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The Heart Remembers Ch 33
Beryl sat on her throne stroking her staff pensively "They think that I don't know. They think that I can't hear them all whispering behind my back. They plan to betray me once he returns. Stupid fools." her hand rested on the crystal in her staff and she grinned gleefully. Yes, she had the power to destroy them all and would not hesitate to do so if that's what it came down to.
"My Queen I have news."
Beryl found herself flinching at the intrusion "How dare you enter my chamber unannounced Jedite." She hissed She ought to kiss him for his audacity. Had he seen that slight moment of weakness?
"Forgive me my Queen." he implored paling at the look in her eyes.
Seeing his fear pleased her and she forgave his transgression. But she didn't tell him that of course. Then that lovely shade of fear would fade from his eyes and she so enjoyed seeing it. "I assume you've come to report that Malachite is dead."
"No my Queen" he replied and then paused as if had difficulty finding the words "I'm afraid that he's escaped"
"Escaped?" she echoed quietly "And how did he escape?"
Jedite forced himself not to flinch at her tone. It was always worse when she spoke in that tone of voice. A lot more people survived these encounters with her temper when she raged. "He had help. It was Nephlite. He attacked me from behind and knocked me unconscious. When I awoke both he and Malachite were gone."
Beryl stood as she felt something inside her snap. See a voice inside her cried. You knew that they would betray you. One by one they're all beginning to desert you. First Malachite and now Nephlite. Next it will be Jedite and Zosite who will betray you. I wont allow it she raged silently to her self. I'll destroy them. I'll destroy them all. Slowly she raised her staff and looked down at Jedite. See he's expecting you to kill him that confirms his guilt now do it strike the finally blow that will end his life. Yes I'll kill him now and then the others.
................
"Lay her on the bed." he commanded Uranus once they were back in Raye's room.
"Do you think we should?" Jupiter asked anxiously "What if Rini wakes up and sees her like this wont she be scared?
"She'll be scared if she's not here" he replied. "Besides I'll be here when she wakes. And I doubt if that will be any time soon. They've both been through a lot and will most likely sleep the night and most of the day away."
"Is she alright?" Malachite asked his concern evident. She looked so small and helpless lying there.
"Whatever she's been doing it took a lot out of her." Endymion said and just then Serenity let out a weak moan and her eyelashes fluttered.
"I think she's waking up." Venus stated softly and they all gathered around the bed
Endymion knelt down beside the bed and watched as her eyes opened. For a minute they were filled with confusion until reality set in. "Endymion." she cried softly her eyes tearing up "I'm sorry"
"Shhh" he murmured and raised a hand instinctively to brush away her tears. A hand that fell uselessly down onto the bed. Oh how he wished he could touch her if only for a moment. "It's alright. I know why you did it."
"It's not over, is it?" she asked as she noticed the gesture.
"No it's not."
"There has to be another way Endymion." she beseeched him "I got through to him. If I'd only acted sooner I know that he could have over come the darkness inside him."
"We'll talk more tomorrow. Right now you need to rest and regain your strength."
She nodded her head to weak to argue already she could feel her eye lids drooping "Please Endymion, find another way... I don't... want to live...without...you."
Endymion stayed there for a minute not moving, not saying a word. How could he do what she was asking of him? His eyes rested on Rini. How could he not? Wasn't the proof of what a future without him would be like right in front of his eyes? Hadn't Rini already lost her father and her mother? All right my love, I'll wait a little longer. He owed her that at least.
He only prayed that they did find another way. And if they didn't he could only hope that the future Rini described did not come to pass a second time. He had to believe that it was possible or else give into despair. He stood up to face the others. "We have much to discuss and not a lot of time to plan.
............
"Really Jedite." Princess Serena chuckled "You look ridiculous. Please close your mouth and stop flapping your eyes as if they'd suddenly grown wings.
Oh god he groaned silently His illusion just spoke to him
The sound of a familiar laugh filled the room. Only this time there was no confusion. This one was pure menace "I think my love that we've managed to catch more then one person by surprise."
His eyes were wide open now and the sight that greeted him had him believing for the first time that perhaps he wasn't losing his mind after all and that all this was actually happening. For not only was he seeing Princess Serena but he was now seeing the Dark Prince as well. And the look in the Dark Prince's eyes was more convinced him more then anything else. Their was no mistaken the naked hatred in those eyes for him.
So okay replay. He wasn't crazy. And he wasn't dead. And he was neither of these things because? The Dark Prince and Princess Serena were real and not some figment of his imagination, and there timely arrival had just prevented Beryl from blasting him into oblivion.
Now any other time he would be extremely grateful to be neither of those things but not today. Instead of the relief he should have been feeling he felt a new tension enter his body. Was it because they had brought Beryl to her knees without a single hand being raised to stop them? No. It was because with Beryl he at least knew where he stood. He knew that he was going to die. And he feared now that the Dark prince wasn't in the mood to be so generous. He had taken what belonged to him. Not once but twice. And had then proceeded to taunt him with that fact. He would have preferred that Beryl had killed him. Because there were worse things then dying and he feared that the dark prince knew them all.
..........
"We should all be able to handle the Dark Prince" Venus stated confidently "and while we keep him occupied Endymion can grab Serena"
"Don't be foolish." Pluto snapped, "The Dark Prince is too strong for an open attack. If he had desired it he could have killed you all off a long time ago. "He's had ample opportunity" she reminded them. And for a moment her eyes glistened with some unidentifiable emotion. And since it was more emotion than they were used to the seeing from usually placid sailor Pluto they were all stunned into complete silence.
"Pluto." Endymion said softly commanding her attention. There eyes met and held. The others watched as something unspoken passed between them.
Pluto took a deep calming breath ashamed at her lost of control. When she spoke again she was once again the figure of serenity. "As I was saying the Dark Prince has chosen not to kill you in the past." she gave them all a hard stare, needing to impress upon them the seriousness of what she was saying. "But you must not count on him being so generous in the future. As Serena slowly loses herself to the Negaverse he too will grow more dark and evil as well as stronger. If we don't act decisively and at the appropriate time then all will be lost."
"What can we do?" Luna asked. Who could barely bring herself to look at Pluto as she asked this question. She couldn't help but feel that this was all her fault. Perhaps if she had done things differently Serena would be here with them now safe and sound.
