at once.
If you're with someone else, then I wish I could be there to replace
him in your arms. I couldn't stand to see you with anyone but me.
I'm a selfish brute, but . . . I want to see your smile. I miss you,
Usako.
Lady Beryl came up behind him and shivered in the cold night air.
She saw his unseeing countenance and hesitated to disturb him, but
then her eyes fell on his bleeding hands. "Oh!" she cried. "You're
bleeding, my prince." She rushed forward and, pulling forth a clean
white handkerchief, sought to staunch the flow of blood.
"Leave it alone," he said indifferently, pulling away. He tossed
the rose over the balcony.
"But my prince-" she protested.
He looked at her and smiled gently. "Blood shed thinking of her
is no sacrifice to make. I would give her every drop in my body, had
she need of it." Bewilderment was plain to see on her features as
she drew away from him. Endymion bowed respectfully and turned to
leave as she curtsied. "I have given my heart to her," he said
simply. "I would not reclaim it for the world, for it is safe in her
keeping." He walked into the castle and Beryl could only stare after
him and at the blood soaked handkerchief, his words echoing in her
ears. "Every drop."
She crushed the piece of cloth covered in his blood in her hand
with a spurt of sudden anger, her vision darkening in rage until it
seemed to her that the floor of the balcony was covered with dark,
dripping blood. Endymion! Whoever she is, I will seek her out and
destroy her! You are *mine* . . . A tiny voice whispered to her,
admist the turmoil of her thoughts, Berr-ryl . . .
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Mamoru couldn't move. He was frozen to the spot, watching Usagi's
life readings fluctuate on the monitor, and hearing her labored
breathing. Then, all of a sudden, he pulled himself into motion and
reached for her hand-
-and was repelled. An invisible shield, shining silver only where
he touched it, had formed around Usagi, and merely coming into
contact with it had forced him back two feet. "REI! What is that?!
What's it doing to Usagi?"
Rei narrowed her eyes and stared at the shield. "I don't sense
anything evil from it. In fact, if anything, it feels exactly like
Usagi's energy!"
"Usagi's?! But how? Why?!"
"I don't know, but look, her readings are returning to normal and
she's breathing easier."
"That's some good news, but Rei, I *have* to get to her!"
"I know, but until the shield goes away, I don't think you'll be
able to."
Mamoru stared at the shield with slitted eyes. USAKO!
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Princess Serenity stared at the Earth hanging like a blue orb in
the dark starry void of space. She hummed a song that she had
learned as a child.
"When I see that world so blue,
I can't stop thinking of you.
Why can't love be so pure and true,
That I would never part from you?"
Sighing, she stared again at the blue of the Earth. The color of
his eyes.
Unnoticed, a figure crept up behind her. "Whatcha thinking about?"
Startled, Serenity turned, and found herself face-to-face with
Princess Minako, Sailor Venus, and Leader of her Senshi, as well as
being her double if the need should ever arise. "Venus," she said,
in surprise. She had not expected her to be out so late.
The girl placed her hands firmly against the railing of the
balcony and said, "Please, for right now it's Minako, okay?"
"Okay," Serenity said quietly.
Minako smiled sunnily. "Good. You know, it's hard being a senshi
all of the time. Once in awhile, I just like to be me."
Serenity nodded. She understood *completely*.
Minako looked at the Earth for a moment, then turned to face
Serenity. "I guess you don't ever have that luxury. To be yourself,
I mean."
Serenity looked at her inquiringly and after a moment's lapse,
Minako continued as though she had never paused in the first place.
"You're not just a princess like Rei and I and the rest of us. You're *the* princess, something you never have a chance to forget.
The rest of us, we're princesses, sure, but we're also your Senshi,
your Guardians, but now and then, we're just regular people too.
Now, mind you, not that I'm saying that we're *normal* or that any of
us will ever be *normal* but we can be just people, and you can't.
That's why you ran off before, isn't it?" Minako turned a frank look
on the princess.
Serenity flushed.
"Don't answer," Minako said a heartbeat later. "That's your
business, not mine. Still, you might not think it, but I *know* you,
inside and out because in more ways than one, I *am* you." Minako
gave her a sad look. "Being your double, that's the extent I have to
go to, to make myself like you. But I'm not you, and I could never
be. I'm Minako, always will be. I'm a princess, a senshi, a regular
girl, but I am not simply one or the other. I am not even the sum of
all of my parts, but something more." Her look became cooler.
"That's why I pity you. You don't really know who you are, do you?
You're a princess, a title that has no meaning unless you're
something else as well. You *were* something once, but that part of
you is locked away, waiting for something," she turned away from
Serenity, staring out at the Earth again "or someone. That's not any
good. You just can't wait for things, expecting them to happen! You
have to be willing to help them along so they can.
"Well, my advice to you is the only advice that I can give
*myself* and that's to go out and discover who you are for yourself
before it's too late and you end up never knowing and always
wondering."
Turning back to face Serenity, she let out a tired laugh. "I-I
guess I haven't been getting enough sleep lately. It's not like me
to wax philosophical. Don't mind me, I've just recently dredged up
some memories best left forgotten and they seem to be more painful
then I thought they would." She smiled at Serenity, but it was
strained, attempting to hide her pain. She straightened and began
walking off, her long blonde hair flowing behind her on the breeze.
"Good night, Princess."
"Minako, wait!" Serenity cried.
Minako halted, her back to her princess. "Yes?"
"Would you-would you like to be friends? I mean, I know we've
never been as close as we should be, not like the others and I-"
"No," Minako said tiredly, "we haven't. But, I'm different from
them and we both know it. Don't worry about us not being close.
