Chapter 12
The Children's Tears
As soon as the gates closed, Rini bolted from them. Serena started after her, but Tuxedo Mask held her back.
"She knows where she's going. We'll meet back up with her." In this large desolate ghost town, Serena was unsure. It didn't seem like a good idea, but she knew what he meant. In the mean time, they all began walking through the silent city, cautious and aware. It wasn't long before Serena felt like they weren't the only ones wandering around the cold ice tomb that was Crystal Tokyo.
There was a ghost, Serena was sure of it. It was daylight but the sun was eclipsed by a dark, overbearing moon.
Beyond the dull chipped crystals that dotted the landscape, Serena saw it again. She paused, squinting,
"I saw it too." Kunzite stood next to her, following her gaze. Again, the ghost flashed in the distance. She didn't feel like the ghost was trouble, so she started after it, starling the group to start running as well. Her boots made dull thumps in the dead grass. It dodged through brittle trees, over the cold powder that was the earth.
The ghost looked behind and Serena saw bright blue eyes twinkle merrily. Serena felt the ghost's sweet spirit as she leapt out of sight. Wherever the white haired phantom was going, Serena knew deep down that she lead them to Rini.
Breathing hard, the large grouped hiked up a steep hill. Serena stumbled over large dirt rocks. Her feet slipped on the loose pebbles but Darien caught her around the waist and helped her to the peak.
The ghost was below them standing elegantly by tall white gates that surrounded a huge palace. She was dressed in a pale, pale off-the-shoulder yellow dress that bunched at the waist to show just how slender she was. It flared from there, reaching just below her knees. She wore golden dancing slippers, her white hair all one long length caught in the cold breeze. She reminded Serena of a snow sprite, mysterious, playful and secretive. Her lily white hands were folded in front of her like a well-bred princess. She looked to be about fourteen.
"They have come, Uncle." She spoke with a warm, honeyed voice staring steadily at the group. There was something strangely familiar about her demeanor.
"Thank you Rin." Serena's skin tingled. She knew that voice. Coming down the cracked white stone path a figure floated to them. As it approached she felt Darien tense behind her.
"Look," She began staring in disbelief as the figure became clearer and clearer. "It's Tuxedo Mask." She said in awe.
"I'm surprised that you managed to get to Crystal Tokyo in the thirtieth century." He said.
"You!" Darien growled, pulling his black cane from the folds of his jacket and charged after him. Rin gasped a fluttering hand to her mouth as she watched wide-eyed from her place at the gate. Tense, Serena stepped forward.
"Darien!" She said in protest. He and the figure collided, but Darien sailed through the floating figure and landed hard on his hands and knees. The group was stunned, not to sure what to make of what just happened.
"What the hell is going on?" Darien demanded from his place on the ground, glaring steadily at the older man. The image turned with a kind look on his face.
"Don't look so surprised." He said. "I am King Endymion." Darien said nothing, only looked stupefied at the image. "That's right. I am you in the future." He said softly, letting Darien's shock wear off.
"Then why did you…" Serena felt tears burn her eyes, hurt, betrayal bubbled in her chest. King Endymion's eyed darkened as his shoulders slumped a little.
"Please, come with me." He said.
"But we have to find Rini!" Serena protested.
"Don't worry about her. I'm sheltering her." Rin spoke up. She gave a little bow and began following King Endymion. The group looked to one another, but Serena followed, helping Darien up from the ground.
XOXO
Caleb was brought to the Image Room that afternoon. He could feel the disturbance in this time and unease settled heavily on his chest. Esmeraled was in there and Diamond was staring at an active image as if her were memorized. It didn't take him long to see why. Sailor Moon's image was steadily walking in place. Panic flared and he fought to gain composure.
"They've arrived in Crystal Tokyo." Caleb said more to himself then the others. Diamond said nothing only greedily watched Sailor Moon., his eyes burning as if nothing else mattered than her. Anger boiled—anger at stupid Esmeraled for letting his mother and the others come to this place when all his plans were only halfway prepared. Caleb knew that Diamond was planning something soon and he was helpless, damn helpless to do anything to keep any of them safe. He had to think fast. Esmeraled was shaking in anger. Her light brown eyes livid as she started in absolute loathing at the image.
