sabina21: will do and thank you.
smoon4409: glad your loving it and I had to end it there, it is a two parter for the fighting happening. otherwise the chapter would be like the 'kill bill' movies, originally intended to be one big long movie but split into two due to how long it really was. Brainwashing...maybe...
kera69love: yes ands yes this is so so very bad.
3 reviews, nice, lets see what you all think of this, please read and review!
The devil within ch.13
Moon POV
Thank you, Endymion for the training you gave me! I couldn't help but be really glad at that as I had been dodging this lake monster for the majority of the battle. Without my moon wand, I was left with only the tiara and my training. Endymion had been right to make me learn without being transformed so I'd be even better when transformed. I felt like my agility was better than before and my reflexes were better too.
My skills had also improved as I was quick enough to land more than my fair share of blows from my kicks, fists, and tiara than I would have thought possible. Training without the moon wand was coming in pretty handy as the water monster was quick, and a bit too quick to try to use an attack from the moon wand on it unless it was at a distance. When I used a flipping maneuver that I decided at the last minute to grab the hair on it I was quick enough to also give the thing a kick to its back and get further back.
It felt exhilarating, to be honest. Like I was actually ahead of the game now. Well ahead enough to not be fearing for my life at any possible second. Especially while fighting alone. It was something I kept from the other Senshi, but sometimes I had legitimate fears of getting killed in battle whenever I was alone. I knew I didn't start out as skilled as they did, for reasons that were apparent now.
Yet back then it was unknown as to why I wasn't as adept on my feet, quick as the rest nor brave enough to confront a monster unless an innocent was involved. Yet now, after EVERYTHING it felt like I found my footing, and the training had made me feel more confident in myself than before. Especially when the creature got pissed at me for giving it a small scalp cut. Blood rivets dripped down into its hair.
I actually gulped a little bit at realizing just how close I had to be to give it that cut with my spinning tiara that was now clutched in my hand. It's metal giving me something stable to focus on while I kept my eyes trained on the water monster. That's when it spun around on me and I saw how pissed off it was now. I could almost read the 'game on bitch' in its eyes as it narrowed its viewpoint on me.
I swallowed the 'sorry' that was forming in my throat before it could slip out. I was NOT going to apologize to this thing for scalping it when it was trying to kill me. I wanted to shout something in response but I didn't trust my voice to not say something stupid and anger it further than I already had. Yes, this fight was the first in a long time where I was winning and wasn't using the moon wand.
Nor were the Senshi really doing anything at first, too busy staring at the fight I was in, yeah, I saw that. I was torn between being utterly pissed that I wasn't getting any help while they look stupefied, and being proud that I was doing this WITHOUT any help, on my own, and had to resist the urge to snap out 'how do you like me now?' complete with an attitude snap of my fingers, yet this wasn't the time for either so I ignored both urges and focused on weakening the water sprite.
So, when the Senshi finally did act, it gave me a chance to breathe properly. That's when we noticed the lack of damage done via their powers. So, when the sprite went after Mars instinct took over and I jumped up and wrapped my legs around the monster's neck and tried with barely any success to distract it long enough to give Mars an out before that technic stopped working and I had to get out of there.
I saw it for just a second but there was relief on her face and perhaps a small thanks but it didn't last. We were trying to figure out how to handle the creature till Endymion, coming out of hiding, explained why that was. Now we just had to figure out how to take the creature down without them, which was doable. We just had to figure that out. The girls and I fought against it, as a whole team.
It felt good to be a part of the team and work with them, but a small part of me, the one that felt that pride at doing better and having it be seen and recognized on my own was making itself known and I hoped that I could after this battle gets the recognition that I, probably stupidly wanted, from Luna. For her to see me as more than able and trust in my instincts overall. We worked together to weaken the sprite.
Blood still seeped from the top of her head where I scalped her a bit as Mars tried more fire against her. She screamed at it but it barely slowed her down. Mercury threw her freezing bubbles at it to stop the spread of the fire as we were in a forest area. I was just glad that the people were away and safe now. So, when Malachite came out of freaking nowhere, like a bat out of hell, and made several attempts at the crystal I was once again on the defense and fighting for my life...again.
I dodged his advances several times. I avoided looking for Endymion as I didn't want to give away his position in this, nor take my eyes off the highly pissed-off general that was coming at me. His first attempt landed him scrapping the front of my fuku. That in and of itself was too close. The second attempt had his rage as I took a leap of faith and jumped backward to keep myself that much further out of range.
