Note from the Author:

Thank you for your patience. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

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If There Be Light, Then There Be Darkness

Written by Princess Kayla

Inspired by Naoko Takeuchi's "Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon"

Chapter Two - Obsession at First Sight

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Down yet another hallway, Beryl searched cautiously, holding tightly to a large stack of papers; she was sure she had taken a wrong turn. Living inside the palace was an honor but her position came with strict guidelines, specifically about where she was allowed to go.

Beryl, now an incredibly beautiful young woman, had done her best to follow that rule, but she was still unfamiliar with the endless number of corridors.

Not long ago, Beryl was given the opportunity to serve as an assistant to the kingdom's Historian. By taking this position, she was given room and board within the castle's walls – such a great honor for someone with no family or class. She spent most of her life in hiding, trying to hold onto the power that her family passed down from generation to generation. But, she saw promise in the historical records. Perhaps, amongst the shelves and shelves of books, she would find resources to expand her skills.

Thinking about the thousands of books she had yet look through, she quickened her steps, rushing a sharp turn.

The papers were knocked from her grasp as Beryl abruptly collided with another body. Swiftly, Beryl looked from the mess of papers up to the chest of a man, covered with gold markings - a general of the royal guard. Immediately, Beryl gasped and bowed her head in respect, "Please, please forgive me, my liege."

Beryl dropped to the floor and quickly gathered the papers. "I did not see you. I am so sorry."

A soft hand stopped her rushing one, and Beryl looked up into a pair of shimmery grey eyes, pale blonde hair brushing around them. The man before her had a boyish face, even though his uniform revealed his high status.

Beryl became even more uncomfortable, as those grey eyes traced her face intricately. After a moment, he broke his gaze and swallowed roughly. "My lady, no worries. Please steady yourself," he said tenderly.

Beryl took a breath of relief, but was still apprehensive as he offered to help gather the papers. Once the papers were stacked, Beryl reached out for them, but the man took them first. "But, my lord, this is my responsibility," she persisted.

"My lady, it would be my honor to help you," he smiled sincerely.

"That's not necessary," she was slightly embarrassed to have a nobleman assist her.

He just continued to smile, "I insist. Please, just direct the way."

Beryl looked down sheepishly, "I am actually unsure of the way. I need to go to the palace library."

He smiled pleasantly, "Let me lead." Beryl nodded uncertainly and followed him down the hall. She was nervous; if someone saw, would they punish her for socializing with an upperclassman? "May I ask you your name, my lady?" His voice startled her.

Stumbling over her words, she replied, "I – uh – my name. My name is Beryl. I recently began serving the Royal Historian."

"Beryl," he repeated, savoring her name as it rolled off his tongue, "it is my pleasure to meet you. I am Jadeite, a guard to our Prince."

'One of the royal guard? A general?' Beryl was suddenly more uncomfortable. He served aside the Prince, the man of whom she had heard stories told.

"You serve the Historian? Do you enjoy it?"

"Yes, I collect information and books from around the kingdom for the Historian. I also organize them for the kingdom's library."

He nodded, "That is very interesting." Beryl shrugged. "Have you always wanted to help secure the records of the kingdom?"

"Secure?" Beryl repeated, "I have not thought of it like that." She paused and thought of what she wanted; was her want really to work in the records of the kingdom? No, her deepest desire was to develop her abilities as a sorceress. But, she could not reveal that desire, especially not with a general. She thought, perhaps, somewhere amongst the documents or books, there would be evidence of her heritage. She put the truth aside and replied, "I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the kingdom, even in a small way."

"I do not believe it to be a 'small way' of serving. All positions in the kingdom are valuable."

Beryl thought for a moment as she looked at Jadeite's face. She had always believed that the generals living within the castle walls were apathetic, but Jadeite did not seem to fit that description. He appeared to sincerely be interested in her. "You are kind, my lord."

"Please, if you do not mind, call me by my name – Jadeite," he smiled.

Carefully, knowing how inappropriate it was, she restated her comment, "You are kind, Jadeite." He nodded with appreciation.

They reached the door to the study where all of the record keeping took place. She turned to him and extended her arms to take the stack of papers. He handed them to her gently. "It would bring me happiness to give you a tour of the castle grounds. Would you grant me with your time tomorrow?" Surprised at the young guard's interest, she nodded quietly. He asked, "When will you be available?"

