Temptation approaches.
It was typical that the stars spoke in such vague terms. As much as he enjoyed his connection, Nephrite sometimes found them frustrating. Temptation did indeed approach. It was nearing the noon hour, and he wanted nothing more than a goblet of mead to accompany his meal, but he still had many hours of duty. He wanted to sleep, as he had not done for days, but with the kingdom under an unknown threat, sleep was a luxury he could not afford.
Still, the stars never lied, even if they never spoke in unmasked truths. Nephrite had come to know when the message was simply for guidance, and when it was more serious. This was a clear warning. Temptation was a dangerous thing. He knew that the might of Earth could repel almost any invader. But greed, deception, betrayal: these could bring down even the mightiest fortress. The stars were his constant companion, close to him in a way that even his fellow Shitennou could never be. They were respected advisors, trusted confidantes, comforting presences. He trusted their words, even if he did not immediately understand them. Their words were woven wisdom that revealed itself through careful study, experience and trust. It was a very delicate relationship, and he did everything in his power to maintain it.
His duty depended upon this connection. Endymion relied upon Nephrite not only to be his guardian, but his eyes and ears to the heavens as well. The will of the gods was no small matter, and it was up to Nephrite to interpret that will through the messages from the stars. The power and order on Earth was delicately maintained, and it took a skilled seer to ensure that these matters were handled with the utmost care. The stars guided the people of Earth, ensuring that their lives were ordered in a manner that pleased the gods, and kept them prosperous and safe. It was Nephrite's place to know that which the gods demanded, and that which was forbidden.
The fate of the world rested on his shoulders, and that of his fellow Shitennou, all of whom wielded powers that kept the peace. If any one of them were to fall, all of them would be doomed. Temptation was not a matter to be taken lightly.
And so, Nephrite vowed to be ever vigilant. If temptation approached, he would be above it. Earth depended on him. His fellow Shitennou depended on him. Endymion depended on him.
You must not do this.
It was very rare that the stars spoke in such plain words. But even now, there was so much that was vague. What should he not do? Should he not bend the rules to allow Serenity to visit Endymion? Should he not remain silent. Should he not welcome her visits because it offered him his own chance to meet a curious princess of the Silver Millenium? Should he not love her?
Nephrite had a terrible feeling that the warning applied to each of these. The ban was in place for a reason. Those of the White Moon were forbidden to descend to Earth because Earth was unready to join the Alliance. It was against the will of the gods. Nephrite knew this. The stars had taught him this any number of times.
But still, Serenity was an innocent girl, and she made Endymion happy. He knew this because Jupiter made him happy. He needed no divine guidance to know these things. He knew only what his heart told him. Surely there was no harm in allowing these trysts to continue. What harm could come of the future rulers of Earth and the Moon to know each other better. If Earth was to become part of the Silver Millenium, it stood to reason that relations between the two worlds should be cordial. And, from what Nephrite had seen, Serenity and Endymion were well beyond cordial. What harm could come of a man and a woman finding love. Love had a power all its own. He and his fellow Shitennou were only able to wield their powers because they loved Earth, and they loved Endymion, and were willing to die for him. Why should they do anything to stop him from finding love? What harm could come from giving in to temptation just a little bit? Perhaps there were larger concerns. Surely, their happiness should not be the cost for Earth to continue to prosper.
You must work harder for the things you want.
It was such innocuous advice. Why should he not follow it? After all, if the stars had abandoned him, Beryl's advice would have to do. And her words were the words in his heart as well. He wanted Jupiter, and he knew she desired him. It was only natural to pursue his goals harder. If negotiations were successful, he and Jupiter could be together. The negotiations would be his salvation.
When they fell apart, Nephrite was disconsolate. Still, the stars remained silent. The only voice that spoke to him was Beryl. And Nephrite clung to her as a man falling over a ledge clings to the rope. She was his lifeline. She knew how he felt. She would advise him. She would understand him. She would help him.
He was so desperate, he never saw the malice and the cruelty behind her words. He never saw how he was being corrupted. He never saw when he betrayed everything he loved until it was lost forever.
I need you. Do not fail.
With those words, Endymion had brought back his Shitennou, and given them another chance. Nephrite knew he didn't deserve it, but here he was anyway. He had broken his most sacred oaths, given into the worst of temptations, and done the very worst of that which was forbidden.
There was a hole in his heart that he wished could be filled somehow. Makoto had done her very best, offering comfort and forgiveness. It helped. Endymion, too, offered his strength, and his affection. His liege's support helped to sustain him. But deep inside, something still ate away at him.
It was Makoto, of course, who was best able to cure it. No one knew his heart better.
"Be happy Nephrite."
"I want to."
She gives a smile and a gentle caress.
"Then be happy. It's allowed this time."
The words are magic. They are not the subtle guidance of the stars, the veiled deceits of Beryl, or the firm commands of his master.
They are the wishes of the woman he loves. And that is what it takes.
In her arms, he finds comfort, and in her lips, he finds freedom.