This only seemed to piss him off more. I prepared my tiara again to start spinning so I could slice into him when need is and went to pull it up as my weapon of choice. Especially when I saw that he unstrapped his sword. I had a feeling once he got the opportunity, he'd use it to cut clean through me and I couldn't have that. The girls tried to fire off attacks at him but he used his shield to stop that.
He turned back to me, intent on his mission but before he could make that full motion, out of seemingly nowhere the sprite returned. Both he and I were shocked by its abruptness as it successfully pushed him out of the way and barreled past him to get to me. The rage in her face was palpable as she went to strike at me now. No longer was I focused on Malachite in his attempt to kill me for the crystal, now I just had a crazed water sprite hell-bent on killing me to deal with.
I could hear his outraged cry but didn't hear what the words were as I was too bent on evading the anger of the sprite. Whereas I had her on the ropes, now she had me on the ropes thanks to a powerful general that was after me. I made my last dodge away as I readied my tiara to hit her, pulling it up to slice her in the face since she was THAT close to me, but stopped when I saw the flash of black come into view.
It was an instant reaction as I KNEW who the black flash was. Before I could tell him to stop before I could utter a syllable of protest Endymion jumped in front of me and before I knew it, I had a flashback to the day he was taken from me. My heart started to pound all over again as I feared for his life, especially when I saw that even his own dark powers proved to be as effective as the Senshi's powers.
The creature's tail struck out, its intent on me, and even THROUGH him it nearly hit me as she stabbed him. Thankfully it wasn't a stab in his heart but it was still enough to cause some decent damage. The creature looked only happy that she'd injured him so badly even as he collapsed backward a bit against me. I was trying so hard NOT to go back to that flashback. I didn't want to lose focus here.
Especially since Malachite was here...wait...shit! I look over and see the dawning realization hit his eyes as he realizes just WHAT he just witnessed. A so-called agent of darkness saved me from certain death...just like the last time when he was fully himself. This was bad...so, so very bad. I could hear Endymion's painful grunts from the hit and knew there was no way out of this to save, what they would consider 'traitorous butt' from them.
I see Malachite go to get up, all traces of his anger towards the sprite gone as he sees this as having been more of an opportunity than anything now. He sees Endymion and even though I can't see his face I can FEEL that he's pissed at the water monster for trying to even hurt me let alone more. Malachite sees it for himself.
"Beryl is going to want to know about this," Malachite mutters out loud.
He looks at us three with a mixture of emotions ranging from gratitude and irritation towards the sprite, to wanting to kill me still, to betrayal, anger, and a glimmer of happiness that this just happened. It makes me wonder if he always suspected Endymion and just didn't say anything as he didn't have any proof. Yet even though he didn't have physical proof I'm sure Beryl would take his word over Endymion's given the circumstances.
Before he can disappear Endymion, despite his wounds, sends a powerful enough blast to knock him out as Mars takes action. Apparently, the water sprite was enjoying the small show as she did injure one of us, so Mars takes the opportunity.
"Moon!"
Tossing the moon wand back to me with a nod of 'you've got this!' as I catch it, catching the attention of the sprite as I shout the words out, quickly riding it off the anger and jealousy that plagued her.
We watch, all of us, except for a temporarily knocked out Malachite, the sprite now freed, turn back into her old self and look much happier than before and at peace as she moves on into the next world saying 'thank you'. I hold onto Endymion still as I debate on how to heal him, or really how to deal with this whole situation. It's unprecedented. NONE of us has EVER been able to knock out a general before.
Injure yes. Watch died yes. Knock out and have them be unconscious with us, no...and Endymion did it without battle an eyelash. Endymion looks up, "I need to use the nega power to shield us."
I nod at his words as I for the time being keep the moon wand back in my subspace pocket. I'll figure out what to do with that later right now we have more pressing things to concern ourselves with.
I watch as he seems to be gathering energy from around us and pushing it upwards to create a small dome above us all. "It'll prevent Beryl or any other evil she sends out from knowing about this or seeing it," he explains. He gets up as his wounds while still bad aren't as bad as they were before. He walks over to Malachite and uses his powers on him. We're all unsure but even Mars decides not to go near it.
