I'm so sorry you guys. I went on a trip and I knew that I'd be gone for a
least a month. I didn't mean for you guys to wait that long for this
chapter though. It wasn't until I got to my destination that I realized
that I had left the disk with this chapter at home. So again I'm sorry for
the wait. Thank you for waiting so patiently. And I hope you enjoy it.
The Heart Remembers
Chapter 31
Mars rubbed her arms briskly at the sudden chill in the air. She looked over at the others to see if they noticed. They were all starring at Endymion with a mixture of awe and gratitude but none of them appeared to be affected by the drastic change in temperature. She on the other hand was getting colder by the minute. Could she be going into shock? After everything that had happened today the idea wasn't so farfetched. After all it wasn't everyday when you found that your life was a lie and what you believed to be the truth was in fact the exact opposite. And finding out that the person you thought was an enemy was in fact your very own prince was another shocker. But that was what they were led to believe what they were made to believe. Memories that they once thought were real they were now told was false. Implanted by a Queen who no longer existed and a Prince who was once their greatest ally and now their greatest threat.
She wanted to feel anger at their betrayal but found that she couldn't. How could she be angry? They had lost their memories but Darien had lost his very identity. And if it wasn't for his sacrifice Serena would be lost to them and Beryl would have learned of their identities. He had found a way to save all but himself. She didn't want to think of the damage Beryl could have done with knowledge of who they were. None of them would have been safe. Not their families, nor their friends. The Negaverse would have used them against us without batting an eye and probably would have taken great pleasure in doing do. Or would they have.
Unbidden an image of Malachite as she last saw him came to mind. She had always thought him to be cold and ruthless without an ounce of compassion or mercy and yet the man she saw after Sailormoon used her crystal appeared to be none of these things. He seemed truly ashamed of his actions and regretful for the role he played as one of Beryl's generals. But was that the truth? Could beryl have done to him what she did to Darien? Erase his memories of who and what he what he was and using the dark energy of the Negaverse turn him someone that he wasn't. Well after everything that she had learned today she had to admit the possibility. And she was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. That's if he's still alive.
..
Zosite stared despairingly down at the spot where Nephlite and Malachite had stood just moments ago. She couldn't believe that he was actually gone. A slight movement off to her left had her turning to see Jedite lying unconscious on the floor. She watched to see if he was coming to but thankfully he remained unconscious.
She wanted to kill him. It everything she had not to go over there and strangle him while he slept. He had come here to kill Malachite. That alone was enough reason for her to end his lifes life. And to make matters worse he had allowed that traitor Nephlite to make off with him. There was no question about it. He deserved to die. He was just lucky that his death would make a complicated situation even more so. And right now she didn't need any further complications.
She had to figure out where Nephlite had taken Malachite and why. She didn't believe he was following the Dark Princes orders and he obviously wasn't following Beryl's. So what was he up too? She froze as the answer came to her. She didn't want to believe it. But there was no other possible explanation. For a reason that was beyond her Nephlite had chosen to flee taking malachite with him. There destination, the Sailor Scouts.
So furious that she could scream she began pacing up and down the cell. Too many things were happening and at an alarming rate. She didn't need this right now. Not with Beryl breathing down her neck and the Dark Prince set to return any time now. And she knew it would be soon she could feel it. The only question that plagued her was weather she was going to join him or take her chances with Beryl. Despite everything Beryl had put her through it wasn't an easy decision to make. At least with Beryl she would no where she stood. While the Dark Prince on the other hand was an enigma. The man she had known as tuxedomask was gone, replaced by a man she didn't want to cross but wasn't sure she could trust either. And now with Malachite gone her decision became all the more complicated.
Oh Malachite I need to see you, to talk to you. For a while now she had lived with this awful feeling in the pit of stomach. It took her awhile to admit it too herself but Malachite was different some how. It wasn't something she could explain in words but she could see it in his eyes and feel it every time he kissed her. She had tried to dismiss it at first blaming it on the circumstance and the uncertainty of the future, but she could no longer ignore the feeling that he was slipping away from her. And now he was gone. And she was afraid that whatever ties they had left were now severed. And that thought was almost too painful to bear. There must be something she could do. This couldn't be the end. It just couldn't be.
She had to think. What could be wrong with him? Could it have something to do with Sailormoon and the Imperial Silver Crystal? Was that sniffling brat the reason she was losing him? Well if that was the case than she'd deal with her. Whatever she did to him she could undo.
"Damn you Nephlite" she hissed Why did you have to take him with you. I'll get him back she swore. And then she'd deal with Sailormoon and that traitor. This was far from over.