"There is not much we can do." she admitted "Right now Serena is in a struggle with herself. Because of what you revealed to the Dark Prince he was able to use the knowledge to manipulate her into receiving the dark energy." Out of the corner of her eye she saw Luna and Artemis flinch. She wanted to comfort them. To relieve them of the burden they now cared but she feared that nothing could accomplish that. Words she knew would be meaningless and empty. Only Serena's safe return will ease that burden.
"He was finally able to understand why there was apart of him that didn't fully embrace the Negaverse and it's dark power." she continued "He realized that it was his connection to Serena that was pulling him in two directions. A link that was unbreakable. He knew that in the end this bond between them might destroy him altogether. Not Darien but the Dark Prince. And the only way to stop that from happening without destroying her was to change her first. To bring the dark power inside her that he had witnessed for himself up to the surface. He did so by using her darker emotions, which the dark energy feeds off. Anger, especially."
"Isn't there anything we can do?"
"There's not much we can do. Right now we don't know where they are. Although Endymion could find them since he's connected to the Dark Prince it would put him at too great of a risk. So the only thing we can do for the moment is wait until they make the first move."
"That doesn't sound like much of a plan."
"I don't know where they are now." Nephlite remarked "But I know where they'll end up. He'll go after Beryl sooner or later."
"That will be his next step." Endymion agreed "Now that he has Serena he has no more use for Beryl."
"I still can't believe he's that strong." Jupiter admitted. That he could take on Beryl alone was staggering enough, but the fact that Endymion and Pluto expected him to grow even stronger was mind blowing. How could they compete against such power? When the most powerful of them all was going to be fighting at his side. Oh Serena.
"He is." Malachite announced and proceeded to inform them of what happened between the Dark Prince and Beryl. "There wasn't even a scratch on him. It shook Zosite up and I know it caused Beryl to have some qualms about him as well."
"I don't think she realized what she was doing when she filled him with her essence." Nephlite admitted. "She just wanted to possess him and didn't think beyond that. And because of that she's created something more powerful than she."
"Why are you here Nephlite?" Artemis asked abruptly. He knew that the general knew more than what he was saying and he was determined to find out what that something was. "You said that you wanted to stop all this from happening. All what?"
Nephlite shook his head "I'm not sure if I can explain it all in words. I just know that if the Dark Princes succeeds in his plan for Serena then everything that's good and pure in this world will perish."
"Is this true?" Uranus asked Pluto sharply
"Yes it's true. And there power will know no limits, and it wont be contained here on Earth. The rest of the universe will soon follow in its wake."
"If they're so strong how do we stop them?"
"Because Darien excepted Beryl's energy of his own free will it's hold over him is strong. The Darien that we all knew is still there but buried deep within his subconscious. The stronger the Dark Prince becomes the weaker Darien will get. Until theirs nothing left of him. Serena's the only one who can help him. So to save Darien we must first save Serena."
"How?"
"The dark energy does not have as strong as hold of her as it has on Darien. If we can reach her then she could fight the darkness in her and return to her normal self."
"How do we know that it's not already too late?" Venus asked soberly
"Endymion and Serenity" Pluto answered readily "As long as they exist they are proof that apart of Darien and Serena is not tainted with dark energy. They could not be here if that were the case."
"As I told you before I'm a part of Darien. A part that we've kept hidden from the dark prince who without his memories is not even aware that such a thing is possible.
"Won't he deduce it now?" Neptune questioned. "If Serenity did in fact confront him then he must now be aware that there are two Serena's. Isn't it possible that he might figure they're two of him as well?"
"We don't know what happened what happened between him and Serenity" Endymion cautioned "or what he knows. And we will have to wait until tomorrow for those answers. Serenity needs her rest. With the dark energy now in Serena's body she wont be able to join with her anymore."
Nephlite's eyebrows rose at that but he decided to save the questions about this joining business until later. Right now there was interested in something Pluto had said and that had been bothering him ever since. "Pluto?" Nephlite interrupted quietly "You mentioned earlier that Serena had already used this dark power and that the dark prince had witnessed it. When was this?"
Pluto hesitated for a second before answering. "When she was captured and brought before Beryl she...Serena used the power of the Negaverse against her."
"How can that be?" Nephlite asked curiously "Neither the Dark Prince or Serena were aware of there connection then. So how could the dark energy inside her be strong enough for her to repel Beryl?"
"Jedite informed her who Darien actually was." Pluto replied. "It wouldn't have been so strong in her in the first place if she and the Dark Prince hadn't already become close." Endymion scowled at this not liking the direction the conversation was going. But knowing that it had to be said.
Now this was news for Nephlite and Malachite. But it was Malachite who asked the question "How close?"
"He's known Serena identity for awhile now." Endymion answered abruptly while the others just blushed as it finally sunk in for most of them just how close the two had become. The result of which was sleeping in Raye's room.
"She lied to us." Mars stated quietly. "We all thought it was weird that when the Dark Prince took her she was Sailormoon but when we found her in the park she was Serena. And we couldn't understand why he would return her and not take the crystal. We asked her what had happened but she wouldn't tell us. And we were so worried that we didn't push. But she swore that the Negaverse didn't know her identity.
"And they don't" Malachite assured her
"But the dark prince is apart of the Negaverse." Mars cried. "How could she have taken such a risk? Not only with her safety but ours as well. And for someone she didn't even know? It's not as if she remembered who he really was. To her, to all of us, he was the Dark Prince and a part of the Negaverse. And knowing that how could she put him before us?" The other Scouts didn't respond they didn't have the answer to those questions.
Endymion was bombarded with different emotions all at once. Feelings of guilt, anger and remorse ate at him. And mixed with his feelings of helplessness and despair he finally broke. His voice when he spoke was ravaged by emotion. "Do you think it was easy for her? You have the audacity to stand there and judge her when neither of you bothered to notice the hell she's been living in since this all began. All this time she's been playing a role, pretending to be happy for your sake, while she grieved for the lost of something that she couldn't name. I took her memories and I thought it would be enough. I was wrong. She remembered. She didn't need memories, pictures inside her head of days past. Her heart remembered and her heart grieved. Once they met again it was inevitable. There was nothing to be done. He haunted her days as well as her dreams. She didn't understand what was happening. She was alone confused and frightened. And in love with a man who was supposed to be her enemy. And she should have been able to confide in you."
