Hi guys sorry for another long wait I've had some computer problems. And to
make it up to you I've added not one but two new chapters. I hope you enjoy
both and if your going to review I wont mind having one for each chapter
thanks.
The Heart Remembers Ch 32
"Serenity's gone." Endymion stated solemnly
"Gone? Gone where?"
"She went after the Dark Prince."
"By herself?" Jupiter gasped in disbelief. What could she have been thinking?
"I'm going after her," he announced, "If I don't return you'll have to assume the worst and formulate your own plan for destroying the Dark Prince."
"You can't be serious." Venus cried. First Serenity, and now him. Why was everyone so gung ho on doing this alone? Besides how could they even think about destroying the Dark Prince now that they knew the truth?
Endymion swung around to look at Venus with eyes that burned hot with suppressed emotions. There was such love and despair in those eyes that it hurt just looking into them. She knew then that there was nothing that she could say or do that would change his mind. He was determined to face the Dark Prince alone and remove the threat to Serena once and for all. She wondered if there was anyone alive who could stop him.
As if in answer to her unspoken question a voice cried out "Wait my Lord."
And to the shock of everyone present sailor Pluto appeared before. And she immediately knelt before Endymion, who didn't seem pleased to see her.
"What are you doing here Pluto?" He growled impatient to get on his way. The sense of urgency he felt did nothing to sooth his growing concern for Serenity.
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.
Everyone rushed towards the sound of Sammy's cries. They soon found themselves at the front entrance to the temple. And there just inside the Temple laid flat out on the floor was Sammy. And standing over him was Nephlite.
......
Darien woke to find himself on the floor with no memory of how he came to be there. All he did know is that his head felt like someone had taken a sledgehammer to it. "Its about time you woke up" a voice cried. And it was his only warning before 120 pounds of flesh slammed into him.
Serena covered his face with relieved kisses. "I was so worried." she said breathlessly "I tried to wake you, but you wouldn't wake up."
"I'm alright.," he groaned once he managed to get his breath back. And soon began firing questions at her. "What happened? Were we attacked?" Could Beryl have found them and attacked them before he realized what was happening? No. That didn't make sense. Why would she leave them alive?
Serena sat up straddling him. "I don't know," she admitted. "When I woke up you were just lying here on the floor dead to the world. I tried everything I could think of to wake you. I didn't know what to think what with you lying there unconscious and with my Crystal gone."
"What?" he cried jerking upright and nearly unseating her. "The Imperial Crystal is gone?"
"Unhuh." she sighed "And I don't sense it anywhere. I don't know what could have happened to it. I was hoping you could tell me."
He shook his head. "The last thing I remember I was standing on the balcony."
"Oh well." she shrugged her shoulders "It really doesn't matter anyway." she announced before climbing off him
Darien arched an eyebrow at her. "Oh really?"
Serena smiled down at him. "We don't need it anymore. And if by some odd chance Beryl took it and left us alive" she laughed as she saw the look on his face "Yes I find that unlikely as well but as I was saying if by some odd chance she has it, it really wont do her any good in the end."
Darien reached up to trail his fingers along her check. "What are you up to my love."
Serena laughed and lowered her head to kiss him. And when she finally raised her head she looked down at him with eyes that appeared almost black. "Revenge. You were right when you said that she had to pay for what she's done to us. I want her to suffer as she's made me suffer." She trailed her fingers along his face. "What she did to us was worse then death. I don't need the Imperial Crystal for what I have planned for her." She lowered her hand and rose to her feet. "Now let's go. I've been waiting here for what seems like forever for you to wake up. I can't wait any longer."
The Dark Prince rose to his feet, grabbed her around the waist and pulled her up against him. He smiled down at her in satisfaction. "Don't be in such a hurry my love. You'll have your revenge. And soon everyone will know that you've taken your rightful place at my side, as the new Queen of the Negaverse."
....
"Nephlite" Jupiter growled and cracked her knuckles.
"Get away from him." Uranus demanded while taking a threatening step closer. She couldn't afford to let loose with an attack, not with Sammy so close. She couldn't take the chance that she might hit him.
Nephlite held up his hands "Wait." he cried looking at them warily. He didn't doubt that if this boy hadn't been between them that he'd be toast right about now. He just hoped that his mistake wouldn't end things before they began.
When he had observed the boy lurking around the outside of the Temple he had naturally assumed that he wasn't an invited guest and therefore a trespasser who needed to be dealt with. He hadn't recognized the boy until it was too late. If he had known the boys identity before hand he never would have made such a grave error.
"Sammy?" Endymion voice sliced through the air causing both Sammy and Nephlite to jerk in surprise.
