"..baby's death was announced shortly after her Majesty's arrival to
the Mercury Institute. We have not received any word yet as to her Majesty's
condition, though it is our understanding that she suffered trauma during the
attack…
..static..
" ..standing here outside the Mercury Institute, where despite the
snow that has picked up in the last few hours, many people have elected to stay
and offer support to the royal family in whatever way they can."
..static..
"..was in tears as he announced the death of his infant daughter
moments after her birth…"
..static..
The camera panned
around to show the stately appearance of the Institute beyond, surrounded by
hedges, trees and a menagerie of people, pets and brightly colored flowers that
contrasted with the dirty snow that accumulated in the streets.
"..keep you up to date with any changes in her Majesty's condition,
and of course the incident itself.."
..static..
……static……
.."CTC news on
this September 25, 2996. It is a sad day indeed as I'm sure most of you have
heard about the attack earlier this afternoon at the Worker's Guild located in
downtown Crystal Tokyo. Experts have
not been availiable to comment on the extent of injuries occurred in this
terrorist act-and as of an hour ago, no party has stepped forward to accept
blame for this atrocity….."
………static………
…………static…………
………………static………………
Silence.
.."Millennium.."
..static..static..
.."decade.."
..static..
.."resources.."
.."us.."
..Most Serene Royal
Highness turns..static..this year. Our Palace correspondent has been informed
that Her Majesty plans to keep the party a family affair, though a small
gathering may be permitted in court. ..static.. best wishes to Her Most Serene
Royal Highness as we end this evening broadcast. Good night."
He smiled as he swung
the door closed behind him. The lights were out, the only illumination for his
trek to her slouched form in the chair was the holoset in the corner. Cautiously kneeling beside her, Cronos
pressed a hand to Setsuna's cheek, grinning as she instinctively turned toward
him. He settled on the arm of the chair, relishing in her warmth for a few
moments before remembering what had drawn him to her chambers in the first
place.
"Suna-chan?"
he called softly, tracing her cheek gently. She stirred, unwilling to wake but
aware of his presence nonetheless.
"Suna-chan."
He repeated, a bit more firmly this time. She shifted, opening her eyes
wearily.
"What?" she
mumbled irritably.
"Wake, my love.
The break only lasted an hour, it's time to vote and put the issue to
rest."
"Mhmmmrph."
She murmured, stretching out her back to free it from the kinks she could feel
forming. Sitting up, she stretched and rose. Cronos smiled at her thoughtfully
and she stared at him-suddenly; euphoria swept over her and she could see him
smiling at her in the same manner. Head cocked to the side, expression earnest.
He leaned back against a wall with a painting over his head. The painting was
of a….
“Suna-chan?” during
her fade-out he had moved before her and taken her hand gently. “Are you all
right, love?”
“Hai..” she said
slowly as the image faded. “I’m fine.”
Sea Palace, Sea of
Serenity, Moon Kingdom
SIII-392
Obnoxious laughter
echoed in the halls as Cronos guided her forward with a hand in the small of
her back. She rolled her eyes skyward and Cronos smirked at her in
understanding. The commotion grew louder as they neared the Palace’s main
entrance-the Princess was there, as well as her young courtiers-namely, the
young senshi although a few other children were present as well. The group was
soaked through-evidently they’d been splashing about in the fountains again.
The evening governess was present-as well as the young princes-who seemed to be
enjoying their baby sister’s antics immensely.
“You were told to stay
inside this evening-the weather is chilly!” Acrata-the evening governess
admonished. To this-her Most Serene Royal Highness rolled her eyes, earning
giggles from her cohorts and sly grins from her older brothers-who sensed
trouble brewing.
“We only wanted to
play outside for a bit-the water was very warm!” Minako countered, wringing out
her long blond hair. The girls all nodded emphatically.
“That is not the point
and you all know it!” Acrata scolded. With a sense of theatrical timing-her
Highness sneezed and Acrata lost her temper. “Upstairs now! March!” she
ordered, pointing as well. As one-the group started forward, grumbling while
the boys laughed.
“You too-you were to
be in your rooms for the evening!” Andren and Orion rolled their eyes but moved
obediently upstairs now that the show was over.
Setsuna shook her head
as they slowed their pace the closer they drew to the council chambers.
“That girl causes
quite a bit of trouble, doesn’t she?” Setsuna asked quietly. Cronos nodded in
agreement.
“Yes-she does seem to,
doesn’t she? But she’ll grow out of it, you’ll see.”
Setsuna had an image
of the Queen suddenly-her golden blond hair plaited and pigtailed, standing
before the court in Crystal -.
“Suna-what is it?”
Cronos interrupted-and the vision vanished.
“Nothing.” She shook
her head emphatically to prove her point. “I’m fine-let’s go in and get this
over with!” she said with false enthusiasm. Opening the door, she discovered
everyone but Her Majesty and the Marsi representative seated. Slipping into
their places, Setsuna leaned forward, hands clasped on the table. Examining the
expressions on the council members’ faces, she could see the decision had been
made.