When he finished Mars stood there with her head bowed and tears pouring down her face. He was right none of them were there for her.
Endymion lowered his own head in shame. He regretted his outburst and for causing Mars pain. He was angry with himself and he had no right to take it out on her.
"I think now would be a good time to rest Pluto announced breaking the tense atmosphere. One by one they all shuffled out until only Pluto and Endymion remained. "We have to talk my lord."
.... . . .
"I'll go make us all something to eat" Jupiter announced "Then we can all get some sleep."
"No thanks." Nephlite refused politely "I want to study the stars. Perhaps I'll learn something knew. I'll most likely be at it until dawn and I shouldn't be disturbed.
"Count me out as well." Mars said abruptly heading down the hall. "I need to confer with the fire. Mercury can show you where you all can sleep."
Jupiter starred after her with a frown before turning to the others.
"I could eat." Venus announced with a smile
Jupiter turned to Malachite. "I would love something to eat." he said and smiled at her, causing her to blush and look away.
.....................
"I think he's afraid of you." Serena giggled
"He has reason to be" Darien stated softly causing Jedite to flinch.
Serena laughed and jumped up out of the chair. And as she passed Beryl she gave her a slight pat on the head. Beryl who didn't seem to have a voice or control over her own body, could only stare at the young princess with blinding hatred.
"I think," she surmised while walking over to Jedite "that I won't allow Darien to kill you just yet." she paused giving him a mischievous smile. "Nor will I allow him to inflict any pain or damage to your person."
"Serena." The dark prince warned in a deathly soft voice that caused the hairs on the back of Jedite's neck to rise. But if she heard the warning in that voice it didn't appear to faze her.
"Don't worry." she whispered once she was close enough "He'll get over it." She laughed at the dumbfounded expression on Jedite's face. She knew that Darien had plans for him. And she had no doubt that it involved lots of bloodshed and although she understood his reasons for wanting to destroy Jedite she found that she wanted to keep him alive.
But first she had to assure herself of his allegiance. She couldn't have him plotting behind her back. Although any plan he concocted would be doomed to failure Darien would seize upon that as an excuse to terminate him. Any small act against her and his life would be forfeited. For now that was something she wished to avoid. She had plans for Jedite and her beloved would just have to except it.
She smiled at him the picture of grace and good will "I've decided you will serve me well Jedite." she stated and then commanded him to kneel before her.
Jedite looked at her in disbelief. She couldn't actually be serious. He might not serve Beryl any more but that didn't mean that he would actually kneel before her and swear his allegiance. And before he could tell her so in no uncertain terms she must have read the answer on his face. And that's when it happened. And he swore that if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes he never would have believed it. In the blink of an eye the sweet smiling princess Serena was gone and in her place stood one that looked as cold and as hard as Beryl ever did. And she starred at him with eyes that had gone nearly black. And this time when she smiled at him the smile held a hint of cruelty. "I said kneel."
Jedite gasped as he suddenly found himself bowing down beneath an invisible force. Such power. He thought in horror.
As soon as his knees hit the floor Serena reached over to remove his mask. Jedite had never felt so powerless. He saw her gaze settle on the injured side of his face and watched in disbelief as sympathy filled her eyes that had once again returned to their normal shade of blue.
Serena raised a hand up to touch his scarred cheek. "It should be a crime to do this to such a handsome face."
"I..I.." he stammered
"Shhh." she whispered and leaned over to press her lips over the same spot her hand had touched.
Jedite felt a feeling of awe sweeping over him one that he was helpless to prevent. He couldn't remember ever being touched with such gentleness or compassion.
Serena pulled back so that she could look into his eyes. "You have been mistreated Jedite. Beryl never appreicated you. She never understood your worth. I do. Join me Malachite.
Join me. Join me. Her words echoed inside his head. And then he did something that he wasn't aware that he was capable of. He took a leap of faith. "Yes" he sighed. And her smile of delight warmed him. Where as he had served Beryl in a quest for power, he would now serve this one simply because he chose too.
....................
She swept quietly into the room and quickly closed the door behind her. She knew the occupant of the room was asleep and she had no desire to wake them. Leaning back against the door she took a couple of deep calming breaths. She had no idea what she was doing here and was seriously considering having her head examined. Her friends had been telling her so for years but she had never taken them seriously. Perhaps she should have then maybe she wouldn't be sneaking around now like a common thief.
But even as she questioned her sanity she proceeded forward. Not stopping until her bare thigh brushed up against the side of the bed. And there she stood hardly breathing as her eyes swept over his sleeping form taking in every little detail. In complete awe she silently sighed his name. "Malachite"
He was simply put Gorgeous. There was no other way to describe him. And she'd have to be dead not to notice or appreciate. It hardly mattered that he had once been there enemy because even then she had dreamed of him. She had weaved numerous fantasies around him as with every handsome man she'd ever met. Being who she was she was used to her heart jumping at the sight of a handsome face.
But this time something was different. She didn't respond to him in her usual way. Oh the sight of him caused her heart to jump and her pulse to race all right but that was not all his presence invoked. And it was this that had her stumped. Usually within the vicinity of a handsome guy she would flirt like mad. With fluttering eyelashes and long simpering looks that let the guy know that she was interested and available. But instead of doing these things she found herself avoiding his eyes and tensing whenever he came near her. His very presence put her on edge. Which explained why she was here now while he was asleep. It was the only time since he arrived that she felt comfortable enough to lower her guard down.
The situation was ridiculous and ill timed. Her princess was in danger. The planet itself was in great peril. She didn't need this distraction. And that's what he was a distraction. And yet she had to know. She needed to understand what was happening. But damn how was she supposed to think straight when he looked like that? Even covered in bruises he was one of the most beautiful men she'd ever seen. And all that silver hair. Her fingers were itching to touch it.
She looked around nervously and actually had to stop herself from looking under the bed. Taking a deep breath she reprimanded herself. Really girl get a hold of yourself. Nobody's watching you from the shadows or spying on you from under the bed. There's no one here but the two of you. Tentatively she sat down on the edge of the bed and then slowly reached her hand out. Praying all the while that he wouldn't wake up suddenly and catch her in what she knew would be a compromising position. After all she had no ready- made excuse or believable one for that matter for being here.
