The voice rang in her ears as she wiped the tears from her eyes and moved over to look at her reflection in the mirror. The small woman in the mirror terrified her, a dainty thing whose eyes shined with too much naivety. They were not the eyes of a brave ruler.
"One minute," she yelled over her shoulder while cleaning the corner of her eyes with her sleeve.
"Child it's important it's vital to our situation," came the voice. Taking another deep breath Serena opened the door to the dark haired woman.
"What is it Luna? What more could you have to say," she said defeated with a hint of hostility in her voice. Luna closed the door behind them.
"There are points I left out to not upset the senshi and guards any further. You see reincarnation curses are not all the same though most go down the same road, there are changes that can be made" she paused emphasizing on the word changes while taking a seat next to the former princess of the moon.
"What more what does this mean please Luna just come out with it, I'm tired of being treated like a child. Don't sugarcoat it" exclaimed the blonde.
With a perplexed expression on her face Luna froze before forming a frown, "Fine Serena you want me to tell you the truth. The truth is all of us may be reborn without any memories but you might the burdened with a heavier pain of remembrance with no way of telling us the truth. No doubt I believe Beryl will be reborn with her memories and play the rest of us with her knowledge."
Clutching a small candle in her hand Serena studied Luna's face, "But you know something that can help us Luna. I know you do even when I was a child you never gave me bad news without some hope"
"I do but it's a shot in the dark, you see I want to at least keep your memories thought I know it'll be almost near to impossible to sway the rest of us. Its hope it's something to keep us going but I need Artemis's help and we still haven't been able to locate him, Mina is trying to her best but it's bleak for now."
"I'm not a sorceress by any means nowhere near Beryl" she grimaced, "But Artemis has dabbled in the arts and I have some knowledge on the history."
"Then we'll focus on that plan it's our only shot. Tell Mina to keep on the search I'm going after Seiya he has to know something he was her minion after all" she said while shuddering.
" You think it wise" questioned the older woman, " Luna there's no time for this, I know you guys called for everyone to meet here, but knowing Seiya he won't show up until later since he has no idea what's going on." Serena grabbed a pair of flats and coat before reaching for her keys. "Where do you suppose he lives?" probed Luna.
"I don't suppose I know" she said while avoiding Luna's judging eyes, "And if not he should be at his shop, thought I find it very unlikely."
"All right then the scouts will search for Artemis I'll prepare what we need for the ceremony"
"Ceremony" she questioned, "Yes we have to extract the energy from somewhere the moon is too dangerous now I'm thinking the Earth, there are other components mostly Artemis to perform the small protection spell. The rest of us will give up all our power for you."
" Luna I didn't agree to that" she screamed under the arch of the door, " Hush now we are all dying regardless of your choice this way it won't be a vain now go find that frustrating man."
With much on her mind she left the building praying that Artemis was found safe and sound.
Half an hour later Serena found herself in front of an apartment complex.
While trying to remember which apartment was his she remembered seeing the sun rise through the window leading her to the other side of the building. She exited to the fourth floor and made her way to the door taking a small breath she knocked on the door rather intensely. Nothing, panicking she threw her fists against the door. "Shit" she whispered before another idea popped into her head.
Once again on the outside of his apartment complex Serena located his apartment and climbed up the fire escape. Yes she exclaimed noticing that the window was open. Settling into her surroundings Serena noticed she was in the bathroom opening the door carefully she found herself in the hallways. "Hello Seiya, it's Serena," she said in a moderately soft voice.
Venturing out she turned to the first room opening the door, "Great he's sleeping" she whispered before taking in his form. She noticed his bare chest and furrowed eye brows his hands clenched on each side of his torso. Mustering the courage and scolding herself Serena thought, "Get a freaking a grip and wake the man up."
Nudging him she heard him mumble something though what she was unsure before she heard, "Serenity sorry I" blinking up at him she shook his shoulders somewhat on top of him.
