The Heart Remembers Chapter 38
Venus heard Malachite call out her name; saw him fall and knew she was in trouble.
"Malachite." she cried her and took a step towards him, only to stop at the look on Zosite's face, if looks could kill. The look reminded her that this was far from over, she couldn't allow herself to forget that or allow herself to become distracted; but oh Malachite I hope you're okay; you have to be.
Zosite who'd been in the process of forming an attack against Venus suddenly froze at the look on Venus's face as she watched Malachite collapse onto the ground. What she saw made her feel as if she'd just been punched in the stomach; it left her feeling breathless, slightly nauseous and very, very angry.
It was there, as plain as day, for all to see, everything she felt for Malachite was laid bare before her in that one moment. Seeing it enraged her, but beyond the anger, there was fear, an unmistakable gut wrenching fear.
What Venus didn't know, what she couldn't possibly know; was that up until now she'd been trying desperately hard, not to kill her. Although she wanted too, wanted more then anything to erase her from this Earth and from Malachite's life, she had been afraid to.
As strange as it sounded, there were times when she could still feel Serena's hand around her throat. It was only after her initial attack that she remembered Serena's warning not to harm any of the Scouts or engage them in battle. A warning, which in her rage she had forgotten and only through Malachite quick actions was Venus still alive. Which burned, she couldn't deny it, she didn't want him feeling anything for her and by saving her life he proved that he cared what happened to her. Even though his actions probably saved her lie as well it was still a bitter pill to swallow, especially now.
As he continued too protect her, her rage continued to build, until her attacks grew more wild and impulsive, thereby hurting him in the process. That was not what she wanted; despite the pain he had caused her, she didn't want to see him hurt, so when the opportunity to remove him from the equation arose, she took it.
She thought she could control her anger. She wouldn't kill her she'd just make her suffer. After all she had already attacked her so the damage was already done, why stop there. She wanted to make her bleed, wanted to cause her unbelievable amounts of pain. Only now, in one unguarded moment, Venus had changed all that, and by doing so sealed both there fates.
She no longer cared what happened to her; and she was no longer looking to make Venus simply bleed. She wanted her dead.
"Don't you look at him that way" she raged losing complete control over her anger. "Don't you dare, he's mine. MINE!" she screamed and sent a large ice crystal soaring towards Venus's head.
Venus ducked and leaped out of the way; things were not looking good. Zosite's behavior was erratic and out of control and in this state she was more dangerous then ever before. She no longer had any inkling of what she was capable of; even Malachite wasn't able to get through to her.
Malachite, it had been easy to see that he still had feelings for Zosite. She heard it in his voice as he spoke to her, saw it in the way he touched the bruises around her neck. It had been a gentle familiar touch. It was hard to watch, knowing that he must have touched her like that a thousand times before.
It seemed like he was getting through to her and watching the two of them together she began to feel like the third wheel. A feeling of emptiness settled over her; and she knew that she couldn't bear too stand around and witness the happy reunion.
Feeling like she was about to break into a million pieces she took a step back; and was preparing to turn around and head back towards the temple when she heard him call out her name. The fear and panic in his voice sending an unwelcome chill down her spine. Then she saw him fall and the fear that struck her heart in that moment tore his name from her lips.
She never believed that Zosite would actually hurt him, the cut on his shoulder which he got from one of her ice crystals had been an accident; a direct result from him protecting her.
To go on fighting she had to believe that he wasn't seriously hurt and that Zosite had just wanted him out of the way. She needed to believe, for her own piece of mind, and because she couldn't afford for her attention to be divided, not if she wanted to survive this battle and with all her appendages intact.
Zosite let out a harsh, bitter laugh. Never before had she felt such rage or such pain. Finding Venus in Malachite's arms had hurt, being stabbed through the heart with one of her own ice crystals would have hurt less, and given the choice she would have preferred the ice pick, anything but this, anything.
She thought she knew agony before, believed she had seen and survived every kind of pain imaginable, how wrong she had been, how foolish. Nothing could compare to the pain she felt now. It was like an open wound that had festered, and you knew, that even if you survived it, you would never be the same again.
Because of her actions, here today, she might very well be dead by this time tomorrow, but none of that mattered as long as Venus died here today. For the one thing that scared her the most; was not the thought of her impending demise, but the thought of losing Malachite and his love. She could face anything, anything but that.
She saw Venus as the threat she was, and she was determined to remove that threat, no matter what the cost.
Focusing her thoughts and energy, she began forming her crystals, by the time she was done she had Venus surrounded. She'd aim for her heart, but if she should miss, then she'd just have to settle and be satisfied with her pale lifeless body.
Venus had a moment of panic when she saw that she was surrounded, and then she realized, she wasn't without her own resources. Obliviously being in Malachite's arms and nearly being kissed by him again had fried her brain. It was her only excuse, because hello, she was a Sailor Scout, and she had moves and powers of her own. She was not completely helpless. Calling upon her heart whip, she swung it in a wide arch smashing the crystals to pieces.
