Part II: Chapter 13
The Coronation
The day had finally come. People from all over the galaxy had arrived to see the coronation of Endymion as King of Earth. Everyone of importance was in attendance as well as all of Earth's nobility. Earth's power and prestige within the galaxy had generated more attention than anticipated, and the great hall was nearly bursting at the seams with people. Though the hall was massive, it was crammed with people, all standing and itching to get a view of the soon to be king. A single roll of red carpet snaked down the middle of the hall, cutting through the mass of people waiting. It led to a gilded throne, just at the end of the hall.
Serena was dressed in her best gown for Endymion's coronation. It was made of a light white silk, cut perfectly to her body. The sleeves were light and airy, flowing from her shoulders, just barely kissing the floor. Silver beading cascaded down the length of the dress from her waist, catching the rays of the early morning sun and shimmering just beautifully. While many of the other royals from across the galaxy beside her were dripping with diamonds, she opted to keep it simple. A silver and diamond tiara sat nestled on her head and a simple pair of diamond earrings dangled from her ears.
Amy was next to her, clad in a beautiful dress of pale blue silk and beside her Raye wore a deep ruby satin gown. They also wore their tiaras and simple jewelry. Lita was behind them, stoically silent as she watched everyone around her. She too, was dressed in her best. Her dress was made of emerald green satin covered with beautiful golden embroidery. Though the other three girls were bustling with excitement she remained reserved and silent.
"I've never seen a coronation." Amy remarked as she watched the people around them, all itching for the ceremony to begin. "There hasn't been one in our lifetime, at least not for a kingdom this size."
"It'll be something to remember that's for sure." Raye commented as she beamed. She could see a delegation from Mars just on the other side of the hall. Her parents were present, both of them with blank expressions. Around them were many faces Raye recognized: her cousins who had all joined the military, a few notable dukes and duchesses and even a few priestesses from the temple of Kuya. She felt a pang in her stomach. She would most likely have to speak with them after the ceremony and they would definitely be attending the ball. What would they say if they saw her dancing with Jadeite? What would they do if they discovered their plan to marry in secret?
Lita remained silent as Raye and Amy continued to speak about the ceremony, both of them guessing as to what would happen. She felt uneasy. Serenity had insisted she stay on the Moon, at least until after the Grand Council meeting. That was still some time away. While all the chatter was about Endymion at this event she couldn't help but feel that her own coronation, still some years away, would be the next big event for the galaxy. Would she also be alone as Endymion was or would she have someone beside her? She couldn't help but think of Nephrite, the man the other girls had told her, she had married on Earth. Was he here? Would he ever appear to her?
Serena, who was too anxious to join in the conversation between Amy and Raye instead stood next to Lita. She grasped her hand excitedly as a large fanfare sounded, silencing the crowd. "This is it Lita." She whispered excitedly.
The double doors opened as another loud fanfare sounded, revealing Darien at last. Serena felt her breath catch in her chest. He looked magnificent. He was clad in a striking navy blue uniform, dressed with many medals topped with a bright red sash that crossed his broad chest. His rich, ebony locks were perfectly combed and styled back away from his face. He kept his attention forward, walking slowly down the long red carpet that ended at what would be his new throne. He looked every inch a king in that moment. Serena felt her chest heave with each breath as she watched him pass. Though time had changed and their bodies had reverted to their teenage selves, the wisdom of their extended years shone behind his deep blue eyes. Those were not the eyes of a boy but of a man, poised to be the true leader he was meant to be.
"He looks so handsome." Lita whispered to Serena.
"More than handsome." Another voice said from beside Lita.
Both girls turned to see the princess of Titan, Alicia, with hearts in her eyes, a similar look was plastered across the faces of nearly every girl in attendance. She was very pretty. Her long curly blond hair was up in a net of pearls beneath a golden tiara. She wore a deep blue gown of silk over a ruffled skirt of gold. A large golden necklace, heavy with sapphires sat around her throat.
"He's the most eligible bachelor in the galaxy right now." She continued as her eyes watched Darien's every move. "And he's single."
Serena opened her mouth to protest but was cut off by a sharp jab to her side from Lita. While technically she and Darien weren't even courting since the arrangement had never been finalized, they were still engaged. She glanced down at the stunning diamond on her finger. Darien had proposed to her and they were engaged to be married but no announcement had been made. In fact, the only people that knew was Darien, his generals and the scouts.