"Esmeraled. The Sailor Warriors have ended up in Crystal Tokyo." He repeated louder, his voice booming in the small chamber and echoing off the walls. The girl turned to him, anger still in her face. But also shame. "Your blame in this matter is great!"
"I will go kill them all at once. "She said quickly and turned to leave.
"That won't be necessary." Diamond woke from his trance.
"I'll go!" Esmeraled insisted.
"Diamond." Caleb began. This was not good. He had to do something.
"Sapphire, Esmeraled. You two go find the Rabbit." He ordered, ignoring both of them. Then he was gone. The two stood in tense closeness.
I hate this Caleb thought looking distressed. He needed to get a message to his father. Esmeraled growled and threw her frilly fan in the image of Sailor Moon, shaking, spitting mad. Then an idea entered his head, one that needed careful planning and some luck. He smothered a smirk.
"We will go and do what he asks." Caleb murmured, trying to hide his amusement at the girl's petty jealousy.
XOXO
"What is this place?" Jadeite asked when the party had followed King Endymion into a circular room with ribs of pillars surrounding them.
"These ruins are our old base. The enemy's power should not be able to reach us here." King Endymion answered.
"Uncle! Uncle!" Two boisterous boy voices broke through the crowed. King Endymion turned to a dark arch way and two dark haired boys came running in, skidding to a halt in front on the group. They were twins, about eleven, short curly black hair and pastel purple eyes, dressed identically in long sleeved red shirts and dark blue pants. Serena's mind began working fervently, trying to put in place what was happening. This is the future, so where was Caleb? Who were these strange children that reminded her so much of her friends?
"Jude, Torin." King Endymion nodded in greeting.
"We did our daily scout." One of the boys said not taking his eyes from the group.
"Jude took the west and I took the east." Serena assumed it was Torin who spoke.
"Where is—"
"Here!" A breathless boy entered, interrupting King Endymion.
"This is just too strange." Serena whispered to herself. He looked like a mini version of Nephrite in a pale olive green shirt and black corduroy pants; same age as the twins.
"What took you so long?" Rin asked in an accusing tone, placing a hand on her hip.
"I'm thorough." He snapped, ignoring her flashing blue eyes before doing a double take just noticing the group of people.
"Uncle are they…" Jude began but King Endymion gave the children all a look to be quiet.
"Where is Rini?" Serena asked again, getting back to the situation.
"Do not worry. She is safe and protected." King Endymion said. "First I want you to listen to what I have to say." He raised his right arm tightening his hold on his cane. The room faded away into the sky. Everyone looked around in amazement. Serena looked down to see a glowing star stamped in the floor.
He told the story of a slumbering Earth resurrected in the thirtieth century by the Sliver Crystal. He told about the rising of the enemy and the battle he and Serenity fought. But the evil beings were not all cleansed of dark magic and they all assimilated on a planet called Nemesis. There they gained powers and called themselves the clan of the Dark Moon. Then the war, the unexpected battle that many died from. Only the Crystal Palace was protected and that was only possible by the waning power of the Scouts. Now, the whole world was asleep once more.
No one needed to tell the Scouts about where they were in the future. Serena could feel their energy throughout the whole palace. Still, the Scouts were stunned.
"What about us?" Zoicite asked hesitantly.
"You are with the Scouts, lending your strength. It is because of your life energy that they are still standing." The King explained. That settled well with the guards.
"I would be in the Sacred Chamber with you, but I was seriously injured. That is why I am a holograph. Right now the only thing that can save this Earth from the evil power is the Silver Crystal. But Neo Queen Serenity is the only one who can use it and she is in deep sleep as well." Serena heard his pain and she grabbed Darien's hand as if it would assure King Endymion that she was still there.
"I'm sorry." Serena said softly, desperately wanting to hug King Endymion. An image floated from the glowing floor star and Serena gasped a bit taken back at the image of her future self lying on a flat, pillowed alter-looking thing surrounded by sparking crystals. I'm one hot chick—Serena thought fleetingly before scolding herself for losing her train of thought.
