Title: To Brave the Darkness
Disclaimer: I don't own anything about Sailor Moon
Authors notes: Sorry for the delay, work has been crazy. Here's the next chapter. We're so close to the end. If we're lucky, we'll be able to finish it this weekend! Hope you enjoy it!
Serenity threw herself into the King's arms, ignoring the blood that stained his beautiful clothes. Her whole body shook with relief at seeing him okay, and the ever-present panic that surged through her lessened the slightest amount.
"I'm sorry," he said huskily. "I didn't find out about what your stepfather planned until after your wedding. I should have been here sooner."
Serenity shook her head, sobbing. "Please," she begged. "Where is Endymion? Is he okay? Was he hurt?"
The King's pained face made her heart pound in her chest.
"Please," she whispered. "Where is he?"
"Serenity, he killed three of your stepfather's men. He was trying to get to you. He was frantic, trying to get to you."
Serenity swallowed. "What happened?"
"They were keeping him downstairs, in a room I refuse to show you. Your stepfather was into worse things than we can imagine. They hurt him pretty badly before he freed himself. He's alive."
She sighed in relief. "Can I see him?"
"It took us a some time to find you Serenity. Thankfully for him, we found him first. He is on his way to our finest doctors."
Suddenly she was afraid again. "How bad are his injuries?"
The King shook his head. "He was conscious when he left, but I think that is only because his desire to save you was controlling him. He had lost a lot of blood."
She nodded, worried. "I'd like to go now," she said, looking around and shivering. "I hate this place."
"Your father will be tried as a criminal. He will be sentenced to the wastelands."
She had thought she was safe before, but that turned out to be wrong. Was she finally safe now? Her father couldn't possible hurt her now. Was it alright to try and be happy again?
Part of her was afraid to try.
"Take me to him," she said softly. "I want to see Endymion."
Serenity realized her hands were shaking. She looked at them, resting innocently on her lap. The carriage rocked around her, making the tension in her stomach sway and she felt nauseated. There were angry red cuts and bruises on her wrists, and a long red gash on her arm from the broken chair. If she pressed her hands into her legs, the shaking would stop.
Less then a day ago she had had the most beautiful wedding. She had married the one man she truly loved, and been the happiest she'd ever felt. That seemed so long ago now.
The carriage finally stopped and the King helped her down.
She held on to him tightly, drawing in some of his strength. She had grown to love the man for who he was, but being ward to the king was still something she had never imagined would happen in a million years.
He looked concerned. His beautiful eyes gazed at her, asking a million questions. But he stayed silent, taking her hand and leading her into the beautiful manor home, which had been graciously given for the king's use. She didn't even know whom it belonged to.
She was nervous. She was afraid of finding Endymion near death, bleeding and unconscious.
The house was warm and crowded with people. Andrew was already there, with his father. They were both standing at the end of the long hall, close to a closed door. Raye was there, looking worried and pale. She immediately embraced her.
"He's going to be fine," Raye said quickly.
Serenity nodded, still holding the King's hand.
The door was opened for them, and Serenity couldn't help but hesitate before going in. The way everyone waiting was watching her made her feel like she was about to step into a living hell. She took a deep breath, and then stepped forward.
When she saw him, tears immediately pushed through her eyes and down her face.
He was lying unconscious on the bed while a man bandaged him up. His beautiful face was bleeding from a cut on his forehead, and his bare chest was scraped and bruised.
Serenity threw herself to the side of his bed, immediately taking his hand.
"He's going to be fine," the doctor said kindly. "He has many injuries, but he's strong. It will take some time, but he will have no lasting damage."
Serenity sobbed into his hand, hating herself for bringing this into his life. She knew he would never blame her, but it was her stepfather who had done this. That vile man hadn't stopped in his quest to capture her, and now Endymion had been hurt because of it.
"Serenity?" The King said, putting his hand on her shoulder softly. "Why don't we let the doctor finish?"
"I'm not leaving him," she said immediately. "He is my husband and I will remain by his side."
"He's going to be fine Serenity," the King said. "He's fought this hard for you already, he's not going to give up now."
Serenity took a deep breath, shuddering. "I'm still not leaving him."
He sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed by Endymion's feet. He looked at his friend, his eyes sad. She could see how he struggled with this. But he kept himself carefully calm, being strong for her.
"Your stepfather had a man on my guard," the King said. "I don't know how that happened. He knew the moment you left the palace. That's what he was waiting for. My men could not stand against all of his. I should have sent more. I should have protected you both better."
Serenity shook her head. She gently brushed Endymion's black bangs away from his eyes.