"How do you know that?" Lita asked as Serena rubbed her side, wincing.
"His courtship with the princess of Venus fell through, though to be honest no one was surprised. She looks better with the prince from Charon." Alicia said with a shrug. "Since then not a whisper of anyone else. In fact, his council sent out letters to every kingdom in the galaxy, searching for good marriageable candidates."
"What?!" Serena gaped as Lita squeezed her arm as many around them turned to stare.
"You didn't get one? Strange." Alicia remarked as her brow furrowed. "Well, perhaps not so strange. His mother did hate your kingdom. Aren't you also courting the prince from Charon? The older one?"
Serena opened her mouth to reply but Lita once again cut her off. "That was rumor. He is her guardian." Lita answered for her.
"Well, then perhaps you should throw your hat in the ring." Alicia said as she looked Serena up and down, as if she were sizing up an opponent. "But I wouldn't waste my time if I were you." She nodded politely to Lita then pushed her way through the crowd towards the front.
Serena's face turned red with anger as her hands clenched into two tight fists. "That little—"
"Easy." Lita warned as she turned Serena back to face the long carpet where Darien was still making his way down the long hall. "Keep focused. You know you've got his heart, don't worry about things anyone else has to say about it."
Just as Darien passed by them, Zoisite, Kunzite, and Jadeite entered after their prince. They too were dressed in their best uniforms, covered in medals that clanked as they walked. Kunzite held a red velvet pillow in his hands that held a magnificent crown encrusted with diamonds, sapphires, rubies and a large emerald in a large golden setting. The crowd watched him as he passed, all eyes on the crown that would soon rest on Darien's head. Jadeite held a sword in his hands, the hilt contained one sapphire and one emerald which sparkled in the morning light, cascading a brilliant blue and green light over the crowd as he passed.
"I never thought we'd see this day." Raye admitted to Amy in a whisper, careful to keep Serena from hearing.
"Why?" Amy whispered back as she caught Zoisite's gaze. He gave her a wink but kept his expression blank.
"Doesn't this feel just a little creepy to you?" Raye asked as she caught Jadeite's wandering eyes. He didn't acknowledge her but instead turned his gaze forward, right on Darien's back. He too, had noticed Raye's parents in attendance. "I mean, we are living through events that should never have happened. Endymion was never king. Mina was never taken and neither was Lita."
"Maybe it's a good thing. Maybe we are living out our lives the way they were meant to be." Amy suggested with a shrug as Darien reached his throne and turned to face the crowd. He bowed to the people on one side then the other as his generals continued to approach.
"You don't want to go back to our lives on Earth?" Raye asked, surprised.
"I don't know." Amy said softly. "If you think about it, our lives on Earth were never meant to be lived. These moments, that's what we were intended to experience from the start. We were meant to live during the Silver Millennium, ruling our kingdoms as sovereigns, not necessarily fighting evil as the sailor scouts."
"Shhh!" Serena hissed as the generals came to a stop before Darien. They bowed to him once as a unit before Zoisite and Jadeite went to stand to the right of his throne, just before the crowd. Jadeite kept the sword in his hands, held up, waiting for the moment after Darien was crowned. Kunzite remained before Darien, a grin finally tearing across his features. An old priest appeared, walking silently from the crowd. He spoke as he walked, reciting the old creed of the monarchy. His voice, old and quivering, failed to carry throughout the chamber.
"We should've been in the front." Serena whined as she strained to hear. She and the other girls were about halfway down the hall, not close enough to hear what was going on in front. Even the princess from Titan, that Lita had stopped Serena from slapping, had meandered her way towards the front.
"Earth's nobility is in the front." Amy replied simply as she laid a hand on Serena's arm reassuringly. "This is as close as we could get."
"But we're important!" Serena protested softly. "I'm important." She added with a whisper. Since they had arrived two days ago, Serena had only seen Darien once and that was a quick 'hello' and peck on the cheek. They hadn't spent any time together at all. Alicia's words still rang through her ears painfully as she watched Darien grin at some of the women around him.
"Right now, you're just another royal guest." Raye chided as she fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Everything else is secondary right now."
