Chapter 5 – Meetings
I hated having Diamond hold my hand, but I had to play along for now. There were some things I had to find out before leaving this place. Instead of walking, we disappeared. It felt like walking into the cold. I knew we were reappearing because it was getting warmer, but my eyes felt blind the whole time. One minute we were in the courtyard, then next we were in the throne room. My stomach rolled, feeling disoriented for a moment. That was going to take some getting used to. To be able to shift from one place to another required dark energy.
Diamond was still holding my hand, not noticing my feeling sick, "This is where the ceremony will take place." I looked around; suddenly feeling worse. Stepping closer, Diamond unfastened the clasp of the cloak, taking it off my shoulders. Garnett was there; I didn't notice her and she took my cloak. She glanced at me, offering a small smile, before looking back at Diamond. He spoke to her, but I tuned out. My shoes echoed as I walked through the room, taking in everything. In its own dark way, the room was beautiful, with its crystalline pillars, but it was a maze. The pillars gave no direction, leading out of here.
"Ow," I cried, hitting my foot on the raised platform step. I didn't even see it. Diamond was at my side the same moment I was leaning over, "Are you alright?" I looked down, extending my foot from underneath my gown, checking for myself. Diamond bent down to hold my ankle. He slipped my shoe off, examining for any injury. I took my ankle out of his hand and he looked up at me. My shoe was placed on the floor and he stepped away. "Thank you," I said, putting my shoe back on. He was only seeing if I was hurt; that was kind. There was some hope for him yet.
The air suddenly chilled when others came into the room. Emerald, clearly mad, was with a man in a blue jacket. He looked like Diamond, only with darker hair and blue eyes. He looked at me in anger as well, but not as much hatred as Emerald. She didn't look any happier, then again, I've never seen Emerald happy.
Diamond took my hand and guided me to stand by his throne. He sat down and looked at his followers, "Where is the Wiseman?" The room grew colder and it was a bit harder to breathe as a cloaked man with his hands waving around a crystal ball appeared. He hovered over the floor and the hood covering his face. I tried not to shiver from the cold, but my teeth chattered quietly. Diamond looked at me in concern. He took my hand and I shook my head. I blinked a few times, remembering something like this. I stood with another man as he sat on a throne. Where did that come from?
"Your Highness," the eerie voice was something from a nightmare, "I see you were successful in capturing Sailor Moon." Cold ran through my veins as he said my name, but I didn't let my anger show. My expression was indifferent as the phantom spoke. I needed to speak to the Wiseman, to know why he told Diamond those lies about Darien. "In having Sailor Moon, you must use the Silver Crystal and merge it with the Dark Crystal. Then you will have everything we planned for." I didn't move an inch; they were not getting their evil hands on my Silver Crystal. It was going to my daughter.
Diamond still held my hand as he spoke, "Yes, after Serena is crowned my princess, I will use the Silver Crystal to make our family rulers of the universe. These Earthlings will pay for the mistreatment of our family." I tried to not even sigh or even roll my eyes. Diamond and his family were lied to by this not-so-Wiseman. His parents originally wanted peace, but the Wiseman filled Diamond's head with deceit. Would Diamond listen to me if I told him that Neo Queen Serenity would agree to peace? Diamond seemed to be the headstrong type. When he wanted something, he would do anything to get it. That's why I was here.
Wiseman's form turned to the side, addressing the man standing with Emerald, "Have you found any weaknesses in the Crystal Palace's defenses?" "No," he spoke. I assumed his name was 'Sapphire' since he was dressed in blue, "but the Sailor Soldiers are getting weaker. They have been expanding their energy for a long time, so they cannot last much longer." This was informative. These people couldn't possibly believe the Sailor Scouts would give up like that? I exhaled deeply and looked away. None of them knew the Sailor Scouts. They are the strongest warriors in the universe.
Wiseman continued to wave his hands over the crystal ball, "What of their counterparts from the past?" Sapphire looked at me, "Without Sailor Moon, they aren't much of a threat." I laughed at that and turned my head; that wasn't true either. Far from it. "Excuse me, Princess?" I looked back at Sapphire. "Might I ask your thoughts on this matter?" His tone was condescending. My teeth were on edge, "I'm thinking that you're completely foolish in believing that just because I'm not with them, the Sailor Scouts are that much weaker."