She captured one long strand of hair and rubbed it between her fingers. It was as soft as she knew it would be. And now that she had touched him she couldn't seem to stop. As if they had a mind of their own her fingers wondered across his forehead and down his cheek. And she froze when a soft moan past his lips. And after what could only have been seconds but felt more an eternity she finally allowed herself to relax and breath again when it appeared that he wasn't going to wake up after all and catch her mauling him. She blushed at her own words but couldn't deny the truth of them. She had no right to be here touching him while he lay their asleep and unaware. But even as she told herself this, her fingers resumed their exploration.
She held her breath when her hand came to rest against his bare chest, but he didn't stir. Even though she knew that the cuts and bruises no longer troubled him because of what Serenity did for him she took great care. And when she was done exploring she returned to the spot she had purposely avoided before. And when she finally ran her fingers along his lips she was filled with such a longing that it startled her at its intensity.
"Malachite" she whispered achingly and the sound of her own voice filling the silent room had her jerking upright and snatching her fingers away as if they were on fire.
Oh God what was she thinking? How could she have come in here and taken such liberties with him? He had someone, whom he loved. And she had no business being in here, touching him as if he belonged to her when he didn't. And the truth of those words hit her unexpectedly hard. Blinded by tears she stood up and made a move to leave when suddenly her wrist was caught in a very firm grip. Startled her head swung around and her eyes met his sleep glazed ones.
Oh no what was she going to do? How was she going to explain being here? She opened her mouth to say something anything when with a sharp tug of the arm he brought her crashing down on top of him. Then in one smooth move he reversed their positions so that he was now the one on top.
"What-?" was all she managed to gasp before his mouth settled on top of hers. And from that point all capabilities of speech seemed to desert her. This one no tentative kiss. It didn't ask for a response it demanded it. And she was helpless to deny him. He explored her mouth with a thoroughness, and a familiarity that was both shocking and exhilarating. There was no akwardness of a first kiss. No discovery of likes or dislikes. It was as if they'd kissed each other a thousand times before. And for some reason, that realization brought fresh tears to her eyes.
Malachite tasted the tears on her lips and he became fully awake and aware of just what he was doing. And he pulled away from her.
"No don't stop." she pleaded upset with herself for making him think that something was wrong. Foolish, girlish, tears. How could she explain that she was crying because she had never felt anything like this before without sounding so lame?
Malachite was so stunned that he didn't even hear her plea. He could only stare down at her in stunned amazement. He couldn't deny what he had just been doing and with whom not while she still lay beneath him and her mouth still bore the effects of their kiss. And when he felt her leg sliding along his he shot out of the bed like a rocket and slowly backed away from her shaking his head. " I'm sorry. I'm sooo sorry. I was dreaming and I...." he broke off knowing that he had no excuse.
She sat up slowly. She felt as she was in a dream herself. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. He had kissed her by mistake. He had kissed her thinking he was still dreaming, and now regretted it. Of course he regretted it you fool he had no idea you were the one he was kissing. He was still half asleep when he pulled you down on to the bed with him.
Malachite shoved his hands into his pockets. How did one deal with a situation like this? After all he didn't go around accosting girls everyday. Was she angry? He couldn't tell. She just sat there without saying a word. "Please expect my apologies."
She nodded stiffly. She had to get out of here or she felt she might do something stupid like break down crying or even worse throw herself into his arm and beg him to kiss her again.
Malachite watched her climb off the bed and leave the room without saying a word. He didn't know whether that was a good or bad thing. Maybe he could have done a better job of explaining but he hardly knew where to start himself. He had been dreaming. A familiar dream, and one of many.
He watched the others from the shore beneath half lowered lids. It was good to see them all so care free. They rarely got moments like this. With the tension between their people rising they were all caught in the middle, and would no doubt soon pay the price. He sighed and closed his eyes not wanting to think about that day when he would have to leave his love for an unforetold amount of time. It was foreseeable and unavoidable. He couldn't stay and she couldn't leave. They both had their duties to attend too. But it was more then their duty it was who they were.
He remained as he was when heard someone approaching and soon afterward the sound of a body settling down next to his. He was tempted to take a peek and see who had joined him but didn't want to give away that he was awake. He didn't want his gloomy moody to spoil their day. But it soon became obvious that this someone didn't mind that he was asleep as he soon felt the familiar touch of his beloved's hands. He forced himself to remain still as her timid touches became increasingly bolder by the second. And he did so until he could bare it no longer.
Catching one of her hands in his he opened his eyes to find her starring down an him with wide timid eyes. And when he remained silent she nibbled on her lips nervously "I'm sorry I know that I shouldn't have taken such liberties while you were asleep, my love."
"Yes" he agreed soberly while trying not to smile. She looked so bashful. It was a look he was not used to seeing on her. His love was anything but shy. He ran his fingers through her wet hair. "I must think of a way to punish you."
Her eyes narrowed but she when she didn't say anything he continued. "Perhaps if I were to touch you in the same manner you were touching me." he enjoyed the blush that spread along her whole body. "Of course to be fair" he mused "You will have to lay down and pretend to be asleep as I did."
She starred down at him for a second with her mouth hanging open in surprise, but she soon recovered "Why you little faker." she cried and began beating his chest with her fist. "You were awake this whole time?"
He caught her other hand before she could do some serious damage. "That's better" he chuckled "That timid look you got when you were caught didn't suit you at all."
She found herself smiling sheepishly after all he had been asleep. "Yes well..."
"Be free to touch me anytime you want." he raised one hand to his lips "I enjoy your touch." she screeched as he suddenly rolled her onto her back "in fact" he crooned leaning over her. "Theirs something else I enjoy as well."
"Oh really" she giggled as she wrapped her arms around his neck "And what would that be?"
"This." he groaned before kissing her.
And that was when his dream world coincided with reality. Sighing he made his way back over to the bed and laid back down. But didn't go back to sleep. That kiss was still vivid in his mind and now he wondering if what he remembered had all been apart of the dream or of what actually happened. The two seemed to mesh together and it was hard to distinguish between them. Either way he knew he'd be up the rest of the night thinking about it.
And now that he was up and fully awake. He realized that something was off about the whole encounter. Like how she came to be in his room in the first place. He knew it would be the first of many questions that he would have for her in the morning.
.........