Zosite sneered; the little fool had no idea. "That was merely a dozen." she called out "Lets see how you do with a hundred".
Venus looked around wildly as dozens of crystals starting appearing out of nowhere, she had never seen so many. Okay Venus thought now she was in trouble.
Mars Fire Ignite
Jupiter Thunder Crash
Mercury Aqua Illusion
Venus let out a relieved sigh at the familiar cries of the Scouts and thanked her lucky stars as all the crystals were destroyed. Her relief was short lived, as Zosite let out a cry of rage that was quickly followed by one of concern from the Scouts. Unable to determine the nature of the attack, or from which direction it was coming, she did the only thing she could do, she dropped to the ground and prayed.
…………………..
The Dark Prince smiled, he'd found the perfect spot and one he was sure his love would approve of. He kneeled down and placed his hands on the ground. He understood his connection with the Earth so much better now. He was apart of it; and it was apart of him. Which was the reason he could do what he was about to do.
Using his powers and through his connection to the Earth he sought out the raw materials below and above ground bending them to his will, to create the thing that he desired.
He ignored the pandemonium that broke out around him; people ran away screaming as the ground shook and heaved beneath their feet, before exploding outward, spewing dirt, rocks and debris everywhere.
It took him minutes what would have taken normal humans years. When he was done and the Earth had settled, looming high above the clouds stood a Castle born from the Earth.
He stood up and looked it over pronouncing it fit enough for a Queen, his Queen, he thought with a satisfied smile. Now comes the true test.
"Darling." He called out mentally "Your kingdom awaits."
Soft laughter greeted his call and soon he felt her arms close around him from behind.
Serena pressed herself up against him.
"Are you going to look at it?"
"Um huh" she moaned rubbing her cheek against his back. "In a minute" she whispered
Darien slid his hands across the arms that held him. "My love; I would like nothing better then to remain forever in your embrace, but if you don't look at the Castle that I've created for you; I do believe I will beat you."
Serena bit back another laugh; she had the feeling that at this moment it wouldn't be appreciated, but it was nice to know that he could get nervous and worry about pleasing her. She dropped her arms stepped around him, the first sight of the castle stole her breath away; it was beautiful. "Oh Darien."
"You like it?"
"I love it." The first thing you noticed were the stone towers, the base of which, were shrouded with vines, vines which blossomed with red roses, hundreds, no thousands of red roses. The rest of the Palace was just as magnificent; but already the towers were her favorite, as he knew they would be. She looked up at him beaming. "Show me the rest."
Darien smiled and before she knew, what he was about he swung her up off her feet and into his arms.
Serena squealed and threw her arms around his neck. "Darien." she giggled
"What?" he smirked, "Isn't a groom supposed to carry his bride over the threshold?"
Serena gave a happy sigh and placed her head on his shoulder. "You're so good to me."
"Welcome home, My Queen."
…………..
The Scouts saw Venus dropped to the ground and were relieved, now that she was out of the way they were free to use there more powerful attacks.
Once all the crystals were destroyed, Mars cried out "Back off Zosite, You can't hope to win against all of us."
"Stay out of this." Zosite snarled, and started focusing to form more crystals, not caring that she was out numbered or that she was leaving herself open for an attack, all that mattered was seeing the ground stained with Venus's blood. Only before she could form her crystals and follow through with her attack a voice called out.
"That's enough Zosite."
The Scouts looked on in surprise as Jedite appeared out of nowhere and came to stand next to Zosite.
"No" Zosite cried, frantically, she knew what Jedite's presence here meant and it didn't bode well for her or her plans for Venus. "I want her dead," she stated in a chilling voice that all but dripped with malice. She wanted her dead and she wasn't about to let him or anyone else stop her from achieving that goal.
"Those are not our orders," he reminded her
"I...don't…care" she stated bluntly her eyes never leaving Venus's face. "I'm going to finish this." she announced coldly her stare deadly.
Jedite grabbed her by the arm and swung her around to face him. "I'm afraid I can't allow you to do that."
Zosite struggled to free herself from his hold. "Let go of me, Jedite."
He looked over at the Scouts checking to see if any of them were injured, seeing Mars frowning at him he had an irresistible urge, catching her eye he winked at her enjoying her startled expression. Giving the other Scouts a bright smile, he said, "Sorry for the trouble ladies we'll be leaving now."
"No." Zosite cried but it was too late before she or anyone else could do or say anything both she and Jedite were gone.
"Okay" asked a confused Jupiter as she starred at the empty space Jedite and Zosite had just occupied. "What just happened?" Usually when Zosite found her self out numbered that was her cue to take off; but this had been different, instead of fleeing she seemed prepared to continue fighting. In fact, she looked ready to tear Venus to pieces; it was as if she and the others weren't even there, weird.