The girls stay back as they see his powers focus mostly on his head. "What are you doing?" Venus asks as sweat breaks out on his head. I go to try to heal his wound but he stops me with his other hand. "No, the wound is needed. Proof of my 'failed attempt' on you." He winks at me even as he uses his powers still.
"I have to break the block in his mind that Beryl built up." He forces more power in.
This time we hear a scream erupt from Malachite that startles us all. It sounds and appears as if he's in torture and the Senshi are torn about what to do. That's when I see Luna coming out of the trees and walking closer. For a moment there's a small bit of 'we got you now...' but that soon dissolves as she sees the amount of pain Malachite's in. There's even a small wave of sympathy that passes through her before she forces it down.
It's then I see the acceptance that this isn't some con job. She's in disbelief at the sight before her eyes as Endymion restores Malachite's memories and destroys the block that's been there for who knows how long by Beryl. I realize now Endymion has been working to improve his own powers and skills as I have been. He was finally able to be strong enough to overpower Beryl's mind block and free Malachite's memories.
It took a bit out of him though. Especially since he's so weakened as it is. My blast a while ago did similarly but this was a stabbing direct hit that went deep. Mine was in a different manner.
"I can't believe it." I hear Luna utter as she looks over to me. "He protected you despite everything and is now..." Her words give me final relief that she believes me now. It took THIS happening but it's finally happened.
That's when Malachite stops yelling in agony and slumps down, conscious now as Endymion stumbles back, protecting his own wound now. We all see the expressions on Malachite's face as memories hit him fast and hard. Like a tidal wave of emotion everything hits him at once and recalling it I can sympathize with him as I recall so many of those emotions too. He starts to tear up a bit as he looks at Endymion.
All of the previous anger, betrayal, and everything else that made him evil is gone and in its place is utter confusion, sorrow, loss...he looks around, looking more like a lost puppy. It's gut-wrenching to see as the memories you can tell are filling in more and more blanks. The Senshi even stands down a bit seeing him appearing so lost. Only their initial guard is up. That's when he sees Venus.
He must see something in his memories that we don't know about as she remains stoically still yet full of emotion as it's emanating from her eyes. Her body language is telling that she KNOWS what he's remembering. At first, he shakes his head 'no' in denial of what he's recalling till he spins around, the world appearing to be spiraling around him as he falls to his knees facing her as tears well up.
Even though he sees her it's like he's hyperventilating. Unable to bear the knowledge of what happened. It's then that I know something deep had to happen between them BEFORE all of this after Beryl took his mind. It's etched into both of them. She's had time to adjust to whatever it was but it's hitting him all at once. I can even see the sympathy of the Senshi, some are tearing up at hearing the unmistakable cry of agony in his voice.
Malachite was back alright and feeling every emotion that had been repressed for over a thousand years. No one goes near him even though I can sense Venus wants to but her own emotional state is guarded. I have a feel for a good reason to. For a second her hand goes to her stomach before she drops it and I have a bad feeling as to why. He looks to Venus who takes a small step forward but is stopped by the rest of the Senshi.
A sense of understanding hits him as he spins toward me and I see the need to beg for forgiveness. He bends over, the plea heavy on him, "Endymion...my prince..." He bends his head down, on his knees looking nothing like the highly powerful general we're so used to dealing with. He looked very much like a man that was brought to his knees by the truth of everything that's happened.
He looks up, pain in his eyes at feeling like he betrayed his friend, his comrade, his own brother. "I know I have no right to ask, as I've done some pretty unforgivable things, but please know that I will do everything in my power to redeem myself in everyone's eyes. Please forgive me."
Even the Senshi looked at him with sorrow at seeing the display. It's clear he's feeling an intense amount of remorse and anger for his actions.
"My brother, things were never you're doing. It was the witch Beryl's fault. She got into your head as well as our brother's heads and turned you all against us. This is all her doing."
Yet you could still see that it does little to stop the guilt from continually coursing through Malachite as he's visibly upset with himself over everything that's happened. He stands up once Endymion nods his acceptance of the apology.
In the end, even though I knew that it wasn't truly Malachite's fault, Beryl poisoned their minds. She made them do the deeds they did and they were stuck in her mental mind trap. That's when the girls and even Luna and Artemis get shocked when Malachite walks up to me and bows down to me as well, on his knees as he begs, "Princess...I know I wasn't originally a strong supporter of you two in the past but I know now that perhaps my lack of that may have given Beryl the in she needed and for that I'm sorry."
