Part II: Chapter 21
Neptune
Mina felt her heart racing as she stepped into the teleportation room on Neptune. She could feel Kunzite next to her, his warm hand clutching hers as he led her down the platform, allowing the next travelers through. All manner of people were around them, from all over the galaxy.
"Breathe Mina." Kunzite said to her as he led her down the stairs to the bustling crowd outside that was milling in the large courtyard of the grand council residences.
Mina nodded, taking in a deep breath as they stepped into the crowd. Her eyes scanned the people around them, looking for a familiar face while at the same time hoping not to see Fabian. She wasn't ready to speak to him yet. What would she say? What could she say? And what would he think, seeing her on Kunzite's arm?
"Where are we going?" He asked her as he guided her through the crowd, his lavender eyes scanning the area around them. "Which building?"
"The white one." Mina said as she pointed to the largest. "Earth has the top floor, Serena is waiting for us there." She said with a nervous gulp. Her eyes caught sight of a tall man with long black hair but as he turned to her she could see dark eyes, not the rich emerald of Fabian's. She breathed a quick sigh of relief.
"Relax Mina." Kunzite said as he squeezed her hand and all but pulled her towards the white building, leaving most of the crowd behind them.
"How can I? It's just a matter of time before I see people who either don't want to see me… or I'd rather not see." She whispered as she tucked her head down, walking closer to him. "What if I run into father or we see Fabian?"
"You'll see both eventually." Kunzite said dryly as he locked eyes with a passing guard. He glared at him as he shuffled by. "You need to be ready for that."
"Kunzite, you're supposed to be comforting me." Mina said as she sulked, trying to keep her long blond hair in her face to shield her from any onlookers.
"You don't need me to comfort you. You need me to support you and that's why I'm here. We all have to face the consequences of our actions Mina, even a princess." Kunzite said stiffly as he stopped to face her.
She nodded, keeping her eyes averted as she looked down at their hands. "I'm not a princess anymore Kunzite."
"Hey…" He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound so cold. It's a habit I can't seem to break." He put his hand tenderly underneath her chin, lifting her gaze to meet his. "I'll always support you no matter what."
"How touching." A cold voice said from behind them.
Kunzite's eyes narrowed as Mina spun around, stopping just a few inches from a familiar but unwelcome face. Nikko.
"Princess…" Nikko said politely as he gave her a short bow though his cold glare didn't leave Kunzite. "I'm sure there's a perfectly good reason why you're standing in the middle of a busy street… much too close to this traitor… when you're courting my little brother."
"Back off Nikko, she doesn't need to answer to you." Kunzite said as he pulled Mina behind him, shielding her from Nikko's icy glare.
"I think she does, anything concerning my brother concerns me." Nikko replied as his gaze flickered over to Mina. "What's going on Mina?"
"I'd rather speak to Fabian on my own." Mina replied meekly as she kept behind Kunzite's broad shoulders.
"I see." Nikko said as he took a step back and looked from Kunzite to Mina and back again. "I see it clearly. You picked the peasant." He remarked as he ran a hand through his long white hair which was almost a perfect match to Kunzite's. "After everything Fabian's done for you…" He trailed off as he shook his head. "I thought you were better than this Mina. I thought you actually cared for him, you had him convinced and you almost had me. I should've known you were just using him. Kunzite couldn't protect you in the state he was in, but Fabian could… and you took advantage of that. Now you've abandoned my brother for this idiot who will drop you the second things get bad, which they will very soon. "
"Watch your mouth Nikko, I'm stronger now than when we were six. I won't let you talk to her like that." Kunzite warned as he lavender eyes flashed.
Nikko's hand went to the hilt of his sword as his eyes narrowed, meeting Kunzite's. "Why don't we see just how good of a protector you are."
"Stop." Mina said as she pulled on Kunzite's sleeve, away from charging at Nikko. "Nikko, I didn't use Fabian, not in the least—"
"Then what else would you call it? What benefit did he have of being with you if not to have you be his? But you princess? You got the freedom you wanted, you got your father off your back, you got him to risk his life more than once to save yours even when your friends couldn't… Fabian didn't do all of those things for your team or for the good of the cause… he did all of it for you. And now Mina, you're about to break his heart." Nikko said coldly as he glared at her.