A second later she found herself under him a hand around her neck, "Seiya" she squeaked out before he released her, his eyes still heavily coated with sleep.
Still on top of her he placed both arms on either side of her head a confused expression on his face. She blushed because of the compromising situation his hips digging into hers.
"Serena what are you doing here in my bed" he said shaking his head before looking back down to her. Dark blue met aquamarine she said nothing biting her lip before he made an advance on her lips.
"No Seiya that's not why I'm here" she nudged her head to the side before pushing a hand up to his chest. Slowly he got off her, "Then pray tell why are you here princess" he said humiliated with yet another rejection. This was it he thought she was here to tell him she chose Endymion it was always Endymion and it would always be his older brother. Pushing down all the emotion he continued, "Never mind don't say it, you don't owe me anything."
"Seiya I need your help" she said though she had an idea to what he was referring to she couldn't deal with that right now there was no time. "Beryl left us a parting gift" she said with a dark chuckle before sitting on the couch.
"What do you mean" as he took the seat next to her. "It's the same curse again another fucken wasted life. Another life doomed" she said before holding in a tear. "But Luna says she has a plan how successful it will be I'm unsure.
" Don't speak like that, have hope we can't have hope if you don't believe Serena" he said while resting his hand on her leg, his eyes gave away so much adoration she was weary of what this could mean for all of them. She smiled back at him clutching the hand he had placed on her leg. "I'll have some hope if you tell me you know something of Beryl's plan or anything that can help us"
"Unfortunately I was just her lackey. But mother was a witch of some sorts and while Endymion preferred battle and strategy I practiced with her. I do know she said she would always be there to thwart your happiness she said she would never keep her eyes of you. I believe we will all be reborn in the same vicinity to control whatever chance there could be to breaking the curse like it was this time"
"Well we're counting on that vindictive thinking" releasing his hand she continued, "I need you to come with me you were once in on this with her and your memories are also in on this"
With a small smirk he stated, "No need to remind me of my past mistakes princess I'll go willingly but first let me grab a shirt to cover up my less than modest appearance" punching him slowly on the shoulder she rolled her eyes before stating " Yeah yeah hurry up"
The pair found themselves inside the elevator as a slight beep was heard to signal their arrival Seiya grabbed her arm as soon as they left the elevator. "What is it? Look I know the situation is awkward but we have to do this," she said in serious voice.
"You may want me there but the rest don't," he paused "Not even my brother."
"Everyone feels betrayed hell I know I still do but how can you show them that you're not a traitor… by just being here Seiya" she urged looking deeply into his eyes before offering a small smile. A hand came up to cup her cheek. "I don't want to disappoint you anymore."
"Then don't" she replied holding his gaze. A cough broke the two making them jump a few steps away.
"Well glad she could find you" said a stern looking Raye hands on her hips, "Everyone is inside. Hope you have some ju ju magic after all you presence is less than pleasant"
"Raye please" said the blonde. Seiya on the other hand had enough of the fire senshi, "Oh please Mars don't be so transparent it's obvious you harbor some rather misplaced feelings for me and while you are quiet ravishing in your own way" he walked around before whispering in her ear loud enough for the three to hear "I prefer blondes"
"You son of a bitch" she exclaimed raising a hand to punch him as he swiftly dodged the hit. The alteration was enough to draw the other scouts as well as the guard out, some already transferring others puzzled by the commotion.
Transforming Mars conjured a fire ball in her hand before she felt the arms of her lover around her waist and the Earth prince standing in between her and his younger brother.
"Raye stop it, killing him won't do us any good" explained the blonde man while cradling the woman's face between his hands.
"As if she could lay one finger on me" taunted Seiya meeting the raven haired scout's gaze giving her a devilish smirk. Releasing the brunette Jadeite stood up to glare at Seiya who kept the same smirk on his face daring the guardian to make the first move.