We're closer than you think." She looked at Serenity's disappointed
face over her shoulder and her smile was blinding in its intensity.
"Good night."
"Good night," Serenity echoed.
As Minako walked off, she thought quietly to herself, No, we
can't be friends. At least not in this lifetime. In this life I *am* you, and until I can make peace with myself and learn not to
hate myself for doing what I've done, then I can't be friends with
you. Being your double makes us too much alike. I walk like you,
talk like you, move like you, breathe like you. Sometimes, I suppose
I think like you as well, though I hope it's not often, because no
one, no one should ever have to think about the things that I've
done, and an innocent like you should never think of the same things
as I. She closed her eyes and saw blood, and letting out a
shuddering breath, she opened them. No, my princess, you're better
off as far from me as possible. But don't worry, I would give up my
life to protect you. After all, it's not worth much.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
'Elios appeared in a burst of blazing white light. He took one
look at the scene around him and after staring at the shield around
Usagi for an instant, he turned to Mamoru. "You called, my prince?"
"No," Mamoru growled out. Then he turned to 'Elios and his tone
was accusatory. "What do you know about this?" He gestured at Usagi
and the shield.
"Nothing, my prince," 'Elios responded, puzzled as he stared at
the shield. "I can tell you nothing of this energy except to say
that it is not dream energy and it is not harming Usagi. Other than
that . . ." He shrugged.
Mamoru frowned. "Where are those doctors? Shouldn't they have
noticed her readings?"
"Do you want them to?" 'Elios asked, pointedly.
"I want them to tell me whether or not she's all right!" Mamoru
retorted.
"Oh, well I can tell you that."
"WHAT?!" Rei and Mamoru snapped.
"From what I can sense of her from here, she'll be all right.
Right now, she's simply dreaming."
"Well, I want her to wake up before it's too late!" Mamoru cried
heatedly, moving towards her.
"I'm afraid I can't let you do that," 'Elios replied easily,
interspersing himself between Mamoru and Usagi.
"What?" Mamoru asked, stunned.
"I said, I can't let you do that."
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Princess Serenity watched as Minako left. Though she had not
understood all that Minako had said, one thing did stick with her.
'You *were* something once, but that part of you is locked away,
waiting for something, or someone. That's not any good. You just
can't wait for things, expecting them to happen! You have to be
willing to help them along so they can.'
She's right! she thought suddenly. I've been moping around
here dreaming about Mamoru, but if I don't do something, I'm never
going to see him again. What was I expecting? It's not like he can
go here to seek me out. He doesn't even know who I am. Serenity
shied away from that thought. She hadn't liked lying to him about
that, but it was probably for his own good. Besides, she had wanted
to be just an ordinary girl and not a princess, and for that one
glorious week, she had been.
A determined expression formed on Serenity's face. Well then! If my Prince Charming isn't going to come calling, then I'm going to
go seek *him* out! She hesitated for an instant. Her mother had
been *VERY* upset with her when she had returned, but she had also
been so relieved that Princess Serenity had not been punished . . .
much. Well, I'll just have to face Mother's wrath again. I can
take it. However, there were more pressing matters that concerned
her more. The last time she had gone to Earth, she had been unaware
of the decree banning all Moon people from setting foot on Earth
soil. Since then she had been studying more with Mercury-sensei, and
the older girl had made sure that she knew every bit of history that
applied to the moon.
Serenity frowned. It's not like they could wage war on us if
they found out that I was from the moon. They can't even get up
here! Anyway, I'll just be extra careful, then there's no need to
worry. She nodded emphatically, to convince herself, then she stuck
her hand into the air and concentrating hard she cried aloud,
"PRINCESS TELEPORT!" In a shimmering of silver light she was gone.
Rei watched from the shadows off to one side of the balcony. Her
violet eyes were worried. She bit her lip as the princess
disappeared. Oh Sere, what are you up to now? Slipping back into
the shadows, Rei ran off to make her report to the Queen, but slowed
to a fast walk halfway there, her mind working busily. I'll give
you some time, Sere. Not much, but a little. If being on Earth
again will cheer you up, then I'll disobey my oath a little bit and
hope to Mars that you're capable of taking care of yourself for
however long it is before we find you. Good luck.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
"'Elios, get out of my way!"
'Elios gazed sternly at Mamoru. "She's not in danger. Right now,
she's only dreaming, but if you disrupt her dream at this point, the
consequences will be severe. I have warned you, my prince, do not
seek to change that which has been destined."
Mamoru replied quietly, his face calm, but his eyes and voice hard
as steel. "I am the last to stand in the way of destiny."
"Perhaps, or perhaps you've been trying to prevent it all along.
At any rate, she will sleep for a time, but nothing ill will befall
her. I promise you that."
"It had better not," Mamoru warned him.
'Elios nodded and, with a gesture, returned to Elysion, his world
of dreams. You too, my prince, shall sleep like the Endymion of the
days of old. However, your sleep shall not be as peaceful.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Princess Serenity arrived in the early hours of the morning. Not
too bad, this time. I only ended up on Jupiter twice and Mercury
once. Does this mean that I'm improving? She dusted off her dress,
then turned and taking a step forward . . . fell down.
"OW! I forgot that Earth's gravity was *so* HEAVY!"
"I bet you did!" a voice called from above her.
Serenity looked up to see a long-legged youth perched in a branch
above her. He wore a dangerous expression to go with the dagger
sheathed at his side. Serenity recognized him. Uh oh, not him
again!
"Recognize me?" the youth asked, leaping agilely down from the
tree. He wore a rather nasty expression.
