Chapter 13

Fateful Night

"Announcing her Royal Highness and Heir to the throne of the Moon kingdom, Princess Serenity!" How many times had I heard that introduction? Only a couple hundred. All I had to do now was smile, curtsey, walk down the stairs to the ballroom floor, keep smiling, and walk over to where mother was sitting in her chair of state. The crowd split to allow me free passage, and once I was seated next to the illustrious Queen of the Moon, the people returned to their dancing, eating and drinking.

Ahh the simplicity of the process. I couldn't have asked for something more convenient. Well, besides no entrance at all that is.

"You look lovely," mother whispered as I adjusted my gown around me. I thanked her before looking up at the crowd and scanning for it for a certain raven-haired man. There was no trace of him. Sighing, I took a goblet from a tray one of the maids was holding out to me and sipped the cool liquid within.

Suddenly, a thought hit me and I froze with the goblet still at my lips. Where was everyone? Yes, the room was full of people, but there were four distinct women missing. My Senshi, Lita, Ami, Mina, and Rae, none of them were present. I hadn't seen any of them all day as a matter of fact. I lowered the cup from my lips. This was very peculiar. They were almost always at my side and it was unheard of for them to be gone for a whole day all at once.

"Mother," I whispered as I leaned over in my chair, "where are the girls?"

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"I mean where are my Senshi? I haven't seen them all day."

"I'm sure they're in the crowd somewhere," mother said as she waved her hand towards the people before us, dismissing the conversation and any protests I had. I wasn't satisfied though. My Senshi were always with me. Something wasn't quite right. I couldn't believe I hadn't noticed their absence before, but I still felt as if I had been gone with Endy and my Senshi had not been with me then.

Where were they now though?

"Princess, you look lovelier than any other lady in the room," someone said to me as I was looking out into the crowd. I looked to the source of the voice and was surprised to see Prince Diamond standing before me.

"Ah, Prince Diamond, it is a pleasure to see you again," mother exclaimed as she held out her hand. Prince Diamond took it and placed a gentle kiss upon it.

"The pleasure is all mine, my Lady," he replied smoothly as he straitened up. He was dressed in all white, silver, and violet, his suite crisp and clean. I noted that his appearance was just as it had been in my dream. Everything was, as a matter of fact, as it had been in my dream.

"I wanted to thank you for escorting my daughter to the palace from the gardens earlier today," mother said, giving me a meaningful glance.

"Yes, thank you," I added in. I refused to say anything more. I would not shower him with praise, appreciation, and flattery. I still didn't trust him and his intentions.

"I was hoping that the lady would honor me with a dance," Diamond said as he bowed slightly in my direction. Butterflies immediately filled my stomach and my heart slammed hard against my ribs. Mother would be displeased if I refused, but I couldn't say yes.

"I thank you for your kind offer, Prince Diamond, I am honored. I have not been feeling like myself today, though, and I still feel somewhat ill. Please forgive me, but I would like to sit this dance out." All that training in 'politically correct' speech was finally paying off. Artemis and Luna would have been proud.

"I understand. I hope that you feel better before the end of the evening so it may be I who has the honor of a dance with your Grace," Diamond said as he bowed once more to me, to mother, and then left to join the dancing crowd.

Ha, take that my eerie premonition. I had said yes in the dream, but not now. Point one Usagi!

A lump formed in my throat when I thought of that name, Usagi. It didn't exist, did it? It had been Endy's name for me, but he had never called me that in real life. I sighed. It was going to be hard letting go of that name. A small smile touched my lips though, since I knew there was a chance I could use the name Endy one day perhaps.

As if on cue, a raven haired man appeared on the other side of the hall. He was far away, but he looked as tall as Endy. It had to be him! Now was the perfect opportunity to go over to him and get a few things off my chest.

"Queen Selenity, Princess Serenity, the two of you look like jewels sitting there upon your thrones," I high-pitched male voice exclaimed. I winced inwardly as I forced the muscles that had been ready to make me get up to relax.