Serena bit her lip as she watched the priest take the crown in his hands and lift it into the air, still speaking. She could feel anxiety curling around her abdomen as she quickly scanned the room. There were plenty of women in attendance, all dressed in their best and no doubt, trying to catch Darien's eye. She was in uncharted territory. Never had she doubted Darien's loyalty until he had broken up with her. Now that they had reunited again, she could still feel that doubt lingering in the back of her mind. Would his eye wander? Would he discard her again? Their engagement was still a secret with no set date for its reveal.
She looked down at her ring. It was stunningly beautiful. The diamond was perfectly clear in a beautiful pear cut. A sapphire sat on one side while an emerald on the other. They were the colors of Earth. Darien had told her that ring had been in the family for centuries, though Raven had never worn it. She wore it proudly but it did not sit on her left ring finger since the engagement had not been announced. The ring sat on her other hand, away from the eyes of any onlookers.
The crowd erupted into applause as the priest set the crown down on Darien's rich, ebony hair. Serena felt herself smile as the soldiers in attendance and put their fists over their chests and bowed to their new king. Darien beamed at his people as their cheers grew, deafening. Jadeite emerged from the crowd and bowed to his new king, holding up his new sword. Darien's fingers closed around the sword, grasping it tightly before he lifted it up. The crowd erupted again into loud cheers.
Serena reached on her tip-toes as the crowd rustled around her, partially blocking her from view. She strained to see Darien sheath his sword at his hip and greet the people around him. She caught his gaze for a brief second. Darien's stunning blue eyes twinkled and his smile grew as their eyes locked but was quickly broken as one of the dukes of Earth pulled him into a tight hug. She tried to push her way through the crowd to him but a wall of women, all itching to congratulate the new king, kept her from moving forward. Instead she saw Alicia throw her arms around Darien who gave her a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Serena felt her blood run cold as he hugged and greeted other women around him, all of them practically throwing themselves at him. He kissed their cheeks, gave them charming smiles and even laughed with a few. The sight made her feel sick in the stomach as he turned his attention to every woman but her.
"Let's go." Lita whispered in Serena's ear as she took hold of her wrist, pulling her back to the double doors. "You'll see him at the ball tonight."
Serena remained where she stood, her feet glued to the floor as Darien began to pull in the opposite direction, not even attempting to find her. "Lita, he didn't even…"
"You'll see him later." Amy said quickly, attempting to reassure her as she took her other hand. Together she and Lita guided Serena from the bustling great hall.
Serena looked over her shoulder one last time, hoping to catch Darien's gaze once more. Instead she saw many members of his council situated behind him, all of them watching her leave. They wore the same rich sapphire coat with the crest of Earth stitched over their chest. Their cold smiles were enough to send a chill down her back. Was Alicia telling the truth? Had Raven no longer become an obstacle to her union with Darien? Was the next challenge going to be the council of Earth?
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Serenity cautiously descended the grand staircase of Saturn's dark palace. The palace floors were made of black marble, shiny enough to see her reflection in. Her bright silver gown stood out from the crowd of milling nobles that were walking around the palace, all clad in dark shades of blue, green and red.
"Queen Serenity." King Albert grinned as he stood at the bottom of the stairs. "It's been a long time but welcome to Saturn."
"Thank you King Albert." Serenity replied as she came to the bottom landing and curtsied politely. "It has been some time. You look well."
"And you." Albert acknowledged as he gave her a bow. "Come, let us speak in my study." He said as he offered her his elbow which she took.
"I figured the matter you want to discuss must be important enough that you came yourself and during a time when we've closed to our borders. Important enough that it couldn't even wait until the Grand Council meets, of which you and I are both members." Albert said as he guided Serenity down the hall to his empty study. He gestured to a nearby chair which he sat down across from and crossed his legs, his gaze intensely on the queen before him.
Serenity sat down, keeping her back from touching the back of the chair. She could feel the distrust in his gaze, a look she wasn't accustomed to. What had the king heard? What did he suspect? "Albert, I come as a friend, asking a very important favor." Serenity began as she folded her hands across her lap. "You know that the council has been recalled because of these troubling rumors."
"Yes, darkness is spreading throughout our galaxy." Albert acknowledged. "All rumors, nothing proven, at least not yet."
"It's true. I've seen it myself." Serenity explained with a sigh. "There will be no safe place within this galaxy if we do not unite against this darkness. We need to stand together. The Moon intends to battle this darkness. I have already began to train my daughter and others to harness the powers of the Moon."