************
Crystal Tokyo
Earth 2996
"How is
she?"
Startled, Ami glanced
back to the door to find Endymion leaning against the door wearily. Finding her
tongue, she softly whispered; "No change."
Sighing, he tiredly
stumbled over to her bedside and kissed her forehead. Ami watched as he leaned
heavily on the bed as though it alone was all that was holding him up. Rising,
she grasped his shoulders and guided him into her vacated chair. Surprised, he
smiled wanly; "Thanks."
"You're
welcome."
Looking around,
Endymion noticed he, Serenity and Ami were quite alone. "Where is everyone?"
"We decided it
would be best if we stayed with her in shifts."
"Oh."
Endymion rubbed a hand over his eyes in an attempt to rouse himself. The
gesture was not lost on Ami, who promptly stood and tugged on his sleeve. She
glared at him, hoping he'd take the hint.
"What?" The
late hour and the stress took the edge off his voice.
"When was the
last time you slept?" she asked quietly.
"Huh?" His
half-open eyes blinked sleepily at her. "I don't know."
Making certain that
her words were slow enough to penetrate his sleep fogged mind, Ami ordered;
"Go. Sleep. Now."
"No. I'm staying
with her. I will not leave her side."
Ami let out a sigh
that blew her bangs upward in frustration. "You are worse than she
is!" she exploded.
He shrugged
indifferently. Thinking about it, she glared at him one last time and stormed
out the door.
"Where are you
going?" He summoned enough energy to be curious.
"To get a blanket
and a cot, if I can find one." She called back irritably.
Storming past the
Nurses' station, Ami angrily wrenched open a storage closet. There were plenty
of blankets, but it looked as though all of the cots were in use. Taking two,
she slammed the door shut and stomped back the way she had come.
Endymion tried to stay
awake, blinking rapidly and whispering reassurances to Serenity, who was still
oblivious to the world. But his battle was too great. Even as Ami opened the
door, his eyes closed and he had to admit defeat.
Ami let the door close
as she took in Endymion's bowed head. Unfolding a blanket, she wrapped it
around him and pressed the sign of Venus on her communicator.
*************
“I apologize for my
delay-my daughter has had another adventure this evening.” She sighed
heavily-looking weary.
“Has everyone come to a decision regarding the issue of Elysion?”
Faint responses were made, heads
nodded in agreement. “Good-then shall we cast our ballots?”
“Your Majesty-I believe that Lord Befak has not returned.” Lord Gretze
looked pleased by his use of another delaying tactic. Serenity smiled
coolly-not pleased at all with the fact that he’d managed to keep the council
tied up with Elysion for six weeks longer than she’d cared to discuss it.
“If you will recall-Befak cast his ballot before he returned home a month
ago.” She smiled triumphantly before looking at the group. Satisfied, she
stood, and the council rose with her in deference.
“Could I have those in agreement with allowing Elysion to sit on the
council please respond now?”
“Aye.” Came collectively from the group with the exception of Gretze, who
glowered at the room in defiance.
“All opposed?”
Gretze grunted in reponse before gathering his papers and stomping from
the room.
“Then the issue of Elysion has been settled. It is my decree that Elysion
send a single representative of their choice to sit among us. I move that this
council is dismissed.” With that, her Majesty rose and departed quickly, no
doubt headed to the children’s suite to scold her daughter for this evening’s
mishap.
“Well.” Cronos said smugly as he wrapped an arm about Setsuna and guided
her from the room. “Now that the council has been decided-we should return our
focus to Sol.”
“Sol?” Setsuna looked up at him, confused.
“Yes, darling. Sol..” he halted suddenly, turning her to face him. “You
remember Peridot, don’t you?”
“No..” she wracked her memory for anything that may have pertained to
him. “Oh, yes! He’s one of Hyperion’s advisors, isn’t he?”
“Yes-yes he was. Do you remember anything else about him?”
“No-should I?”
“Sweetheart-“ he paused, wondering how much he should tell her if she
didn’t remember.
“Peridot was-is- one of Hyperion’s advisors. He’s also been a bit radical
in this last session, opposing all of Hyperion’s decisions. Some rumors going
about-hinting that he’s going to stage a coup. They are, of course only
rumors..”
“But you believe they could be substantiated..” Setsuna smiled as she
looked him in the eye. How he’d missed her!
“Yes.” He said simply, feeling emotion he dared not express.
“Then we should check him out. Wouldn’t want him to get too bold, no
telling what the future holds.”
*************
It was good to be home!
Peridot luxuriated in the feel of the down cushions in his favorite
chair, relishing in the comfort he’d been denied for centuries. He honestly
hadn’t expected Cronos’ plan to work out so well. At the very least-he’d
imagined the enigmatic guardian simply was toying with him. If he’d only been
freed and left in the future-he would have been happy with that-let alone this
return-this chance to make history!
He’d checked the time shortly after he had been returned to his suite-as
far as he could tell it was late SIII-392.
The third Serenity in her 392nd year.