"It is nice to see you again, my Lord. How are you enjoying your stay thus far?" mother motioned to a seat next to her as she spoke. The man's name escaped me but he did look familiar. Of course this had happened in my dream as well, and as far as I could remember, I was in for a long conversation with him and mother. It didn't matter though, since I glanced back out into the crowd and Endy was already out of sight.

Our new companion settled his round self into the chair and adjusted his flowing, rustling, blue robes. "I am absolutely thrilled, my dear, that you invited the wife and I to come and visit once again. It's been ages, darling, ages since we last saw you. As a matter of fact, that's just what the wife said to me the other day, she said, dear, it's been too long since we last visited Selenity. I told her..."

I tuned out his voice. It was getting on my nerves. Instead, I tried to find a way that I could slip away as soon as possible so I wouldn't have to miss out half the evening listening to the man talking. I let my eyes stray over the crowd every so often in hopes of seeing Endy somewhere, but I had no such luck. Whenever I thought I caught a glimpse of him, it always turned out to be someone else, or the person would disappear, so I didn't know where he was.

"...and I told him that it was just simply a ghastly thing to do, I mean really, one would think that we're civilized enough not to do such a thing!" He was still talking.

"Yes, well, it is difficult to judge such things," mother said calmly.

"Now I know what you're saying, and I understand you completely. However, don't you think that it's possible that if he was really serious about it that he'd..." I tuned him out again. I was simply not interested. I watched him and nodded every so often, but that was about it.

It was at least an hour that this conversation went on. I could see mother getting weary, and he had not yet gotten to the southern territories and the treaties he needed to re-negotiate there, along with whether or not he should put up the egg shell white napkins out for his next banquet, or ivory white. His speech was truly an excruciating experience. Suddenly, I got an idea. I placed my hand on my forehead and tilted to the side ever so slightly.

"Serenity, are you all right?" mother asked worriedly, effectively quieting our companion.

"I'm feeling a little dizzy. Perhaps I should go stand outside for a moment," I replied, thickening my voice and half-muttering the words.

"Yes, do. Please excuse my daughter, she has not been feeling well all day," mother said as I stood and made my way out the doors behind us.

"Oh, it's not problem at all. That poor dear must be tired from all the excitement. You know, my niece once fainted from ..." his voice faded out as I stepped outside into the cold night air. There were only a few people out on the balcony and all of them were far away. I strolled over to the edge of the balcony and leaned on the railing. My eyes immediately became glued to the blue and green orb hovering in the dark night sky. The glowing sphere only made my heart ache more as memories, or rather visions, of Endy flooded my mind.

He had been so patient with me, so caring and concerned. I felt bad whenever I had been with him since he never seemed to want to hurt me and he did everything to make sure that I was comfortable and satisfied. Just the thought of his strong arms around me brought a smile to my face, the feeling of his warmth next to me as we slept. Why was I still so resistant towards him, even though I knew he wouldn't hurt me? Only the gods could answer that. I wanted to live without fear, especially without fear of him, so I could be free. I felt trapped in my own insane mind, but Endy was breaking through. How, I had no clue.

I shivered, regretting not having brought my shawl out. It was nippy, and that meant I would soon have to go back inside. I wanted to stay outside long enough so that when I came back in, mother was alone or with someone else. I wanted to go and search for Endy inside, but with the every growing crowd I wouldn't be able to get across the room without having a panic attack. I would have to be patient and wait until things died down a little or until I knew exactly where he was and could plan a path to him where I would run into as few people as possible.

I took a sip from the goblet I was still holding in my hands, the wine warming me up a little. With a sigh I returned my attention to the Earth. Did Naru and Motoki really exist? What about Anne and Alan? Had they all been inventions of my imagination or where they real? It saddened me a little to think that Naru, Anne, and Motoki might not exist.

"Princess, you look chilled. Here," a masculine voice said from beside me, and before I could do anything I felt a soft pressure being put on my shoulders. I yelped and jumped away, dropping the goblet of red wine in the process. The silver vessel fell to the stone balcony with a clatter. Red wine splashed up, spraying everything it could reach.

"I'm so sorry!" my companion cried out. Prince Diamond looked genuinely surprised.

