Chapter 7: The Greenhouse

Rain still fell steadily, but mercifully the thunder and lightning had subsided overnight. Serenity had slept surprisingly well on Master Rubeus' sofa and attributed that to the warm liquor and friendly conversation. She woke embarrassingly late but shared a light brunch with Rubeus before departing to meet Sapphire at the greenhouse.

Making good on her promise to check in, Serenity was excited to see the progress that Sapphire's botany project had made. When Serenity entered the conservatory, she was greeted by the most gorgeous display of trees, shrubbery, and flowers. Colors of every variety intertwined in an exotic dance. Vegetation engulfed the space creating an enchanting jungle beneath the high glass dome. It transformed the otherwise monochromatic landscape Serenity had become accustomed to in the capital.

Serenity stood in stunned silence taking in the scene before her. Closing her eyes, she breathed in deeply and noted the warm humidity in the air; such a stark contrast from the crisp dryness that she could never shake in the rest of the palace. A warm smile spread across her face as she realized how content this space made her feel.

"It's so beautiful in here." She exclaimed taking in the enclosure. "Thank you for inviting me to visit."

"I'm delighted to give you a tour." Sapphire replied. "Please follow me."

"You've done so much work in such a short period of time." Noted Serenity looking around. Life was brimming in the greenhouse.

"I enjoy a good challenge." Beamed Sapphire, clearly proud of his accomplishment.

Serenity had meant to visit sooner but found herself otherwise occupied with the White King. With Demande not expected back until this evening, now was the perfect time to spend at the Greenhouse.

Sapphire began calling the names of different species as they walked past and Serenity nodded politely attempting to appear intrigued. "When is he going to realize I'm a lost cause," she thought grimly to herself. "I'm never going to remember the names of all these plants."

"As I was sharing," Sapphire cleared his throat, "Flowers can be used for a variety of purposes. They're not just a pretty face."

Serenity couldn't help but giggle and tried to covertly turn it into a cough. Recognizing the pun, Sapphire's rolled his eyes and chucked. Any fears of a shift in their friendship, following her budding relationship with Demande, were quickly dissipated.

"Botanicals can be edible, medicinal, and even poisonous. For example, take a look at these specimens." Sapphire gestured to some white flowers that blossomed like stars. "They are Iris Ensata, members of the family Iridaceae. They can be used for water purification but are poisonous when ingested."

"How can something purify and poison at the same time? That doesn't make sense." Serenity questioned, leaning closer to the unassuming blossoms.

"That's exactly what I intend to find out." Sapphire continued on. "Irises are native to the… hold on let me check my notes." He rustled amongst his papers. "Normally I have this material memorized but these flowers, in particular, were just harvested and brought back from Earth yesterday."

"How exciting. Where did you say they were from?"

"They're native to the island nation of . . . Japan." Sapphire trailed off, awkwardly his face paling.

"An island. How nice! I wonder if it's warm there." Serenity pondered, not noticing the shift in Sapphire's demeanor.

"Perhaps." He shifted again. "I'd also like you to see the saplings that I've begun modifying for the Emperor of Kinmoku, at your suggestion."

Diverting Serenity, Sapphire guided her over to a small grove of saplings. "These are the specimens I've begun genetically modifying. They germinated two days ago and look how much they've grown- 9 inches already."

"That's fantastic news!" She exclaimed, clasping her hands together in delight. "I'm glad I didn't volunteer you for too difficult of a task."

"Nonsense. I really enjoyed it. It's been a nice change from my recent duties."

"Like babysitting me?" A steady part of her recovery, Sapphire always seemed to be checking in on Serenity, taking assessments and providing recommendations. She couldn't shake the feeling she was always being watched. It made Serenity feel like one of Sapphire's many science experiments.

"Serenity, why would you think that? Your recovery was important to me. There's been quite a bit of additional work with the annexation of Earth. My duties have kept me tremendously busy. Speaking of which," he pivoted the conversation, "How is that assignment I gave you?"