Looking at him, Serenity decided that the safest answer was, "No."
He smirked. "My friends and I would've killed you last time if
your so-called prince hadn't come to your rescue. In fact, my
friends should be here any minute and then we can pick up where we
left off."
"What do you want?" she asked, truly frightened.
He looked at her and angry tears filled his muddy brown eyes. "I
want my family back!"
"Why does that have anything to do with me?" Serenity asked,
shocked.
"When you were hanging around the garden before, you just weren't
making the plants grow, were you? You were planning to kill off my
folks and my little sister!"
"What are you talking about?!" Serenity demanded, becoming uneasy.
This youth was nuts.
"They're dead," he said, trying to hold his emotions in check.
"They were drained to death when I came home from chasing you! They
were - It was like they had no energy left. I-I've never seen
anything like it, and I never want to again. That's why I swore to
kill you if I ever laid eyes on you again, and so did my buddies, you
off-world trash!"
Serenity stared at him without comprehension. His family's dead?
Drained of energy? And he blames ME?!! I didn't do anything but
admire their flowers! I would never do anything like that! But, he
doesn't know that.
The boy pulled out his long dagger and walked towards her.
Serenity scrambled to her feet and awkwardly backed away. "I didn't
kill them," she said softly. "I never even saw them."
"Then why are they DEAD?!!"
The other two boys showed up at that instant and seeing Serenity,
they too pulled out their knives and advanced on her. Surrounded,
she could only try and hold back the tears that she threatened to
shed. She let out one anguished mental cry, MAMOOORRRUUUU!!!!
Endymion was out riding his favorite horse, Mask that morning.
There was nothing that he enjoyed more than a chance to see how fast
Mask would go. Suddenly, he jerked as though stabbed through the
heart. His vision dimmed a little and he thought painfully to
himself, Is someone calling for me? Pulling Mask up short, he
halted for a heartbeat sensing in which direction to go, then rode
Mask back the way they had come. Someone needs my help. I know
it!
When they were within sight of a certain tree that he often
visited, he saw three youths with knives surrounding a frightened
girl. Cursing, he urged the horse forward. Fools, what do they
think they're doing?
As the horse raced by, he stretched out a hand to the girl who saw
him coming and grabbed on. Then in one quick heft, she mounted
behind him and they rode off. The three young men cursed after them.
Endymion could hear the girl's rapid breathing from behind him.
All right, first I get the girl to safety, then I take care of those
three villains. "Are you all right?" he asked the girl.
"I'm all right, Mamoru," she replied, and he froze at hearing her
voice.
"Usagi?" he asked in disbelief, then risked a look over his
shoulder.
She smiled. "It's been a while, hasn't it? Perhaps we should
find some other place to meet from now on. That spot under the tree
seems to get more dangerous every time I go."
"It *is* you!" Mamoru said, looking at her in amazement.
"Thank you for rescuing me," she said wholeheartedly.
"No," he replied, the three boys forgotten, "thank you for needing
rescuing." Thank you for coming back, he added in his mind.
He halted Mask when they reached the courtyard in front of the
stables. He dismounted quickly, then easily swung Usagi off. She
giggled in excitement at seeing him again. I've missed him so
much.
Endymion whirled her around then pulled her into an embrace,
nearly crushing her against him as he wrapped his arms around her and
held her tight, murmuring, "I've missed you, I've missed you," into
the sweet scent of her hair. Her body in his arms was soft and warm
and real. One thought kept ringing through his mind. She's really
here!
She pulled a little away from him and looked up at him and their
lips met in an accord. The tingling sensation that ran through his
body when her mouth met his was shocking in its intensity. Endymion
felt his heart rapidly beating in his chest. They held each other as
though they would never let go.
Lady Beryl ran up to meet Endymion when he arrived at the stables.
She had been waiting for him to return as she did every morning. She
stopped as she saw who he was with. What?! Where did *she* come
from? She watched as they embraced, the anger burning in her now.
How dare they-How dare SHE take my Endymion! He's MINE!
Again the tiny raspy voice murmured, as it so often had in the
past, dark and rich with promises of forbidden delights.
Berr-ryyl. Berr-ryyl.
What do you want?! she snapped, listening to it for the first
time.
I am the entity that your mother ssssought to ssssummon. I can
give you unlimited power, whatever your heart mosssst desiresss. I
can give you the world, little Beryl.
The world? No, I don't want that. I-I want-
Endymion, the voice supplied silkily. Yessss.
You know that?
I know all, little Beryl. If he isss what you dessssire, I will
give you the meanssss to acquire him. He sssshall be yoursss.
Who are you? Beryl demanded. You snake-voiced thing! she
added in the back of her mind.
I am METALLIA!
Metallia, Beryl breathed. Metallia, the ultimate giver of
power?!
Yessss.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Suddenly, the shield disappeared in a flash of silvery sparkles.
Makoto, Minako, and Ami ran into the room.
"Minna, what are you doing here?" Rei asked.
"We felt something from Usagi," Minako replied, her eyes on
Usagi's still form.
"You'll be in trouble if they find you," Rei warned.
"So? They can kick us out later!" Makoto retorted sharply.
"Yes, Usagi-chan needs us now."
"She does indeed," Rei whispered, turning her gaze back to her
princess.
*Minna* a faint voice whispered, Usagi's voice.
The Senshi started, but Mamoru, who had once again taken his
position at her side once the shield had disappeared, merely squeezed
her hand tighter.
*Minna*, lend me your strength . . . the voice called
desperately.