I feel the understanding hit me as I do recall his annoyance at my presence at times. "I can't undo the past but allow me to make up for it now...please forgive me."
I can't help feeling my heart swell up at this. I rarely get called the title of my past life, so when I do it's a bit overwhelming as I'm not used to it at all. Plus having the top general beg for my forgiveness as he's on his knees before me is truly remarkable.
Knowing the truth of things now but unable to verbally convey how I'm feeling I simply pull his face up to see my face that I do in fact accept it. He takes it and nods but I still sense his guilt and it's crushing to see the marks of hurt Beryl has left on her victims. He straightens himself up as I go to ask Endymion, "When can - " but he turns to me and says, "This won't be over till Beryl is dead and the evil that gives her, her own orders is dead too. Or at least sealed back up but preferably dead."
He obviously knew what I was going to ask him as I nodded my head. That's when we both watch Malachite go up to the Senshi. I brace for an inevitable fight among them when the unexpected happens. "Words can't express how sorry I am to you..,." he speaks as he looks to Venus who schools her features not wanting to get emotional right then and there before he turns to the rest of the Senshi.
"To all of you…," he turns to face each and every one of them, letting them see the raw feeling he was emitting. "So hopefully future actions and aid can help rectify at least a part of this in time."
The Senshi all hear the remorse in his voice and the sincerity within it. I can see that they're too stunned to respond at first as here's this big bad general that's been the most powerful one yet that we've encountered.
The one that's given us the most trouble with his mere presence alone not to mention the youma's being sent out, apologizing to them all. It's confounding, to say the least. He turns to Endymion. "I saw your plans through the truths and I'm on board."
Endymion nods glad he's got his brother in arms back to work with him, "We do need to free Jadeite though…," His commanding streak is back.
It's almost like we were back in the past hearing him slip back into his commanding self as he starts to immediately come up with battle strategies. There was a good reason why he and Venus got together and hit it off, they were both dedicated and excellent at their jobs.
"Safely but Nephrite and Zoisite are gone." His words are saddening towards the end as Endymion turns to me. "Is it possible to bring them back using the crystal?"
I have to wonder that myself. Unfortunately, through working with the power of the crystal I usually need a conduit. A base of where to pull the power from. "Unfortunately, without physical bodies, I don't think I can, and even if I could I've never done that before. I'm sorry." I felt bad as his plan could be helpful for us all. He comes forward and leans in to kiss me. "It's fine, we'll work with what we can for now."
I smile myself glad that there is still away. "Our goal is to take Beryl down and take back our planet...with you by my side we can make anything happen."
I agree even as I notice the grateful yet uneasy expression on the girls' faces. That's when we both see Luna walking up to us. With her back straight and posed and ready as if to take on the world she says, "Endymion...Moon." we both look at her.
"I saw your actions earlier...and... I must admit I didn't see you as being truthful about your alliance, not even a little bit…," This makes Endymion frown but we continue to let her talk. "But...your actions just now do prove that you hold love for her. I just don't understand HOW you are able to do what you do."
Nodding to this he replies, "Your fears are not unfound." Which makes Luna frown the slightest.
"However..." he pulls me in closer to him, not at all caring about who sees the affectionate display. "My love for her is strong enough to protect my memories that our awakening granted me." I can see the slightly stunned expression cross her features as Endymion smiles and explains. "When Moon here brought the crystals together to form the silver crystal, it unlocked all of it." Then he looks at me.
"Even the ones that were locked up from when I was a kid before the accident that took them away. you unlocked all of it."
Now even I didn't know that. I couldn't help but tear up a bit knowing that now. He smiles and caresses my face before looking back to Luna. "I owe her everything and I'll be damned if that witch Beryl gets to rob me of my memories, my love..." He looks back at me. "Or of my kingdom again."
Before I can respond Malachite jumps in, "Basically the bitch needs to die."
On this note, the girls all agree despite their apprehension that Malachite is now indeed on our side.
"So, you're on our side now?" Mars asks arms crossed over the front of her fuku as Malachite responds, "Shoulder to shoulder I'm yours..." though I notice he looks past her to Venus on those words despite them being directed at the girls in general.