Mars was frowning at the spot Jedite had just occupied, she had noticed immediately that there was something different about him; she just couldn't put her finger on what that something was. She noticed that he was no longer wearing his mask and that his face was whole and unmarred.
She knew from Malachite that when Beryl had found out that Serena was still alive, she had punished Jedite by striking him in the face with her staff, tearing the left side of face to shreds. Looking at it now one couldn't tell that it had been anything less then perfect, she squirmed a little over that description but decided that it was accurate and let it go. While his new look was puzzling and she was curious about how it came about that wasn't what was different about him, there was something else.
Why had he stopped Zosite from attacking? He mentioned something about those not being there orders. What orders, and who had given them? Was it Beryl, the Dark Prince, Serena? Each possibility was worse then the last.
Dammit, why couldn't he have stayed around a little longer? She had so many questions, they all did, and this had been their chance to finally get some answers.
And what was with that wink? It was almost as if he were flirting with her, she rolled her eyes, which sounded so ridiculous that she instantly dismissed it. Jedite was many things but flirtatious was not one of them, he must be up to something. What was she thinking, of course he was up to something; he was always up to something.
Well whatever it was it couldn't be good. Was that why he winked at her, she fumed silently, the scumbag. He was needling her. Why her though? She frowned, why her and not one of the others. He had never signaled her out before. Dammit she swore still fuming although she wasn't all together sure why. He was the enemy, there were rules about things like this, unspoken rules that everyone abided by, one did not, wink, at the enemy, it just was not done.
She took a deep breath to calm herself down and that was when she noticed that her hands were clenched tightly into fists. Okay Mars, get a grip, the wink was no big deal, it was just Jedite being his usually annoying self. So get it together, you're totally over reacting, something else must be bugging you so what is it.
She thought about it. Lets see they arrived, they sent Zosite packing and Venus didn't appear to be hurt, everything had turned out great. So what was the problem?
He left a voice inside her answered.
Mars felt her breath catch in the back of her throat. O…Kay now that she thought about it, perhaps skipping out on breakfast hadn't been such a good idea, nor was missing lunch it seems. And staying up all night to perform fire readings couldn't have helped much either, since it was now obvious that she was losing it, her mind that is.
You wanted him to stay.
Of course, she had wanted him to stay. She snarled back, unable to believe that she was actually standing here talking to herself. She wanted answers, he had answers, and that was why she wished he had stayed around a little longer.
Was that the only reason?
The question disturbed Mars so much that both voices were rendered silent.
"Mars! Mars, snap out of it."
Mars head snapped up and she looked at Jupiter in confusion. "Hummm…what?"
Jupiter looked at her with exasperation and a little concern. "Neptune just contacted us on the communicator, she and Uranus are at the Park and they just spotted the Dark Prince."
"Was he alone?" she quickly asked her thoughts going to Serena and Endymion's dark predictions and thankfully, away from her confusing and mixed thoughts about Jedite.
"She didn't say, she just said for us to get our butts over there."
Mars nodded her head looking around she noticed that Venus was helping Malachite to his feet. "Alright then, let's go."
"Wait." Mercury cried and they all froze "Whose going to tell Endymion?"
……………
Darien felt them the moment they stepped onto the outer grounds. "My love, it seems we have visitors."
"Why did they have to come now?" she pouted looking down at her plate, which was loaded with goodies.
Darien stood up from the table. "I'll take care of it."
Serena's head shot up "What are you planning on doing?"
Darien smiled "I'm just going to teach them that it's better to wait until your invited."
Serena eyes narrowed on that smile, it wasn't a very nice one, and these were her friends.
But then again, she tought slyly this could be the perfect opportunity to check some things out for herself; while Darien and the Sailor Scouts were busy; too busy to interfere.
"Yes, take care of them, but don't hurt them" she warned, then smiled. "I have a few things I have to see to myself. "
Darien just said her name "Serena?"
Serena shook her head still smiling, "Just keep them occupied for me for awhile and I'll tell you everything when I get back."
Darien starred into her guileless eyes and knew she was up to something, but what? What could she gain by him keeping the Scouts occupied? What was his darling wife up too? He didn't have a clue. "Go." he sighed "but we will definitely be having a talk when you return." This time he would settle for nothing less then the answers he sought.
Serena squealed jumping up she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and left before he could change his mind.
Darien shook his head and went to greet their guests.
…………………
"This is the place." Venus announced
"It's kind of hard to miss." Jupiter remarked
"It's quite lovely." Mercury admitted looking at the castle with a wistful smile. She didn't want to go inside, she was afraid that the beauty of this place was misleading and what awaited them inside was something out of their worst nightmares.
"Fit enough for a princess." Mars stated soberly. Despite the undeniable beauty of the place, she had a sense of foreboding.
