Sorry about the wait I know I've been promising this for a while now but I just kept revising it and making it longer and longer. I don't have the time to read this over for errors so hopefully it turned out all right. The thing is if I don't upload it now you guys would have to wait another week. So here it goes. Enjoy
The Heart Remembers
Chapter 37
Zosite felt a momentary flash of pain as Beryl drew her last breath and released it in one agonizing scream. When it was all over and Beryl was no more she felt stunned and not quite so steady on her feet. It was over; it was finally over. Beryl was dead.
It was almost too much believe even though she had witnessed it for herself, seen it with her own eyes. But perhaps that was the problem; that she couldn't believe what she had seen. Who could have guessed that it would be the moon princess and not the Dark Prince who would end Beryl's life?
She touched her face with unsteady hands and then ran them along her body. For a second there she had felt a brief moment of pain. It had been totally unexpected and she couldn't help but notice that it coincided with Beryl's demise. She wondered if the others had experienced something similar as well, and if they would know what it meant.
She had no doubt Nephlite would figure it out eventually, if he didn't know already, with his strange abilities he had probably seen Beryl's end coming before she did. But could he have foreseen who would be the one to destroy Beryl? That was the question that interested her the most?
And if he did know and he was with the Sailor Scouts as she suspected then the Scout might even now know the about there precious Serena.
She let out a nasty smile as she pictured the look on the Sailor Scouts faces and imagined the look of horror in disbelief in there eyes as they desperately struggled to deny the truth, only to succumb to it in the end.
And if by some remote chance that they didn't know about Serena then she wanted to be there when they learned the truth. She wanted to be a witness to the reunion between the Scouts and their former Moon Princess, the new reigning Queen of the Negaverse.
The only question is would she be able to.
The truth be told she hadn't liked her chances of survival when she thought she'd just be dealing with the Dark Prince and she'd like them even less, now, that she had this new Serena to deal with as well.
She didn't know she just didn't get a good feeling about the whole situation. After what she had witnessed with Beryl there was apart of her that was telling her to get out now before it was too late. She didn't know if she was just being overly cautious, but she was prepared to listen to that voice for the moment, just until she could determine for sure what the two of them had planned for her. Now was not the time to make mistakes.
"I don't appreciate being spied on." She heard Serena calling out startling her. "You can come out now Zosite. It's time you and I had a little chat."
Zosite froze as shock and disbelief coursed through her. It's not possible she thought in rising panic. How could she have known that she was here? When she arrived both she and Beryl were engaged in battle too busy fighting each other to notice her and the Dark Prince's attention never wavered from Serena. And not once since her arrival had she left the cover and protection of the shadows.
This couldn't be happening. She needed more time. But the bad feeling in her gut that told her to getaway while she had the chance let her know that her time had run out.
She had wondered what was in store for her, and now she was afraid she could read the answer to that question in those eyes of hers, eyes; which normally were blue but that now held a tint of black.
"Come to me Zosite. Come and meet your fate."
Zosite felt a chill run down her spine at those words, which were spoken in such a dark chilling tone; a stark contrast to the fire she could see clearly burning in those eyes; eyes which blazed not with warmth but with a fire of a different kind.
It was a look of such anger and hatred that it set her mind reeling back, as she tried to desperately to think what she could have done to inspire such strong feelings. But as hard as she tried, she could think of nothing that would have roused such dark feelings.
Her first instinct was to run, to escape from those eyes, which seemed to envision her death. But even as she thought it, she watched as her eyes darken even further, until they were almost completely black.
"Don't." she warned in a soft hiss
Zosite sucked in a startled breath as she felt a sudden pressure around her throat, it lasted only for a brief second but it was enough. For a moment there it felt as if someone was actually squeezing her throat, she resisted the urge she had to rub it. Could she really have that kind of power? The thought was disheartening and filled her with dismay as the bad feeling in her gut grew worse and she began to fear that the same fate that had befallen Beryl was the same fate that Serena had in mind for her.
Trembling and filled with dread but too afraid to do otherwise she stepped forward, out of the shadows, which to her everlasting dismay; had concealed nothing.
Her mouth was dry from fear, and she had to concentrate just to put one foot in front of the other, while all the while inside she was screaming at herself to run.
But she didn't run. After that little display of power she didn't have the nerve besides even if she could manage to get away she had nowhere to go and there was no place on earth where she could run from the kind of power she'd seen these two display. So she
continued walking towards the woman who at one time would have offered her forgiveness and absolution but who now only offered her pain, and ultimately death.