Jupiter points out though, not negatively but as a point to make, "But you're still full of nega-energy." Mercury, I see pulls up her vision and does a quick analysis of him. "Yes, still full of it, but…," Mars and Venus both look to her, "There have been far too many occurrences in the last few minutes alone that he could have attacked us and he hasn't." Her points make sense as he subtly defends himself.
"Yes, I still have it in me and it will aid me in helping to defeat Beryl alongside all of you."
Mars looks to him, doubt in her eyes but conceding to this just enough to get more information I can tell, "And when this is all over with both you and Evi...Endymion..." I shoot her a look on finishing that pairing as Endymion isn't...well he's just not. "Will allow Moon here to cleanse you of the evil."
Malachite gives her a 'no objecting' look. Yet he does say, "Yes but let's not forget it's not the powers that make a person evil or bad, it's how that person chooses to use them that can make their powers manifest differently or make them seen more harmful than helpful."
Even I can see that Mars is acknowledging his words on the matter as she responds with, "While you're not wrong it doesn't undo the fact that your whole body is radiating Nega energy like a blip on a radar map."
Unfortunately, they're both right on the matter, so Endymion cuts in, "If we don't though then even the lowest form of youma will sense it and report it in a heartbeat to Beryl. we don't have a choice if we're going to be using our positions to help beat her back and guarantee a win."
This seems to upset Jupiter though as she voices, "And there's no guarantee win with just us girls? Is that what you're saying?"
I can see the smile edging in before he replies, "Far from it, BUT...with all the youma that you've come across how many do you think are left to be sent out after you BEFORE you actually reach Beryl?" I can tell she has no words for his rebuttal as he continues with, "There are still far to many for even all of us to handle at once."
Seeing the expression in his eyes is telling, he knows there are too many to face all at once.
"Beryl's army is massive and while you all are incredibly powerful individuals in your own right, to take on her entire army single-handedly, it's impossible." Yet I can still see Jupiter getting offended by his words. Before I can jump in to dissuade an argument Malachite beats me to the punch, "You'll run out of steam before you even get halfway through." She stops and looks at him as from a soldier to a general he talks to her as an equal.
Knowing she's been through hell too, gives us the respect of being honest and upfront even if it's a truth we may not want to hear, it's what we need to know to win this. Jupiter sees that and lets him continue, "She has far too many. What you've dealt with is maybe a couple at a time, not over a dozen at a time let alone more." she squares her shoulders knowing the truth of that as we've never taken on that many before.
"It's why we need to work together, make this more of a surgical strike rather than facing her army head-on. Even with us in the mix, a full-frontal head-on assault, we wouldn't make it to her." I hated that he was right but with Beryl's army as big as it was despite all that we had taken out before now who knew how many there still were. "She has too many youma at her disposal. all willing to die for her and she would barely blink an eye."
Jupiter now quiets down before asking, "So how would this surgical strike work?" she crosses her hands over her fuku now. "What Endymion here seduces her into a massage and kills her? He could have already done that."
I can't help but respond to that sarcastically, "As disturbing as that is..." I swallow my disgust at that. "That wouldn't be a half-bad idea." I know I shocked everyone with that.
I know it's wrong and poorly timed, but I have to hold down the laughter at the expression of pure disgust on Endymion's face as he turns to me, "There's a lot of things I can do, but pretending to seduce such a vile creature is too much for even me to do. No there is a plan I have on how to kill her, but I don't plan to actually become physical with her to get her into place. I couldn't stomach the thought of being close to anyone but you like that." It warms my heart enough, in the end, to hold down the mirth.
Luna POV
When this evil Endymion says that I take my chance to pounce with questions I have. Yes, I saw the display of near-sacrifice used, yes, I still see the wound he's still holding even as it's slowly healing on its own, but I can't ignore the sensation in my gut that tells me to not trust him. I've seen the evidence. it's currently glaring at me red hot through his clothes yet I can't ignore it, I can only keep my deepest concerns to myself for now.
So, when he expresses a part of his plan I have to ask, "So what is your plan to kill her?" He looks to me, unaware that I currently don't fully believe in his 'redemption' but am keeping it to myself for the time being. "Once I have majority control over the kingdom against her which won't take long now that I have Malachite here..." Malachite himself nods to me as he can see that I'm on the fence.
Hopefully, he won't figure me out as I do recall how he was Endymion's top-of-the-line general in defense. The man was good at what he did and from my understanding an excellent general in the field, able to read people very well. I'd have to be careful around him so that I could still secure the future line of the Lunarian's AND the safety of the silver crystal. That was my top priority in this and that wouldn't be stopping.