"Nikko, don't pretend to know everything about my relationship with Fabian. It has nothing to do with you and it's not your business!" Mina snapped as she felt tears stinging her eyes. She refused to let Nikko see just how deeply his words cut. "I don't need to justify my actions to you or to anyone."
"No, you're right, this isn't my business… at least not until you decided to hurt my brother. That's when it becomes my business. He's my responsibility and he's the only real family I have left. You hurt him… and you can no longer count on me or the Shadow Warriors as allies." Nikko warned as he glanced at Kunzite. "You should've listened to Kunzite… your decisions have consequences Mina. Think before you make your next move." Nikko warned as he turned on his heel and walked back through the crowd, disappearing amongst the people leaving Mina in a stunned silence.
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Raye looked at herself in the mirror, giving herself one last glance before she was to join the others. She wore a dress of deep ruby silk that stopped just above the floor, barely kissing the top of her feet. She had opted to leave her long black tresses loose around her shoulders, held back from her face with a single butterfly clip made of pure jade and gold. The other girls had dressed in their best for the coming council meeting, as attire said as much about power as it did about style. Raye didn't care for such displays. She was only a fly on the wall in there, the real power still with her parents and their advisors. She was attending as a courtesy, not truly meant to intervene in the deliberations of the day.
"Ready?" Amy asked as she stopped in the doorway. She wore a stunning dress of pale blue satin that dragged on the floor. A diamond and sapphire crown was nestled on her head, resting perfectly against her blue hair and complimented with matching earrings.
"Yes." Raye said nervously as she turned from the mirror. "You look great Amy."
"Thanks." Amy said with a slight blush. "I'm ready to turn control back to father, these crowns are much heavier than they look." She admitted as she ran a hand along her aching neck.
"Figuratively and literally." Raye said with a chuckle as she followed her friend out of the room.
"Hey… are you doing okay?" Amy asked as they were left alone in the suite. Her deep blue eyes regarded Raye for a moment.
Raye shrugged as she looked down the long staircase. She could see Jadeite standing with Zoisite. Zoisite was talking to him though Jadeite didn't seem to be at ease as he usually was. In fact, he hardly replied to anything Zoisite said to him. "No." She admitted as her voice broke. "But I can't do anything about it right now."
"Maybe Serena can try to use her powers on him." Amy offered.
"If it would've worked, it would've happened last night when she healed the soldiers from Jupiter." Raye replied as she brushed away a stray tear.
"Don't give up yet." Amy said as she put a hand on her shoulder. "Just be near him and be yourself. Those memories are still there, somewhere."
Raye nodded as she gathered her skirts in her hands and walked to the staircase. "Let's go, they're waiting on us." She said, not wanting to talk about Jadeite anymore. To be honest, she was growing tired of the reassuring comments that Jadeite would miraculously regain his memories. She knew deep inside that if it was possible, it would be a long hard road and with what little time they had left, she wasn't sure if it would be enough.
"You look perfect Amy." Zoisite said as Amy descended the stairs, coming to a stop just before him.
Amy blushed and went to his arms, meeting his lips in a sweet kiss before taking his arm. "Thank you Zoisite, you always know what to say to me."
Jadeite rolled his eyes as Zoisite took her arm and guided her outside, following the others that were already on their way to the council meeting of the day.
Raye felt her nerves grow more unsteady as she was left alone with Jadeite, unintentionally or not. She could feel his dark eyes on her, looking her over as if he were examining his prey. She felt no kindness in his gaze or even concern, all she could feel was…nothing.
"You'll be late if you just stand there." Jadeite said irritably. "You should go."
"And you?" Raye asked as she bravely lifted her eyes to meet his.
"I'm where I need to be." Jadeite said curtly. "The Shadow Warriors are here for protection, not babysitting."
"So, you're one of them now." Raye said softly as she glanced at a movement in the corner of her eye. She could see Fabian, lingering by the back door, seemingly keeping his attention away from them though she knew he was listening intensely to every word.
