Part II: Chapter 24
Aftermath
"Where is Serena?" Amy asked as she slowly stood, brushing the mud off the skirt of her uniform. Raye was beside her, laying on the ground, her chest heaving noticeably with each breath. Though she too was covered in mud, she was uninjured like Amy.
They were surrounded by the Moon guard, nearly all of whom were injured and needing medical care. As she spoke, a team of physicians ran into the transportation room, spreading out to attend to the guards around them.
It was a chaotic scene.
"Barrick took her." Raye finally replied as she shakily got to her feet "I saw Mina leave with Fabian and Nikko."
"Lita?" Amy asked as she glanced at the scene around them.
"I saw that too." She remarked. "Nephrite found Endymion nearly dead. He and the other generals took him to Earth. They promised to come to the Moon as soon as they could. We need to regroup."
"I don't see that happening anytime soon." Amy commented as her sailor scout uniform melted away, leaving her in the dress she had put on that morning. She wandered over to a nearby physician's cart, pulled on an apron and gloves and turned to face her friends. "I need to help them, there's not enough doctors here. Lita, you get to the throne room and send a message to Mina on Charon. She needs to get over here. Raye, you contact your family, they're closest to Jupiter, see if they know anything about Serena."
Both girls nodded as they too, returned to their normal clothes. They jogged off in opposite directions, each headed for a different destination while Amy turned to the sea of madness before her. Her forehead wrinkled with concentration as she went to the nearest guard, happy that at least for now, her mind would be occupied, and she wouldn't have to think about the fact she hadn't seen Zoisite leave with Endymion.
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"How is he?" Kunzite asked as he took over his post at his king's door. It was just after dawn, a fresh day was beginning, the first after the attack on Neptune. Kunzite's head was bandaged, fresh stitches beneath it from the attack. Thankfully, that was the worst of his injuries. He couldn't say the same for Endymion.
The guard stretched with a loud yawn as he looked back at the door. "Hanging on. That female doctor is actually halfway decent. She hasn't left his side." He nodded in acknowledgement to Kunzite then departed, heading down the long hall to the guard's quarters and most likely his bed.
Kunzite's lips pursed into a thin line as he peered into the room. He could see a heavily bandaged Endymion, laying amongst a sea of pillows. The red-haired doctor was at his side, currently changing a bandage. Her eyes were locked on him, bent in concentration at her task though Kunzite knew better.
As he watched her, he could feel the familiar sense of darkness stirring within her. Her obsession was no doubt taking strong root, festering beneath the surface as she cared for the man that drove her to madness in another life. Kunzite didn't hold hope that the scenario wouldn't unfold again. No matter the circumstances around them, he'd come to love Mina across three lifetimes. Things would be no different Beryl. She would fall for Endymion… and lose him to the moon princess. His loss would drive her to join the darkness, giving in to the desires she couldn't ignore. It made him nauseas just to watch her with him, seeing the beginnings of her obsession and being powerless to stop it.
He shuddered at the thought of joining her side again. He hoped that this time he'd remain steadfast alongside his king. Their bond was stronger now. He wouldn't be a mindless puppet again, not if he had anything to say about it.
"Weird isn't it?" Nephrite said as he joined Kunzite's side. He was limping as he walked. His right leg was covered in bandages, not that it could be seen beneath his pants. A new day meant that weariness had settled in his limbs and his leg was throbbing with soreness as it began to slowly heal. "We could just go in there and end this all now—"
"That wouldn't be wise." A voice said from behind them.
Both men jumped as Pluto stepped between them, seemingly appearing from nowhere. She was dressed in her dark sailor scout uniform, the familiar Garnet Rod pressed against her hands.
"Can you please not do that?" Kunzite asked as he righted himself, trying to still his racing heart. "Your friends may be used to it, but we're not."
"Sorry." Pluto apologized dryly though her blank expression suggested she wasn't sorry in the least. "But your thoughts were troubling and as much as you want to interfere—"
"I know, we can't." Kunzite finished for her. "Though it feels wrong to do nothing."