"Or a Queen." Uranus broke in quietly startling the others. They turned to see both her and Neptune coming up behind them.
"You guys are letting your feelings cloud your mind." Neptune stated softly but with a hint of steel. "You were so lost in thought and imagining what you might find in there that you didn't even here me and Uranus coming up behind you."
"I guess we were a little distracted." Mercury admitted
"You can't blame us." Jupiter said abruptly crossing her arms across her chest in a purely defensive move.
"If were going to save Serena then we can't afford to lose sight of what must be done."
"We know what we have to do." Mars grumbled glaring at her, She knew that Neptune was right and that they couldn't afford to become distracted. She also knew that this wasn't going to be easy, she just didn't count on it being this hard either. Inside, lay the answers to all their questions; questions that had been haunting them since Luna had exposed the truth and Endymion had revealed himself to them. They would finally know for better or for worse where they stood and whether if Serena stood with them or against them.
"Stop, just please stop." Venus pleaded and then looked at Uranus and Neptune imploringly "Is she really in there?"
Uranus nodded her expression becoming even more somber.
Venus shivered; she didn't like that look, not at all.
"Was she alright?"
Uranus looked up at the Castle avoiding their eyes. "She looked happy." So happy she thought despairingly. If they couldn't find a way to get through to her, to save her, and Endymion had his way, would she ever be that happy again. The question had plagued her ever since she had seen them together.
"Oh"
"Well that's good right?" Venus asked with false cheer.
"Let's go already." Mars snapped her voice edgy. She didn't know what they'd find in there but standing around out here wondering about it wasn't helping anyone. "If Serena is in there then lets go and get her out."
"Do you really believe it's going to be that easy?"
The Scouts let out a startled gasp at the sound of that voice and swung around to face the owner.
"Where is she, where's Serena? What have you done with her?" Uranus demanded trying not to let what she had learned in these last few days sway her and that when she looked at him she thought of Endymion. They were two totally different people, and right now, the one standing before her was the enemy.
"My wife" he stated softly his eyes flaring in warning. "Is unavailable at the moment. Next time, if there is a next time, wait until you're invited."
"We want to see her and we're going to see her."
He tilted his head to the side and looked at them amused eyes. "If you can get pass me then be my guest."
……………………
Endymion paced back and forth in the room arguing with himself. He wasn't sure if letting the Scouts go off by themselves to confront the Dark Prince was such a good idea, they had no idea what could be waiting for them.
He knew the Dark prince better then anyone. There was no way he was going to give Serena up without a fight. He didn't know what they hoped to achieve by going there. If they weren't prepared to destroy the Dark Prince then they had little if any hope of accomplishing anything.
He just hoped that Mercury had taken his warning to heart. When she had come to inform him of what had happened and what there next move was he told her to gather what information they could and then get out the hell out of there. She and the rest of the Sailor Scouts were of no use to Serena if they were captured or dead.
Damn he wished he was there, this sitting around and waiting didn't sit well with him. The only thing stopping him from following them was that he was needed here; someone had to stay and protect Serenity and Rini. Sammy while brave wouldn't be of any help if the Negaverse chose to attack and while Nephlite and Malachite were both experienced fighters, neither of them were functioning at full capacity as of yet.
Besides, he had another reason for keeping Malachite and Nephlite here and out of the way. They both seemed to accept that he needed there help protecting Sammy, Serenity and Rini. He didn't share with them his real concerns and his real reason for keeping them here. Now was not the time for that particular revelation.
Endymion heard a movement from behind him and swung around already drawing his sword before he even determined whether the intruder was friend or foe.
"I don't believe you'll be needing that."
For a second Endymion's mind went blank, he just couldn't believe what he was seeing. He placed the sword back in it's sheath, she was right he wouldn't be using it. He was caught completely off guard he should have at least suspected that they would pull something like this.
"I see that I've surprised you."
"I didn't expect you to come here, not yet anyway," he admitted. "Why are you here?"
Smiling Serena stepped away from the wall. "I wanted to see you. I needed to see you."
"Is that so? And is the Dark Prince here as well?" Had they led the others away on purpose? Could this have been a trap from the start?
"No, I came alone." she said shyly "I wanted us to have this time alone together." her eyes moved around the room, and when her gaze rested on Serenity and Rini, her eyes widened. "Just the two of us." she finished in a whisper and started moving towards the bed.
Endymion quickly placed himself in her path.
Serena was so focused on the bed and the occupants that his sudden appearance in front of her startled her and she stumbled forward.
What he did next was pure instinct, he reached out to catch her, remembering too late that he would be unable to. He closed his eyes not wanting to see it, not wanting to see her pass through him as if he weren't there. An instant later his eyes flew open in surprise as her body slammed into his. He brought his hands up to her waist, to steady her, and the feel of her so solid and real made him tighten his grip.