"What else would you have me do? Fight for peace?" Jadeite asked with a snort. "Go to your meeting and see what good comes of all that useless jabber. Politics has never solved anything in this galaxy and it never will. The only thing that solves any problems in this universe is this right here." He said as he gestured to the sword on his hip. "But go ahead and make yourself feel better, make yourself feel like you're contributing to make the world a better place."
"What's your problem?" Raye snapped as she felt a flurry of rage within her. "Because you sound like a bitter ass—"
"My problem is you and your kind." Jadeite said with a glare as he took a step toward her.
"My kind?" Raye asked with half a laugh. "And what kind is that, last I checked we were both human."
"The kind of people who think they're better than everyone else because they were born in a palace." Jadeite sneered as he came to a stop just inches from her.
"I'm no better than you or anyone else because I was born a princess." Raye said softly. "I'm still a person with feelings, just like you… but unlike you, I'm doing what I can to make sure our galaxy survives whatever evil threatens it."
"Wrong." Jadeite replied as he pointed the council chamber that was just outside the door. "Those people in there aren't working together to protect this galaxy. They're there to save their own skins or to gain more power. At least with those in the darkness, their intentions are always clear, they want more power and they don't care how they get it, they don't hide under a façade."
"Is that what you're doing here then? Trying to gain more power?" Raye asked as she felt a lump growing in her throat.
"When the moment presents itself, yes, I'll take all the power I can get. That's how I plan to survive. What about you princess? Will your words save you? Or your friends? Or all those people in that chamber who talk a good talk but will run the second things get bad?" He asked coldly as he flicked a strand of hair off her shoulder.
"You're definitely not the Jadeite I remember." She whispered as her eyes filled with tears. "Power wasn't your ambition."
"Then you didn't know me very well." He replied as he regarded her, unperturbed by her display of emotion. "And don't think that I will risk anything for you…" He said as he turned from her.
"Jadeite… you must remember something, anything." She pleaded as she felt his harsh gaze befall her once more.
"I remember many things…" He said as his voice grew darker. "I remember living in the darkness and I remember the perils of the light. The light only brought me pain and suffering. I belong to the dark, I thrive in it."
She shook her head as the tears rolled freely down her cheeks. "No you don't, you aren't evil, you aren't malicious. You care about others, you care about Endymion and Zoisite and Nephrite and Kunzite… you care about Earth and the Sailor Scouts and—"
"And you?" He finished for her as Raye gaped. "I told you once already, the light brought me suffering. You brought me suffering." He whispered as his eyes narrowed, flashing a dangerous green as he spoke. "I told you before, I won't risk anything for you. You were once my weakness but will never be again. Don't be a pathetic fool and think that somehow, I'll fall in love with you and we'll live happily on Mars with your mommy and daddy. That Jadeite is gone, that was never me. I care as much for you as I do for the dirt on my boots."
She trembled before him, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs that she refused to let escape her lips. Tears streamed down her cheeks, soaking the shoulders of her dress as he spoke, his words cutting deeper and deeper into her as she felt the resentment in his voice. Was he being truthful? Did he remember more than Trista and Nikko thought? Was he truly lost?
"Jadeite, I… I love you…" She said as her voice shook, knowing in her heart that it didn't matter to him, not now at least, but she needed to say those words to him. He needed to know, especially in this state of mind, that she loved him still.
"You're a fool princess. It's going to get you killed." He replied with a sneer as he turned away from her again. "You won't live long once this war starts unless you toughen up and stop thinking with your heart and instead, with your head. Those friends of yours will get you killed if your feelings don't get in the way first. Love is for the weak." His voice faded away as he disappeared down the hall, his last words echoing through the now empty chamber.
Raye felt her knees wobble dangerously as Fabian, who had kept his back to her the entire time, finally turned towards her. His dark green eyes softened at the sight of a tormented Raye, trembling with silent sobs. He gave her a painful nod, his eyes regarding her only for a moment, before he left, following Jadeite.
Finally alone Raye gave into the sobs that had built up. She fell to her knees as her shoulders shook, her throat finally releasing the cries that had clumped together, nearly suffocating her. She glanced at her ring that still sat around her finger, sparkling hauntingly in the fading light of the morning. Did it mean nothing now? Would Jadeite step aside when Barrick attacks or the Negaverse? Would he watch and do nothing or worse, would he join the dark side and fight against her? Would he harm her? Would it be he who gives her the final blow?
