A/N: An update! Finally. Thanks to Soleil-Lune for beta-ing!
Revlis El'inmilnum
Chapter Four: Apocalypse
Queen Serenity XI stood at the Palladian window in her study. The sky had been overcast all day and the lunarrise had come quickly, hidden behind the clouds. Now the wind raged outside and rain pounded against the windows. Looking out unto the night, she shivered, but not from cold. The fire in the study was stoked high, casting ample light and heat. With its warm colors, comfortable couches, thick books, and cozy openness, it should have felt as if it was one of the safest places in Revlis El'inmilnum. Deep inside the palace, guarded by Asliro, and enclosed by two different walls; it should be the safest place this side of Ym'dea Eesp. Yet Serenity shivered.
She normally enjoyed storms. Often, they were relaxing. However, this one seemed more of a harbinger. Of what, she was not sure. Rubbing her arms, she walked away from the window and settled herself on the couch closest to the fire.
Artemis, from his position opposite of her, looked up from his book to eye the queen. "You seem entirely unsettled."
"Do I?" Serenity tore her gaze from the flickering flames, her answer more curious than surprised. "Forgive me. Nothing seems right these days."
"Are you worried about the patrol?" Luna questioned, sitting next to Artemis. "They return tomorrow." She said, trying to appease the queen.
"I know." Serenity replied. "But we still have heard nothing from the last one to venture out. There have been no messages. No word. Nothing. The entire city is even at a standstill. It has been a lunar cycle since we have heard from the nearest of cities. Now we have villagers camping outside our walls, fleeing from some unknown enemy."
"Unknown?" Luna near growled, "Arethian barbarians more like it."
"Probably. Yet who ever the enemy is, it does not matter at the moment. Chaos is about to fall upon us, and I feel as if there is nothing more we can do."
"We're holding a strict guard. We do have all the best mages in Revlis El'inmilnum. They're all ready for whatever it may be." Artemis reminded.
"There has to be something more…I fear for the city…for the future." Serenity replied hesitating.
"This is sudden, and unlike you. You've held your confidence until now." Luna said, leaning forward. There was a hint of question and worry to her voice.
"Perhaps it's just the storm." Artemis said offhandedly.
"Perhaps." Serenity echoed.
Except for the storm outside and the cackling of the fire, silence fell into the study. A moment later, Serenity spoke again. "No…perhaps not. We have been at a standstill for a lunar cycle. I fear to send out any more soldiers when we do not know what to expect. Yet I am leaving the rest of my kingdom to suffer."
"This is the best we can do at the moment." Luna reminded softly.
"I know." Serenity replied. "The whole kingdom feels imbalanced…Can you not tell? I fear all the other cities have fallen. I fear the enemy waits right around the corner."
Artemis set his book completely aside. His tenor voice was soothing. "We've discussed this before. We have no knowledge of what is happening beyond Talrysc Kotyo. All we can do is stand at the ready."
Serenity's response was heartening as she smiled slightly. "You sound extremely calm to be predicting the apocalypse."
"I have faith in our defenses."
"I worry about those outside our walls." Serenity replied, quickly returning to her on-edged state.
"Strategically, there is nothing we can do at this moment besides wait." Luna reminded. "Like Artemis said, we have no knowledge of what is waiting beyond our city."
Serenity leaned back on the couch, "I seem to only talk in circles these days. We had this conversation but just this morning."
"And the day before that and the day before that." Artemis smiled slightly.
Serenity gave him a playful glare that quickly grew somber. "Yet tonight, I feel as if ruin is but just around the corner. Revlis El'inmilnum has been in state of disquiet… The wind remains unsettled and the sea has joined it…The guardians of our kingdom are unknown when we need them most… Is it not curious as to why she has yet to make an appearance?"
Luna's eyebrows shot up. "She? Do you mean…?"
"The Guardian of Time? Yes." Serenity replied. "This is as much as her kingdom as it is mine."
"That's a slight exaggeration don't you think?" Artemis queried.
"No." Serenity replied shortly. "Though I have met her all of three times, and she has pledged herself to serve me like she has my ancestors. She has protected and guided this kingdom since the beginning and before."
"Why do you think she has not come? You said it yourself; we seem to be on the edge of an apocalypse. I think this marks enough of a time when her presence and power are greatly needed." Luna said.