"Seiya cut the crap. We have more pressing matters" he looked at his brother before placing a hand on his shoulder, " We have a situation one I know is more in you realm of expertise" he released his shoulder noticing the way his brother tensed under what Darien thought was a calming gesture.
"We should go inside I don't want to explain to my neighbors why the girl they've seen over the years is throwing fire balls around our building. Enough of this childish crap everyone get inside," said the blonde in a commanding voice surprising her friend who nonetheless listened.
Narrowing her eyes at the fire senshi Serena waited for all to enter before scolding her, "Damn it Raye we can't fall apart now. I know you don't like him but keep it under control." Nodding at her princess Raye lowered her head before walking into the room.
"We still can't locate Artemis some things were found mostly heirlooms from the moon kingdom along with his laptop though we looked we found little information on Beryl it was nothing we already didn't know or could deduct" explained Luna as the rest sat around her.
"Coffee, tea, can I get you all anything" said Mina the fatigue evident in her voice as well as the bags under her eyes. Artemis had been her responsibility he had been like a father to her during the moon kingdom and she couldn't help but feel accountable for him plus he had been a cat for so long what if he was confused or uneasy after his sudden transformation.
"Love please just sit down, you're driving yourself mad" pleaded Kunzite as he took the pot away from her hand, hands that were visibly shaking.
"He's right Goldilocks take a seat" said Seiya giving her a small smile which she returned surprising Kunzite. His eyes focused on the two while she merely gave a small laugh.
"He's a good kid" she teased while Seiya rolled his eyes at the golden blonde. Puzzled eyes focused on the love senshi and younger Earth prince no doubt surprised that not everyone was uneasy with Seiya's presence.
"Wait who is Artemis" questioned Seiya as he turned to the older Lunarian woman.
"Artemis was a council member on the moon he was reborn as cat just as I was, he was residing with Mina until recently" said Luna before continuing, "And he was my husband."
"Luna I had no idea" exclaimed Amy before Mina interjected, "I'm so sorry Luna I can't imagine what you must be going through."
"It's all right child us Lunarians believe in the light above all in hope even when we are in our darkest moments. I know in my heart that Artemis will return to me" she said as lone tear came down her cheek.
Seiya tensed as he remembered a Lunarian one he had been assigned to get rid of a memory came into his mind. A white haired man the same yellow crescent on his head as Serenity's he gasped as more pictures filled his head a low growl escaped his throat as he yelled out in pain. The white haired man was on the floor no pulse no light he saw his eyes in the reflection of a knife. Dark black eyes looked back at him. The man was dead and he had killed him.
"Seiya" screamed Serena as she saw in convulse in pain. Moving the blonde out of the way Luna placed a finger to his forehead trying to block out the pain.
"What's happening to him" said Lita as she lifted his body and set it down on the long couch.
"I don't know I sense great darkness in him though if it's from him I'm not sure" said Luna as she surveyed the young man. "Will he be okay" said Serena with a concerned face
"He'll be fine child don't fret" responded Luna with a reassuring face.
"We have to get a move on this plan" said Kunzite breaking the gaze between Luna and Serena. The others waited anxiously wanting to feel optimism though the situation was becoming increasingly difficult.
"Right then well while the rest of you were out searching I gathered the needed ingredients for the ceremony. While I would prefer it be Artemis to perform the spell we might need Seiya to though in his condition that is also a long shot. I do have one concern" described Luna as she ran hand through her hair, "The power harvested to complete this spell will be by the Earth also because of the great power being wielded we need a remote area but filled with nature it can't be an industrial area"
"Elysian fields" said Darien before turning to Serena, "I couldn't imagine a more fitting place"
Meeting his gaze she felt a pull at her heart as she remembered that is where he had proposed to her. "Yes it'll do" she said in small voice.