"You aren't supposed to have the knowledge you possess." Pluto said in response as she moved from view of the room and stood beside the doorframe. "But remember, things rarely happen the same way twice."
"What are you saying?" Nephrite asked as his brow perked. He looked back and forth from Beryl's bent head to Pluto. "She's not going to go all crazy?"
"I never said that." Pluto remarked as her dark eyes settled onto his. "Just don't let what you think you know control your actions. You could make things a lot worse and disrupt your intended path."
"What do you know Pluto?" Kunzite asked as he crossed his arms. "You've seen the end of all this. You know what's going to happen, and the countless versions that could unfold. You're back on top. Your eye is restored. Tell me, is this the end of it? How much time do I have with Mina, and Nephrite with Lita?"
Nephrite's expression hardened as Kunzite spoke but he wanted to say the same thing. It was remarkable that with Pluto's gifts, the sailor scouts were not invincible.
"No one knows their future and for good reason." Pluto said as she adjusted her grip on her staff. "All you can do is live each day to the fullest. Enjoy your time with Lita…" she glanced at Nephrite. "And Mina, as if it's all the time you have."
"That's not making me feel better." Nephrite said softly as he glanced at Endymion, still pale but breathing.
"I'm not here to comfort you." Pluto said with a shrug. "You should go to Lita, she needs you… and you." She looked at Kunzite. "Mina will need you at her side and soon."
"What happened? Is she okay?" Kunzite asked as his voice grew louder and he took a step towards her.
"She's on Charon." Pluto said as she tapped her staff once, opening a spinning portal behind her. "And she's in danger."
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Serena carefully pressed down the top of her pale pink skirt, her fingers shaking as they moved. Barrick had sent her through a portal to Charon and here she was, waiting in Nikko's study, dressed in one of Lita's dresses, about to deceive the man she had once loved.
Guilt wrenched her insides as she shakily drew each breath, the feeling intensifying with each passing moment. Barrick had promised her he'd withdraw from his fight if she got him the information he needed. Information that only Nikko possessed.
She had agreed, reluctantly. It seemed that no matter where she was, Earth in the modern century or back in the Silver Millennium, her choices were difficult. Who else had to grapple with such challenges in their life? Things seemed so tauntingly simple when she was just a teenager, her biggest problem being her grades and getting to class on time. Now she held the fate of the galaxy in her hands, all depending on her lying to a friend and uncovering information about his less than admirable deeds. Just how far would she have to go to get what she needed?
Her eyes shut as she felt the familiar sting of tears. She could see now why good people turned to the darkness. This lie would be the first of many she would need to use to save her people. Her good intentions could certainly backfire against her and to save face, she would have to keep lying and deceiving…
"King Nikko of Charon." The guard announced as he opened the door to the study.
Serena slowly turned as Nikko entered, looking every inch the king he now was. He wore shiny black boots, a red shirt and a long blue cloak that kissed the top of the floor as he walked. His white blond hair was combed and held back from his face with a black tie beneath a bold golden crown. His sword was at his side, the hilt a vibrant silver encrusted with rubies and sapphires. He stopped just inches before her, giving her a short bow while taking her hand in his and lifting it to his lips.
"Princess Serena." He said as he released her hand. "I'm glad to see you emerged from Neptune unscathed though I thought Barrick took you? It seems odd he would just let you go."
"Barrick and I have…come to an understanding." She said as her voice shook. She cleared her throat as she held her head a little higher.
"Understanding? Evil isn't… understanding." Nikko said as a brow lifted.
"He's not at war with the sailor scouts. If you noticed not one of us was harmed. He has an issue with the royalty in the galaxy and when the time comes, he will stand against the Negaverse with the Moon."