"Our daughter—" King Endymion made the image disappear and the floor open. Rini was settled on a fluffy pillow sleeping soundly. Relief washed though her as she let go of Darien and kneeled by the girl, gathering the slumbering terror in a warm embrace, kissing her head.
"So this is where you were." She breathed, her heart expanding. Poor thing. Serena knew it; she knew that Rini was hers. That Rini belonged to her before King Endymion said anything. She felt it deep in her soul, her motherly instinct told her long before they even came to the future.
"And these are a few of you children as well." King Endymion addressed the group of Scouts and Guards. Stunned, thick silence fell over them.
"Some…" Jupiter asked unsteadily.
"Of our…" Nephrite held a hand to his chest.
"Children?" Venus exclaimed, her eyes colliding with Rin's eyes.
"Yaayyy!" Jude and Torin clapped their hands, sailing into the group and latching themselves on Mars and Jadeite's body. Mars stiffened as one of the twins embraced her, trapping her arms to her sides.
"What year, month and day did that happen?" She demanded a blush stealing up her cheeks. Jadeite looked panicked and was trying to peel the other boy off of him.
"I thought everyone was asleep." Mercury looked concerned.
"The children were in the palace when the Scouts created a shield so the children were protected as well. Sailor Pluto has been helping me care for them. She is in the Nursery right now."
"Nursery?" Jupiter's voice rang in what sounded like alarm.
"You thought we were the only ones?" Rin snickered and tossed her hair back in a flippant manner. "Please, if that were true I would have more things." Serena couldn't help but smile, she was such a teenager. Mina and Kunzite shared bemused looks.
"Please, excuse their many breaches of decorum." King Endymion apologized but then added, "They're you kids after all."
"That's true." The brown haired mini Nephrite piped in brightly looking to the older Nephrite. "Mom says I get it from you." He said with an innocent shrug. Jupiter smirked.
"I'm probably right." She admitted shamelessly.
"Come on! Let's go to the Nursery!" The twin latched to Mars, whined pulling her arm insistently.
"Jude, please. I still need to discuss some things with them. Why don't you go to the Nursery and inform Sailor Pluto of their arrival. This is very important." King Endymion spoke softly but with fatherly authority. Jude let out a sigh and Torin finally let go of Jadeite's leg.
"Fine. Come on Noel, you have to come too." Jude—the bossy fellow (Serena knew he got that attitude from Raye)—pulled mini Nephrite's arm. Noel scowled at Jude and shook his arm free.
"Don't tell me what to do." He said hotly giving a fleeting look to King Endymion before running and hugging Jupiter's waist, burying his face in her stomach. Jupiter instinctively gave him a hug back, running her hands down his long, perfect brown hair. For the first time, in that touching moment, Serena realized just how much the children missed their parents. Her heart ached as she saw Noel tightly close his eyes, as if trying to hold in his tears. Serena cuddled Rini closer to her, kissing her head. After a little while, Noel let go and dashed to join the twins. The boys left through a cracked door. Rin was the only one left, but she didn't leave. Instead she kneeled and let King Endymion finish.
"The Black Moon, the clan of the Dark Moon; their objective is to defeat us, steal the crystals and conquer the world. The enemy realized they could not take our Crystal Palace so now they are trying to destroy the world of the past, where you live."
"If the world in the past is destroyed—" Kunzite, who had been silent this whole time, said looking at Mercury.
"This world will also fall." Mercury confirmed.
"It is true that I showed you those ominous illusions and nightmares. You must be angry at me, but in order to win this war you will be no match if your love is fickle and insecure. Without the strong bind of love between you two you are unlikely to surmount the coming crisis. That's why I put you through that trial. Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Mask, please protect Rini." His voice was hoarse now, like he was about to cry. His see-though hand passed over Rini's sleeping face, desperately wanting to touch her. "I cannot be by her side. I cannot protect her."
"King, I will protect her even at the risk of my own life." Darien said encircling Serena's shoulders. King Endymion was impassive. The only thing that told Serena of his pain was his turbulent eyes full of regret, loneliness, love…He gave Darien a little whimsical smile.