"I am given leave for two hours starting at noon."

He smiled, "Well, then, I look forward to tomorrow. Good evening, my lady."

"Thank you, my lord, for your help."

He shook his head slightly, "Jadeite."

"Thank you, Jadeite," she corrected. With that, Jadeite went on his way, leaving his heart with her.

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The next day, Beryl finished her duties quickly, watching the clock in eagerness; she could not wait to see more of the castle besides the often-dismal library and study that she spent time in every day. As soon as the clock chimed its twelfth bell, a knock was heard at the door. She opened the door to see Jadeite, waiting with a smile of greeting. "My lord," she dipped in a curtsy.

He shook his head and put his hand to his chest, "Jadeite, remember."

Beryl nodded, "Jadeite." She had wondered if he would still allow her the right to speak his name.

"Shall we," he extended his arm. She shut the door behind her and gently took his arm. He led her down the corridor, but as her body pushed forward out of habit, he tugged her arm softly and turned down another hall. She was a little startled; with just a couple steps in a way she had never traveled, she immediately felt out of place. He led her down hall after hall, and she noticed the change in atmosphere. It was as if the halls were becoming brighter – warmer. "This way leads to the ballroom. It's quite lovely." She stared at the large double doors ahead. As he opened the door, she could feel Jadeite give a hard push against the heavy marble.

Beryl could not believe her eyes when she stepped into the grand room. The floor, the walls, the columns all shimmered in gold. The sunlight shown through the ceiling made of windows, bouncing here and there; it was so bright, Beryl had to squint. "Like you said, this is quite lovely."

"Yes, quite lovely," Jadeite looked down at her as he said this. The light made a sort of mirror, and Beryl could see herself in his eyes. She adverted her attention back to the room. He smiled lightly, "Would you like to see the gardens?"

"Yes," she answered and allowed him to guide her through an open set of glass doors out into a world of color. Beryl was sure that every kind of flower existed before her. Butterflies added to the colors as they floated from bloom to bloom. The garden was stunning. "I did not realize that the castle had such a place."

"The tranquility found here is quite enjoyable," Jadeite explained as he guided her around, "It relaxes one's soul."

"I can see why," Beryl agreed. She bent down to breathe in the smell of a deep black calla lily before her. "Beautiful."

"Yes," Jadeite agreed.

Beryl could feel his intense gaze on her, but she did not know the extent of his emotions behind those eyes. She mesmerized him.

Her raven hair flowed like a waterfall down her back; her deep purple eyes shimmered like amethyst. Her ruby red lips were kissed by the sunlight. Oh, how he longed to be the light. He had never seen such beauty.

He realized, from that moment on, he would long for her. She had become his reason for living, and, in that, he found disaster.

His heartbeat sped up with anxiety; he knew that he had broken his life's oath. As a member of the Shitennou, one of four generals, his life's purpose was to serve and protect the Prince of the Earth, no matter the cost. However, now, as he looked down at the entrancing woman, he found his purpose changed. In the secret yearnings of his heart, Beryl's wellbeing had become his purpose for all time.

A hefty laugh brought Beryl's attention towards a large hedge. She stood to her feet and looked back to Jadeite. "Who was that?" she asked.

He blinked for a moment, lifting from his daze, "Sorry?" Again another laugh - Jadeite nodded in understanding of her question, "It must be one of the other Shitennou." She looked back to the wall of green. He noted her curiosity, "Allow me to introduce you to them."

"No, no, I should not. It is not my place," she disagreed.

He took her hand, "Your place is with me." He pulled her hand into the bend of his arm, guiding her around the hedge into an open area. There, two men with long hair - one a wavy red-brown and the other a wispy blond - were sword fighting, but with playful smiles on their faces. "General Nephrite and General Zoisite," Jadeite pointed towards the two.

Nephrite forced Zoisite's sword to the ground. "At least put forth a little effort," he grinned.