"What are you doing?" I gasped out as I pulled the cloak around my shoulders tighter to keep it from falling off...

...cloak around my shoulders?

"I'm so sorry if I startled you," he said as he glanced down at the spilled wine. I glanced down too and gave out a low moan. The bottom of my white gown and his white pants was spattered with red droplets.

"I didn't hear you coming," I murmured as I stooped down and picked up the emptied goblet and placed it on a small table next to us. "I'm sorry about your clothing, I'll make sure that it's cleaned out or replaced."

"Don't worry about it," he said gently. "They're just pants. Are you all right? I fear that I startled you quite a bit. I just thought you looked cold, and I wished to offer you my cloak."

"I-I'm fine. I just don't like being touched," I blurted out before clamping my hand over my mouth.

Prince Diamond smiled. "Thank you for the warning, I'll keep that in mind."

"I didn't mean it like that, it's just, well, I-I don't know how to explain it..." I trailed off, not really knowing what to say.

"Please, Princess, no offense is taken. A lot of people don't like being touched by complete strangers. I completely understand."

Well, I wasn't about to try and explain everything to him, so I said nothing further on the subject. "Thank you for the cloak," I said. "I was thinking about going back in to warm up soon."

"Now you don't need to, if you don't want to," he replied as he stepped over to the railing and allowed his eyes to wander up to the Earth. I followed his gaze, losing myself in the beauty before me once more. I could have stayed there, staring at the Earth for hours on end. The silence between us did start to stretch, though, and I felt compelled to start up a conversation of some sort as to not appear rude.

"Are you enjoying your stay on the Moon so far?" I asked. It was a nice, neutral question.

"I am. As I mentioned earlier today, this part of the galaxy is very beautiful. It holds many exquisite treasures, the likes of which I have never seen before. I only hope that I will be allowed the privilege and honor of observing these treasures longer than the duration of this visit Queen Selenity as proposed."

"I'm glad that you have found something enjoyable here."

"I have you to thank for that, Princess."

"Oh?"

"Your Grace has captured me and intrigued me, I feel an odd curiosity and adoration for your grace, and I can only hope that you will tolerate my presence and friendliness."

I blinked and blushed. To say that his calmness and eloquence surprised me would be an understatement.

Prince Diamond chuckled. "I apologize for being so bold, my lady. It is not like me to be so outgoing."

"There--there's no need to apologize," I muttered, feeling both flattered and uneasy about his words.

"Then perhaps you will forgive me for my continued boldness. I-I would feel greatly honored if you would give me a chance to express my affections toward your Grace and perhaps be considered a good friend one day. I am enchanted by the Moon and its citizens, and I would be greatly interested in forming an alliance between your people and my people."

"Prince Diamond, this is all rather...sudden. I'm sure that mother would be pleased with a new alliance, but please, get to know me a little better before you propose any good...friendships." I tried to keep my voice calm and light as I spoke since I was suddenly rather aware of the fact that he and I were on the balcony completely alone, and the feeling of foreboding would not leave the pit of my stomach.

"As you wish, Princess. I apologize for my boldness once again." His voice was a little more curt, but he still seemed cheerful enough.

"No need to apologize," I repeated. "I think it's time to go inside now, though. It's cold out here."

"Allow me to accompany you then," he offered, and all I did was nod. We walked back to the doors and he allowed me enter the ballroom. I slipped the cloak off my shoulders as soon as we were inside and handed it back to him.

"Thank you. I think I'll be warm enough in here," I told him, after which he nodded and put the cloak back around his shoulders. I glanced over to the thrones and noted that mother was no longer sitting there. Rather, Artemis was standing there with Luna, both of them scanning the crowd. I walked over to them followed by Diamond.

"Luna, Artemis, where is mother?"

Both of them turned to look at me. "There you are, we've been looking for you. An unexpected ambassador is approaching the Earth and your mother had to go and greet him. She left a little more than half an hour ago," Luna explained.

"Oh, all right. Thank you, I didn't know," I replied.

"Prince Diamond, your two generals requested your presence in your chambers as soon as it is conveniently possible for you. They have an urgent message to deliver," Artemis said to Diamond.