"It's strange to be talking to my old self. I know you will." He said and then his image flickered like a candle in the wind, then he was gone. Cold Dark air rustled through the old ruins crisscrossing and tearing at her uniform. Serena saw Rin dive into Kunzite's arms and Venus covered her protectively. Serena knelt down hovering over Rini's limp body. She felt Darien's cape swish over her.
"So this is where you have been hiding." A voice made her flesh crawl and her heartbeat flutter. All she thought about was keeping her daughter safe. "But your efforts are useless." Serena lifted her head and saw a young man dressed in white with a blue cape, floating in mid air, His hair was sort of a pale periwinkle color and he had a black upside down moon in the center of his head.
"Who are you?" She demanded. The man looked even paler than he was a moment ago. His eyes darkened like an obsessive stalker. And then his moon folded into an eye shining brightly, freezing her in place. It was a strange feeling. Cold like the air was being squeezed from her and her skin numbed. Serena let out a groan.
"You will come with me." He purred and she felt herself being lifted. Rini fell from her arms. "Come!"
"Sailor Moon!" She heard Darien exclaim but she couldn't do anything. His eye had trapped her. But she had enough strength to attempt an escape. She tried to reach down, tried and failed. His hand enclosed her wrist with a cold, hard clamp.
"I wanted to kill two birds with one stone, but as long as I can get a hold of you I will be quite satisfied." Her heart screamed in warning, nerves skittered when she detected that tone in his voice. I was the same tone Darien used when Beryl turned him evil and he trapped her in her room with Caleb sleeping mere feet from her.
I can't breath! She thought frantically, her eyes glued to that eye on his forehead. And I can't look away she thought before everything turned black.
Darien tightened his hold on Rini, unable to look from the spot he had taken her. Where, where?! I just got her back and now…
"Don't panic Tuxedo Mask. I have some idea where the enemy is headed." King Endymion soothed him, his image coming back into view. It hurt, that empty feeling, but he trusted King Endymion.
XOXO
Caleb watched in distress as Sailor Moon was yanked from the group. When Diamond had entered the old ruins in ribbons of black magic he hid a message to his father in one of the ribbons that disrupted the holographic image. Now he stood in one of the bases, hiding in the shadows, keeping watch to make sure his mother was safe. He had to grit his teeth when Diamond undressed her and clothed her in a blue dress to his liking. He didn't like it at all, but he couldn't give away his position. Not while his plan was in motion. In the far corner of the room he placed a camouflaged image orb linked to Esmeraled's room.
Caleb watched tensely as Sailor Moon stirred, put a hand to her head and looked around the unfamiliar surroundings.
"Why am I in the dress? My brooch!" She put a hand to her chest. Her other hand fumbled around her finally touching the pink brooch that Diamond placed beside her.
"Even after my attack, with you bathed in the Evil Black Crystal's power, you still woke up so quickly." Caleb's gaze went to the doorway of the room. Diamond stood perfectly still in the back archway. His white uniform contrasted to the dark walls and shining dark floors. "I'm impressed." Caleb disliked the deep drop in Diamond's tone but he stayed still, hoping his father would get here quickly before Diamond did anything.
"You may find it a bit difficult to be in this castle."
"Who are you?" Sailor Moon commanded.
"I am Prince Diamond. Welcome to my Clan's forward base Sailor Moon." Shock registered on his mother's face and she was tense clutching her crystal tightly in one hand. "No, future Neo Queen Serenity. Perhaps that would be the more proper way to address you." He began walking forward, a stiff saunter with a little ghost of a smile on his lips. "Now let us have a long…talk." He held out his hand, making her rise from the bed and hover in mid air. Sailor Moon called out her transformation. Nothing happened and Caleb saw the flare of panic in her eyes.
"The crystal is nothing before the Black Crystal's power." Diamond phased himself mere inched from his mother. "This room if filled with the Black Crystal's power. All other powers are absorbed by it. Even the Silver Crystal's power." Diamond then placed a hand on her shoulder and she pushed it away.
"No!" She shrieked. Caleb felt tears burn his eyes and he prayed fervently that his dad was on his way.
Diamond didn't take to kindly to being rejected so he skewered her with a dark energy blast, zapping her in pain.