"Raye?" Lita said as she approached, her heels clicking softly on the floor as she approached her friend.
"Please Lita, just leave me alone." Raye whispered in between sobs.
"I can't do that." Lita said as she went to her knees beside her. "We're always here for one another, in the good times and bad. You saved me last night, the least I can do is go kick Jadeite's ass—"
Raye felt a chuckle escape her lips as she heard a cough behind her. She whipped around to see Nephrite standing by the door, looking more than a little uncomfortable
"Sorry." Nephrite said as their eyes met. "He was… cold."
Raye bit her lip and nodded. "You'd think, after having to break through that coldness back on Earth, it would get easier, but it doesn't."
"That wasn't him talking." Lita said reassuringly. "That's not Jadeite."
"The darkness has always and will always be part of him." Raye said softly. "It was him talking…"
"Well, you're not giving up that easily are you?" Lita asked as she stood and held out her hand to her friend. "Cause that's not the Raye I know."
"I don't know how I am in this lifetime… just last week I was happily married and now… and now this…" Raye trailed off as she felt more tears stinging her already weary eyes.
"You've got the same strength within you." Nephrite said as Lita's eyes even lifted in surprise. "You brought him back once, you'll do it again."
Raye bit her lip as she looked from Lita to Nephrite. Their words were comforting but the pain was still there, deep in her chest. She glanced back at the hallway where Jadeite disappeared, hoping to see him rushing back to her, but she knew things would never be that simple. Instead, she took Lita's hand and got to her feet, hastily drying her tears as she looked forward to the council chamber. She was going to prove Jadeite wrong. Words would accomplish something today, there was power in alliances in the light, and if they united, this time they wouldn't fall to the darkness.
"Lita, we need to go." Raye said as she took a deep sigh. "We've got to convince that council that Barrick has infiltrated our alliance and is tearing us apart. We've got to keep everyone together for the fight ahead."
"You're right about that." Lita said as a grin crossed her features. "Let's go."
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"Silence!" Theodore, the King of Neptune thundered as his gavel pounded the marble table before him.
Queen Lenora had already sank back against her chair, one hand to her forehead as the royals before them squabbled endlessly.
Serena glanced uneasily around the room. Today's session was dragging by unusually slow and was overly tumultuous. Currently, the prince of Titan was in a heated argument with the entire delegation from Enceladus, both satellites of Saturn, over trade tariffs. King Albert, the only person who could settle the dispute as they were beneath his own kingdom of Saturn, was sitting back in his seat, hardly paying attention to the exchange but instead talking to a purple haired woman next to him. Her dark eyes followed Serena's every movement though she pretended not to notice.
King Theodore pounded his gavel again, barely audible over the shouting from both delegations. It was to no avail. Already tensions were too high and within moments the guards of Neptune appeared, forcibly dragging each person back to their seats with the darkest glares they could muster.
Serena looked over at Darien, who was just three tables away, sitting with his generals and the rest of his delegation. He gave her a sly smile, his deep blue eyes twinkling at her that was enough to make her knees weak. She felt her own smile form as they locked eyes for a moment while her heart started to race.
Mina, Luna, Artemis and other members of her delegation were sitting next to her at the Moon's chosen tables, giving her the strength she so desperately needed. She couldn't look at Darien anymore as she peeled her eyes from his stunning smile. She could feel the guilt seeping into her veins.
He didn't know.
She had shared news of her pregnancy only with the rest of the scouts and they all promised their silence. She intended to keep it that way, at least for now. She had mixed feelings about it. For one, she worried that the child she carried wasn't Rini, the time was wrong, it had to be a different child, a child that by all means, shouldn't exist. What would this baby be like? Would they even live long enough for her to deliver? And if they did, what then? Could she even fight as Sailor Moon pregnant? Just how much would her situation change things? She certainly hadn't planned on becoming pregnant in this life but the temptation of being with the man she loved was too great. This was her punishment... or was it?
A flash of light caught her attention, drawing her to the delegation from Charon. Nikko looked every inch a king as he sat, wearing a massive golden crown over his brilliant white hair. Fabian sat next to him, his dark hair combed and swept back from his face. He gave Serena a comforting smile while Nikko purposefully ignored her.
