A Moon Princess should never entangle herself in mortal conflicts. Such actions were beneath her dignified rank. Which is why Princess Serenity wasn't involving herself. No, she was just examining the carvings on the Celestial Observation Chamber wall, completely uninvolved with the battle down on the surface. Yet the bond between her and Endymion held her captive, refusing to let her leave the chamber even though one glance would shatter her resolve.
One single glimpse of him would send her hurtling down the moonbeam portal into his arms, especially since she could feel his every emotion as if they were her own. Fear, determination, pain—all surged through their bond, making her heart race and her breath catch. Her entire soul ached for him; her being longed to be in his embrace. Each second that ticked by was torture, amplifying the anguish that swirled within her. But she couldn't go back on her word, not when it meant the destruction of the Moon Kingdom and betraying the Silver Crystal.
Endymion knew it would come to this, eventually. The Dark Kingdom had been gaining too much power, poisoning too many humans, tainting too many sacred spaces for this conflict not to dissolve into an all-out battle. He fought amidst the chaos, his sword clashing against enemies on all sides. Knowing Serenity could feel his every emotion, his every pain, only made it worse.
His once pristine armor was now marred with dirt and blood, a testament to the ferocity of the rebellion. The chants of "Down with the Moon Kingdom" echoed around him, a constant reminder of the hatred fueling the enemy. Through the bond, he felt Serenity's anguish and worry, each emotion a sharp pang in his chest, driving him to fight harder. All the while, he prayed that Serenity stayed away.
The locket she had gifted him rested against his heart, tucked close to his chest. Its weight reminded him, teased him, a constant symbol of their bond and the love they could never share.
Endymion had to trust the Moon Queen and Guardians to keep her away. He didn't want her to witness this carnage, to be in danger again. The thought of her being harmed was unbearable. With every swing of his sword, he sent a silent plea through their bond, urging her to remain safe on the moon. But deep down, he knew that if she sensed his life in peril, nothing would stop her from coming to his aid.
"I know my mother sent you to watch over me," Serenity said. "To make sure I stay on the moon." The other guardians were too busy with the growing conflict to babysit, so she'd sent the next best thing: her royal adviser.
Luna lay on the moon portal's edge, her dark fur almost swallowing the radiant moonbeams. Her tail flicked back and forth as she tried to engage Serenity in light conversation, but her attempts were futile.
"You know, Princess," Luna began, her voice soft and comforting, "the carvings here tell the stories of our ancestors, their victories and their wisdom. There's a lot to learn from them."
Serenity gave a noncommittal hum, her gaze still fixed on the floor. She could feel Luna's concerned eyes on her, but the weight of her emotions made it hard to respond. Through the bond, she sensed Endymion now faced a particularly strong foe, and she closed her eyes, praying that he would be safe.
"Serenity," Luna tried again, a little more firmly this time. "Don't lose hope. The future is still unwritten. You have the strength to endure this."
With a sigh, Serenity finally looked up, trying to blink away the tears threatening to fall. "How is there any hope, Luna? Fate denies me love. Endymion and I share a fated soul bond, but we can't be together. It's like I'm being punished. If I ever have the power to do so, I'll do everything I can to eliminate it."
Down on Earth, Endymion's chest ached with the sudden surge of Serenity's despair. It broke his heart knowing that he caused her heartache, even if unknowingly. If he'd known this was going to be the result, he never would have followed her that day.
"Watch it!" Kunzite shouted, catching a blade before it could impact his shoulder.
Endymion barely parried the heavy blow from his foe, the force of it reverberating through his arm. He chastised himself and focused on the battle before him. "I know! I know."
Luna's expression softened, but there was a hint of rebuke in her eyes. "Fate has its own plans, princess. It's unwise to speak ill of it. You'll invite disaster by being so openly defiant."
Serenity scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "What worse could happen? If I'm killed, I'll be reborn sooner. That's another chance to be with Endymion."
Luna's eyes flashed with anger, and her tail lashed back and forth. "Never speak those words again, Princess Serenity. There is no guarantee that you'll be reborn, not when destiny and the Galaxy Cauldron are so powerful. Your star seed could go to another if you're deemed unworthy."
"Perhaps it would be better not to be reborn. The constant fight between the light and dark seems unending and relentless."
"I know you're hurting, princess, so I'm going to ignore that comment. But understand this: the fight between light and dark is indeed relentless, but so is the spirit within you. The power of the moon resides within your heart, a light that can never be extinguished. Every life, every rebirth, is a chance to shine brighter, to bring hope where there is despair. You are the beacon that guides others through the darkness, Serenity. Never forget that your existence, your courage, and your love keep the light alive in this world. Giving up is not an option for someone as strong as you."
Serenity wanted to believe her.