"Those eyes, the future eyes of Neo Queen Serenity." Diamond captured her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. "Use this room as you wish Sailor Moon." He thickly murmured. "This will be your eternal resting place." His eyes lowered to her trembling mouth. "As long as I have the power of the Black Crystal I can control time, space and energy as I please. I can obtain any planet, any dimension."
Caleb was just about to stop Diamond when he heard a faint whistling in the dark wind. He looked from his place to see his father stealthy approaching on a hang glider.
"That way of thinking is wrong!" He heard Sailor Moon protest. Caleb turned his attention back to the pair and saw that Diamond was much closer now.
"I wanted to make you mine, no matter what I had to do." He pierced her with a stronger beam of dark magic, moving closer so their lips were millimeters apart. Hurry up! Caleb mentally screamed to his father.
"Now, Neo Queen Serenity—finally I have you." Caleb bit his lip hard, forced himself to look away.
"Sailor Moon!" Caleb's eyes snapped open, down from his perch to see a flash of red and black running down the hall. Please Dad, make it in time! Just as Diamond parted his lips a red rose sailed between them. Stunned Diamond's power released her and Sailor Moon fell with a cry back on the bed. Caleb silently hollered with relief and euphoria. His Dad was right next to him on a high ledge by a window but he couldn't see Caleb. Now he waited until the last of his plan fell into place. He just hoped that Esmeraled's jealousy wouldn't fail him.
Diamond aimed an attack, but Tuxedo Mask shielded himself with his cape. That was when he felt dark energy build in the room and soon, thick ribbons of black magic struck Diamond in the face, startling him to protect himself. Tuxedo Mask lowered his elongated cane down and Sailor Moon quickly took hold. When Tuxedo Mask had her in his arms, they left though the broken window and out of the castle base. Outside he saw Esmeraled leaning against the wall watching his parents make their escape.
"Esmeraled. I hope you didn't get into Diamond's way and let those two get away." He said as sternly as he could. She feigned innocence.
"Me? Let the enemy get away? Why would I do such a thing?"
"Women are frightening unpredictable creatures when they become mad with jealousy. Aren't you enjoying the fact that Sailor Moon got away from Diamond's grasp?" He winced when she gave an irritation laugh.
"I am a woman who pledged my loyalty to Prince Diamond. I would never do something against his wishes." She insisted. Caleb thought for a while before he smiled a small, chilling smile.
"We share the same sentiments. You don't think I feel the same as you? I also hate Sailor Moon."
Esmeraled smirked. "So we are alike." She said and turned to see Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask disappear in the night sky.
Hardly, Caleb thought as he followed her gaze. But if she kept his mother away from Diamond in the future it was less worry for him.
XOXO
After they safely landed, Serena and Darien embraced one another. They didn't speak, only stood there in the cold wind.
"We will be tested soon." He finally said and Serena buried her head in his shoulder.
"No matter what, we'll always—" She didn't finish. Darien tilted her head back and gave her a bruising kiss at first, than one more gentle and loving. She felt the fist petal of snow on her warm cheeks as they broke away. They watched in sadness as the land began freezing.
"There you are!" The two looked to see Rin running to see them with an off-white cashmere shawl draped over her tiny shoulders.
"The Scouts will be relived that you're back." She said.
"Where are they?" Serena asked. She was a little concerned that they didn't come to see her.
"They're waiting for you at the palace." She said and they all left the cold night air. As soon as they arrived in the palace, the scouts all surrounded her, exclaiming how worried they were and how glad they were that she was back.
"Where are the guards?" Darien asked looking around.
"King Endymion is showing them the control room." Mercury said. A moment later the twins came running in the lobby of the palace, breathless.
"You said you would come to the Nursery." One of them pouted, skewing Mars with an accusing glare.
"We were just…" She began and the twins lightened and both grabbed each of her arms and began dragging her down the lighted hallway to a spiraling staircase. By the time they started up the stairs, the guards were filing from the Control Room and caught up with them. For some reason, Serena was a little frightened, and nervous for the Scouts and Guards. They must be anxious so see the children, but how would the children react? They were separated from their parents for so long would they latch themselves on their future mothers and fathers and not let go? They didn't have much time here after all.
"Where is Rini?" Serena asked as she and Darien fell behind the group.