Nephlite looked at Endymion in astonishment. He couldn't believe what his eyes were telling him. How was this possible?
Sammy lifted his head off the floor and turned to look behind him at Endymion. But Endymion eyes never left those of Nephlite's. "Get up" he commanded "and slowly make your way over to Jupiter."
Sammy found himself obeying without hesitation to the authority in that voice.
The Scouts tensed. What was Endymion thinking? It was a risky move and it put Sammy in an even more vulnerable position. Jupiter was the closet to him but he still had away to go to reach her and until he did their hands were literally tied.
Nephlite took an instinctive step towards the boy once he began to move. The boy was his only leverage. Once he reached the safety of the others there would be nothing to stop them from attacking. He didn't want to fight them but he might not have a choice. The only alternative would be to retreat and he couldn't do that either for two reasons. One they needed him whether they knew it or not. And two if he used his energy to warp out of here beryl who might be searching for him this very minute would sense his energy and be able to pinpoint his exact location. Which in turn would lead her straight here.
"Don't move." Endymion threatened softly effectively stopping Nephlite in his tracks.
The Sailor Scouts who had also began to move once they saw Nephlite start towards Sammy also stopped. Only Sammy kept moving. He knew that he was in the way and that the Scouts wouldn't risk using their attacks until he was out of harms way.
Nephlite frowned as he watched the boy reach them. Things were not going as planned. Perhaps it hadn't been such a good idea to make Malachite wait outside. His presence might have given him the time he needed to talk some sense into them.
Jupiter grabbed Sammy by the arm as soon as he was within reach and pulled him behind her. "I'll protect Sammy," she announced. "You guys take care of Nephlite."
Nephlite seeing the situation was about to get out of hand swore. "Wait dammit. I didn't come here to fight with you."
"Right." Mars drawled sarcastically "And that's why you attacked this innocent."
"He was lurking around outside." Nephlite stated defensively "How was I suppose to know who he was?"
"Enough talk." Uranus barked and started towards him "Lets get on with it."
"Wait." Endymion commanded
"For what?" Uranus shot back. "It's obvious that the Dark Prince sent him here. How else would he know where to find us? And if he's spoken with the Dark Prince than he knows where he is. And if he knows where the Dark Prince is then he knows where Serena is."
"Serena?" Nephlite repeated in confusion then went pale as he realized what they had just revealed to him. "The Dark Prince has Serena?" he asked harshly although in his heart he already knew the answer. He was too late. He rubbed his chest as he remembered the pain that had coursed through his body earlier. Now it all made sense. It had begun. The only question now was could it be stopped? Or was the Earth and everyone on it already doomed?
"Don't act like this is news to you." Mars hissed. "We already know that the Dark Prince had to have sent you. Now tell us where Serena is."
"He doesn't know." Pluto said before Nephlite could even open his mouth.
"How can you know that, Pluto?" Neptune asked curiously "And how else can you explain that he knew where to find us?"
"Right now the Dark Prince is focused on Serena and Serena only." Pluto stated quietly and without a trace of emotion. "He wouldn't bother sending anyone because at the moment were all insignificant to him. Nothing matters to him but Serena. And until his plans for her are complete he won't make a move for us."
"No" came a strangled cry
Nephlite swung around and saw Malachite leaning heavily against the Temple door. What was he thinking? It didn't matter that a few moment ago he was wishing that he'd brought him along he had told him to stay out of sight.
"Malachite?" the Scouts gasped and then looked back and forth between him and Nephlite. The both of them here at the same time was too much of a coincidence. Was Malachite once again working for the Negaverse?
Malachite waved off Nephlite when he made a move towards him. He wasn't at his best but he wasn't completely helpless either. He pushed off the door and slowly made his way further into the temple.
The Scouts found themselves gasping again when they finally got a good look at him. Dressed only in a pair of slacks they could see clearly that he had been badly beaten. His whole body looked to be covered with cuts and bruises.
Mercury immediately took out her mini computer.
"Is it true? Does the Dark Prince really have her?" Malachite eyes looked to Endymion and no one else for the answer.
"Yes." was all he said. And that one worded response was it took for what little strength he had gathered to desert him.
Nephlite who had been watching him closely, looking for any sign of him weakening, saw him falter and managed to catch him before he fell.
Malachite hardly noticed. Only one thing mattered at that moment. "I didn't betray you." he announced startling Nephlite and the others. "I didn't betray her."
What was going on? Luna wondered Malachite spoke as if he knew Endymion. Could Endymion have revealed himself to Malachite at some point? That had to be it. There was no other explanation. Malachite was not in the least bit shocked at Endymion's presence as Nephlite had been. There was no other explanation. But why had Endymion felt the need too when he hadn't even revealed himself to her and Artemis?