Usagi began to shine with a golden light in her hospital bed. Her
crescent moon appeared and started to glow. It flared out, sending a
wash of brilliant gold light into the room. She floated slowly
upward, off of the bed until she was hovering two or three feet above
it. Still in their civilian guises, the Inner Senshi stood, and
called forth their power as did Mamoru.
Rei, Minako, Ami, and Makoto's planet signs appeared, sending
their hair flying away from their faces. An earth sign also appeared
on Mamoru's forehead, but shone very weakly. Everyone's brightly
colored auras rose around them and they focused their power to Usagi.
The Senshi have determined expressions on their faces. Mamoru's
Earth symbol barely glowed but it flared up brighter as he focused
his power to his beloved. Please Usako, be all right. Let our
strength be enough to help you.
A light shot out and Usagi fell back into her hospital bed. The
Senshi and Mamoru collapsed to the ground.
"What happened?" Rei asked.
Ami looked anxiously at Usagi's life readings. "Her readings are
normal. I don't think anything's wrong now." She looked at Usagi.
I hope she comes out of it soon. "I think it's best if we leave
now."
"I think it is," a stern voice called out from the doorway.
Everyone turned guiltily to look at the owner of the voice.
"Oh, hi Mom," Ami squeaked in a little voice, swallowing a lump in
her throat.
"Hello dear," her mother replied, frowning. "What are you doing
in here, pray tell?"
"Uhhh . . . Well, this is Usagi, my friend - remember her, Mom? -
who got caught in a fire. She's in a coma right now and we all just
wanted to be here to give her our support."
Ami's mother's face softened a little. "Oh Ami, I understand
that, but Ami dear, you of all people should know that following
proper procedure is the first step in medicine. Now, I won't report
you and your friends but you'll all have to leave now."
"Yes, Ma'am," the three girls replied meekly as they filed out of
the room.
Mamoru held Usagi's hand a little tighter. "I'm not leaving."
"Neither am I," Rei piped up.
Am's mother took one look at their IDs and the determined
expressions on their faces and sighed. "All right, you two may stay,
but just you, no more. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Good." Cursorarily checking Usagi's monitors, she left, shutting
the door gently behind her.
Rei and Mamoru heaved a sigh of relief.
"Thank goodness Ami's mom wasn't mad."
"Yeah," Mamoru replied, brushing a tendril of hair from Usagi's
face. "Now, if Usagi would just wake up, that would make my day."
Rei smiled sadly. "Mine too."
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
"What must I do to acquire this Power?" Beryl asked suspiciously
as she sat alone at a desk in her quarters.
The little voice whispered to her, "You musssst ssssswear to
sssserve me and collect the energy that I require."
"If you insist. What else?"
"You musssst desssstroy my enemiessss for me."
"And they would be?
"The Planetary Ssssorceressssssssessss and their children.
Thosssse troublessssome bratssss will get in our way."
"Done. Is that it?"
"One thing more, you musssst give up your ssssoul."
Beryl hesitate for an instant, then another, and finally she put
her hand to her heart in a warriors salute and said, "Done."
"Now," Metallia said, pleased, "draw up the agreement in blood."
"Whose?"
"Yourssss."
Beryl stared at the blank piece of parchment in front of her, then
taking the ceremonial dagger Endymion had given her once, she slashed
open her hand and let the blood drip onto the point of a quill pen.
She began to write and the words that her mother had told her once
echoed through her mind, 'Remember Beryl, once a pact has been
signed in blood, there is no going back. There is nothing on Heaven
and Earth that can break an agreement written in the agreer's own
lifeblood.
'Blood is binding, Beryl. To spill your own blood freely is
something that is not to be taken lightly. The Creatures of Darkness
are the only ones who will ask this of you and only for them should
you do so, for those born from the Darkness are those born with great
power. You can use this power, Beryl, and twist it to your own ends,
but do not displease those born of the Dark, or your life will be
Hell.'
"I remember, Momma. I remember it all."
As she signed her name on the parchment the dark cloud of energy
that was Metallia manifested herself and snatched the parchment from
her. It burned the paper in a burst of unholy light and as she
watched it burn, Beryl felt a chill go through her. I have sold my
soul for you, Endymion, but never fear, once I have you, nothing else
matters . . .
"Now, it issss time for you to come into your power."
Metallia directed Beryl to a portal that led to her hidden
stronghold in the north. Beryl's hidden stronghold now, she assured
her.
Beryl looked about her at the dank dark interior of the caverns.
"*This* is our stronghold?"
"Yessss."
"This is not good enough for us!"
Metallia hissed. "Do not be impudent, Beryl. It issss good
enough for now."
Beryl frowned. "Very well, Empress."
"Good. Now, come to me, Beryl, and receive your Power."
Beryl nodded her head in acquiesance and followed the voice to its
source.
As she walked forward, her ears grew longer, her eyes narrowed,
and the stone that she wore dangling from a chain about her head
sprouted a dark stone growth in the shape of a boomerang. Her
clothes melted and soldified as a dark purple gown and a staff and
crystal ball appeared in front of her.
Unaware of the changes, Beryl stared at the objects floating
before her. "What are these?"
"Giftssss for you, Beryl. Giftssss for your sssstation in life.
Usssse them to desssstroy the SSSSorceressssesssss and their
children. The ancient power runssss deep in them and assss long
assss they live, they will be a hindrance to ussss. Kill them,
Beryl, and quickly."
"But what of Endymion? What about what *I* want?!"
"You sssserve me now. Your only dessssire sssshould be to
sssserve me."
"You promised that I should have him. That was our deal."