"Sleeping in her room. She's going to be out for a while." He said in a low tone.
"And Caleb? Have you seen him yet?" She asked worriedly, already desperately missing her son.
"Maybe he's in the Nursery." Darien said with a shrug.
"We should ask Kind Endymion." Serena insisted.
"We will after we go to the Nursery. He might be there." Darien said back. Serena sulked for a little, but decided to go to the Nursery. Man, she thought breathing a little hard. This was just like going up the stairs to Raye's shrine. Rin led the party down another hallway and made a turn, stopping short in front of two French doors.
"Don't yell when you get in there. Jude." She warned. Jude rolled his eyes, still holding tightly to Mars's arm. Rin hesitated, but then twisted the knob and opened the door. Serena tippy-toed to try to see over the groups' big heads, but all she saw was rainbow colors streak the walls. Serena felt them hesitate so she pushed the person in front of her forward. Jupiter glared at Serena when she collided with the back of Zoicite who stumbled in the door and had the rest spilling in, moaning in protest.
The Nursery was a rather large room with bright playful paint and drawings of various fantasy creatures and popular fairy tale characters. Along the west wall were five bunk beds with rich comforters. Tons of toys were spilled all over the marble floor and a huge state-of-the art entertainment center stood next to a well-made playhouse. Serena immediately saw Sailor Pluto sitting on a rocking chair next to a little crib. When she saw them, she smiled a real genuine smile. In her arms was a little girl dressed in her pajamas of pink and white. She was about four, a little smaller than Rini. Sailor Pluto stopped rocking and whispered something to the little girl and her eyes fluttered open. Ami…Serena thought. She had Zoicite's light, strawberry blonde hair (that was pulled into a loose French braid) and Ami's deep blue eyes.
"Daddy!" She squealed, bolting from Pluto's lap and running barefoot to Zoicite. He was unsure of what to do. All of them were. Serena saw Jude and Torin pull Mars further in the room. Mars shook her arm from Torin's grasp and snatched Jadeite by the front of his uniform. He was trying to escape out the door. She saw mini-Nephrite, Noel, kneeling in front of a block tower. Another little head peeked from the other side of the tower, a boy about three. His bright green eyes widened and he bolted from his place, knocking the tower over as he ran to Jupiter and Nephrite.
"Ellis!" Noel yelled at his brother as he saw the wooden blocks fall to the ground. Another brown headed boy came scurrying from a huge playhouse, tripping over the fallen blocks that Noel was trying to gather. After a little while, he gave up and joined his brothers as Jupiter gave a hug to the second boy, five or six. Serena counted, three for Lita and Nephrite so far. All boys, brown hair, two with Nephrite's deep blue eyes and only one with Lita's green eyes.
"You have to see this!" Torin pulled Jadeite's arm over to one of the beds.
"Torin! I told you not to yell!" Rin exclaimed and winced as an ear piercing scream came from the crib. Pluto had made her escape when the whole group entered the Nursery. Rin ran to the crib and picked up a little squealing bundle in light blue footy pajamas and a head full of fine, navy blue hair. She tried to rock him, but he yowled even more and jiggling made his fist shake in outrage. Rin's eyes widened with panic and she quickly searched for someone in the group, spotting Mercury standing innocently by Zoicite.
"Here." Rin thrust the baby to her and Mercury blinked like an owl, immediately taking the crying five-month-old in unsure hands. It was pure chaos in the room, loud and messy and so darn funny! Jupiter and Nephrite stood close together, trying to give each of the three boys attention and not really succeeding as the younger ones demanded answers to their absence and Noel trying to explain the best an eleven year old could. Mars and Jadeite were suckered into sitting together on one of the bunk beds while Jude and Torin talked animatedly. Serena could barely hear the boys, but she knew they were telling a very long, impressive story about what they did while their parents were in the Scared Chamber. Mercury and Zoicite stood awkwardly next to one another with Mercury trying to calm a whimpering baby and Zoicite holding the little girl in his arms as she played with his hair and tried to tell Mercury what to do to get the baby to stop crying.
Rin smoothed her hair back and searched the room for someone else that was not there among the other children.