"Impressive." Albert admitted as he scooted to the edge of his chair. "That you've already taken your own measures, all based on rumors."
"Haven't you? Why else has Saturn closed their borders?" Serenity asked as her eyebrows raised.
"We have encountered… more than rumors." Albert admitted as he rose from his seat and went to stand by a nearby window. "Our planet is prone to… intrusions from people good and bad. We make all manner of weapons and naturally, that makes us a target. There have been many attacks on our forges, mostly to damage them to the point at which they can no longer produce. At this point we can no longer trust anyone, even those that used to be good friends."
"What are you saying Albert?" Serenity asked as she nervously rose from her seat.
"I'm saying that it's suspicious you chose to show up now, just before the grand council meeting. You alone could come to our planet, not any of your delegates or soldiers. In fact, I had a curious visit just a few days ago from another old friend, warning me that you would come." Albert explained as he turned to face Serenity, his dark eyes set right on hers.
Serenity was taken back. She could see the distrust in his gaze and feel his hesitation. If what he said was true, she could see why he appeared to be cautious. She was weary of who his visitor might have been though she had her own suspicions. "Albert, the Moon has never dabbled in darkness. There is no evil or malice there." She stated as she took a cautious step towards him. "We are allies against the darkness, not enemies."
"That's just it Serenity, Saturn has aligned itself with the darkness." Albert explained as his smile faded. "Queen Raven told us everything. Saturn won't fight a losing battle, not one that will obliterate this planet. When the Negaverse arrives, we will greet them like old friends and forge their weapons."
"No…. Albert…" Serenity said as she shook her head. "You know this isn't right. You can't trust Raven, a woman that abandoned her own kingdom in her greed!"
"Did she lie Serenity? Raven shared you also know what the future holds for us. Does our kingdom not fall? Do we not all perish at the hands of the Negaverse?" Albert asked as he crossed his arms.
Serenity hesitated. She was cautious as to what she should reveal, Pluto's warning still rang in her head. "Albert—"
"Is it a lie Serenity?" He asked again as his hands clenched into two tights fists. His knuckles turned white from the force of his grasp as his nails dug into his own flesh.
"No." Serenity admitted. "I don't know what Raven shared but I promise you, I will be completely transparent and honest. Saturn falls. Neptune falls. Pluto falls. The Moon… it falls. The only planet that lives is Earth." She whispered as her voice shook.
"You expect me to accept this fate? You expect me to sit back and watch my people die and my planet reduced to nothing more than a spinning ball of gas?" Albert asked as his eyes grew red.
"Albert, in all of this death and destruction our galaxy lives. Life continues. Your daughter is reborn, mine is too. They live and they continue our way of life." Serenity said as she watched him.
"At the expense of the lives of millions." Albert whispered. "I'm appalled how someone of such goodness, can so quickly sign the death warrants of millions of her own people to save her daughter's life."
"It's not that simple Albert." Serenity explained. "I'm not a heartless monster. I wept for my people. I fought for them and I will do so again, but these are the events that transpired in the past and they will happen again. To deviate now could be the end of all of us."
"That is where we differ Serenity." Albert replied coldly. "You play by the rules but look at what has already happened. Things aren't transpiring the same way as they did last time. Things are different. You don't really know what will happen now and to cling to your illusion of the future. It just shows how much of a fool you are. You have an advantage, you should've taken it while you still had time."
"What are you saying Albert?" Serenity asked as she took a cautious step back towards the door to the study. "What have you done?"
"I'm saying that I've chosen my side and I can't let you go and ruin things." Albert replied simply as he walked towards the door. He turned the lock of the door and pocketed the key as his features darkened. "You're staying on Saturn, away from the fighting and away from the Grand Council. Get comfortable Serenity because you're not going anywhere."
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As the sun set on Earth the festivities for the coronation were just beginning. The ballroom in Earth's royal palace had been decorated lavishly. Fountains of wine and champagne dotted the marble floor, broken only by small tables full of steaming food, freshly prepared. The windows of the ballroom were open, letting in the cool night air. Heavy crystal chandeliers cascaded light down on all the occupants below. The music was quick and light, perfect for a celebratory ball. The ballroom was packed with royalty, all of them clad in beautifully elaborate gowns and tuxedos. In the middle of the floor women twirled, their skirts swirling around their ankles as their partners turned them around and around. Everyone was laughing and talking excitedly as the ball began.