"I can lure her into her own chambers under obviously different pretenses and take her out the same way she did with my parents." Endymion's words now shock me. I swallow for a moment as I say in a questioning form, "How...should I even ask how she did that?" I see the pain briefly flash to pain at his past parent's death and recall how he mentioned earlier that Usagi's powers released the memories of how those parents died to.
For a moment I felt bad for the young fellow, it seemed Endymion, Mamoru, was doomed to a fate of seeing his parents die...no matter the lifetime and for that, I felt sorry for the young man before me. "She tried to seduce my father but when that failed, she slit his throat." I saw Moon lean into him, giving him her hand in his other, trying to give him support and comfort as he relayed what happened so long ago to us all.
"My mother came in and tried to avenge him but Beryl was too powerful at that point and the golden crystal's capabilities were that of my father's. He had been working to help me build up my own which I was through training when everything happened." He then looked to Moon. "Our marriage…," he grasps her hand in his. "Would have unified our crystals to be at their greatest strength." This was interesting.
I didn't recall Queen Serenity going into such detail with me on this. Not especially on how strong the gold crystal was, only that it existed. Was it really on par with the silver one and if so how powerful was Endymion? Really? "No other power on the planet, in the universe could ever hope to defy us."
This was both interesting, hopefully, and worrisome at the same time as I hoped that he didn't have full access or any access to it while evil as he is.
That's when Mercury questions, "You both would have been essentially powerful immortal beings. Any offspring had by you two would grow up to be possibly the most powerful beings in the universe.`` This makes both Artemis and I look at her as she adds, "Think about it, it would greatly depend on the next generation but you put two very powerful beings together and the results could be someone with the power to command both the golden and the silver crystals."
This was unprecedented and I couldn't fathom that possibility. I was NOT looking at the most powerful beings, plural out there. If a child resulted from them while he was evil the results could be potentially disastrous and I refused to believe or accept that the Lunarian line could be tainted or marked as such. Yet I kept how that would sound to myself. I already had a massive distrust in Endymion and it was proving to be mostly myself if not Rei that still held it.
"Not possible." I state what I can regarding this without getting too riled up. "Even if they were to have only one child that child would only be granted the powers of one crystal over the other."
It just couldn't happen.
"Whichever DNA is more dominant over the other in that child would determine who's crystal the parent has would go to the child." That sounds reasonable enough. "After all the universe wouldn't allow a single person to have the power to handle two such devastatingly powerful crystals."
It just couldn't happen. Even the universe would object to a single person holding that much power...right? "That individual simply couldn't control the powers within it and would be overcome far too easily."
I look to Moon who's begun to look at me offended as her she is a powerful being who's still coming into the full usage of the silver crystal. "I'm not saying that there's something wrong with either of you, but no matter the bloodline descendant, if you were to have a child which I hope wouldn't be for a very, very long time..."
Making her blush a bit in response as I give them both warning looks. She blushes too and he gives a small smirk. I'd rather not know the story behind that, "The power from both crystals would be too much for a being to handle."
That's when evil Endymion asks me, "What if though? Let's play the devil's advocate here." I'm caught off guard as to where he's going with this as he goes on.
"What if a child from us both…," He looks to Moon who blushes a deeper shade of red making me realize that things have already heated up between the two of them making me cringe at the thought of it. "Could wield the powers of both crystals, they, she or he, would be the most powerful being in the universe. No power would dare to trifle with them, they would live out their lives peacefully since they are essentially indestructible."
I didn't like how he was presenting this even if there was a glimmer of truth to it so I counter it with, "It would be the first time in the history of the silver crystal for that to happen, in over a thousand years."
I have to switch gears here. Yes, the odds are against it happening but were really getting nowhere talking about this. I need to get back into Moon's good graces so I can continue in my duty.
I turn to her and despite my still present concern, I had to accept defeat in certain areas, especially if I was going to maintain sight and trust in others to ensure control and keep to my mission in this and protect the world. I'm sure it's what Queen Serenity would have wanted; "Sailor Moon listen, I...ah...I'm sorry I doubted you."
