Falling
Rated: R
Chapter 9
Endymion stared out into the darkness of the night, interrupted here and there only by distant lights. The moon, as if in mourning, was invisible tonight and the overcast night skies reflected his mood. He ran a hand through his hair, a habit that showed the stress equally visible on his face.
It was odd that having had his whole life to get used to the concept, being raised for this very purpose, and being told by several people that he was not only destined, but by nature perfect for the role, he was still apprehensive. His father grew weaker everyday and it seemed as if the problems within the kingdom grew in direct proportion. The responsibility weighed heavily on his shoulders.
Not everyone agreed that he was perfect for the role of King. That much had certainly become obvious in these last days. Those council members who didn't hide their concern about his choices certainly didn't hide their opinion on his age either; considering him young, reckless, and by nature of youth, foolish and irresponsible.
But they weren't the ones who worried him. They were, after all, old and traditional and would stand by him in the end. It was the more power hungry ones who while smiling and encouraging in public were plotting in the shadows; they were the ones who concerned him. And their numbers were growing.
"The security has been tightened; you should relax Endymion."
Endymion nodded at the tall, thin, blonde man who'd spoken. Zoecite's voice and presence was usually a calming one but not particularly today. He doubted he'd be calm for a long time.
"I'm almost glad my father is too ill to be aware of what is happening to the kingdom."
Zoecite frowned. "None of this is your fault Demon. None of us predicted things could get this bad.
"Yes but it seems despite my 'lofty' position, I'm nearly powerless to do anything about it. I should have known, Zoi. How could I have been so oblivious to the hatred?
"We've always known, even we ourselves shared some of their sentiments," Zoi reminded.
"No," Endymion disagreed. "I understood dislike, jealousy, contempt, but never hatred; certainly not enough to turn violent. I seem to be the only one surprised by it." He frowned. "Do you know what Beryl said to me when it happened?"
Zoecite looked at his prince. Nothing Beryl could say would surprise him. While she was lovely to look at, Endymion's fiancée had a heart made of ice, if she had one at all. Endymion didn't even notice it. But then for months he'd barely noticed her. Now he was trying to convince, or rather delude himself into believing she'd make a good wife.
"She said 'it was bound to happen. They were merely venting a millennia worth of rage.'"
Zoecite scowled, turning away from Endymion and looking out unto the dark gardens below. In the distance, the lights from guards at their posts could be seen at points around the palace. Malechite had immediately ordered an increase in security after the loud explosions had shook the ground more than a mile beyond the palace several days ago.
They'd all gathered and watched plumes of smoke towering over rooftops from beyond the city. The explosion had been only one of several at different sites, all occurring almost simultaneously. Four ancient temples had been destroyed. More than a hundred people, the few remaining devotees of Selene, had been killed while they had peacefully gone about their religious rituals. All that was left to remind them that the temples of Selene had ever existed was rubble.
That in itself would have been enough to cause Endymion pain, worry, and stress. He'd ached for several days after as if he'd been injured himself. He'd immediately begun an investigation into the events meeting with little cooperation from the populace, many of whom didn't seem to care that the temples were gone. They seemed more inclined to support the terrorists.
More significant and devastating news had arrived this morning however, when shockingly; communications had been received from the moon. The reason for the break in their silence had been stunning. The royal library on Mercury had suffered severe damage and dozens of people had been killed or injured as a result of an explosion similar to the ones on Earth. Explosive material had been found on Venus in the largest temple of Selene and was removed before damage could be done.
The accusation had been obvious and understandable but while Endymion could vouch for himself and his government not being involved, he couldn't say the same of his subjects, not with the overwhelming evidence. He'd sympathized with their loss and offered a public apology and a reassurance that he was doing everything in his power, albeit limited, to capture and prosecute those involved.
To say the least, that hadn't gone over well with the council or his people. Why should the Terrans apologize? What was the evidence that what happened on Mercury and Venus was connected to earth?
Malachite had increased security for fear of attacks against Endymion himself or the palace. That had upset Endymion further. What kind of ruler needed protection from his own? Not a trusted or respected one; and that hurt him deeply.
Not for the first and most likely not the last he wondered how could he have been so oblivious. Only a year or two ago he'd been advising his father on how the people felt, what they thought. He'd secretly walked the city streets of his Kingdom, hearing the people talk and learning what needed to be done.
