Our Kingdom Disdain

by jade

The fall of the Silver Millenium in three parts. Serenity is a strange way to spell destruction.

2. Part the Second

Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon.

Warnings: Betrayal, politics, dark, angst.

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Our Kingdom Disdain

(Part the Second)

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"I had forgotten that you are only a common boy. How should you understand reasons of State? You must learn, child, that what would be wrong for you or any of the common people is not wrong in a great Queen such as I. The weight of the world is on our shoulders. We must be freed from all rules. Ours is a high and lonely destiny."

-Jadis, Last Queen of Charn, The Chronicles of Narnia

"Tantum religio potuit suadere malorum."

("To so many evils religion has persuaded men.")

-Lucretius

"You, too, were brought to this planet from far across the galaxy. Are not our origins the same?"

-Nehalennia, Act 41

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When Serenity first decided to take her private transport to the Earth, she was filled with racy excitement. The danger involved. If they caught her, her mother would kill her. But her heart longed for it so one night, when Kakyuu left, Serenity crept out of bed.

She got her dress on all by herself and then went to the balcony making her way into the gardens. At the end of the gardens was her transport. Not a soul would notice because transports were always coming and going. She had been training by Luna on how to use it.

"The Earth Palace." She told the transport. "Or, right next to it I think."

Watching Endymion, the Earth prince, had become a regular pastime for Serenity. She'd watch in awe of the valiant figure she saw on her screen.

She landed quietly in a field on the other side of a small wood next to the palace. She stepped out, her bare feet enjoying the feel of the grass and the firm ground beneath it. She breathed in deeply. The air was flavored with fragrances. And the air moved around her, which scared her at first. She knew what this was because the others had told her. Setsuna had called this wind. It did not occur naturally on the moon.

Serenity decided to go into the woods, go look at the palace, and then go back again.

That way I can see Earth and get back quickly.

The woods, which she could see the other side of, were more of a grove. And as she got to that end, she was about to go around a tree when she heard a voice.

"Don't be like that." A voice she had heard before spoke gently. Peering around the tree, Serenity spied on the young Prince Endymion who was dealing with a stubborn horse.

"We need to get back. Before the Shittenou find out I left." Endymion told it. "Come on Midnight." The prince threw up his hands in the air. The horse stood still. "Okay, okay, you stubborn horse." Endymion seemed to be defeated. "You can have another apple." From his pocket, Endymion pulled out a red apple.

Serenity giggled, in spite of herself and Endymion turned in her direction. Serenity was surprised and froze with fear.

"Who's there?" Endymion began to approach.

"Um…" Serenity knew she should turn and run but part of told her to stay. Her heart was overjoyed that he had spoken to her but at the same time afraid of what might happen.

"Come out not." Endymion smiled. "I see you are harmless and I have no wishes to harm you."

"I-I cannot." Serenity took a step back.

"The nymph speaks!" Endymion was five feet from her and fast approaching. "Come out where I can see you better."

I want to…but…

"Selene forbids it. Selene forbids that you even think of the Earth!"

And now I have come and talked to a Terran.

I am damned.

"I…" Serenity turned to run but Endymion was very quick and caught her arm. The warm feel of his hand on her pale skin sent a shiver down her back. She looked up at his beautiful blue eyes.

"Never in my life…" Endymion breathed and his intense gaze made Serenity feel shy. "Are you real?"

"Yes." Serenity answered. "I…I must go!" She tried to pull away.

"Don't go." His hand still on her arm. "Tell me your name so that I might find you again."

"No, I must go!" Serenity tried again to free herself.

"Please, a name." Endymion begged. "I've never seen anyone so lovely before…"

"I'm sorry, I have to leave." Serenity struggled.

"Your name." Endymion was still holding on. "Or do I frighten you so?" Serenity stopped for a moment.

"You could never frighten me." Serenity looked up at his face. "My name is Serenity."

In astonishment he let her go and she ran away. She was so beautiful. Endymion swore he would see her again, no matter what it took.

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She finally started breathing normal when she was landing back on the moon. She had done it! No one would know. Her mother would have been furious. Such as the time Serenity had admired the Earth from afar and had spent the next three days praying before the Pillar of Selene. Her knees had hurt so badly and she had wanted to sleep but her mother ordered the guards to hit her if she tried to. One of the guards, a young man with blue eyes and dark hair had let her sleep during his watch, taking pity on the young one.

Stepping out she was happy to get back to bed but she was stopped.

"Serenity." A voice whispered and Serenity started. It was Minako. "Where were you?"

"I…" Serenity had been caught. "I…"

"Serenity!" Minako put her arms around her. "Tell me where. If you wanted to go somewhere, you should have told me! Don't you trust me?"

"On Minako!" Serenity hugged the senshi of Venus back. "I went…To Earth." Minako's body stiffened.

"Earth?!" Minako was astounded. "How could you go there Serenity?! Don't you know how dangerous it is? Your mother would—"

"I-I don't care." Serenity pushed Minako away. "Because…of him."

"Him?" Minako was perplexed.

"Endymion." Serenity put a hand to her heart.

"It's forbidden!" Minako seemed horrified. "Another war between the Earth and the Moon is brewing; do you really want to be the one who tips the scale?"

"No." Serenity sniffled. "But you should see him Minako…"

"Your safety is what I've sworn my life to." Minako seemed almost sad. "Promise me you won't endanger yourself again.

"I promise." Serenity spoke solemnly. "Don't tell the others."

"I won't." Minako promised. "A promise for a promise."

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"Hello, Endymion." Zoicite blinked his large green eyes. "Are you in there?"

"Oh, sorry." Endymion seemed to be just waking up, even though it was the middle of the afternoon. The Earth prince and the Shittenou were enjoying afternoon tea on one of the terraces. "What?"

"Are you quite awake?" Nephrite quirked an eyebrow at Endymion. The Shittenou had really grown up into great warriors worth of defending the crown over the years.

Jadeite had grown into his arms and legs at long last. Managing not to trip all over himself. Many ladies at the court vied for his attention, more so then Kunzite who was their leader. Jadeite seemed please with this fact but had never really shown any interest in any woman before.

Nephrite was almost the tallest and still wore his long wavy brown hair down. He still looked up to Kunzite more then anyone else. Nephrite didn't really seem to care about court affairs the way that Jadeite did and was often up in the highest tower at night to watch stars.

Zoicite had very feminine features and was teased about it endlessly. Zoicite was the most learned man in the whole world. At least, that's what was said. Intelligent, quick-witted, and strategic, anyone could see that he was a great asset to the Shittenou.

Kunzite, the tallest of them was very sought after in the marriage department but seemed to have no time for romance because of his duties. Kunzite was thoroughly devoted to the prince and well-known for his loyalty.

"What's on your mind?" Jadeite leaned over. He studied Endymion carefully. Then he leaned back, seeming to have found what he was looking for. "Oh I see."

"See what?" Zoicite asked apprehensively.

"It's a woman!" Jadeite pounded his fist on the table jovially. "Let me guess who…Beryl?"

"Beryl?" Endymion laughed. "No, not Beryl."

"Out of guesses?" Zoicite prodded Jadeite who seemed to be thinking hard.

"I suppose." Jadeite gave up with a shrug. "Who?"

"You want to know?" Endymion smiled at the memory of long silvery hair and pale skin. The others nodded. "Serenity."

"Serenity?" All four repeated together, looking at the other for signs of recognition but there were none to be found.

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I know I said I'd stay away…

Serenity climbed into the transport. Technically Serenity wasn't breaking her promise to Minako. Minako had made her promise not to endanger herself. Serenity felt that Endymion wasn't dangerous at all. He said he meant not harm towards her.

Landing in the same place as before, Serenity knew there was only a small chance that Endymion would be outside. She walked through the grove and was amazed to behold Endymion sitting next to his horse and playing panpipes.

It was a strange lilting tune, as though he were trying to draw something out. His eyes were closed as she approached. Then he heard her or sensed her because he pulled the panpipes from his lips and looked up.

"Hello Serenity." He greeted her.

"Hello Endymion." Serenity curtsied.

"How did you know my name?" Endymion asked.

"Well…I…" Serenity blushed.

"Come sit with me." Endymion patted the ground next to him. "I shall spread my cloak on the ground so you won't ruin your gown."

"It always stays clean." Serenity sat next to him carefully.

"Why did you run yesterday?" Endymion asked.

"I shouldn't be here…" Serenity wondered what Minako would say if she found out Serenity had gone to Earth again. "It's forbidden."

"Why is it forbidden?" Endymion seemed puzzled. "I can assure you that it is quite alright for you to come here. If you know my name, I imagine you know I am a prince, so rest assured."

"There's nothing you can do about it." Serenity spoke sadly. "It's forbidden by our goddess."

"Gaia?" Endymion blinked. "You, my lady, are not breaking any of her laws."

"Who is Gaia?" Serenity asked curiously. Endymion's eyes widened.

"You don't know?" He seemed genuinely surprised. "She is the goddess of the Earth."

"Oh.' Serenity's cheeks colored. "I thought there was only one goddess."

"No, Gaia has to move over for the goddess I'm sitting next to." Endymion smiled gently and Serenity felt as though she might faint. "Who are you Serenity?"

"I…" Serenity gulped. "I'm…"

"Tell me." Endymion prompted. "I don't care who you are, but I would like to know you Serenity."

"I'm the Princess of the White Moon." Serenity confessed and closed her eyes in fear. He would hate her. "It is forbidden to even think about the Earth by our goddess Selene."

"You…you're serious?" Endymion gaped openly. "But that's impossible!"

"Now you hate me." Serenity felt a tear trickle down her cheek. "I won't come again…"

"I've always wondered about the moon. All this time I've been taught that Lunarians are tyrannical barbarians who ruled over the planets. If you are their princess then I can see why planets fall at your feet. If you asked for Earth, I think I would give it to you." A hand went to her face and Serenity trembled. He tilted her chin up and then lowered his hear to brush his lips against her own. They were petal soft and Serenity was so sweet…

His arms moved around her, to bring her close. One hand on the strange silky material that made her dress and the other touching the bare skin of her back.

