Okay here it is chapter thirty-five. I believe the longest chapter I've
ever done. I hope its not too long but I needed to wrap some things up and
didn't want to split it into two chapters. And now I'm going to be
concentrating more on the relation ships with the scouts and the generals
as well as Serena and Darien. And hum we haven't heard about Zosite in
awhile I wonder what she's been up to. I guess you'll have to wait and see.
: )
The Heart Remembers Chapter 35
"It's time we finish this, Beryl." Serena called out feeling both eager and impatient to begin. She had been anticipating this moment since the last time she had stood here and Beryl had spoken of revenge. It was in that moment that had sewn the seeds for her destruction as it invoked the powers of the Negaverse residing inside her and enabled her to finally use it for the first time. She had to admit it scared her at first, but that seemed like a lifetime ago, now she was looking forward to using her new powers to destroy Beryl it seemed fitting. She had never looked forward to ending anyone's existence, until now.
She barely heard Beryl's ramblings or Darien's own response to them, as her attention was focused on the staff that Beryl clutched so desperately in her hands. It was really too bad that she had no idea that they knew what she planned to do with it and so therefore it was an empty threat. But the knowledge that she had succeeded once in taking Darien from her sent a chill down her spine. And for a brief second she considered allowing Beryl to go through with it, to kill herself and reduce her palace to a pile of rubble, but even as she thought of the idea she quickly dismissed it, knowing that Beryl would feel experience a brief moment of pain and then nothing at all was not at all satisfying enough, no for everything that she's done she's deserves to suffer longer then that.
With that thought in mind, she watched Beryl raise the staff above her head and continued to watch as she swung it down towards the floor. It took her all of a second, a mere blink of an eye to reach Beryl's side and take hold of the staff, stopping it mere inches from the ground. She looked over at Beryl and their eyes met. In that one look Serena read shock, hatred and small trace of fear. Being this close to the one person who had taken so much from her was enough to release the rage that had been simmering just beneath the surface, which had been building up inside her since she'd woken up in Darien's arms and he had told her truth about there past about there future. She could remember the rage and feelings of hatred so much stronger then anything she had felt before and the intensity of these feelings had frightened her. She felt as if she were drowning in a sea of darkness, and then nothing. The next thing she remembered was waking up and finding Darien out cold on the floor, the rage had still been there as well as the hatred but it had been chilled and not so volatile as before.
She snatched the staff from Beryl's hands and before she could respond backhanded her in the face with a closed fist. The force of the blow sent Beryl teetering back a few feet where she then proceeded to trip over her own feet and fell back, landing hard on her side. She appeared stunned for a moment and then rose to a half upright, half sublime position.
"It wont be that easy for you this time." Serena stated coldly and threw the staff behind her.
Beryl licked her lips and came away tasting her own blood, she glanced at Serena out of the corner of her eye. What was going on? She looked different and it wasn't just the color of her eyes she felt different as well. There was a coldness about her that was unsettling. Could the dark power she had sensed in her earlier progressed so much in such a small amount of time? That had to be it there was no other explanation, for there was no doubting the fact that it was the power of the Negaverse she was sensing from the girl. It was the same power she had sensed earlier in the girl, only much stronger. How had the Dark Prince pull off such a feat? He didn't have the means to brainwash her and the conversion process took time, she didn't understand how he had accomplished it.
Serena studied Beryl and could almost see the thoughts and doubts twirling around inside her head. "If your through stalling, perhaps we can continue, unless you plan to just lay there and except your fate without even putting up a fight?" Serena watched Beryl's eyes flare in response as there eyes met. Good she wanted her angry, she also wanted her on her knees begging for her life, but that would come in time.
Beryl rose to her feet, swiping at the blood on her mouth with the back of her hand "You're different." she taunted. "I can feel the dark presence of the Negaverse inside you." She smiled in cold satisfaction. "Wouldn't your mother love to see what you've become?"
Serena answering smile was cold and biting "I've become what I was always destined to become-Queen."
Beryl gave a harsh mocking laugh but inside she was steaming. So this was there plan, the two of them thought to get rid of her and rule the Negaverse together. She looked over at the dark Prince, who was standing far back and was all but obscured by the shadows. Had this been his plan from the beginning and had she unknowingly played right into his hands. Just the thought had her blood boiling, well they'd just see about that. She didn't know how he had managed to convert Princess Serena but could he really believe that she was a match for her? It was only through the aide of her friends and fellow scouts that she had managed to defeat her the last time. And something told her that they wouldn't be making an appearance any time soon. They were forgetting who she was, she was the Queen of the Negaverse and only she, and she suspected the Dark Prince as well had learned to harvest that dark power of the Negaverse and use it to its full potential. No, she would have no problem whatsoever with putting this upstart in her place.
...........................
Jupiter knew that her face was bright red but who could blame her it was just her luck to be caught between bare-chested Malachite and a man whose eyes did funny things to her insides. She had better make this quick before she made a complete fool out of herself. Not knowing where to look, she starred determinedly at a spot on the wall over Malachite's shoulder and began to recite the words she had practiced over and over again last night. "I wanted to apologize again for my behavior last night, it was uncalled for and my only excuse is that I was upset and worried about Serena, but I shouldn't have taken my frustration out on you. " she took a deep breath and let it out slowly, okay that wasn't as bad as she thought it would be.
"I understand" Malachite assured her "And I expect your apology-again."
Jupiter let out a relieved sigh "Thanks, I know that I apologized last night but I thought" she shifter her feet uncomfortably " I thought I might have been a little gruff about it. "
Malachite smiled "Don't worry about it."
"Is anyone going to tell me what happened last night, or am I suppose to guess?"
Startled Jupiter made the mistake of looking at him. There eyes met and held. She was caught unable to look away.
"Nothing happened." Malachite replied drawing Nephlite's gaze.
"It doesn't sound like nothing"
Malachite shrugged his shoulders "Jupiter was just upset about Serena and she needed someone to take it out on."
Jupiter winced, he was right, and she not only owed him for understanding but for drawing Nephlite's attention away from her. She raised a hand to touch her hair and noticed that it was trembling; horrified she swept both of her hands behind her back. She was more shaken then she realized. Damn the man, why did he have such a weird affect on her, it was those eyes, it had to be, he must be able to do something with them that they don't know about. It was the only way she could explain her weird reaction to the man although his eyes were really lovely she just wasn't comfortable with the way they made her feel.
She really wanted out of this room but curiosity kept her feet rooted to the floor. It was obvious from Nephlite's tone that he believed they were either lying about what happened last night or not telling him everything. What had her curiosity peeked was what he thought that something could be.
Nephlite looked back and forth between Malachite and Jupiter trying to determine if they were telling him the whole truth, the fact that Jupiter couldn't met his gaze was interesting to say the least either she was lying about what happened or it was something else entirely. Whatever it was he was determined to get to the bottom of it. "And that's all that happened?" he questioned
Jupiter cleared her throat nervously. What exactly did he think they were hiding? Her eyes widened as a sudden thought occurred to her. Perhaps he thought the same as many others did, that every altercation she got into became physical, that she settled everything with her fists. Her stomach clenched at the thought. Did he really think that she attacked Malachite? The thought came as a hard blow. But perhaps she was mistaken; maybe that wasn't it at all. Although Jupiter had the reputation of being the more physical of all the Sailors she didn't have such a bad rep as Lita's. She prayed that this was the case and that he suspected something else entirely, anything other then that, and the intensity of this desire surprised her. She didn't understand why his opinion should matter so much, but it did.