"Anything else Luna" questioned Serena, "One last thing as soon as the moon rises Beryl will rise again. Confronting her will do nothing," explained the Lunarian as she noticed the aggressive facade of the rest. "Our fate will be the same regardless if she dies again no we must keep her busy only until we complete the spell; it should be an hour at the most."
"I'll do it if anything it's the least I could do" announced Darien standing before the rest of the guards.
"No I won't let you go out there by yourself" yelled Serena, "We'll put up a protection spell or something I'm not letting you go out on a suicide mission"
" Serena she will come after you as soon as she awakens a protection spell will only lure her closer to us, giving away whatever small advantage we have" he crouched down to her as she sat and looked at her hands in her lap. He would do anything for her make whatever sacrifice he had to make. He believed that they would be reunited yes they would always find each other.
"Two hours till sun down" grumbled Seiya as he shook his head narrowing his eyes at the cozy display between Darien and Serena.
"Let's get a move on it" said Amy as she set her alarm to sundown.
"Any idea where Beryl will show up" asked Darien as he took Serena's hand in his own. The blonde held in a whimper scared for Darien's outcome in all this.
"There's a warehouse downtown it's abandoned," answered Seiya as he asked Mina for a pen and paper, scribbling on a small paper he handed it to the older man. "All her relics were there and all the meetings I had with her took place there."
Nodding at the younger man Darien rose heading towards the door. Serena released a gasp not even noticing she was holding her breath.
"Go after him you silly girl" said Raye smiling before turning to glare at the younger prince, "He's your soul mate don't let him go without telling him"
Nodding at the brunette Serena sprinted out the door noticing he was in the elevator she opted for the stairs.
"Darien" she yelled before he turned stopping at the curb of the apartment complex. Walking slowly to him she looked at him taking in every detail on his face this was it after today he would have no memory of her again she was losing me again for the third time. Releasing a small sob she collapsed on his chest he held her against him whispering sweet praises into her ear.
"I have to do this Serena, I wouldn't be the man you deserve if I didn't" his eyes filled with pain and concern.
"I can't lose you anymore I need you" she continued sobbing before taking his lips in between hers kissing him with every fiber of her being. She wanted to lose herself in him bury the pain the lost years the lifetimes unfinished. Gasping into his mouth she felt him grab the back of her head trying to get as close to her as physically possible.
Rubbing her cheeks with his thumb he spoke softly, "It's your turn to find me, I know that you will" sobbing she nodded before releasing him. "I love you" she responded softly as he rushed back to her. Taking her again in another painfully intoxicating kiss, not tender but desperately filled with unspoken declarations of love and lust for the other he poured all the emotion for her into one last kiss.
"I'll always love you Serena, Serenity, and whatever other form you may take," he released her again smiling one last time before disappearing into the city. Tears fell down her eyes she waited for the pain to numb over she would see him again she told herself again and again.
Transforming along with her senshi and guards, Mina and Kunzite volunteered to keep searching for Artemis as the rest headed to Elysian Fields. Soon the group felt the tell-tale signs of the curse weakness overcame them as the sun set.
A beautiful meadow bathed in golden light was where they chose to hold the ritual.
"We have to begin" said an uneasy Luna, "For everyone's sake I hope you have some idea of what you're doing" directing her comment to Seiya.
"Leave it to me" he spoke as he directed the rest into a circle around Serena, "I might not be Endymion but I can still draw power from the Earth, the rest of you surrender most of your power. The group released their energy in the air flowed various colors red, green and blue. Mina and Kunzite ran to the circle placing their hands into the rest of the guards. Gasping Serena felt overwhelmed by the power her crystal floated out as more energy came to her, she felt a strange calmness overcome her before hovering above the rest.
Chanting in slight pain Seiya swayed under the strong wind, debris flying everywhere. Luna placed her hand in shoulder transferring what she could while guiding him.
Regius, memini, et muniat.
Et cum amore omne recipere amisimus.
Et omne maledictum non comminuetis ex eo.