Serena felt a flurry of excitement within her as she entered the ballroom with Lita. Her dressmaker had truly outdone herself. Her gown was a masterpiece of white silk, heavy with golden beading open over a tulle skirt. The sleeves hung off her slender shoulders. Her long blond hair was up, pinned into two buns on her head. Her diamond tiara was nestled comfortably between the two buns. She wore diamond drop earrings that grazed the top of her shoulders. The magnificent diamond ring was once again on her finger, albeit the wrong one, feeling heavier now than it did at the coronation ceremony.
Lita's dress was made of pink silk, the skirt full of organza roses. The top was sleeveless and she wore elbow length pink gloves. Her hair was pinned up onto her head beneath a simple silver tiara, dotted with medium sized emeralds. Matching earrings dangled from her ears but her neck was bare. She smiled brightly as she caught the eye of a few men, waiting on the edges of the dancefloor.
"Serena, let's have fun tonight." Lita said as she locked eyes with one of them.
"Yeah, fun." Serena muttered as she saw the princess from Titan giggling with a group of girls. Alicia's dress was cut ridiculously low, showing off more of her chest than Serena ever would.
Suddenly the crowd erupted into cheers as Darien entered the ballroom. He had changed from his uniform to a sleek black and white tuxedo. A red sash, the same that he had worn earlier, crossed his chest again, signifying his new status as king. White gloves covered his hands and a simpler golden crown, not as grand as the one he wore earlier, sat on his head. Darien gracefully bowed to the crowd as he entered, politely nodding to the girls who were itching for him to ask them to dance.
Serena felt her anxiety build as Darien stopped by Alicia's group, politely chatting with them as the music picked up. She, as well as many others in the room, were all waiting and wondering who would be the first he would ask to dance.
"Calm down." Lita urged Serena as she noticed her anxious fidgeting. "He'll come."
"He didn't even speak to me earlier." Serena whispered back as she watched Alicia flirtingly touch Darien's shoulder. "And you should've seen the look his council gave me. I don't think they want us together."
"Of course not, they want to control him." Lita said as she crossed her arms. "I'm sure Queen Raven convinced them not to, it seems as if they've taken her advice."
Serena bit her lip as the orchestra started a new song. Darien turned from Alicia and looked across the ballroom, finally locking eyes with her. She felt her heart skip a beat as his smile grew. He left the girls and crossed through the sea of spinning couples, headed right for her.
"Princesses." He said as he gave them a bow. "Lita... you look lovely."
"Thanks." Lita said with a smile. "As do you, congratulations by the way."
"Thank you." Darien said as he turned to Serena who felt her heart racing faster and faster. "Serena, I've never seen you look so beautiful."
Despite her rising anger, Serena blushed. "It's nice of you to finally notice."
"I… Serena I…." Darien stumbled over his words as Lita looked away. "I couldn't get to you."
"It doesn't matter." Serena said dismissively as she took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "You do make a very handsome king."
It was Darien's turn to blush as he reached for her hand. "May I have the first dance?"
"Sure." Serena replied as she laid her hand in his.
Darien's strong hands gently swept Serena onto the dance floor. He brought her into his embrace and guided her along the floor, twirling along the other couples as the beat of the song picked up.
Serena felt her smile grow as Darien's eyes stayed on her and didn't wander to the countless beautiful women that lingered along the sides of the dance floor, their jealous eyes burning a hole into Serena's back.
"You look so beautiful tonight." Darien whispered to her as he brought her to his chest. "You're the most beautiful girl here."
Serena blushed as she felt his hands move from her waist to her hips. "I've never seen you so handsome and confident." She remarked.
"I never thought I'd be king." Darien admitted as he spun her out once more before bringing her back to his chest. "But here I am, and I can't believe I'm saying it, but it feels… good."
Serena laughed, pleased to see him appear so carefree and happy. There hadn't been much to celebrate lately with their team broken and struggling to find their own feet. In the midst of all the discourse that had faced them, this one event seemed to have revitalized him and to be honest, the rest of the scouts and generals as well. Serena's eyes flickered over to the other side of the ballroom. Zoisite and Amy were already dancing, completely oblivious to anyone else around them. Jadeite and Raye were seated by an open window, pushing food around their plates but deeply engaged in what seemed to be a pleasant conversation. Lita was dancing with the prince from Europa, giggling at his bad jokes. "I suppose we are all in a good mood tonight."