"You mean homework?" She gulped, twisting a loose curl. "Well, I'm still in the research phase."

"I'm not trying to torture you." Sapphire interjected encouragingly, "It's important that you find joy here in your new life."

During her recovery, Sapphire had lectured Serenity on the importance of finding happiness in the unknown. His intentions were noble even if Serenity's execution was lacking.

"I know, I know. I've made a list of activities that I want to try, I order to figure out what brings me joy."

"What do you have on this list?" He asked.

"I attempted to draw inspiration from others so I started interviewing people." Serenity pulled a crumpled-up paper from her pocket that she smoothed awkwardly on her skirt.

"First I asked you and to be perfectly honest your idea of joy sounds boring."

Sapphire chuckled, remembering his response from their previous conversation. "Book clubs and tinkering not your speed?"

"Hardly," She recalled. "Too quiet. So, I asked Master Rubeus."

"Any better?"

She scrunched her nose in mock disgust. "Philandering isn't really my style."

"I'm glad to hear that." Sapphire feigned concern. "So, did anything actually make the cut?"

"Baking. I figure if I like eating tasty confections, I might enjoy making them." The thought of eating delicious cookies warm from the oven was enticing.

"That's a reasonable assumption." Sapphire surmised. "Who did that suggestion come from?"

"Emerald. And I want to try Disc golf. Apparently, it's all the rage with the courtiers."

"Oh now, is it?"

"I'm not sure why it appeals to me because I have no hand eye coordination." She giggled. "And that's all I have so far- does it suffice?"

Sapphire nodded. "That's a good start. Your next assignment- "

Serenity groaned, rolling her eyes.

"Is to try one of them out." Sapphire continued, ignoring her disdain. "And report back on how you like it."

"Oh… I can manage to do that."

"Excellent. Now please enjoy the conservatory at your leisure. Unless you'd like to be my assistant with taking some samples."

"No thank you. I'll look for joy elsewhere in the garden." She waved, relieved to be ending this conversation.

Meandering through the greenhouse,
Serenity spotted beautiful trees just starting to bud, fresh with new life. She followed the route of a little stream that provided irrigation to the outlying vegetation.
A hearty shrub caught her attention full of the most captivating blossoms. The blooms called to Serenity like a siren, inviting her in for a closer look. She crouched down to inspect the velvety petals revealing in their simplistic beauty. Inhaling deeply, she noted the fragrance of fresh tea with a hint of lemon. The Delicious aroma wafted through the air; it smelled like springtime at home.

The flash of a dark cape danced across Serenity's vision. She reached out desperately trying to hold on to the memory attempting to break free but it was washed away a moment later shut behind an unyielding wall. Like an abstract painting, nothing made sense. Stumbling back Serenity coughed, catching Sapphire's attention.

"Are you alright?" Sapphire called from across the way, brows furrowed with concern.

Serenity nodded in the affirmative shaking her head. "Just got a little dizzy." Serenity reached out to an adjacent post steadying herself, gasping for breath. What was that? How could this botanical have such an impact? The smell, the texture- it was all so familiar. This couldn't be possible?

"You haven't had an episode in weeks," Sapphire noted a hint of concern in his usually steady voice. "Can I get you something to help?"

"Honestly the air in the greenhouse helps," Serenity called back. "Don't worry about me."

Sapphire eyed Serenity suspiciously as he continued taking measurements of the stalks in front of him.

"It smelled like home." Serenity murmured. That would be impossible; greenery like this didn't grow naturally on Nemesis. The Serpentine Outpost she was stationed at since childhood was so remote that it lacked nearly all life- or so she was told.

"Focus on something tangible," Serenity reminded herself. "Something real." She concentrated on a solid point and took slow steady breaths, easing her nerves.

"I don't want to go home," Serenity confessed to a nearby shrub, praying the courtiers' vicious words were wrong. "Even if it smells that lovely."

She sighed trying to collect her scattered thoughts. Why did it seem like each time she answered one question about her past, two more popped up in its place?