Reddat selfs nostris.
His head throbbed as he pushed himself along with the rest to the brink of death, "Regius, memini, et muniat" he yelled once more before collapsing along with Luna and the guards. Struggling to stay awake Seiya scanned the field for Serena she had landed a few yards away from the rest. Walking over to her with much discomfort he winced again at his deteriorating state.
Her eyelids weighed down threatening to shut and wake up in an unknown land where she would no longer be sailor moon, princess serenity, or even Serena. Struggling to stay awake she looked out the field where her friends fought the same urge it was inevitable darkness would overcome them once more. Seiya landed with a thud next to her his eyes drained of any light deep blue now a dull muddy blue.
"Grant me this last request, I'm not too proud to ask for what might be my last request" he said a small sheen of sweat covering his forehead. With tears in her eyes she came closer as if to get a better look at him, remember every switch he made in mood. She admired the corner of his lips that tugged upward regardless of the grim situation. She knew very well what he was referring to and she didn't have the strength to shield herself from the truth. Complications were bound to happen but at this moment she couldn't deny him this or herself.
"Seiya I…." she blushed and shook her head. He inched forward kneeling besides her.
"I want the truth please give me the truth. Deny me no further." He said with much emotion though he felt like the very devil for tempting this sweet angel an angel he knew was fated to be with his brother. He knew very well that somehow they would find themselves again if not now than in another thousand years but he was done being the gallant friend. Brushing a tendril of fair blonde hair out of her face he gave her another smile.
"The truth princess" he urged once more while Serena locked eyes with him. Intoxicated by the thick air of lust and electricity that hanged in the air the blonde set her eyes down to his mouth, fascinated by his lips, lips she had once felt but that seemed like a lifetime ago. Slowly she lifted her gaze back up as a ghastly wind inched her forward making her fall straight into his arms.
"The truth" she breathed in slowly and sultry before wrapping an arm around his neck and molding her lips to his. She pressed herself as hard as she could but soon felt him part her lips then grab the back of her hair tangling his hands in the thick gold mass. Their chests heaved as they found a steady rhythm. Seiya grabbed her placing her on his lap as she continued kissing him with all her might massaging her palms against his chest.
"Oh. My. God." Screamed a feminine voice behind them one Serena knew as well as her own.
"I see you're fine not low on energy as I thought" gritted out the guardian of Mars.
"Raye I …" she pleaded while still seated on Seiya's lap.
"Don't be stupid Serena you can't have both. I love you but don't be a fool." Said the fiery brunette as she gave Serena her back and walked back towards Jadeite. The blonde was hurt by her friend's response the truth in it that she could love both, a part of her yearned for Seiya but to what extant was another question completely. Maneuvering out of his lap she extended her hand out to his helping him up.
Following the group of girls she was greeted with Amy's tired but kind eyes, "Serena we can't hold on much longer we'll transfer what we can and you wait for Darien and Artemis"
"And then what? I watch you all disappear before me to some god forsaken land" she exclaimed while Seiya allowed her to lean against him. He knew Artemis would not be found and he cursed himself for yet another loss he had put her through. Still he could put whatever lousy power he had to make sure she was safe.
" It is for the best" agreed Seiya before tying Serena in what seemed to be invisible binds, " I'm sorry Serena but I know you won't make this easy" Struggling Serena felt another surge of power as she clenched her eyes. Opening her eyes she was greeted with the sight of her ten loved ones on the floor no doubt dead once again.
Serena screamed in horror as she realized what had just happened, "No no no" she whispered against Amy's skin. The sky trembled above her. Thunder threatened to strike and while Serena willed it to happen to take her away from this agonizing pain but it never came. Silence. Darkness overcame her field of vision. She saw nothing until a flash of meadows and rose gardens filled her head then came a deep sleep penetrating every corner of her mind and body. A sob broke through her as she succumbed to it almost urging it to do its worse.