"I can only guess. One reason is good and the other is bad. Either way, I wish she was here. If nothing else she could give me the information I have been looking for." Serenity said more to herself than to Luna or Artemis, "She has always been here…" Serenity trailed off, a curious look coming over her face. She stood up suddenly. "I never checked there…That would make sense." She was at the door a moment later leaving a bewildered Artemis and Luna. She paused at the door, shooting an apologetic glance toward them. "Forgive me. I will talk to you both later."
"Back to the library?" Luna questioned.
"Yes. I just realized there was one place I should have looked all this time."
"You still haven't told us what you've been looking for…" Artemis prompted.
"I shall explain it to you afterwards. Hopefully this will hold the information I am searching for, and perhaps, on the off-chance, may explain a few wild notions that I have had this past lunar cycle." Serenity replied. Without any more parting words, she left her study.
Moving quickly out of the royal family's private wing, she navigated the familiar walk towards the palace library. It was still early in the night and the hallways were busy with all manners of people from servants to Asliro. Luckily, she managed to make it to the library without any unnecessary commotion. Perhaps it was the direct walk and fierce expression of contemplation on her face. Her thoughts were rapid; most of them resting on the fate of her kingdom and the remainder were on what she hoped to find in the library. Yet, these two were intertwined.
Reaching a side door to the library, she slipped in. The palace boasted the largest library of Revlis El'inmilnum and perhaps the whole continent. Each book was either a copy, carefully transcribed by the palace scholars, or the original manuscript. Serenity found herself in the central chamber of the library, which was a large domed room. Carefully organized books lined the walls and shelves were placed symmetrically throughout. The library was lit mostly by fire, but there was an ethereal glow that provided light mystically throughout its space. Tables and desks were set up periodically, and a small lounge was formed in the center of the dome. There were no librarians on staff at the moment, as it was after hours. A few scholars however, were scattered about in various corners, pouring over dusty tomes.
Edging unnoticed along the perimeter, Serenity made her way deeper into the library and to the increasingly smaller rooms and hallways that were rarely visited. Passing into one such room, she glanced back toward the main chamber and smiled as she spotted Ami at a table some distance away. The water mage was flipping through a tome rapidly, and sitting opposite of her was Makoto who, as much as Serenity could tell from the distance, was trying not to look bored.
Serenity moved on, finding herself deeper in the library. Here, there were no torches, but the magic of the library lit her way forming an almost natural light. She turned a corner and stopped short as she nearly collided with another person. She shook her head lightly and blinked, recollecting herself.
A hand reached out and steadied her at her elbow. Though she needed no help to regain her balance, the grip was strong and warm. The person spoke with a rapid, worried tone. "Ah, I'm so sorry! I should have been paying attention to where I was going!"
Serenity met the eyes of the other person, already pinpointing them as an off-duty Asliro by their dress. It was the dark-haired, handsome Asliro known as Mamoru. His eyes widened as he belatedly recognized her. His hand shot back from her elbow and he held both up in panic. "Your Majesty! Forgive me! I wasn't-I didn't mean-"
"Mamoru!" A new voice cut in. It was Serenity's turn to be surprised as she recognized the voice as her daughter's, but she masked the expression much better than Mamoru ever could. "What's going on?"
Mamoru whirled as Usagi appeared around the corner, a small stack of books in her arms. The princess stopped short at his side once she realized her mother stood before them. Usagi smiled, albeit, a little uncertainly, "Mama."
"Usagi, what are you doing in the library at this hour? Usually you try to avoid it at all costs." Serenity said lightly.
"We're just getting some books for Ami on recent Arethian history." Usagi answered, holding the books up. Mamoru promptly took them from her, tucking them under one arm.
"History of Areth?" Serenity raised an eyebrow. As far as she knew, the suspicions she had shared with Luna and Artemis about the enemy attacks had been kept in shadow to all except her generals.
Usagi blushed slightly under the question, unconsciously inching closer to Mamoru. "It's just a theory we have all shared. We're getting some background information on it. Mamoru was going back to tell Ami we had found some books, but then I heard voices so I followed."
Serenity eyed the pair knowingly, marking her daughter's quick defense of the Asliro's actions in leaving her to carry the books and their closeness in standing. Keeping her face impassive, she clasped her hands behind her. "I see."
She let them both stand uncomfortably for a moment, catching the glance they shot toward each other. She watched as Usagi steeled herself to speak, and interrupted just as her daughter began to open her mouth. That bit of decisiveness in an uncomfortable situation was all that the queen was waiting for from her heir. Serenity smiled and nodded her head, "Well, carry on then."