Serenity broke the kiss shyly, putting her delicate, slender fingers forward to touch her lips. Endymion moved her hand and touched her lips with his own fingers.

We mustn't fall in love…it is forbidden…

When Serenity decided she had better head back, Endymion walked with her, kissing her one last time before bidding her farewell.

She sighed deeply as she landed on the moon. The memory of those kisses made her feel warm. The door opened and a gloved hand reached inside and yanked her out.

"Serenity!" Minako scolded. "You went to Earth again!"

"You…you don't understand Minako!" Serenity turned away from her angry friend in tears. "You've never been in love!"

The senshi of Venus, the senshi of love, stood there, trying to make her mouth work. Of course she had been in love! But then…she couldn't remember any of those loves being returned.

"But he is a Terran!" Minako protested. "You cannot fall in love with him! I don't like this at all Serenity! Does he know who you are?"

"Yes!" Serenity nodded before grabbing Minako's hand. "At least come down to meet him!"

"Serenity…" Minako hesitated.

"Then you'll see!" Serenity pleaded. "Please Minako?"

"Okay, only if you agree not to go to Earth without me." Minako knew she couldn't resist Serenity.

"I won't." Serenity hugged the senshi of Venus. "Thank you Minako!"

"Ha, you aren't the only one curious about Earth." Minako teased her, tugging on a pigtail. "I have to admit I've wondered."

"It's the most beautiful place that ever existed." Serenity declared.

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"I don't know if I like this prince who makes us land out here." Minako had insisted on stepping out before Serenity. She was transformed just to be on the safe side. She knew the other senshi would never forgive her if something happened to Serenity.

"It's okay." Serenity climbed out. "He's on the other side of the grove."

"Stay behind me Serenity." Minako instructed. "If anything happens, run back to the transport."

"Alright." Serenity nodded.

They emerged from the grove to see not only Endymion but a silver-haired young man standing next to him.

"Endymion!" Serenity exclaimed and ran ahead.

"Serenity! I said to be careful!" Minako scowled. The silver-haired man actually let out a chuckle.

"It must be hard to deal with a curious princess." Kunzite was smiling to show he did not mean it as an insult. He looked at Minako, who, under his gaze, found herself going pink in the cheeks.

"Kunzite!" Endymion looked embarrassed.

"Forgive me Endymion." Kunzite bowed his head towards the dark-haired young man. "I thought you were only meeting one moon woman."

"I myself am surprised." Endymion bowed formally towards Minako. "I am Endymion, prince of the Earth."

"I'm Minako, leader of the Sailor Senshi and the royal princess of Venus." Minako barely inclined her head, her gaze seeming unsure whether to accept him or not.

"Sailor Senshi?" Kunzite inquired politely.

"Guardians of the planets and guards to her royal majesty Princess Serenity X." Minako explained and looked up at him and quickly averted her eyes. "The princess' safety is in my hands and so I felt it necessary to accompany her."

"Perfectly understandable Princess Minako." Kunzite nodded in acceptance. "I have not introduced myself. I am Kunzite, leader of the Shittenou, and King of the North. The Shittenou," He had already noted the blank expressions on both Minako and Serenity's face. "Are the guards of Prince Endymion. I too felt it most necessary to meet this Moon Princess. We are all aware of the hostility between our two kingdoms.

Minako found herself wishing Ami or Rei was there. They were better talkers when it came to this sort of thing. Even Makoto would have been nice for backup support.

"I want to change that." Serenity seemed to be concentrating hard. "We are often told you are godless barbarians but this is not true. You are far from barbaric and Endymion has informed me that you worship a goddess named Gaia."

"We're talking of hundreds of years of hate and war. I'm all for peace," Kunzite added quickly when he saw Serenity's depression. "But it will take time."

"We have a senshi of time! Maybe she can help!" Serenity exclaimed and Minako found herself giggling. Soon all four were laughing heartily, the formalities melting away.

Unbeknownst were the extra eyes watching them.

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Rei's violet eyes narrowed as she watched the Earth Prince and his guardian. Just who did he think he was? The way he stepped forward, Minako obviously won over and kissed Serenity's hand. His charm wouldn't last.

Someone has to save Serenity from herself.

She trusts too easily and Minako is supposed to be guarding her!

That was why she was here. To do her duty. If the Earth prince was stupid enough to come out with only one general, it would be his downfall if he tried to attack Minako and Serenity. Serenity couldn't really do anything but Minako was very capable and Rei would set fires upon them that would sear away their very bones!

I'm watching over you…

And all of a sudden a hand clamped down on Rei's mouth and an arm went around her waist, pulling her against someone.

"I've caught you." A male voice spoke victoriously in her ear. "If you talk, I'll let you live." He started to drag her away from Serenity. She was so shocked at first that she didn't think to struggle but then she relaxed herself slightly and the man's hand on her mouth didn't clamp down as hard. Rei took the opportunity.

She bit down as hard as she could on his hand.

He cursed as he withdrew his hand and Rei whirled around, socking him in the face. He gathered himself up and glared at Rei. He had clear light blue eyes full of anger and blonde hair.

"What sort of animal are you?" He growled.

"You're the animals." Rei seethed. Then she rushed at him and when she thought she was going to catch him in a round house but he blocked and grabbed her leg, using it to push her over, onto the ground. Rei on reflex swept her leg across the ground, knocking the man to the ground. He was dazed and Rei hurried to put her fingers right against the bastard's chest.

"Fire—" Rei was cut off as he grabbed her hand and flipped her over, pinning her to the ground but Rei slipped a gloved hand free and punched him again. They began rolling over and over as they fought furiously. Rei was not going to give up without a fight.

They were rolling down a hill and Rei didn't see in time that they were going to hit a river. She was on the bottom when they fell in and the river was shallow. Her head hit a rock sharply and her transformation faded away, forming her henshin pen. The henshin pen slipped from her fingers as the world faded to black, she was going to die. In that moment of despair, she felt water go into her lungs and welcomed it.

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"Shall we be friends?"

And her cup had slipped from her fingers as she began to grow dizzy and for a moment she saw a triumphant light in Serenity's eyes…

She opened her eyes and saw that she was in a strange room. Her transformation was gone and she realized just how helpless she was.

"Serenity…I was…Serenity…" Rei's eyes began to go out of focus. "Serenity! Don't leave me like this! Serenity!" She shook herself.

No!

You aren't me!

"Are you having a nightmare?" That same arrogant horrible voice asked her. She glared at him. He was sitting calmly in a chair about five feet from the bed.

"You fool! Do you know what kind of hell you'll bring down on your kingdom?" Rei asked him with a voice full of venom.

"Hell? Like the kind that you and your kind already wish us?" He raised his eyebrows. "Why does the Princess of the Moon come to visit Endymion?"

Rei closed her mouth and stared at the fire burning in the fireplace.

"Not going to talk? Zoicite and Nephrite will take action next time the princess comes." He told her.

"What?" The word was sharper then a knife.

"I plan to hand the princess over to the queen as it is my duty to do so." He explained.

"What do you know of duty? I swore over her cradle no harm would ever come to her and you better believe me when I say that if you lay a hand on her, I will not rest until I have burned you with the flames of Mars." Rei's violet eyes flashed and he knew that what she said was true.

"Perhaps you think that my duty to Endymion is not equally as important." He looked at her sideways.

"Let me go." Rei stood. "Let me go and she'll never come back. She imagines she's in love with him but I'll make her see truth."

"I cannot trust you. You'd betray yourself for her." He shook his head.

"I'll protect her and I'll protect her from herself if I have to." Rei swore. "Let me go back."

"No." He replied. "No."

"Why not? Will you keep me here as a prisoner of war?" Rei questioned angrily. "Why?"

"You're still a threat. You'd have to give me your word you won't come back." His blue eyes burned with icy fire. "And you won't because your plan is to come back and kill Endymion." Rei started and quickly tried to regain her composure. "That was it, wasn't it? That's what I would have done had I been in your shoes."

"Don't assume you know your enemy." Rei glared.

"You and I, we're alike, I can see it." He told her. "Tell me why she comes here."

"I will never betray her." Rei turned her head away. "You can torture me all you want but it would be pointless. Martians don't give in quite so easily, not to honorless Terrans."

"I am not honorless; I am one of the Shittenou, King of the South, Jadeite." He bowed towards her. "I must say I admire you, even if you are the enemy. You are a true warrior."

"I'm not seeking your approval." Rei tossed her head scornfully.

"Come, tell me your name." Jadeite leaned back in his chair and rested an ankle on his knee.

"Why would you need such a thing?" Rei questioned him.

"Know thy enemy." Jadeite grinned as if he were joking with her. The sheer audacity of the man made Rei want to get up and slap him across the face if it wiped that smile from his lips.

"Sailor Senshi Mars, Royal Princess of Mars, Rei." Rei looked him squarely in the eyes as though trying to challenge him.

"Rei." Jadeite tried out the name. "Well, Rei, if I were you, I won't try escaping because you are in debt to me."

"In debt to you?" Rei snorted incredulously.

"You swallowed a lot of water and would have died if I had not resuscitated you." Jadeite explained.

"I would have rather died." Rei wished she could set him aflame at that very moment.

"Next to you on the bed is water, which, is not poisoned and a comb." Jadeite gestured to the table next to her. "If you require anything else, you need only ask."

Rei picked up the comb but ignored the water as though he had announced it was poisoned. She started at the bottom and began to comb upwards, not taking her eyes off of him. She didn't trust him at all. She needed to think of a way out of here. She had no way to get off of Earth though. She had stowed away in Serenity's transport. What if they had already left?