He should let her go, he told himself. Let go, let go and back away, he cautioned himself; only he couldn't bring himself to follow his own advice. He could feel all the feelings and intentions that he's had suppressed for so long boiling to the surface. He struggled to contain them, but this was one battle that he was destined to lose.
He pulled her roughly into his arms, his hands spraying across her back holding her tightly against him. He couldn't believe it, it had been so long since he had held her or even touched her. "Serena" he groaned nuzzling her neck. She felt heavenly, and real, oh so real.
"Darien" she sighed returning his embrace. No matter what form he took or what name he went by he would always be her Darien.
He drew his head back and tilted hers up so that he could look at her. "How? Why…?"
"How did I know you would be here and why did I come?" she asked gently
He nodded his head. He had no idea what was going on. If only Serenity could have told him what exactly went on between her and the Dark Prince, then maybe this would all make sense. He didn't know how they had learned of his existence; had Serenity told them; or had they figured it out on their own?
"I knew you would be here." she answered "because I couldn't believe otherwise." she brought her hands up to rest on his chest, looking for the moment uncertain. "And I came here because I had to see you for myself, I had to know that some things don't change." she gave him a slightly sad smile. "You were always protecting me; even when I didn't realize it.
"Serena?" he stated wonderingly. What he was thinking couldn't possibly be true.
Serena saw the realization in his eyes and her eyes warmed. She slid her hands up and around his neck and stood up on her toes, bring their faces closer together. "Yes" she whispered her words caressing his lips. "I remember, I remember everything."
Endymion found his gaze drawn to her mouth. It had been so long since he tasted her sweetness; the temptation to do so now was nearly overwhelming. Thankfully, her confession proved enough to distract him.
He shook his head at her revelation, wanting it to be true but dreading it at the same time.
"That's not possible. You wouldn't still be…"he broke off
Serena lowered herself back down. "I wouldn't still be…what?" she asked a tad bit sharply "I wouldn't still be the way I am? Was, that what you were going to say?" she demanded she read the answer in his eyes "Why? What's wrong with me?" she cried. "Look at me. I'm fine; and I'm stronger then I've ever been."
Endymion looked at her she looked as beautiful as ever and she seemed the same if one didn't look to closely, but he knew her better then anyone and the bond they shared couldn't be fooled or tricked. Where there was once only compassion and warmth now there lay an underlining chill. "No you're not fine, you're changing and if it continues they'll come a point where I wont even recognize you. You won't recognize yourself. "
Serena lips twisting bitterly and she attempted to pull away from him. Endymion's grip tightened on her letting her get just so far, after being separated for so long, he didn't want any distance between them.
"I suppose you prefer for me to be weak and helpless, and always needing someone to come to my rescue."
"Don't say that. You were never weak."
She looked up at him imploringly "Why can't you accept this? Is it really so unimaginable that I could remember who I was before, and not want to go back to being that person?"
"I refuse to believe that you wish to remain as you are, Serena. The woman I know would never wish to become the new Queen of the Negaverse."
"If you love me then you will accept this and you wont try to stop it."
"Serena, if you have recovered all of your memories as you've said, then you know that I can't, that I won't do that."
"Beryl's dead" she announced suddenly "I killed her."
"Oh Serena." he murmured "Why are you doing this? I don't know what or how much you remember about your past or about us; but you have to know this isn't who you are."
"You keep telling me that," she cried becoming frustrated this was much harder then she thought it would be. "I'm standing here before you with my memory intact and I'm telling you that I don't want anything to change; that this is what I want. What you want if you would only admit it to yourself."
"No this is not what I want." He stated sharply "It's him, it's the Dark Prince, he's poisoning your mind, damn him. Serena, you can't trust him, he only has his own interests at heart."
Serena laughed, "That's like saying I can't trust you."
"Where two different people." he insisted harshly
Serena shook her head "No your not." she smiled and raising her hand smoothed his hair back off his forehead. "You both love me."
Totally exasperated with her he gave her a little shake. "Serena you're changing, you're becoming a totally different person. Why can't you see that? Soon you'll be doing things that you wouldn't have done in a million years and I didn't save you just to sit by and watch you turn into something your not."
"Oh yes, your big sacrifice." she remarked soberly almost bitterly "It's funny but I don't recall asking you to do it."
Endymion raked a hand through his hair "You were unconscious and dying, its not like I had the opportunity."
"What about afterwards, after you saved me?" she asked, "You remember that night as well as I do." her eyes misted at the bittersweet memory. "It was our first night together as man and wife; all night you whispered words of love and devotion; but not once did you explain to me what had happened or what you had done." Her gaze turned accusing "Nor did you bother to inform me that you planned for that to be our last night together; and that in the morning I would wake up alone."