"Yesss, and sssso you sssshall. Sssshe who holdssss ssssway of
his heart issss one of the children that you musssst kill. Kill her,
and Endymion issss yourssss."
"Yes, my master."
"I am here."
Beryl walked obediently forward, seeing a hint of light at the end
of the tunnel. Walking into it, she was instantly struck with two
thoughts. It was cold and a feeling of dread had settled over her
heart. She saw it then, the otherworldly nebulous mass that was
Metallia. And she was afraid.
"Come to me, Beryl . . ." the voice hissed. "Come to me . . ."
Unable to resist, Beryl walked forward and was engulfed by the
dark matter that streamed about her and filled her.
Beryl screamed in anguish as her body contorted and was shaped by
the darkness. With no more effort than it takes to blow out a
candle, all of the light was extinguished and everything was silent.
Slowly, slowly, two red eyes opened in the darkness and a voice
filled with evil and malice whispered into the night, "I have come
for your souls. Princess. Prince. As Destiny has ordained, I,
Beryl, shall rule all!!!!!!"
The light flashed on in a burst, but the cavern was eerily lit,
filled with shadows. A sickly glow of purple light emanated from
Beryl as she stood, holding her staff with the crystal ball atop it.
"The Power," Beryl hissed, and it was no longer Beryl's voice,
"The POWER IS MINE!!!!!!" She threw back her head and laughed, her
eyes flashing red. The terrifying sound of her laughter echoed
throughout the hollow caverns. And soon Endymion, soon, you shall
be mine as well . . .
*Back on the Moon*
"Sailor Senshi, sworn to defend Princess Serenity at any cost, I
have summoned you here."
"What is your will, my queen?" Mars asked on bended knee, not
daring to look up. Her demure gaze was shaded by her dark lashes.
"What else?" Serenity asked, her gaze full of anguish.
"My queen?"
"Find the princess!" Serenity commanded. "I don't care what it
takes, just find her and bring her home!"
"Your will be done," Mars responded formally as Jupiter and
Mercury echoed her.
"You are in charge of this mission, Mars," Queen Serenity
directed.
"Venus is needed here."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Mars replied.
"Go now!"
Mars stood. Jupiter and Mercury followed suit. The three of them
bowed simultaneously to their queen, then, sticking their hands into
the air and motioning, they summoned up portals.
"MARS TELEPORT!!!"
"MERCURY TELEPORT!!!"
"JUPITER TELEPORT!!!"
They disappeared in three swirls of light.
"Good luck," Serenity whispered.
Behind the pillar where she had been observing all this, Minako
frowned. Why can't I go?! I'm the Leader of the Senshi! Why was
this done behind my back?! Where are you, Sere?
"Venus," a voice whispered from behind her.
Minako jumped several feet into the air upon feeling the person's
breath on her neck. Turning around she hissed, "You scared me! Oh,
it's you."
"Yes, it's me," Setsuna replied.
"You know something about this, don't you?" Minako accused,
stabbing a finger at Setsuna.
"Of course. There is nothing in the Moon Kingdom that escapes my
notice."
"Then why wasn't I sent?!"
"You are too valuable. There is an evil approaching, Venus, and
we cannot afford to be off of our guards for an instant. *You* are
needed here."
Minako sighed doubtfully, an irritated look on her face. "If you
say so."
"I do."
*A week later*
*Back on Earth*
Endymion and Serenity strolled leisurely through the Royal
Gardens. They had sneaked in secretly under cover of darkness,
though it was hardly dark since the moon was out and nearly full.
I can't believe that Mamo-chan actually suggested that we sneak
in here to get me a "garden rose"! Serenity blushed as she thought
of the nickname that she had given him when he had accidently called
her "Usako". Both names had stuck as their terms of endearment for
one another.
Princess Serenity was once again staying with Ikuko and Kenji, but
this time there was a new addition to the family, Shingo. Princess
Serenity had been delighted when the babe had smiled at her and had
started calling him her "little brother" for fun. 'You're cute,
Shingo,' she had told him once. 'You'll grow up to be a fine man,
just like your father.'
Ikuko and Kenji had been worried when she had departed so suddenly
the last time and were more than happy to have her back. However,
they both worried over why she had returned and why she wouldn't tell
them anything. Princess Serenity, keeping to the oath she had sworn
herself of not getting them involved, had refused to devulge
anything.
Though she worried over keeping things from them, she had spent
her days with Endymion with a light and happy heart. For how can
someone not be happy when she is finally with the one that she loves?
They had gone to the places that he had promised her they would
go. He had taken her on moonlit rides on his horse, Mask. Serenity
had taken delightfully to riding, seeing as when they rode Endymion
always had his arms around her waist to keep her from falling off.
They had walked together in their rose clearing, talking of how much
the one had missed the other's company. They were always together,
every minute of the day, and they were together at night as well, in
their dreams.
In this manner, a week had passed and Serenity would have begun to
worry, but she was so blissfully happy that she could not bear to
even think of ever leaving. It was impossible to her that their
little paradise should ever be spoiled.
To Endymion it was all too clear.
He had spent the week happy every instant that he spent gazing
into her eyes, and distraught every instant that he was separated
from her. Always the threat of her departure loomed over him has he
recalled how he had lost her the last time. He swore to himself that
it would not happen again. He and Serenity would never part. But in
his heart, he knew better.
He had not returned to the palace for a week. He had only gone
once to the stables, to fetch Mask, and then he and Mask had
retreated to a small deserted cottage in the woods.