Damn Hyperion’s foolish weakness-damn the universe at large for allowing
the woman such control.
Sitting up-he slid from the security the chair offered and rose to pace,
looking occasionally out the window into the garden below. Pacing to his desk,
he examined his schedule from the day-evidently this was the very evening that
he had ordered his men to advance on Hyperion.
Mercury was setting in the distance.
Soon, he thought.
*************
*beep..beep..beep..beep*
Minako was still at
her desk. Her work had long ago been forgotten as her head had come down to
join the paperwork scattered on it. Groggily, she lifted her head and rubbed at
her eyes. Squinting at the clock, she realized for the first time her
communicator was beeping.
"What?" she
snarled.
"Minako-chan?"
Ami's anxious voice sounded tinny throughout the communicator's tiny
speaker.
"If you have a
few minutes, I could use some help."
"Is it
Serenity-sama?" she sounded both hopeful and terrified.
"No, she's still
asleep. Endymion-sama is here, he fell asleep not too long ago. I think he'd be
more comfortable if he were at home."
"Ami-chan, would
like me to stay with her for a while? You haven't slept at all."
"No. I'm
fine." She smiled, in what Minako suspected was supposed to be a
convincing way. "Just..take him home."
"I'll be down in
a few minutes." Minako closed the connection and standing, she stretched.
Grabbing her jacket, she slipped into it while ordering the computer to record
her standard message to the press and release it if any calls came in for her.
Minako knew she would
never be the driver Haruka-chan was, but she believed she was fairly decent.
Zipping along at a speed far beyond the limit, she hurtled through downtown
traffic without a problem. Using the airbrakes, she careened into the
Institute's parking lot and abruptly stopped. Pulling her keys, she opened the
door and stepped into a media storm.
"Lady Venus!"
"Do you believe
that this attack was preconceived?"
"..any word on
her Majesty's condition?"
"..does the Queen
know of her daughter's death?"
"Any
comments?"
"What of the rest
of the court? How are they handling this crisis?"
On and on they went,
and as best she could, Venus ignored them. Lights blinked constantly as cameras
followed her on her walk through the sea of people. People continued shouting
questions even as she reached the doors, and the Institute's security guards
pushed them back.
The relative quiet
inside the building was so profound that Minako found herself startled at the
sudden cessation of noise. Smiling, she unzipped her jacket and headed for the
elevator. Pressing the blue button, she leaned back against the elevator wall
and watched the floor counter go up. When it stopped at six, Minako slowly got
off.
Ami wrestled
Endymion's jacket from unyielding fingers and stuffed him into it. While she
did so, Minako knocked softly on the door.
"Minako-chan?"
she asked cautiously.
"Yes." She stepped
inside, smiling curiously at Ami.
"What?" Ami
asked nervously. She had never felt comfortable when Minako smiled like that.
Just as quickly, her quirky sense of humor faded as reality crashed back down
around her.
"Nothing. Should
I teleport him back? There's a sea of reporters out there, they're clustered
around the door like squirrels waiting for the kill."
"Squirrels?
Minako-chan, I think it's supposed to be wolves.."
"Whatever."
Minako glared at her and Ami burst out laughing.
It felt good to laugh.
Endymion stirred
slightly, and Minako stomped over and hefted his sleeping form to a standing
position. Ami choked back her laughter and helped her get him up. A cross look
from Minako set her off again.
"I'll be back as
soon as I drop him off, okay?" Nodding, Ami stepped back as Minako called
out her teleport phrase. Hugging the King to her tightly, Venus disappeared in
a flash of golden light.
*************
The fire burned an unholy red in the deepest dark of the forest.
Beryl stared into the flames awaiting divination. Rising from her kneeling
position she leaned in closer, seemingly unaware of the heat and sparks inches
from her pale face. Listening, she leaned closer, closer, hoping to catch
Metallia’s whispered words before the wind snatched them away.
“I am listening, my Mistress.” She whispered.
“Caassssstle.” The fire hissed.
“The castle?” she asked softly, still staring into the flames.
The fire’s strength increased, the flames were no longer an arm’s length
from her-they were about her, fanning her red hair, teasing it, forcing her to
join with the primal energy that fueled it.
“Go to the castle and seek the Golden Crystal.” Metallia said clearly
above the roar. “The Golden Crystal will save us.”
With that, the fire dimmed until only the coals remained.
************
They say darkness covers a multitude of sins.
As the darkness enveloped the planet-it swallowed Peridot whole. Staring
out into the gardens below-he listened carefully as the guard changed.
The clock tower struck six.
One.
Two..
Three…
Four….
Five…..
Gunshots erupted in the courtyard below, muffling the clock tower’s sixth
toll.
Peridot smiled pleasantly as his hell was unleashed in the city below.
Helios examined his bostaff thoughtfully, then ran the rag over the ivory
smooth wood once more.
Today had been a good day, he decided, settling the ancient staff back in
its’ glass case and closing the lid. Tossing the rag into the trash, he
snatched the holo remote off the desktop and switched on the set.