Pulling the comb through the long waves of hair, Rei noticed that Jadeite a strange look on his face. She had seen this face before on other men, she knew what it was. Rei had always been called pretty as a child and beautiful once she started to grow into a woman. Marriage proposals came by the dozens to her and her mother and father had left it up to her to accept one. Being the heir to the throne, she'd have to find one soon.

This strange man, Jadeite, desired her. And that is what she didn't trust about men, they would desire even their enemies, just because of their pretty faces. Rei realized she had a weapon to use. She would have to seduce him and then when the time was right, she could knock him unconscious and escape.

Rei had never done this before but as she ran her fingers through her silky hair, trying to look what Minako might describe as 'coy'. Fluttering her long dark lashes. Placing the comb down on the nightstand she lowered her eyes almost demurely.

"Are you not thirsty?" Jadeite asked.

"Would you accept food and drink from the enemy?" Rei questioned, looking at him humorlessly. Jadeite moved forward and began pouring the water into the metal goblet next to the pitcher.

"Here, it's just water." Jadeite spoke in a strangely deep tone that was almost gentle. Rei went to take it but then let it slip from her fingers and it fell with a clatter to the floor, splashing water everywhere.

She bent forward quickly to pick it up and so did Jadeite. Their hands touched and she looked up at him, his eyes so intense that for the first time in her life, Rei wanted to avert her eyes.

He leaned forward and kissed her, his mouth hot and hungry. Rei told herself to go along with it. He would drop his guard and she could escape. Because men were so predictable she told herself.

He pushed both of them over onto the bed and didn't seem ready to stop. Rei didn't know what to do as she had never actually been in this position before. A wave of nausea suddenly hit her.

Pinned down as he forced himself inside. Why did you betray me Serenity? Why did you leave me in this hell?

Didn't you…weren't we friends?

Rei's eyes opened. These were not her thoughts and yet her stomach roiled and she felt like she was going to be sick.

Not now, not now.

"Serenity! Serenity!"

Rei sat up, her hand flying to her mouth. No! It wasn't her! What did she have to do? It wasn't her! And she couldn't do this. Why had she thought she could? Her stomach heaved and she leaned over the side of the bed, vomiting. She hated being sick and when she looked up, Jadeite, his face still flushed was handing her a handkerchief.

"I know what you were trying to do." Jadeite sounded almost wistful as he got up. "I would have tried the same thing. I wouldn't have minded."

Rei stared at him in disbelief. This wasn't the way a man or an enemy behaved. He left the room, locking the only door to the room. She had to think of something and get out of this room.

She needed to get away from his blue eyes.

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"It's a good place." Minako nodded in happy agreement as they left the transport.

"Roses out of the air!" Serenity smelled the rose in her hand deeply. "Can you imagine what it would be like to be able to do that?"

"We should go again soon." Minako turned onto the stairs and they began to go up into Serenity's room. "And maybe…bring the others…"

"Ami and Makoto might not mind but Rei…" Serenity twisted a strand of hair around her finger. "Rei might not understand."

"Rei isn't the leader." Minako pointed out. "It's like a big secret adventure! Rei will have to agree with that."

The two went to bed, making sure no one saw them. In the morning, Minako was woken up by Makoto and Ami in her bedroom.

"Minako!" Makoto looked worried and urgent. "We can't find Rei."

"What?" Minako quickly got out of bed.

"She wasn't in her room and the servants haven't seen her…" Makoto trailed off.

"It isn't like Rei to run off." Ami bit her lip. "If she had to go to Mars for an emergency, she would have at least left a note."

Minako's brow furrowed as she tried to think of where Rei could be. Ami was right, Rei would leave a note. Rei wasn't irresponsible. Rei would know—

Oh no.

Something clicked in Minako's head. Rei was on Earth. She must have known about Serenity and her leaving! She might have even stowed away in Serenity's transport. Rei was very dedicated to Serenity. It all made sense!

But if she had stowed away, why hadn't she snuck back on the transport? What if something happened to her? And it was all Minako's fault. She was the leader and look what had happened.

"Minako?" Makoto said questioningly. "Do you know where Rei is?"

"She's…she's on Earth." Minako know it was certain, she felt it in her heart.

"Why did she go there?" Ami asked.

"Because…" Minako looked down. "Serenity went there and did I. Serenity…she's in love with Endymion, the prince of the Earth. I wouldn't let her go without me…I think Rei followed us."

"You went to Earth with Serenity?" Makoto looked stunned.

"She was going there all by herself." Minako confessed. "I caught her and…what was I supposed to do? If I tried to stop her, I couldn't. If I told the Queen—"

"She would kill the princess." Ami finished softly. Minako and Makoto were both surprised and not surprised by this statement. They knew Queen Serenity IX's feelings towards Earth.

"It's alright Minako." Makoto finally said after a long silence. "You're our leader and you didn't mean for anything to happen." The words greatly cheered Minako.

"But if the Martian Dynasty finds out that Rei is missing…" Ami looked uneasy. "We'll have to think fast. Let's go talk to Serenity."

They went to Serenity's room and made sure no one else was there. They locked the doors and woke her up. After quickly filling her in, they began talking.

"We'll tell them Rei isn't feeling well, later we have to figure out where on Earth she is." Minako informed them all.

Two crows flew into the princess' chamber because a window had been left open. In an instant they changed into identical girls with a single feather in hand.

"Princess of the White Moon, where is our princess?" Phobos asked.

"You…you can't tell anyone." Serenity was very upset right now and the two crows weren't helping. "We know where…don't worry."

'Where is our princess?" Deimos questioned.

"You two do your duty and keep your silence if you want to protect Rei." Minako told them, putting comforting arms around Serenity who was now crying.

Phobos and Deimos fixed their eyes on the princess like a crow might to its prey.

"We'll keep our silence but know this," Phobos was shaking with fury.

"We have no allegiance to you. We only feel love for our princess." Deimos was just as angry.

"You are a spoiled child and too much of a simpleton to understand!" Phobos shrieked.

"You'll be your own downfall!" Deimos and Phobos turned back into crows and squawked angrily as they took off back through the window.

We have to find Rei!

Minako's arms tightened around Serenity.

Rei would do this to protect you. Betrayal, death…whatever we must.

Serenity must know that. Crows shouldn't talk about what they don't understand.

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Rei felt someone gently shaking her shoulder awake. She opened her eyes to see not Jadeite but Setsuna leaned over her.

"Setsuna!" Rei didn't think she was real as she got up. "Setsuna! I lost my henshin pen—" Rei stopped as Setsuna put a finger to her lips and held something up in her other hand. It was her henshin pen. Rei took it and got out of bed. She raised her arm in the air but Setsuna shook her head and beckoned for Rei to come closer.

Unhooking a small silver key from her belt, she seemed to put it in an invisible door and then, twisted it, and it appeared as though reality had opened. Setsuna and Rei walked through and Setsuna turned around to look an actual door again. Rei found herself unable to raise her head.

She had acted like a common whore. She was the Royal Princess of the Martian Dynasty! She had shamed herself. What would Phobos and Deimos say?

"Come. Sit with me." Setsuna finally spoke and Rei wondered why she had come. The Inner Senshi were not particularly close to the Outer Senshi. Setsuna was one of the last people that Rei thought would come to her rescue. But there she was.

"Sit?" Rei looked around the long hallway of doors and the mist all around. Then a table and two chairs appeared with a pot of tea and two cups. They both sat down and Setsuna poured her tea.

"You and I…I think we could understand each other." Setsuna leaned on her folded arms. "The future seems to touch us both."

"I've been having visions." Rei confessed in a whisper. She sounded hoarse, as though she were tired and been speaking for a long time. "Of the kingdom falling."

"I know what that future is." Setsuna nodded. "It is what will come to pass if the Queen continues to rule."

"I knew…the line of Serenity would be the cause." Rei admitted. "I don't want that future for our princess."

"Nor do I." Setsuna shook her head. "The others, Haruka and Michiru are in agreement. I believe I can tell you this in complete confidence: Queen Serenity IX is going to die."

"By…unnatural means?" Rei questioned part of her horrified but part of her in complete agreement.

"Yes." Setsuna nodded her head and then took a sip of tea. Cradling it carefully in her hands, she looked over it and at Rei. "Do you…find yourself hearing or remembering things that have never happened to you?"

"How did you know that?" Rei asked in shock.

"Because they are your memories. Memories from your previous life." Setsuna told her. "Did you ever wonder why the Queens of the Martian Dynasty were gifted with physic abilities?"

"Sometimes…" Rei trailed off. "But I thought it was a Martian attribute."

"That is because the old histories were burned by Serenity IV." Setsuna explained. "Plutonians, Lunarians, Martians and all the rest, except Terrans all originated from one place."

"But…if that were true…then everything Queen Serenity says…is a lie." Rei frowned in disbelief. What was Setsuna saying?

"Queen Serenity IX doesn't know." Setsuna corrected her. "Only the early Queens of Serenity's line knew."

"Knew what?" Rei set her teacup down.

"You see, far across the galaxy is the Zero Star Sagittarius, it was a magnificent kingdom but eventually it destroyed itself and all that is left is the palaces. And there is the Cauldron, from which all stars are born. The Heir to the Cauldron, as she was called, was a very sacred position. The goddess Selene did indeed exist in this realm, living deep in a palace that only the Queen and the Princess could enter.

"But Selene wished to move on. To go to where the Gods Dwell. But if she died, the burst of energy might have killed everything that lived on the Zero Star. Her power would have to be contained in an object. To do this, she needed someone's help.

"Princess Serenity XVIII was very religious and went every day to pray in front of Selene's shrine so Selene whispered to her. Telling her that Selene must go to where the Gods Dwell. That the people of the Zero Star would have to believe it too. But this was an ancient religion and not everyone turned. Some thought the princess was crazy, hearing voices in her head.

"Eventually they did get enough followers. And Selene requested that Serenity kill her and then help form her power into a special vassal so that the line of Serenity would be able to call upon it. Selene warned Serenity though the power would be so great that it would probably kill her to use it." Setsuna told the story in a strange faraway tone, as though she were remembering the event.