A soft breeze of sandalwood and citrus alerted Serenity that she and Sapphire were no longer alone in the greenhouse. Excitement spread on her face as she turned to the source, "Demande?"

The white prince finished materializing with a flourish. "Hello, my dear." Prince Demande leaned in and kissed Serenity's temple softly. "I've missed you terribly."

"You're back?!" She squealed, delighted by the surprise. Serenity flung her arms around Demande soaking in his return to Nemesis.

Diamond gently pulled Serenity's face back to his and kissed her lips once more. To his delight she returned the sentiment and deepened the kiss.

"We weren't expecting you back until this evening." She shared once they broke away, her face flushed.

"Three days away from you were three too many. I was able to wrap up my meetings and found no further need to stay." Demande revealed as he soaked in Serenity.

"How were they?"

"Perfectly productive and downright boring."

"I hope you accomplished everything you required."

"Mostly." Demande glanced to Sapphire across the way who nodded curtly and disappeared in a cloud of blue smoke.

"Where'd he go?" Serenity wondered aloud. Everyone here was always disappearing.

"What did you do with your time while I was away?" Demande inquired, ignoring Serenity's question.

"Not much. There was a terrible storm." She shivered recalling the thunder and courtiers that tormented her the previous evening before Rubeus' gallant rescue.

Demande offered his arm and Serenity laced here's through. He led her over to a soft patch of grass that had a blanket spread across and a waiting picnic basket. Inside Serenity was delighted to find an assortment of petit cakes, pastries and a bottle of champagne.

"These are delicious." Serenity shared as she stuffed a third helping into her mouth.

"I'll call for more from the kitchen."

"This is plenty- there's more than enough to share." Serenity pleaded offering a half-eaten cake to Demande.

"You're very predictable."

"Predictable?" She crossed her arms defensively.

A sly smile spread on Demande's face, "Only in the sense that I can never predict the proper amount of food to have on hand for you."

Blushing Serenity consumed another pastry and brushed the crumbs from her lap.

"I have a serious question for you." She asked between bites. "Do you believe in fate?"

"So philosophical." Demande mused taking a sip from his glass. "I think this conversation may be better suited for someone more academic like my brother."

Serenity could no longer bear the burden she carried alone. "I feel like I know you, like we've met before. Maybe it was years ago, perhaps even in another life." She choked out a harsh chortle. "But there's some kind of connection that's too intense for me to ignore."

"Do you think my lady that we could be two star crossed lovers, destined to find one another in this life?" He moved closer, eliminating the gap between them.

"I wonder if fate brought us together." She confessed, her heart beating wildly. "You must think I'm crazy, talking about past lives and fate. Maybe I should go and lie down." Serenity stammered, rising to leave.

"Far from it my lady." Demande shared pulling Serenity's hand and guiding her back down to the blanket. "Fate is what you make of it. I believe that I have the ability to dictate my own future."

"But what about things you have no control over? How do you rationalize that?" She pressed searching for answers.

"You can always negotiate. Nothing in life is final." Demande crossed his leg in a move that looked equally casual and yet premediated. Demande was so steady and deliberate in his every move; calculated- like a game of chess. Always planning three steps ahead to outwit his opponents.

"Have you ever been reckless? The thought fell her mouth. Such a strange question to ask the King of Nemesis.

"Once." He confessed, shooting the remainder of his beverage.

Serenity eyed Demande squarely trying to read his face. As usual, his mask of indifference betrayed no hint or clues. "Was it worth it?"

"Yes." Demande's violet eyes bled into her soul and Serenity knew he meant his response with every fiber of his being.

5 months prior...

The Righteous Conviction in those alluring blue eyes; they stared at Demande with the intensity of a thousand suns, burning into what was left of his already damned soul. Demande would possess the future Queen even if he had to slaughter her soul in the process.

"Dammit," Demande muttered to himself, unable to break from Serenity's fierce gaze. "They'll be my undoing in this millennium and the next."