The guilt he felt over his recent disaccord with his own people had increased when he realized what undoubtedly Malachite thought as well. He'd been distracted from his responsibilities by a beautiful woman, one who had no doubt forgotten all about him already.
But he hadn't forgotten Serenity. He still remembered the scent of her hair the last time he'd seen her. He couldn't blame this on her however. This weight was on him, and him alone.
Serenity sat up in bed suddenly, her eyes slowly adjusting to the dark room. Her breathing was heavy and she felt hot and sticky. She tossed the covers, damp with her sweat, aside and rolled off the bed.
She'd had many sleepless nights since arriving on Pluto. The short moments of sleep she'd managed were interrupted by nightmares, all of a different sort.
"Light's on," she commanded as she stood before the mirror in the room.
Her eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness. The image staring back at her didn't seem at all like her Serene Royal Highness. Instead, hollow, dim eyes with dark circles beneath them stared back blankly. Her skin was glowing from the thin layer of sweat and oil and blonde curls that had escaped her braid stuck to her face.
She sighed and went to an armchair beside the window and sat down. The nightmares that were keeping her awake were all variations on the theme of her pregnancy and Endymion, except one.
The terrible dream of the moon's desolation had returned and she couldn't seem to shake it. She reached out a hand and touched the cold glass of the round window. The double panes of thick glass surrounded by sturdy metal seemed to emphasize the inhospitableness of the dark landscape beyond.
She hated this place, this tiny rock of a planetary outpost kept barely above the freezing mark by more crystals than Mars and Venus used combined. Despite the vast magical and technological resources used to warm Pluto, the cold seemed mystical and pervading, chilling to the very depths of not just the body but the mind and soul. How anyone lived on this dark rock for long was mind-boggling.
Pluto wasn't a planet that could be compared to any other. It's inhabitants consisted of mostly Mercurian and Martian Scientists who worked in seclusion, studying the planet itself, or something more secretive and in the eyes of the common man, complicated and unproductive, provided they could even grasp the concepts. The other inhabitants included a caste of Magi who studied the planets mystical qualities. They were strange people.
The most important of Pluto's citizens was one of its only permanent inhabitants and royal, Sailor Pluto. She was as mysterious as the planet itself, rarely seen and when seen, her voice barely heard; she wasn't one to waste words. Despite the fact that she barely seemed older than Serenity herself, her eyes seemed ancient, as if she'd witnessed the birth of the galaxies. It was her home in which Serenity had been secluded while Mina, with her mother's help, took over a few of her duties, at times even pretending to be Serenity for the public at times.
She'd never for a moment thought she could miss her ceremonial duties, but looking back it seemed a simpler life with its own appeal. Sometimes she wished she could go back in time and appreciate it for what it was.
She supposed her temporary exile was just punishment for being born a fool. She placed a hand on her large stomach feeling the movement of her baby inside her. It wouldn't be long now before she'd have to bring this life into the world only to let her go, never to be seen again.
Would Endymion hate her, she wondered for the hundredth time, if he knew she was having his baby; a child he'd never see?
Every time the question came to mind, she banished it with the reminder that it was as much for Endymion's good as her own that no one knew her baby existed.
Only a few months ago she had walked into her mother's office, having returned from Drue. She'd tearfully begun the dreaded explanation for their hurried return. But her mother had had terrible news of her own that further compounded the disaster that she'd brought upon herself.
Terrorist attacks had devastated Mercury, and the council was contemplating war. But they weren't prepared for war even against a less technologically advanced Earth. Too many peaceful centuries had passed for them to be prepared for such a drastic measure in a short while. But the tension, and fear was everywhere.
To complicate matters, Endymion's apology had stirred many of his own people against him. One attempt on his life had already been foiled. Even a single rumor that she carried his child could destroy him. Of course, Endymion wasn't the only reason she'd been ensconced in this cold metal palace at the edge of the solar system.
A scandal of the kind she brought to her kingdom was far more than it could bear at this time. It was more important than ever that she marry Mael. The possibility of war necessitated that alliance. More than ever, the crystals supplied by Drue were in need. When imbued with magic, they powered nearly everything on all the planets and that need would only increase with war looming on the horizon.