Even when he was alone with Serenity, treasuring the sight of her
and her smile, he was aware that his Guardians were searching for
him. The populace did not know yet that their prince had vanished,
but his Guardians knew well enough that Endymion was nowhere to be
found. That was the way he wanted it. He did not want to be
reminded of his royal duties at a time like this. All he wanted was
to be just an ordinary boy spending time with the girl that he loved,
and for a time, he got his wish.
In the gardens, Endymion found his thoughts drifting.
"Are you all right?" Serenity asked. "I know how it troubles you
to be here."
"I'm all right, Usako. I was just thinking."
"What are you thinking about, Mamo-chan?"
He smiled at her and watched the color rise on her cheeks as he
said, "About how beautiful you are. And, I was thinking about the
Moon Kingdom."
"Moon Kingdom?" Serenity asked carefullly.
"There's an ancient legend about a group of Sorceresses who took
to the stars and left Earth behind. They founded a vast kingdom of
all of the planets in our solar system save Earth itself. It was
called the Moon Kingdom."
Serenity began fidgeting. Why is he thinking of that? Does he
suspect who I am? No, that's silly. Right? "Why are you thinking
about an ancient legend?"
"The moon - it made me think of it. And this garden. I don't
like thinking about that legend much, but when I do, I just can't
seem to stop. I don't know if I could forgive the Moon Kingdom, if
it truly exists. My parents - they were killed by someone from
there."
"Are you certain?" Serenity asked softly, dreading his answer.
After a moment, he let out a long sigh. "No, I'm not. I'm not
even certain the Moon Kingdom is real. Perhaps, I'm just seeking
someone to blame." He looked off into the distance.
Serenity kept her eyes downcast. "Perhaps."
All of a sudden Endymion smiled, and let out a chuckle, releasing
the tension between them. "Why are we discussing this?"
Serenity smiled back at him, a tad wistfully. "I don't know."
He put an arm around her and she nestled her head against him as
they continued walking.
"I do know something about the moon," Endymion said, playfully,
tweaking one of Serenity's ponytails. "There's a rabbit on it."
"Oh?" Serenity asked, as innocently as she could, desperately
trying to hold in her giggles.
"Of course, Usako. But as for you, you belong right here on the
earth with me."
She smiled. I wish he'd talk about something else.
"Not that I have anything against the moon itself. It's quite
lovely, and I always find myself staring at it, late at night, but I
just want you to stay close, Usako. I want you to always be with
me."
Serenity put a hand to his face, blinking her suddenly tear-filled
eyes. "You and I will always be together. No matter what happens,
we'll never really part."
"I'll do everything I can to ensure that, because I know now that
I can't live without you."
Serenity pulled away. "Don't be silly," she said in a shaky
voice.
"It's true. Usako, you're my life. You've filled the void that I
thought could never be filled. I'd be empty without you. I couldn't
go on."
Staring at him with wide eyes, Serenity realized that he spoke the
truth. "Mamo-chan . . ." she whispered, and sorrowed. What kind of
a life together could an immortal and a mortal lead?
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Rei left, silently shutting the door behind her on the
heart-breaking scene. Mamoru was holding Usagi's hand whispering to
her and she just hadn't been able to bear watching it any longer.
The heart in her was breaking. Her hand still on the doorknob, she
leaned against the door, sliding to the ground until she was curled
up in a little huddle. Bright tears starred her eyelashes. Oh
Usagi, get better soon. Please . . . for all of us, especially for
*him*. He blames himself, Usagi.
Mamoru barely noticed Rei's departure. He whispered to Usagi,
staring at her pale sleeping face, "A dream, huh? You always love to
sleep late, don't you? Usako, it's time to get up now, though.
Please, just wake up. Just . . . just open your eyes! Usako!"
Usagi stirred in her slumber. "Mamo-chan . . . Mamo-chan!"
"Usako!"
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
*The next evening*
"Mamo-chan."
"Hmm?"
Serenity looked up at her love as they walked arm in arm among the
roses in what she had come to think of as *their* place. The rose
clearing had always seemed like a special place ever since she had
first seen it and realized that a temple to the moon had once stood
there. She felt stronger in this clearing, feeling the full moon's
light on her. Gathering her courage, she found the strength to blurt
out the question that had been on her mind ever since last night
revelations.
"Do you love me?"
Endymion stopped short and looked at her. "Usako, can there be
any doubt? I've loved you since you ran into my arms that first
day."
Serenity drew a deep breath and prayed to the Moon that the
decision that she had made was the correct one. The words etched on
the archway echoed in her mind, 'When the sacred Moon reaches its
zenith in the sky, the light of the full moon will infuse she who
possesses the blood of Serenity, descendant of the goddess Selene,
with the power of the Sacred, the power to perform a sacred rite by
moonlight, fulfilling her deepest desire at that time.' "If you
love me, will you do something that I ask?"
"Of course."
"Then let us mingle our blood, not so that we are brother and
sister, but so that we are always one, no matter what happens to us."
This, oh Goddess, is my deepest desire.
He looked down at her. "Usako-"
"For your love for me," she whispered.
He nodded and pulled out a shining dagger. He made a nick in his
finger and handed the dagger to her. She too pricked her finger and
drew blood then they pressed their hands together, palm to palm and
kissed in the light of the shining silver moon.
A bubble of blood welled up in each of their cuts and then their
life's blood met each other. It mixed, merged, became one, and
Endymion could suddenly feel the burning hot flow of the blood within
him, setting him ablaze. What is this power that I feel? Is this
the strength of her blood? I feel . . . I feel different.
Serenity gasped a little as her blood drained into him and his
into her. His blood is so hot in my body. Yet, it's so alive.
This is mortal blood, mortal life! Oh, what is this feeling? I feel
as though I could fly!