Endymion couldn't help but respond to the pain he heard in her voice placing a gentle kiss on her forehead he said. "I know that I was selfish, but I didn't want are last night together to be tarnished. I just wanted it to be what it was, perfect."
"Yes it was," she agreed softly "And then that magical night was over, and when I woke up, you were gone." She shuddered as the memory of that day came alive for her once again.
Serena woke up smiling, she felt wonderful and last night; she gave a well-contented sigh last night had been perfect. Stretching like a well-satisfied cat, she turned lazily on her side, and with her eyes still closed reached out to touch Darien. The man who she had loved for two lifetimes; and who was now finally her husband and belonged to her and her alone; but instead of the warmth of his body her hand met with cool sheets.
Startled her eyes flew open, the side of his bed was empty; she shot up in the bed instinctively grabbing for the sheet as it started to slip.
She looked around the apparently empty room in puzzlement. Where was she? She couldn't remember coming here. And where was Darien? She couldn't believe that he would leave her here to wake up alone on there first morning together as man and wife, That wasn't like him, he just wouldn't do that, something wasn't right.
She swung her legs off the bed. After securing the sheet around her she stood up and looked around the room. As she took everything in something nagged at her in the back of her mind. Then it hit her; she recognized this place.
In the room, there were three doors and she knew exactly where each of the doors led too. The one on her left led to the bathroom; one fit enough for a queen. The door behind her led to a closet, which was bigger, then her old bedroom at home. And the last door led off into an outer room; and in that room she could find a door that would lead her out into a long winding hallway.
She could hear the sound of hr heart growing louder as her breaths came faster. She shouldn't know these things. How did she know these things? Filled with a sense of wrongness, she walked over to the window, as she reached out to pull back the curtains she noticed that her hands were trembling that in fact her whole body was shaking.
Gathering her courage she grabbed the curtains, and yanked them open and then held onto them for dear life as all the blood in her body rushed to her head, making her feel faint.
The sky wasn't blue but filled with multiple colors of all different shades and the most amazing thing of all was the view, for from where she was standing she had a perfect view of the Earth.
Feeling chilled, she wrapped her arms around herself, so it was true; she was on the Moon. But how, how could she be here? Darien she cried silently not noticing the tears falling steadily her cheeks. She started to make her way towards the door, desperate to find him, something was wrong she could feel it and it was more then just looking out the window and seeing the Earth instead of the Moon.
It was Darien; something was wrong with Darien. She had to find him.
But before she could reach it the door opened and the person standing in the door way almost sent her into a dead faint.
"Breathe, darling breathe."
"Mother?" she gasped unable to believe what see was seeing.
Queen Serenity gave a faint smile that seemed both happy and said, as if she didn't know which one to be.
"It's alright darling, I know you're confused, that's why I'm here. I'll explain everything."
"Where's Darien? Why isn't he here?"
A look came and went in Queen Serenity's eyes; but Serena saw it; and what she saw made her cry out "No."
Serena closed her eyes, using there connection she searched for him, calling out to him she reached out to him through there bond and what she found made her gasp. Cold, it was so cold. She had never felt anything like it, it seemed to settle inside her, stealing her warmth until she felt as if she'd never be warm again. DARIEN. She screamed silently terribly afraid.
"Serena stop it." Queen Serenity cried; she had closed the distance between them and was now shaking her, trying desperately to snap her out of it before it was too late and she was trapped in the cold darkness that lay in wait for her.
Serena's eyes popped open and she drew back from Darien; or from what she thought was Darien, it hadn't felt like him, it was as if she had connected with a stranger.
Queen Serenity let out a relieved sigh and drew her into her arms. "Serena you have to promise to never do that again. It's too dangerous, you mustn't reach out to him again." She gave a heartfelt sigh. "I understand now why it must be this way, I had hoped…"she broke off unable to continue. She hadn't fully understood Darien reasoning or his fears; but right now there was no longer any doubt that she was doing the right thing. Seeing her daughter reaching out to Darien and watching as the cold dark energy of the Negaverse greedily sucked up her warmth and strength through the connection that she and Darien shared was enough to convince her.
Darien was lost to them; they couldn't lose her precious child as well, not after what was done; all that was sacrificed to save her.
Serena drew back far enough to look up at her. "What do you mean, what's going on? How did we get here? Where's Darien? Where is he?" she cried her alarm and desperation obvious. She remembered the look in Queen Serenity's eyes and she knew in her heart that something was terribly wrong.
Queen Serenity smoothed her hair back, searching for the right words, the ones she had practiced over, and over again, failing her, in sight of her daughters plight. "I'll tell you everything, I promise, but first you must sit down." she lead her over the bed and settled her down on it. "Now tell me what's the last thing you remember before last night."
Serena frowned as she tried to remember. "We were at the reception, Darien and I were about to leave for our honeymoon so I went upstairs with the girls to change."
"And do you remember what happened while you were changing."