"It feels wrong to be so happy when I've lost my father and we don't have Mina and Nephrite with us but for once, something good seems to have emerged from all the bad." Darien admitted as he pushed back a strand of hair that had fallen into Serena's face.
Serena put her hand over his as she met his eyes. She could feel the warmth from his skin radiating against hers. His eyes were twinkling as they regarded her. "It's not wrong when we're together." She whispered.
"Something is troubling you." Darien remarked as he watched Serena's face. Her eyes were not twinkling as they usually did.
Serena bit her lip, wondering if she should even tell him about the letters his council had sent out. To be honest, the news had bothered her. "Darien, today I heard—"
"May I cut in?" Michelle asked, causing Serena to jump.
Michelle stood next to the two of them, dressed in a stunning dress of teal silk. The skirt had many layers that moved almost like waves of water with each step she took. The dress was strapless, leaving her shoulders and arms bare though elbow length gloves provided some coverage.
Darien grinned and nodded. "Certainly princess, you do look lovely." He commented as he kissed Serena's knuckles and then took Michelle's hand. "We shall have another dance later." He promised Serena as the next dance started and he and Michelle joined the spinning couples.
Serena fidgeted uneasily as she left the dance floor, heading for an empty table. She grabbed a flute of champagne from a passing servant and quickly took two big gulps, enjoying the burn of the drink down her throat.
"You won't marry him." Amara said as she joined Serena at the table, sitting across from her.
"What?" Serena asked as she set her glass down. Her eyebrows lifted in alarm.
"You can't." Amara said simply as she took Serena's glass and finished off her champagne. "Don't you see? Raven's last act made Darien forever unreachable for you. He's king. He's got his own kingdom. You have yours, at least you will. There's a reason the two of you were forbidden from being together in the last Silver Millennium. You're both heirs to your kingdoms and you can't bring these two together. If you marry him one of you has to give up your claim to your throne. You can't be queen of the Moon and Earth. So what'll it be princess?"
Serena felt the blood rush to her head as Amara spoke. Her words were unduly harsh though she gave no indication of it. Her expression went vacant as she mulled over her words. Why hadn't this issue occurred to them before? Well, in their past lives they were just a prince and princess. Raven had taken full control of Earth when the king died. Serena and Darien's relationship then had never turned to an engagement so the issue of giving up one of their kingdoms had never been brought up. Now it was an issue, an issue that Serena mentally chided herself for not seeing before. "I… I can't give up the Moon…Those are my people."
"No, you can't and Endymion won't give up Earth, not even for you." Amara said plainly as she raised her hand, beckoning another servant to come over with another class of champagne. "So… Raven finally won."
"That can't be it." Serena whispered as she felt tears filling her eyes.
"It won't matter if the Negaverse takes over and we go back to Earth, but it will if they don't win and you and I and all the rest of us aren't reborn. If this life is it, then one of you needs to make a sacrifice to be together." Amara replied as she grabbed two glasses from the servant's tray and slid one across the table to Serena. "And I'm guessing, it won't be the newly crowned king."
Serena felt her mouth run dry as she turned to watch Darien. Michelle had left him and Alicia, the princess of Titan, had taken her place. She caught Darien's eye as he passed. She could still see the joy in his smile, but he stopped when he saw her face, causing his partner to stumble.
"I need a moment." Serena whispered as she downed her champagne glass and then jumped off her seat, pushing through the crowd to the doors to the candlelit gardens. She gathered her skirts in her hands and ran through down the winding path through the rose bushes, past the trimmed hedges all the way to the edge of the gardens. She collapsed into a heap on the ground, her chest heaving with every ragged breath she took. Tears streamed down her cheeks, splashing down onto the top of her gown. After everything, after all she and Darien had been through together, their stupid titles would be what kept them from finally being together. She ripped off her tiara and threw it into a nearby fountain as she screamed in frustration.
"Easy there princess." Kunzite spoke as he approached cautiously. "You don't want to lose that." He reached into the fountain and pulled out her tiara. He dried it on the hem of his shirt as he watched her.