"Vahn." Her voice boomed as her blue eyes settled on someone in the playhouse. "You can't hide. Might as well join us." Rin said waiting patiently by Venus and Kunzite. After a few seconds, a golden haired boy with a mix of Kunzite's ice grey and Mina's sky blue eyes came from the playhouse. He wasn't very young, maybe the same age as Noel, perhaps a pinch older. He looked like Kunzite. Serena felt the uneasy tension shaking in him as he slowly made his way to Rin and his future parents. "Say hi." Rin coached from him. The boy glowered at her.
"Hi." He bit out. Rin was about to say something else, but Venus cut her off with a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"It's okay. I know this must be strange for him." She said.
"Still, he shouldn't…"
"Rin it's fine." Kunzite repeated.
"Can I go now?" Vahn asked moodily, folding his arms roughly in front of him. Kunzite's lips quirked in amusement.
"Go." He said and Vahn spun on his heel and stalked back to the playhouse.
"He's usually not like this. It's been hard on him since the sealing of the palace. He's close with Dad." Rin explained with a shrug, staring sadly at her brother as he disappeared in the playhouse.
"Hum." Venus hummed, stroking Rin's soft white hair while still staring at the playhouse. Caleb was not in the room much to Serena's disappointment.
"Rin, where is Caleb?" Serena finally asked. Rin flushed and avoided her eyes which Serena found a bit odd.
"You should ask King Endymion." She said.
"So he's not here?" Darien asked in concern.
"Please, you should really ask King Endymion."
"Is he in any trouble?" Serena demanded. Rin hesitated.
"Not really. I don't know much. All I know is that he's on some sort of secret mission and only King Endymion knows." She said, ending the discussion with a stubborn tilt in her chin. It wasn't a very satisfying answer, but Serena knew Rin wouldn't tell her anything else.
"We really should go now." Serena heard Mercury whisper to Zoicite, swaying back and forth. She successfully put the baby back to sleep and he sucked on his blue pacifier in content.
"No!" The little girl shrieked in horror, tightening her arms around Zoicite's neck. "You can't go!" She broke into uncontrollable sobs.
"We have to. We need to help Queen Serenity." Zoicite tried to sooth her. "Then everything will be back to normal." She cried harder, holding desperately on to him as he gently tried to pry her arms from his neck.
"No Daddy! You said that already but you never came back for a long time!" She yelled, clawing her way back around his neck. Zoicite couldn't really do anything more without hurting her because she clung so tightly to him. So tight that her little knuckles were white. "You can't! You can't!" She bawled. She cried so hard that her lips began turning blue and she struggled to suck in some air. Zoicite's shoulder was drenched in her tears and slobber. "You have to stay!"
"Lia, you have to let go." Rin tried to help but Lia shook her head and squealed, clamping her legs around Zoicite's waist.
"Looks like you have to wait until she sleeps." Mercury whispered in his ear so Lia couldn't hear.
"But—" He protested, but Mercury's pleading face made him close his lips and try to sooth the frantic girl.
"Big baby." Jude and Torin muttered in unison. Mars gave them a scolding look and the twins snapped their mouth closed, crawling on Jadeite's lap.
"Will you stay until I sleep?" The youngest of the Lita-Nephrite brood Ellis, asked. Jupiter hesitated, giving a questioning look to Serena. She gave a little nod. After all it was too late to do anything, and she needed to change her clothes. Then she would go find King Endymion and demand to know where Caleb was.
XOXO
AN: Well, here is my take on the future. I always imagined Lita having nothing but boys, you know being one of those soccer mom types that why I gave her three boys. I might not get to the other children as much as I get into Rin. But I enjoyed writing her character. Just little notes I'd like to share with you…
Mina and Kunzite—Rin AGE 14, Vahn AGE 12
Lita Nephrite—Noel AGE 11, Toya AGE 6 and Ellis AGE 3
Ami and Zoicite—Lia AGE 4, Mika AGE five months
Raye and Jadeite—Jude and Torin, AGE 11
Anywhoo, the next chapter is in the works, thanx to my readers and my reviewers, chibiangel413, sere, Meeh-san, souise and rosebudjamie. Always love to hear your comments. REVIEW kisses :muh: