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Maid for You – Chapter 23
For what seemed like an eternity to Serena he'd stood there, high above the ground, suspended by the power of the crystal. How magnificent he looked to her eyes, cape flowing, surrounded by golden light. That golden light had touched the world and beyond, solid and unwavering as it destroyed the evil it touched.
She had watched in horror as the light disappeared in a flash and he had fallen to the ground and stayed there.
Her scream had ripped from her soul as she broke free of the King's hold and ran to where he lay, dropping to her knees beside him. Pulling him into her arms she searched frantically for any sign of life, but there was not even the faintest heartbeat or the tiniest breath.
"No! Please, Endymion! Wake up! Don't leave me… please…" She pulled him closer and held him tight, refusing to let go, to accept that he was gone. He did not respond and she screamed in grief and terror, unable to conceive of a life without him by her side. He had changed her life so completely it seemed worthless without him in it. He was her defender, her hero, her heart. What other would have risked so much for her? Who else would choose a servant-girl over the Earth's throne?
She could hardly see for the blinding tears that fell. Yet through the tears, one thing was clear. He had saved them all and destroyed the evil that threatened them. It was not right to simply let him die. She had power, she knew this now. It was new and she didn't know how it worked, but it was there. Maybe it was enough. At any rate, she had to try. She had nothing else to lose.
Still holding him close she reached out with her newfound power, sinking it into him. The power surrounded her, pulling her along with it. The world around her faded as she sank deep into the depths of the ethereal realm where spirits dwelt. Blackness engulfed her as she searched for the spark of light that was the golden crystal.
She began to despair as all she found was darkness and her soul wept.
Then she saw it. The faintest flicker of light in the never-ending darkness. Painfully dim and still fading, but not gone yet.
She knew, though she didn't know how, that the crystal would eventually regain its power and recover, though it would come far too late for Endymion. He would be long gone before the Crystal regained its strength. But if she could somehow use her own power to boost the Crystal's recovery maybe, just maybe, she could save him.
She wrapped the tiny spark in her power and concentrated, pouring all that she had into the representation of her very life.
Queen Serenity, Queen Gaia, King Sol and the Scouts watched in amazement as Serena fought for Endymion's life. White light flared around the still forms as Serena's newly found power flowed.
At first it looked as if she would succeed, but suddenly the light began to flicker and fade. Serenity cried out, her daughter's power was simply not strong enough. She turned to the Scouts; they were exhausted, but they were the only hope.
"Please, help her!" She implored them.
They needed no further encouragement. Stepping forward they called on their respective planets and sent the power to Serena, aiding her in her attempt to save the prince. Rainbow light flowed into Serena and she instantly accepted it, passing it on to the pale crystal.
The crystal was engulfed by the joined powers and without warning, flared into life. Serena let out a cry as she was dragged back to reality, her surprise quickly turning to joy as she realised that she had not returned alone - The Golden Crystal had come too and brought Endymion with it. His chest, which had been still now rose and fell as his heart resumed beating. A small moan came from his lips.
"Endymion?" She whispered his name, silently imploring him to speak, to make the miracle real.
"Serena." One word; her name. It was all she needed and she threw her arms around him.
"Oh thank the Gods!" She cried. Fresh tears began to fall, tears of joy this time that washed away the pain and fear of a few minutes ago.
Endymion sat up slowly and faced her.
"You saved me." He said, wonder in his voice. She shook her head.
"Not just me. I would never have been able to pull you back if the Scouts hadn't helped. But we had to. You saved us all – we couldn't let you go." She paused. "I couldn't let you go." Her voice began to tremble again. "I can't live without you. I don't want to live without you."
He looked at her, a strange gleam in his eyes.
"You still do not understand. Serena, you and I, we are soul-mates. We can never be parted – even by death."
"I had not realised it was that strong." She replied, her voice a whisper.
"It is." He said, then leaned down and gently kissed her.
It was as the kiss ended that a strange thing happened. A silver light blazed on Serena's forehead and when it faded the crescent moon had returned, emblazoned into her skin like a tattoo.
Endymion stared at it. "That mark – I thought only members of the Moon's Royal family had it." He reached out and carefully touched it.
"You are correct, Prince of Earth." Endymion turned and saw Queen Serenity standing over them. He gasped and tried to stand, but he was still weak. Serena took his arm and helped him to his feet. He stood somewhat shakily, leaning on her for support.
"Your Majesty?" He questioned. Serenity's eyes shone with happiness.
"I did not believe it myself at first. But now there is no doubt. Serena, you are my daughter, my child that I have thought to be dead for so many long years."
It was a good thing that Endymion's strength was fast returning, for Serena nearly fainted at the news and he found himself holding her up.
"Daughter?!" She cried; sheer disbelief on her face and in her voice. "How can this be?"
Serenity smiled.
"When the bomb fell, I thought you had been killed. But the power within you protected you and sent you somewhere safe – to Earth. Your power was muted by that transport but today, when Endymion was in danger, it returned. Now your heritage is clear for all to see."
Serena stood still, deeply shocked. All her life she had been a servant, had only just accepted marrying into royalty. Now it seemed she was royal in her own right. However, that paled in light of a far more wondrous thing.
"You are my mother?" She whispered. Serenity nodded.
A smile lit up Serena's face and she moved, flinging herself into the Moon Queen's arms.
Serenity held her tight, overwhelming joy filling her heart.
"I thank the Gods for sending you back to me." She said. Serena didn't answer, but her joy was no less. So much had happened in just one day; she couldn't help but wonder if it was all a dream.
Endymion smiled as he watched the joyful reunion. So caught up was he that he didn't notice his own mother wrapping her arms around him.
He quickly returned the embrace.
"We thought we'd lost you." She said tearfully. Endymion did not lie.
"You almost did. But Serena brought me back."
The Queen smiled.
"Never have I seen two people so in love. You are very lucky, my son."
Endymion jumped, for it had not been his mother that had spoken, but his father.
"I am glad you approve father. Or is it only because she is a princess now?" He asked. Though his father had treated Serena much better recently, his initial reaction still lingered in Endymion's mind.
"No." The King replied. "I have seen that I was wrong. Princess or servant, she is your perfect match."
Serena heard this and moved away from Serenity to return to Endymion. She smiled at him. "I cannot believe I am a princess! I am no one special!" She said, shaking her head.
Endymion laughed.
"Oh Serena! It is not a title that makes you special! It is your heart that makes you special and you have the biggest heart I've ever known."
She blushed and he pulled her in for a kiss, mindless of the others all around them.
END CHAPTER 23