Serena studied Zosite's pale white face and smiled.
Zosite seeing that smile; flinched.
Seeing her reaction Serena's smile grew. She was enjoying watching Zosite squirm. Her fear was so tangible she could all but taste it. It was aslo invigorating, simply put it gave her a rush. Who would have thought that instilling fear in someone could be so intoxicating?
She had intended to end Zosite's life quickly and with very little fuss, but Zosite obvious fear and her enjoyment of that fear changes things. Her mind was riveted with thoughts and ideas about how to increase and exploit that fear; just thinking about all the possibilities was enough to make her shiver with delight.
Zosite froze when she saw the look that came over Serena's face. There was only about twenty feet separating them not a great distance but she found herself unable to close it, where once fear had motivated her it now held her immobile.
"I don't know if I should kill you now." She taunted loving the game "Or save that pleasure for another day. What do you think my love?" She called out to Darien over her shoulder.
"It matters not to me my sweet; she is of no use to me. I have but one request"
Before Serena could even wonder what it was she found herself enveloped in his arms.
She giggled causing Zosite to jump at the sound.
Unable to resist Darien lowered his head to kiss her neck turning that giggle into a sigh. Tilting her head to the side to give him better access she reached back to hook her arm around, so she could sink her fingers into his silky black hair.
"I want to spend some time alone, with my wife" he stated possessively moving his lips up her neck and along her jaw line "The sooner" he muttered huskily "the better."
Serena shivered at his possessive tone. She loved hearing him call her his wife and knew she'd never grow tired of hearing him say it. "Kiss me," she pleaded offering him her lips
Darien smiled, and bypassing her lips gave her a small peck on the nose, before releasing her. She made a sound of disappointment and he gave her a knowing smile. "I'll kiss you all you want." He paused "After you deal with Zosite."
Serena found herself pouting and slightly miffed that he was curbing her fun and denying her a kiss, stuck her nose in the air at him. "Maybe, I don't want you to kiss me now."
He chuckled, the sound both dark and alluring.
Serena fought back a shiver. Damn the man, she swore. He knew the effect he had on her. It would serve him right if she never let him kiss her again. She rolled her eyes at herself. Yeah that would really work; she'd just be punishing herself as well as him. But then again she thought with a sly smile, one she quickly hid from her love, there were other and more pleasurable ways to get back at him.
"Alright" she announced. Flinging her hair back off her shoulder she turned her attention to Zoiste feeling a twinge of regret that things were going to end so soon. "I guess that settles it," she raised her hand "Goodbye Zosite."
"No wait." Zosite croaked her fear all but choking her. Yet she didn't falter when Serena speared her with those eyes. After all what did she have to lose?
"Wait? Wait for what?" Serena asked as the familiar anger and rage beginning to churn inside her. "Do you really wish for me to prolong your life, too prolong your suffering?" she taunted. "Is that what you truly desire?" she smiled letting Zosite know without words that it could be arranged, that in fact she would enjoy prolonging her suffering.
Zosite fell to her knees bowing her head in submission. "Please my lady, I don't want to die. I beg you, forgive me. Spare my life and I swear to serve you loyally for all of my days."
"Forgive you?" Serena echoed. Disbelief spiraled through her at her audacity, followed closely by anger. "Spare you?" she spat out as she began to literally tremble with the ferocity of her anger. "After everything you've done, you would dare to ask me for leniency."
Zosite swallowed hard "I did nothing but obey my Queen" she answered and had barely gotten all words out of her mouth before she found her hair ensnared in a tight grip and her head yanked back; hard.
She had covered the distance between them with such swiftness; the quickness of it was astonishing.
As Zosite starred up into that rage filled face, and she saw her own death starring back at her. Feeling of fear and despair swamped her but behind that there was also confusion, at the level of rage and the intensity of her hatred for her. She just didn't understand it. She didn't know what she could have done since being revived that would have inspired such strong dark emotions towards her.
This was only the second time that they had even encountered each other, the first being when Malachite had made a deal with Sailormoon who had then released her from her captivity, only to have Malachite taken from her by the Dark Prince and yes in anger and jealousy she had struck out at the two of them. Could all this anger stem from that one attack? She didn't believe so. But then what was motivating it?