He didn't recognize the field. Everything was too different. Death lingered everywhere, from the blood-soaked ground to the unmoving shapes on the grass. Now, instead of smelling like springtime, only the odor of blood and mud lingered. The growing darkness did little to make the scene any less gruesome. It would take years for this land to recover.
"Endymion!" Nephrite shouted.
Endymion spun, his eyes widening as he saw the gleaming blade descending towards him. The moonlight danced off the sharpened edge like a graceful ballet of death. Time seemed to slow, the metallic glint whispering of his impending doom.
He couldn't evade it. Even raising his sword in defense, the descending blade would strike him with deadly force. It would be a fatal wound. He thought of Serenity, her name a desperate prayer in his mind. He couldn't leave her like this. Not now, not ever. But as the sword sliced through the air, he knew this was the end.
"You must…" Luna stopped and gaze down into the portal.
Serenity's heart seized with a sudden, overwhelming fear. The thread that connected her with Endymion pulsed with a strange sort of desperate urgency that she'd never felt before. Panic surged through her veins, a primal scream from him.
"What happened?" Serenity asked, gripping her chest.
"You must remain strong, Princess," Luna said gently. "Have faith in Endymion's strength and trust that he will prevail. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is believe in those you love, even when you feel powerless."
That felt like a farewell instead of reassurance. Serenity spun and looked down at Earth.
Through the moon portal, the scene below unfolded with stark clarity. The battlefield was a chaotic tapestry of clashing forces, illuminated by the pale light of the moon. Shadows danced across the blood-soaked ground, and the air was thick with the sounds of battle—metal clashing against metal, cries of pain, and the relentless shouts of warriors.
Serenity's heart stopped as her gaze found Endymion. Enemies surrounded him, his sword a blur of motion as he fought valiantly. But then she saw it—the blade descending towards him, gleaming with a deadly intent.
The moonlight seemed to focus on that single moment, highlighting the inevitable collision of steel and flesh. Time slowed, and in that suspended heartbeat, Serenity's vision expanded. She saw Endymion's eyes widen, the fear and resignation mingling in his gaze as he faced it.
This was going to be his last moment. Blades have no eyes and would kill her Endymion without regard.
Without warning, she dove into the luminescent power. Luna's frantic shouts followed her as she flew downward. Serenity had never traveled the moonbeams like this. Usually, it was a leisurely experience, a relaxing moment among the stars.
Now, she hurtled down towards Earth. Wind whipped through her hair, making it stream behind her like a silver comet's tail. The speed pressed against her, flattening her dress against her body and making her eyes water. Surrounding her, the light of the moonpath flickered in and out of focus as she descended, with the stars above appearing as a blur of glittering trails. The air roared in her ears, and the world below rushed up to meet her, every second stretching into an eternity.
For whatever reason, the descending blade hesitated just long enough for Endymion to knock it out of the way. When another attack didn't appear, he looked up and understood why.
Instantly, his hand went to the locket tucked away. He clenched the hard metal, feeling the edges press into his hand. No! His thoughts turned frantic as his worst nightmare was about to be realized.
"Serenity." Her name fell from his lips.
Knowing this was a defining moment, she had to look her best. With a flurry of power, the moonbeams transformed her dress. Now she wore her formal princess attire, the pearlescent fabric and vibrant gold glimmering in the light. Flicking her wrist, the Moon Rod snapped into life, and she gripped the hardened stone.
It hummed with an ancient power, resonating with her very soul. The weight of it in her hand was both foreign and familiar, a tangible link to her mother and the countless generations before her. The cool, smooth surface contrasted with the fierce heat of determination coursing through her veins.
The intricate designs etched on the rod glowed softly with the moon's blessing. Holding it felt like holding a piece of the moon itself, a radiant symbol of her heritage and responsibility. Power thrummed through her, merging with her own, and in that moment, more strength flowed into her. She would help the mortals defend earth and save Endymion.
She marveled at the intricate designs etched into the rod, glowing softly with the moon's blessing. Holding it felt like holding a piece of the moon itself, a radiant symbol of her heritage and the immense responsibility she bore. The power thrummed through her, merging with her own, and in that moment, she felt an unbreakable bond with her ancestors, their strength flowing into her. She had never felt so powerful, so connected, so ready to face whatever came next.
Begging the moon for more speed, she accelerated.
A blinding light cascaded over the battlefield, and everything froze. Endymion stared upwards, his heart stopping at the sight. There, descending from the heavens like a fallen star, was Serenity. His mind raced, torn between awe at her divine beauty and terror for her safety. She was diving into the heart of the battle, risking everything to save him.
"Serenity!" he shouted.
The battlefield fell into an eerie silence as every combatant paused, eyes drawn skyward. Serenity's radiant form shone with an ethereal light, the moonbeams wrapping around her like a divine aura. The rebels, their cries of battle, stilled, watched in awe and disbelief. The surrounding light flared brilliantly, illuminating the darkness and casting long shadows across the blood-soaked ground. She seemed otherworldly, a deity descending to the mortal realm, and for a moment, the violence ceased as all eyes followed her descent.