Diamond turned his head toward me, but I didn't look at him. Sapphire bent his arm behind his back in a military stance, "Well, they do not have the Silver Crystal." I smiled a harsh smile, "They are not the ones powered by the Silver Crystal. It is their aid." Sapphire blinked once, "Then enlighten us, what is the source of their power?" His tone was getting angrier, as was mine, "I will not betray the Sailor Scouts any more than I already have." Sapphire exhaled slowly, "You will have to tell us in time, if you are going to be our princess."
My lips pursed tightly, "No, I won't. Princess or no, I am not going betray a Lunarian Royal Family secret. A secret that has been passed down to every royal." Sapphire's eyes became harsh, "Yes and you are the last one." My chin tilted upward, "You forget, I have a daughter, the next in line." Sapphire sighed slowly, "Small Lady and her siblings are of the Earth." My eyebrows pulled together, "What siblings?" My heart jumped at the idea. Rini wasn't an only child? Sapphire smirked, "So the King did not tell you of your other children? He even lies to the Queen's younger self."
My teeth snapped shut, "The King said we already knew too much of our own future, so of course, he wouldn't tell us this." He blinked, "You champion him so, when he withheld your eldest daughter and son from you." A projection emerged from the ground, showing a teenage girl and boy. She had dark blonde hair with silver eyes and he had jet black hair with deep blue eyes. The girl and boy were beautiful, smiling as they held Rini in their arms. She looked just like me, while he looked exactly like his father with my eyes.
My mouth fell open, seeing them. They were my children. "Princess Serena and Prince Endymion. They escaped the attack, sent away by their father. Intelligence tells us that Small Lady could not be found. That is why the queen left her palace, looking for her daughter and that is how she was placed into her sleep. The power of the Silver Crystal protected her." Serena and Endymion; they were mine and Darien's children, but where were they? My heart grew in that moment, seeing the faces of all of my children; the children I will have. Sapphire continued, "However, back to my original point, please, enlighten us? What is the source of the Sailor Soldiers' power?" My hand moved from my mouth, "Drop dead."
Sapphire blinked, "Excuse me?" Tears brimmed my eyes, "You heard me. I will never tell you anything. The Sailor Soldiers' secrets are theirs alone. Any why would I tell you anything? It would further endanger my children. You can go straight to hell and live there before I tell you anything." Anger blazed in his deep blue eyes. Sapphire was ready to retaliate, when Diamond stood from his throne, "Sapphire, do not say something you are going to regret." The tension between us was growing stronger before Diamond intervened. Sapphire looked at Diamond, "Of course."
Diamond sat back down, "We have time to learn their secrets." I folded my arms as they continued to talk about their plans and I listened to every detail. "Remember what the King wanted to do to your family. Our time has come," Wiseman added. "Liar," I said under my voice. Sapphire turned to look at me. His eyes scanned me from head to toe, but I ignored him. The Wiseman was beginning to fade away. I realize it was pointless to speak with him.
Diamond exhaled, "Sapphire, have you completed what I asked you?" He nodded, "Yes and it's waiting for you as you asked." Diamond stood up, "Very well. Leave us." Sapphire walked away, but Emerald remained. Her brown eyes followed Diamond as he came to stand beside me. Diamond noticed I was clearly upset. Emerald took one step closer, "Your Highness, what about Small Lady?"
My eyes shot to her face. If she or any of them touch Rini, they were going to answer to me. Diamond looked at her, "She's no longer necessary. We have something stronger," his fingers grazed down my arm, to take my hand, "Now go." She stepped onto the platform, "But, Prince, she is still necessary" "Did you hear what the man said? Leave her alone." Emerald's eyes hardened, "All due respect, Princess, but this is no concern of yours."
I took my hand from Diamond's, "You are talking about my daughter, so it has everything to do with me. Now I'm telling you, leave Rini out of this or I will make you regret it for the rest of your life." Emerald blinked, "Like I'm afraid of you."
Energy surged through my arm, building up in the palm of my hand. I've never felt this much anger and it was directed at Emerald. She and this Sapphire pushed me to my limits. My hand raised, pointed toward Emerald, sending a burst of energy at her. Her body flew across the room, landing on the hard floor. My eyes widened when I realized what I've just done. Sapphire was at her side, checking on her. Emerald gasped for air as she clung to Sapphire.