"The Ginzuishou." Rei breathed.

"Yes, that day the Ginzuishou was born. But Serenity's mother thought that Serenity had killed their goddess and that she was damned beyond hope of redemption." Setsuna went on. "Serenity was banished by her mother and was forced to leave her home and her throne with her followers.

"At first they drifted aimlessly through space. Eventually they did find a place to begin a new kingdom. Serenity swore that the past mistakes would be corrected and that never again would someone be punished for their beliefs.

"But the peace of Serenity's reign would not continue. Her daughter, Queen Serenity II of the White Moon Kingdom grew steadily into madness until she was very old and spouted stories that their line was descended directly from the goddess Selene.

"Queen Serenity III grew up believing this and that was when she decided that as they were above all others, so they should rule all others. Some of the followers had decided to live on different planets but they each had their own kingdom, not under the rule of Queen Serenity III. So she began to make plans. Soon all were under her thumb except one kingdom other then the Earth, which she despised."

"Which kingdom?" Rei was confused. What kingdom resisted?

"The Martian Dynasty." Setsuna held out her hand and her Time Key materialized there. "And now I will show you, what this life was that you have previously led. Because in this past life, you became the first in a long line of Queens. Look into the Garnet Orb." The orb pulsated with dark red light and Rei found herself blinded for a moment.

When she blinked, she was clearly inside a memory. Setsuna was next to her.

"They cannot hear us for they are shadows of the past." Setsuna told her. "But listen."

Rei turned to watch what was obviously Queen Serenity III sitting on a lovely chair, waiting as the attendants served her tea. Then a young man came into the room.

"Your highness, the strange prophetess is here." He bowed deeply.

"Send her in." Her face was stone-like. The man quickly went back through the doors and in walked someone who could have been Rei's identical twin. But there was a subtle difference between Rei and this woman; Rei's eyes were full of fire at all times, ready to flare up at a moment's notice. The woman had round bright trusting violet eyes, looking a lot younger then she actually was.

"Your majesty." The woman bowed hurriedly and had a soft, meek tone. "I am honored that you have sent for me."

"I was told that you could see the future." The Queen raised a challenging eyebrow. "Well? Is it true?"

"It is true, to an extent, your majesty." The woman bowed again. "I see only in passing visions that I cannot control."

"Can you read my thoughts?" The Queen questioned.

"No." The woman shook her head and The Queen's lips curled into a cruel smile.

"What is your name?" The Queen's tone changed into a gentle and warm voice. As if she was trying to sooth the young woman.

"My name is Rei." The woman didn't take her eyes off the floor. "Your majesty."

"That's the name of all the Queens." Rei turned towards Setsuna.

"Yes, this Rei, the Rei you once were was the first." Setsuna nodded and then gestured back towards the two. Rei had been seated next to The Queen by this point.

"Shall we be friends?" The Queen told her. "How does that suit you Rei?"

"Oh, your majesty…" Rei trailed off, quite breathlessly. "That would be so wonderful. I've never really had any friends…"

"Let us be the best of friends then." The Queen covered one of Rei's hands. "You must tell me everything, don't hold anything back."

"Of course not your majesty." Rei nodded eagerly.

"Please, call me Serenity." The Queen requested. The Rei watching the scene did so in horror.

Can't you see it's a trick?! Look at her eyes! What's wrong with you?!

"Your majesty, the King of the Martian Dynasty is here." A servant barely got out before the King came in. He was a tall imposing man and the Rei watching felt a horrible shudder run through her body.

"Ah, you are early." The Queen rose up. "Rei, unfortunately, we will have to continue this talk later."

"Of course." Rei stood up. "Your majesties." She bowed gracefully and the Rei watching saw that the King could not seem to take his eyes off of Rei. She tried to control the shivers that seemed to take hold of her body. The Queen also noticed, with the air of someone who had just been handed the solution to a most troubling puzzle.

Rei left the room and the scene went blurry before reforming into the same room.

"Three months have passed since the events you just witnessed." Setsuna murmured. "In that time The Queen has Rei in the palm of her hand."

"How could this have happened?" Rei turned towards Setsuna in disbelief. "Look at how horrible that woman is! That can't be me!"

"That you, the you of the past grew up differently from the way you did." Setsuna explained. "She is a lonely soul and does not understand that there are liars in the world."

"Serenity, you sent for me?" Rei came into the room and The Queen nodded with a strange smile towards the seat across from her.

"Oh yes." The Queen motioned for a servant to pour tea for Rei. "I wanted to thank you."

"Thank me?" Rei looked confused as she accepted her cup.

"Yes, you've been most loyal to the Crown and you shall be rewarded." The Queen watched as Rei's eyes grew round.

"Oh, your majesty, your friendship is enough reward." Rei blushed and took a drink of her tea. The Queen's lips curled even further upward.

"Why thank you Rei, how very…kind of you to say." The Queen seemed to be waiting for something.

"I…" Rei touched her temple. "Sorry, I…feel…a…little…dizzy…" The cup slipped from her fingers and the triumphant light had been lit behind The Queen's eyes. Rei fell to the floor, the cup breaking on the floor. The Queen began to laugh and laugh.

"What's going on?" The Rei watching asked.

"You'll see." Setsuna replied. The blurring happened again and when it came back into focus, Rei saw they were definitely in the main bed chamber of the King and Queen on Mars. She had been in there many times to see her parents so she knew it well.

Rei was laid out on the bed, wearing magnificent garments on top of the bed coverings. The Rei watching felt that wave of nausea hit which she tried to suppress. She knew what was coming, though she didn't want to admit it.

"Serenity?" Rei's eyes opened and she looked around the chamber. "Serenity?!"

"Are you awake?" The King came into the room and the Rei watching put a hand to her mouth. The Rei on the bed looked confused. "Do you remember me?"

"You're the King of Mars." Rei finally answered and looked around in innocent confusion. "Where is Serenity?"

"On the Moon where her throne sits." The King advanced towards the bed. "And you are on Mars."

"What's going on?" Rei asked.

"You are to be the Queen of Mars, didn't Serenity tell you?" The King reached out to touch her face and Rei shied away from him.

"What?" Rei looked like she might burst into tears. "Serenity…wouldn't do this to me."

"She signed your fate yourself." The King told her, looking at her greedily. "You and in exchange I would submit to the rule of the White Moon."

"No! It's not true!" Rei started crying. The King seemed unfazed as he grabbed her and forced her to kiss him. Then he pinned her down and began ripping her garments away from her body. "Serenity! Help me!"

The Rei watching closed her eyes as tears began to form for this Rei, her past self. She listened to the sounds of clothes tearing and then her past self as she called out for Serenity again and again.

"Please, Setsuna." Rei couldn't take it anymore and the sounds were no more except in Rei's head where the cries for Serenity still echoed. How could she have been so naïve and foolish?

"I know it is hard, but I felt that you must know the truth." Setsuna bowed her head and Rei opened her eyes to see that they were once again at the table in the hallway where mist curled around their ankles. "For it is all I have to offer. I am trusting you with so much; I felt it was only right."

"I say that there will be justice." Rei wiped away the last few tears. "Death to the Queen Serenity."

"And out of her death, the Princess will rule a grand peaceful age." Setsuna told her comfortingly. "Shall I return you to her?"

"Yes." Rei nodded. "Yes and…thank you Setsuna."

"Come this way." Setsuna got up and Rei followed her.

--------------------------

"Oh Rei!" Serenity ran up to Rei and threw her arms around her. "I thought the absolute worst when no one could find you! Where were you?"

"With…Setsuna, she needed my help with something." Rei lied quickly. She just couldn't tell the truth. She had been captured by the enemy. Setsuna next to her nodded.

"I see." Minako darted a jealous look at Setsuna. What exactly did Setsuna need Rei for anyway? Weren't the three Outer Senshi able to do anything without any help at all?

"I was rather worried." Ami looked sheepish and Setsuna seemed to have disappeared from the room all of a sudden. Minako could only bid her good riddance. "Minako thought—"

"I thought you were on Earth." Minako confessed. "Because…well…the truth is that Serenity has been going there and I went with her last time, it's not safe for her to go alone, you agree with that right?"

"We were going to go look for you there." Makoto explained and gestured towards Serenity's transport.

"Yes, shall we go now?" Serenity beamed at them all. "It's the most amazing place, you'll really like it!"

And then Rei stepped forward angrily and almost without thinking, smacked Serenity across the face. Because she didn't understand that fairy tales don't come true. Because she didn't understand what Rei had gone through for her.

"NO!" Rei yelled. Serenity held her cheek and everyone else looked stunned. "Don't you ever go back there Serenity! And you, Minako! You let her! You went with her! Are you really our leader?!" Minako looked down shame-faced.

"Rei—" Ami tried to calm the fiery senshi but to no avail.

"Fine! Go, go to Earth and when you see that no one can ever be trusted, maybe then you'll listen!" Rei turned around and headed straight for her own room. All the rest of them stood there, trying to figure out what had caused Rei to flare up like that.

"Let's give Rei time to cool off." Minako advised the others and they all nodded, for they were eager to get to Earth.

Their excitement all together, even Ami who was trying to appear as though it wasn't fascinating, was so high that the transport felt like it wasn't moving at all sometimes.

When they arrived, it was not just Endymion and Kunzite waiting for them. There were three others, Nephrite, Zoicite, and Jadeite there. They all introduced themselves and someone brought out food for a picnic.

Sitting together, laughing together, the only person who seemed slightly out of it was Jadeite.

"What's with you? Aren't social gatherings your specialty?" Zoicite elbowed his blonde-haired comrade.

"I was just thinking of a beautiful woman I met." Jadeite sighed almost dramatically. "And who I would like to meet her again."

"What's she like?" Minako asked.

"She's like fire…" Jadeite spoke mysteriously.