Okay I think I've made it up to you guys for making you wait so long. Two long chapters you guys never had it so good. And for those of you who don't know who the scout was who sneaked into Malachite's room shame on you I think I made it obvious. (
The Heart Remembers Ch 33
Beryl sat on her throne stroking her staff pensively "They think that I don't know. They think that I can't hear them all whispering behind my back. They plan to betray me once he returns. Stupid fools." her hand rested on the crystal in her staff and she grinned gleefully. Yes, she had the power to destroy them all and would not hesitate to do so if that's what it came down to.
"My Queen I have news."
Beryl found herself flinching at the intrusion "How dare you enter my chamber unannounced Jedite." She hissed She ought to kiss him for his audacity. Had he seen that slight moment of weakness?
"Forgive me my Queen." he implored paling at the look in her eyes.
Seeing his fear pleased her and she forgave his transgression. But she didn't tell him that of course. Then that lovely shade of fear would fade from his eyes and she so enjoyed seeing it. "I assume you've come to report that Malachite is dead."
"No my Queen" he replied and then paused as if had difficulty finding the words "I'm afraid that he's escaped"
"Escaped?" she echoed quietly "And how did he escape?"
Jedite forced himself not to flinch at her tone. It was always worse when she spoke in that tone of voice. A lot more people survived these encounters with her temper when she raged. "He had help. It was Nephlite. He attacked me from behind and knocked me unconscious. When I awoke both he and Malachite were gone."
Beryl stood as she felt something inside her snap. See a voice inside her cried. You knew that they would betray you. One by one they're all beginning to desert you. First Malachite and now Nephlite. Next it will be Jedite and Zosite who will betray you. I wont allow it she raged silently to her self. I'll destroy them. I'll destroy them all. Slowly she raised her staff and looked down at Jedite. See he's expecting you to kill him that confirms his guilt now do it strike the finally blow that will end his life. Yes I'll kill him now and then the others.
................
"Lay her on the bed." he commanded Uranus once they were back in Raye's room.
"Do you think we should?" Jupiter asked anxiously "What if Rini wakes up and sees her like this wont she be scared?
"She'll be scared if she's not here" he replied. "Besides I'll be here when she wakes. And I doubt if that will be any time soon. They've both been through a lot and will most likely sleep the night and most of the day away."
"Is she alright?" Malachite asked his concern evident. She looked so small and helpless lying there.
"Whatever she's been doing it took a lot out of her." Endymion said and just then Serenity let out a weak moan and her eyelashes fluttered.
"I think she's waking up." Venus stated softly and they all gathered around the bed
Endymion knelt down beside the bed and watched as her eyes opened. For a minute they were filled with confusion until reality set in. "Endymion." she cried softly her eyes tearing up "I'm sorry"
"Shhh" he murmured and raised a hand instinctively to brush away her tears. A hand that fell uselessly down onto the bed. Oh how he wished he could touch her if only for a moment. "It's alright. I know why you did it."
"It's not over, is it?" she asked as she noticed the gesture.
"No it's not."
"There has to be another way Endymion." she beseeched him "I got through to him. If I'd only acted sooner I know that he could have over come the darkness inside him."
"We'll talk more tomorrow. Right now you need to rest and regain your strength."
She nodded her head to weak to argue already she could feel her eye lids drooping "Please Endymion, find another way... I don't... want to live...without...you."
Endymion stayed there for a minute not moving, not saying a word. How could he do what she was asking of him? His eyes rested on Rini. How could he not? Wasn't the proof of what a future without him would be like right in front of his eyes? Hadn't Rini already lost her father and her mother? All right my love, I'll wait a little longer. He owed her that at least.
He only prayed that they did find another way. And if they didn't he could only hope that the future Rini described did not come to pass a second time. He had to believe that it was possible or else give into despair. He stood up to face the others. "We have much to discuss and not a lot of time to plan.
............
"Really Jedite." Princess Serena chuckled "You look ridiculous. Please close your mouth and stop flapping your eyes as if they'd suddenly grown wings.
Oh god he groaned silently His illusion just spoke to him
The sound of a familiar laugh filled the room. Only this time there was no confusion. This one was pure menace "I think my love that we've managed to catch more then one person by surprise."
His eyes were wide open now and the sight that greeted him had him believing for the first time that perhaps he wasn't losing his mind after all and that all this was actually happening. For not only was he seeing Princess Serena but he was now seeing the Dark Prince as well. And the look in the Dark Prince's eyes was more convinced him more then anything else. Their was no mistaken the naked hatred in those eyes for him.
So okay replay. He wasn't crazy. And he wasn't dead. And he was neither of these things because? The Dark Prince and Princess Serena were real and not some figment of his imagination, and there timely arrival had just prevented Beryl from blasting him into oblivion.
Now any other time he would be extremely grateful to be neither of those things but not today. Instead of the relief he should have been feeling he felt a new tension enter his body. Was it because they had brought Beryl to her knees without a single hand being raised to stop them? No. It was because with Beryl he at least knew where he stood. He knew that he was going to die. And he feared now that the Dark prince wasn't in the mood to be so generous. He had taken what belonged to him. Not once but twice. And had then proceeded to taunt him with that fact. He would have preferred that Beryl had killed him. Because there were worse things then dying and he feared that the dark prince knew them all.
..........
"We should all be able to handle the Dark Prince" Venus stated confidently "and while we keep him occupied Endymion can grab Serena"
"Don't be foolish." Pluto snapped, "The Dark Prince is too strong for an open attack. If he had desired it he could have killed you all off a long time ago. "He's had ample opportunity" she reminded them. And for a moment her eyes glistened with some unidentifiable emotion. And since it was more emotion than they were used to the seeing from usually placid sailor Pluto they were all stunned into complete silence.
"Pluto." Endymion said softly commanding her attention. There eyes met and held. The others watched as something unspoken passed between them.
Pluto took a deep calming breath ashamed at her lost of control. When she spoke again she was once again the figure of serenity. "As I was saying the Dark Prince has chosen not to kill you in the past." she gave them all a hard stare, needing to impress upon them the seriousness of what she was saying. "But you must not count on him being so generous in the future. As Serena slowly loses herself to the Negaverse he too will grow more dark and evil as well as stronger. If we don't act decisively and at the appropriate time then all will be lost."
"What can we do?" Luna asked. Who could barely bring herself to look at Pluto as she asked this question. She couldn't help but feel that this was all her fault. Perhaps if she had done things differently Serena would be here with them now safe and sound.