Peering down at his schedule he found himself surprised to note the lack
of appointments for the day. He’d had his arms practice, followed by the usual
studies promoted by his father, warfare and weapons, as well as history and his
psychology studies. However, his day had lacked the public appearances he’d
come to resent.
Closing the book, he looked up at the holoset and paused, appalled.
“…riots have erupted here in Sol City-again, we are not sure what had
transpired here in the last half hour, but people are encouraged to remain
indoors. We-”
The camera panned to show people surrounding a shop somewhere in the city
beyond, smashing the glass and looting-flames shot wildly out of a building
beyond, a store perhaps. Screams filled the background-unchanging cries of
protest and outrage echoed.
The camera shifted to the Palace’s square-to the great statue of his
father in the last large pilgrimage beyond the system-a crowd surrounded it,
ropes and pulleys secured to the stone. Screaming insults to his name, his
heirs, the crowd removed the great statue from its pedestal before turning it’s
interest to the Palace beyond.
Stunned, Helios sat down sharply on the bed, his mind numb. His hand hit
the remote and the volume went up exponentially, he could hear the crowd’s
traitorous cries reverberated from his room’s high ceiling and he jumped up
quickly, switching the holoset off.
The silence was welcome-helped to soothe his frightened thoughts as he
ran his hands through his hair shakily.
A movie, nothing more, he told himself.
Shaken, he sat down on the bed, flopping back and heaving a sigh of
relief.
Pounding footsteps echoed suddenly caught his attention-he found himself
breathing heavily as his door was flung open.
“What do you-“ he started, outraged as several guards came rushing in.
“Highness, we must-” one started, the fell silent, collapsing slowly to
the floor as a tiny bullethole appeared on his chest. The other guards froze as
another squad entered, and motioned for them to drop their weapons.
Helios shot to his feet, outraged; “How dare you enter my chambers
without-”
“I assure you, your Highness, I have permission.” a voice called from
outside the room.
He knew that voice! Helios looked stunned; “I doubt my father would
approve of this.” He said dryly.
“I did not say I had your father’s permission-I have my own.”
Peridot, then.
“How dare you presume to..”
Peridot entered, amused by the teen’s reaction. “You have much to learn
about the world, young Helios.” He said calmly.
“What are you doing?” suddenly a child again, Helios felt frightened.
Where was his father?
“What am I doing?” Peridot laughed like a madman. “Why, dear boy-I’m
taking over the city. This is my Palace now.” He said simply, enjoying the
boy’s reaction.
“What have you done with my father?” he asked suddenly, starting forward,
intent on grabbing Peridot and shaking the answer out of him. The guards seized
him before he could reach him and restrained the boy tightly.
“My dear child-I have killed him.” Helios struggled not to cry as Peridot
leaned in close to him. “As I will kill you too.” Motioning to the men who held
him, he waved enigmatically toward the door.
“Move him outside-I don’t want blood to stain the carpeting.”
He grinned ferally, chuckling above the boy’s frightened cry of protest.
****************
Their research on Peridot had been aborted.
Cronos rolled over in bed, pulling Setsuna to him tightly and burying his
nose in her hair. She smelled, as always,of lilacs and jasmine. She mumbled
something incoherently, snuggling against him before relaxing once more. He
kissed her forehead before rising from their bed and slipping into his robe and
slippers. Carefully opening the door,
he slid out, trying not to wake her as he closed the door behind.
Walking smoothly down the hall, he paused at the door outside the
children’s suite, suddenly curious as to her Highness’ health after the
adventure she’d had that evening. Knocking softly, he waited until Acrata
opened the door, looking surprised.
“My lord.” She granted, confused.
“Yes-ah-” he cursed his curiousity. “How is her Highness this night?
Ill?”
Acrata sighed, looking quite annoyed with the mention of the child. “A
bit, yes. A bit of a fever, I believe-hopefully, it will break before the night
is out.”
“Mind if I look in on her?” he asked, surprising even himself with the
request.
Acrata shrugged.”I don’t see why not, as long as you don’t wake her.”
She opened the door to let him in, then closed it quietly. She led the
way past the young princes’ rooms, and into the very last bedroom on the right.
A nightlight burned steadily in the corner, illuminating her Highness’ too pale
face. She shifted restlessly beneath the covers, a nightmare, no doubt brought
on by the fever.
She was a darling little girl-while asleep. Cronos, like many others had
wondered about the child’s strength-did she possess the will to rule? She seemed a selfish and vindictive child,
self centered and officious.
Many within the council had suggested that her Majesty attempt to bear another
child-one, perhaps, with a greater provoclivity than the Hyperion line was
considered to have.
But her Majesty’s physicians had advised against another pregnancy. They
announced that it would be detrimental to her health-they would be
unnecessarily be risking her health-and if her Majesty was lost-Her Highness
would sit the throne that much sooner.
Stroking her cheek, Cronos noticed the heat that rose from her in waves.