A determined look came over Zoisite's face, "I thought it would be best to go easy on you, but if you insist..." Zoisite quickly moved his sword below Nephrite's and jutted it upward, causing him to stumble for a moment. Nephrite jumped back to get a better stance and proceeded with greater strength. They danced as their swords clanged against each other. Unexpectedly, Nephrite missed a step, and Zoisite got the upper hand. He knocked the sword out of Nephrite's grasp in an abrupt movement. His blade stopped mid swing at Nephrite's throat.

"That is enough, you two." Another soldier stepped out from behind one of the hedges. He was tall with a wise air about him. His white hair fell just past his shoulders. With strong steps, he walked towards them and nodded to Zoisite, "Well, done. You are getting better with your footwork."

Nephrite pushed Zoisite's sword away. "I let him win," he said smugly.

"No, you did not. You know it." Zoisite shook his head.

"Either way, you both have room for improvement," the older soldier stated. He turned his attention towards Beryl and Jadeite. "Jadeite, whom do you have with you?"

For the first time, Nephrite and Zoisite took notice of the pair. Jadeite escorted Beryl over to the group. She curtsied elegantly before the group. "This is Lady Beryl, she serves the Royal Historian," Jadeite made the introductions, "My lady, these are the Shitennou - Zoisite, Nephrite, and Kunzite."

"It is an honor to meet you all, my lords. I hope my presence is not an inconvenience," Beryl kept her eyes low, uncomfortable with the situation. Normally, she would never allow herself to be in a place such as this, with the royal guard no less.

"I must say," Kunzite spoke, "This is a surprise. You see, we did not even know that Jadeite had the confidence to speak to a beautiful woman." Beryl's eyes widened, and she could feel the heat rush to her cheeks.

"Kunzite," Jadeite stuttered, face equally as red as Beryl's. "Please do not be so rude."

"That is not rude. It is a compliment when you truly consider his statement," Zoisite smiled. He then bowed to Beryl, reached for her hand, and lightly kissed it. "It is a pleasure to meet you." Beryl looked up, her face still flushed. Zoisite studied her; "You are very lovely - too lovely for our young Jadeite."

"Zoisite!" Jadeite exclaimed with embarrassment.

Nephrite pinched Jadeite's cheek, "Our little Jadeite has found his first love!"

In disgust, Jadeite shoved Nephrite's hand away. He looked at Beryl with pleading eyes, "Please forgive me, my lady. I did not realize how uncivilized they would be towards you."

"Uncivilized?" Zoisite laughed, "We just mean to welcome this beautiful lady with joy!"

Beryl finally found her words, "It is quite alright, my lords. I am simply not accustomed to speaking with those of your rank."

Respectably, Kunzite took Beryl's hand and placed a kiss upon it, "Lady Beryl, obviously, some of us are not accustomed to speaking with such a stunning beauty." Beryl looked up at Kunzite with a weak, surprised smile. "There now, let us welcome you to the royal gardens. Have you been here before?" She shook her head. He smiled, "Then it is an honor to have you as our guest." He went to extend his arm as a guide, when Jadeite stepped between them and extended his own.

"Allow me." Jadeite spoke with a possessive tone, as if staking a claim on the young woman. Kunzite could not help but smile as Zoisite and Nephrite exchanged looks and held back their laughter. "Let us explore more, my lady," Jadeite said sweetly to Beryl. She nodded and followed his lead with the other three following behind.

Jadeite led her amongst the flowing fountains and explained that the water came from one of the deepest springs in the land, making it so pure. He explained that some believe the water had mystical powers that, if gazed into just right, your soul's true essence would reveal itself.

The group walked by several statues, and they each made comments on various ones. They stopped in front of a marble one shaped in the form of a woman. The sculpture was stunning. The sun gleamed off the ivory marble. Her nude body was draped in intricately carved hair so long that it ran past her feet. Her expression was soft and breath taking. It was hard to turn one's attention away.

"This is the Goddess Selene," Kunzite enlightened Beryl, "There is a legend from long ago that one of our past kings - no one knows who exactly - met a mysterious woman. It was a horribly dark night, not one light in the sky. Alone, he walked through the forest. A light in the distance caught his eye, but as he approached, he realized that the light was coming from a young woman. She was not holding a lantern. She was glowing. Her hair and skin shimmered as if a light was trapped within her. He was overwhelmed by her beauty and sought to get closer to her. However, when she saw him, she was startled and jumped. He watched her fly into the air with a burst of light. Suddenly, the entire sky ignited, so much that he had to shield his eyes. As the sky began to dim, he noticed that the Moon, full and shining, now hung above him."