"There is not much we can do." she admitted "Right now Serena is in a struggle with herself. Because of what you revealed to the Dark Prince he was able to use the knowledge to manipulate her into receiving the dark energy." Out of the corner of her eye she saw Luna and Artemis flinch. She wanted to comfort them. To relieve them of the burden they now cared but she feared that nothing could accomplish that. Words she knew would be meaningless and empty. Only Serena's safe return will ease that burden.
"He was finally able to understand why there was apart of him that didn't fully embrace the Negaverse and it's dark power." she continued "He realized that it was his connection to Serena that was pulling him in two directions. A link that was unbreakable. He knew that in the end this bond between them might destroy him altogether. Not Darien but the Dark Prince. And the only way to stop that from happening without destroying her was to change her first. To bring the dark power inside her that he had witnessed for himself up to the surface. He did so by using her darker emotions, which the dark energy feeds off. Anger, especially."
"Isn't there anything we can do?"
"There's not much we can do. Right now we don't know where they are. Although Endymion could find them since he's connected to the Dark Prince it would put him at too great of a risk. So the only thing we can do for the moment is wait until they make the first move."
"That doesn't sound like much of a plan."
"I don't know where they are now." Nephlite remarked "But I know where they'll end up. He'll go after Beryl sooner or later."
"That will be his next step." Endymion agreed "Now that he has Serena he has no more use for Beryl."
"I still can't believe he's that strong." Jupiter admitted. That he could take on Beryl alone was staggering enough, but the fact that Endymion and Pluto expected him to grow even stronger was mind blowing. How could they compete against such power? When the most powerful of them all was going to be fighting at his side. Oh Serena.
"He is." Malachite announced and proceeded to inform them of what happened between the Dark Prince and Beryl. "There wasn't even a scratch on him. It shook Zosite up and I know it caused Beryl to have some qualms about him as well."
"I don't think she realized what she was doing when she filled him with her essence." Nephlite admitted. "She just wanted to possess him and didn't think beyond that. And because of that she's created something more powerful than she."
"Why are you here Nephlite?" Artemis asked abruptly. He knew that the general knew more than what he was saying and he was determined to find out what that something was. "You said that you wanted to stop all this from happening. All what?"
Nephlite shook his head "I'm not sure if I can explain it all in words. I just know that if the Dark Princes succeeds in his plan for Serena then everything that's good and pure in this world will perish."
"Is this true?" Uranus asked Pluto sharply
"Yes it's true. And there power will know no limits, and it wont be contained here on Earth. The rest of the universe will soon follow in its wake."
"If they're so strong how do we stop them?"
"Because Darien excepted Beryl's energy of his own free will it's hold over him is strong. The Darien that we all knew is still there but buried deep within his subconscious. The stronger the Dark Prince becomes the weaker Darien will get. Until theirs nothing left of him. Serena's the only one who can help him. So to save Darien we must first save Serena."
"How?"
"The dark energy does not have as strong as hold of her as it has on Darien. If we can reach her then she could fight the darkness in her and return to her normal self."
"How do we know that it's not already too late?" Venus asked soberly
"Endymion and Serenity" Pluto answered readily "As long as they exist they are proof that apart of Darien and Serena is not tainted with dark energy. They could not be here if that were the case."
"As I told you before I'm a part of Darien. A part that we've kept hidden from the dark prince who without his memories is not even aware that such a thing is possible.
"Won't he deduce it now?" Neptune questioned. "If Serenity did in fact confront him then he must now be aware that there are two Serena's. Isn't it possible that he might figure they're two of him as well?"
"We don't know what happened what happened between him and Serenity" Endymion cautioned "or what he knows. And we will have to wait until tomorrow for those answers. Serenity needs her rest. With the dark energy now in Serena's body she wont be able to join with her anymore."
Nephlite's eyebrows rose at that but he decided to save the questions about this joining business until later. Right now there was interested in something Pluto had said and that had been bothering him ever since. "Pluto?" Nephlite interrupted quietly "You mentioned earlier that Serena had already used this dark power and that the dark prince had witnessed it. When was this?"
Pluto hesitated for a second before answering. "When she was captured and brought before Beryl she...Serena used the power of the Negaverse against her."
"How can that be?" Nephlite asked curiously "Neither the Dark Prince or Serena were aware of there connection then. So how could the dark energy inside her be strong enough for her to repel Beryl?"
"Jedite informed her who Darien actually was." Pluto replied. "It wouldn't have been so strong in her in the first place if she and the Dark Prince hadn't already become close." Endymion scowled at this not liking the direction the conversation was going. But knowing that it had to be said.
Now this was news for Nephlite and Malachite. But it was Malachite who asked the question "How close?"
"He's known Serena identity for awhile now." Endymion answered abruptly while the others just blushed as it finally sunk in for most of them just how close the two had become. The result of which was sleeping in Raye's room.
"She lied to us." Mars stated quietly. "We all thought it was weird that when the Dark Prince took her she was Sailormoon but when we found her in the park she was Serena. And we couldn't understand why he would return her and not take the crystal. We asked her what had happened but she wouldn't tell us. And we were so worried that we didn't push. But she swore that the Negaverse didn't know her identity.
"And they don't" Malachite assured her
"But the dark prince is apart of the Negaverse." Mars cried. "How could she have taken such a risk? Not only with her safety but ours as well. And for someone she didn't even know? It's not as if she remembered who he really was. To her, to all of us, he was the Dark Prince and a part of the Negaverse. And knowing that how could she put him before us?" The other Scouts didn't respond they didn't have the answer to those questions.
Endymion was bombarded with different emotions all at once. Feelings of guilt, anger and remorse ate at him. And mixed with his feelings of helplessness and despair he finally broke. His voice when he spoke was ravaged by emotion. "Do you think it was easy for her? You have the audacity to stand there and judge her when neither of you bothered to notice the hell she's been living in since this all began. All this time she's been playing a role, pretending to be happy for your sake, while she grieved for the lost of something that she couldn't name. I took her memories and I thought it would be enough. I was wrong. She remembered. She didn't need memories, pictures inside her head of days past. Her heart remembered and her heart grieved. Once they met again it was inevitable. There was nothing to be done. He haunted her days as well as her dreams. She didn't understand what was happening. She was alone confused and frightened. And in love with a man who was supposed to be her enemy. And she should have been able to confide in you."