"Maybe I do." Serena replied coldly as she brought her knees to her chest and hugged them. She hid her face in the folds of her gown as her tears, still falling freely, soaked her skirt.
"Anything I can do?" He offered as he squatted down next to her and set her tiara beside her in the grass. "If there was a princess in there giving you a hard time I could at least spill my drink on her dress—"
"It's not that." Serena said as she shook her head. "There's nothing anyone can do, at least nothing that they will do."
"I see." Kunzite said as he sat down next to her. "Then the least I can do is keep you company."
"You don't need to." Serena whispered. "Go, enjoy the ball."
"I can't do that." Kunzite remarked as he stretched out. "Zoisite is busy with the princess of Mercury and even Jadeite has managed to capture the princess of Mars. I find all of this odd. No princesses out there would even talk to me much less dance, at least not one that is here."
"You know of one that isn't?" Serena asked, intrigued by his words. Kunzite still lacked his memories though she had heard Mina had a run in with him when she had visited Earth.
"Well, there was one, some weeks back, that tackled me and gave me a hug, the likes of which I've never felt before." He replied with a shake of his head. "It was Mina of Venus. She had me mistaken for someone else and yet her touch did something to me. I know that's a strange thing to say, I'm sure none of this is making sense to you."
"No, go on." Serena urged as she wiped away her tears.
"Well, I'd never seen her before but the way she looked at me, it made me feel… different. It almost felt like she… loved me." He admitted with a slight laugh. "It's ridiculous I know. I've never had a serious relationship apart from an arranged marriage my parents tried to force that fell through. Anyway, I haven't seen her much since. She certainly hasn't done it again."
"It sounds like maybe you made a connection." Serena said as she caught his gaze. "You should try to talk to her next time you see her. You never know what could happen."
"Maybe I will." Kunzite admitted just as a large boom sounded in the garden.
Serena and Kunzite jumped to their feet as a portal, spinning just before the rose bushes appeared. They could see a dimly lit hallway on the other side but the images within were too blurry to see.
"What is that?" Serena asked as the wind picked up, blowing from the force of the spinning portal.
"Stay back princess." Kunzite ordered as he unsheathed his sword and moved to block her from view. He watched the portal as it continued to spin, glowing a brilliant purple. "Someone's about to come through."
Serena peeked out from behind Kunzite's shoulder as the portal glowed brighter and brighter until a man emerged, falling to the ground. He wore a tattered blue cape over badly dented armor. His face was a bloody mess and his hair, a rich black, was sticking to his face. His shoulder appeared badly injured as blood poured from an ugly wound, staining the grass below. "Fabian!" Serena screamed as he groaned weakly.
"Wait princess!" Kunzite yelled as he reached forward, catching Serena around the middle. They both stood silent as another man emerged, falling to the ground as if he jumped through. His wavy auburn hair obscured his face but his gray uniform, though somewhat dirty, was a dead giveaway.
"Nephrite!" Kunzite yelled as he let go of Serena and dropped his sword. He rushed forward to his friend who was cursing as he got to his feet.
"I'm fine." Nephrite said dismissively to a stunned Kunzite as he stood and faced the sputtered portal. "Come on… Mina come on."
"Mina?" Kunzite asked as the portal began to flicker and sputter. "The princess from Venus?"
Serena, who had rushed to Fabian's side and was holding a strip of his cloak over his shoulder wound, snapped up at the mention of Mina's name. She watched the portal as it glowed one more time, still sputtering. A girl emerged, falling with a painful force to the ground as she screamed.
"NO!" Mina yelled as fresh tears filled her eyes. She laid against the ground, sobbing almost uncontrollably as the portal disappeared before her.
"MINA!" Serena screamed as Mina slowly got to her feet. She looked down at Fabian who was out cold. His breathing was ragged and shallow. She couldn't leave him.
"Princess." Kunzite said as he left Nephrite and went to Mina's side. He got down on his knees next to her, looking her over for an injuries. "Are you okay?"
Mina put her hands over her face, wiping away her tears with shaking hands. "No… I'm not okay… not at all." She looked up at Kunzite, feeling guilt wash over her as she felt Nephrite's judging gaze. She sat up and looked over at Serena as the shouts of Earth's palace guard, who had heard the commotion, grew louder and louder as they approached.
"Serena." Mina whispered as she caught her eyes. "He's coming."