"Don't blame yourself," she said softly. "This wasn't your fault. This is my stepfather's fault. That man has been nothing but evil since before I can remember. I have no idea what my mother was thinking in marrying him."
"Perhaps he was not the man then that he appears to be now."
"My mother never would have left me with him had she known who he was. I am sure of that."
The doctor started dabbing gently at the cut on his forehead, removing the blood. The wound itself had already stopped bleeding.
"What is to happen to the other woman?" Serenity asked after a moment.
The King looked at her confused. "Other woman?"
"The girl my stepfather married."
"Oh," the King said understanding. "I had not given her a second thought. I suppose she is to inherit all her husband's wealth. She is, after all, his wife."
Serenity nodded. "I would like to meet her, if that is permitted."
He looked at her curiously. "Why?"
"Because my instincts tell me that I was not the only person affected by him."
The King nodded. "I will find out where she is."
"Thank you."
Endymion shifted slightly, wincing as the doctor cleaned the cut. But he did not wake up. He seemed in pain, but somehow stayed unconscious.
Serenity watched him tensely. She just needed to see his eyes. She needed to tell him that she would make up for this no matter what it cost. She needed to make sure he was well.
"Can I take him home?" She whispered.
"Yes," the King said. "But my men will be with you always. I won't let you go alone."
"Thank you," she said quietly, "for saving me."
He took her hand gently in his. "I can't imagine life without you Serenity. I'm only glad I didn't live to see you hurt."
Her emotions felt overwhelming and strained. Her hands shook and her mind felt dim. It was all too much. She didn't want to live life like this anymore. If everything from this moment on was mundane, she would be happy for it.
She watched Endymion quietly, afraid that if she looked away he would disappear. He was strong, and she knew he would be alright, but she couldn't help herself from worrying that at some point, her chaotic life would become too much for him. His blue eyes, finally open, looked amused as she continued to glance at him while appearing to read.
"Just go," Endymion said with a smile.
Serenity pretended to ignore him, reading her book while sitting in the chair at the side of his bed. Her eyebrows rose, but that was the only indication she'd heard him at all.
Endymion rolled his eyes. "You do realize that I'm in my own home, protected by both my men and the King's men. I'm not going to get into any trouble."
She turned the page, still pretending not to hear him.
"If you're going to stay here until I'm completely healed, I can think of better ways to pass the time."
She finally looked at him, exasperatedly. "I can't believe you're thinking about that now."
"It's hard to think about anything else when you're sitting there, so stubborn and beautiful. And if for a moment I forget, I remember that you're mine now and it starts up again."
She shook her head, sighing.
"You're the one who wanted to meet her," Endymion said, reaching forward to take her hand. She didn't resist as he pulled her gently onto the bed, and wrapped his arms securely around her. She lay on his strong chest, careful not to hurt him.
"I know," she said softly.
"Then what's holding you back now?"
"I feel fragile," she said honestly, "like I might break or something. It's a little jarring that every time I allow myself to be happy, my stepfather comes along to violently prove me wrong."
Endymion rubbed her back softly, soothing her. "He's gone now. Unlike every other time, we can be sure. He can't hurt you anymore."
"I've been told that before," she said sadly. "It was different when he was just after me. I could worry about myself well enough. I've had a lifetime to practice standing up to him. But he hurt you…"
"Shhh," Endymion said, kissing her temple lovingly. "There's nothing wrong with me."
"Other than the fact that you're lying in bed in the middle of the day with the doctor's orders saying to stay this way for at least a week."
He laughed. "He's just being cautious. I'm fine to do all kinds of physical activities."
She playfully hit him, making him laugh again.
"Just go and see her," Endymion said. "She's waiting for you downstairs. The fact that she came all this way to speak to you means she really cares about what's happened. Helping her will give you all the closure you need to finally be happy."
She sighed, sitting up. "Alright, but you have to promise not to get up. Last time I left, you nearly broke your neck."
"I give you my word."
She nodded, already knowing he would get up the moment she left. He was so eager to get going again. The doctor was being cautious, but there was a reason for it. He said Endymion was very lucky. It was obvious her stepfather and his men intended to do much worse to him.
She kissed him, lingering, and then turned to walk out the door.
She was worried about meeting this other girl. Technically, she was her stepmother, and that was a little strange as the girl was nearly two years younger than her. But she knew she had to face her.
She found the girl standing in the sitting room, looking through the window at the rose gardens that stretched across the land. She was a pretty thing, with bright red hair and beautiful green eyes. Her skin was pale, and her figure was slight. She looked so young.