When he finished Mars stood there with her head bowed and tears pouring down her face. He was right none of them were there for her.
Endymion lowered his own head in shame. He regretted his outburst and for causing Mars pain. He was angry with himself and he had no right to take it out on her.
"I think now would be a good time to rest Pluto announced breaking the tense atmosphere. One by one they all shuffled out until only Pluto and Endymion remained. "We have to talk my lord."
.... . . .
"I'll go make us all something to eat" Jupiter announced "Then we can all get some sleep."
"No thanks." Nephlite refused politely "I want to study the stars. Perhaps I'll learn something knew. I'll most likely be at it until dawn and I shouldn't be disturbed.
"Count me out as well." Mars said abruptly heading down the hall. "I need to confer with the fire. Mercury can show you where you all can sleep."
Jupiter starred after her with a frown before turning to the others.
"I could eat." Venus announced with a smile
Jupiter turned to Malachite. "I would love something to eat." he said and smiled at her, causing her to blush and look away.
.....................
"I think he's afraid of you." Serena giggled
"He has reason to be" Darien stated softly causing Jedite to flinch.
Serena laughed and jumped up out of the chair. And as she passed Beryl she gave her a slight pat on the head. Beryl who didn't seem to have a voice or control over her own body, could only stare at the young princess with blinding hatred.
"I think," she surmised while walking over to Jedite "that I won't allow Darien to kill you just yet." she paused giving him a mischievous smile. "Nor will I allow him to inflict any pain or damage to your person."
"Serena." The dark prince warned in a deathly soft voice that caused the hairs on the back of Jedite's neck to rise. But if she heard the warning in that voice it didn't appear to faze her.
"Don't worry." she whispered once she was close enough "He'll get over it." She laughed at the dumbfounded expression on Jedite's face. She knew that Darien had plans for him. And she had no doubt that it involved lots of bloodshed and although she understood his reasons for wanting to destroy Jedite she found that she wanted to keep him alive.
But first she had to assure herself of his allegiance. She couldn't have him plotting behind her back. Although any plan he concocted would be doomed to failure Darien would seize upon that as an excuse to terminate him. Any small act against her and his life would be forfeited. For now that was something she wished to avoid. She had plans for Jedite and her beloved would just have to except it.
She smiled at him the picture of grace and good will "I've decided you will serve me well Jedite." she stated and then commanded him to kneel before her.
Jedite looked at her in disbelief. She couldn't actually be serious. He might not serve Beryl any more but that didn't mean that he would actually kneel before her and swear his allegiance. And before he could tell her so in no uncertain terms she must have read the answer on his face. And that's when it happened. And he swore that if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes he never would have believed it. In the blink of an eye the sweet smiling princess Serena was gone and in her place stood one that looked as cold and as hard as Beryl ever did. And she starred at him with eyes that had gone nearly black. And this time when she smiled at him the smile held a hint of cruelty. "I said kneel."
Jedite gasped as he suddenly found himself bowing down beneath an invisible force. Such power. He thought in horror.
As soon as his knees hit the floor Serena reached over to remove his mask. Jedite had never felt so powerless. He saw her gaze settle on the injured side of his face and watched in disbelief as sympathy filled her eyes that had once again returned to their normal shade of blue.
Serena raised a hand up to touch his scarred cheek. "It should be a crime to do this to such a handsome face."
"I..I.." he stammered
"Shhh." she whispered and leaned over to press her lips over the same spot her hand had touched.
Jedite felt a feeling of awe sweeping over him one that he was helpless to prevent. He couldn't remember ever being touched with such gentleness or compassion.
Serena pulled back so that she could look into his eyes. "You have been mistreated Jedite. Beryl never appreicated you. She never understood your worth. I do. Join me Malachite.
Join me. Join me. Her words echoed inside his head. And then he did something that he wasn't aware that he was capable of. He took a leap of faith. "Yes" he sighed. And her smile of delight warmed him. Where as he had served Beryl in a quest for power, he would now serve this one simply because he chose too.
....................
She swept quietly into the room and quickly closed the door behind her. She knew the occupant of the room was asleep and she had no desire to wake them. Leaning back against the door she took a couple of deep calming breaths. She had no idea what she was doing here and was seriously considering having her head examined. Her friends had been telling her so for years but she had never taken them seriously. Perhaps she should have then maybe she wouldn't be sneaking around now like a common thief.
But even as she questioned her sanity she proceeded forward. Not stopping until her bare thigh brushed up against the side of the bed. And there she stood hardly breathing as her eyes swept over his sleeping form taking in every little detail. In complete awe she silently sighed his name. "Malachite"
He was simply put Gorgeous. There was no other way to describe him. And she'd have to be dead not to notice or appreciate. It hardly mattered that he had once been there enemy because even then she had dreamed of him. She had weaved numerous fantasies around him as with every handsome man she'd ever met. Being who she was she was used to her heart jumping at the sight of a handsome face.
But this time something was different. She didn't respond to him in her usual way. Oh the sight of him caused her heart to jump and her pulse to race all right but that was not all his presence invoked. And it was this that had her stumped. Usually within the vicinity of a handsome guy she would flirt like mad. With fluttering eyelashes and long simpering looks that let the guy know that she was interested and available. But instead of doing these things she found herself avoiding his eyes and tensing whenever he came near her. His very presence put her on edge. Which explained why she was here now while he was asleep. It was the only time since he arrived that she felt comfortable enough to lower her guard down.
The situation was ridiculous and ill timed. Her princess was in danger. The planet itself was in great peril. She didn't need this distraction. And that's what he was a distraction. And yet she had to know. She needed to understand what was happening. But damn how was she supposed to think straight when he looked like that? Even covered in bruises he was one of the most beautiful men she'd ever seen. And all that silver hair. Her fingers were itching to touch it.
She looked around nervously and actually had to stop herself from looking under the bed. Taking a deep breath she reprimanded herself. Really girl get a hold of yourself. Nobody's watching you from the shadows or spying on you from under the bed. There's no one here but the two of you. Tentatively she sat down on the edge of the bed and then slowly reached her hand out. Praying all the while that he wouldn't wake up suddenly and catch her in what she knew would be a compromising position. After all she had no ready- made excuse or believable one for that matter for being here.