She could feel her blood run cold as she looked him over. That was the worst part of it all. The part she had shared with no one… What if the baby wasn't Darien's? What if, the one night she had spent with Nikko before her memories had returned had resulted in the child that now grew in her belly? She could hardly stomach the thought of carrying Nikko's child when she didn't love him, at least not how she loved Darien.
The gavel pounded the table again, this time, finally quieting the squabbling delegations. It was almost her turn to speak. As desperately as she wanted to use her time to appeal the ridiculous law, forbidding her marriage to Darien, she needed the time instead to draw attention to the search for her mother. King Theodore had promised to search Saturn on her behalf two days ago and now, she wondered if anything had turned up. There had to be some clue that her mother had arrived and either was still alive somewhere… or… or…
"The floor recognizes Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom." Queen Lenora said as the room finally fell back into an electric silence.
Serena could feel hundreds of eyes on her as she stood, holding her head as high as she could muster. She fought the trembling in her fingers as she smoothed out her the white silk skirt of her dress. She couldn't let the council see her nerves or sense her fear. Even if she intended to give up her claim to her kingdom, she was still a royal by birth and right now, was all the Moon had. "King Theodore… I wish to know the results of your search of Saturn for my mother, Queen Serenity, who went missing there several weeks ago."
The council chamber, now packed with so many delegations from smaller kingdoms, fell into a stunned silence as everyone's attention left Serena for the king of Neptune and the king of Saturn, both of whom suddenly looked very uncomfortable.
"Captain." King Theodore said, his attention going to a guard by the chamber door. "What did your team uncover?"
The guard looked uneasily at his king as he walked onto the floor. "My king… my men found the ship from the Moon… submerged in the water. Either the ship crashed… or there was an attempt to hide it from detection."
"We never received the queen of the Moon." King Albert said as he jumped to his feet. "Obviously the ship crashed—"
"My mother sent word she arrived, meaning that you are being dishonest King Albert." Serena replied, her eyes narrowing at the man before her. "It's strange that you say that she never arrived but now you say that her ship crashed."
"It's the logical answer." King Albert replied with a sneer. "I never received word that she had arrived, if she had made it to the surface, which it appears she did, her ship sinking into the sea would certainly keep her from detection."
"Are your borders not closed? You would know every ship that entered your atmosphere Albert, certainly a ship the size of ours." Serena insisted. "Though claiming it crashed into the sea would be an easy excuse and the best way to hide any evidence of your treachery."
"Captain, was the ship investigated?" Queen Lenora asked as she joined her husband's side, cutting through the tension building between Albert and Serena.
"No, my queen, we could not reach it, it was much too deep." He replied with a respectful bow. "That was all we could uncover."
"Well, quite the dilemma we have here." King Theodore said as he looked at Serena. "We are limited in what we can do princess. I have no choice but to declare Queen Serenity dead—"
"If she is dead then it is at the hands of that murder!" Serena cried as she felt her eyes filling with tears of rage. She pointed directly at a fuming King Albert, whose hands had balled into two tight fists.
"Princess there is no way to know with the ship being so deep within the water." Queen Lenora replied as she glanced at her husband. "We may never know—"
"Careful princess, accusing me of murder is threatening the entire planet of Saturn." King Albert warned as his eyes narrowed at Serena. "You sure you want to make that accusation? Are you sure you wish to pursue a war with my planet?"
"Only if it is true, what with your denials of any type of assistance, makes me think it is." Serena said as she glared at him, her deep blue eyes flashing dangerously.
"Then I think the only way to settle this is with a challenge then." Albert said as he threw off his coat. "By combat."
"You've lost your mind!" Darien shouted as he jumped to his feet, his hand going for the hilt of his sword. "You can't challenge a princess!"
"Watch it Albert." Nikko added as he too got to his feet, his eyes piercing and sharp. "You'll have more than the moon to contend with. No man will stand for another challenging a girl to a fight, especially not a princess."