She walked on past them, hiding her smile as Mamoru recovered in just enough time to bow. Hearing her daughter's audible sigh of relief, she paused. "Do not stay up too late. You have lessons with Luna tomorrow morning and with me tomorrow afternoon."
"Of course mama. Goodnight."
"Goodnight. May the moon guide your dreams." Serenity responded, unwilling to curb the affection in her voice. She took her leave; stepping into the small hallway Mamoru and Usagi appeared from. Her daughter's voice unknowingly echoed down the corridor after her, "…I didn't even ask what she was doing here!"
This time Serenity let a smile spread on her face at Usagi's slight sulk. She would have to ask about Mamoru tomorrow. She had certainly missed that bit of court gossip. She could not blame her daughter for not telling her though. Her own mother had only realized her courtship after she had eloped to Usagi's father. Besides, they had both been busy as of late. It would be good to have the whole afternoon with her daughter tomorrow. It had been awhile since they last had a chance to spend a significant amount of time together.
Her path was taking her deeper and deeper into the library. Books still lined the walls and many lay dusty from being undisturbed for so long. The floor was at an incline here, and she knew she was underneath the palace. It should have been dark and cold, yet the magic engraved in the library kept her way warm and bright. Taking a final turn, she arrived at her destination.
A black iron gate stretched from floor to ceiling, barring her entrance. Inside lay a selection of books as well as an ancient desk and chair. The room was small, nearly just an alcove, yet she knew its contents were vastly confidential. Holding her hand in front of her, a blink of concentration sent a stream of brilliant light magic to unlock the gate. The iron immediately retracted to allow her access. Her task now apparent to her, Serenity felt for sure her answers lay in this room. She took a moment to observe the contents. Some were ancient manuscripts, preserved by magic, others dated to just a few years ago. These were the personal documents, journals, letters and other such items of the previous monarchs of Revlis El'inmilnum. They dated to the founder and her namesake, Queen Serenity I and it was these documents that Queen Serenity XI selected.
She settled herself into the chair, placing the documents on the desk before her. She picked up the first of the bound pages and briefly thought for more light. The room immediately brightened and Serenity began to read.
The stormy night had opened to a beautiful day. The sun shone brilliantly, initially evaporating leftover puddles. The blue of the sky was intensely deep and contrasted against a few wispy cirrus clouds that lingered in the heavens. Yet inside Talrysc Kotyo, no one noticed.
It was chaos.
Just as lunarset passed, the North Gate was blown apart. Chunks of stone, wood, and shrapnel claimed the lives of the citizens and guards gathered there. In space of an hour, the East Gates, the Southeast Gate, and the Southwest Gate met similar fates. With four gaping holes in the city's defenses, the queen and her subordinates scrambled to reclaim control. Before they could even start to organize, the normal peaceful river that flowed through the streets transformed into raging, churning rapids. Its original surge claimed more lives, and now as it overflowed; it flooded the streets and impeded movement.
Morning grew late and just as everything was in the beginning of having a semblance of organization, the enemy struck full on. They emerged from all directions; through the woods to the North, over the farmland and hill rise to the South, straight on the path from the East, and cutting through the lowland marsh to the West. Revlis soldiers were ready, but not for an overwhelming attack like this.
The enemy that fell on Talrsyc Kotyo clearly outnumbered the defenders. Unlike previous reports, they carried a banner and the soldiers were marked upon their rough armor, bearing Areth's insignia, a simple white geometric design of a sword framed by wings printed on a black background. They were ferocious fighters and they cut through the broken defenses with few casualties. The battle really found itself in the streets of the city. Despite its size and numerous nooks and crannies, the citizens could find nowhere to hide.
The remaining defenders of Revlis El'inmilnum still held the advantage in mages, but in close quarters with overwhelming numbers and citizens to worry about, these advantages became negligible. The flooded streets ran red. The majority of the fighting was gradually pushed back towards the palace, leaving the dead, the wounded, and the terrified in the wake.
Amid this, one dark figure cut a straight path through the mayhem. He was clad in very little armor, just his primary sword arm encased in a guard, but none had yet to come close to touching him. Ochas paid little regard to those who fell before him; civilians, Revlis soldiers, his own soldiers…His sword dripped blood and an aura of power surrounded him. There were but a few choice warriors that shadowed him, following his lead and dealing death along the way. It was but a matter of time until he made it to the walls of the palace. Here, the Asliro had waited, the finest warriors of Revlis El'inmilnum, and stood their ground. They were drawn into battle now, his own elite meeting them in a fierce struggle.