.....
"I can't believe how close we all came to being exposed." Jupiter stated weakly. Looking a little pale she raised a hand to her now aching head. It was just too much to take in. Mistaken identities. False memories. The reality of how close they all came to being exposed. But more frightening was the looming possibility that Serena might actually turn against them. She didn't even want to consider that as remotely possible. But it was hard to deny the truth when you had an example of it starring you in the face. Just look at what happened with Darien. And the fact that Endymion was prepared to destroy the Dark Prince and thereby destroying himself, made and unwilling believer out of her.
Neptune starred at Endymion steadily. She could see why her princess loved him. And there love must be strong indeed if even as the Dark Prince they somehow manage to be together. It was startling to say the least to learn that their Princess had been converting with the enemy all this time. Among other things she thought with a slight blush. It seemed that with everything else that had happened the fact that their princess was pregnant seemed to be pushed to the back of their minds. Which went to show just how strenuous a time this was. She just wished that she had her memories, her real memories and then maybe she wouldn't feel so useless.
"Luna" she cried out suddenly as an idea occurred to her.
Luna who had been quiet for the most part, looked up at Neptune in surprise.
"Can't you use the Luna Mind Meld to return our memories to us?" she asked excitedly
"I...suppose..." She murmured uncertainly before casting an anxious glance at Endymion. What did he think about Neptunes idea? Did he want her to try and return their memories? "Endymion?" she enquired when he remained silent. What did he want her to do? She was about to call his name again when he suddenly went very pale.
"Serenity no." came his strangled cry before he ran from the room.
The others were left in shock in his wake. They looked at each other in concern. What could be wrong now? They all wondered before hurrying after him.
.....
Darien's hold on her tightened as the kiss grew more intense until he was all but devouring her. Everything but the feel and taste of her faded into the back round. And nothing else mattered but the woman he now held in his arms. He groaned a protest when she broke the kiss. He never wanted it to end. She brought warmth back into his cold soul.
Eyes closed his lips once again sought hers. Then he heard her whisper his name and his eyes flew open as his whole body went tense. There was desire and need in that voice but there was also pain. "Serena?" he murmured uncertainly had he hurt her in someway. Then he let out a startled cry as she suddenly went limp. Catching her he swung her up into his arms. Alarmed he starred down into her too pale face.
Serenity sighed and made herself open her eyes so that she could look at him. Oh Darien. She raised a trembling hand up to his cheek. I knew that I could reach you. She had given him all that she could afford to give and now she just prayed that it was enough. "Help me." She pleaded.
"I will." he promised desperately "Just tell me what's wrong." Even as the question left his mouth he knew the answer and his eyes as if drawn by some invisible force looked into the apartment. And there on the bed looking as pale as the one he now held in his arms was Serena. And at the sight of her it all came flooding back. He felt as if someone had ripped his heart right out of his chest the pain was so great. Oh Serena what have I done to you?
"Go to her." Serenity whispered weakly already she could feel the change coming over her.
"What can I do?" He asked anxiously. Already he could feel the darkness inside him fighting for control. He knew he didn't have much time.
"You know what you have to do. Right now it's the only thing that can stop the transformation." she sighed. She was beyond weary now. She had to put some distance between herself and Serena. The dark aura surrounding the girl was beginning to affect her as well. In her weakened state she wasn't much help to her and she couldn't afford to linger while in this form. She had done all that she could. By herself she wasn't strong enough to repel the darkness within him but she had enough to give him a small reprieve. But they had precious little time. "Go now." she commanded "before it's too late."
Darien was startled when he found himself holding her one minute and in the next grasping nothing but air. But he didn't waste time pondering it. He had to save Serena. And now he knew what he had to do. But as he stepped over the threshold and into the bedroom he was brought to his knees but gut wrenching pain that soon consumed his entire body. It was then that he heard the voice. Not aloud but from within his own mind.
(She's mine)
....
Endymion swept into the room although in his heart he already knew what he'd find. His daughter lay on the bed resting peacefully. But Serenity was gone.
"Endymion what's wrong?" Luna gasped in alarm
"Where's Serenity." Artemis enquired at the same time.
"She could be in one of the other rooms." Venus stated praying that she was right but getting the feeling by Endymions demure that she wasn't
Endymion bowed his head. He knew where Serenity had gone and blamed himself for not realizing it sooner. Although he knew that she had purposely blocked their link so that he wouldn't find out what she was doing it was no excuse. "She's gone." he stated solemnly
"Gone where?"
"She went after the Dark Prince."
"By herself?" Jupiter cried out in disbelief. What could she have been thinking?