Serena shook her head. "I just remember laughing with the girls. They were teasing me; calling me Mrs. Shields." she frowned. "I remember seeing a rose, a crystal rose, it was beautiful, and I remember thinking how sweet, but then…."She shook her head, the feeling in her gut was growing worse it seemed like every second that she sat there something was slipping farther and farther away from her. "Where's Darien, I want Darien. Why wont you tell me where he is?" She cried out
Queen Serenity took a deep breath. She never expected this to be easy but to be the one to break her daughters heart, she shook her head fighting back tears, she would not cry, her daughter needed her and she needed to be strong for her. "What I'm about to tell you may be hard for you to accept but please my darling, hear me out."
Serena nodded her head and although she wanted answers she had to fight back the sudden urge to cover her hers as something told her she was about to discover the reason behind the look in her mothers eyes earlier. It had only been for a second; but her eyes had been filled with such pain, empathy and regret.
It was a look, a child instinctively recognized on one level or another. For those more intuitive then others, it was a look that clearly stated, that what they were about to hear was bad, and would bring them pain. Pain that the parents had no desire to inflict and how they wished with all there hearts, that the words they were about to speak could be untrue; and therefore remain unspoken; but also knowing that it wasn't to be.
Queen Serenity watched her daughter's eyes as she explained everything. She started with the rose and explained about Jedite and how he had survived, as well as how he had used Serena's energy to resurrect Beryl. She told her how Darien had brought her here with a purpose; one he shared with the Scouts and one he kept hidden. Then finally she told her Darien ultimately did to save her life. .
"I don't…" Serena began only to falter she took a second to regain her composure knowing that she couldn't fall apart not if she was going to get Darien back. Oh Darien why, why did you do it? "I don't understand." she said calm and clearly while fighting back the urge to scream. "I'm all right now. Why did he leave? Why did he go back? I could have helped him; we could have helped him." Why didn't he stay and why did they allow him to leave; it didn't make any sense. And why didn't Darien tell her any of this last night?
"It's not that easy darling. He didn't have a choice; we didn't have a choice. The darkness inside him" she shook her head, "in all my years I've never felt anything like it before, he was so angry when Beryl infused him with the dark energy angry and bitter because he knew… " She stopped angry at herself for the slip. Now was not the time to tell her daughter that Darien was bitter because he knew that they could never be together again and that the life they were suppose to have had, had been stolen from them.
"He wanted to spend his last moments with you while he was still the man that you knew and loved. By the time he left, he barely had control over his darker impulses. I doubt if we could have stopped him without causing considerable damage, not only to the Palace and our people but even to himself, for he wouldn't have gone quietly."
"What are trying to say" She whispered brokenly "Why couldn't you have just used the Imperial Silver Crystal on him?"
Queen Serenity hesitated unsure how her daughter would handle what she was about to reveal. "I'm afraid my darling that the Imperial Silver Crystal would have no effect on the darkness growing inside him."
"I don't believe it" she stated her voice shaking "It's not possible. It helped the last time; it helped him remember his past; and our locket; together with my love, helped to break the last of Beryl's hold over him. So I don't care how strong the darkness is inside him, nothing can come between us, nothing." She started to get up off the bed, when her mother pushed her back down and held her there.
"You can't go after him Serena you have no idea what your up against. The last time when Beryl captured him and erased all of his memories she did so against his will, and he fought her with everything he had." She paused wanting what she said next to sink it. "Only this time he not only embraced the dark powers of the Negaverse but he willingly took in apart of Beryl's dark essence as well. He needed to do this if he had any chance of saving you but I'm afraid that it came at a terrible price."
Serena shook her head frantically. "No, it's not true. I wont give up I'll find away to bring him back."
"Serena what I'm telling you is the truth the Imperial Crystal will have no effect on what he's becoming."
"There's away I just have to find it." she insisted
"Serena he made his choice,"
"Then he can unmake it" Serena snapped surprising her mother who had never heard that tone from her daughter.
"It's not that simple
"You keep saying that." Serena cried "But I wont except it. He promised me we'd never be apart again that we'd be together forever" she sobbed, "he promised. "How?" she wailed, "How could he do this? How could he leave me?"
"Oh my precious baby girl." Queen Serenity cried and drew her into her arms "He did this for you; So that you could live."
"I'll get him back," she swore "There's away and I'll find it, I won't give up."
Queen Serenity sighed, her heart heavy. "He knew you wouldn't give up."
Serena nodded her head against her chest. "He knew I'd find away to save him, he's counting on me to save him, just as I did before."
Queen Serenity let the tears fall as she heard the absolute conviction in her daughter's voice. How she wished she could spare her what was to come. If only she could have handled the new Darien herself. But if Serena and the others were to have a future she couldn't drain her strength now by using the Imperial Crystal, not when she knew that she had a battle of her own brewing. A battle, she had determined from this small glimpse of the future that would change everything. "I'm sorry my darling but it's too dangerous."