Ochas paused; a source of calm in the chaos that echoed in the rest of the city. He propped his hulking broadsword on his one shoulder guard, regarding the gates in front of him and the battle around him. He allowed himself one smirk. The Asliro were holding off his forces at the moment, but he could feel the flux of power that marked Uranus and Neptune's steadfast approach. With them, he could concentrate fully on the last threat – the queen.
Despite his confidence and outward poise, nerves clung to him at this thought and Ochas gritted his teeth in rage at his own sudden uncertainty. He growled and let his power flow. Gripping the hilt, he channeled the energy through his sword and, with a yell, let the obsidian power burst forth. The gates, sturdy as they were, stood no chance. They burst inward, taking out the Asliro that waited just on the other side.
Seeing nothing but the palace in front of him, Ochas regained his composure. With a raised hand, he signaled the warriors that shadowed him to storm through. He felt them brush by and bared his teeth in a wicked smile as they charged inside.
Just as he made to follow them, he glanced over his shoulder and eyed the two figures that suddenly appeared behind him. Both remained completely unharmed and hardly disheveled. He also noted that there was no trace of blood on either of their bladed weapons.
Neptune leveled a cold stare and Uranus spoke beside her, her voice dangerous and low. "And how many more civilians do you want to die?"
"Civilians? I never said anything about killing civilians. I need citizens to rule after all…" He cocked his head to the side, eyeing the appearance of dozen Asliro that cautiously approached from the shattered gates. "Ah, take care of those for me."
He watched impassively as they met their opponents. Swiftly disabling them, but dealing no death blows. It was as he thought, but he was not all that surprised all things considered. They were under his control, but they would resist and do things their own way as they saw fit if they were able to. He started his walk forward, straight through the battle. He did not bother to even bring his sword up into a guard position. None would touch him.
Then he felt the flare of power that was both the twin and opposite to his own. Looking up onto the battlements, he caught sight of the queen. There was nothing but her intense gaze issuing the challenge. Then he was through the gates and for the moment she was gone.
Distracted, he whirled just in time to catch the blade of an Asliro with his own sword. He caught the profile of his attacker as their blades locked; a dark-haired young man with his jaw clenched and dark eyes sharp in determination.
"Boy," Ochas said lowly, "you are a fool."
The Asliro did not speak, instead he redoubled his effort. He slid out of their locked blades, turning inside to deal an elbow to the gut. Ochas's confidence backfired and he took the blow. However, the king of Areth did not even flinch and as the Asliro spun back out, Ochas flicked his sword upward, the blade brimming with obsidian power. The swipe slid through the light armor the Asliro wore easily, leaving a precise cut along the rib cage. The Asliro stumbled and Ochas took the opening.
Yet again, the king underestimated his opponent as the Asliro flung out a hand. The ground in front of him shot up immediately under the magic. Ochas's sword, still encased in power, barreled through the wall of earth, but the magic gave the Asliro time to recover.
Ochas did not press his attack. Instead he held his sword in a relax grip, point downward, regarding his opponent. He paid no mind to the screams and sounds of battle that surrounded them, not even flinching as an errant stream of fire cut close along his side. The Asliro stood in a defensive stance, breathing heavily, but holding his sword in one hand. The other hand gripped the cut along his ribs, blood seeping out between his fingers.
Ochas narrowed his eyes, suddenly curious. "Do I know you boy?"
Before the Asliro could respond, a panicked call rang out. "Mamoru!"
Ochas's eyes slid over to regard the fair-haired young man that dashed forward. This new Asliro's face was contorted with anger, his sword raised offensively in one hand. The other hand was punched forward with an open palm, sending bullets of compressed air toward Ochas. The emperor-king quickly raised a hand encased in obsidian magic, the bullets stopping in front of him and then dissimilating into the air.
"Oops." Ochas said smiled wickedly at his new opponent.
Mamoru's eyes widened from his position, hearing Ochas' words. He staggered forward, attempting to stop the emperor-king, but his wound impeded his movement. He yelled blindly, "Motoki! No!"
Just as Motoki was about to fall upon Ochas with his sword, the emperor-king released his own power. It caught Motoki in his torso. He felt the crushing power and change of momentum as he was sent shooting backwards. He crashed into the walls near the gate, and knew no more.
"Motoki!" Mamoru roared. Before he could even attempt to retaliate with magic or sword, Ochas was in front of him. The emperor-king stilled him completely with an outstretched hand brimming with obsidian energy. Mamoru found himself seizing up completely, his muscles refusing to work.
"Enough child's play." Ochas said, "But you amuse me little Asliro. You can live for now."
Mamoru felt the pressure of Ochas's hand against his chest. He felt his legs give out, collapsing to the ground. He watched Ochas walk away; leaving him on the ground in the middle of the battlefield that was once the immaculate palace grounds. His hearing grew faint, the screams of pain, the clashing of weapons, now sounding distant. His last thoughts as darkness crept along his vision were of Usagi.
Queen Serenity's movements were unearthly as she battled off countless foes. Her light dress did not so much as impede movement as it did accentuate it, even in battle. A twist of the hand and arm sent out a beam of light and she flowed gracefully into further attacking forms. She was in constant motion, incapacitating foes. From the battlements of the palace, she fought her way into the gardens, the overwhelming numbers of the enemy never ceasing. Then she found herself in the Great Hall of her palace. What thoughts that were not concentrating on battling the enemy, fell on what she could feel was a predestined battle with Ochas, the fate of her citizens, and, of course, Usagi.
Artemis and Luna were with her. They both fought furiously with blades, following her wherever she went. Artemis's normally pristine white shirt was stained reddish brown and in tatters, but he claimed no serious wounds. Luna, too, was for the most part fine. She had lost quite a few inches of her long hair to a fire mage and now it just brushed the shoulder blades with burnt ends. As for Serenity, nothing had yet to touch her.
They stumbled into one of the main corridors of the palace leaving the Great Hall and dead Arethian soldiers behind. A few Asliro were with them, having survived the skirmish inside it. To their surprise, they found the corridor empty as far as they could see. They relaxed, briefly and let the adrenaline rush out of them, leaving them gasping for breath and with muscles suddenly weak. Luna felt one of her calf muscles seize in protest, crying out and falling against the wall as her leg became momentarily useless. Serenity quickly knelt and placed a hand on the leg. A brief glow of white magic and the muscle relaxed.
"Is everyone alright?" Serenity asked after a moment.
"Yes. No major injuries." Artemis replied. The Asliro with them nodded their assent.
"Just my hair." Luna murmured.
Artemis, by her side, fingered the burnt ends before offering her a smile. "I'll fix it up later, and don't worry it'll grow back."
All three drew to attention as they heard a crash echo down the corridor followed by screams and the familiar sounds of battle. Luna and Artemis stared down the darkened corridor, attempting to assess the situation. Luna regarded Artemis out of the corner of her eye, "Sounds like they've broken completely into the western wing of the palace. It's not just patches of them making their way into here anymore."
"No fighting toward the eastern wing," Artemis observed, turning to glance down the other end of the corridor. "Let's move."
The Asliro took off without another word, grimfaced and ready to rejoin the battle. Luna and Artemis did not follow them immediately; instead they eyed their queen who stood staring down the east end of the corridor.
"Serenity?" Luna questioned.
"Go on." Serenity replied. "I am going this way. There is something off…"
"Do you want us to come with you?" Luna asked anyway.
"No. Go with the Asliro." Serenity responded, "Luna, Artemis…if you find my daughter, keep her safe."
"Of course my queen." Artemis responded, taking a protesting Luna by the arm. "Stay safe."
He pulled Luna away as Serenity started her way down the other end of the corridor. Artemis watched her out of the corner of his eyes, his mouth set into a grim line and unable to suppress his sudden trepidation. Luna ceased her struggling and let Artemis pull her along, watching Serenity disappear with wide, worried eyes.
The queen did not glance back as she glided down the corridor toward the epicenter of the palace – the throne room.
It was quiet this way. The battle seemed far away and strange to the familiar walls of her palace. If she did not look out the windows, she could pretend that all was normal. Yet, one glance revealed her city in pieces. Smoke rose from fires that had yet to be put out and the majority of the streets remained flooded. Bitter fighting still continued as her soldiers and Asliro struggled to hang on.
As the corridor emptied into the massive entrance hall all seemed normal except for the lack of human presence. All non-fighters, from palace staff to nobles, had been encouraged to take refugee deep inside the palace, guarded by a few, select Asliro. Serenity was not sure if her daughter and her companions were among them for the brief time leading up to this confrontation had been frenzied and hectic. But if they could not keep Areth out of the palace, hiding would not matter.
Serenity did not hesitate. She knew where to go and did not falter. The massive doors to the throne room were open, beckoning her inside. She realized that she had known from her first step away from Luna and Artemis this was where she was meant to go.
As she entered, she paid no mind to the aesthetic presence of the throne room. Instead, as she walked down the stretch of red carpet from the doors to the throne, her eyes lit upon the figure at the far end. Ochas, she knew instinctively. It could only be him.
His back was turned toward her, facing her throne. He stood at the bottom of the dais, looking upward. His sword sheathed on his back. His hands rested on his hips; his sure-footed stance speaking of confidence. Ochas turned as she came closer.
"Am I allowed to ask why?" Serenity spoke, stopping a dozen paces from him.
"No." Ochas responded tersly, at the same moment unleashing a surge of power in a blast directed toward the queen. She raised her arms in a cross in front of her torso, a flash of a magic shield appearing as the attack hit it. Ochas began a measured walk toward her, unsheathing his sword in a fluid stroke and unleashing another attack. Serenity blocked it similarly, but found herself being pushed back from the force of it on the thick carpet.
"You're going to die here today Serenity. Hundreds of years of prosperous history and rule are going to end with you." Ochas said. His voice was somewhat odd, hushed, with a mixture of anticipation and nerves.
"You are mad Ochas. Do not think I do not see what you truly are? Obsessed with power. Bent on control for all your surroundings." Serenity responded calmly.
Before he could respond, she attacked with magic of her own. A pure, glowing beam sent forward with a push of her arm. Ochas blocked it with his sword, laughing, only to have it ricochet off. The magic crashed into one of the columns, sending chunks of marble to the floor. Only then did they fight really begin.
Ochas utilized his sword and magic in dangerous precision. Serenity's light magic worked just as well as a shield against physical attacks as it did magic, and as demonstrated, it also worked as a threatening offensive power. The battle continued with flashes of light and dark and the sound of echoed furiously in empty throne room. Fiercely, the fight between the two monarchs continued, picking up in both speed and power.
Serenity staggered under a series of particularly hard blows. She threw up her power in an attempt to shield the incoming follow up attack, but there was none. Ochas leered and encased his hand in his obsidian power, ready to freeze the queen. She would have none of that, however, she focused a swirl of light honed onto Ochas's hand. The emperor-king howled in pain, his eyes widening and cursing the queen as his power shattered. He was nonetheless quick on his guard to block off an incoming blow. He spun, dodging another attack and simultaneously carrying his momentum into a powerful horizontal slice of his own. Serenity just barely managed the dodge as the tip of the broadsword managed to catch a couple pieces of her hair.
The end came frighteningly quick. Ochas seamlessly gripped his sword in both hands and growled, an ugly sneer splitting across his face. Darkness penetrated the throne room in a burst of power. It encased his hands and curled around his sword in the space of a second. Silently, he drove the hit forward, crashing through Serenity's shield.
The sword met flesh in a sickening thud. The queen fell backwards, almost slowly, gasping as the bloody sword slid back out of her, and landed on her back in the center of the throne room. As she felt the footfalls that marked Ochas' approach, she could not help but notice her blood matched the stretch of carpet. It was a curious thing, she realized, that this minor detail seemed important as her world fell apart.
"You are right, to some extent, Serenity." Ochas remarked, once again completely unruffled. Whatever madness that spilt from him earlier was covered with an aura of confidence and competence. His silhouette all she could see as he stood against the sunlight that poured in from the upper windows. "Power is everything. Without power, there is nothing. We are nothing. This is just one more step to ensure that I will never be nothing. Do you want me to put you out of your misery?"
"You will fall Ochas." Serenity coughed. She brought a hand to her mouth and bringing it away noticed the blood there. It was strange, the pain felt dull and distant, but her body felt so heavy. "Power is insurance, but it is not everything. Because you do not…" She coughed again. "You can not know this, and it will be your downfall."
"Yet power has placed you there." He smiled, "You were found wanting and now your kingdom is mine." Ochas looked up sharply, his eyes toward the main entrance of the throne room.
Serenity's eyes widened as she felt the intrusion, the wind and the sea. Her mind suddenly left her present situation, flying back to the discovery she made just the previous night.
Ochas laughed. A deep throated sound that reverberated in Serenity's soul. She swallowed thickly only to choke on blood as he spoke. "Neptune. Uranus."
"The city is yours Ochas." Uranus growled.
"What kingdom is Revlis El'inmilnum, Serenity, when its own gods turn against it?" Ochas prodded. He smirked and nudged the queen with his foot.
She inhaled sharply at this, the feeling of pain suddenly rushing in and becoming all consuming. At the same moment, she realized it was more than just a bloody cut across her torso. Her power should have healed her instinctively, but she could feel the pulse of darkness inside her that was the mark of Ochas's magic.
"You'll die knowing that because you were found lacking, the work of your ancestors is all undone. Revlis El'inmilnum is under the Areth Empire now."
Serenity ignored his words, instead focusing upon the presence of the wind and the sea as they came closer. She felt it, and was surprise that Ochas did not – the anger and sorrow and guilt pooled in both. "Haruka, Michiru…"
She noted their surprise, the sudden seize and stiffness in their presence just behind her, but pressed on. "I am sorry." Serenity gasped out, finding it increasingly difficult to breath. "I am so sorry."
Unlike Ochas, their footfalls were hard to make out, but their presence magnified until they finally appeared in her line of vision. They were exactly how she thought they would be, personifying the wind and sea. Neptune, or Michiru as Serenity had learned, with hair and eyes to match Ym'dea Eesp was slender and beautiful. A simple gray tunic belted at the waist with dark leggings showed no signs of battle, but her eyes belied that fact. She gripped a naginata, her knuckles white in the tense grip. Uranus, Haruka as Serenity knew, with wind-swept golden hair and fierce eyes, tall and lithe, held a sword in one hand. The tip was pointed at the ground, the grip on it shaky. Her outfit, a beige shirt and dark pants, also showed no signs of wear and tear. Serenity's eyes fell upon the other sword, still sheathed on her hip. Her eyes darted back to Michiru, noting the small mirror tucked in her belt. Finally, Serenity's gaze returned to Ochas and despite everything, a dash of hope returned. He did not know what she had only learned just the past night.
"For what?" Michiru said. Her tone was not accusing, nor judging, but entirely curious.
"It is too late for apologies." Ochas interrupted lowly. "Uranus and Neptune have aligned themselves with me."
Serenity coughed again, blood exiting her lungs and leaving her lips. She was breathing heavily now, the pain blindingly intense. But she caught the expressive glance Haruka and Michiru shared behind Ochas's back.
"You're dying Serenity." Ochas said, crouching to regard her closely. He did not smile, but she found his stoicism infuriating. Before he could continue speaking, a strained cry echoed in the throne room.
"Mama!"
"Usagi!" Serenity gasped, "No!"
"Ah, here's the brat." Ochas said rising. He turned around, meeting the horrified stares of five girls as they came dashing in from a side entrance near the throne.
It was obvious they had been in a few scrapes as they stopped short Makoto's tunic was torn from a narrow miss and there was blood on the halberd she wielded. Minako sported a shallow cut on her shoulder that still sent trickles of blood down her arm and caused her to grip her longsword with just her weak arm. Ami had a deep bruise near her temple and her robes had been burnt, but she still held her long staff. Rei had shouldered her bow to keep Usagi from dashing forward. Rei's shirt appeared to be wet, whether from a water mage or otherwise, it was unknown. Usagi remained unmarked, her lightweight sword forgotten in her grip at the sight of her mother.
"Uranus, Neptune, if you please?" Ochas said, a hand gesturing toward the five gathered near the throne.
Haruka and Michiru exchanged a glance, neither moving.
"That was a command." Ochas said lowly.
At those words, they moved. It was completely unnatural. They stumbled forward a few steps, a dark energy outlining their forms. Haruka turned and gave him a deep glare that would have terrified a lesser person. Michiru's voice was a cold wave. "They are children."
"That is the heir to the Serenity line and her guardians." Ochas responded evenly, but his dark eyes gleamed. "You are sworn to me."
Haruka gave frustrated growl and threw her hand in an open palm sideswipe. Wind rushed forward in a visible attack, reaching Usagi and her guardians in a mere blink. Fortunately, they had readied themselves and Ami instantly stepped forward as she saw Haruka's movement. Twisting her staff, she froze the air molecules in front of them, giving them a shield to the fierce blow. The ice shield shattered, unable to stand up to the attack, and they were knocked backwards off their feet. However, the shield did its job and they survived what had been a deadly blow.
Minako was immediately back on her feet, Makoto and Rei a second behind her, ready to meet another attack. Ami and Usagi were a bit slower to return standing from where they had fallen against the steps of the dais. Yet neither Haruka nor Michiru pressed an attack.
"Kill them." Ochas hissed.
Again, the dark energy outlined their forms. This time, Serenity realized, it would be the death of her daughter and guardians as water whipped to life around Michiru and an unfelt wind ruffled Haruka's clothes. Michiru's face was impassive but for her eyes, expressing a distinct mixture of rage and regret. Haruka's jaw was clenched tightly and she near hissed in frustration. "As you wish."
Ignoring the pain, and the beginnings of darkness creeping at her vision, Serenity willed herself together. She pushed herself onto her elbows, wincing as it aggravated the cut. Even though she lived to see everything her ancestors had done collapse and was paying for it, her daughter would live. Ochas pivoted on his feet, feeling the swell of light magic from the fallen queen behind him. His eyes narrowed, "None of that Serenity. It's time to die."
"No." Serenity breathed before Ochas could even begin to take a step. Her voice betrayed no weakness. Instead, it filled with power, drawn from desperation, resonating with light magic and voices of queens long past. "Be gone from this place."
Haruka and Michiru turned with eyes wide in surprise as power burst forth from Serenity. Ochas' face was screwed in fury and he let out of a howl of anger. The power encompassed the three of them and just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, taking Ochas, Haruka, and Michiru with it. Serenity collapsed as soon as they vanished, her breathing harsh and labored. The flare of power left her with virtually no energy and quickened the lifeblood pumping out of her wound.
Her daughter was safe for the moment and that was all that matter. Her vision was going blurry, and sound seemed so distant. Usagi's voice sounded as if it was in a dream. Her breath hitched at the sight of her daughter's desperate blue eyes. Serenity knew the end was nigh, yet she fought for strength to say what was needed.
"Usagi," Her voice was weak, but the fierce clutch on her hand grounded her. "Usagi, Serenity XII. Flee the city."
"Mama, no! Don't talk! I can heal you! I know I can! Just hang on…please!" Usagi's voice came clearly, snapping a moments more life into Serenity.
"Not this. It is dark magic, ancient. My time is here and you must run for now."
"Mama…" Usagi's voice was a low keen.
"Seek the Guardian of Time." Serenity coughed more blood weakly. "You cannot win as you are now, but find the Guardian of Time. Do not judge the Wind and the Sea..."
"Yes, yes. Anything you want."
"For you, not me. I know you will become a queen worthy of all people." Serenity could only whisper now, a hiss of breath that could barely be heard. "I love you."
"I know." Usagi sobbed, "I know. Gods, I know." Tears poured forth, brightening the blue eyes even more. Yet she was strangely resolute, demonstrating strength more familiar to the line of Serenity. Her grip on her mother's hand tightened, "Just rest, mama. I love you."
Her pain was gone. Her kingdom had fallen, but there was still hope. The last thing Serenity saw was the brilliant blue eyes of her daughter. Then there was nothing but her weak breathing. The only feeling remaining was the hand clutching hers. And then nothing.
Fin Chapter
A/N: Well…
Ahem… I hope that was not a too terribly clichéd death scene. But just about all death scenes are clichéd to begin with.
No anagrams this time. I'm sorry. I'm 90% sure there will be some next chapter though. Last chapter's Ym'dea Eesp is "my deep sea" and Hawkai is Hikawa. I swear the Hawaii-Hawkai thing was unintentional.
Pronunciation Guide:
Revlis El'inmilnum: rev-liss el-in-mil-num
Talrysc Kotyo: tal-risk co-tee-oh
Ochas: oh-chas or oh-kass
Areth: A-reth
Suwdin G'nrih: tsu-din gee-rih
Onom: oh-numm
Ym'dea Eesp: eem-dee-ah esp
Asliro: as-lee-ro
Hawkai: hall-kai
Next Chapter: Some words are exchanged between HM and Ochas. Usagi and Co. set out to find the Guardian of Time aka Setsuna aka read the prologue again if you need to.
Thanks for reading! All reviews are appreciated!