She captured one long strand of hair and rubbed it between her fingers. It was as soft as she knew it would be. And now that she had touched him she couldn't seem to stop. As if they had a mind of their own her fingers wondered across his forehead and down his cheek. And she froze when a soft moan past his lips. And after what could only have been seconds but felt more an eternity she finally allowed herself to relax and breath again when it appeared that he wasn't going to wake up after all and catch her mauling him. She blushed at her own words but couldn't deny the truth of them. She had no right to be here touching him while he lay their asleep and unaware. But even as she told herself this, her fingers resumed their exploration.
She held her breath when her hand came to rest against his bare chest, but he didn't stir. Even though she knew that the cuts and bruises no longer troubled him because of what Serenity did for him she took great care. And when she was done exploring she returned to the spot she had purposely avoided before. And when she finally ran her fingers along his lips she was filled with such a longing that it startled her at its intensity.
"Malachite" she whispered achingly and the sound of her own voice filling the silent room had her jerking upright and snatching her fingers away as if they were on fire.
Oh God what was she thinking? How could she have come in here and taken such liberties with him? He had someone, whom he loved. And she had no business being in here, touching him as if he belonged to her when he didn't. And the truth of those words hit her unexpectedly hard. Blinded by tears she stood up and made a move to leave when suddenly her wrist was caught in a very firm grip. Startled her head swung around and her eyes met his sleep glazed ones.
Oh no what was she going to do? How was she going to explain being here? She opened her mouth to say something anything when with a sharp tug of the arm he brought her crashing down on top of him. Then in one smooth move he reversed their positions so that he was now the one on top.
"What-?" was all she managed to gasp before his mouth settled on top of hers. And from that point all capabilities of speech seemed to desert her. This one no tentative kiss. It didn't ask for a response it demanded it. And she was helpless to deny him. He explored her mouth with a thoroughness, and a familiarity that was both shocking and exhilarating. There was no akwardness of a first kiss. No discovery of likes or dislikes. It was as if they'd kissed each other a thousand times before. And for some reason, that realization brought fresh tears to her eyes.
Malachite tasted the tears on her lips and he became fully awake and aware of just what he was doing. And he pulled away from her.
"No don't stop." she pleaded upset with herself for making him think that something was wrong. Foolish, girlish, tears. How could she explain that she was crying because she had never felt anything like this before without sounding so lame?
Malachite was so stunned that he didn't even hear her plea. He could only stare down at her in stunned amazement. He couldn't deny what he had just been doing and with whom not while she still lay beneath him and her mouth still bore the effects of their kiss. And when he felt her leg sliding along his he shot out of the bed like a rocket and slowly backed away from her shaking his head. " I'm sorry. I'm sooo sorry. I was dreaming and I...." he broke off knowing that he had no excuse.
She sat up slowly. She felt as she was in a dream herself. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. He had kissed her by mistake. He had kissed her thinking he was still dreaming, and now regretted it. Of course he regretted it you fool he had no idea you were the one he was kissing. He was still half asleep when he pulled you down on to the bed with him.
Malachite shoved his hands into his pockets. How did one deal with a situation like this? After all he didn't go around accosting girls everyday. Was she angry? He couldn't tell. She just sat there without saying a word. "Please expect my apologies."
She nodded stiffly. She had to get out of here or she felt she might do something stupid like break down crying or even worse throw herself into his arm and beg him to kiss her again.
Malachite watched her climb off the bed and leave the room without saying a word. He didn't know whether that was a good or bad thing. Maybe he could have done a better job of explaining but he hardly knew where to start himself. He had been dreaming. A familiar dream, and one of many.
He watched the others from the shore beneath half lowered lids. It was good to see them all so care free. They rarely got moments like this. With the tension between their people rising they were all caught in the middle, and would no doubt soon pay the price. He sighed and closed his eyes not wanting to think about that day when he would have to leave his love for an unforetold amount of time. It was foreseeable and unavoidable. He couldn't stay and she couldn't leave. They both had their duties to attend too. But it was more then their duty it was who they were.
He remained as he was when heard someone approaching and soon afterward the sound of a body settling down next to his. He was tempted to take a peek and see who had joined him but didn't want to give away that he was awake. He didn't want his gloomy moody to spoil their day. But it soon became obvious that this someone didn't mind that he was asleep as he soon felt the familiar touch of his beloved's hands. He forced himself to remain still as her timid touches became increasingly bolder by the second. And he did so until he could bare it no longer.
Catching one of her hands in his he opened his eyes to find her starring down an him with wide timid eyes. And when he remained silent she nibbled on her lips nervously "I'm sorry I know that I shouldn't have taken such liberties while you were asleep, my love."
"Yes" he agreed soberly while trying not to smile. She looked so bashful. It was a look he was not used to seeing on her. His love was anything but shy. He ran his fingers through her wet hair. "I must think of a way to punish you."
Her eyes narrowed but she when she didn't say anything he continued. "Perhaps if I were to touch you in the same manner you were touching me." he enjoyed the blush that spread along her whole body. "Of course to be fair" he mused "You will have to lay down and pretend to be asleep as I did."
She starred down at him for a second with her mouth hanging open in surprise, but she soon recovered "Why you little faker." she cried and began beating his chest with her fist. "You were awake this whole time?"
He caught her other hand before she could do some serious damage. "That's better" he chuckled "That timid look you got when you were caught didn't suit you at all."
She found herself smiling sheepishly after all he had been asleep. "Yes well..."
"Be free to touch me anytime you want." he raised one hand to his lips "I enjoy your touch." she screeched as he suddenly rolled her onto her back "in fact" he crooned leaning over her. "Theirs something else I enjoy as well."
"Oh really" she giggled as she wrapped her arms around his neck "And what would that be?"
"This." he groaned before kissing her.
And that was when his dream world coincided with reality. Sighing he made his way back over to the bed and laid back down. But didn't go back to sleep. That kiss was still vivid in his mind and now he wondering if what he remembered had all been apart of the dream or of what actually happened. The two seemed to mesh together and it was hard to distinguish between them. Either way he knew he'd be up the rest of the night thinking about it.
And now that he was up and fully awake. He realized that something was off about the whole encounter. Like how she came to be in his room in the first place. He knew it would be the first of many questions that he would have for her in the morning.
.........
Okay I think I've made it up to you guys for making you wait so long. Two long chapters you guys never had it so good. And for those of you who don't know who the scout was who sneaked into Malachite's room shame on you I think I made it obvious. (