"Ah yes, your lovers have come to your defense princess." King Albert said with a sneer. "What a feat, snagging two kings, do they both know they're only being used—"
"Enough!" King Theodore shouted as he pounded his gavel again, silencing those before him. "Albert, challenging a princess, the only heir to the moon kingdom, over a murder accusation is unnecessary. We need to investigate this incident further, that will take time and require you to reopen your borders-"
Albert's grin only grew as he lifted his hands defensively. "With all due respect King Theodore, I am saving your resources and time in what will undoubtedly be a long and grueling process. A process that will only fuel resentment between the Moon and Saturn. I am simply trying to avoid a war between our two kingdoms. Why spill the blood of soldiers when it is two sovereigns that have the dispute? Of course if she is too scared—"
"I accept your challenge." Serena replied as she lifted her head a little higher. "I am perfectly capable of defending myself and my mother's honor."
There was a series of gasps around the room as she spoke, sending even more people to their feet. A flurry of shouts and protests followed her announcement, sending the council chamber into another round of chaos.
Beside her Mina jumped to her feet, her blue eyes wide. "You can't!" She said urgently to her, as her worried eyes flickered from Serena's eyes to her still slim belly. "What if—"
"Serena don't!" Darien pleaded as he jumped across the table, running towards her. "Don't do it, let me fight on your behalf! I'll kill him with my bare hands."
"No." Serena said firmly as she glanced at a very worried looking Lita, Raye and Amy. "I have to do this."
"Princess, you should rethink your decision." Nikko said as he approached, Fabian on his heels. "Albert is powerful. He's full of dark magic and he's no honorable man."
"He's right." Fabian agreed as he glanced at a very smug Albert. "He'd play dirty… and if he beats you, he could kill you in front of everyone and there wouldn't be anything anyone could do about it."
Mina shuffled away from Fabian's eyesight, hoping that his attention would remain on Serena.
"I've made my decision. Albert has his powers, and I have mine." She said as she closed her fist around her brooch. "I have the power of the moon within me."
"Silence!" King Theodore said as his gavel pounded the table once more, quieting those before him. "It has been decided. The challenge will take place this afternoon. All other topics of discussion will be addressed at tomorrow's meeting."
"But Jupiter desperately needs the floor!" Lita protested as she rose from her seat. "An urgent matter has arisen—"
"Jupiter will have its time tomorrow." Queen Lenora said sharply. "You'll have to wait Princess Lita."
Lita opened her mouth to argue more but King Theodore pounded his gavel again. "We are dismissed until this afternoon. Princess Serenity… King Albert. Ready yourselves."
Serena felt panic settle in as the room erupted again. She could see the confusion and horror plastered over the faces of everyone she passed. She could feel their looks of pity and doubt, but she wasn't worried about facing Albert, at least not now. She quickly crossed the room, heading right for Raye, Amy and Lita with Mina following close behind. She gathered them close to her, her eyes meeting each of theirs as her voice dropped to a whisper. "I need a favor."
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"You've lost your mind." Darien said sharply as he shut the door to his suite violently. The windows on the opposite wall shook as he turned to a pale Serena, his eyes flashing dangerously. "Do you know what you've done?!"
"I understand the risks of my decision." Serena said softly as she settled onto a chair, keeping her eyes from locking with Darien's. "I just wish you had more faith in me."
"Of course I have faith in you and your strength, but this isn't about that." He replied as he threw his hands up, frustrated. "This is about you putting yourself in danger when you don't need to. Albert is not our enemy here, Barrick is, the Negaverse is. What will this challenge accomplish?"
"If Albert killed my mother, then he is my enemy." Serena said sharply. "Or have you forgotten that the only way we get back to Earth is with my mother's power?" She asked as she finally looked at him, her eyes full of tears. "I will not stand by and let the man who potentially killed my mother, get away with it. I will not stand by and let this atrocity happen to the Moon!"
Darien went silent as he watched her, his eyes taking her in for a moment as she trembled before him. "Serena, what if I lose you?" He whispered as he went to his knees before her, taking her hands in his and brushing his lips along her fingers. "You're all that matters to me."
"You can't always protect me." She replied as she put a hand on his cheek. She could feel his hands shaking as they held hers. She could feel his fear, his worry and his rage. She knew he wanted to go out there for her, he would if she asked… but she couldn't let him. This was her fight. "Sometimes, I have to do things on my own."