Shaking his head, he sighed heavily and wandered back out into the common room
to where Acrata was seated before the holonet. He could sense her unease before
he approached.
“What is it?” he asked heavily.
Acrata looked up, tears in her eyes. “Riots in Sol-my sister lives
there.”
Riots? Already?
Somewhat startled, Cronos studied the screen.
“…I have never seen anything like this-the city is falling apart. Wait,
I’ve been informed of a message being broadcast from the Palace..we’re going to
switch to that..”
The screen switched from a blazing fire in a building someplace downtown
to the shattered remnants of the Palace’s square. The great statue that had
withstood nearly 20 years of heavy winter storms, lay shattered in the square.
However, Cronos chose to ignore that broken symbol-focusing on the King’s body
suspended by rope and hanging from the large wrought iron gates.
“..know me as Peridot. For these past sixteen years I have been an
advisor to his Majesty. I have watched our world lose its place of power in
this system-I have watched as our fearless leader handed us-our culture, our ideals
over to those pale, soulless creatures of the Moon. Many of you know that I
advised his Majesty against the treaty that gave him his son, Helios and us,
our heir. My words in recent years have gone unheeded-it is not his Majesty’s
fault-he was weak, and unable to prevent our loss of prestige.
His Majesty is dead now, and soon, his son will soon join him.” Peridot
leaned forward, grinning madly. “I ask you-all of you who are proud to be
Solari, to join with me now-celebrate the future as we bring our traditions-our
way of life not only back to our people, but the universe as well!” the message
faded, and Cronos felt a shiver run down his spine.
What had he done?
****************
Still smiling at
Minako’s easy going attitude, Ami returned her attention to her duties. She
picked up her medcorder and input the series of tests she wanted to run.
Thinking back to a childhood fleetingly past, Ami recalled the moments she had
watched her mother do this, so very long ago. She set the scanner bar down over
her patient and locked it in place. Ami pressed the buttons on her medcorder to
begin the scan and watched like a hawk as data filled her screen. Heart rate,
blood pressure and breathing were all slowed. There was no evidence of any
other undetected trauma or injuries that she had not seen before. Sighing, she
switched off the scanner and pulled up the bar. Pulling her chair up to the
side of the bed, she straightened the blankets wrapped around her long time friend
and settled down to wait for her to come around.
The beeping of
equipment monitors jarred Ami from her sleep. Serenity-sama’s heart rate was
plummeting, all vitals were dropping. The loud noises of the machines did
nothing to shatter the silence she felt growing within. Her staff came charging
in, and Ami allowed herself a brief flash of pride amidst the chaos. Taking her
place along side, she watched as they smeared the gel and pressed the paddles
to her pale skin.
“Clear!” the shock
forced the Queen's heart to beat faster for one brief second before it resumed
its descent.
And the silence grew.
“Clear!” the jolt
passed through again with the same effect. Each hung their heads.
“My Lady..” one began,
but Ami cut him off.
“Again!”
“My Lady..” again, the
calm, consoling voice. Ami cursed herself for their calm. With an intensity
that surprised even herself, Ami seized the limp hand on the bed and pleaded
with the passion of her youth.
“I want to save you,
but I can’t do it alone. You must want this; you must want to live. Please..”
she found herself crying, the salty tang of her tears on her cheeks felt
strangely comforting.
“My Lady, she can’t
hear you.” This time, the voice held pity for her. Mizuno Ami did not want pity
from anyone.
“If you won’t do it for me, then do it for
your husband!” she cried.
Pulling herself
together, Ami whispered; “Once more, please.”
“It won’t..” the young
tech looked about to cry himself, but held the paddles ready at her pleading
expression. Pressing the paddles against her pale skin once more, he called;
“Clear!”
They watched as a pink
glow expanded around the Queen's body. With a purpose that no mortal being
could begin to comprehend the ginzuishou, driven by its' overpowering need to
create the crown restored Serenity's will to live. The monitor began to beep again, slow at first, then gaining
until vitals were out of the red. Ami's cold fingers found Serenity's hand, it
was warm and soft. Squeezing it gently, she watched as Serenity's eyes
flickered open.
They were as clear as
the sky on a summer's day.
**************
Elysion, Earth
The birds were
singing, a gentle breeze teased the long branches of the great weeping willow
near Mirror Lake. Endymion sighed heavily, glancing over to his father once
more. It was a beautiful day, and where was he? Inside, in court..as he always
seemed to be these days.
Eldar smirked
slightly at his advisors, indicating his son’s brooding appearance with a jerk
of his head.
“His Highness seems
a bit distressed lately, sire.” Mortly said quietly.
“Aye.” He agreed,
gesturing for a glass of mead. He took the heavy mug and sipped the wine
thoughtfully.
Forcing his thoughts
away from his son’s dark presence, he studied Mortly’s shaggy face.
“Have we heard
anything from the Planetary council regarding our petition to join?”
“Aye, sire.” Mortly
smiled. “We were accepted unanimously.”
“Good!” Eldar
pronounced. He took another sip of wine in celebration.
