The passage seemed endless, a twisting knot of dark doorways and unknown abysses. Serenity's breath came in ragged gasps, her legs burning with exertion. Endymion's grip on her hand never wavered, never showed the fear that hovered in the corners of his heart.
She knew not just because of the bond between them, but because that same fear lurked in hers as well. The moon whispered the truth. These were the last moments of this lifetime. Yet, it also spoke of the future. Of lives that were yet to come. That life, it said, was going to be glorious.
Still, she didn't want to say goodbye yet. It seemed too soon to bid her mother's soft, soothing voice, always full of wisdom and love, goodbye. How could she say goodbye to the gentle lullabies that had cradled her to sleep since she was a child? Tears sprang to her eyes.
Endymion wanted to yank the sorrow from her heart and banish it to the furthest reaches of the universe. Every beat of the bond told him how reluctant she was to face the next moments. Not that he blamed her, because their life was coming to an end.
Serenity didn't want to cry. But somehow she had to say goodbye to the laughter of her friends, the shared secrets, and late-night whispers under the starlit sky. Would there be mooncakes in her next life? Did she have to say goodbye to everything?
What about the silvery light of the moon that bathed everything in a serene glow? It had always felt like a protective embrace. Was that going to change?
Would she ever see Endymion again? Did she have to say goodbye to his tender smile and the way his eyes lit up when he looked at her? What about the warmth of his embrace? Would she never feel the strength and safety when he held her close?
Did she have to say goodbye to the whispered promises of forever? The promises they might not be able to keep?
"I don't care, Rosebud," he said, his voice rippling around in the close confines of the crystal passage. "I'll defy fate to reach you again. No matter what, I'll spend my next life trying to find you. Then when I do, we'll spend the rest of forever together."
Beryl's laughter rang out again, a chilling reminder of the fate that pursued them. Endymion clenched his teeth, feeling a surge of anger like never before. He'd never wished death on anyone, but now he wanted Beryl to die, wanted her to suffer endlessly for the pain and sorrow she'd caused. A part of him recoiled at the darkness of his own thoughts, but the overwhelming need to protect Serenity and avenge his fallen friends pushed those doubts aside.
As they climbed, the area grew still. The familiar sounds of battle and the comforting murmur of conversation faded into an oppressive silence. Instead, a dark energy crackled, seeping into the walls and tainting the world around them. Serenity shuddered as she felt the malevolent pull of Queen Beryl growing stronger with each step.
The air grew cooler, carrying the acrid scent of smoke and the metallic tang of blood. Every breath felt heavy, laced with the remnants of destruction. Endymion longed to pull her into a comforting embrace, to whisper promises of salvation in her ear. But he knew they couldn't afford the luxury of solace; they didn't have time for that.
"Wait," Endymion whispered, pulling her to a stop. He pressed his ear against the cold crystal wall. "I think I hear something."
Serenity held her breath, straining to hear over the sound of her own racing pulse. Then she heard it too—footsteps growing closer.
"We need to move," Endymion urged, tugging her forward.
They'd barely taken a few steps when the wall ahead of them exploded inward, showering them with debris. Through the dust and chaos, a familiar figure, his once-kind eyes now cold and empty. Endymion tugged Serenity further behind him, ensuring he completely protected her.
"Nephrite," Endymion breathed.
The corrupted Heavenly King stood before them, dark energy cracking around his form. "End of the line, old friend," Nephrite said, his voice devoid of emotion. "Come with me and unite with Queen Beryl. End this pointless pursuit. Hand over Princess Serenity and this will be over."
Endymion drew his sword in one fluid motion. The blade gleamed even in the dim light of the passage, still glowing with the moon's essence. Serenity tensed behind him, her hands on his back.
"I'll never join with her, Nephrite."
"Then you leave me no choice," Nephrite snarled, summoning a crackling orb of dark energy between his palms.
As Nephrite launched his attack, Endymion moved with lightning speed. His sword flashed, deflecting the dark energy away from Serenity. The blast hit the wall, sending more rubble down around them. Serenity let out a gasp as crystal rained down.
Each strike on the Crystal Palace seemed to vibrate inside her body, rippling endlessly until it died.
"Serenity, run!" Endymion shouted, pinning Nephrite to the wall.
"No! I won't leave you!" Instead, she closed her eyes, reaching deep within herself for the power of the Moon.
It flickered, bombarded by the darkness and the despair deep within Queen Serenity's heart. Still, she begged the moon to lend her its power. A soft glow began to emanate from her body, growing stronger with each passing second.
"Moon healing power!" Bright light burst from her and rippled around the passageway. "Please," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Please, Nephrite. Remember who you are. Remember Jupiter."