"Like fire?" Minako didn't think that made any sense.

"Oh yes." Jadeite nodded. "Just like."

-----------------------

Rei turned over on her bed, staring at the wall. She didn't want to get up or go anywhere. She just wanted to wallow there. Her windows were closed, all her curtains drawn, her door locked.

Why did I have to see these terrible things?

Serenity…

How could I have been so stupid?

I'm smarter then that. I know when people are trying to use me. I know when people are false…I read people like books.

But you couldn't read Jadeite.

What's that supposed to mean? He's a brainless Terran.

She thought of the brief heated kisses they had shared as she had practically thrown herself at him in the hopes of escaping. She kept telling herself that it's what any of them would have done in her situation. But was it true? Or had Rei simply jumped to conclusions?

Am I a whore?

Is that all I contribute? My ability to have men attracted to me?

Phobos and Deimos were pecking at the window with annoyance but Rei couldn't bring herself to get up and open the window. They turned into twin raven-haired girls and unlocked her balcony doors somehow. They came in, Phobos sitting so that she stroke Rei's hair and Deimos to put her head on Rei's hand.

"Dear princess, something is wrong." Phobos spoke sadly.

"What is it?" Deimos questioned. "Is it that fool of a princess you serve?" Rei was surprised to hear the amount of animosity in her guardian's voice.

"No…maybe…" Rei looked up at Phobos. "Did something happen today with Serenity?"

"It is not for us to tell you of the imperfections of others." Phobos touched her hair gently with one hand and shot a reprimanding look towards Deimos. "Your decisions are your own."

"What if they aren't good ones?" Rei asked the two. "What if…?"

"No one really knows if they made all the right choices in life." Deimos replied thoughtfully. "But remember not to be scared of destiny, Rei."

"I'm not scared of destiny." Rei frowned a little.

"Deimos." Phobos spoke as though giving a signal and all at once the two turned into crows and flew out the window. Rei sat up in amazement. Where had they gone? And why had they left?

Then she sensed someone moving behind her and the hairs on the back of her neck stood up on end.

Someone is here…

Someone…

She turned very slowly and saw him. It was Jadeite. But that was impossible!

"How—" Rei began but cut herself off. "What's going on?" Had the castle been attacked? How could she not know?

"Don't worry; I'm not here to hurt anybody." Jadeite put up his hands but his blue-eyes had a strange, almost excited glitter to them. "I hid away on that strange contraption that the Moon Princess uses to get here. Then I waited till they had all left."

"Why are you here?" Rei questioned him.

"To see you." Jadeite answered simply.

"Why?" Rei was still bewildered by this. He was the enemy! Didn't he know that?!

"Because I wanted to see you again. You got away and I'm curious as to how you managed it." Jadeite elaborated.

"If it's so important to you, one of the senshi, by the name of Setsuna is the senshi of time and came to my rescue." Rei answered quickly. "You realize you're in enemy territory? What a stupid thing to do! We'll capture you and hand you over to the Queen."

"The Queen doesn't know that the Princess is visiting Earth." Jadeite gave a small smirk with his words. "You can hand me over if you'd like, but an enemy is going to betray you."

"You think you can just waltz in here?" Rei's eyes narrowed.

"You waltz into our world all the time." Jadeite's tone held a hint of mockery. "What's so different?"

"It just is!" Rei wanted to hate him so badly. He was so infuriating. "You know how I got away now go."

"I want you to come back to Earth." Jadeite stated, clearly this is what he had come here to say to Rei. "Come back to Earth or I'll come back here."

"Why do you want me to go back? You think I'm stupid enough to get kidnapped twice?" Rei questioned him angrily.

"No, I just want to talk to you again." Jadeite smiled. "Come visit me. I'll come back; you know I will if you don't. And if I get caught, your princess will have to answer for the laws she's broken."

"You…" Rei growled, shaking with anger. "You…YOU GET OUT!" Jadeite took a step back, his eyes widening. "LEAVE! Why are you here? Why do you insist on haunting me? Is this what I get for acting the whore?"

"This is what you get for being you." Jadeite's strange smile returned to his face. "And you're so much like me. You know, I've never chased a woman before, don't disappoint me."

"I'm not here to please you." Rei snapped at him and Jadeite bowed once before leaving. She rolled over onto her side.

What do I do?

My duty to Serenity comes first…

And to protect her from everything…Setsuna is planning to kill the Queen. I agreed to help. I must watch over Serenity.

Loyalty…it's the opposite of selfishness.

Why wasn't I born more selfish?

--------------------------

Beryl took small, quick steps through the shrine to the way to Elysion. It was a good day she felt, for once she had shown some of the older priestesses that they couldn't order her around just because she was younger.

Serves them right.

I'm a very capable priestess!

And Endymion believes in me…

That thought made her especially happy. The youngest High Priestess of Gaia ever and it seemed like everyone doubted her. Well she would show them.

She waited at the gate, waiting for a visit from Helios, the priest of Elysion. It was time for their meetings again. Helios appeared, flanked on either side with Maenads. But just as he was coming he took a horrified step back.

"It's tainted!" Helios called out to the Maenads who put up their arms as if shielding themselves.

"What?" Beryl rushed forward but Helios stopped her.

"Beryl! There is a great evil--!" And with that, Helios who had been coming forward went back into the mists. Beryl tried to go forward, to help him, whatever the trouble was but then the door to Elysion was no more.

He…he sealed off Elysion!

From me…from the Earth…

But why?

Beryl went up to the wall where the way to Elysion was and beat on it with her fists. It wouldn't open up, no matter what. What had happened? What was the great evil? What taint?

The priestesses will all get to say how unfit I am…

Oh why did this happen?

She turned from the wall and ran back through the shrine crying. Nobody stopped her, not understanding why she was in tears. She ran and ran, not understanding where her feet were taking her. All Beryl wanted was to run away and not have to deal with it anymore.

Beryl ran into something and fell to the ground.

"Beryl!" Endymion's surprised voice told her exactly who she had run into.

"Endymion!" Beryl looked up, her eyes clouded with tears. He knelt down next to her and gave her a comforting, kind smile. Beryl threw her arms around him and cried on his shoulder.

"Beryl, what's wrong?" Endymion asked her. "Did something bad happen?"

"The gate…to Elysion…Helios sealed it…" Beryl sobbed. "I don't know why! It happened so fast! He said something about a great evil…"

"It's okay Beryl, its okay." Endymion helped her up. He took out a handkerchief and handed it to her. She began to dry her eyes with it. "I'm sure there's an explanation for it. Maybe a great evil has come to our land. In that case, I know that you'll be able to defeat it with the holy powers of Gaia."

"Will you help me?" Beryl asked him tearfully.

"Yes." Endymion put a hand on her shoulder. "You should know by now that if you ever need my help with anything, all you have to do is ask."

Endymion…

When you say those kind words and look at me like that…

"Thank you Endymion." Beryl murmured, her face feeling hot. "I have to go tell the others what happened."

"Of course." Endymion smiled at her. Beryl bowed her head and then ran off back towards the shrine. She saw Jadeite and she felt sure she would burst if she didn't talk to him.

"Beryl, what's with that grin on your face? I heard something bad happened in the shrine." Jadeite blinked at her.

"I feel better now that I've talked to Endymion." Beryl was smiling she discovered. "There is something wrong, I don't know what it is. But whatever it is, Endymion said he would help me with it."

"You look like a woman in love." Jadeite teased her.

"I think I am. I think I'm in love with Endymion." Beryl confessed. It felt so good to say it out loud. "Don't tell him Jadeite!"

"I won't." Jadeite vowed. Beryl went off on her way to the shrine and left Jadeite standing there. He liked Beryl, she was nice and not air-headed like a lot of the young women he knew.

Beryl…you shouldn't fall in love with Endymion.

It's what I want to say but I can't.

I don't want Serenity's visits to stop…because…

She'll come.

I know she will.

-------------------------------

"Hotaru!" One of the ghost children came into her room while she was still lightly dozing in bed. "What are you doing?"

"I was sleeping." Hotaru sat up and stretched her arms while yawning. "What is it?"

"It's just something a heard…" He spoke, fiddling with his hands. "They say…they say…he's coming."

"What?" Hotaru got out of bed. She hadn't seen this man since she was much younger. Now she was eighteen. That encounter…so long ago…

"When you are older, I'll come see you again."

She quickly went to put on some clothes and then followed the ghost child out where more of them were waiting on the main balcony. She saw something coming in the distance.

I've got to protect them.

"Hotaru!" The children cried as she ran away from them, down a flight of stairs. She would meet him face on this time. She wouldn't be scared. She wasn't a child anymore.

Hotaru went through the large doors and out into the open. He was coming. She looked up to see some of the ghost children still on the balcony. Some of them had come running up behind her.

There's not much I can do now…

She waited and finally a strange wind came all around her. She knew what this was. The cloaked figure was there again. She stood there, waiting for something to happen.

"You…you are the girl I met a long time ago are you not?" The voice asked her.

"I am the Sailor Senshi of Saturn, if that's what you're asking." Hotaru did her best to not look scared, even though part of her was.

"I'm not here to hurt you. Don't be so defensive." The person came closer to her.

"Then what do you want?" Hotaru asked it.

"I need your help." The voice told her. The face was still shadowed by the cloak.

"How do I know you aren't evil?" Hotaru asked the voice. "How do I know you aren't some kind of demon?"

There was a pause and then the figure pulled off the cloak in one swift movement. Hotaru's eyes went wide as she saw that there was a young woman. Her hair was silver, her eyes a beautiful chartreuse color. Long lashes framed those eyes.

It was the way the woman was dressed that so struck Hotaru though. Long black boots, long gloves, and a strange black outfit that matched.

"Who are you?" Hotaru asked.

"I am Sailor Star Healer." The woman answered. "Though I have another name. I am called Yaten by some."

"I am Hotaru." Hotaru introduced herself. "But it's impossible that you are a Sailor Senshi."