Endymion starred at Malachite unblinking before stating quietly "I know."
"Do you want to fill us in?" Jupiter asked irritably folding her arms across her chest. "Or our we supposed to guess?"
"I think we should all find a seat somewhere." Pluto advised
"Wait." Mercury cried looking at readings on her mini computer "I don't detect any traces of Negative energy in Malachite's body. And while his injuries aren't minor, for the moment there not life threatening either. He should have those cuts treated before they become infected otherwise he should be fine. But as for Nephlite his scans show that he is indeed still part of the Negaverse."
"While that is true, it's not technically correct." Nephlite replied cryptically
"What is that suppose to mean?" Jupiter barked. She was getting tired of being kept in the dark.
"As I told you before I didn't come here to fight you." He took a deep breath before he blurted out "I came here to help you."
"What!" they all cried as one
"You can't actually expect us to believe that. What reason would you have for helping us?"
"It's true." Malachite insisted before pulling away from Nephlite. He wasn't a hundred percent but he could at least stand on his own two feet.
Nephlite allowed it, but he kept a sharp eye on his friend all the same. In case he might have need of him again. It still managed to surprise him this feeling of companionship he felt towards Malachite. And it seemed to deepen the longer he spent in his company. He couldn't believe that at one time they considered themselves enemies and rivals. It was a miracle that he could even walk. And even though at the time he hadn't had a choice in the matter he still felt guilty that it had been he who had inflicted those wounds on him in the first place.
"Beryl had ordered my execution and Nephlite saved me and at great risk to himself."
"How can you be sure it's not all a ruse to gain your trust and ours?" Jupiter asked suspiciously
"Because I know what's happening to Princess Serena" Nephlite responded angrily. "And I know what will happen to the Earth if it's not stopped. Perhaps even better than all of you." He hadn't expected them to believe him. He had been prepared for there skepticism. He had come here willing for Sailormoon to use the Imperial Crystal on him if that's what it took to gain their trust. He hadn't counted on the fact that he would be too late and that the Dark Prince would already have her. And now they had nothing to go on but his word. He prayed that it would be enough.
"Why do you even care?" Mars asked "I would think you'd be rejoicing at the prospect of the Negaverse ruling over the Earth."
"If you have to ask me that than you really don't know what your dealing with." he answered quietly "Having Beryl rule this planet would be a blessing compared to the alternative. I don't want to be apart of what's coming. I want to help you stop it if I can."
"Alright." Endymion agreed readily
"What!" the Scouts shouted in disbelief. Even Nephlite looked dumbfounded at his easy acceptance.
"What are you thinking?" Mars demanded hotly. "He's still apart of the Negaverse. We can't trust him. And he still hasn't explained how he managed to find us."
"I know" Endymion responded before Nephlite respond "Before he was destroyed he had learned of Serena's identity by using her connection with Molly. I'm sure it wasn't too difficult to find the rest of you when he knew who Sailormoon was."
Nephlite didn't believe that anything else could surprise him today but he was wrong. And there was something else, something that Darien, Endymion hell he didn't even know what to call him. Going by the Armour he would bet on Endymion. Although it hardly mattered at the moment. Because there was something that Endymion wasn't revealing. He didn't know how it was possible but he knew instinctively that it was true. "You were expecting me," He stated with certainty. He didn't know how but Endymion had been expecting him.
Endymion shrugged his shoulder. "I knew that it was a possibility."
"Than you were aware that Nephlite had knowledge of Sailormoon's identity" Luna reprimanded. "And you chose not to inform us." he was her Prince and hopefully her future King but still they had a right to know of the danger Nephlite posed.
"Me an Serena agreed that you didn't have to know. Nephlite was destroyed and his knowledge died with him."
"What about after he was resurrected?" Mars exploded "Didn't you think we had the right to know then?"
"No." He stated simply.
"How could you put us at risk like that?" Venus asked and couldn't help feeling a little hurt that he would willing do so.
"You were never in any danger." he assured them though they looked far from convinced. And it was Nephlite once again who read between the lines.
"You were watching me." he stated confidently knowing that he was right. He couldn't explain it but the strange sensation he had always felt around Tuxedo mask he also felt around him. His sense that they were connected somehow was only growing stronger.
"Of course." Endymion replied as if it should have been obvious to anyone "Ever since Beryl released you from your captivity."
Nephlite found himself smiling. That sneaky...he'd been spying on him. And he never felt his presence, not once. He didn't know why this knowledge should make him smile but the only thing that came closest to describing what he was feeling was pride. And since he didn't know what to make of that he put it aside to examine later once he was alone.