She smiles at me, not in a patronizing manner but in a 'finally you see my point' type of light. I hate lying to her in this manner but it's necessary to keep an eye on her. It's been proven that Endymion will provide her a place to run to if things go bad between her and me and I need to keep an eye on her, on them both really. Cause as much as I'd rather not think about it, something tells me that at the rate they're going, even when Beryl is killed, he will still be evil and the chances of a conception happening to result in what he suggested...it inconceivable and it cannot happen even if it is possible.
Especially if the power has such a strong chance of being turned it could be devastating for the universe. "I understand you had concerns. it came from a place of love..." I watched how Moon expressed herself and was sad to say she seemed more grown-up from recent events. I missed this part of her, of my charge and that was both his and my fault. If only I'd either been able to convince her beforehand or changed tactics earlier.
"I guess I was just upset that, well, it felt like you didn't trust me enough, and that hurt." I saw how hurt she looked and in seeing that I truly did hurt her feelings and our bond with my lack of faith in her and lack of trust I admit I may have taken my approach to far in this. I did hurt my charge and put doubt in our relationship which wasn't helpful at all. I made things worse between us instead of building better trust.
"Yes well, I have come to realize that perhaps my trust issues are a bit misplaced." I look to Endymion, then away again as I still have those issues before I look back to her. "I shouldn't have made the assumption that the silver crystal be taken away from you. It is your birthright after all."
That was a costly mistake on my part and I have to accept that. Especially since it drove her into his arms. Who knows what happened when she wasn't at home.
"I let my own fears and worries overshadow my knowledge of the young woman that you are becoming." I'm stunned when Moon comes over to pick me up and give me a hug. It's been too long since I've been nestled in her arms. I didn't realize how much I'd missed it till now. Even if it was right next to his form, and even if I could feel the evil from him.
"Let's work better together going forward so we can be more united." I tell her as everyone agrees before Mars suggests, "We better get going and you need to de-transform." she tells Moon as Moon puts me down. I motion for Mars to stick with me as the girls and now Endymion and Malachite shimmer out, presumably back to the negaverse for Endymion to heal up fully and give the recount of how badly things went.
Mars now back to Rei again asks me bluntly since no one else is around, "Since when do you really believe this stuff? Or do you?"
I look to her as I watch Usagi, now de-transformed go back to where her parents are at. "Relax Rei, I still hold my suspicions." My gut tells me to so I will obey it. "I just got a plan of my own to out both Endymion and Malachite for playing their so-called parts."
Usagi was much too forgiving. I know she's known for her heart but that was to easy. Yes, he could have killed her right then and there but there has to be a long game. There's no way this is real. Yet I still wonder how long is it?
"There is no way I truly believe that Endymion is able to be both filled with darkness and retain his light, no he's using Usagi, and Malachite is in on it, there's no other explanation," I tell her confidently.
That's when she ventures her remarks, "So when he clearly pulled on one of his memories..." I shot her a look now as I cut her off, "Endymion this evil version of him pulled on the memory to convince us all further. He's already, unfortunately, got Usagi hook, line, and sinker, but I won't fall for it." I see that Rei now looks at me as if I'm a bit paranoid about this. "Don't look at me like that, I'm within my right mindset," I defend.
Yet she continues with, "Not to play the devil's advocate here because I can literally feel the energy radiating from them both but what if they're on the level?"
I look to her in a mixture of slight anger and shock. "Do you believe them as well?" I nearly demand her.
Instead of outright answering me she replies, "It wouldn't be the first time a member of the Dark Kingdom has begun to turn their backs to them."
I narrow my eyes to her as she continues, "Remember when Nephrite felt a bit for Naru? He took a solid fatally wound for her and died in her arms. He could have shimmered away and left her there but he didn't."
She is right on that one. He did do that...still though...there's always a reason. "He took an easy death because he was on thin ice with having lost to us one too many times."
I look away from the shocked expression crossing her face. I knew it sounded cold but it was a very real possibility. "Dying in Naru's hands was probably the only warmth he would have felt and went from there."
I heard Rei's voice, angry even, "That's wrong and you know it." I look over to see her own eyes shimmering not for Nephrite perhaps but for Naru. "He cared for her, took a fatal wound for a dear friend of ours and we did nothing but watch him die."
I looked away. I know I sounded harsh but it was still a real reality.
Rei states, "So is that you're reasoning with why Endymion clearly took a massive blow for Moon today?"
"I stand by my words," my own voice is cool as I add on, "Rei when it comes to Usagi at the end of the day if I continue to argue my point, I won't get through to her much, but if I act as though I'm conceding to her will she will be more forthcoming to me."