At the mention of Jupiter's name, Nephrite faltered. His eyes widened, a look of confusion and pain crossing his face. In that moment of hesitation, Endymion struck, the flat of his blade connecting with Nephrite's temple. The Heavenly King crumpled to the ground, unconscious but alive.
Endymion turned to her. "Did you know that would work?"
Serenity shook her head. "I didn't. I just... I had to try. I couldn't bear to see you hurt each other anymore."
Endymion pulled her close, pressing a fierce kiss to her forehead. "You never cease to amaze me, my love. We can't stay here. It won't be long before the others find us."
Hand in hand once more, they continued. The passageway grew wider, the air fresher. Finally, they emerged into a secluded room. Serenity gasped, and Endymion held her. The room lay in ruins. Large chunks were missing from the wall, the ceiling half collapsed.
She pushed away from him and ran to the arched window. The devastated landscape of the Moon Kingdom spread out before her. Serenity gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. The once-beautiful gardens were now a wasteland of shattered crystal and stone. In the distance, pillars of smoke rose from the ruin of outlying buildings. Above, the shimmering dome that protected the kingdom contained gray splotches. It flickered and shuddered.
The power that held the Moon Kingdom together was failing.
"Oh, Endymion," she whispered, her voice breaking. "It's all gone. Everything…"
He came up behind her and laid a hand on her shoulder. "Not everything. The Queen must still be alive. Perhaps she'll use the Silver Crystal."
She shook her head. "No, it's too late for that. At best, she could only seal away Queen Beryl, but that would cost her life."
As they stood there, taking in the full extent of the devastation, a familiar voice called out. "Serenity! Endymion!"
Serenity whipped about and burst into tears. Queen Serenity was running towards them, her usually immaculate appearance marred by dust and signs of battle. Close behind Luna and Artemis followed. Their footfalls were almost silent in the hallway. Together, mother and daughter embraced and cried softly into each other's arms.
"Thank the moon you're safe," the Queen breathed. "I've been so worried."
"We've been looking everywhere for you," Luna said, her tail twitching.
"Mother," Serenity choked out, tears streaming down her face. "The guardians... they're..."
"Venus!" Artemis cried.
Queen Serenity held her just a little tighter. "I know, my darling daughter. They've already made it to the Galaxy Cauldron. But there's no time to mourn now. We must get you to safety. The Silver Crystal—"
A blast of dark energy struck the room, cutting off her words. Endymion yanked Serenity and Queen Serenity back as the wall gave way. Together, they crashed to the floor, inches away from the gaping hole. He crouched before them, shielding them as best he could.
Beryl floated just beyond, her eyes burning with hatred and triumph.
"How touching," Beryl sneered, her voice dripping with shadow. "The royal family, reunited at last. And just in time for you to see my union with Endymion."
"You have no power here!" Luna shouted.
Beryl only laughed. "The power of Queen Metalia and the Dark Kingdom give me the power."
Artemis and Luna gasped. "Queen Metalia!"
"She's the one who gifted me this glorious power, the one who asked me to lead the Dark Kingdom to victory. A victory that I'll achieve.
Queen Serenity stepped forward and Endymion tensed. Every part of him wanted to stand between her and danger. But she was the queen of the moon. It wasn't his place to interfere.
"You've done enough damage, Beryl. This ends now." Queen Serenity raised her hands.
Princess Serenity burst into motion. "No mother! You can't use the power of the Silver Crystal!"
Endymion grabbed onto her, and she struggled in his grasp.
"Oh, but you're wrong, Your Majesty," Beryl said, her eyes glinting with malicious glee. "This is only the beginning."
"Oh, but you're wrong, Your Majesty," Beryl said, her eyes glinting with malicious glee. "This is only the beginning."
A swirl of darkness sprouted from Queen Beryl's moving hands, an inky black vortex that crackled with sinister energy. From the depths of the swirling abyss, a horde of shadow creatures burst forth, their forms shifting and writhing like living nightmares. Their eyes glowed a wicked red, and their mouths gaped open in silent, hungry snarls.
Riding the crest of the shadow tide, the Four Kings appeared. Their once noble faces were now twisted by darkness, their eyes gleaming with a twisted light. Each raised their swords high, the blades shimmering with an unnatural, eerie glow. The surrounding air seemed to pulse with their hatred, a tangible force that sent shivers down Serenity's spine.
Queen Serenity turned to face the approaching darkness, her eyes brimming with tears that reflected the surrounding chaos. "Run," she implored, her voice breaking. "I'll hold them off—I'll save you both, I'll save what's left of our kingdom."