“What needs to be
done before we can begin offering advice on affairs?” he asked smoothly, trying
to get his son’s attention again.
“We have been asked
to provide a representative to sit on the council.” Mortly read aloud. Both men
gauged the young Prince’s reaction, or lack, thereof.
“Well, we shall just
have to choose a representative. Endy, my son-what say you?”
The boy turned,
startled. “Sir?” he asked.
“What sort of a
representative should we send as emissary to the Moon?”
Endymion considered
carefully, then said; “I believe the individual should be everything we attempt
to be-to accurately show our people’s culture.”
“Very good.” Eldar
pronounced, smiling at the boy. “Do you know anyone who would fit this role?”
“No sir.” Endymion
managed, trying to escape his father’s scheming eyes.
“Endy-I think you
would like it there. You were forever complaining as a child that I would not
let you travel any where-and when I offer you the chance-you refuse?”
“Traveling here in
Elysion is one thing-the Moon is another!” he pointed out, suddenly irritated.
“If you are
reluctant-then say so.” Eldar gave his son a warning look.
“I’m reluctant.” He
managed through gritted teeth.
“Then I suggest you
find someone else.”
“Why me?” Endymion
struggled to keep the whine out of his voice.
“Because I ordered
you to do so! Out of my sight, boy!”
Angry-Endymion
stormed from the throne room in search of the solitude only a good hard ride
could bring.
“Honestly!” Eldar
fumed. “That boy is as insolent as his mother was.”
Mortly refrained
from adding that the boy had his Majesty’s temperament.
“Shall I begin
compiling a list of candidates?” he asked politely.
“No.” Eldar slammed
his mug down on the table top. “That boy is going, whether he likes it or not.”
“Yes, sire.”
Mortly gathered up
his paperwork, was just about to ask for dismissal when the great oak doors
swung open and an emissary stuck his head in cautiously.
“Majesty?” he
inquired.
“Yes?” Eldar
snapped, and the young courier stiffened.
“I have a young
woman here who seeks an audience with you..”
“Is she pretty?”
The young servant
nodded emphatically. “Then send her in you fool!” Eldar barely refrained from
throwing his mead mug across the room as the young man vanished and the door
opened a bit wider to admit a beautiful redhead.
“Your Majesty.” She
curtsied so deeply, her breasts threatened to fall out of her ripped bodice.
Eldar shot a smug
look at Mortly that said; “it’s good to be the King.” And motioned for her to
rise.
“Come, up,up.” He
said gently, a feral look in his eye.
“Your Majesty, I
have come to you to ask your assistance.”
“What is it you
seek?”
“I live in a far
away land, sire, and I seek to find people sympathetic to our cause…”
Endymion had
dismissed the stable boy the second he arrived in the stables. Grooming and
saddling his own horse he mounted quickly and rode out at a canter. His mare’s
steady hoofbeats helped soothe his anger and he found himself calming as he
studied the terrain of his home province.
He couldn’t imagine
himself living elsewhere.
This was his home.
Noticing the clouds
thickening overhead, he paused in the meadow and halted the mare, patting her
neck gently.
Thunder rumbled a
bit overhead, and the clouds deepened to a saturated blue.
He decided it was
time to head home-he’d be lucky to make it there before he got wet.
He’d been right-the
sky had opened up before he was half way home and he got a good drenching
before he walked the mare through the great castle’s walls. Dismounting, he
turned the mare over to the groom and shook himself free of the water that
drenched his coat.
“Highness?” a young
man inquired.
“Yes?” he asked
darkly, his anger returning somewhat.
“His Majesty asked
that I send you in as soon as you return. He’s retired to his chambers for the
evening.”
“Fine.” Endymion
said shortly.
On his way into his
father’s chambers, he passed a scantily clad redhead who smiled at him
seductively. Rolling his eyes, he stomped inside.
“Sir? You wanted to
see me?” he managed to sound obedient.
“Endy?”
“Yes sir.” He
repeated through gritted teeth.
“Ah.” Eldar shoved
aside the thick bedcurtains. “You will leave for the Moon tomorrow-I had Mortly
contact her Majesty’s office.”
“Is there anything
else, sir?”
“You’ll be pleased
to know that the Moon Queen has a daughter you might be interested in.”
Endymion tried not
to choke on his laughter. “She’s barely 13, if that. A child.”
“And you are still a
child, my son.”
Endymion glowered,
resisting the urge to cross his arms on his chest.
“I’m 16, sir.” He
returned.
“And you’ll do as I
say, boy.” Eldar snapped. Endymion drew himself up to his full height and
nodded coldly.
“Yes sir.”
“Good-pack your
things-the transport will arrive in the morning.”
He nodded, and Eldar
waved him away, effectively dismissing him.
Great. Just great.
***************
Serenity had managed to stay awake briefly before surrendering to sleep.