Beryl stared at the figure, imagining the story in her head.

"You see," Kunzite continued, "the king believed that the woman was actually the Moon. So, he named her 'Selene,' the goddess of the Moon. Beautiful, is it not?" Beryl nodded in fascination.

"Although," Nephrite interjected with a smirk, "there are also stories that there are beings on the Moon that watch us, envious of our rich planet. They are evil creatures that long to take control over us all, seeking to use us for our energy."

"Nephrite," Jadeite interrupted, "That is not true."

Zoisite lifted his finger in the air as if to add emphasis to the statement, "No, Jadeite, Nephrite speaks the truth. There are multiple accounts of the creatures of the Moon. People have written that the beasts have come to our planet, sucked the life out of humans, and taken it back with them. Who knows what they do with it."

"Where are these 'accounts' written?" Jadeite asked.

"The palace library. Lady Beryl, you should look for the documents. They are there," Zoisite answered and waited for Beryl to nod in agreement. "There! Once she finds the documents, we will prove to you the truth."

Jadeite rolled his eyes and took Beryl's arm once more, "Shall we? We have not yet seen the most beautiful area of the garden." He guided her through more sculptures and around a green hedge to a separated area. They walked down a pebbled path to an iron gate. Tall walls covered in vines surrounded this hidden place. Jadeite pushed the gate open; the iron screeched against the movement. "Here we are - the Rose Sanctuary." Red and white roses filled the small area. The smell was intoxicating. A gazebo sat in the center, the roses climbing up its posts. Just the right amount of sun drifted into this area, leaving a warm breeze in the air.

"Well, what do we have here?" Kunzite said as he stepped over to the gazebo. Beryl noticed a black boot sticking out of the entrance. Kunzite leaned over the side of the gazebo and lightly punched something, causing a grunt behind the wall. "Wake up."

"Kunzite, what do you want?" a husky, sleepy voice asked.

He shook his head, "Are you not supposed to be at the palace right now?"

"I was just taking a moment for myself." The boot pulled back as the figure rose to his feet.

Suddenly, all of the roses disappeared. The stonewalls and the gazebo vanished. The Shitennou each evaporated. The world was silent as Beryl's eyes were locked on the man before her.

He slowly turned around, yawning and rubbing his eyes - his stunning blue eyes. He stretched his arms out, showing how flawlessly toned his body was. He ran his hand through his rich black hair, lifting his bangs for a moment to reveal his immaculate face. Beryl was beyond overwhelmed. For her, she was gazing upon the embodiment of perfection.

"Taking a nap?" Nephrite asked with humor as the man yawned deeply. His words brought Beryl back to reality - the garden, the Shitennou...the distractions. She wanted to return to her world of only his and her existence; she could live there forever.

The man reached down and lifted a book from where he had been laying. "I was just reading," he said. Beryl almost fainted at the sound of his voice.

"What?" Kunzite took the book from him. He read the title aloud, "Beyond the Horizon." He shook his head in disapproval, "Another tale of adventure?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "I like wondering what another life would be like."

"Why would you want to wonder about another life? You have the greatest life of us all." Zoisite questioned, "You are the Prince!"

Beryl gasped and quickly lowered her body in a deep bow. She had never seen the Prince before; most of her rank never would in their lives.

Jadeite took action, "Your highness, please allow me to introduce you to Lady Beryl."

Beryl watched as his two black boots entered her line of vision. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Beryl." She did not move. She could barely breathe. She was a lowly bookkeeper. Yet, there she was in the presence of the Prince, and he was speaking to her.

Her heart fluttered. 'It is a pleasure to meet you,' he said, 'a pleasure.' Beryl's thoughts ran wild, 'A pleasure...I please him.'

She smiled with confidence growing, "Thank you, my Prince. It is a honor to be able to look upon your face." She looked up at him and knew that, as she bowed before him, she gave her life to him. She was his.

"Please, stand," he gestured for her to rise. She did so slowly, never letting him escape from her sight. "How have you come here today?"