Then together as the flow of blood dimmed, I feel a new strength!
A new life! This is the power of our love.
They pulled apart from their embrace and as their hands parted, a
shining trail of blood fell to the ground. "I didn't know we would
bleed that much," Endymion said, observing the blood. It was only a
pinprick, how is that possible?
"Nor did I," Serenity replied. Did I do the right thing? Does
he want the immortality I have given him? I know I'm selfish for
forcing this upon him, but . . . I can't bear the thought of living
without him. I shan't tell him and everything will be all right. He
doesn't need to know right now.
Endymion put his hands on Serenity's shoulders. She looked up,
inquiringly. "Mamo-chan?"
"We are bound now. You were right. No matter what happens, we
will never truly be apart."
She smiled happily. "And I hope that we will never be apart at
all! Always together, that's what I want us to be."
"Always together," he echoed. Then he bent and pulling her to him
gently, he kissed her tenderly.
Serenity gave herself to the kiss, shutting her eyes. I won't
worry, for now. We're together, that's what's important. Just,
don't-don't let me regret what I've done . . .
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
A deep languor fell over the Inner Senshi and Mamoru.
"What . . . is going . . . on?" Minako struggled, trying to fight
the feeling. She stared at her friends passed out around her and
tried one last time to keep her eyes open. Nevertheless, her
strength gave in to exhaustion and she joined the others in their
uneasy slumber.
"Usako," Mamoru murmured, not letting go of her hand as he slipped
into unconsciousness. "Hang on, Usako . . ."
Setsuna felt a jolt as the timestream altered slightly. So, the
time has come. Well, let it come! It is time they knew . . . all.
Over a thousand years have passed and the time has finally come for
the knowledge to be given them.
In his realm of dreams, 'Elios shook his head and sighed. Sleep
softly, sleep well. There is nothing that I can do against Destiny.
Fate is both cruel and merciful. Nothing can stop your memories from
returning in full now, and nothing should. He stared at the two
Dream Gates, the one constructed of ivory and the other of horn.
Your dreams pass through the Gate of Horn, the Gate of Truth.
You are dreaming true dreams, my friends.
"So dream," he whispered softly, "dream of past deeds, past lives,
and past loves . . ."
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
When their kiss ended, Serenity laid her head against his chest,
breathing raggedly. "I'm sorry!"
"For what?" Endymion asked, confused. What does my Usako have to
be sorry for?
She looked up at her love. "There are things about me that I have
told no one, not even you, dearest."
"What things?" he asked, amused.
"Secrets. I wish I could tell you, but then things between us
would change and we would no longer be as we are now."
"Why?" he asked her suddenly serious. "There is nothing that
could ever change the way I feel about you, except . . . It's not
another man?" His tone changed as he said that, and his eyes changed
a little. She read worry in those eyes and she didn't know whether
to laugh or to cry.
"No," she whispered, placing a finger on his lips to silence them,
"it's not another man. There's no one but you. I could not give my
heart to another, for it is yours."
"Then what could you have to tell me that would change anything?"
He held her tighter, but she pulled away.
"Oh, if I did not love you so, this would not hurt me as much as
it does." Her eyes grew harder then. "I *lied* to you."
He looked at her, disbelieving and she saw the smile that hovered
about his lips. "About what?"
"Don't take it so lightly," she snapped, then instantly regretted
it. "I am not who I said I was. I was never who I said I was."
"I know," he said looking at her with an amused expression. "You
are royalty, aren't you?"
She drew her breath in sharply and gazed up at him.
"Did you think that you could hide it? I knew from the moment
that I saw you that this was no ordinary girl. This angel-vision
could only be royalty. No ordinary girl would hold herself like
that, would speak and smile and gaze like that. No one but a woman
of noble birth could ever have such an air about her. If you are
afraid that I would be upset that you did not tell me such things,
you need not have feared. Though I promised myself long ago that I
would never be tricked into loving someone, this was no trick. Ever
since I laid eyes upon you and felt the purity of your soul, I knew
that the love between us was destined."
She looked at him and tears gathered in her eyes. "I feared that
yes, but I fear my true secret more." She felt his hands on her
shoulders and turned to be in his embrace. "If I told you my secret,
could you ever truly love me, if you knew?"
"Dearest, as I told you before, nothing could ever stop me from
loving you, Usako."
"I'm not Usagi. I'm from the-" A huge bubble of energy formed
around her and floated her up into the air.
"Mamoru!" she screamed, the manifestation of energy taking her
away.
"Usagi!"
"I'm from the Moon! I'm from the Moon Kingdom!" she cried back
and her tears fell and hit him where he stood as she vanished into
the night.
To be continued . . .
A brief musical intro is played involving a keyboard, xylophone
(maybe), soft drums, guitar, and harp.
A full white moon on a black background fades into existence.
"My heart says to me,"
Sixteen-year old Princess Serenity clasps her hands together in front
of her chest, and stares down with a heart-broken expression on her
face.
"I love someone so dearly,"
Nineteen-year old Prince Endymion rides his horse (Mask) with a sad
but determined expression on his face.
"That I know,"
Endymion dismounts and stares into the fog.
"There's no one for me,"
Serenity slowly materializes from the fog.
"But you."
She looks up and their eyes meet.
"I would like you to see,"
They stand, staring at each other for an instant, the wind blowing
about them.
"What is wrong and what is true,"
Suddenly, Endymion and Serenity start running towards each other.
"I am in love,"
A close up of Serenity's face. She's weeping.
(I am in love)
The Guardians and the Senshi stand together in the shadows.