"No!" Serenity's voice was a desperate wail as she reached out towards her mother. Endymion held her back, feeling her tremble with grief and desperation. She struggled against him, her movements frantic, as if sheer will alone could bridge the gap between them.
"Go!" Queen Serenity commanded. She turned from them, her figure bathed in the flickering light of the crumbling palace. "I love you, my darling daughter. Take her, Endymion!"
Endymion pulled Serenity away, the princess struggling with all her might to stay with her mother. But he knew they couldn't linger here, not without making the queen's job harder. They ran through the destroyed palace, the sounds of battle fading behind them. Serenity's tears flowed freely. Each step she took felt like a betrayal. She should stay and help her mother.
"Endymion," she sobbed. "We have to go back."
"No, we have to follow the queen's command."
He eased around a corner and pulled her into a partially collapsed alcove, the crumbling architecture providing a momentary shield from the surrounding chaos. Dust hung thick in the air, with the cloying scent of destruction making each breath a struggle. Serenity's legs gave out, and she slumped against him, her body trembling.
"Just... just a moment," she gasped, her voice barely a whisper.
Endymion nodded, holding her close. The bond told her the truth; she was exhausted. The frantic rhythm of her racing heart matched his own. The distant sounds seemed to fade, a haunting reminder of the destruction spreading through her home.
For a brief, precious moment, they simply clung to each other. Serenity buried her face in his chest, breathing in his familiar scent—earth and leather, now tinged with sweat and blood. Endymion stroke her hair, marveling at how it shimmered like spun moonlight even in the gloom.
"I'm scared," she said, lifting her tear-stained face to meet his gaze. "This is the end Mars saw, isn't it?"
He cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. He didn't want to lie to her, yet he wanted to. "Yes. Even if Queen Serenity uses the Silver Crystal, it will be a long time before the moon or earth recovers. But this isn't the end, my Rosebud. It's just a pause, a breath between lifetimes."
Serenity managed a weak smile. "You really believe we'll find each other again?"
"With all my heart." He took her hand and place it over his heart. "Feel that? Every beat is for you. In this life and the next, I'll always find you."
She closed her eyes, feeling the steady thrum beneath her palm, the ripple of the bond between them. "I'll wait for you. I'm yours forever."
Their eyes locked as he leaned in slowly, their breaths mingling in the cool, dark air. When her lips touched his, it was soft, a tender kiss that spoke of all the love and desperation they felt. It promised forever, even facing doom.
Her hands clung to his armor, seeking the comfort that he always offered. Endymion wanted to deny the bittersweet reality of their situation, but he couldn't. Yet, for that moment, amidst the chaos and sorrow, they found solace in each other, their love shining brighter than the darkest shadows.
When she broke away, new tears glistened in her eyes. All he wanted to do was save her from the oncoming storm.
"Will it hurt?" her voice was barely there.
"I don't know," he said. "But I'll do everything I can to spare you that pain."
"How did this happen? What went so wrong?"
He shook his head. "I can't tell you. Perhaps it was just fate. That there was nothing we could do to fight against this."
A bone-chilling howl echoed through the ruined corridor, and she startled. Shadows oozed from under the rubble, reaching towards them with grasping tendrils.
"We need to move," Endymion urged, pulling Serenity to her feet.
They burst from their hiding place just as a wave of darkness crashed through, obliterating what remained of the alcove. Serenity gasped as Jadeite emerged from the darkness. Shadows twisted around his body, flexing and moving with him.
"There!" Jadeite snarled, pointing towards them. "Don't let them escape!"
Endymion took her hand, their feet pounding against the crystal floors. They weaved through the wreckage, ducking under fallen beams and leaping over chasms that opened up. The pursuit was relentless, the sound of scrambling claws and inhuman shrieks growing ever closer.
"This way!" Serenity cried, tugging Endymion towards the massive entryway. "We'll hide in the caves."
With each fallen wall and crumbled column, her heart burst into fresh sorrow. To see her home destroyed like this was tearing her apart. At least, this was the end. She wouldn't have to return and pick up the fallen pieces. After this, the moon would be wiped clean. Reset. Reborn.
As if in response to her thoughts, a massive tremor shook the palace. They crashed to the ground, Endymion twisting, so she fell on top of him. Cracks spread across the floor, and sections of the ceiling gave way. Endymion yanked her sideways, a massive chunk missing her by inches. He pulled her close, shielding her as best he could from falling debris.
"Go!" He urged her up.
Each step was a risk, the ground unstable beneath their feet. Behind them, the sounds of darkness grew louder. Ahead, the grand entryway doors loomed. Now only a memory of their former selves. The massive crystal pieces lay in tattered ruins, more debris than substance.