They all waited for Endymion to explain further but he remained silent. He preferred to keep some of his secrets.
Since it was obvious that Endymion wasn't going to explain how he managed to accomplish that feat Nephlite felt there was something else that needed to be answered. "Why didn't you just kill me?"
"I had my reasons." he gave a brief smile "Besides Serena has had a soft spot for you since you saved Molly."
Seeing that was as good as answer as he was going to get he didn't push but oh how he wanted to. Because he knew that whatever those other reasons were he'd find them to be very interesting and without a doubt enlightening.
"As I was saying before I was interrupted" Pluto began turning to Endymion "Serenity went after the Dark Prince to stop him as he had already begun to convert Serena."
"I didn't expect this" Endymion admitted sorrowfully blaming himself. "Not this soon."
"You were not the only one" Pluto stated quietly also taking the blame.
"I have to go to her."
"That would not be wise my Lord-"Pluto began only to have him turn on her angrily.
"Dammit, if I'd listened to my gut instead of you and Serenity the Dark Prince would be dead by now and Serena would be safe."
"Perhaps" Pluto agreed "But that's in the past. You have to concentrate on the here and now. Going after Serena now would mean certain defeat. Not just for you but for all of us."
"I'm not going to sit here while he destroys her from the inside out. I have to." he was cut off abruptly when a white light filled the room. And once it faded Serenity stood before them. Looking so pale that she appeared almost translucent. They barely got over the shook of her sudden appearance before she proceeded to crumble before there eyes.
"Serenity!"
Uranus being the closest caught her princess and swung her up into her arms.
Endymion rushed over to them. "Serenity?" he raised a trembling hand to her check but that hand curled into a fist before it could actually touch her. He stood there for a moment not moving not even seeming to breath. "Bring her." he commanded of Uranus. He swung around on his heel and headed back the way they had just came.
And if anyone thought it odd that he never even touched her no one said a word.
.........
Jedite took an instinctive step back in alarm. Once he told Beryl of Malachite's escape and of Nephlite's betrayal he had expected her to be angry. But he never expected this. Beryl stood before him trembling with a terrible rage that seemed almost to take form. He had never seen anything like it and if he lived through the next few minutes prayed that he never would again. But even that seemed unlikely because beyond the raged lurked something else. And it was this something else that caused a shiver to run down his spine.
He knew that the others thought he had lost his mind and for a while he had even begun to fear it himself. But looking into Beryl's eyes at that moment he realized that he wasn't the only one who had been dancing along that slim line. And it seemed unfortunately for him that Beryl hadn't been as lucky as he.
For there was no doubt in his mind as to what he was seeing as he starred into the depths of her eyes. Complete and utter Madness. He wondered briefly if perhaps it had always been so and they had all been to blind or just too ambitious to see it.
Well it hardly mattered now. For he knew that he was about to die. His could see his death clearly in those crazed filled eyes. After everything he'd done. After all he had sacrificed. This was how he was to be repaid.
He could have pleaded. But he didn't. Not only because he knew that his pleas would fall on deaths ear, but also because at that moment he hated her. Hated her and damned her all in the same breath. And he refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing him beg.
He closed his eyes. Not wishing to see the end coming. Afraid in that split second between life and certain death when self preservation took over that she would see it in his eyes. His fear of dying. And his desire to live. He would die but he would not give her that satisfaction.
He tensed and prepared himself for the final blow. But the attack that he knew was imminent never came. And despite his reservations curiosity got the best of him and he opened his eyes, only to close them a second later. Okay perhaps he had been hasty before. Perhaps he was crazy after all. And when he thought about it perhaps death was the better of the two.
He winced when he heard a low amused chuckle and cracked one eye open. Damn wasn't it enough that he was about to die did he have to be insane well? His obsession with the Dark Prince must have pushed him over the edge. And he had been just to crazy to realize it. His loyalty to Beryl was not only about to cost him his life but had cost him his sanity as well. After all if he hadn't taken Princess Serena's pure energy and used it to restore the fragment of Dark Crystal he had stolen from the dark family to revive Beryl then he wouldn't be in this predicament.
But why would his mind choose to show him an image such as this. Was there some sort of twisted significance to it all? The reason for such a vision was beyond him. But the again he was insane. Perhaps it wasn't suppose to make sense.
He blinked his eyes rapidly but the image refused to fade. Beryl remained on her hands and knees. And sitting nonchalantly on her throne was princess Serena. He swore as again he heard that laughter. It was part wickedness, part sweetness. An odd combination but then everything about this illusion was odd.
"Really Jedite" Princess Serena chuckled "you look ridiculous. Do close your mouth and stop flapping your eyes as if they'd suddenly grown wings.