"Good afternoon," Serenity said gently.
The girl looked up at her, and immediately smiled. The smile did not fully reach her eyes, but it was close. "I am so sorry to disturb you so suddenly," the girl said walking towards her. "When the King told me you intended to visit, I was eager for it to be soon. My name is Molly."
Serenity smiled. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
"I want to give you everything," Molly said, immediately jumping to the conversation she obviously wanted to have.
Serenity looked at her confused. "Give me what?"
"Your father's estate. I don't want it."
She was a little taken back. Her stubbornness immediately set in to make up for her confusion. "Well I don't want it."
"You have to take it. As his daughter, it falls to you."
"No, you're his widow. What's his is now yours. He didn't have any sons."
"I'm moving back in with my parents," Molly said. "They feel awful about marrying me to him, and have agreed that we should move on as if it hadn't happened at all. I want it to be as if was just a nightmare."
Serenity shook her head. "I won't take it."
Molly sighed. She looked so sad in that moment that it nearly broke Serenity's heart. She immediately relaxed.
"What if we sold everything," she suggested. "My stepfather was a wealthy enough man. If we turn all his assets into money and each take half, we can do with it what we will. You can live out your life the way you want to."
Molly considered it. "What will you do with yours?"
"The King has given me many causes to work with. While I was living at the palace, I had started helping the poorer of his people feed their children. I am sure there are many charities that would benefit from an amount that large. I could also donate some to the kingdom restoration. There are some areas badly in need of repair."
"Will you keep none of it for yourself?"
She couldn't help but smiling to herself at that. "My husband's estate is more that capable of taking care of me, and I am sure he would not want my stepfather's money."
Molly nodded. "We could donate all of it then."
Serenity moved further into the room, sitting down and motioning for Molly to do so as well.
"I do not wish to be rude, but I was under the impression that your family is not the wealthiest."
Molly nodded, looking at her hands. "My father makes a very good living, but he has four daughters to raise and no sons. It has been a strain ever since my mother stopped conceiving."
"Then use the money to help your family," Serenity said. "With larger dowries, you can be sure that your sisters will not end up in the same situation you were forced into."
Molly had tears in her eyes, but she fought against them.
"I am truly sorry," Serenity said shakily, "for what happened to you."
"It is not so bad," Molly said. "I believe I was lucky. His obsession with you saved me more than once. I was blessed to have an appearance different than yours."
"You're saying he didn't desire you?"
"Not in the least. The first few nights he came to me, but I could tell he was displeased. I heard him arguing with some of his men about it. He was almost crazy with wanting to get you."
Despite the knowledge that her stepfather was in prison, Serenity still shivered.
"His men have been either punished or made to swear loyalty to the King. There are none left to carry on his obsession. Most of his men were kind enough to me, but didn't dare go against him. I believe he had information that tied them to him. I do not think there were many loyal to him because of respect."
"As long as you're safe, it doesn't matter," Serenity said.
"I am," Molly said. "As I said, I am lucky."
Serenity sat back, feeling tired again. She had felt tired ever since this had happened. Her emotions were simply drained.
"Are you alright?" Molly asked.
Serenity nodded. "I feel unable to relax," she said honestly. "The last time I convinced myself I could be happy, it didn't last."
Molly nodded. "What do you intend to do now?"
"My friend Amy is coming to stay for awhile. I have not had much chance to get to know her, but I am now eager to once again. She will be here in a few hours."
"And Endymion?"
"He insisted that she come. He's trying to get me out of his room so he can try and get out of bed. I'm being very stubborn about making him rest."
Molly giggled at that. "The great Lord Endymion, now bested by a woman."
Serenity couldn't help but smile at that.
"I am very happy for you both," Molly said. "But I should be getting home."
"You have come a long way. Won't you stay for at least one night?"
"I do not wish to interfere."
"It is of no matter," Serenity said. "I truly wish to know you better. You are, after all, technically my stepmother."
Molly laughed again, her green eyes looking more alive. "If that isn't the strangest thing you've ever heard I would wish to know what is."
"You must stay," Serenity said. "Amy really is the most wonderful person to know. She is so soft and gentle and uncommonly intelligent. You will like her immediately."
"Are you sure I wouldn't be intruding?"
"I would consider it a slight for you to leave," she said. "It is decided. When Endymion is better, we will ask him to help arrange the sale of that vile man's estate."
Molly smiled. "Thank you," she said. "I am glad we were able to come up with a solution that is agreeable to us both."
There you go, the end of chapter seventeen! Please review!