"It is possible." Yaten answered. "Because I am."

"What is it that you want me to do?" Hotaru stepped forward, somehow no longer afraid.

"I want you to come with me. I have to have your help. I know it's time." Yaten spoke in a strange tone as though trying to remember something that wasn't quite coming. "You're the only one who can do this."

"I'll go then." Hotaru decided. She turned towards the children. "I'll be back again soon." She heard cries and protests but she closer her eyes and ignored them as she walked up to Yaten. Yaten turned and walked with her.

They hadn't gone very far before Hotaru had to ask another question.

"Why are the children afraid of you?" Hotaru inquired.

"They're afraid of me because I made them swear they would never tell a soul about where we came from." Yaten didn't sound too disturbed by this. "To protect my princess."

"You have a princess too?" Hotaru was surprised by this. "Is she our princess? The one who lives on the Moon?"

"No." Yaten shook her head. "I can't tell you who my princess is now. Later, when I'm brought back."

Brought back?

What does she mean by that? Doesn't she know she's dead?

But then…when she touched my cheek…It was warm…

She tried to push these thoughts out of her mind and to think about other things. They walked on and on, going towards the coast. Going towards the sea of Saturn. Endless purple waters…Hotaru had only seen them once and they still frightened her somehow.

It was a long journey, taking most of the day. When they got to the beaches, and the sparkling purple waters, Hotaru didn't understand what they were doing there. Then she saw something. It was like an island. But no…it was made of metal.

She gasped at the sight of it.

"That's our transport…out there." Yaten gestured towards it. "That's how we all got here."

"Where do you come from?" Hotaru questioned but Yaten didn't say anything at all. They went walking along the beach together. Yaten was looking for something. There were all sorts of debris and wreckage along the beach too. Had she visited the shores for more then a few moments, she would have seen these things.

And there were the skeletons of the children. She wanted to weep when she saw them, so many together like that.

Then Yaten led her to what looked like a box made of metal. It was very big and Hotaru was sure that a human could fit inside. Yaten pressed some buttons on a rather damaged looking keypad and Hotaru was amazed to see it open.

Inside was a body.

Yaten's body.

But it was not a skeleton. It was flesh and blood. There was mist clearing from around it.

"I was frozen. Waiting for my princess." Yaten explained her eyes downcast. "I chose to roam away from my body, my spirit no longer wanting to sleep. I had to make sure the children didn't tell anyone about the princess. But to do so I had to break off the threads that held me to this body. I did not die though. I must return to my body but someone has to heal the wound between my spirit and my body."

"I don't know if I can do that…" Hotaru trailed off, looking sad. "I've never tried!"

"I know you have the power to, even if you don't." Yaten told her. "At least try it."

Hotaru nodded and then knelt down beside the body, putting her hands, palms down, above it. There was a warm purple glow from beneath her hands and she felt the glow going through the body, patching up minor cuts and bruises that had somehow gotten there. The flesh was closing up and she felt all the new cells glowing. But this was only the physical body, how did she get the spirit back in it?

The feeling of the glow passed over and she felt a hole of some kind, emptiness. It was dark, so very dark that it gave her chills. This is where the spirit had been broken away.

Yaten moved and lay down so that the body and the soul appeared as one; she took a quick breath and felt the mending beginning, the spirit being reattached to its physical being. It was so incredible that she was doing this that she nearly stopped in shock and surprise.

The process was complete. Yaten blinked her eyes as she sat up. Then she open and closed her fist a few times. A small smirk past over her lips and she got up.

"You…you did it." Yaten was in awe. "I knew you could but…"

"I don't know if Setsuna would want me helping you, since I don't know who you are. But I think you are a good person and I did not feel any evils." Hotaru explained with her head down.

"Then I will tell you my story." Yaten sat back down. "Will that help?"

"Alright." Hotaru looked at the woman curiously. The last live person she had seen was Setsuna, years ago.

"I was born on a planet that is far away called Kinmokusei." Yaten began the story. "It was soon discovered that I was a Sailor Senshi and guardian to my princess, Kakyuu. One day, the construction of a grand spaceship had just been completed. We would take children along and find another planet to start a colony on. There were all sorts of medical staff and pilots. But for some reason, they do not haunt this place. They moved on while children grasp at the only thing that they know which is life.

"We entered this galaxy and we were attacked. The ship went down. But I knew that I had to find Kakyuu one day. I had to tell her what had happened. I had a duty to fulfill. So I went inside this box and was frozen. Everyone else died. I have always wondered if I was too much of a coward to die with them. I have been waiting and waiting for my princess to come. I have awoken now because I think too much time has passed, and the princess is most certainly dead.

"So I must have a new princess to protect." Yaten ended the story, looking carefully at Hotaru. "And you shall be that princess."

"Me?" Hotaru flushed in surprise. "I cannot be your princess."

"Why is that?" Yaten asked.

"Well…I…" Hotaru tried to think. "I'm not important at all. I stay here on this planet and no one comes to visit me because I am so feared. I know this much at least. And my only friend has not been able to visit me for a long time."

"Then no one will dispute my claim as your new protector." Yaten didn't seem fazed by this. "Let us go back to your castle."

"Alright." Hotaru agreed, still not being able to believe this whole thing had just happened. Today was different from all days because for the first time in Hotaru's life, she wondered if she was important enough to be protected.

---------------------------

Where is it that Endymion could be?

Beryl looked all around the castle. She went to his rooms, but he was not there. He was not training in the special courtyard that she still didn't know how to get into. She saw none of the Shittenou so she couldn't ask them. Finally, she went down to the stables and they told her that Endymion and the Shittenou had gone out for a ride.

She wanted to go follow them but had no idea where they had gone. She decided to wander outside the city walls and see if she could meet them on their way in.

Beryl liked taking walks by herself where she could clear her mind and just think her own thoughts. There was a grove at one point that she would like to visit for it was very peaceful.

She was about to come out when she saw it.

Endymion and a beautiful silver-haired girl kissing. But it couldn't be! And yet, she knew it was. Endymion and her had been close friends. Endymion and her understood each other. She was the one in love with Endymion. She was the one who loved him most.

Had the others known? Had the Shittenou known? And who was this silver-haired beauty? Where had she come from? Beryl saw a crescent moon on the girl's forehead and she stood there in near amazement.

The girl was a Lunarian. Wasn't that what the crescent moon showed? She remembered Queen Demeter telling her this once. Of course she had never asked how Demeter knew this but Demeter had grown up fighting a war against the Lunarians so naturally she should know the enemy.

Hate, jealousy, spite. Sadness, betrayal, it all welled up in her. She wanted to scream and tear out all that girl's hair and demand to know why Endymion had done this! Tears were falling down her cheeks and all she could do was turn and run.

As she did so, she wondered why everyone betrayed her and left her alone. Helios and Endymion and the priestesses who all resented her for being young. The Temple of Gaia welcomed her and she wanted nothing more than to get as far away from the image of Endymion and that girl kissing as possible.

Is it because I'm not a pale beauty?

Is it because I am not from the Moon?

The portals in the Temple of Gaia that went to all corners of the Earth beckoned to her and blindly she ran through one and into a frozen wasteland.

It was either the Dead North or the Dead South as they were called. The snow and wind were very thick but she didn't care. Maybe she would lie down and die here, forgotten by everyone.

She took a few cautious steps and saw that she was near a cave. She could wait in there. Carefully making her way over, Beryl stepped inside the cave and knew that something was waiting in there. Was it waiting for her? She didn't like the feeling it gave off but yet she felt she had to go on and see what it was.

"Hello?" Beryl knew no one lived here but she couldn't help it. There was definitely a presence there. Different from an animal, different from a human. No answer came, only the echo of her call.

She went on and saw that there was a faint glowing purple light. Beryl went deeper into the cave. The glowing got stronger and stronger the further she went. And then, as she reached the heart of this cave, there it was.

A glowing ball of dark purple.

"Wha--?" Beryl felt the words stick to her throat. She had never seen something like this before. She walked forward and very cautiously reached out to touch the ball of energy. Her fingertips brushed against it and it pulsed. Beryl fell backwards in surprise, landing rather hard on the uncomfortable cave floor.

"Who are you?" The ball asked her in strange crooning sort of voice.

"I…I'm Beryl." Beryl got up and brushed off her skirts. She noticed that it was warm inside the cave and not bitterly cold like outside. "I'm the High Priestess of Gaia."

"Yes, I saw power in you when you touched me." The ball agreed. "What are you doing in this dead place?"

"I…" Beryl didn't want to think about the kiss she had witnessed.

"I saw things when you touched me." The ball went on. "A young boy kissing a silver-haired girl."

"Yes, that was Endymion…he's the Prince of the Earth." Beryl elaborated, looking down at her feet. Then back up. "The girl with him was a Lunarian; I know this because of her crescent mark! Why am I telling you this? You are a ball of energy, perhaps some sort of deity."

"I am Metallia." The ball introduced itself. "You may call me that. I am not a god, no, I am but a servant to the person who chooses to use me."

"The person who chooses to use you?" Beryl repeated slowly, the answer dawning on her.

"Oh yes, only a person who was special and powerful can use me." Metallia's voice had a strange entrancing effect on Beryl. "I can do great things for the one I serve."

"What sort of things?" Beryl inquired with a look of pure wonder.

"That boy, Endymion you called him? If you wish for him, you will have him. If you wanted to be Queen, to have thousands bowing at your feet, these things I can give you." Metallia told her. "I know you are powerful and others do not see it. They only look down on you when they should be raising you up! Isn't that what you deserve?"

"I…I do deserve that." Beryl couldn't believe what was happening. Finally someone understood. Someone wanted to help her. "I don't know if I want to be Queen."

"If you were to marry the Earth Prince, you would be Queen, wouldn't you?" Metallia elaborated. Metallia's mind was seeing a pair of fierce garnet eyes that had warned her to do nothing. But this girl…this girl with Metallia's power could be greater than that woman. She needed energy that this girl could bring her if she was to be strong enough to take on this legendary queen. "How does that suit you?"