Oh god he groaned silently his illusion spoke.
The Heart Remembers Ch 32
"Serenity's gone." Endymion stated solemnly
"Gone? Gone where?"
"She went after the Dark Prince."
"By herself?" Jupiter gasped in disbelief. What could she have been thinking?
"I'm going after her," he announced, "If I don't return you'll have to assume the worst and formulate your own plan for destroying the Dark Prince."
"You can't be serious." Venus cried. First Serenity, and now him. Why was everyone so gung ho on doing this alone? Besides how could they even think about destroying the Dark Prince now that they knew the truth?
Endymion swung around to look at Venus with eyes that burned hot with suppressed emotions. There was such love and despair in those eyes that it hurt just looking into them. She knew then that there was nothing that she could say or do that would change his mind. He was determined to face the Dark Prince alone and remove the threat to Serena once and for all. She wondered if there was anyone alive who could stop him.
As if in answer to her unspoken question a voice cried out "Wait my Lord."
And to the shock of everyone present sailor Pluto appeared before. And she immediately knelt before Endymion, who didn't seem pleased to see her.
"What are you doing here Pluto?" He growled impatient to get on his way. The sense of urgency he felt did nothing to sooth his growing concern for Serenity.
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.
Everyone rushed towards the sound of Sammy's cries. They soon found themselves at the front entrance to the temple. And there just inside the Temple laid flat out on the floor was Sammy. And standing over him was Nephlite.
......
Darien woke to find himself on the floor with no memory of how he came to be there. All he did know is that his head felt like someone had taken a sledgehammer to it. "Its about time you woke up" a voice cried. And it was his only warning before 120 pounds of flesh slammed into him.
Serena covered his face with relieved kisses. "I was so worried." she said breathlessly "I tried to wake you, but you wouldn't wake up."
"I'm alright.," he groaned once he managed to get his breath back. And soon began firing questions at her. "What happened? Were we attacked?" Could Beryl have found them and attacked them before he realized what was happening? No. That didn't make sense. Why would she leave them alive?
Serena sat up straddling him. "I don't know," she admitted. "When I woke up you were just lying here on the floor dead to the world. I tried everything I could think of to wake you. I didn't know what to think what with you lying there unconscious and with my Crystal gone."
"What?" he cried jerking upright and nearly unseating her. "The Imperial Crystal is gone?"
"Unhuh." she sighed "And I don't sense it anywhere. I don't know what could have happened to it. I was hoping you could tell me."
He shook his head. "The last thing I remember I was standing on the balcony."
"Oh well." she shrugged her shoulders "It really doesn't matter anyway." she announced before climbing off him
Darien arched an eyebrow at her. "Oh really?"
Serena smiled down at him. "We don't need it anymore. And if by some odd chance Beryl took it and left us alive" she laughed as she saw the look on his face "Yes I find that unlikely as well but as I was saying if by some odd chance she has it, it really wont do her any good in the end."
Darien reached up to trail his fingers along her check. "What are you up to my love."
Serena laughed and lowered her head to kiss him. And when she finally raised her head she looked down at him with eyes that appeared almost black. "Revenge. You were right when you said that she had to pay for what she's done to us. I want her to suffer as she's made me suffer." She trailed her fingers along his face. "What she did to us was worse then death. I don't need the Imperial Crystal for what I have planned for her." She lowered her hand and rose to her feet. "Now let's go. I've been waiting here for what seems like forever for you to wake up. I can't wait any longer."
The Dark Prince rose to his feet, grabbed her around the waist and pulled her up against him. He smiled down at her in satisfaction. "Don't be in such a hurry my love. You'll have your revenge. And soon everyone will know that you've taken your rightful place at my side, as the new Queen of the Negaverse."
....
"Nephlite" Jupiter growled and cracked her knuckles.
"Get away from him." Uranus demanded while taking a threatening step closer. She couldn't afford to let loose with an attack, not with Sammy so close. She couldn't take the chance that she might hit him.
Nephlite held up his hands "Wait." he cried looking at them warily. He didn't doubt that if this boy hadn't been between them that he'd be toast right about now. He just hoped that his mistake wouldn't end things before they began.
When he had observed the boy lurking around the outside of the Temple he had naturally assumed that he wasn't an invited guest and therefore a trespasser who needed to be dealt with. He hadn't recognized the boy until it was too late. If he had known the boys identity before hand he never would have made such a grave error.
"Sammy?" Endymion voice sliced through the air causing both Sammy and Nephlite to jerk in surprise.
Nephlite looked at Endymion in astonishment. He couldn't believe what his eyes were telling him. How was this possible?