"You want to know why you're going to die." Serena hissed as she read the question in those panic filled eyes. "Then let me tell you." not wanting Darien to over hear she leaned down to whisper in Zosite ear causing if possible for Zosite to grow even paler.
As each word fell from her lips Zosite felt the moment of her death quickly approaching.
"Now you know." Serena whispered harshly and without saying anything further reached out to wrap one hand around her throat and then began to squeeze.
Zosite gasped as her hands instinctively to her neck; but as much as she tried she couldn't pry her hand loose. She continued to struggle even as she felt herself growing weaker. When her vision began to blur and all the strength had left her arms leaving them to hang uselessly at her sides she knew the end was near.
She didn't notice at first when the pressure around her neck began to lesson, only that one minute she was being held up by the grip Serena had on her and the one she had around her throat, and then she found herself falling to the floor gasping, for air like a fish out of water.
Hacking and coughing and still endanger of passing out she turned on her side as she desperately tried to deliver the much needed air to her oxygen deprived body.
"You're not going to finish her off." The Dark Prince asked
"No." Serena stated surprising them both.
Zosite didn't have a clue as to what was going on inside Serena's head. She had thought for sure her days were numbered but then again it was too early to celebrate just yet. For all she knew she had something even more sinister in mind for her.
"Then what do you plan on doing with her?"
She wanted to know the answer to that herself. Rubbing her throat, which burned like she just swallowed hot lava, she turned her head around to look at her, and found to her surprise a pair of innocent blue eyes starring back at her.
"I've decided to give her another chance."
Zosite couldn't believe her ears, first she nearly suffocates her and just when she thought for sure that she had something even more evil in mind for her she throws in this new twist.
Wait a minute she thought suddenly her eyes widening from the possibility. Could this be like what happened with Beryl? Just before Serena had terminated her she had hesitated and it seemed like the old Serena was peeking through.
Was that what this was? Was she struggling with the idea of destroying her now only to gather the Dark Prince's strength and power to her and then destroy her? Looking at her she mentally shook her head, although her eyes had returned to normal there was none of the confusion or uncertainty that had displayed with Beryl. But; then why the sudden change of heart? After everything that she had told her it didn't make sense that she would chose to spare her now.
Serena smiled down at her. "You do want another chance, don't you?"
Uncertain and definitely wary of this sudden change of heart she gave a cautious nod of the head.
"Good." Serena beamed cheerfully "We'll forget about the past for now and instead focus on the present and the future. I have great plans for my Scouts and the generals. You can be a part of those plans if you play your cards right, but for now" she continued I want you to go join Jedite he's at the shrine observing the Sailor Scouts movements. Neither of you are to enter the shrine or too engage the Scouts in battle. If either of you are discovered; you're both to report back to me immediately, is that understood?
Zosite got to her feet. "Yes my Queen," she croaked her voice hoarse. The shrine Zosite thought and remembered the place well, that was where she had found one of the crystal carriers, the Scouts were there? Was Malachite there as well?
"I'm counting on you Zosite, don't make me regret giving you a second chance" she waved a hand in her direction. "You're dismissed."
"As you wish my Queen." She rasped
Darien waited until she was gone before approaching Serena. "What are you up to my love?"
Serena looked up at him and smiled. "What do you mean?"
"There's something going on between you and Zosite. Your anger towards her is confusing, as is your sudden mercy. I do believe you were about to choke the life right out of her. What stopped you?"
"Malachite's at the shrine." She explained simply, all but singing it.
He raised an eyebrow at that. He knew that was where Nephlite and Malachite had gone off too hide, but how had Serena known? He mentally shrugged his shoulders. It hardly mattered, but he couldn't help feeling that his love was keeping something big from him. She had hinted at it before this little tee-tee with Zosite and now his curiosity was really aroused. "I want to know what you're keeping from me."
Serena gave him a beguiling smile. "It's my secret and I want to keep it a little longer. Now focus darling you were asking me about Zosite."
Darien bit back a sigh he'd rather know her secret but he could wait. He knew she couldn't hold it inside for too long and he was a patient man. As for the generals he didn't like them being together in one place, especially with the Sailor Scouts not to far off. It should have made things simpler but it gave him a feeling of impending disaster. "I don't like it."
Serena sighed. Men they could be so dense, even her beloved Darien. She reached down to take his hand "Malachite and Zosite are now on opposite sides." she explained, "They are now faced with the same situation we were forced into."
"As I've said before you're being awfully harsh and vindictive towards Zosite, why?" he asked suspiciously as he remembered how she had spoken to Zosite in a whisper so low he couldn't overhear what was being said. "You forgave Jedite easily enough for his transgressions. So why are you being so hard on Zosite?"
"Jedite hurt me," she muttered darkly "Zosite's mistake was in hurting you." And by the time she was through with dear Zosite she was going to regret ever touching you, my love.
Darien laughed. "Zosite hasn't hurt me and she couldn't even if she wanted too. If anyone has tried to hurt me it's been Jedite. He was the one responsible for the cave in," now it was his expression that darkened "not to mention he was the one to poisoned you in the first place." He looked down at her and his expression began to warm, he couldn't help it, she had that effect on him "Besides" he muttered huskily and ran a finger lightly down her check. "If someone hurts you, that in turn hurts me."
Serena had to blink back tears. There were so many things she had to tell him so many secrets she wanted to share, only now was not the time. "I wonder," she said softly as her eyes were drawn to his lips. "I wonder if there love will be as strong as ours proved to be." Unable to resist she raised a hand to gently caress his lips with her fingers. They were so soft, tempting, and irresistible.
Darien kissed her fingers before removing them. "I doubt that very much." He muttered and pulling his other hand loose settled both of them around her waist. He pulled her tightly against him. "Now I believe I owe you some kisses."
Serena raised herself up on her toes and encircled her arms around his neck. "That and a whole lot more." She whispered before his mouth settled over hers.
...........
Endymion knelt down by the bed and watched his sleeping family. They meant everything to him. He couldn't imagine not being apart of their lives. But what choice did he have? Serena his precious Serena who wouldn't hurt anything or anybody if given the choice was sinking further and further into darkness. Time was growing short and if things didn't happen soon the Serena they all knew and loved could be lost to them forever. Then he would have no one to blame but himself.
Although others had played a part in what had happened up till now, it could have all been avoided if he had just followed the plan Darien had laid out, the pain he had conceived when he knew what he must do to save Serena and what he would become.
The first part of his plan began the moment he set foot in Beryl's Palace intending to be captured he had Pluto place him close to the heart of her throne room, the next part would be trickier as she sought to trick Beryl into not only filling him with the dark energy of the Negaverse but with her own dark aura as well, giving him what he needed to save Serena.
He had faced Beryl as a desperate man, one who was quickly losing the ability to keep the woman he loved alive, but he had enough wits about him not to let it show, letting her see only what he wanted her to see.
But to save Serena he would have done just about anything, even if that meant becoming what he swore he'd never become again, a dark servant of the Negavrse. For her he embraced the darkness and shut out the like. And for Darien it was the beginning of the end as he took his first steps into becoming the man now known as the Dark Prince.
Once he achieved his goal he was filled with both relief that Serena would now be safe and despair knowing that he could no longer be with her, he allowed for his mind to wander back to another time when Beryl first had him in her grasp and Serena had freed him risking everything.
He could remember laying in her arms and looking up into her beloved face as her tears of joy and relief mixed with his own. But his strength was dwindling. Determined never to leave her without a protector again he delved deep within himself and found the strength and the power he needed and cast it out. Knowing that it would grow in strength and take the form of a protector, a protector who would watch over her, until he could once again take his place at her side.
It was in that moment when that the original plan changed. The original plan had consisted of having the memories of the scouts and Serena's altered removing all trace of him from there minds and by doing so making it possible for them when the time came to do what they had to do and destroy him along with Beryl and the rest of the Negavese. Leaving only Artemis and Luna whose memories would remain intact to watch over Serena.
But now he knew that he could improve on his plan and just as he did he would create a protector of his own, someone who could watch over Serena, as he could not, a protector who once his memories were stripped of him would be known to no one.
The plan had been a good one. He was created to watch over Serena, to protect her until the Negaverse was defeated, he wasn't suppose to interfere, he was too simply watch over her and guard her against the Dark Prince and that was all. The only exception was if the Dark Prince and the Negaverse proved to much for the Scouts to handle alone, only then was he to intercede, and taking matters into his own hands he was suppose to destroy the dark prince and remove the threat completely. By doing so he would also be destroying himself since he could not exist without Darien put he was prepared for that because in the end he would just be protecting what mattered most and what was most precious, Serena.
But what he hadn't counted on was Serena and what she would do. Because the plan, which seemed so straightforward in the beginning fell to pieces the second he saw her. He knew instantly that she was like him, existing not as a whole but as a part of a whole. Just as he was a part of Darien she was a part of Serena, his beloved Serenity.
The joy they felt upon seeing each other along with the knowledge that they were no longer alone was unparallel. As Darien and Serena lost there memories of one another theirs remained. It was only after they attempted to embrace did there happiness dim, for to there shock and dismay they past through each other like two ghosts in the night.
There bond remained, neither the Negaverse with all its dark powers nor the loss of Serena's and Darien's memories could break such a bond as the one they shared, but it was weakened, leaving the time they spent together bittersweet.
He knew that if it hadn't been for her presence he would have gone along with Darien's plan from the beginning. But being with her day after day seeing her pain, knowing that he was contributing to it tore him up inside. She believed that Darien could be reached, that the love and the bond between him and Serena could be used to bring him back to the way he use to be.
He knew the odds of that happening, as well as the dangers involved. But he found himself unable to squash her hopes, so he allowed for the Dark Prince and Serena to grow closer. A treacherous plan; in which any small mistake could mean disaster. He just never dreamt that things could go so horribly wrong so fast.
He thought he had all the bases covered but he never anticipated a child, there child, Rini.
He remember the day she was conceived, he'd known the exact moment of her conception, as he witnessed the change that came over Serenity, as the spark of new life resonated from within her. It was beautiful sight to behold. But he knew that it also complicated matters, and Serenity of course believed that it simplified things. Sometimes when your right, you wish you were wrong.
Serenity had always believed that there plan to return Darien back to his old self would work, she believed that by letting the Dark Prince and Serena become closer, that the love they had once shared would blossom. That all they needed was time together for there hearts to remember. And that once that happened Darien would then chose her over the Negaverse.
She was right. But even she couldn't have foreseen that after choosing Serena, Darien would then lose his life, starting a chain reaction that would put everyone on this planet not counting the whole universe at risk.
Who could have known with the exception of Pluto that Darien would lose his life and that Serena would survive only to later fade away from a broken heart leaving there daughter alone and desperate to set things right.
Determined to change her future Rini came to the past to rewrite her parents present and by doing so change the future, which in part she had accomplished but now the future was so uncertain that even Pluto couldn't see the outcome.
He knew the Dark Prince and how he thought when it came to Serena how could he not, whether he was Darien, Endymion, moonlight knight or Tuxedomask the one thing that never changed was how he felt about Serena. Could he expect the Dark Prince to be any different, in fact hadn't that been what he and Serenity had been counting on. That the two of them would fall in love and that Darien would on his own renounce the Negaverse to be with her, and then through there bond Serena could heal him and together with Luna's help they could retrieve there lost memories.
Only by Luna revealing to him the truth about him and Serena did all that now become almost impossible, because where as the Dark Prince was not yet totally evil he was still a dark being who saw himself as someone separate from Darien, and he too wished to exist. And when he realized what Serena was too him and learned of the bond that bound them together he knew that he had away to keep Serena and remain who he was. He didn't have to become Darien again to keep her.
As history has proven given the choice between Serena and the powers of the Negaverse the Dark Prince would chose Serena, but why give up all the power of the Negaverse and the Earth combined for Serena, when he could have both?
Using his knowledge of there past and there unbreakable bond the Dark Prince did what he and Serenity were hoping Serena would be able to do, use there bond to help Darien change back to the way he was, only the Dark prince was using the bond to change not him but her. He was the source of the negative energy invading her body. And without him the dark energy in her body would slowly dissipate. And the only way he could see in stopping the process was by destroying the Dark Prince, leaving Serena and Rini to go on without him.
That wasn't what he wanted but what choice did he have? Soon the darkness in both Darien and Serena would be too strong and then both he and Serenity would cease to exist, leaving the two of unstoppable.
So then why wasn't he even now facing the Dark Prince and putting an end to this once and for all. His gaze lingered on Serenity's face. Hope.
Hope was what kept him here. A hope that everything would turn out alright that there was another way to save her, a way that would allow for all of them to be together. He lowered his hand to brush a strand of hair out of his daughters face. He wanted to be there for the both of them. He wanted to spend eternity in his loves arms, to watch his daughter grow up and find the same kind of love that he had found with her mother, he wanted to be there when they needed him in times when no one else would do. He wanted that desperately and that was why he was giving Pluto and the others there chance.
But while he did decide to give them a chance there was now way he was about to just sit here and prey for the best not when there was still things he could do to prepare for either outcome. Because no matter what the outcome, he was going to see to it that his family was left in the best capable hands, whether his own or those of his own choosing.
After taking one last look at his sleeping beauties he rose and left the room. In the hallway Sammy came to attention and with a brief nod towards him entered the room. Between the two of them they made sure that Serenity and Rini were never alone.
Walking down towards Malachite's room where Nephlite was still resting he thought about Neptune and Uranus and wondered if they'd have something to report soon. He knew that something was about to happen; he could feel it. He just didn't know when. So he was covering all his bases while Mercury monitored things on her mini computer he sent Neptune and Uranus investigating hot spots and places where he believed the Dark Prince might show up sooner or later.
Once he reached Malachite's room he heard Jupiter calling out Nephlite's name, he rushed into the room.
"What's going on?"
Jupiter turned to him excitedly beaming from ear to ear. "He just moaned. I think he's waking up."
Endymion didn't get the chance to respond as in that moment Nephlite shot off the bed like a rocket and slammed into him. He grunted as his back hit the wall, hard. He nixed his protective instinct that rose instinctively and which demanded that he strike back and instead studied Nephlite coldly. The grip on his neck was firm but loose enough for him to breath without much effort so for the moment he allowed himself to be snared.
"You're going to tell me what's going on, right now," he snarled. Raising his fist he shook it threateningly in Endymion's face. "I've had enough of the games. I want you to tell me what's going on?"
"Or you'll do what?" Endymion asked coldly
Nephlite growled and swung his fist, stopping it mere inches away from his face. "Damn it" he hissed and letting out a disgusted grunt released Endymion abruptly and without saying another word turned his back on him and walked back towards the bed.
Jupiter looked on in amazement, it had all happened so fast that she didn't even have a chance to react before it was all over, well the physical confrontation at least. The situation was far from resolved if the tension in air was any indication.
What was going on between these two? The tension between them was new, because she knew that there was no way she could have missed it before, it was too volatile, too intense. So what on Earth had caused the strain between them? And the more perplexing question was, when had things changed between them. Nephlite had been comatose for days. It didn't make any sense.
"Do you know something" Nephlite began once he reached the bed "there was a time I could have struck you without a second thought and enjoyed it." He turned around and sat on the bed. "In fact planning your demise was one of my favorite past times. It's strange that even now when I know you've been playing some sort of game with me that I can't bring myself to strike you." he glared at him trying to see pass the façade in which he hid his true self and his true intensions behind. But he could read nothing from those cool eyes or from his demeanor. Whatever else he might be he was a cool customer and wasn't easily shaken
"Malachite is different as well, something changed inside him when Sailormoon used the Imperial crystal on him. I don't know what's my excuse." He grumbled clearly put out.
"I don't believe this." Jupiter exclaimed her disbelief evident. "Are you serious? You're upset because you can't bring yourself to smash his face in?"
Nephlite smiled acknowledging how dumb it sounded "I was kind of use to hating him." he admitted some of the tension leaving his body.
Endymion returned his smile thankful that a fight had been avoided. Now was not the time to be divided; not when he had his own plans for Nephlite, plans which didn't include shedding his blood.
Looking at them Jupiter snorted. Men they were so weird one minute they looked about ready to tear into each and the next they appeared to be almost buddy-buddy.
"Are you ready to tell me what's going on?" Nephlite asked
Endymion crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall. "I'm not sure that I know what you're referring to."
Nephlite frowned, "When Beryl first cast me into that dark abyss I wandered aimlessly for days or for what seemed like days, I can't really be sure, my nights were endless, and time had no meaning for me."
Jupiter shivered at the images his words invoked, she hated the thought of him alone in that awful place in which he was describing. To be trapped in total darkness, alone, and without the presence or the comfort of others. She didn't believe she could have survived it.
"I don't know how long it was before I began to fade to lose myself to that place perhaps it began when I started to question myself and my existence. I would constantly asked myself what my purpose in life was. Was it to blindly follow a Queen who cared for nothing other then her own ambitions, and what I could do to help her achieve those ambitions? And was the promise of power all that life held for me, all that there was to look forward too? I didn't like the questions that I had to ask myself and I especially didn't like the answers."
"You stopped following Beryl blindly a long time ago." Endymion interjected surprising them "You couldn't have saved Molly otherwise, her fate in Zosite's hands would have been meaningless to you if you hadn't began to think and feel for something other then yourself and your own quest for power."
Nephlite waved that away. Yes he went against Beryl and everything she stood for, everything he thought he stood for but perhaps that had been just a solitary act of kindness; a fluke, he would never know if anything would have changed for him or if he would have reverted back to his old self and his old ways. If things had worked out differently he might have figured the answer to that question out himself. Maybe he would have turned over a new leaf, maybe he wouldn't have told Beryl Sailormoon's identity, maybe.
"Faith." Endymion stated softly as he saw him struggling with himself. "You have to have faith in yourself Nephlite and remember that till this day that you've kept Serena's secret and thereby the Scouts as well. Focus on that instead of what you might have done a lifetime ago.
Nephlite shook his head ruefully. Although it did seem like a lifetime ago since he had obtained Sailormoon's identity he still couldn't let himself off the hook that easily. "She still had her hooks in me." He admitted grimly "A little while longer in that place and I might have done anything to get out, promised her anything, just to feel the sun on my face, to breath clean fresh air again and to hear the sound of life other then my own."
"But you didn't." Endymion said. "Give yourself credit for that".
Nephlite let out a bitter laugh. "Perhaps she released me too soon" he paused giving Endymion a sly glance "or perhaps I have you to thank for that."
Endymion hesitated briefly before saying. "What I did was nothing, I only wish I could have done more and gotten you out of that place."
Nephlite nodded his head hearing the truth in those words and the rest of his suspicion and anger faded away. "I thought that you might have been playing with me" he admitted "I can see now that it was just my anger and frustration talking, you were just trying to help me. I just don't know why."
"Do I need a reason?"
"You knew that I knew Sailormoon's identity and that there was still a chance that I might reveal what I knew to Beryl, so why take the chance? Why didn't you just leave me be and allow that place to strip me of everything including my sanity? After all it's what I deserve."
"Stop it, just stop." Jupiter cried swiping angrily at the tears that fell down her cheeks "Why can't you understand that your life is worth something? How can you even think that you deserved what was done to you? No one should have to go through what you went through."
Nephlite looked at her in stunned amazement he never had anyone stand up for him and with such passion, no one but Molly had ever cared enough. It was Molly had stood up for him against the Scouts, placing herself in harms way. She too had felt there was something special about him, something worth saving. And now Jupiter was doing the same thing the only difference was that she was standing up for him against him.
As he continued to stare at Jupiter watching at the tears made tracks down her face and a look of wonderment seemed to settle over him. "It was you" he said softly "You were the one I heard crying. Why? Why would you cry over someone like me?"
Jupiter flushed and almost keeled over from embarrassment. How did he know that? Could he have heard her crying over him as he slept? If that was the case then he could have heard other things as well. Just the thought of it was enough to make her feel faint. She never dreamed that when she was telling him all those things that she would never have the courage to tell him, had he been awake, that he might actually be able to hear her. Which was in away ironic since she thought she could wake him up just by baking his favorite sweet; but then again no one had accused her of thinking rationally these last few days.
The truth was she'd been a total wreck and had been ever since she heard Malachite cry out Nephlite's name, the tone and intensity in his voice sending a shiver of dread down her spine. And it wasn't like the others not to notice but who could blame them with everything else going on. They still didn't know what was going on with Serena and the Dark prince plus there was Serenity and Rini to worry about as well Nephlite, it was no wonder nobody noticed. But she thought self -consciously she just might have given herself away with all the incessant baking.
Oh that reminded her she had to take her muffins out of the oven before they burned. She started to shake her head; then stopped herself. What was she thinking? How could she think about food at a time like this, especially when Nephlite was starring at her with such a look on his face, which was part puzzlement and part amazement? Oh and what a face she thought dreamily and then there was the hair and those eyes umm she could just eat him alive. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Get a grip girl she cautioned herself and just prey that you crying was the only thing he overheard.
Nephlite watched Jupiter and he started to become more perplexed by the minute. She just stood there fidgeting, although he doubted that she realized that she was rocking back and forth on her heels and anxiously twisting her hands in front of her. He had no idea how one simple question could unravel her so. He continued to observe her and by the second blush his puzzlement began to turn to consideration.
Endymion seeing how embarrassed and uncomfortable Jupiter was; was about to intercede when he heard the shouting. "What the...?" He strode over to the door and swept it open stepping out into the hallway he came to a stop just outside the door as Luna came screeching to a halt before him.
"Endymion." Luna gasped part in relief and in part because she was out of breath.
"What? What is it?" he demanded
"It's the Negaverse." she gasped "There here."
"So they've made their move," he muttered softly to himself.
"What's going on?" Nephlite exclaimed from behind him.
Endymion stepped to the side to let him and Jupiter out of the room.
"It's Malachite and Venus, there under attack."
Endymion frowned he hadn't expected this; it wasn't even something he considered. How could he have misjudged the situation so grievously?
"All of you go and help the others." He barked. "I'll stay behind to guard over Serenity and Rini."
The others quickly did as they were bid.
...................
Venus screamed as they narrowly escaped being struck down by another round of ice crystals. They were appearing out of nowhere and coming from all directions. And even though they've continued to be bombarded with ice crystals they had yet to even lay eyes on Zosite.
"Zosite stop this." Malachite shouted. They couldn't continue to go on like this soon he would make a mistake and Venus would pay the price. He couldn't fail to notice that all Zosite's attacks were focused on Venus which was in a way a blessing since if she'd been aiming for the both of them they would really be in trouble. But enough was enough that last attack had been too close, he couldn't allow this to continue.
Another round of attacks answered his request. Damn it, where were the other Sailor Scouts? They should have been here by now. They always seemed to know when he had been up to no good, and had always managed to show up just in time to spoil his plans, something he hadn't appreciated then but something he could appreciate. So where were they?
If they didn't show up soon he and Venus would have no choice but too go on the offensive and he couldn't guarantee anyone's safety if that happened not Venus's and not Zosite's. That was why this had to end now.
He swung off to the right taking Venus with him, and grimaced as a crystal grazed his shoulder.
"Malachite?" Venus cried
"I'm alright," he grunted. "It's just a scratch."
Venus looked at the blood spot quickly forming on his shoulder in dismay. This was all her fault. If she'd been wearing her communicator she could have contacted the others and they would have been here by now. And then Malachite wouldn't have gotten hurt, trying to protect her.
Malachite looked around him on full alert. Zosite could appear and reappear out of nowhere and so could her crystals.
"Is this what you wanted?" he shouted "My blood? Well you've shed it; now put an end to this. I don't want to fight you."
"You would fight me over her?" Zosite cried out angrily. And sent a solitary crystal at them.
They both dodged it easily but Malachite wasn't fooled he had heard the pain buried under all that anger. Pain that he had caused.
"Zosite please." He begged, "Stop this."
Zosite appeared floating in the air directly in front of them. "Would you really fight me Malachite?"
Malachite took a step towards her. "You know I would never wish to hurt you."
"Then explain this." She cried sweeping her hand towards Venus "Explain her." She demanded.
Malachite took another step; damning himself for putting that look of hurt in her eyes.
"Do you even care what I've been through? My life was almost taken from me." She shouted, "Beryl's dead and I nearly joined her." She gave a harsh bitter laugh "And from what I just saw you probably wished I had."
"Zosite you know that's not true." He cried.
"Do I?" she screamed almost hysterically "Then explain to me what I just saw."
"First I want you to calm down and explain what you meant before about Beryl being dead and you almost joining her. Are you alright?"
"Calm down." She echoed bitterly "While I've been struggling to survive, you've be getting chummy with that thing." she bit out pointing at finger at Venus "I'm going to enjoy slicing you up." She glowered at her.
"Zosite that's enough." Malachite said, "I know you're angry. But you're angry with the wrong person. If you must strike out at someone then strike out at me."
Zosite looked up at him with tearful eyes, which blazed angrily. "Did you even think about me at all? Or was your new girl friend all you were concerned about?"
Malachite reached out and grabbed her by the arms. "Stop it you don't know what you're talking about."
"Tell me Malachite what were you doing while I was receiving this?" She pulled down the neckline of her shirt and showed him the bruises; which were faded but unmistakable.
Malachite reached up to trace the faded bruises gently with his fingertips imaging the horror and pain she must have gone through. And he hadn't been there for her.
"Zosite" he began only to stop short as he caught her gaze, he recognized that look in her eye and knew what it meant. "Venus." he cried already swinging around to go to her aid. He realized his mistake too late, as Zosite hit him from behind and sent him crashing down to the ground.
Venus heard him cry out her name; saw him fall and knew she was in trouble.
..............
In the next chapter you'll find out what Serena has been keeping from Darien. And perhaps one of our sleeping beauties will wake up.