Diamond stepped off the platform, then all three of them looked at me. My hand shook with fear; how did I do that? I've never felt this way in my entire life. I told Sapphire to 'drop dead,' I threatened Emerald's life. What was happening to me? The negative energy of this place was beginning to affect me. Diamond took a step toward me, but I stepped away, "Don't." I didn't want to hurt anyone else. He blinked, "The energy of the Dark Crystal is merging with the energy of the Silver Crystal within you. That is what happened." He looked back, "Sapphire, how is she?" Emerald was still in his arms, "She's lucky to be alive. That was a strong outburst."
My hands covered my mouth; I almost killed her. But then, she deserved it. Stop it! My eyes pinched closed, trying to push away these thoughts. My hands shook and I clutched them together. I didn't do this to people. I would never, but she was threatening Rini. And she needed a reason to fear me. My breath caught in my throat; I had to leave this place. Diamond stepped closer to me, "Serena?" I looked away quickly. He sighed and stood in front of me, "You must remain calm." My eyes closed as my head bowed. His hand patted my hair, "Come, you must be hungry." My head shook slowly. I wanted to be alone, which wasn't like me either. I enjoyed being around people, but not these people.
Diamond sighed and took my shaking hand, "Come with me." I tugged my hand back from him, but he didn't release me. "Serena, I know you're scared, but do not push me away. I only mean to help you. Emotions will only make them stronger. You need my help in controlling." His hand curved to my face, making me look at him, "Just breathe, you will be alright." Slow deep breaths helped steady my nerves.
Diamond stepped closer, taking hold of my waist, "It won't be long. Soon you will be able to do so much more. The energy of the Dark Crystal is strengthening you." He tilted my head up, "Soon, you will see this palace as your home and you will accept your new abilities." My heart stuttered at that thought. I looked up to see that we were alone. Emerald and Sapphire were gone.
Diamond guided me off the raised floor, through a crystalline hall. There were dark fixtures, giving off a low light along the walls. He kept his hand on my back while we walked into a large room. In the center of the room, there was a large rectangular dining table. Oh, great. Garnett was walking around the table, setting places, "Everything is almost ready, Your Majesties. And the box you wanted is on the princess's seat." "Thank you," Diamond held out his hand and a box flew into his palm. I gasped, afraid the box was going to hit him. He simply smiled at my reaction, "I had this made for you." The box opened, revealing a necklace siting in black satin. The necklace clasped around the neck with a single heart shaped diamond hanging. The clasp itself was encrusted in smaller diamonds. It looked heavy, but beautiful; fit for royalty.
I had to admit, the necklace was breath-taking. He smiled from my silence, "Would you like to try it on?" I didn't answer, concerned about what this gesture meant. Diamond took the necklace out of the box and clasped it around my neck. It fit closely and the diamond was heavy. My fingers brushed it as it rested at the base of my throat. "This is just a token of my feelings for you. This necklace was made for my princess."
Blood drained from my face and I tried to calm my breathing as Diamond leaned closer and kissed my cheek. My fingers held the heavy stone, feeling the weight of it, "Thank you." My teeth sank into my lip as Garnett spoke, "Lunch is served." I turned to see a feast laid out.
On the tabletop, there were several bowls and platters; all made of silver. Steam billowed from the freshly prepared food. Garnett held out my chair at one end of the long table while Diamond sat across from me at the other end. Others came in to serve us, but their faces hidden in the darkness. I caught a glimpse of a young man and he looked very pale, almost like he's never been in the sun. These poor people lived in the dark, in more ways than one.
My appetite picked up, but I was weary to eat their food. The legend of Persephone came to mind; if I ate anything from here, would that condemn me to more time in their place? Garnett stood off to the side as Diamond and I ate. From time to time, he would ask me a question and I answered quickly. For most of the time, I tried to focus on eating. The food was fine, enough to satisfy my appetite. Wine was poured for me, but my glass remained untouched. Who knows what was in it? Diamond seemed to enjoy his wine. He would look at me and I tried my best to avoid his gaze.
After lunch, I went back to my room. It made me feel sick to refer to it as 'my room' but that is what it was, for now. It really made me wonder how long Diamond intended on keeping me. Well, I knew the answer to that before I asked the question. He wanted to marry me. Diamond wanted me to be his wife. I shuddered at the thought of it.