Sammy lifted his head off the floor and turned to look behind him at Endymion. But Endymion eyes never left those of Nephlite's. "Get up" he commanded "and slowly make your way over to Jupiter."
Sammy found himself obeying without hesitation to the authority in that voice.
The Scouts tensed. What was Endymion thinking? It was a risky move and it put Sammy in an even more vulnerable position. Jupiter was the closet to him but he still had away to go to reach her and until he did their hands were literally tied.
Nephlite took an instinctive step towards the boy once he began to move. The boy was his only leverage. Once he reached the safety of the others there would be nothing to stop them from attacking. He didn't want to fight them but he might not have a choice. The only alternative would be to retreat and he couldn't do that either for two reasons. One they needed him whether they knew it or not. And two if he used his energy to warp out of here beryl who might be searching for him this very minute would sense his energy and be able to pinpoint his exact location. Which in turn would lead her straight here.
"Don't move." Endymion threatened softly effectively stopping Nephlite in his tracks.
The Sailor Scouts who had also began to move once they saw Nephlite start towards Sammy also stopped. Only Sammy kept moving. He knew that he was in the way and that the Scouts wouldn't risk using their attacks until he was out of harms way.
Nephlite frowned as he watched the boy reach them. Things were not going as planned. Perhaps it hadn't been such a good idea to make Malachite wait outside. His presence might have given him the time he needed to talk some sense into them.
Jupiter grabbed Sammy by the arm as soon as he was within reach and pulled him behind her. "I'll protect Sammy," she announced. "You guys take care of Nephlite."
Nephlite seeing the situation was about to get out of hand swore. "Wait dammit. I didn't come here to fight with you."
"Right." Mars drawled sarcastically "And that's why you attacked this innocent."
"He was lurking around outside." Nephlite stated defensively "How was I suppose to know who he was?"
"Enough talk." Uranus barked and started towards him "Lets get on with it."
"Wait." Endymion commanded
"For what?" Uranus shot back. "It's obvious that the Dark Prince sent him here. How else would he know where to find us? And if he's spoken with the Dark Prince than he knows where he is. And if he knows where the Dark Prince is then he knows where Serena is."
"Serena?" Nephlite repeated in confusion then went pale as he realized what they had just revealed to him. "The Dark Prince has Serena?" he asked harshly although in his heart he already knew the answer. He was too late. He rubbed his chest as he remembered the pain that had coursed through his body earlier. Now it all made sense. It had begun. The only question now was could it be stopped? Or was the Earth and everyone on it already doomed?
"Don't act like this is news to you." Mars hissed. "We already know that the Dark Prince had to have sent you. Now tell us where Serena is."
"He doesn't know." Pluto said before Nephlite could even open his mouth.
"How can you know that, Pluto?" Neptune asked curiously "And how else can you explain that he knew where to find us?"
"Right now the Dark Prince is focused on Serena and Serena only." Pluto stated quietly and without a trace of emotion. "He wouldn't bother sending anyone because at the moment were all insignificant to him. Nothing matters to him but Serena. And until his plans for her are complete he won't make a move for us."
"No" came a strangled cry
Nephlite swung around and saw Malachite leaning heavily against the Temple door. What was he thinking? It didn't matter that a few moment ago he was wishing that he'd brought him along he had told him to stay out of sight.
"Malachite?" the Scouts gasped and then looked back and forth between him and Nephlite. The both of them here at the same time was too much of a coincidence. Was Malachite once again working for the Negaverse?
Malachite waved off Nephlite when he made a move towards him. He wasn't at his best but he wasn't completely helpless either. He pushed off the door and slowly made his way further into the temple.
The Scouts found themselves gasping again when they finally got a good look at him. Dressed only in a pair of slacks they could see clearly that he had been badly beaten. His whole body looked to be covered with cuts and bruises.
Mercury immediately took out her mini computer.
"Is it true? Does the Dark Prince really have her?" Malachite eyes looked to Endymion and no one else for the answer.
"Yes." was all he said. And that one worded response was it took for what little strength he had gathered to desert him.
Nephlite who had been watching him closely, looking for any sign of him weakening, saw him falter and managed to catch him before he fell.
Malachite hardly noticed. Only one thing mattered at that moment. "I didn't betray you." he announced startling Nephlite and the others. "I didn't betray her."
What was going on? Luna wondered Malachite spoke as if he knew Endymion. Could Endymion have revealed himself to Malachite at some point? That had to be it. There was no other explanation. Malachite was not in the least bit shocked at Endymion's presence as Nephlite had been. There was no other explanation. But why had Endymion felt the need too when he hadn't even revealed himself to her and Artemis?