I know how it sounds but it can't be helped so when Rei gives a slight protest, "That a bit deceptive."
I retort defensively, "I may not like the deception tactic but desperate times desperate measures."
After all, this is all the validity I need to act as I need to. I know Rei is on the fence about it given what we witnessed today but I'm not on board and she needs to see why. She's one of the few who can understand my side of things.
"What about how this will affect Usagi? Your bond and friendship with her?" Rei inquires.
"In time she will understand and accept what has to be done. What needs to be done."
Rei responds with, "Luna, don't get me wrong, I'll be the first to point out that evil is evil but Endymion and Malachite weren't wrong when it came to the person behind the power part, nor do I think that Nephrite took the easy way out." She steps forward. "I think he truly cared for Naru and died for her."
I turn and walk up to her myself and bluntly ask her, "Do you think that Endymion is telling the truth?"
She takes a pause to think before responding with, "I don't want to discount his words but I also don't want to say that I believe him either...I need more information."
The neutral path taken for her tells me Ami is rubbing off on her through this. I can't help though but admit that perhaps more information would be necessary for this. "Perhaps there's a point in that...and with that being said, I need your help in proving me right."
Making Rei frown a tinge bit before asking, "How?" as if taking a breath to see where this will lead us. "We'll see how long he prolongs Usagi healing him factor." Which would tell us a lot about him and his intentions.
"I want Usagi to see the truth of this too, but if I constantly fight her on it she'll only pull further and further away, but if I act supportive on it..."
Rei nods to me. "You'll gain her telling you more about him and about what's going on," she says in understanding. I can see she gets my plan in this. "You do realize how the negaverse has done similarly to."
I ignore the jab at me as she changes subjects slightly.
"How will you expose him though?"
I answer her with, "When Beryl's death is imminent and by that, I mean actually dead, and he refuses to let Usagi heal him then I want you to wield the sword and kill him."
I can tell my request stuns her. She protests, "The sword, the one that's meant for Venus to wield?"
I can tell she's looking for a way to avoid this so I go in-depth as to my reasoning.
"Venus is a good leader but she's too close to Usagi as a friend on this one, while you and Usagi have known each other longer you see that Usagi follows too much of her heart at times versus her logic."
Making Rei sigh and nod in agreement and understanding. "You need to be the one that can make the tough decisions, the leader to the princess that can show her what she's been deciding is wrong."
I can tell she's still skeptical about this as it does sound like I'm demoting Venus and promoting her whereas that's NEVER happened before. Well, again desperation hits home. "Usagi and you can build a better bond over this and Venus can see that she's not as right as she thought she was." I can't help but feel a slight sense of pride at knowing that once this is over both Minako and Artemis will be regretful choosing their course of action.
"I'd prefer not to pit you against one another but Endymion is proving to be a powerful foe when it comes to mind games. Your distrust is useful and it will aid us both." I can't tell if she's feeling miffed that her distrust in men is useful or if it's the fact that I'm pointing it out but either way she seems a little miffed by what I tell her. I ignore it knowing we need to keep going and push forward.
"Venus is a calculated person, but...she can be led by her heart. Not to mention it doesn't help that the first general to be 'saved' was her former love. They're both being targeted and it's up to us to get the rest of the Senshi on board and save this world from what Endymion is really planning I've shocked her with my request at this but it's for a good reason here."
She pushes the thread and inquires, "What do you think he's planning?"
I make it sound obvious, "You heard him, taking back this world with Usagi by his side. He plans to take over the world and have Usagi as his trophy wife and use her power to do it. With both of them together they'd be a powerful force, BUT...if we show Usagi that he's using her, the amount of anger that she can generate to wield in that crystal could be devastating."
I'm still determining if the devastation she can cause will be enough to end Beryl and Metallia at once but we can only hope.
"She'll be so upset by his obvious betrayal she'll kill him BEFORE you have to use the sword and Beryl, if she's still alive, will be dead in the mix as a result. You wielding the sword is a plan B," I assure her even as I know she's doubtful of my plan. "Please trust me on this Rei, I know what I'm talking about and what I'm ensuring to be done. It's for the safety of everyone here." I look out at the lake before us. "For everyone."
I will make sure she's safe in this, that the world will be safe and that you, evil Endymion, will NOT get your hands on the crystal.