"It's sweet that you believe that." He said with a cruel smile as he walked past her and took a seat at his desk, gesturing towards the chairs before him. "Barrick's men cut through half of the royal families in this galaxy but don't worry… he's still a good guy. I'm sure he'll make a very reliable ally."
"I'm not under any delusions that Barrick is good." Serena said as she sank into one of the chairs before him. "However, he's saved my life three times now when he didn't need to. I think some part of him is still attached and I will take full advantage of it. The Moon can't fight Barrick AND the Negaverse."
"So you're using him." Nikko said as he crossed his arms and leaned back against his chair. "Because he used to love you… or maybe he still does." His lavender eyes regarded her. "Seems fair, be sure to let me know how that works out."
"That's not why I'm here." Serena said abruptly, her dark blue eyes lifting to meet his.
"Oh?" He moved to the edge of his seat, his hands folding on the top of his desk. "Princess, I already let you know this isn't my fight. The Negaverse is coming, I'll join their ranks as I did before and all I can promise you is that I won't attack the Moon—"
"Nikko, I'm not here on official business." She said softly as she broke eye contact with him. She took several shaking breaths as she felt her heart racing so hard that her ears could even hear it.
"What other business could you have?" Nikko asked as he sat back in his chair again. "You're engaged to Endymion, and from what I heard from your friends… you've already got a head start on that heir you two need—"
"It's not his." She blurted out before she could stop herself.
Nikko went quiet as he pulled his hands back from the top of his desk. "What do you mean it's not his?" His voice had dropped to a low whisper.
"I mean …." She took another shaky breath as she dared to meet his gaze again. This time she could see the shock in his eyes. Her own were full to the brim with tears, threatening to fall down her already pale cheeks. "I mean this baby isn't Darien's… it's yours." She whispered.
"Mine?" Nikko repeated, more so to himself as he tore his eyes from her and stood. His chair crashed to the floor as he went to the back window of his study, his eyes focused on the dark horizon.
Serena watched as his shoulders shook with each ragged breath he drew. Several moments passed before he spoke again.
"We only… I mean it was only once…" Nikko said as he shook his head. "But then again, that's all it takes isn't it?" He turned back to her. Several more moments passed as they stared at each other, Serena's tears still flowing freely while Nikko's lavender eyes had turned a deep gray. "Why are you telling me this? You could've let Endymion think it was his and no one would ever know—"
"I couldn't do that." Serena said as she dropped her gaze to her shaking hands. "I can't be dishonest like that. You deserve to know, as does he." She stood and smoothed out the skirt of her dress again, pressing wrinkles that weren't there. "I wish you well Nikko…" She lifted one hand to her stomach, still flat for now as her eyes finally met his. She felt the tears spill down her cheeks as their eyes locked. "You may belong to the darkness but I don't…" She took another shaky breath. "And neither will our child."
"Wait." He took a step towards her, his hand catching her elbow as she turned to leave. "You can't just go after saying something like that."
"I have to." Serena said as she glanced back at him. "Charon will be one with the Negaverse soon, I can't be here when that happens."
"So what? You're going to go back to the Moon, marry Endymion and pretend to be one happy family? You think he's going to want to raise some other man's kid?!" Nikko shouted.
"Nikko… we don't even know if we will all live long enough to see that." Serena whispered as she felt more tears spill down her cheeks. "I belong with my people…I want to be with my family and my friends when the end comes."
"No…" He pulled her towards him as he put one hand on her cheek, his thumb gently brushing away her tears as he other hand went to her waist. "You belong with me."
"I can't turn my back on my friends and my people. I won't join the darkness." She said to him as she felt the warmth of his chest against hers. She shut her eyes, guilt grabbing her again as she waited for the words she needed to hear.
"Charon will stand with the moon." He said in her ear as brushed back her hair. "I will stand with you."
She nodded and pressed her cheek against his chest as she felt his arms wrap around her, pulling her closer to him. "Thank you Nikko."
"I just ask one thing." He said as he pulled from her just far enough to look into her eyes.