"If I could be Endymion's bride…" Beryl looked far away. Then she shook herself. "What if you're trying to trick me?"

"I would never trick you." Metallia promised. "Take this as a token of my gratitude." And a ball formed next to Metallia but turned blue and smoky when you looked inside it. It flew over to Beryl who took hold of it and gazed into it. It showed Endymion with his Shittenou and five girls she had never seen before in her life. Were they all from the Moon?

Had the Shittenou as well as Endymion decided to betray the Earth?

"They have been enamored by those girls." Metallia seemed to be reading Beryl's thoughts. "They have used deception and trickery to gain their trust. You must be the one to open their eyes Beryl."

"Yes, yes of course." Beryl loved this gift. It was a true treasure. "What does this ball show?"

"It will show you what you want to see." Metallia answered in a voice that was most cryptic. "It is a gift to prove that I am loyal to you and you alone. If you need to see me, just come back here."

"Thank you!" Beryl clutched the blue ball to her chest. "Thank you so much!" Metallia was a gift in itself She wanted to give Beryl power. Power to make those who looked down on her regret it.

I can be a Queen.

------------------------

"This is one of our hunting lodges." Zoicite pointed out the large stone building. "I thought it would be nice to spend some time indoors for once."

"Considering how foul the weather is." Rei muttered bitterly, standing next to Serenity and glaring viciously at Endymion whenever he came near the silver-haired princess. She didn't like him; she didn't like any of them. Especially Jadeite. "It's no wonder they call this planet barbaric, I was beginning to think no one lived in decent houses."

"Rei!" Minako looked scandalized by the raven-haired girl's words.

"She's only speaking her mind." Jadeite defended Rei immediately. Minako looked from Rei to Jadeite but then with a puzzled expression turned towards the lodge.

"You will soon see that our land is not a land of savages." Endymion opened the door, giving Rei his most charming smile in the hopes of winning her over. She gave him a level stare and then arranged her face in a bored expression.

"It's beautiful!" Serenity clapped her hands together as they filed inside.

"I hope some day to be able to show you the palace." Endymion interlaced his fingers in her own.

"And I will show you the Moon Palace." Serenity gave him a cheerful look.

"Good luck with that endeavor." Rei spoke sourly. "It won't be in your mother's lifetime."

"You've been in a bad mood since you decided to come." Minako was not happy with her fire senshi's attitude. "Why did you come in the first place if this is all you're going to do?"

"Don't talk to me like that Minako." Rei glared. What did Minako know about anything? She was a poor leader by far, leading them into enemy ground, endangering the princess, many things. Minako knew nothing of what Rei went through for her loyalty to the princess! Nothing!

"If you two are finished…" Ami's soft voice brought the fires in Rei down. "Perhaps we should all get to know each other better now that Rei's finally decided to come and visit."

"Into the sitting room then." Zoicite agreed with this right away. Rei went forward, not wanting to lose her place by Serenity's side but a grip on her arm held her back as the others all filed through and pulled her away.

"What?" Rei hissed at the blonde-haired young man. "I came! I came to your stupid planet, what more do you want from me?"

"I don't want to speak to you in front of the others. You didn't say anything about me to them, did you?" Jadeite's eyes flashed. "Just as I didn't mention you."

"What do you have to tell me?" Rei's voice was cool and impatient now.

"That I'm happy you came back." Jadeite smiled. "If I would have been caught on the Moon visiting you, the execution would have been a bargain." Rei was confused by his words, clearly not expecting them. Nor was she expecting the way he kissed her so hard that they fell back against the wall behind her.

She felt a sudden panic as the memories of being raped came back to her but Jadeite's lips were different from those of that monster. It was a hot feeling that swept through her body, making her almost break into a sweat. The strange thing was that she didn't want to pull away from him.

His hands went up her back and he practically crushed her against the wall. But it didn't hurt and it was exciting in its own way.

What am I doing?

Is this a trick? To distract me from Serenity?

"No, stop." Rei pushed him away. "Why are you doing this?"

"Because there's no other woman like you." Jadeite was reluctant to let go of her. And when she looked into those clear blue eyes she knew. He was speaking truth.

There's something about this man…

Her lips connected with his again and she was aware that he was half leading her even further from her friends and through a doorway they went, Jadeite kicking the door shut with his leg, his lips never leaving her.

If I'm not careful…I'll lose myself.

----------------------------

In the next room, Minako was sitting next to Kunzite whom everyone could tell she was enamored with. They were both the leaders and so in Minako's mind that meant they would naturally pair off. Nephrite and Makoto were sitting next to each other and Minako could just tell that Makoto was impressed with the taller brown-haired man. Even Ami was looked like she was having a serious discussion with Zoicite, about what she could not tell.

It occurred to her that both Jadeite and Rei were missing.

"Where is Rei?" Minako asked the others.

"Where's Jadeite?" Endymion seemed to notice his missing general.

"Is there something going on between the two?" Minako blinked her large blue eyes. "I don't really think it's possible, this is the first time Rei's been on Earth."

"Jadeite's been acting strangely lately." Zoicite observed, looking up from his conversation with Ami. "And he did say something about wanting to meet a woman again."

"Like fire…" Minako remembered. "I wonder…if Rei's been here before?"

But no one could answer.

------------------------

"It's all good and well that we're friends," Ami began to the only member of the Terran side that she thought would agree with her, Zoicite. "But we have to remember that we're dealing with a war that was going on well before any of us were born."

"Exactly. I've told Endymion that this is not a fairytale, things could go badly very quickly." Zoicite nodded his head.

"This is why we all should not become too attached. We never know what might happen." Ami told him.

"Especially from the reports I've heard…" Zoicite hesitated. "Don't tell Serenity and Endymion…but things are getting worse on the Moon-Earth front…"

-----------------------

Luna watched the Queen who resembled a magnificent statue as she sat in her white throne. It was amazing it was still white as so many murderers had sat upon it. She kept her head down though. She didn't want to accidentally invoke the Queen's wrath. Next to her, Artemis was looking at Luna, wondering what she was waiting for. But there was an air of announcement about the Queen today.

A person came in and whispered something into the Queen's ear. The Queen nodded her head which seemed impossible because she had been sitting so still. She was like some machine, no life left in her at all. She was only able to give commands. The Queen's demands got more and more paranoid as time went on.

"We are going to war." The Queen decided. Luna and Artemis looked at each other and quickly back at the Queen.

"War?" Luna didn't know who they would be going to war with. Perhaps the Terrans for the umpteenth time. Why they didn't just establish a peace treaty or something reasonable like that was beyond her. The Queen made those decisions and the Queen was not known for her reasonable solutions. She had ordered the Neptunian princess to come and play the violin for her the other day. Michiru had not been on the Moon and the Queen had all the violins in the Moon Palace destroyed, even the one that Michiru kept specifically at the Moon Palace.

"Yes, war. On the Earth." The Queen had no emotion at all in her voice. "It is time that we crushed them. They are barbarians who live in spite because they can never have the gifts we do. They are jealous of our long lives and beautiful kingdom."

"Perhaps we shouldn't rush into war, a compromise might be—" Artemis was cut short as the Queen stopped sitting still and rose from her seat imperiously.

"Are you questioning my orders? Is your loyalty to the living goddess Selene wavering?" The Queen asked him fiercely.

"No, of course not." Artemis tried to appear meek, the only defense they had against her insanity. "I was merely suggesting a non-violent solution."

"That is not a solution. There is only one way to deal with the Terran problem." The Queen's eyes finally showed emotion, an angry fire burning in them. "This is the final solution."

Luna wanted to tell the Queen that it was a bad plan, that by doing this she would only prove herself a tyrannical fool. But how could she? She would lose her head. And perhaps Luna was not as brave as she thought herself to be. It was not only for herself she worried but for Artemis as well. She had to keep his safety in mind as well. If she spoke out, she just knew that the Queen would have them both killed.

She met his blue eyes for a moment.

We must keep our silence…if only to save the other.

There is nothing we can do here.

The living goddess Selene if she was trapped in this body would be a devil.

-------------------------

Ami found herself waking up with the thought that someone else was in her room. She sat up and looked through her curtains but saw nothing. Then she heard her door open and shut.

Quickly she sat up and stared at the door. She got up and slid out of bed. The floor was cold causing her to wince but she quickly hurried across to the door and opened it. Just as she looked into the hallway, someone swept around the corner at the end of the hall.

She set off after them, wondering who it was. If it was one of the other Inner Senshi, wouldn't they just wake her up? She followed this phantom down different hallways, always finding herself getting small glimpses.

Then she saw it go in through a pair of doors just as she came around yet another corner. Ami knew where these doors led. They went to the library.

Through rows of books Ami chased what she now saw was a cloaked figure. She kept trying to catch up with them but the cloaked figure was very clever at staying ahead of the blue-haired girl.

Finally, they had gone through most of the rows and rows of shelves when the cloaked figured dropped a book on the ground and kept going. Ami stopped and picked up the book. It was a leather bound book with no title. She went to the end of the row to see if she could see where the cloaked figure was but saw no one.

She opened the book which she discovered was a journal and read.

To Whom It May Concern,

Today is the day I decided to go to Earth now that I am Queen. It's strange to think that. Queen Serenity IX. But being the Queen is so much better then having someone rule over you the way mother did. I went because I thought about negotiating peace unlike my mother. She always told me that I was holy. She told me that I was a direct descendent of the goddess Selene. Is this true? I have no idea.

But today is the day I met Endymion. He is to be King of the Earth and I know him I love him dearly already! I can only hope he loves me as well. He is Endymion X which is funny because that we are nine and ten, right in a row. How perfectly wonderful.

Ami could hardly believe her eyes. The Queen, the woman who hated Earth more then anyone she knew had gone there?! Even knew the king who must be Endymion's father! Where had this come from?