Malachite bit back a smile, Nephlite obviously suspected that something had happened with him last night but fortunately he suspected the wrong Scout with Jupiter he was barking up the wrong tree. But poor Jupiter, she didn't deserve to be grilled by Nephlite. "That's it." he admitted and watched Nephlite's eyes narrow, it was a look he recognized, he was trying to determine whether he was being truthful or not, luckily he was.
"Well" Nephlite finally said "then that's nothing to apologize for, Malachite's used to having women yell at him"
"Hey," Malachite protested, "That's not true." He made it sound as he went around offending women everywhere he went.
Nephlite just smiled, even though he believed there story he knew that both of them were still hiding something but he decided to let it go for now.
Malachite swung around towards Jupiter "You don't believe any of that nonsense do you?"
"Huh?" Jupiter quirked in surprise her gaze coming to rest on him. "I'm sorry, what did you say? I wasn't listening...."she drawled off as her gaze roamed down to his chest. "Wow." She gasped
Nephlite looked at her sharply although her gaze was filled with sympathy as they rested on Malachite's chest there was also a spark of admiration.
"What?" Malachite questioned bewilderedly then he followed her eyes "Oh" he groaned and quickly raised the sheet up to his chin, to hide his chest from view. Really where were his manners? He shot Nephlite a nasty look, why hadn't he reminded him that he was sitting here entertaining a lady barely clothed. He was about to reprimand him when he had the weirdest feeling. It occurred to him that Nephlite should be more observant about his state of undress especially with Jupiter in the room and in fact should be a little upset that Jupiter had been checking out his chest, which was ridiculous and didn't make any sense at all. He shook his head in bemusement no doubt Nephlite would get a kick out of it also when he told him about it.
"Are you alright? Jupiter exclaimed now that she was over the shock of seeing his bare chest, a chest that was littered with bruises of all different colors. Even though he told them that he was in no pain thanks to what Serenity had done to him while he was still being held prisoner they still looked painful and she just wanted to make sure.
Malachite looked at her in confusion and because he mind was focused more on Nephlite it took him longer to figure out what she was referring to. "Oh I'm fine, I know it looks bad, but I don't feel a thing."
"Who did that to you?" she demanded angrily pointing at his chest. "Was it Jedite? I bet it was, that little worm"
Malachite fidgeted nervously although he had told them about what happened while he was Beryl's prisoner he hadn't told them who had been the one to dish out his punishment. He looked glanced at Nephlite out of the corner of his eye, how did he want to go about this. If he didn't want anyone to know that he was the one to do this to him then he wouldn't tell anyone.
Nephlite bit back a sigh. He read Malachite's look and knew that he would keep what happened between them if that was what he wished. Although he regretted the necessity of what he did, he wouldn't change a thing. By following Beryl's orders he had saved Malachite from more pain and certain death as well as himself from sharing the same fate. It was just that he was reluctant to see the accusation in Jupiter's eyes when she looked at him. He shook his head in disgust, he didn't understand it but he had no intention of hiding what he had done. "I was the one who carried out Beryl's orders to have Malachite tortured and to learn what he had told you and the others.
Jupiter stopped in mid-tirade, she had just been calling Jedite every nasty name she could think of and now she stood there with her mouth hanging open as she tried to comprehend what he just said to her because she must have misunderstood. Now it was she who was searching to met his gaze and he was the one avoiding looking directly into her eyes.
"He had no choice." Malachite stated quietly defending no win situation his friend had been in.
Jupiter realized she was just standing there with her mouth hanging up and snapped it shut. "Sorry I had no idea."
"How could you have?" Nephlite said softly "I make no excuses for my actions I did what needed to be done."
"Yes... well" Jupiter stammered as she thought frantically for away to retrieve the foot she had unknowingly stuck in her mouth "I made breakfast if anyone's hungry." She blurted out
"I'll be out shortly." Malachite announced and gave her a small reassuring smile. "After I get dressed."
Jupiter blushed "Right and how about you?" She asked Nephlite not looking at him.
"I shall be out shortly as well." Jupiter turned to leave "Wait" he called out
Jupiter stopped but didn't turn back around, she knew she was being rude but hopefully they would put it down to embarrassment and not nerves.
"Is everyone else up as well?" he asked although he was only interested in one particular He wanted to find Endymion and get him alone. He had the feeling that a lot of questions he had Endymion could answer he just hoped he was in the mood to talk because he wasn't taking no for an answer.
"Yes everyone else is up, well except for Serenity and Rini, there still out like a light." When Nephlite didn't respond or say anything else Jupiter became even more nervous and eager to leave. "Okay...um...bye" and knowing she was rushing but couldn't help herself quickly left the room.
"Well, that went well." Malachite bit out sarcastically before flopping back down on the bed. The day was getting off to a good start. ....................................
Beryl was in a state of blind panic. She had clearly underestimated her opponent but she couldn't conceive how she had managed to get so strong. Her power was beyond even her own and could possible rival even that of the Dark Prince's. After awhile it became apparent that she was toying with her and that she could have ended her existence at any moment. No doubt in time she would tire of this game and do just that. Her only hope was her staff but at the moment it was beyond her reach, always beyond her reach. It was as if the little brat knew what she planned to do with it and was enjoying letting her get close enough to it to hope, before she forced her to back away from it with the power of her attacks.
"End this Serena" Darien said startling the two of them, both who had all but forgotten his presence.
Serena frowned at him. Why was he trying to ruin all her fun? "Not yet"
"It's not wise to tally with her too long my love" he warned, "any animal when cornered becomes more vicious and when facing certain defeat desperate as well."
"There's nothing she can do to me" she sneered, "Besides" she hissed, "I want her to suffer as I have suffered." Her anger began to rise and swell inside her once again. "After everything she's done to us, she deserves to suffer." Riding her anger she lashed out at Beryl, only this time she used her anger as her weapon. It rolled off her in waves of energy, energy that began to beat at Beryl relentlessly, driving her to her knees.
Beryl cried out from the pain as she was bombarded with wave after wave of dark energy. It was then that she began to beg. It felt as if she were being stung with a hundred hot needles at once. The pain would recede after each hit and there would be a brief second of reprieve before the next wave hit giving her no chance to catch her breath or give her time to think of a way to escape.
Darien saw that Serena was losing control of her anger and stepped in to stop her. He grabbed her by the arm and swung her around to face him "End this now" he commanded
"Why? I've waited too long for this moment to end it so quickly."
He raised his other hand and rested it against her stomach, saying without words why he was so anxious for her to end this.
Serena heard him loud and clear and bowed her head in shame. She placed a hand over the one he had rested on her stomach. What had she been thinking? She hadn't, that was the problem. How could she have let her rage and her hatred for Beryl, blind her to the danger? No, Beryl couldn't defeat her, but she was no push over either, she was after all the former Queen of the Negaverse and could do some considerable damage if she got lucky enough. And if she was careless enough, which she had been in retrospect, she had been so focused on causing Beryl pain that she had forgotten what was most important, and that was protecting those she loved Darien and the child she now carried, the child they had created together. Beryl had gotten lucky once and took Darien from her and in her rage she might have given her another opportunity to wreck havoc. She had to end this now, she had too much to lose, and they were more important then prolonging Beryl's suffering. "Your right it's time to end this."
Darien held on to her a moment longer before he stepped back and away. He knew that this was something she needed to finish alone.
Serena turned back to Beryl and once again a smile graced her face, although it wasn't a very nice smile, and it spelled the end for Beryl. "Even though I'm enjoying watching you wither around on the floor crying out in pain and pleading for your life I'm afraid the time has finally come to end this little game of ours."
"Please stop" Beryl begged the pain was excruciating "Please Serena, I'm begging you. Have mercy."
Serena laughed "I'll show you my mercy by ending your pain and your life."
"No don't" Beryl cried "Please Serenity
Serena found her smile fading as Beryl's words struck a cord inside her. To her surprise and dismay she found that Beryl's pleas were beginning to have an affect on her. What was going on? A second ago she wanted nothing more then to prolong her agony for as long as possible and now she actually felt the first stirrings of pity. And she also found her anger towards beryl fading and she desperately tried to hold onto it.
Beryl slumped over in relief as the waves of energy pounding into her suddenly stopped. Despite her plea's she never actually thought that she would stop. She was too much like herself to be swayed by anyone's pleas especially those of an enemies and it caused her to wonder if perhaps she had something more sinister in mind for her. But one look at her and she appeared more confused then calculating, and if she wasn't mistaken there seemed to be an air of desperation about her. Then something occurred to her that gave her hope. Could it be that she wasn't completely converted yet and that she was still susceptible to her old thoughts and feelings? If that were the case and there was a part of her that remained untouched by the power of the Negaverse then she had find a way to exploit that weakness, especially since it was the only one the brat had displayed since this whole thing started.
Serena shook her head trying to dispel the sudden feelings of empathy and pity that were coming out of nowhere. Something was obviously wrong, and she needed to finish Beryl off before things really got out of hand. "Save your pleas for someone who cares to listen to them, it's over."
"No, please spare me." she pleaded
Serena relaxed when her pleas had no affect on her what so ever. Preparing to end this here and now she raised her hand out in front of her.
Beryl didn't understand why her pleas weren't having the same affect as last time and could only watch in horror and disbelief as dark energy began to emit from her hand and began to twirl and intertwine, taking the form of a huge energy.
Serena saw her expression and chuckled. "I see you recognized this, you should, it's the same attack you used on me earlier." Her expression darkened as she remembered what she was thinking and feeling just before that energy ball had hit her, she'd been thinking that she had lost Darien's love forever, and all because of Beryl
Beryl shivered as she watched the change come over her. Here was the woman she had faced when they first arrived, filled with hate and a thirst for revenge. In the woman that stood before her there was no trace of the former Moon Princess, or the champion of Love and Justice, the only thing she represented now and in this moment was her death. She could read it clearly in those black eyes of hers. She just didn't understand why her plea's had worked the first time but not now. If she was right about the girl not being completely converted and she knew was, then it should have worked. They should have reached that part of her that was still that simpering little Sailor Moon. But it didn't why? Could it have been something else she said or did to cause her to pause in her attack before? She sat up straighter as a thought came to her suddenly, perhaps it was something that she didn't say.
"Farewell Beryl"
"No wait." Beryl beseeched Panicked now her mind raced back, trying to think what her exact words had been before. It couldn't end this way. "Please don't, please Serenity have mercy. Serenity, please!"
Serena froze and Beryl watched those black eyes go wide and had to fight back a triumphant grin as the small hint of blue apparent in those eyes began to expand and get larger. So it was true, she knew it, a small part of the old Serena still remained, but for how long? That was the only drawback to this plan she didn't know how long it would last. And that was why she had to take advantage of it now. She couldn't afford to blow this opportunity. And the one person who could ruin everything chose at that moment to intervene.
"Serena?" Darien enquired softly. He was worried about her hesitation and felt that something wasn't quite right.
"Darien?" Serena cried out, her confusion and anxiety apparent in her voice. What was happening to her? She knew that she was fighting Beryl but where did this feeling of intense hatred come from? She had never felt anything like it before. And she didn't think she should be able to watch Beryl wither around on the floor in pain, hearing her begging for mercy and feel absolutely nothing but a strange sense of satisfaction? She had never enjoyed anyone's pain before even if that person did happen to be the enemy. She didn't understand what was wrong with her and why she couldn't get a handle on what was going on with her. It was almost like she was in a dream and none of this was real.
Darien came up behind her and slid his arms around her waist. "I'm here Serena"
Serena sighed in relief and leaned back against him, closing her eyes she relaxed in his embrace, secure in the arms of her beloved.
.......................
Sammy sat quietly starring out the window, lost in thought he didn't hear the distant sound of Luna calling his name. He wondered what was happening with Darien and his sister. Was she all right? Had Darien succeeded in turning her evil? He ran a shaky hand through his hair; this was the first time he could actually bring himself to consider it. It was hard thinking that his sister who had always represented what was true and good in this world could ever become evil. But he could no longer deny the possibility not with everyone else so scared and beside them-selves with worry. Something they tried very hard to keep from him, he snorted, as if he were still some kid that couldn't understand what was going on and needed to be shielded from the truth. Hadn't he been one of the few who had known the whole truth about their pasts, and hadn't he kept that secret despite the pain it caused him and his sister, who had no idea who Darien was or how much he loved her and just what he gave up to save her.
And now after everything was said and done nothing was turning out right. Not only was Serena's condition unknown, but they were now also talking about the possibility that they might have to destroy Darien, something else which they had failed to mention, and that he only learned by eavesdropping. It just wasn't right how could they even think about doing such a thing, he knew his sister and knew that losing Darien would destroy something inside her that she could never get back. Wasn't Rini proof enough, after all hadn't her mother, his sister, basically die of a broken heart?
"Sammy!"
Startled Sammy jumped and swung his head around towards the door. Luna stood there in the doorway with a worried expression on her face.
"What?" he asked gruffly. He didn't want to deal with anyone right now; he just wanted to be alone.
"What were you thinking about just now?" She asked moving farther into the room
Sammy shrugged his shoulders and decided to tell the truth "I was thinking about my sister."
Luna winced as if in pain and looked at him with sad eyes before dropping her head, looking down at the floor she mumbled "I would understand if you blamed me for what has happened. I failed her and my prince."
"If your to blame then so am I," he said, "Perhaps if we had told her the truth then all this could have been prevented.
Luna's head shot up and now there was anger in her eyes when she looked at him as well. "Don't you dare blame yourself for anything that has happened. It's not your fault you wanted to tell her the truth from the beginning. Besides I should have known that there was something going on with her. She'd been acting strangely ever since she ran into the Dark Prince, I should have known something was up then but I didn't I---
"I knew" Sammy cut in angrily shocking Luna into silence. To edgy to sit still he shot to his feet and began to pace about the room. "I saw what was happening and I did nothing, I told no one."
"What Sammy? What did you know?"
Sammy stopped pacing to face her and the anger he felt towards himself was almost enough to make scream. But the anger he could deal with, it was the guilt, which was eating him alive, that and the knowledge that he could have perhaps prevented this from all coming to pass. "I saw her falling in love" he admitted feeling once again the hope that had sprang to life with the realization. "I saw the life being breathed back into her," He took a deep breath he had seen the pain as well as the joy. "I saw my sister how she use to be."
"You couldn't have known that--." Luna started only to be cut off abruptly
"I knew" he responded sharply "I knew she was falling in love with Darien all over again, who else could bring about such a radical change in her in such a short period of time. I knew, and I said, nothing."
"But why?" Luna exclaimed. If she had known what was happening between Serena and the Dark Prince she might have stopped it before it had gotten out of hand. Sammy must have known how important this was, how dangerous. Why then hadn't he said anything, not to her nor too Artemis?
"Hope" he stated simply "It gave me hope that everything really would turn out for the best, because there's one thing that I know for sure about my sister she could never love someone who was truly evil. And this gave me hope that perhaps there was apart of Darien that remained untouched by the dark powers of the Negaverse. Something inside him that only she could see and that perhaps it was the answer to how we could bring him back to us" his lips twisted bitterly "instead according to Endymion he's taking her from us, instead of finding his way back, he's corrupting her and it's all my fault for believing something that wasn't true.
Luna looked at him unable to think of a single thing to say to take away the look of devastation in his eyes. Oh Serenity how could she have been so blind. "Sammy I don't know what to tell you, other then you can't blame yourself for what happened. If I hadn't explained to the Dark Prince who he really was and what Serena was to him perhaps she could have helped him find his way instead he used the knowledge I gave him to corrupt her, so you mustn't blame yourself, the blame lies fully with me."
"You're both correct and yet you're mistaken as well."
Caught off guard the two of them looked towards the door. Endymion stood their looking at them his expression closed and unreadable. "Yes you both played a part in what happened with Serena but it was a small part, the full blame rests with me and me alone."
Neither Luna nor Sammy responded, they didn't know what to say, they both felt guilty and blamed themselves for what happened to Serena but they didn't want to tell Endymion he was wrong, dressed up in full armor and showing no emotion at all he made an imposing figure.
Endymion glanced down at Luna "Would you mind sitting with Serenity and Rini for awhile? I wish to speak with Sammy privately."
"Of course" she said and quickly left the room.
Endymion stepped further into the room and closed the door behind him.
Sammy straightened his shoulders and looked Endymion right in the eye what ever he had to say he was prepared to hear it.
Endymion sighed, "Relax Sammy, I won't bite."
Sammy felt his eyes tearing up despite himself. He was standing here looking at a stranger, a stranger who wore his brother's face. He couldn't see how Endymion could claim to be any part of Darien. They were nothing alike. One only had to look into his eyes to see the difference. Endymion's eyes were empty, expressionless eyes that showed as much emotion as those of a mannequin or a robot. He was cold and unfeeling and he more then proved that yesterday when Serenity showed up. He showed his warmth and concern when he allowed Uranus to carry her and he showed the depth of his emotions when he couldn't even bring himself to touch her in anyway.
The Darien he knew what have needed to hold her, to touch her. In fact the only emotion he displayed is when he defended Serena against Mars but that had been an all to brief display and still didn't excuse the coldness he displayed towards his sister.
Endymion knew what Sammy was thinking. He was thinking that he was an unfeeling bastart, and nothing at all like Darien, he could see it in his eyes, and he couldn't blame him for feeling as he did. He had only himself to blame. He knew he came off as someone with no feelings. Cold and heartless it was something he thought he'd never be accused of again. For years he had hidden himself behind a protective wall allowing only a selected few to see that there was more to be found then what he showed to the world. It was through Serena and her love that he had finally allowed the wall to crumble to allow others to see him as he truly was, letting them into his life and his heart. But ever since this horrible journey began he found himself retreating back into that lifestyle again. Not only to protect himself but to protect Serenity as well. He couldn't allow her to see that he was losing hope, because he couldn't stand to see the hope in her eyes replaced with despair.
And now he had to let Sammy see the truth beneath the mask he wore for the rest of the world. He needed to see that he was right, that there was still apart of Darien that was untouched by the dark powers of the Negaverse, that there was still good left to be found inside him. He couldn't stand by and see the hope inside him die just as he couldn't see it happen to Serenity.
He tore down the walls and stripped the mask away leaving himself and his emotions bare before him. He allowed Sammy to see the depth of his fear, his pain and the unwavering love he had for him. He raised his arms and opened them wide. "Now come and give your brother a hug, I've missed you."
Sammy stood there to shocked to speak or too move. At first he thought his eyes were deceiving him, showing him was he so desperately wanted to see. But it soon became clear that, that was not the case. The eyes, which were so empty before, were now overflowing with emotion. Emotion so bleak and despairing that it was heartbreaking to see. He was no longer looking at some prince that had lived over a 1000 years ago he was looking into the face of his beloved brother and for the first time could see and except that they were one in the same. The tears that he had fought so hard to repress now fell unnoticed down his cheeks as his feet moved of there own accord and straight into Darien's arms.
Darien clasped his arms around him and held on tight. Here was another thing that would help him in the battle ahead, no matter what the outcome or the decision he might be forced to make, this was his family, the one that Serena had given him and the one he claimed as his own.
....................
Beryl knew that she'd never have a better chance, not with the Dark prince hovering over his precious princess Serena looking at them both she almost choked on her own bitterness. Her death was imminent their was no way to prevent it, but she had the chose of dying alone or taking the two of them along for the ride, it wasn't a hard choice to make and she slowly started making her way towards her staff.
"I don't know what's wrong with me." Serena admitted, " I feel so strange. I don't know if I should destroy Beryl, if it would be right." She shook her head "on the other hand I want to destroy her, to punish her for everything she's done. I feel like I'm two different people." She tilted her head back so that she could look up at him "Darien who am I?"
Darien lowered his head to place a kiss on her forehead. He should never have brought her here this soon. She was still need time to adjust and the conversion wasn't complete as Beryl had discovered. But he had come too far to lose her now. "It's alright Serena soon everything will become clear just lean on me and draw on my power.
Serena drew in a deep breath and did as he asked. They were always connected nothing could break there bond and it was through that bond she was able to draw on his power and steady herself. As soon as all her doubts and fears left she opened her eyes. She still had something left that she needed to do.
Beryl took her eyes off her foe to look down at her staff that was now mere inches away from her hand she grabbed it and raised it above her head. And needing to see there faces one last time she looked up. And in that one brief moment in time her eyes displayed shock, horror and disbelief as she barely had time to scream before she was completely engulfed by the familiar dark ball of negative energy.
Serena let out an infectious laugh before turning into Darien's arms and wrapping her arms around his neck
Darien watched his love's eyes fade from nearly perfect black back to their lovely shade of blue. She was struggling with her new role, but that would soon change. He knew some would wander that if he really loved her then how could he do this to her and he would say how could he not. He didn't remember being Darien he only knew this existence and as foolish as it sounded he wasn't about to lose her to him. Beryl was the first stepping- stone soon everything would be in place and they will be unstoppable.
...................
Nephlite fell to his knees gasping as the pain came and hit him from out of nowhere.
Malachite jumped up to his feet and hurried over to his friend's side. "Nephlite, what is it? What's wrong?"
Nephlite couldn't answer him as the pain radiating through his whole body stealing his breath and making it impossible for him to speak, but his mind screamed out, Beryl. He felt his eyes glazing over and welcomed what was soon to follow. His last thought before he slipped into unconsciousness was that he knew Beryl was dead and that he just hoped that what ever connected him to her didn't succeed in taking him with her.
..............
Poor Nephlite what's going to happen to him? Will he survive Beryl's death and if he does we he still be the same person he was? I guess only I know for sure. Hee hee : ) Don't forget to review and let me know how much you really want to know what happens next.
The Heart Remembers Chapter 35
"It's time we finish this, Beryl." Serena called out feeling both eager and impatient to begin. She had been anticipating this moment since the last time she had stood here and Beryl had spoken of revenge. It was in that moment that had sewn the seeds for her destruction as it invoked the powers of the Negaverse residing inside her and enabled her to finally use it for the first time. She had to admit it scared her at first, but that seemed like a lifetime ago, now she was looking forward to using her new powers to destroy Beryl it seemed fitting. She had never looked forward to ending anyone's existence, until now.
She barely heard Beryl's ramblings or Darien's own response to them, as her attention was focused on the staff that Beryl clutched so desperately in her hands. It was really too bad that she had no idea that they knew what she planned to do with it and so therefore it was an empty threat. But the knowledge that she had succeeded once in taking Darien from her sent a chill down her spine. And for a brief second she considered allowing Beryl to go through with it, to kill herself and reduce her palace to a pile of rubble, but even as she thought of the idea she quickly dismissed it, knowing that Beryl would feel experience a brief moment of pain and then nothing at all was not at all satisfying enough, no for everything that she's done she's deserves to suffer longer then that.
With that thought in mind, she watched Beryl raise the staff above her head and continued to watch as she swung it down towards the floor. It took her all of a second, a mere blink of an eye to reach Beryl's side and take hold of the staff, stopping it mere inches from the ground. She looked over at Beryl and their eyes met. In that one look Serena read shock, hatred and small trace of fear. Being this close to the one person who had taken so much from her was enough to release the rage that had been simmering just beneath the surface, which had been building up inside her since she'd woken up in Darien's arms and he had told her truth about there past about there future. She could remember the rage and feelings of hatred so much stronger then anything she had felt before and the intensity of these feelings had frightened her. She felt as if she were drowning in a sea of darkness, and then nothing. The next thing she remembered was waking up and finding Darien out cold on the floor, the rage had still been there as well as the hatred but it had been chilled and not so volatile as before.
She snatched the staff from Beryl's hands and before she could respond backhanded her in the face with a closed fist. The force of the blow sent Beryl teetering back a few feet where she then proceeded to trip over her own feet and fell back, landing hard on her side. She appeared stunned for a moment and then rose to a half upright, half sublime position.
"It wont be that easy for you this time." Serena stated coldly and threw the staff behind her.
Beryl licked her lips and came away tasting her own blood, she glanced at Serena out of the corner of her eye. What was going on? She looked different and it wasn't just the color of her eyes she felt different as well. There was a coldness about her that was unsettling. Could the dark power she had sensed in her earlier progressed so much in such a small amount of time? That had to be it there was no other explanation, for there was no doubting the fact that it was the power of the Negaverse she was sensing from the girl. It was the same power she had sensed earlier in the girl, only much stronger. How had the Dark Prince pull off such a feat? He didn't have the means to brainwash her and the conversion process took time, she didn't understand how he had accomplished it.
Serena studied Beryl and could almost see the thoughts and doubts twirling around inside her head. "If your through stalling, perhaps we can continue, unless you plan to just lay there and except your fate without even putting up a fight?" Serena watched Beryl's eyes flare in response as there eyes met. Good she wanted her angry, she also wanted her on her knees begging for her life, but that would come in time.
Beryl rose to her feet, swiping at the blood on her mouth with the back of her hand "You're different." she taunted. "I can feel the dark presence of the Negaverse inside you." She smiled in cold satisfaction. "Wouldn't your mother love to see what you've become?"
Serena answering smile was cold and biting "I've become what I was always destined to become-Queen."
Beryl gave a harsh mocking laugh but inside she was steaming. So this was there plan, the two of them thought to get rid of her and rule the Negaverse together. She looked over at the dark Prince, who was standing far back and was all but obscured by the shadows. Had this been his plan from the beginning and had she unknowingly played right into his hands. Just the thought had her blood boiling, well they'd just see about that. She didn't know how he had managed to convert Princess Serena but could he really believe that she was a match for her? It was only through the aide of her friends and fellow scouts that she had managed to defeat her the last time. And something told her that they wouldn't be making an appearance any time soon. They were forgetting who she was, she was the Queen of the Negaverse and only she, and she suspected the Dark Prince as well had learned to harvest that dark power of the Negaverse and use it to its full potential. No, she would have no problem whatsoever with putting this upstart in her place.
...........................
Jupiter knew that her face was bright red but who could blame her it was just her luck to be caught between bare-chested Malachite and a man whose eyes did funny things to her insides. She had better make this quick before she made a complete fool out of herself. Not knowing where to look, she starred determinedly at a spot on the wall over Malachite's shoulder and began to recite the words she had practiced over and over again last night. "I wanted to apologize again for my behavior last night, it was uncalled for and my only excuse is that I was upset and worried about Serena, but I shouldn't have taken my frustration out on you. " she took a deep breath and let it out slowly, okay that wasn't as bad as she thought it would be.
"I understand" Malachite assured her "And I expect your apology-again."
Jupiter let out a relieved sigh "Thanks, I know that I apologized last night but I thought" she shifter her feet uncomfortably " I thought I might have been a little gruff about it. "
Malachite smiled "Don't worry about it."
"Is anyone going to tell me what happened last night, or am I suppose to guess?"
Startled Jupiter made the mistake of looking at him. There eyes met and held. She was caught unable to look away.
"Nothing happened." Malachite replied drawing Nephlite's gaze.
"It doesn't sound like nothing"
Malachite shrugged his shoulders "Jupiter was just upset about Serena and she needed someone to take it out on."
Jupiter winced, he was right, and she not only owed him for understanding but for drawing Nephlite's attention away from her. She raised a hand to touch her hair and noticed that it was trembling; horrified she swept both of her hands behind her back. She was more shaken then she realized. Damn the man, why did he have such a weird affect on her, it was those eyes, it had to be, he must be able to do something with them that they don't know about. It was the only way she could explain her weird reaction to the man although his eyes were really lovely she just wasn't comfortable with the way they made her feel.
She really wanted out of this room but curiosity kept her feet rooted to the floor. It was obvious from Nephlite's tone that he believed they were either lying about what happened last night or not telling him everything. What had her curiosity peeked was what he thought that something could be.
Nephlite looked back and forth between Malachite and Jupiter trying to determine if they were telling him the whole truth, the fact that Jupiter couldn't met his gaze was interesting to say the least either she was lying about what happened or it was something else entirely. Whatever it was he was determined to get to the bottom of it. "And that's all that happened?" he questioned
Jupiter cleared her throat nervously. What exactly did he think they were hiding? Her eyes widened as a sudden thought occurred to her. Perhaps he thought the same as many others did, that every altercation she got into became physical, that she settled everything with her fists. Her stomach clenched at the thought. Did he really think that she attacked Malachite? The thought came as a hard blow. But perhaps she was mistaken; maybe that wasn't it at all. Although Jupiter had the reputation of being the more physical of all the Sailors she didn't have such a bad rep as Lita's. She prayed that this was the case and that he suspected something else entirely, anything other then that, and the intensity of this desire surprised her. She didn't understand why his opinion should matter so much, but it did.
Malachite bit back a smile, Nephlite obviously suspected that something had happened with him last night but fortunately he suspected the wrong Scout with Jupiter he was barking up the wrong tree. But poor Jupiter, she didn't deserve to be grilled by Nephlite. "That's it." he admitted and watched Nephlite's eyes narrow, it was a look he recognized, he was trying to determine whether he was being truthful or not, luckily he was.
"Well" Nephlite finally said "then that's nothing to apologize for, Malachite's used to having women yell at him"
"Hey," Malachite protested, "That's not true." He made it sound as he went around offending women everywhere he went.
Nephlite just smiled, even though he believed there story he knew that both of them were still hiding something but he decided to let it go for now.
Malachite swung around towards Jupiter "You don't believe any of that nonsense do you?"
"Huh?" Jupiter quirked in surprise her gaze coming to rest on him. "I'm sorry, what did you say? I wasn't listening...."she drawled off as her gaze roamed down to his chest. "Wow." She gasped
Nephlite looked at her sharply although her gaze was filled with sympathy as they rested on Malachite's chest there was also a spark of admiration.
"What?" Malachite questioned bewilderedly then he followed her eyes "Oh" he groaned and quickly raised the sheet up to his chin, to hide his chest from view. Really where were his manners? He shot Nephlite a nasty look, why hadn't he reminded him that he was sitting here entertaining a lady barely clothed. He was about to reprimand him when he had the weirdest feeling. It occurred to him that Nephlite should be more observant about his state of undress especially with Jupiter in the room and in fact should be a little upset that Jupiter had been checking out his chest, which was ridiculous and didn't make any sense at all. He shook his head in bemusement no doubt Nephlite would get a kick out of it also when he told him about it.
"Are you alright? Jupiter exclaimed now that she was over the shock of seeing his bare chest, a chest that was littered with bruises of all different colors. Even though he told them that he was in no pain thanks to what Serenity had done to him while he was still being held prisoner they still looked painful and she just wanted to make sure.
Malachite looked at her in confusion and because he mind was focused more on Nephlite it took him longer to figure out what she was referring to. "Oh I'm fine, I know it looks bad, but I don't feel a thing."
"Who did that to you?" she demanded angrily pointing at his chest. "Was it Jedite? I bet it was, that little worm"
Malachite fidgeted nervously although he had told them about what happened while he was Beryl's prisoner he hadn't told them who had been the one to dish out his punishment. He looked glanced at Nephlite out of the corner of his eye, how did he want to go about this. If he didn't want anyone to know that he was the one to do this to him then he wouldn't tell anyone.
Nephlite bit back a sigh. He read Malachite's look and knew that he would keep what happened between them if that was what he wished. Although he regretted the necessity of what he did, he wouldn't change a thing. By following Beryl's orders he had saved Malachite from more pain and certain death as well as himself from sharing the same fate. It was just that he was reluctant to see the accusation in Jupiter's eyes when she looked at him. He shook his head in disgust, he didn't understand it but he had no intention of hiding what he had done. "I was the one who carried out Beryl's orders to have Malachite tortured and to learn what he had told you and the others.
Jupiter stopped in mid-tirade, she had just been calling Jedite every nasty name she could think of and now she stood there with her mouth hanging open as she tried to comprehend what he just said to her because she must have misunderstood. Now it was she who was searching to met his gaze and he was the one avoiding looking directly into her eyes.
"He had no choice." Malachite stated quietly defending no win situation his friend had been in.
Jupiter realized she was just standing there with her mouth hanging up and snapped it shut. "Sorry I had no idea."
"How could you have?" Nephlite said softly "I make no excuses for my actions I did what needed to be done."
"Yes... well" Jupiter stammered as she thought frantically for away to retrieve the foot she had unknowingly stuck in her mouth "I made breakfast if anyone's hungry." She blurted out
"I'll be out shortly." Malachite announced and gave her a small reassuring smile. "After I get dressed."
Jupiter blushed "Right and how about you?" She asked Nephlite not looking at him.
"I shall be out shortly as well." Jupiter turned to leave "Wait" he called out
Jupiter stopped but didn't turn back around, she knew she was being rude but hopefully they would put it down to embarrassment and not nerves.
"Is everyone else up as well?" he asked although he was only interested in one particular He wanted to find Endymion and get him alone. He had the feeling that a lot of questions he had Endymion could answer he just hoped he was in the mood to talk because he wasn't taking no for an answer.
"Yes everyone else is up, well except for Serenity and Rini, there still out like a light." When Nephlite didn't respond or say anything else Jupiter became even more nervous and eager to leave. "Okay...um...bye" and knowing she was rushing but couldn't help herself quickly left the room.
"Well, that went well." Malachite bit out sarcastically before flopping back down on the bed. The day was getting off to a good start. ....................................
Beryl was in a state of blind panic. She had clearly underestimated her opponent but she couldn't conceive how she had managed to get so strong. Her power was beyond even her own and could possible rival even that of the Dark Prince's. After awhile it became apparent that she was toying with her and that she could have ended her existence at any moment. No doubt in time she would tire of this game and do just that. Her only hope was her staff but at the moment it was beyond her reach, always beyond her reach. It was as if the little brat knew what she planned to do with it and was enjoying letting her get close enough to it to hope, before she forced her to back away from it with the power of her attacks.
"End this Serena" Darien said startling the two of them, both who had all but forgotten his presence.
Serena frowned at him. Why was he trying to ruin all her fun? "Not yet"
"It's not wise to tally with her too long my love" he warned, "any animal when cornered becomes more vicious and when facing certain defeat desperate as well."
"There's nothing she can do to me" she sneered, "Besides" she hissed, "I want her to suffer as I have suffered." Her anger began to rise and swell inside her once again. "After everything she's done to us, she deserves to suffer." Riding her anger she lashed out at Beryl, only this time she used her anger as her weapon. It rolled off her in waves of energy, energy that began to beat at Beryl relentlessly, driving her to her knees.
Beryl cried out from the pain as she was bombarded with wave after wave of dark energy. It was then that she began to beg. It felt as if she were being stung with a hundred hot needles at once. The pain would recede after each hit and there would be a brief second of reprieve before the next wave hit giving her no chance to catch her breath or give her time to think of a way to escape.
Darien saw that Serena was losing control of her anger and stepped in to stop her. He grabbed her by the arm and swung her around to face him "End this now" he commanded
"Why? I've waited too long for this moment to end it so quickly."
He raised his other hand and rested it against her stomach, saying without words why he was so anxious for her to end this.
Serena heard him loud and clear and bowed her head in shame. She placed a hand over the one he had rested on her stomach. What had she been thinking? She hadn't, that was the problem. How could she have let her rage and her hatred for Beryl, blind her to the danger? No, Beryl couldn't defeat her, but she was no push over either, she was after all the former Queen of the Negaverse and could do some considerable damage if she got lucky enough. And if she was careless enough, which she had been in retrospect, she had been so focused on causing Beryl pain that she had forgotten what was most important, and that was protecting those she loved Darien and the child she now carried, the child they had created together. Beryl had gotten lucky once and took Darien from her and in her rage she might have given her another opportunity to wreck havoc. She had to end this now, she had too much to lose, and they were more important then prolonging Beryl's suffering. "Your right it's time to end this."
Darien held on to her a moment longer before he stepped back and away. He knew that this was something she needed to finish alone.
Serena turned back to Beryl and once again a smile graced her face, although it wasn't a very nice smile, and it spelled the end for Beryl. "Even though I'm enjoying watching you wither around on the floor crying out in pain and pleading for your life I'm afraid the time has finally come to end this little game of ours."
"Please stop" Beryl begged the pain was excruciating "Please Serena, I'm begging you. Have mercy."
Serena laughed "I'll show you my mercy by ending your pain and your life."
"No don't" Beryl cried "Please Serenity
Serena found her smile fading as Beryl's words struck a cord inside her. To her surprise and dismay she found that Beryl's pleas were beginning to have an affect on her. What was going on? A second ago she wanted nothing more then to prolong her agony for as long as possible and now she actually felt the first stirrings of pity. And she also found her anger towards beryl fading and she desperately tried to hold onto it.
Beryl slumped over in relief as the waves of energy pounding into her suddenly stopped. Despite her plea's she never actually thought that she would stop. She was too much like herself to be swayed by anyone's pleas especially those of an enemies and it caused her to wonder if perhaps she had something more sinister in mind for her. But one look at her and she appeared more confused then calculating, and if she wasn't mistaken there seemed to be an air of desperation about her. Then something occurred to her that gave her hope. Could it be that she wasn't completely converted yet and that she was still susceptible to her old thoughts and feelings? If that were the case and there was a part of her that remained untouched by the power of the Negaverse then she had find a way to exploit that weakness, especially since it was the only one the brat had displayed since this whole thing started.
Serena shook her head trying to dispel the sudden feelings of empathy and pity that were coming out of nowhere. Something was obviously wrong, and she needed to finish Beryl off before things really got out of hand. "Save your pleas for someone who cares to listen to them, it's over."
"No, please spare me." she pleaded
Serena relaxed when her pleas had no affect on her what so ever. Preparing to end this here and now she raised her hand out in front of her.
Beryl didn't understand why her pleas weren't having the same affect as last time and could only watch in horror and disbelief as dark energy began to emit from her hand and began to twirl and intertwine, taking the form of a huge energy.
Serena saw her expression and chuckled. "I see you recognized this, you should, it's the same attack you used on me earlier." Her expression darkened as she remembered what she was thinking and feeling just before that energy ball had hit her, she'd been thinking that she had lost Darien's love forever, and all because of Beryl
Beryl shivered as she watched the change come over her. Here was the woman she had faced when they first arrived, filled with hate and a thirst for revenge. In the woman that stood before her there was no trace of the former Moon Princess, or the champion of Love and Justice, the only thing she represented now and in this moment was her death. She could read it clearly in those black eyes of hers. She just didn't understand why her plea's had worked the first time but not now. If she was right about the girl not being completely converted and she knew was, then it should have worked. They should have reached that part of her that was still that simpering little Sailor Moon. But it didn't why? Could it have been something else she said or did to cause her to pause in her attack before? She sat up straighter as a thought came to her suddenly, perhaps it was something that she didn't say.
"Farewell Beryl"
"No wait." Beryl beseeched Panicked now her mind raced back, trying to think what her exact words had been before. It couldn't end this way. "Please don't, please Serenity have mercy. Serenity, please!"
Serena froze and Beryl watched those black eyes go wide and had to fight back a triumphant grin as the small hint of blue apparent in those eyes began to expand and get larger. So it was true, she knew it, a small part of the old Serena still remained, but for how long? That was the only drawback to this plan she didn't know how long it would last. And that was why she had to take advantage of it now. She couldn't afford to blow this opportunity. And the one person who could ruin everything chose at that moment to intervene.
"Serena?" Darien enquired softly. He was worried about her hesitation and felt that something wasn't quite right.
"Darien?" Serena cried out, her confusion and anxiety apparent in her voice. What was happening to her? She knew that she was fighting Beryl but where did this feeling of intense hatred come from? She had never felt anything like it before. And she didn't think she should be able to watch Beryl wither around on the floor in pain, hearing her begging for mercy and feel absolutely nothing but a strange sense of satisfaction? She had never enjoyed anyone's pain before even if that person did happen to be the enemy. She didn't understand what was wrong with her and why she couldn't get a handle on what was going on with her. It was almost like she was in a dream and none of this was real.
Darien came up behind her and slid his arms around her waist. "I'm here Serena"
Serena sighed in relief and leaned back against him, closing her eyes she relaxed in his embrace, secure in the arms of her beloved.
.......................
Sammy sat quietly starring out the window, lost in thought he didn't hear the distant sound of Luna calling his name. He wondered what was happening with Darien and his sister. Was she all right? Had Darien succeeded in turning her evil? He ran a shaky hand through his hair; this was the first time he could actually bring himself to consider it. It was hard thinking that his sister who had always represented what was true and good in this world could ever become evil. But he could no longer deny the possibility not with everyone else so scared and beside them-selves with worry. Something they tried very hard to keep from him, he snorted, as if he were still some kid that couldn't understand what was going on and needed to be shielded from the truth. Hadn't he been one of the few who had known the whole truth about their pasts, and hadn't he kept that secret despite the pain it caused him and his sister, who had no idea who Darien was or how much he loved her and just what he gave up to save her.
And now after everything was said and done nothing was turning out right. Not only was Serena's condition unknown, but they were now also talking about the possibility that they might have to destroy Darien, something else which they had failed to mention, and that he only learned by eavesdropping. It just wasn't right how could they even think about doing such a thing, he knew his sister and knew that losing Darien would destroy something inside her that she could never get back. Wasn't Rini proof enough, after all hadn't her mother, his sister, basically die of a broken heart?
"Sammy!"
Startled Sammy jumped and swung his head around towards the door. Luna stood there in the doorway with a worried expression on her face.
"What?" he asked gruffly. He didn't want to deal with anyone right now; he just wanted to be alone.
"What were you thinking about just now?" She asked moving farther into the room
Sammy shrugged his shoulders and decided to tell the truth "I was thinking about my sister."
Luna winced as if in pain and looked at him with sad eyes before dropping her head, looking down at the floor she mumbled "I would understand if you blamed me for what has happened. I failed her and my prince."
"If your to blame then so am I," he said, "Perhaps if we had told her the truth then all this could have been prevented.
Luna's head shot up and now there was anger in her eyes when she looked at him as well. "Don't you dare blame yourself for anything that has happened. It's not your fault you wanted to tell her the truth from the beginning. Besides I should have known that there was something going on with her. She'd been acting strangely ever since she ran into the Dark Prince, I should have known something was up then but I didn't I---
"I knew" Sammy cut in angrily shocking Luna into silence. To edgy to sit still he shot to his feet and began to pace about the room. "I saw what was happening and I did nothing, I told no one."
"What Sammy? What did you know?"
Sammy stopped pacing to face her and the anger he felt towards himself was almost enough to make scream. But the anger he could deal with, it was the guilt, which was eating him alive, that and the knowledge that he could have perhaps prevented this from all coming to pass. "I saw her falling in love" he admitted feeling once again the hope that had sprang to life with the realization. "I saw the life being breathed back into her," He took a deep breath he had seen the pain as well as the joy. "I saw my sister how she use to be."
"You couldn't have known that--." Luna started only to be cut off abruptly
"I knew" he responded sharply "I knew she was falling in love with Darien all over again, who else could bring about such a radical change in her in such a short period of time. I knew, and I said, nothing."
"But why?" Luna exclaimed. If she had known what was happening between Serena and the Dark Prince she might have stopped it before it had gotten out of hand. Sammy must have known how important this was, how dangerous. Why then hadn't he said anything, not to her nor too Artemis?
"Hope" he stated simply "It gave me hope that everything really would turn out for the best, because there's one thing that I know for sure about my sister she could never love someone who was truly evil. And this gave me hope that perhaps there was apart of Darien that remained untouched by the dark powers of the Negaverse. Something inside him that only she could see and that perhaps it was the answer to how we could bring him back to us" his lips twisted bitterly "instead according to Endymion he's taking her from us, instead of finding his way back, he's corrupting her and it's all my fault for believing something that wasn't true.
Luna looked at him unable to think of a single thing to say to take away the look of devastation in his eyes. Oh Serenity how could she have been so blind. "Sammy I don't know what to tell you, other then you can't blame yourself for what happened. If I hadn't explained to the Dark Prince who he really was and what Serena was to him perhaps she could have helped him find his way instead he used the knowledge I gave him to corrupt her, so you mustn't blame yourself, the blame lies fully with me."
"You're both correct and yet you're mistaken as well."
Caught off guard the two of them looked towards the door. Endymion stood their looking at them his expression closed and unreadable. "Yes you both played a part in what happened with Serena but it was a small part, the full blame rests with me and me alone."
Neither Luna nor Sammy responded, they didn't know what to say, they both felt guilty and blamed themselves for what happened to Serena but they didn't want to tell Endymion he was wrong, dressed up in full armor and showing no emotion at all he made an imposing figure.
Endymion glanced down at Luna "Would you mind sitting with Serenity and Rini for awhile? I wish to speak with Sammy privately."
"Of course" she said and quickly left the room.
Endymion stepped further into the room and closed the door behind him.
Sammy straightened his shoulders and looked Endymion right in the eye what ever he had to say he was prepared to hear it.
Endymion sighed, "Relax Sammy, I won't bite."
Sammy felt his eyes tearing up despite himself. He was standing here looking at a stranger, a stranger who wore his brother's face. He couldn't see how Endymion could claim to be any part of Darien. They were nothing alike. One only had to look into his eyes to see the difference. Endymion's eyes were empty, expressionless eyes that showed as much emotion as those of a mannequin or a robot. He was cold and unfeeling and he more then proved that yesterday when Serenity showed up. He showed his warmth and concern when he allowed Uranus to carry her and he showed the depth of his emotions when he couldn't even bring himself to touch her in anyway.
The Darien he knew what have needed to hold her, to touch her. In fact the only emotion he displayed is when he defended Serena against Mars but that had been an all to brief display and still didn't excuse the coldness he displayed towards his sister.
Endymion knew what Sammy was thinking. He was thinking that he was an unfeeling bastart, and nothing at all like Darien, he could see it in his eyes, and he couldn't blame him for feeling as he did. He had only himself to blame. He knew he came off as someone with no feelings. Cold and heartless it was something he thought he'd never be accused of again. For years he had hidden himself behind a protective wall allowing only a selected few to see that there was more to be found then what he showed to the world. It was through Serena and her love that he had finally allowed the wall to crumble to allow others to see him as he truly was, letting them into his life and his heart. But ever since this horrible journey began he found himself retreating back into that lifestyle again. Not only to protect himself but to protect Serenity as well. He couldn't allow her to see that he was losing hope, because he couldn't stand to see the hope in her eyes replaced with despair.
And now he had to let Sammy see the truth beneath the mask he wore for the rest of the world. He needed to see that he was right, that there was still apart of Darien that was untouched by the dark powers of the Negaverse, that there was still good left to be found inside him. He couldn't stand by and see the hope inside him die just as he couldn't see it happen to Serenity.
He tore down the walls and stripped the mask away leaving himself and his emotions bare before him. He allowed Sammy to see the depth of his fear, his pain and the unwavering love he had for him. He raised his arms and opened them wide. "Now come and give your brother a hug, I've missed you."
Sammy stood there to shocked to speak or too move. At first he thought his eyes were deceiving him, showing him was he so desperately wanted to see. But it soon became clear that, that was not the case. The eyes, which were so empty before, were now overflowing with emotion. Emotion so bleak and despairing that it was heartbreaking to see. He was no longer looking at some prince that had lived over a 1000 years ago he was looking into the face of his beloved brother and for the first time could see and except that they were one in the same. The tears that he had fought so hard to repress now fell unnoticed down his cheeks as his feet moved of there own accord and straight into Darien's arms.
Darien clasped his arms around him and held on tight. Here was another thing that would help him in the battle ahead, no matter what the outcome or the decision he might be forced to make, this was his family, the one that Serena had given him and the one he claimed as his own.
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Beryl knew that she'd never have a better chance, not with the Dark prince hovering over his precious princess Serena looking at them both she almost choked on her own bitterness. Her death was imminent their was no way to prevent it, but she had the chose of dying alone or taking the two of them along for the ride, it wasn't a hard choice to make and she slowly started making her way towards her staff.
"I don't know what's wrong with me." Serena admitted, " I feel so strange. I don't know if I should destroy Beryl, if it would be right." She shook her head "on the other hand I want to destroy her, to punish her for everything she's done. I feel like I'm two different people." She tilted her head back so that she could look up at him "Darien who am I?"
Darien lowered his head to place a kiss on her forehead. He should never have brought her here this soon. She was still need time to adjust and the conversion wasn't complete as Beryl had discovered. But he had come too far to lose her now. "It's alright Serena soon everything will become clear just lean on me and draw on my power.
Serena drew in a deep breath and did as he asked. They were always connected nothing could break there bond and it was through that bond she was able to draw on his power and steady herself. As soon as all her doubts and fears left she opened her eyes. She still had something left that she needed to do.
Beryl took her eyes off her foe to look down at her staff that was now mere inches away from her hand she grabbed it and raised it above her head. And needing to see there faces one last time she looked up. And in that one brief moment in time her eyes displayed shock, horror and disbelief as she barely had time to scream before she was completely engulfed by the familiar dark ball of negative energy.
Serena let out an infectious laugh before turning into Darien's arms and wrapping her arms around his neck
Darien watched his love's eyes fade from nearly perfect black back to their lovely shade of blue. She was struggling with her new role, but that would soon change. He knew some would wander that if he really loved her then how could he do this to her and he would say how could he not. He didn't remember being Darien he only knew this existence and as foolish as it sounded he wasn't about to lose her to him. Beryl was the first stepping- stone soon everything would be in place and they will be unstoppable.
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Nephlite fell to his knees gasping as the pain came and hit him from out of nowhere.
Malachite jumped up to his feet and hurried over to his friend's side. "Nephlite, what is it? What's wrong?"
Nephlite couldn't answer him as the pain radiating through his whole body stealing his breath and making it impossible for him to speak, but his mind screamed out, Beryl. He felt his eyes glazing over and welcomed what was soon to follow. His last thought before he slipped into unconsciousness was that he knew Beryl was dead and that he just hoped that what ever connected him to her didn't succeed in taking him with her.
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Poor Nephlite what's going to happen to him? Will he survive Beryl's death and if he does we he still be the same person he was? I guess only I know for sure. Hee hee : ) Don't forget to review and let me know how much you really want to know what happens next.