The doctors had lingered long enough to ascertain her condition before a look
from Ami sent them hurtling out the door. Minako had returned from her trip to
the Palace shortly after Serenity's brush with death. After checking up on her,
she had pressured Ami to go home to sleep for a while. Ami had stayed until the
sky had lightened to a pearly gray and the bells in the Starlight Tower tolled
six a.m. before she succumbed to exhaustion. Taking Minako's keys, she borrowed
the car and headed back for the Palace on autopilot. Minako shifted uncomfortably on her hard-backed chair. Serenity
seemed to be dreaming, her eyes moved rapidly beneath her eyelids and she would
occasionally murmur something. Settling back, Minako closed her eyes and prepared
to sleep when she heard a glib voice from the doorway ask accusingly;
"Sleeping on the job?"
Smiling, Minako answered without opening her eyes; "I seem to recall you taking catnaps on many occasions."
Makoto stepped in and let the door close behind. "Yes, well.." she rested a hand on Minako's shoulder briefly. "Any extra chairs around here?"
"Not unless you bring one from the lounge." Opening her eyes, Minako sat up.
"I'll have to talk to Ami about that. Do you think we'll still fit on a chair together?" Lita slipped her feet out of wet shoes and looked about for a seat of some sort.
"I doubt it."
Glaring at her, Makoto leaned over the still figure in the bed and kissed her forehead. "Any change?" she settled for perching on the edge of the bed.
"Not lately. Did Ami-chan tell you.."
"Yes. I.." Mako's eyes filled with tears and Minako squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"I know. She's fine now, though."
"Ginzuishou comes through again, huh?" Mako-chan was trying to ease the tension and Minako surrendered to the flow of the conversation.
"Yes, she always does." Minako-chan stressed the she rather heavily, and Makoto quickly nodded assent. Changing the subject, Minako absently traced a pattern on the plastic handle of the chair. "How's Endymion? Does he know yet?"
"I don't know. I think he does, they are linked, you know."
"Yes." Ever so softly.
"But, he's not here yet, so perhaps he doesn't…"
Mako-chan paused as she realized Minako was no longer listening. Turning, she saw what held her companion's attention.
Serenity was awake.
Not wanting to break the moment, Makoto tentatively spoke; "Glad you decided to join the rest of the world."
Smiling, Serenity whispered faintly; "I needed my beauty sleep."
Both laughed and threw restraint to the wind, hugging her tightly.
"How do you feel?"
"Tired."
"Does it hurt anywhere?" Minako-chan settled herself on Serenity's other side protectively.
Serenity nodded, her pale cheek rubbing the pillow.
Reaching up with gentle fingers Makoto touched her forehead, careful not to touch the purpling bruise on her temple. Mako-chan smiled eagerly as she caught Serenity's eye. "Feel up to eating something?"
Slowly, Serenity nodded uncertainly.
"All right. I'll make something and bring it back." She kissed her friend's forehead and slipped from the room.
*************
Cronos had taken a few moments to gather himself after watching Peridot’s manic broadcast. Rising quickly he hurried back into the hall. Nearly running he raced to the Palace’s east side and approached the guard outside her Majesty’s chambers.
“What do you want?” the lieutenant snapped.
“I must speak with her Majesty.”
“At this hour? Forgive me, my Lord, but it’s nearly 3 am. Can this not wait?..”
“No!” Cronos nearly yelled. The lieutenant looked wary, but moved aside anyway. Cronos opened the door before he had a chance to change his mind and slipped inside.
The earthshine drenched the room in azure blue and Cronos forced his thoughts away from the place they were going rapidly. Her Majesty slept alone in the large bed beyond. Cronos swallowed heavily and forced himself to call her name.
“Majesty?”
She stirred, and Cronos caught his breath suddenly. “Majesty?” he called again.
“Yes?” she mumbled sleepily.
“I’m sorry to disturb you so early..”
She sat up abruptly, clutching the sheets. “Is it-”
“No, no, I’m sorry, her Highness is sleeping as far as I know.”
She lay back again, closing her eyes. “What is it then?”
“I believe we have a problem…”
Shortly after he briefed her on Peridot’s coup-she ordered him to gather the council and meet in the Council Chambers in roughly half an hour. He found himself hurriedly finishing his thankless job of waking the members and rushing back to his own chambers to dress and to wake Setsuna.
“Suna-chan?” he shook her shoulder gently, planted a kiss on her cheek. She rolled over sleepily, then sat up, glaring at him.
“What?” she snapped.
“We have an emergency meeting-get dressed.” He said tersely, adjusting his robes and sitting on the edge of the bed, he began pulling on his boots.
“What happened?” she asked, though she made no effort to rise. He grabbed her hand, pulled her to the edge of the bed so that her feet rested on the floor.
“Remember we discussed Peridot?” he rummaged around on the dresser and produced her henshin wand-throwing it to her. She caught it easily, though she made no move to transform.
“What about him?”
“I saw on the holonet-he staged a coup-King Hyperion is dead. He intends to kill Helios.” Setsuna looked stunned.
He turned around, so as to preserve her modesty. She henshined quickly and took his hand as they darted out into the hall. The other council members had roused reluctantly, they were slowly heading for the council chambers.