To Whom It May Concern,

Endymion kissed me today! I have visited the Earth four times since my last entry and I have decided it is the most wonderful place I've ever seen. Endymion can't take his eyes off me for a moment. However there is a problem with some young noblewoman who came and interrupted our time together. I do not like her; she looks like she's going to cause trouble for our happiness.

Endymion looked very guilty when she arrived. Perhaps he thinks she'll tell on us. I don't think she knows I am from the Moon yet. Even if she did, what could she do? I am the Queen of the Moon and I have the Ginzuishou at my disposal. Far more powerful then that pinhead.

He also thinks peace would be good for we think much the same most of the time. I think he is my soul mate.

To Whom It May Concern,

The advisors want to know where I am spending my days. How can I possibly tell them? I shall surprise everyone one day with the news. Endymion and I can't bear to be apart at all now. It's been a few months and Endymion talks of beautiful I am to him. I love him so!

Endymion made love to me. I feel that we are now inseparable but there was something on Endymion's mind, a dark look in his eyes I did not understand. That girl showed up again at the end of our visit. Why does she always know where to find us? I'm beginning to despise her. I've asked Endymion to make sure she doesn't come around. Endymion seems to indulge her for some reason. That girl gives me looks though when she knows Endymion isn't looking. What a hateful girl! As if I'm a bad person! At least I don't try to interfere with anyone's happiness.

It does not really matter because I know Endymion loves me. I know that he wishes we could be together always and soon I shall be able to declare peace between us all.

To Whom It May Concern,

It has been awhile since I last wrote in this journal but today is the day I found out. I'm pregnant with Endymion's child. I told him, confident that he would be happy. He has asked that we keep our love a secret for a little longer and I am happy to do whatever he wishes. But he did not seem so happy with the thought of the baby. There is something bothering him. I'm beginning to think it's that twit. What a fool that girl is! She came in on us arguing and she took one look at the both of us and took off running. What happened you might ask?

Endymion ran after her! Her! I am going to be the mother of his child and he runs from me and to her! Why is that? Why is she so important to him? I don't understand it at all. He came back and told me that we must keep the baby a secret. I gave him my word I would. Nothing could convince me to betray him. Nothing at all. I will wait and stay in perfect health so that Endymion does not have to worry about the baby at all. I told the advisors to quit asking me questions as they were not my parents. Serves them right. I headed for my rooms and let only my personal healer and midwife watch over me. She knows what I have and is sworn to secrecy. She's the only one I can trust. Her and her apprentice, a tiny girl named Luna. They look after me while I lay in bed, only getting up to go visit Endymion.

To Whom It May Concern,

The baby is growing and my belly is getting rounder and rounder. Endymion seems distracted when he meets with me and he only meets with me for a little while before he has to go do something. I'm beginning to worry that he does not care for me anymore. That seems impossible to me. When he does come, that stupid girl is never far behind him! When I bear his child and he is attending to my every whim I shall order him to send that girl far from the both of us.

To Whom It May Concern,

Today was the worst day of my entire life. I went down to Earth only to catch Endymion kissing that girl! I cried and asked him why he had done it he told me that all along he had been engaged to this girl. He thought he had fallen in love with me but then he wasn't so sure. He thought if he said anything I would declare war on them. And he is right. He tried to comfort me but I pushed his hands away and left.

War on them. War on them both! And I will give Endymion his child when it is born for it shall undoubtedly look like him and I will have nothing to do with it! I should drown the thing but I know I will not only because this baby will not be to blame for Endymion's lies! I will never forgive them as long as I live.

To Whom It May Concern,

This is my last entry. I need nothing to confess anything to as I will become a pure and beautiful Queen that will always be remembered as perfect. Today was the day that Endymion's son was born into the world. I sent him to the Earth Palace and as I did I begged Selene to make sure that it was Endymion's own son that brought about the downfall of the Earth and the Terrans. A curse on those people who thought they were just as good as Lunarians!

"Serenity…" Ami trailed off, not believing what she had just read. "Serenity is Endymion's half-sister!"

She couldn't tell anyone. She couldn't tell Serenity, for it would be too much for her princess. Ami wished she could confront the Queen but knew that was suicide. Who had been that person in the library?

Instead she did nothing to disrupt their lives but wished she could do something to help them. Endymion and Serenity, having no idea that they were of the same blood line. If what the Queen always said was true, then wasn't Endymion of sacred blood? And how could she curse him like that?

Or perhaps it wasn't true. Perhaps Lunarians weren't any better than Terrans.

---------------------

The castle fell, the stones crumbling and tumbling away. There was nothing but a huge dark presence in front of her and the stone cold whiteness of the Queen. Fallen bodies, everyone was dead.

The white Moon Palace now soaked in blood.

The senshi of Mars found herself waking up, gasping for breath and trying not to think of the horrible visions that had come to her in her dreams. They were haunting her always. A constant reminder what awaited if the Queen was allowed to rule the kingdom.

Jadeite stirred next to her. Rei was already sitting up and he sat up as well, the blankets falling down as he put an arm around her.

"Are you having a nightmare?" He asked her in her ear.

"Yes." Rei answered as she closed her eyes. "A nightmare that's going to come true."

"What sort of nightmare?" Jadeite inquired.

"You wouldn't understand." Rei turned away from him. "The kingdom will fall…What if the Queen is not the only cause? What if the Earth has something to do with it?"

"Do you not trust us?" Jadeite pulled away from her.

"How can I trust you?" Rei's words were cold and bitter. "How can I trust any of you? I can only trust me and my guardians. I have loyalty to only one person."

"So I'm nothing to you?" Jadeite was angry with her now.

"I am nothing to you." Rei answered. "I'm going to see what the others are doing." She hurried and got up and got ready to leave the room. Jadeite sat in the bed saying nothing at all.

Just as she was about to go out the door, his voice stopped her.

"You don't know that I love you, do you?" Jadeite asked and Rei turned to look into his icy blue eyes, the person that had gotten close to her when she refused to let anybody in. She wanted to say something to him, anything. But no words came out at all.

So she said nothing and turned, going out the door and closing it behind her.

------------------------

"What are these?" Beryl looked at the strange monsters that were now dwelling in the cave with Metallia. She came to visit the entity every day now. No one asked her where she was going any more because she now snapped at them. She was fighting back and standing up for herself. No longer was she the controllable High Priestess.

"They are youma, they are your soldiers." Metallia explained. "Did you bring my energy?"

"Yes of course." Beryl held out the ball that Metallia had given her and energy wafted from it to Metallia. "They are monsters though."

"They are yours to command." Metallia reassured her. "And if take them with you, you can convert men to your side. You carry my power in your ball."

"I…I don't know…" Beryl began to feel uneasy. A lot of Metallia's plans made her feel uneasy these days. It was not easy to deal with some of the things that Metallia wanted her to do.

"When you've done all these things, you will have Endymion." Metallia used the promise that made Beryl agree to anything. "You will be able to be happy and be Queen at his side. Does that not please you? I live to serve only you."

Beryl hesitated. If Metallia said it was for her then she supposed that it must be alright. Metallia wouldn't lie to her. But at the same time, Beryl was beginning to feel different then she had. Was it power that Metallia was supplying her or something else?

She went back to the Temple and snapped at the nearest person, a young girl who was training to be a priestess. She had been scrubbing the floors and Beryl was annoyed and kicked the bucket over. When an elder priestess tried to talk to her, Beryl shrugged her off.

"I believe I'm the High Priestess." Beryl gave her a condescending look. Just wait until she was Queen! Then they would all be sorry! But at the same time, Beryl didn't understand why she had kicked that bucket over. It was a cruel thing to do. Beryl wasn't cruel.

What is happening to me?

Does Metallia have something to do with it?

I want to believe Metallia and the promises that I keep receiving but those youma who are supposed to serve me as soldiers…the energy I have to take from other people and give to her…

Beryl wondered if she did need Metallia to get Endymion. Might it be that his moon girl was only a passing fancy? That she was the one he really loved? She had to know.

It didn't take long to find Endymion for once. He was his horses again. Beryl approached quietly and Endymion didn't hear her until she tapped on his shoulder.

"Beryl!" Endymion looked happy to see her. Then he paused for a moment. "You look different. Have you gotten taller?"

"I don't know." Beryl was uneasy. She couldn't tell him about Metallia but she had to try and get him without Metallia's help. Maybe she could forget all about Metallia and leave her in that wasteland. "Endymion…I have to tell you something…"

"What is it Beryl?" Endymion put a hand on her shoulder, steadying her.

"I…I…" Beryl looked down and then back up into his beautiful blue eyes. "I love you."

"Beryl…" Endymion trailed off, obviously surprised.

"I wanted you to know…I love you…I've always loved you." Beryl confessed all her feelings.

"I think…I think I almost did love you once." Endymion said as truthfully as possible. Beryl felt a painful grip beginning to take hold of her heart. "But then I met her and I realized what love was truly like. I love you as a sister Beryl, but nothing more."

"Her? Her? Her?" Beryl wanted to hit him. "This girl you barely know! This girl…this girl from the Moon!"

"You know?" Endymion's eyes went wide.

"Of course I know!" Beryl never felt more hurt and betrayed in her whole life. "How can you pick her?!" And she turned, running away even as she heard him call her name.

He was probably concerned that she would go tell Queen Demeter. But no, Beryl went instead to the only person who had not yet left her to the wolves.

"Metallia, I won't question you anymore if you get me Endymion." Beryl fell to her knees in front of the ball of energy. "If you promise to kill the Princess of the Moon."

Metallia weighed her choices for a few moments.

"You cannot harm the Princess of the White Moon."

"If you promise to kill the Princess of the Moon."

"Your wish is my command." Metallia answered. For what that silly garnet-eyed woman did not know was that you can not strike a bargain with the devil and expect the devil to pay.

----------------------

"Memento mori…"

("Remember that you will die…")