Endymion starred at Malachite unblinking before stating quietly "I know."
"Do you want to fill us in?" Jupiter asked irritably folding her arms across her chest. "Or our we supposed to guess?"
"I think we should all find a seat somewhere." Pluto advised
"Wait." Mercury cried looking at readings on her mini computer "I don't detect any traces of Negative energy in Malachite's body. And while his injuries aren't minor, for the moment there not life threatening either. He should have those cuts treated before they become infected otherwise he should be fine. But as for Nephlite his scans show that he is indeed still part of the Negaverse."
"While that is true, it's not technically correct." Nephlite replied cryptically
"What is that suppose to mean?" Jupiter barked. She was getting tired of being kept in the dark.
"As I told you before I didn't come here to fight you." He took a deep breath before he blurted out "I came here to help you."
"What!" they all cried as one
"You can't actually expect us to believe that. What reason would you have for helping us?"
"It's true." Malachite insisted before pulling away from Nephlite. He wasn't a hundred percent but he could at least stand on his own two feet.
Nephlite allowed it, but he kept a sharp eye on his friend all the same. In case he might have need of him again. It still managed to surprise him this feeling of companionship he felt towards Malachite. And it seemed to deepen the longer he spent in his company. He couldn't believe that at one time they considered themselves enemies and rivals. It was a miracle that he could even walk. And even though at the time he hadn't had a choice in the matter he still felt guilty that it had been he who had inflicted those wounds on him in the first place.
"Beryl had ordered my execution and Nephlite saved me and at great risk to himself."
"How can you be sure it's not all a ruse to gain your trust and ours?" Jupiter asked suspiciously
"Because I know what's happening to Princess Serena" Nephlite responded angrily. "And I know what will happen to the Earth if it's not stopped. Perhaps even better than all of you." He hadn't expected them to believe him. He had been prepared for there skepticism. He had come here willing for Sailormoon to use the Imperial Crystal on him if that's what it took to gain their trust. He hadn't counted on the fact that he would be too late and that the Dark Prince would already have her. And now they had nothing to go on but his word. He prayed that it would be enough.
"Why do you even care?" Mars asked "I would think you'd be rejoicing at the prospect of the Negaverse ruling over the Earth."
"If you have to ask me that than you really don't know what your dealing with." he answered quietly "Having Beryl rule this planet would be a blessing compared to the alternative. I don't want to be apart of what's coming. I want to help you stop it if I can."
"Alright." Endymion agreed readily
"What!" the Scouts shouted in disbelief. Even Nephlite looked dumbfounded at his easy acceptance.
"What are you thinking?" Mars demanded hotly. "He's still apart of the Negaverse. We can't trust him. And he still hasn't explained how he managed to find us."
"I know" Endymion responded before Nephlite respond "Before he was destroyed he had learned of Serena's identity by using her connection with Molly. I'm sure it wasn't too difficult to find the rest of you when he knew who Sailormoon was."
Nephlite didn't believe that anything else could surprise him today but he was wrong. And there was something else, something that Darien, Endymion hell he didn't even know what to call him. Going by the Armour he would bet on Endymion. Although it hardly mattered at the moment. Because there was something that Endymion wasn't revealing. He didn't know how it was possible but he knew instinctively that it was true. "You were expecting me," He stated with certainty. He didn't know how but Endymion had been expecting him.
Endymion shrugged his shoulder. "I knew that it was a possibility."
"Than you were aware that Nephlite had knowledge of Sailormoon's identity" Luna reprimanded. "And you chose not to inform us." he was her Prince and hopefully her future King but still they had a right to know of the danger Nephlite posed.
"Me an Serena agreed that you didn't have to know. Nephlite was destroyed and his knowledge died with him."
"What about after he was resurrected?" Mars exploded "Didn't you think we had the right to know then?"
"No." He stated simply.
"How could you put us at risk like that?" Venus asked and couldn't help feeling a little hurt that he would willing do so.
"You were never in any danger." he assured them though they looked far from convinced. And it was Nephlite once again who read between the lines.
"You were watching me." he stated confidently knowing that he was right. He couldn't explain it but the strange sensation he had always felt around Tuxedo mask he also felt around him. His sense that they were connected somehow was only growing stronger.
"Of course." Endymion replied as if it should have been obvious to anyone "Ever since Beryl released you from your captivity."
Nephlite found himself smiling. That sneaky...he'd been spying on him. And he never felt his presence, not once. He didn't know why this knowledge should make him smile but the only thing that came closest to describing what he was feeling was pride. And since he didn't know what to make of that he put it aside to examine later once he was alone.
They all waited for Endymion to explain further but he remained silent. He preferred to keep some of his secrets.