"I am in love-"
A close up of Endymion's face. He's desperate to get to her.
"With you."
They embrace, tearfully.
"Angel light,"
A white light explodes outward from them.
"Please bathe me in your love tonight,"
The light fades and the moon shines down on the two of them kissing.
"I am longing for a glimpse-"
Lady Beryl stares at Endymion wistfully, but when he turns away, her
eyes fill with tears.
"Of your Angel light."
Serenity and Endymion take each other's hands.
"I will be forever yours tonight,"
They dance together, the moonlight streaming down around them.
"Just smile at me,"
Serenity smiles and Endymion smiles back.
"With that Angel light."
Serenity trails a hand along the etchings on the archway, and looks
back at Endymion, saying something.
"Angel light,"
The white light expands and fades.
"You are like an angel in my sight,"
Princess Serenity unfurls her angel wings and looks at the camera,
her blue eyes filling with tears.
"I have never felt a love as bright,"
Endymion whispers "Usako", and a fierce wind starts to blow about him
where he stands on the ground, staring up at the sky.
"As your Angel light."
The white light flares out and fades.
"Angel light,"
Endymion is alone with darkness all around.
"You bring love to lift the darkness in my life,"
He sees an outstretched hand, glowing with brilliant light. Looking
up, he sees that it's Princess Serenity's and he takes it.
"I am enveloped by your Angel light,"
The light flows from her body to his and both of them glow softly in
the darkness.
"Please say that it's all right,"
A close up of Princess Serenity's face as she gazes lovingly at
Endymion.
"That I let you in my life."
A close up of Prince Endymion's face as he looks back at her, his
eyes loving.
"Angel light,"
Princess Serenity looks down at the Earth, from her balcony on the
moon.
"As I hold you in my arms tonight,"
Prince Endymion stares up at the moon from his balcony.
"I won't let your dreams give you fright,"
Usagi stirs in her coma, and Mamoru holds her hand tightly. Rei puts
a comforting hand on Mamoru's shoulder as he sits at Usagi's bedside,
but her eyes are worried.
"You don't have to fight,"
Usagi starts glowing in her hospital bed and her crescent moon symbol
appears and flares out, sending a wash of brilliant gold light into
the room, as she floats upward. The Inner Senshi (in their civilian
forms) are standing around, and Mamoru is kneeling at her bedside.
"It'll be all right,"
Rei, Minako, Ami, and Makoto's planet signs appear, sending their
hair flying away from their faces. An earth sign also appears on
Mamoru's forehead, but it's very weak. Their auras rise around them
and they stare at Usagi.
"My Angel light,"
A close up shot of the Senshi's faces, with their symbols appearing.
"My Angel light."
A close up shot of Mamoru's face, with *his* earth symbol appearing.
It is very weak but flares up brighter.
"Angel light,"
Princess Serenity floats into the air in her bubble of energy.
Mamoru stares at her despairingly.
"I am filled by love when I get you in my sight,"
Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion walk together (arm in arm, how
else?) along a path in a rose garden.
"I just want to forever hold you tight,"
Prince Endymion (in full battle armor *hint hint*) holds Princess
Serenity (in her princess gown) in his arms.
"'Cause together just it feels so right,"
There is a closeup shot of what Princess Serenity is holding in her
right hand almost squashed between the two of them. It it the *star
locket* (open) dangling from a golden chain.
"So just bathe me in your-"
Princess Serenity undoes one of her buns (the other already undone)
the spins around, her hair falling free, so she is facing the camera.
Her hair is slightly wavy and she smiles, cutely.
"Angel light,"
The bright white light transforms her princess gown into Sailor
Moon's uniform, but her hair is still down and she is holding the
Silver Crystal in between the thumb and index finger of her hand.
"I will be forever yours tonight,"
Prince Endymion runs onscreen, his armor morphing into his Tuxedo
Kamen outfit, only without the mask. He embraces Serenity in her
Sailor Moon outfit, and startled, the Silver Crystal slips from her
fingers-
"Shining in your-"
-into the air. Falling, it shines and the silvery sheen of it turns
into the bright white light-
"Angel light."
-which flashes as the screen shows a scene of Endymion and Serenity
smiling wistfully as they embrace. The scene is washed with white
light, growing fainter and fainter until it fades to white and then
to black.
Next, Sailor Moon Past Loves Part Four: Unlikely Love
Well, the truth is out. (Most of it.) Will Endymion and Serenity
find each other again? Will he let the past lie forgotten, or will
his old enmity against the Moon Kingdom come between them? What has
befallen the Senshi in the hospital, and what have the Senshi been
doing in the past? When Destiny decides to take a hand, the
unlikeliest things have the tendency to happen . . . I will not
forgive those who stand in the way of love! In the name of the moon,
I will punish you. The moonlight carries the message of love.
Okay, I hope you liked this part. Um . . . Minako's odd behavior
*will* be explained. The shield and 'Elios really have no part in
this 'fic at all, but I got bored and wanted to spice things up a
little. Parts of this Part (ugh, listen to this) were just plain
terrible and rushed. (I'm ill. Humor me.^^) The next Part will
probably be out in two weeks (I'm busy!) but I'll try and have it
done as soon as possible. However, I *promise* that it will be much
*much* better than Part Three.
Ja for now!
Fushigi Kismet
E-MAIL ME! Send all Comments, Compliments, & Criticism to
hsun@erols.com (Remember, that's CONSTRUCTIVE criticism.
Criticizing just to be mean isn't nice at all.)
P.S. I am unable to respond to any e-mails at this time, but I will
try to address any problems or questions in the Author's Notes.