She dared to meet his gaze as she felt an uncomfortable lurch in her stomach. "Yes?"
"Don't marry him." He said as his expression hardened. "I know the council still forbid it. You can't marry another sovereign, at least not one that can't give up his throne." He took a long, deep breath as he bent towards her. "I will abdicate. Fabian can be king…" He took a shaky breath as he put one hand back on her cheek. "Despite everything Serena, I still love you, even if you chose him. This baby is the universe's way of showing you that you chose wrong. I know you still have feelings for me. We can do this together. Serena… marry me."
She felt her breath catch in her chest as he spoke, not at all expecting him to propose to her. Was this what Barrick intended? Did he want more than just information? Did he want to keep her from Darien as well? The more she thought about it, the less likely it seemed he only had one motive. "I….I… I don't know Nikko…" She stammered.
"I'll only do this if you marry me." He said as he took her hands in his. "We belong together. I've always known it and somewhere, deep down, you do too."
She shut her eyes as a fresh wave of tears fell down her cheeks. She had deliberately left her engagement ring with her mother on Jupiter but now, she wished that it was still around her finger. The ring could have been a visual reminder that she was still attached to Darien but now it seemed as if she was sending a message that she wasn't. "I still love him…" She whispered.
"Serena…." He put one hand under her chin and lifted her eyes back to meet his. "I love you. I will protect you and defend you until I perish…" He met her lips with his.
Serena was surprised at the warmth in his touch and the gentleness of his kiss. She could feel all the memories rushing back to her: running down the halls with him, their last kiss in the temple of Kuya during the attack, the final kiss he gave her before he was banished, his return on Earth and the gentleness he showed her then, protecting her against Raven, giving his life for her…. He loved her and she didn't doubt it, she never did. The only difference was that she loved someone else more. Someone that she had given her own life for and would do so again in a heartbeat. Was it truly worth it to give that love up for the sake of others? Was that to be the sacrifice she needed to make so that this time they could triumph?
"You still feel it." He commented as their lips broke at last. "And I still feel it in your kiss."
"I never said I didn't love you." Serena whispered as she felt another pang in her chest. She wasn't being dishonest in that moment. Some part of her would always love Nikko. He was her first love but not her destiny. "I need to see Darien… I need to speak with him. He needs to know." She said finally, hoping that the opportunity to see her fiancé again would give them the time they needed.
"You will tell him then?" He asked as he regarded her. "That you're having my child? That you're leaving him?"
"I…. I don't know…." Serena stammered again as she pulled from him and glanced out the window. A storm was brewing nearby. The dark knight lit up with lightning, sending several brilliant flashes of light followed by low rumbles of thunder.
"Serena…" Nikko spoke as he went to her, wrapping his arms around her from behind.
She inhaled sharply as she felt his hands go to her stomach.
"This is real..." He whispered in her ear as he pressed his lips against her temple. "We are going to be parents. We belong together. Serena, I'll give it all up for you, my kingdom, the power that I could have at the hand of the Negaverse… all for you and this baby."
She shut her eyes painfully as she felt his hands move to her hips and spin her around towards him. She rested her head against his chest as she drew a shaky breath. Barrick was no fool, he knew that one of Nikko's weaknesses was, and perhaps always would be… her. His arms wrapped around her torso, bringing her to his broad chest. She could hear his heart beating steadily against his chest, lulling her closer to giving up the life she wanted for herself.
She exhaled deeply and lifted her head, meeting his hopeful gaze. "Yes." She whispered.
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"It's done?" Barrick asked as he heard a door shut behind him. He stood before the window in the throne room in Jupiter's palace. Finally, the great storm was passing, the winds starting to calm and the sand clearing to show the mountainous landscape outside.
"She agreed to marry him, just as you predicted." A woman's voice replied as she came to a stop behind him.
Barrick's grin stretched as he turned on his heel. Two women were before him, both kneeled respectfully to him before rising. One was fair-haired while the other possessed brilliant pink locks. The only attribute they both shared was their dark eyes, cold and empty.
"Rhea…" Barrick said as he inclined his head towards her. "I really must thank you, this was all your doing. You let me know your previous master's weaknesses, and I must say the delivery was more than I expected."
"Thank you." Rhea replied as she stood, the girl beside her joining her.
"And you Idra… bringing your sister on board has been the greatest thing you've done for me." He said as he walked towards them. "Though, it would've been greater still had you kept Endymion's fancy and kept him from Serena. Thankfully, your sister has solved that problem."
"Why is it so important he and Serena be apart?" Idra dared to ask as she crossed her arms.
"They're stronger together." Barrick said simply with a shrug. "And had he not died during the Silver Millennium, it's likely they would've defeated the Negaverse and we wouldn't be here. There's a reason every enemy that comes along tries to rip them apart." He said as he stopped before them. "They're more than just a prince and princess. They carry with them the power of their planets, they represent hope and strength. Their union would've been… catastrophic for our plans." He said.
"Then why not let Raven take out Serena like she wanted?" Idra asked as she glanced at her sister.
"Raven lacks that tact needed to do so. Endymion would've gone mad with rage and then there's Serenity who has the capability of reincarnating her daughter. It would've been nothing more than a waste of a perfectly good opportunity had we let her succeed. We'd be right back where we started." He said as he turned back to the window.
"The storm has almost passed." Rhea commented.
"It's nearly time." Barrick said as he took a deep breath. "The Negaverse stirs. Queen Metaria is already making her move… as is Queen Raven and King Albert."
"What do we do?" Idra asked as she glanced out the window. "Are we still fighting alongside the scouts?"
"They'll come to us." Barrick said as his grin grew. "Saturn's soldiers are infiltrating Mars as we speak. They'll seek our aid, especially if Serena holds up her end of the bargain, which it appears like she is."
"Sir?" Idra interrupted as she cast another uneasy glance at her sister. Rhea's eyebrows lifted as she shook her head but was ignored. "I need to know something…"
"Go ahead." Barrick said as he faced her, one brow perked. "We are a team after all."
"What is your need for the Moon princess? If she is stronger with Endymion then why not let her die? She could've died on the Moon before the council meeting if you'd allowed it to happen. Serenity was captured and held on Saturn, she couldn't have intervened and reincarnated her daughter. All of this would be over."
"I like how your mind works Idra… but you forget, we need her still. I need Nikko to talk." His grin turned dark as his eyes flashed a brilliant, electric blue. "It wasn't Raven's solider that tried to kill Serena that night. He was a decoy. I needed to slip something to her, something that could only be injected into the neck… so why not pretend to strangle her? Bruises covered the puncture point, we reinforced the idea that Raven has lost her mind, I was the hero, and now… the princess thinks she's pregnant."
"She's not?" Rhea asked, her eyes wide.
Idra's jaw dropped as she met her sister's gaze.
Barrick's smile grew more sinister as he withdrew a vial from the desk before him. "Of course not…I brought this with me… I figured it might come in handy and turns out I was right. This drug mimics pregnancy symptoms and luckily, we don't have to worry about time showing she's not pregnant, since the attacks have already begun."
"How did you get that here?" Idra asked as her eyes scanned the vial. "That's from modern day Earth."
"You forget Idra, I've been planning this for a long time. I spent three years with the princess, studying her, figuring her out. I know all her weaknesses, I know her strengths, I even know those of her friends. During that time I discovered the cave that Endymion used to withdraw the orb to keep our memories intact. That wasn't the only useful item in there." He said as he turned back to the window. The storm outside was dying down, finally allowing the sun to shine through, cascading over the sandy surface of the planet.
Barrick's eyes illuminated as the sun's rays caught them. He sighed as the sun touched his skin, warming it instantly. It lasted only a moment before darkness fell over the mountains around them and a brilliant red light shone down before the window. "Get ready… she's here."