"Your royal guard has so graciously been showing me your beautiful gardens," Beryl explained with polished confidence.

Jadeite took a step closer to Beryl, uncomfortable with the way she gazed upon the Prince. He cleared his throat, "Your highness, Beryl is the assistant to the Royal Historian. She tends to the kingdom's library."

"I see you like to read, my Prince," she pointed to his book, "I can assist you with anything you would like. It is my duty to know about all of the books and documents found in the library." All four of the Shitennou were taken aback by the abrupt change in Beryl's demeanor. Her self-assurance had increased drastically from their first meeting. It was unusual for a woman, such as herself, to be so candid with someone of royalty.

"Well, I am always looking for new reading material. It gets rather stuffy inside the palace walls," the Prince smiled.

'Oh his smile.' Beryl chuckled lightly, "It can get stuffy when surrounded by books as well."

Jadeite began to sweat. This whole conversation was beginning to upset him. He had been longing to hear her laugh, and it was not even meant for him to hear. Beryl's attention was completely directed towards Endymion. Jadeite desired her attention. If he did not include himself in all of this, he feared he would lose her all together.

An idea came. "I could take you to the library, your highness. Lady Beryl can introduce us both to all that she knows." As he stated this, he secretly told himself that he would never take the Prince to the library. He would go alone to see her. 'I want to be with her. Only the two of us together," Jadeite determined in himself.

"That would be fine. Soon then," the Prince agreed. He looked to the sun and sighed, "I am late again. Father is probably asking for me." He looked to Kunzite, "Archery after dinner?" Kunzite nodded. "Well, then, I must go. Farewell, Lady Beryl. I will visit you soon." Beryl's whole body ached as the Prince walked out the gate.

"Well, my lady, you must feel so lucky to meet the Prince of Elysion," Nephrite grinned.

"Why, yes," Beryl smiled, "Fate is so kind." She joyfully took Jadeite's arm, which surprised him greatly. "Well, then. Shall we?" Jadeite's eyes were wide, and his thoughts were conflicted. Beryl seemed exuberant. She sighed happily, "I always imagined what he would look like. I have heard stories since I was a little girl, but they always seemed like fairytales. Seeing him is like seeing a book come to life."

"I have known Endymion my whole life, so it is hard for me to conceive what it is like to meet him for the first time, knowing that he is heir to the throne," Jadeite stated.

"Endymion..." Beryl whispered. His name tasted like decadent wine as it drifted over her tongue. As they walked out of the garden, she glanced over her shoulder, hoping for one more glimpse at him, but only the generals remained.

"Jadeite," Kunzite called to him, "It is time for our meeting with the King."

Jadeite's brow furrowed. "Lady Beryl, please forgive me. I must escort you back now. I have to tend to my duties." Those obligations all seemed like nonsense to him now.

Beryl nodded, "That is fine. My responsibilities await me as well."

"Kunzite, I am going to return Beryl to the library and then join you all," Jadeite called back. The generals agreed and went on their way. Jadeite began leading Beryl back through the gardens, into the castle, and down the halls to the library. He let go of her hand and immediately felt empty. "Beryl, my lady, I would love to come see you again soon, when I can get away from my post."

"That would be fine," Beryl stated, "whenever you like." She paused and collected her words. Slowly, she added, "Please, do bring the Prince by to look at the books. I wish to serve him to the best of my abilities."

Jadeite, trying to hide his disappointment, agreed. He tried to assure himself that, like other women of the kingdom, she was excited to meet someone of the royal family. "Yes, my lady, and," he reached into his pouch at the side of his belt and pulled out a small silver coin, "Use this to contact me whenever, for whatever, you need. Simply hand this to a servant with your message, and it will get to me." She took the coin and thanked him. He lifted her hand and kissed it, "Thank you for a wonderful day. I will be restless until our next meeting."

"Farewell, Jadeite. Thank you," Beryl gave a slight bow in goodbye and watched him as he departed down the hall.

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Final Note from the Author:

Thank you for taking the time to read (pardon any grammatical errors). I will continue this story, updating as soon as I can. Please be patient and send me comments. Hearing from you motivates me to continue. - With Love, Kayla -