Diamond turned to look at me. "Please excuse me, Princess. I need to go and see what this message is, but I will return as soon as possible."

I curtsied as he bowed. "I will see you later then, Prince Diamond."

Diamond followed Artemis out of the ballroom and Luna stayed behind with me. "Princess Serenity, your dress!" Luna exclaimed suddenly. "What happened?"

I glanced down at my wine spattered gown. "I had a small accident outside," I replied sheepishly.

"Go and change quickly," Luna ordered, motioning towards the doors behind the thrones that led into a library. I nodded and quickly slipped through the heavy door. From the library I got into a small hallway that led to the private chambers of the palace. I made my way to my room quickly. Once there I shut the door behind me and in the soft starlight walked over to my closet. I didn't bother lighting any candles since I would be in and out within a few moments.

I opened the oak doors of my wardrobe and ran my hands over the assortment of gowns. Choosing one that was easy to slip into I pulled it out and closed the doors once more. I turned around and nearly screamed. A dark figure was just closing the door to my room.

"Who are you?" I cried out, clutching the soft fabric of the dress to my chest, looking around for the closest object I could throw at my intruder. The person straitened and turned to look at me. His black hair gleamed in the low light and his face was for the most part covered in shadows. He made no move toward me, no attempt to move.

It couldn't be, could it?

"Endy--mion?" I asked softly.

"Yes," the figure whispered back as he took a testing step toward me.

A smile tugged on the corners of my lips, but then faded. "What are you doing here?" We weren't married, we had not past, what was he doing in my room.

"I--I had to see you," he whispered so softly I almost couldn't hear him. "I'm so confused, I had this dream and--"

I didn't wait to hear any more. I dropped the gown and rushed over to the man before me. "I knew it, I knew there was something strange going on!" I wrapped my arms around his waist, finally feeling safe and somewhat less confused. "I knew that I knew you, I knew that things were too strange!"

He didn't say anything, only wrapped his arms around my shoulders and squeezed me to him hard. "Endy, I'm so glad that you remember something too, or had the same dream, or whatever it was."

His grip around my shoulders only tightened. "Endy, what did you dream,?" I asked as I tried to look up at him, but his strong embrace kept my face planted firmly against his chest. "Endy? Endy, you're holding me too tight," I whispered, trying to wiggle free a little.

There was no response.

"Endy, you're hurting me," I said with a whimper, panic rising in my chest. What was wrong with him? I felt one of his hands go up my back to my neck where it latched itself and started to squeeze. I yelped and tore myself away from him with all my might. "What's wrong with you?" I cried out, feeling suddenly confined and scared.

He said nothing, only took a step toward me and made a grab for me. I jumped back and gave a scream. "What is wrong with you? What's going on?" I cried as I tried to retreat.

He lunged at me again and grabbed me this time as we both tumbled backwards only to land on my bed. I gave a scream but it was cut short as his hands encircled my neck. I squirmed and thrashed, trying to offset his balance or fight him off, but it was to no avail. I opened my mouth but no sound came out.

Endy! What was going on? Why was he behaving like this? This wasn't right, no, this wasn't happening! Endy wouldn't hurt me! I loved him, and I knew that he had a level of admiration for me. How could he be doing this, how could he be so cruel and try to force me? I felt dizzy and lightheaded as my muscles started to feel weak. No! Endy, he had to stop, he had to let go, I loved him, I loved him more than life!

I felt my muscles give out and everything went black. I could see nothing, feel nothing, hear nothing, do nothing.

A glimmer of gold passed before my eyes as I fell into a deep, dark, cold pit. With the last bit of strength I had I grabbed for the golden shimmer, and pulled as hard as I could. Then, everything went dark.

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--Disclaimer--

I do not own the rights to Sailormoon or any of the characters. That honor belongs to Naoko Takeuchi, and I am simply a lowly author who can use her characters for my plots.

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A/N: And the tension builds! Evil cliffhangers are wonderful, aren't they? I hope you liked this chapter. The next one will be up soon. Anja.