The ensuing battle was a blur of light and dark power. A burst of dark energy pulsed from the obelisk driving toward the senshi and her companion. In a flash battle cries ceased. Sailor Moon was wounded; having jumped in front of Tuxedo Mask and taken the brunt of the monolith's blast. The force alone had knocked the couple clear across the city block.

Motioning to his generals to hold off further attacks, Prince Demande wanted to inspect the damage for himself. Apparating down to the street level he gingerly avoided the broken glass and blood, casually examining Endymion's wounds. "What a waste of a prince." He jeered.

How stupid, could Sailor Moon be? She was willing to sacrifice herself for this fool. What did he possess other than a false title? Earth had long been lost to his family and broken up into hundreds of nation states in this timeline.

"Mamo- is Tuxedo Mask. . . alive?" Sailor Moon sobbed.

Demande whipped his head back, surprised to find Sailor Moon conscious let alone vertical and approaching.

"At present, he will survive."

"Thank you." She sniffled, wiping dirt from her face, "for your kindness."

"And here she is throwing herself away for this man and planet. Endymion doesn't deserve her affection." Demande thought viciously.

Sailor Moon's wide orbs looked up to Demande, no longer with anger or disdain but with pity. "You cannot undo the hateful acts you have done; that is in the past." She motioned to the decimated cityscape. "But Prince Demande, it is never too late to win back your humanity and change the future. You are the master of your fate," she implored.

"Together we can fix this." She extended her hand in a gesture of goodwill. "I can heal you."

Outrage swelled within Demande. He decided in that moment that no one would pity him ever again; not Neo Queen Serenity of the 30th century and not Sailor Moon. A sinister sneer spread across his face. "I dwell in the shadows of darkness, Serenity. It is where I belong."

"How do you know that name?" Sailor Moon questioned, defensively shifting her body over Tuxedo Mask's in a feeble attempt to shield him from Prince Demande.

"My dear, there are so many things I know about you." He chuffed, running his fingers through his silver hair.

"Don't call me that. You don't know me." The warmth of moments of only ago had vanished. Her eyes burned with a fiery resistance, that made Demande desire her all the more.

"Oh but I will." Demande would relish defeating Sailor Moon and laying ruin to the 20th century. He would make her pay for her future self's mistakes.

The terror in the air was palpable. Sailor Moon tensed with every step Prince Demande took, her chest heaving rapidly like a hummingbird's flight.

"In the name of the Moon, I'll," Sailor Moon stumbled struggling to remain upright. Straining to catch her breath, she clutched her torso.

Unease washed over Demande as he spotted the violet cut grazed across the senshi's thigh.

"What's happening to me?" She fretted, straining to form coherent thoughts as purple dots blotted her vision.

"You've been injured by the malefic black crystal." Demande grimly answered. "You'll be incapacitated shortly."

"No," Sailor Moon murmured, her strength beginning to fail from the poison rushing its way to her pure heart. Fear, hate, and pain flooded her veins overwhelming Usagi wholly.

Recognizing the symptoms, Demande knew that Sailor Moon had a matter of minutes before she would succumb to battle raging within. And in that moment the dark Prince made his decision. He would not repeat his past mistakes and subject his Serenity to forever slumber encased in quartz. The future Neo Queen Serenity would be his; damn the plan.

It was as if time froze. Exposing his third eye, an eerie red haze settled around the couple masking the fading daylight. The prince's dark melody ensnared Serenity with minimal effort; it was almost laughable.

The emotion on Sailor Moon's face melted away to a blank slate. Soft and out of focus, her blue eyes dilated giving up any final resistance. In her weakened state she could not resist the lure of Prince Demande's third eye.

Sailor Moon's senses were quickly overwhelmed and she succumbed to the darkness, crumbling into a heap on the concrete, her hair splayed out like a gentle wave lapping the surface.

Demande seized the guardian, clutching her limp body possessively. "You are mine," He vowed, bringing her face to his as they faded from view.