Since it was obvious that Endymion wasn't going to explain how he managed to accomplish that feat Nephlite felt there was something else that needed to be answered. "Why didn't you just kill me?"
"I had my reasons." he gave a brief smile "Besides Serena has had a soft spot for you since you saved Molly."
Seeing that was as good as answer as he was going to get he didn't push but oh how he wanted to. Because he knew that whatever those other reasons were he'd find them to be very interesting and without a doubt enlightening.
"As I was saying before I was interrupted" Pluto began turning to Endymion "Serenity went after the Dark Prince to stop him as he had already begun to convert Serena."
"I didn't expect this" Endymion admitted sorrowfully blaming himself. "Not this soon."
"You were not the only one" Pluto stated quietly also taking the blame.
"I have to go to her."
"That would not be wise my Lord-"Pluto began only to have him turn on her angrily.
"Dammit, if I'd listened to my gut instead of you and Serenity the Dark Prince would be dead by now and Serena would be safe."
"Perhaps" Pluto agreed "But that's in the past. You have to concentrate on the here and now. Going after Serena now would mean certain defeat. Not just for you but for all of us."
"I'm not going to sit here while he destroys her from the inside out. I have to." he was cut off abruptly when a white light filled the room. And once it faded Serenity stood before them. Looking so pale that she appeared almost translucent. They barely got over the shook of her sudden appearance before she proceeded to crumble before there eyes.
"Serenity!"
Uranus being the closest caught her princess and swung her up into her arms.
Endymion rushed over to them. "Serenity?" he raised a trembling hand to her check but that hand curled into a fist before it could actually touch her. He stood there for a moment not moving not even seeming to breath. "Bring her." he commanded of Uranus. He swung around on his heel and headed back the way they had just came.
And if anyone thought it odd that he never even touched her no one said a word.
.........
Jedite took an instinctive step back in alarm. Once he told Beryl of Malachite's escape and of Nephlite's betrayal he had expected her to be angry. But he never expected this. Beryl stood before him trembling with a terrible rage that seemed almost to take form. He had never seen anything like it and if he lived through the next few minutes prayed that he never would again. But even that seemed unlikely because beyond the raged lurked something else. And it was this something else that caused a shiver to run down his spine.
He knew that the others thought he had lost his mind and for a while he had even begun to fear it himself. But looking into Beryl's eyes at that moment he realized that he wasn't the only one who had been dancing along that slim line. And it seemed unfortunately for him that Beryl hadn't been as lucky as he.
For there was no doubt in his mind as to what he was seeing as he starred into the depths of her eyes. Complete and utter Madness. He wondered briefly if perhaps it had always been so and they had all been to blind or just too ambitious to see it.
Well it hardly mattered now. For he knew that he was about to die. His could see his death clearly in those crazed filled eyes. After everything he'd done. After all he had sacrificed. This was how he was to be repaid.
He could have pleaded. But he didn't. Not only because he knew that his pleas would fall on deaths ear, but also because at that moment he hated her. Hated her and damned her all in the same breath. And he refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing him beg.
He closed his eyes. Not wishing to see the end coming. Afraid in that split second between life and certain death when self preservation took over that she would see it in his eyes. His fear of dying. And his desire to live. He would die but he would not give her that satisfaction.
He tensed and prepared himself for the final blow. But the attack that he knew was imminent never came. And despite his reservations curiosity got the best of him and he opened his eyes, only to close them a second later. Okay perhaps he had been hasty before. Perhaps he was crazy after all. And when he thought about it perhaps death was the better of the two.
He winced when he heard a low amused chuckle and cracked one eye open. Damn wasn't it enough that he was about to die did he have to be insane well? His obsession with the Dark Prince must have pushed him over the edge. And he had been just to crazy to realize it. His loyalty to Beryl was not only about to cost him his life but had cost him his sanity as well. After all if he hadn't taken Princess Serena's pure energy and used it to restore the fragment of Dark Crystal he had stolen from the dark family to revive Beryl then he wouldn't be in this predicament.
But why would his mind choose to show him an image such as this. Was there some sort of twisted significance to it all? The reason for such a vision was beyond him. But the again he was insane. Perhaps it wasn't suppose to make sense.
He blinked his eyes rapidly but the image refused to fade. Beryl remained on her hands and knees. And sitting nonchalantly on her throne was princess Serena. He swore as again he heard that laughter. It was part wickedness, part sweetness. An odd combination but then everything about this illusion was odd.
"Really Jedite" Princess Serena chuckled "you look ridiculous. Do close your mouth and stop flapping your eyes as if they'd suddenly grown wings.
Oh god he groaned silently his illusion spoke.