For the first time in its existence the moon kingdom was shadowed in scandal and deceit and she'd been the one to bring it. She wondered sometimes if her kingdom might not be better off without her. She couldn't afford to entertain those thoughts however. Her life belonged to the people of her kingdom. Had she remembered that, she wouldn't be in her current situation.
She tried to focus on the positives. Her baby was conceived in love, at least on her part. She wondered if Endymion felt the same. She supposed she'd never know. If she were less selfish she would hope he didn't. At least then he could move on without regret, the way they had originally intended before all these entanglements.
The door chimed softly indicating the presence of one of only a few people who came to see her. She frowned at the sound. Odd as it was, she missed the sound of hand against wood she was used to hearing at home. She missed everything; the smell of gardenias on a warm night, freshly cut grass, the sound of water in the fountains, the presence of all her senshi.
"Come in," she called.
The door slid open with a hissing sound and Amy entered the room. There was always at least one senshi here with her, both for security and company.
Serenity looked around for the clock. It was always dark here and she never had the slightest idea of the time. It was very early in the morning she realized. Why was Amy visiting so early?
"What's the matter?" Amy immediately asked as she took in Serenity's appearance. Her nightgown clung close to her skin, damp in places and her hair was a mess. She looked weary and worn.
"A bad dream; that's all. I don't really look that terrible do I?"
Ami gave her an accommodating smile. Pregnancy had filled out Serenity's face, rounding her features, making her seem even younger and more vulnerable. Her hair was slowly fading from blonde to silver as it did with all her ancestors during pregnancy. She looked lost and sad most days but now she looked drained and worried.
"I guess I do," she noted Ami's apologetic expression with a grimace. "Why are you here so early?" She loosened her knotted braid and began combing the ends through with her fingers.
"I just arrived. Rei told me you haven't been sleeping so I assumed you'd probably be awake."
"Rei does tattle doesn't she," Serenity grumbled. Rei had been watching her intently, hovering like an annoying mother hen when she visited. Still, Serenity had to admit, fighting with Rei kept her from being bored, which was undoubtedly her intent.
"And she was right." Amy pressed a hand to Serenity's stomach and as if in acknowledgment, the baby kicked. "You need to rest, Rena; and not just for the baby.
"I know. But when I'm not dreaming, I'm worrying."
"There's no need to worry. Everything's fine."
Serenity looked skeptical. "Don't try to placate me Amy. Whatever is going on, tell me."
Amy paused, considering whether or not to tell Serenity the goings on of the kingdom. Keeping it from her wouldn't stop her worrying however, so she might as well now the full truth. It wasn't all bad.
"The rebuilding of the library is going well," she began. She hesitated before adding: "the last of Selene's temples on Earth was destroyed a few days ago."
Serenity's brow wrinkled with worry. "Was anyone hurt?"
"Yes but we don't know how many."
Serenity opened her mouth and closed it. She shouldn't ask the question on the tip of her tongue.
Ami expected the question however. "His father has died. The people are polarized. Some want him off the throne but there are still many who believe in him." There were more than enough who hated him enough to kill him, but Amy was certain Serenity didn't need to hear that thought.
Serenity nodded. She worried about Endymion and despite many past attempts to push thoughts of him aside; she couldn't seem to help it.
In the days following her revelation to her mother, before she had been sent here, she had written a letter to him, unsigned. She had had no way of getting it to him besides going herself and she had no good reason for writing it. She'd wanted to say something, anything for the last time, but what she needed to say couldn't be said and so the letter had remained on her desk until Mina had noticed it, read it and delivered it herself with great risk.
She couldn't understand why Mina would do that for her considering... Perhaps she'd understood its simplicity.
I know
it's been a while, and I hope you have forgotten me, though I've missed you.
There are many things I should say, things that it would behoove us both never
to mention so I'll simply say thank you for the memories. A part of what we
shared will always exist within me. I shouldn't have written this, but somehow
I just needed to say goodbye
I hope
you'll forgive me if I've reminded you of something you'd rather forget.
Be
happy.
Beryl lounged in bed, enjoying the luxury of satin sheets against her skin. Endymion had finally given in to her advances and he had been wonderful. Everything was going according to plan. She'd returned home for a brief while and found her influence had expanded even further since her engagement.
People were rallying against the Moon Kingdom and it hadn't required much of her magical talents to accomplish it. Whoever said good help was hard to find hadn't met her uncle. Their plans were all falling into place and she could hardly wait for the day to come when the crown would sit on her head and everyone would bow to her.
There had been a minor snag, the attempt on Endymion's life. Neither she nor her uncle had been prepared for that. Endymion's death would have made a bit of a mess of their plans. Fortunately, that nuisance had been taken care of and once again she was secure in her plans for the future.
Her first order of business would be to get rid of the council. Many of them were serving her purpose at the moment but once she was queen they would be nuisances with no value.
There had been one more small annoyance to mar the past glorious months. Once more she had been forced to deal with the matter of Endymion's mistress.
She'd found Endymion. a few months ago, reading a small scrap of paper for what seemed the tenth time. And again she had wondered what could be so important as to warrant his attention, or rather his obsession. The first time he'd had the strangest, indecipherable expression on his face and each time after that, a sad one.
She'd been determined to find out what it was. When she'd discovered the contents, while rifling through his pockets. She'd been enraged. Only the realization that the letter he treasured from his lover had been a goodbye, had kept her from exploding in a volcanic rage. The foolish slut, whomever she was, was sickening. She'd never read anything more pathetic and purposeless.
Still, it had assured her that she now had Endymion all to herself. He spoke to her now, listened to her, confided in her. Everything she'd ever dreamed of was becoming hers and not even the thought of that unimportant little tramp could ruin her good mood.
Endymion was disgusted with himself. He wondered if Beryl had noticed when he'd slipped from her room in the early morning hours before the sun began to sneak quietly over the horizon. Last night had been the result of too much to drink and feeling sorry for himself. He'd been just sober enough to remember not to say Serenity's name. He'd become a pathetic fool who substituted one woman's face for another.
God, how he hated her. She'd turned him into a pathetic fool. And yet he couldn't truly hate her.
Even as he lay beside Beryl his dreams had been filled with images of Serenity. He'd woken up, convinced he'd felt her blonde curls brushing against his face and chest as she leaned over him. He had been overwhelmed by the feeling that she was right next to him and his entire body had ached intensely for a brief moment. Yet he'd been certain it wasn't his pain he'd felt.
It had been months. So many things had happened since they had parted. How could love be so all consuming? Wouldn't the day ever come when he could forget? If time healed all wounds, it was a long time in coming.
He looked up from the rose he twirled in his hand to see Malachite approaching from the far end of the rose garden beneath the rose covered trellis. He muttered a curse beneath his breath. His relationship with Malachite had grown stiff and uncomfortable. He was tempted to take off before he arrived but he decided to stand his ground.
"Good morning, Endymion."
"Mal," Endymion grunted.
Malachite's eyebrow rose at the rude greeting. "Woke up in the wrong bed?"
"Was that humor?" Endymion asked, surprised but not amused.
"Never mind," Malachite replied. He was concerned about Endymion. He sat down beside him on the stone bench and tried to ignore the inevitable uncomfortable silence.
"There's something very wrong with this day," Endymion stated ominously.
"It hasn't even begun yet." The sun was still low on the horizon, fingers of light still slowly creeping over the land warming everything in its path with soft morning light.
"I can't shake the feeling that something is…." His voice trailed off, aware that Malachite was looking at him strangely, frowning.
In previous months he hadn't been nearly as focused as he should have been but he had redeemed himself lately, focusing on his responsibilities, taking over completely from his father who was now confined to bed. He had managed to calm some of the hostilities of his people and a tense sort of peace had settled.
Endymion had, to some people's relief and to many others's disappointment, had negotiated a peace of sorts with the Serene Alliance to hold off on any immediate retribution while he investigated the events. But there had been little result and perhaps the Alliance was frustrated with that.
Perhaps Endymion's 'feeling' was a warning that the few months of peace following the many terrorist attacks was about to come to an end.
"Do you think…" Malachite asked but Endymion interrupted him before he could finish, Knowing the question before it even left his lips.
"No. This feels more personal. I just feel…" his voice trailed off again. "I can't explain it but I know something momentous has happened. I just don't know whether it's a good thing or not.