"And giving up your throne after?" Darien asked as he looked up at her. "The council declared Serenity deceased… that means we can finally marry."
She felt a smile tug at the corner of her mouth as she pulled Darien up to sit next to her. "That may be the only blessing in all this… but if it's true then we're stuck." She whispered as she put a hand over her belly, her thoughts running endlessly. Should she tell him? Would he still let her fight or would he stop it all?
He quickly noted her movement. "Do you feel sick? Perhaps I can get you something."
"it's not that." She said with a nervous smile. "Just nerves."
A knock sounded at the door as a guard's voice floated over from the other side. "Fifteen minutes majesties."
Serena felt as if someone hit her with a bucket of cold water. She could feel her hands begin to shake as she took several deep breaths, attempting to calm her nerves. She rose, leaving Darien's side as she went to the mirror and looked herself over. She had changed into a short white dress that stopped just past her knees, giving her more freedom in movement. Her hair was back up in two buns. She had brought the crescent staff with her, giving her the powers of sailor moon without her needing to transform. She hoped it would be enough.
"Hey…" Darien's soothing voice floated over to her as his hands, strong and gentle, gripped her shoulders. "You can do this. You're sailor moon."
"Right now, all I am is Princess Serenity." She said softly as she looked at the staff next to her. "It will have to be enough."
"It will be." He assured her as he took her into his arms.
Serena sighed as she relaxed against his chest, taking in his scent. She relished the feeling of his strong arms wrapped around her body, holding her against him. She shut her eyes blissfully as she heard his heartbeat, so strong and firm, soothing her like as gently as a lullaby. She could be happy and content for the rest of her life, just being in his arms like she was now.
"I love you." She whispered to him as she felt a lump growing in her throat. She put one hand on his shoulder as she lifted her head, pressing her lips against his.
He came alive against her, his arms pulling tighter around her as he lifted her up, his lips meeting hers and returning her kiss just as passionately.
"I love you." He said to her as he set her back on the ground. "You can do this."
She slowly opened her eyes as a single tear rolled down her cheek. She met his gaze as she felt her heart racing. "I have to tell you something—"
"Your majesty, it's time." The guard said from the door.
"Darien—" She put her hand on his cheek as she saw his deep blue eyes settle on hers.
"Yes?" He said as he put his hand over hers, wiping away her tear.
Serena could see the concern in his eyes, the worry etched in every corner. His grasp was warm but protective, she could feel his hesitation and fear. She couldn't bring herself to tell him, not now, not like this. "Promise me, that whatever happens, you'll still love me."
"Of course." He replied as half a grin stretched across his features. "Nothing is going to happen but your victory."
The guard opened the door as a fanfare sounded outside, announcing the beginning of the challenge.
Serena reluctantly left his arms, grabbed her staff and walked towards the door as she felt a nasty knot form in the pit of her stomach. She passed row after row of royals and their delegations, all removed from the council chamber to the barren field outside. No one spoke as their eyes followed her every movement, watching her as if they were watching a victim about to walk to their death.
She ascended a tall platform, constructed just for the challenge. It was long and wide, giving them ample space to move around but keeping them within view of everyone around them. Serena could see her friends, all lined up one side, their eyes wide and filled with worry. She could see Luna and Artemis, clutching each other's hands and Darien, standing solemnly beside them, flanked by his generals. To his right stood Jadeite, Fabian and a blank-faced Nikko, all waiting as she climbed to the top.
Queen Lenora and King Theodore stood in the middle of the platform, waiting for her to approach.
"Princess Serenity, King Albert has deferred, having a change of heart to face a princess as a man twice her size and possessing twice the strength. He has opted for another to take his place in the challenge, a girl almost your age." Queen Lenora said as she gestured behind her.
Behind her Serena could see a cloaked figure, holding a long black staff with a long, silver blade at the tip. Her eyes widened as the figure turned to face her, the cloak shielding her face as the crowd around them began to cheer. Serena's eyes widened as she saw King Albert emerge behind the figure, his hands going to her shoulders. Albert's grin grew as he saw the realization suddenly hit Serena's face.
The cloak slowly fell, revealing jet black hair and sharp, purple eyes.
Hotaru.