A cascade of emotions surged through the bond, uniting them.
Fear, sharp and biting.
Desperation, raw and unyielding.
Hope, fragile and flickering.
Love, deep and abiding.
Each emotion resonated through their chests, amplifying and echoing until neither knew where they originated.
Serenity knew what she'd have to do, and silently thanked Jupiter for insisting on all those self-defense lessons. At least the moon would help her with this struggle. But she'd fight for Endymion, fight for Earth, even if they couldn't be together. She wouldn't abandon him to be slaughtered by the Dark Kingdom. Besides, the moon was more than just an ornamental being.
With a start, he realized what she planned. "Kings! Men! Shield!"
Instantly, they all turned, hiding their faces from the brilliant light that descended.
"What in the stars is she doing here?" Nephrite shouted.
Jadeite snarled, "being reckless!"
"Are the others here too?" Kunzite asked.
Endymion shook his head. "I don't know, but I don't think so. I only saw one figure."
Serenity stretched out the Moon Rod, commanding it with her desperation.
"Moon stardust explosion!" A rolling wave of moon dust exploded from the illuminated path, shimmering like stardust, blinding and disorienting everyone it touched, and bathing the battlefield in an ethereal glow.
The unfortunate mortals closest collapsed, clutching their chests and coughing. The moondust doing its job to incapacitate. With a flair of brilliant moonbeams that blinded anyone looking directly at her, Serenity landed, the force causing her to drop to one knee.
The moment she touched Earth, Endymion felt a surge of power racing through the ground, undeniable and electric. His heart pounded, knowing she was too far away, trapped in a sea of brainwashed mortals who would harm her without a second thought.
Cloaked in moonbeams, her dress and presence remained untouched by the grime and blood of the battlefield, a beacon of purity amid the carnage. The dark sky only made her appear even more brilliant, a radiant star in the black. Her ethereal glow drowning the surrounding darkness, casting an otherworldly light that seemed to push back the encroaching shadows.
Endymion didn't wait to start towards her. Taking advantage of the distraction, he cut down several foes with a renewed ferocity. Beside him, the Four Kings followed, their blades striking out like vicious curses to those who'd been altered by the darkness.
"Endymion!" Kunzite shouted. "We can't push so far ahead of the main force!"
Endymion struggled to hear his king over the din of battle, but the urgency in Kunzite's voice cut through.
"Don't let a skirt override your good sense!" Jadeite snarled, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Then don't come with me!" Endymion slashed another foe, his determination unwavering as he pressed deeper into the crowd.
In her hand, the Moon Rod pulsed with power, a tangible extension of her will. She stood tall, her eyes fierce and unwavering. As the momentary pause subsided, the chaos returned, and she met it head-on, her determination shining brighter than the moonlight that surrounded her. No matter what, she would save Endymion.
Endymion's sword sang through the air, cutting down the enemies in his path. His muscles burned with exertion, every swing fueled by the desperate need to reach Serenity. The dark soldiers swarmed around him, their eyes nothing but darkness. Not only did he battle with swords, but now he fought desperate thoughts. If Serenity…
Serenity wielded the Moon Rod with fierce precision. "Moon Crystal Attack!" she cried, each swipe sending waves of moonlight crashing into her foes. The force of her power sent them sprawling. Her movements were graceful and deadly, a dance of light against the encroaching darkness. Yet, for every minion she felled, more seemed to rise from the shadows.
Endymion's breath came in ragged gasps as he parried a powerful blow. The enemy's sword clanged against his own, the impact reverberating through his bones. He pushed forward, his eyes locked on Serenity. He couldn't let the darkness reach her, not when she shone so brightly amidst the carnage.
Serenity spun, her dress flaring around her as she unleashed another burst of moonlight. Then twisted the Moon Rod and slammed it into the chest of a minion. The nearest attackers fell back, their screams echoing in the night.
A dark minion lunged at Endymion, teeth bared in a snarl. He ducked under the attack, his sword slicing upwards in a deadly arc. Blood sprayed from the wound, and the minion collapsed at his feet. He didn't stop to catch his breath, pressing onward with relentless intensity. He was still so far!
Serenity's eyes scanned the battlefield, searching for Endymion amidst the chaos. But he was nowhere to be seen, only the tide of dark visible.
Endymion finally broke through the line of enemies, but she was nowhere to be seen. Occasionally he'd catch a flash of brilliant light, but she was lost. A massive brute stepped into his path, blocking his way. The brute swung a heavy mace, and Endymion barely dodged, the weapon smashing into the ground with a thunderous crash.
Panic now surged brightly. Where was he?
Panic gripped his chest. Where was she?