"I'm going after her." He announced. "If I don't come back you'll have to assume the worst and fortify your own plans for destroying the Dark Prince."
"You can't be serious." Venus gasped. Why was everyone so gung ho on doing this alone?
Endymion looked at her with eyes burning hot with emotion. She felt the impact down to her very soul. There was such love and despair in those eyes that it hurt looking into them. She knew then that his mind was made up there will be no further discussions he wasn't planning on coming back. One way or the other he was determined to destroy the dark prince and remove the threat to Serena once and for all. And there was nothing she could do to stop him. She wondered if there was anything any one could do. As if in response to her last question a new voice cried out.
"Wait my lord."
And to the shock of everyone present Sailor Pluto stepped out of the shadows and knelt before Endymion.
"Pluto what are you doing here?" Endymion demanded
Pluto rose to her feet "I have news my lord. Serenity"..she broke off as a cry rent the air.
"Help. Somebody help me."
"That's Sammy." Luna gasped
...
Darien ignored the voice and the pain as he began to crawl on his hands and knees over to the bed. He knew the owner of that voice and it only spurred him on. There were two Darien's. One was dark and the other was good. And they both struggled for control over the same body. And in this struggle one thing was made clear. They both wanted Serena.
(Give it up) the dark prince whispered (your not strong enough to defeat me. Soon I'll be back in control. And once Serena is completely converted I'll be rid of you for good.)
Darien continued to ignore him. His only thought to save Serena from the same fate he now suffered. Once he reached her he gave a quick prayer of thanks before pulling himself onto the bed. Looking down at her still form he could have wept. He had done this to her. He reached down to touch her cheek and found it cool to the touch. Don't worry my love I'll make it right. And then I'll make sure that this can never happen again.
He looked down at her broach. It had to be done. He had to activate it. And since Serena couldn't do it in her state he had to do it. He knew the risks involved but he also knew that he didn't have any other choice. Taking a deep breath he reached down to open it and without hesitation lowered his hand onto it. And just as the Crystal sprang to life and the room was engulfed by it's light, a hand came to rest upon his own. Startled his head swung up and his eyes met her now open ones.
(Too Late)
"Serena no" he cried just before the Crystal exploded with power and the light it emitted became blinding. And before he knew it he was thrown into darkness.
......
Hey guys I know that not much happened in this chapter but don't worry in the next one things are gonna start heating up. Especially between a certain General and certain Sailor Scout. But don't worry you wont have to wait another month to see what happens next.
The Heart Remembers
Chapter 31
Mars rubbed her arms briskly at the sudden chill in the air. She looked over at the others to see if they noticed. They were all starring at Endymion with a mixture of awe and gratitude but none of them appeared to be affected by the drastic change in temperature. She on the other hand was getting colder by the minute. Could she be going into shock? After everything that had happened today the idea wasn't so farfetched. After all it wasn't everyday when you found that your life was a lie and what you believed to be the truth was in fact the exact opposite. And finding out that the person you thought was an enemy was in fact your very own prince was another shocker. But that was what they were led to believe what they were made to believe. Memories that they once thought were real they were now told was false. Implanted by a Queen who no longer existed and a Prince who was once their greatest ally and now their greatest threat.
She wanted to feel anger at their betrayal but found that she couldn't. How could she be angry? They had lost their memories but Darien had lost his very identity. And if it wasn't for his sacrifice Serena would be lost to them and Beryl would have learned of their identities. He had found a way to save all but himself. She didn't want to think of the damage Beryl could have done with knowledge of who they were. None of them would have been safe. Not their families, nor their friends. The Negaverse would have used them against us without batting an eye and probably would have taken great pleasure in doing do. Or would they have.
Unbidden an image of Malachite as she last saw him came to mind. She had always thought him to be cold and ruthless without an ounce of compassion or mercy and yet the man she saw after Sailormoon used her crystal appeared to be none of these things. He seemed truly ashamed of his actions and regretful for the role he played as one of Beryl's generals. But was that the truth? Could beryl have done to him what she did to Darien? Erase his memories of who and what he what he was and using the dark energy of the Negaverse turn him someone that he wasn't. Well after everything that she had learned today she had to admit the possibility. And she was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. That's if he's still alive.
..
Zosite stared despairingly down at the spot where Nephlite and Malachite had stood just moments ago. She couldn't believe that he was actually gone. A slight movement off to her left had her turning to see Jedite lying unconscious on the floor. She watched to see if he was coming to but thankfully he remained unconscious.
She wanted to kill him. It everything she had not to go over there and strangle him while he slept. He had come here to kill Malachite. That alone was enough reason for her to end his lifes life. And to make matters worse he had allowed that traitor Nephlite to make off with him. There was no question about it. He deserved to die. He was just lucky that his death would make a complicated situation even more so. And right now she didn't need any further complications.
She had to figure out where Nephlite had taken Malachite and why. She didn't believe he was following the Dark Princes orders and he obviously wasn't following Beryl's. So what was he up too? She froze as the answer came to her. She didn't want to believe it. But there was no other possible explanation. For a reason that was beyond her Nephlite had chosen to flee taking malachite with him. There destination, the Sailor Scouts.
So furious that she could scream she began pacing up and down the cell. Too many things were happening and at an alarming rate. She didn't need this right now. Not with Beryl breathing down her neck and the Dark Prince set to return any time now. And she knew it would be soon she could feel it. The only question that plagued her was weather she was going to join him or take her chances with Beryl. Despite everything Beryl had put her through it wasn't an easy decision to make. At least with Beryl she would no where she stood. While the Dark Prince on the other hand was an enigma. The man she had known as tuxedomask was gone, replaced by a man she didn't want to cross but wasn't sure she could trust either. And now with Malachite gone her decision became all the more complicated.
Oh Malachite I need to see you, to talk to you. For a while now she had lived with this awful feeling in the pit of stomach. It took her awhile to admit it too herself but Malachite was different some how. It wasn't something she could explain in words but she could see it in his eyes and feel it every time he kissed her. She had tried to dismiss it at first blaming it on the circumstance and the uncertainty of the future, but she could no longer ignore the feeling that he was slipping away from her. And now he was gone. And she was afraid that whatever ties they had left were now severed. And that thought was almost too painful to bear. There must be something she could do. This couldn't be the end. It just couldn't be.
She had to think. What could be wrong with him? Could it have something to do with Sailormoon and the Imperial Silver Crystal? Was that sniffling brat the reason she was losing him? Well if that was the case than she'd deal with her. Whatever she did to him she could undo.
"Damn you Nephlite" she hissed Why did you have to take him with you. I'll get him back she swore. And then she'd deal with Sailormoon and that traitor. This was far from over.
.....
"I can't believe how close we all came to being exposed." Jupiter stated weakly. Looking a little pale she raised a hand to her now aching head. It was just too much to take in. Mistaken identities. False memories. The reality of how close they all came to being exposed. But more frightening was the looming possibility that Serena might actually turn against them. She didn't even want to consider that as remotely possible. But it was hard to deny the truth when you had an example of it starring you in the face. Just look at what happened with Darien. And the fact that Endymion was prepared to destroy the Dark Prince and thereby destroying himself, made and unwilling believer out of her.
Neptune starred at Endymion steadily. She could see why her princess loved him. And there love must be strong indeed if even as the Dark Prince they somehow manage to be together. It was startling to say the least to learn that their Princess had been converting with the enemy all this time. Among other things she thought with a slight blush. It seemed that with everything else that had happened the fact that their princess was pregnant seemed to be pushed to the back of their minds. Which went to show just how strenuous a time this was. She just wished that she had her memories, her real memories and then maybe she wouldn't feel so useless.
"Luna" she cried out suddenly as an idea occurred to her.
Luna who had been quiet for the most part, looked up at Neptune in surprise.
"Can't you use the Luna Mind Meld to return our memories to us?" she asked excitedly
"I...suppose..." She murmured uncertainly before casting an anxious glance at Endymion. What did he think about Neptunes idea? Did he want her to try and return their memories? "Endymion?" she enquired when he remained silent. What did he want her to do? She was about to call his name again when he suddenly went very pale.
"Serenity no." came his strangled cry before he ran from the room.
The others were left in shock in his wake. They looked at each other in concern. What could be wrong now? They all wondered before hurrying after him.
.....
Darien's hold on her tightened as the kiss grew more intense until he was all but devouring her. Everything but the feel and taste of her faded into the back round. And nothing else mattered but the woman he now held in his arms. He groaned a protest when she broke the kiss. He never wanted it to end. She brought warmth back into his cold soul.
Eyes closed his lips once again sought hers. Then he heard her whisper his name and his eyes flew open as his whole body went tense. There was desire and need in that voice but there was also pain. "Serena?" he murmured uncertainly had he hurt her in someway. Then he let out a startled cry as she suddenly went limp. Catching her he swung her up into his arms. Alarmed he starred down into her too pale face.
Serenity sighed and made herself open her eyes so that she could look at him. Oh Darien. She raised a trembling hand up to his cheek. I knew that I could reach you. She had given him all that she could afford to give and now she just prayed that it was enough. "Help me." She pleaded.
"I will." he promised desperately "Just tell me what's wrong." Even as the question left his mouth he knew the answer and his eyes as if drawn by some invisible force looked into the apartment. And there on the bed looking as pale as the one he now held in his arms was Serena. And at the sight of her it all came flooding back. He felt as if someone had ripped his heart right out of his chest the pain was so great. Oh Serena what have I done to you?
"Go to her." Serenity whispered weakly already she could feel the change coming over her.
"What can I do?" He asked anxiously. Already he could feel the darkness inside him fighting for control. He knew he didn't have much time.
"You know what you have to do. Right now it's the only thing that can stop the transformation." she sighed. She was beyond weary now. She had to put some distance between herself and Serena. The dark aura surrounding the girl was beginning to affect her as well. In her weakened state she wasn't much help to her and she couldn't afford to linger while in this form. She had done all that she could. By herself she wasn't strong enough to repel the darkness within him but she had enough to give him a small reprieve. But they had precious little time. "Go now." she commanded "before it's too late."
Darien was startled when he found himself holding her one minute and in the next grasping nothing but air. But he didn't waste time pondering it. He had to save Serena. And now he knew what he had to do. But as he stepped over the threshold and into the bedroom he was brought to his knees but gut wrenching pain that soon consumed his entire body. It was then that he heard the voice. Not aloud but from within his own mind.
(She's mine)
....
Endymion swept into the room although in his heart he already knew what he'd find. His daughter lay on the bed resting peacefully. But Serenity was gone.
"Endymion what's wrong?" Luna gasped in alarm
"Where's Serenity." Artemis enquired at the same time.
"She could be in one of the other rooms." Venus stated praying that she was right but getting the feeling by Endymions demure that she wasn't
Endymion bowed his head. He knew where Serenity had gone and blamed himself for not realizing it sooner. Although he knew that she had purposely blocked their link so that he wouldn't find out what she was doing it was no excuse. "She's gone." he stated solemnly
"Gone where?"
"She went after the Dark Prince."
"By herself?" Jupiter cried out in disbelief. What could she have been thinking?
"I'm going after her." He announced. "If I don't come back you'll have to assume the worst and fortify your own plans for destroying the Dark Prince."
"You can't be serious." Venus gasped. Why was everyone so gung ho on doing this alone?
Endymion looked at her with eyes burning hot with emotion. She felt the impact down to her very soul. There was such love and despair in those eyes that it hurt looking into them. She knew then that his mind was made up there will be no further discussions he wasn't planning on coming back. One way or the other he was determined to destroy the dark prince and remove the threat to Serena once and for all. And there was nothing she could do to stop him. She wondered if there was anything any one could do. As if in response to her last question a new voice cried out.
"Wait my lord."
And to the shock of everyone present Sailor Pluto stepped out of the shadows and knelt before Endymion.
"Pluto what are you doing here?" Endymion demanded
Pluto rose to her feet "I have news my lord. Serenity"..she broke off as a cry rent the air.
"Help. Somebody help me."
"That's Sammy." Luna gasped
...
Darien ignored the voice and the pain as he began to crawl on his hands and knees over to the bed. He knew the owner of that voice and it only spurred him on. There were two Darien's. One was dark and the other was good. And they both struggled for control over the same body. And in this struggle one thing was made clear. They both wanted Serena.
(Give it up) the dark prince whispered (your not strong enough to defeat me. Soon I'll be back in control. And once Serena is completely converted I'll be rid of you for good.)
Darien continued to ignore him. His only thought to save Serena from the same fate he now suffered. Once he reached her he gave a quick prayer of thanks before pulling himself onto the bed. Looking down at her still form he could have wept. He had done this to her. He reached down to touch her cheek and found it cool to the touch. Don't worry my love I'll make it right. And then I'll make sure that this can never happen again.
He looked down at her broach. It had to be done. He had to activate it. And since Serena couldn't do it in her state he had to do it. He knew the risks involved but he also knew that he didn't have any other choice. Taking a deep breath he reached down to open it and without hesitation lowered his hand onto it. And just as the Crystal sprang to life and the room was engulfed by it's light, a hand came to rest upon his own. Startled his head swung up and his eyes met her now open ones.
(Too Late)
"Serena no" he cried just before the Crystal exploded with power and the light it emitted became blinding. And before he knew it he was thrown into darkness.
......
Hey guys I know that not much happened in this chapter but don't worry in the next one things are gonna start heating up. Especially between a certain General and certain Sailor Scout. But don't worry you wont have to wait another month to see what happens next.