Endymion could feel it, the tug of fate. Their time was drawing to a close. The moment they left the desiccated walls of the Crystal Palace, a wall of shadows was waiting. Beryl was there, the Four Kings close by her side. A radiant victory reflected through her eyes and stretched across her lips.
"Finally, Endymion, we'll be together."
Serenity clutched at him tighter.
"I'll never forgive you for this, Beryl," he spat. "You've destroyed the Moon Kingdom."
"And a great merit it is. The White Moon deserves this fate."
With that, Beryl threw her arm forward. The remaining minions and Four Kings surged forward. Endymion tensed, holding Serenity behind him.
"For the Dark Kingdom!"
"Stop this!" Endymion shouted. "You've been lied to! You've been corrupted!"
But the oncoming scourge didn't relent. Serenity clutched at his cape, her heart pounding. The crystal beneath their feet groaned ominously, hairline fractures spreading with each passing second. Endymion gripped his sword and gripped her hand.
Pulling her forward, he ran. It was a desperate gamble, but one he was willing to take. If he could only carve a path for her, then she'd be free to escape. Beryl couldn't find her in the caves. Then Queen Serenity would save her. The princess would survive.
Frantic, he slashed and parried. Always keeping her hand in his.
"Endymion!" she screamed, her voice stretching into the distance.
Time seemed to slow as Beryl appeared, her sword raised. Serenity saw it cutting through the air, its target clear—she would be dead within moments.
"Serenity!"
In that split second, Endymion made his choice. He shoved Serenity aside, using his body as a shield.
The sword struck with a sickening thud.
Endymion's sword clattered to the ground, the sound echoing in the sudden, terrible silence. He staggered as blood blossomed across his chest, staining his armor crimson.
"No!" Serenity's anguished cry tore through the air as she lunged forward, catching him as he fell.
Together, they collapsed onto the fractured crystal, Serenity cradling him in her arms. Tears streamed down her face, falling onto his cheeks like rain.
"Endymion, please," she sobbed, her voice breaking. "I'm not ready."
He reached up with a trembling hand, cupping her cheek. More tears fell. His touch was already growing cold. "Serenity, my love."
A ghost of a smile touched his lips. "Find me… in the next life. I'll be waiting."
His hand fell away, leaving a smear of blood on her cheeks. His eyes, that reminded her of the depths of the ocean, grew dim. In that moment, Serenity felt it—a sudden devastating silence where there was once life.
The bond between them, that constant, comforting presence that had become as familiar as breathing, snapped like a taunt string. Where once there had been warmth, love, and the steady rhythm of Endymion's essence intertwined with her own, there was now…nothing.
The absence was deafening, a void so profound it seemed to consume everything. Serenity gasped, the pain of it stealing her breath away. It felt as if something violently tore away a vital part of her, leaving a raw, gaping wound in her heart.
She reached desperately through their connection, searching for any trace of his presence. But where his thoughts, emotions, and very being once flowed freely into her, there was only a bottomless chasm of silence.
The loss was physical, a deep ache that resonated through every fiber of her being. Everything became muted and lifeless as the loss drained the world of color. The gentle hum of their shared love, which had been a constant backdrop to her existence, was gone, replaced by a silence so absolute it was almost deafening.
She held him closer, willing her own life force to flow into him, to reignite the spark of their bond. But it was like pouring water into an endless void—no matter how much of herself she tried to give. The silence remained.
The realization hit her anew with each passing second—Endymion was gone. Then a brilliant golden star seed emerged from his chest. Panic seized her heart, her movements becoming desperate and erratic.
"No!" she wailed, her voice raw and broken. "You can't leave me! You can't!"
With trembling hands, she clawed at the emerging light, her fingers passing through it like mist. Each attempt to push it back, to somehow force it to remain within Endymion's body, was more frenzied than the last. Tears streamed down her face, mingling with the blood on her cheeks, creating rivulets of grief and loss that dripped onto Endymion's still form.
The light seemed to mock her efforts, dancing just out of reach, evading her desperate grasp. It pulsed gently, a rhythm that once matched the beating of Endymion's heart, now fading like the last notes of a mournful song.
Serenity threw her head back and wailed, a sound of pure anguish that seemed to shake the very foundations of the Moon Kingdom. The crystal beneath them cracked further, mirroring the shattering of her heart.
Beryl cackled, and Serenity knew she was next. Unfeeling, unthinking, she grabbed his sword. Soon, her star seed, glowing brighter than any sun, joined his in its journey to the Galaxy Cauldron.