Serena drew her head back "What do you mean?"
Queen Serenity reached up and cupped her daughters face. The time had come, to reveal the rest of Darien's plan to her, then it would be time to carry it out, and despite that fact that she knew she was doing the right thing, it was still going to break her heart.
"There is away to save him…but I'm afraid that you wont get the chance."
"I don't understand" Serena said her fear and uncertainty evident in her face.
"You and Darien share a unique bond; one that could be used to return him back to his original self' but darling you're so weak and the darkness inside him is so strong."
"But I can still try." Serena said excitedly "I'll get stronger and then I'll turn him back just like before."
"It's too big a risk," Queen Serenity insisted "You have to remember that you both share this bond; just as you can reach out to him he can also reach out to you. The man you knew is no longer the man he is now, we have no idea what he would do if he learned of this bond."
"Darien would never hurt me, what your saying isn't possible." she shook her hear drawing away her, she got up off the bed. "I'm wasting time, I have to go after him."
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Queen serenity muttered as she stood up to face her daughter. She held her hands out before her palms up.
Before Serena could ask what she was doing, the Imperial Crystal appeared before her, hovering above her hands.
"What are you doing?" Serena asked not knowing why the sudden appearance of the Imperial Crystal should fill her with such dread." Mother?"
"Darien asked that I remove all memories of him from your mind and from those of the Scouts; so that when you face him in battle you wont hesitate to do what you must."
"What are you saying?" she cried then turned pale as her mothers words sunk in. The Imperial Silver Crystal couldn't cure Darien but it could destroy him, and that was what Darien had planned all along. "No". "Serena cried, "You can't do this. Mother please." she begged. "I love him. I have to save him."
Queen Serenity looked at her daughter with stricken eyes, which begged for understanding and forgiveness. "I'm sorry…forgive me"
Serena starred at her in horror and disbelief. She was going to do it; she was going to erase all her memories of Darien. When they met again it would be as strangers. How could they find a way back to each other if neither of them remembered the other?
She couldn't allow this to happen, there had to be someway for her to remember what they had, had. Then she remembered another time; when Darien had been taken from her and forced to forget. He had still found away back to her, to protect her and fight at her side even when he no longer remembered who he was or what they meant to each other. Could she now do the same? She had to try.
Knowing she only had moments, she formed a picture in her mind of what she wanted and used everything she had inside her to make it so. As the Crystal came to life and filled the room with it's silvery glow and she found herself entrapped within its power. She saw an out line of a figure drifting through the wall, away from the power of the Imperial Silver Crystal.
Endymion held her tight in his arms as she her body trembled. Serenity had never gone into detail about how she had come to be only that Serena had done so seconds before Queen Serenity had used the Imperial Crystal on her. Perhaps he hadn't pressed for details because he knew the memory was a painful one, and that he was the one responsible for that pain.
He could see now how selfish he truly was; not by going to Beryl and becoming the Dark Prince that he did out of love but by going to her afterwards and needing that last night together, there first as man and wife. He should have left as soon as he had cured her then Queen Serenity could have buried her memories of him as she lay sleeping and unaware, never being any of the wiser. Then Serenity wouldn't exist either, a voice inside him reminded him.
"I'm sorry" he said, "I'm so sorry" unable to bear her pain any longer he drew her head back, and without saying another word leaned down to claim her lips in a gentle soothing kiss that soon turned into something more.
………………….
Serenity knew that something big was happening; and that it was important, that she wake up. She fought to rise above the fog and the feeling of heaviness weighing her down and threatened to drag her back under into unconsciousness. When she broke through she blinked sleepily up at the ceiling trying to get her bearings. Looking down she saw her daughter's head resting on her chest, with one small arm curved around her side.
Rini? She frowned, shaking her head in bewilderment. What had awoken her, she was still weak, both her strength and energy was still at dangerous levels; she needed more rest but something had obviously woken her. What was it? She heard a noise off to her left and turned her head to see what it was. Her eyes widened when she saw Darien and Serena in an embrace.
But what made her let out a soundless cry was what surrounded them; it was a dark ominous cloud of energy. Just as she had tried to fill Darien with her warmth and light Serena was now trying to draw Endymion into the darkness; and if that happened he and Darien would once again become one making them unstoppable. "Endymion?" she cried She struggled to sit up when he didn't respond. "Endymion." she cried again, but again he didn't respond, it was as if he couldn't hear her. "Endymion, please." She begged, "Somebody help." she cried out "Somebody please, before it's too late."
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Hey guys sorry for the long wait; I've been busy. I didn't have time to proof read the chapter so sorry for any mistakes. If I didn't get this chapter out today then it would have been another week or two before you saw it, well with work and the Thanksgiving holiday coming up. I hope it turned out okay; love some feedback.