Some ten minutes later, the majority of the council had finally arrived-and her Majesty had taken her seat.
“Good morning.” Her Majesty began glancing at Cronos, who shrugged. “I apologize for the early hour, however, I was awakened with some very important news. Cronos-” she gestured for him to rise. “Has some news for us all.”
Cronos stood and walked around the back of his chair to lean against it. “Unable to sleep this evening, I watched a news program on the holonet.” He reached to the wall behind him and pressed a switch to dim the lights, another to lower a viewing screen. He quickly changed channels and the program, still live on the scene came on.
“..we’ll keep you to up to date on any changes.”
“Andrea-” the reporter in the studio asked; “Have there been any further broadcasts or demands from Counselor Peridot at this time?”
“Not that I’m aware of-our sources say that the Palace has been extraordinarily quiet since his previous broadcast.”
Cronos muted the set briefly, but kept it on so they could be aware of any future developments.
“At approximately 03:25 this morning-riots began in Sol City with gunshots fired at the Palace. Within fifteen minutes, King Hyperion was reported dead and Prince Helios taken prisoner.”
Her Majesty looked grim.
“Peridot made a broadcast-informing everyone watching that Hyperion was dead-and he announced his plans to kill Helios as well. He stated that he would return Sol to its former greatness. I can only assume that he meant the time before the Solari visited our world.” Cronos took a deep breath-looked seriously around the room. “I recommend we consider our response carefully.” He seated himself and Setsuna took his hand.
Her Majesty nodded thankfully at him before saying; “I agree. We cannot simply sit by while Peridot overthrows the rightful government..”
Murmured agreement sifted about the table, and finally the Mercurian representative, Lord Zaeka, spoke up. “Has there been any contact with Peridot?”
Her Majesty shrugged, then said; “Not to my knowledge. I feel it would be beneficial for us to contact him immediately. If there is no dissent, I suggest Cronos contact him.”
“Me-your Majesty?” Cronos interrupted.
“I believe he will see you as a sort of neutral party. I do not wish to intimidate him, or force him to react in any way.” She said calmly.
Agreement rose from the table, and her Majesty quickly dismissed everyone and left the chambers quietly. Cronos rose, uneasily, and was surprised when Setsuna wrapped her arms about him.
“Suna-chan?” he asked softly.
“Yes?”
“What-”
“You’re going to handle him just fine.” She said firmly. “But I’ll be with you, for support.”
He grinned gratefully, leaned in to kiss her.
“Thanks, Suna-chan.” What would I do without you?”
She released him and slid away smartly, grinning. “You’d better hope you never find out.” Reaching out, she slapped his butt teasingly, with the promise of more to come.
He gaped as she left the room.
*****************
Endymion lay on his pallet, staring out the window. Moonlight streamed into his room, and he found himself actually becoming excited about leaving his world for another.
Thumping sounds started down the hall, laughter pealed, rising in pitch until the bedsprings groaned.
A scream-and all fell blessedly silent.
Maybe it would be better to escape his father’s presence for a while.
Rolling over-he lay back on the pillow and tried to will himself to sleep.
…….
He shifted, trying to get comfortable.
……….
Sighing, he sat up in the darkness and scrubbed at his face in irritation. A soft knock interrupted his thoughts and he looked up, startled.
Again, and he rose, walked to the door and opened it, not at all prepared for what he found on the other side.
The redhead.
“Can I help you?” he asked softly.
“I came to see if you needed help, Highness.” She offered, purring.
“Ah-no.” he stammered. “I’m fine. Thank you.” He started to close the door but she stuck her foot in, and he stared at her dumbly.
“I noticed that you can’t sleep.” She whispered seductively. “Perhaps you need a backrub?” she smiled, showing all her teeth. Endymion shuddered internally, but couldn’t find any diplomatic way to refuse, so he reluctantly let her in.
“You’ll need to lie down.” She said, removing the light silk robe, leaving her completely naked. He sat on the edge of his pallet and she approached, dropping the robe and forcing him to lie on his back while she sat on the top of him.
He coughed and she looked up. “I’m not on my back.” He pointed out matter-of factly.
“That’s all right.” She said easily. “We’ll just start in the front and work our way back.”
He scooted out from under, ignoring the feigned expression of hurt as he bolted for the door.
“It’s all right.” He managed quickly, breathing heavily. “I’m not tired. You’re welcome to stay here if you like, I’m going to go for a walk.” With this, he stuffed himself into his traveling clothes and snatched his boots off the floor. Grabbing his bag, he bolted out the door without a backwards glance.
Beryl sighed heavily, looking around the now-empty room.
Oh well, the boy might be leaving, but the old man was sure to stay.
And as long as the Golden Crystal didn’t up and disappear-she could afford to wait.
**************
Cronos had seated himself in his chambers, sending Setsuna out to fetch some tea, or something, to calm his nerves, he said. Pressing the communication console’s buttons, he entered Peridot’s 16 digit number and waited impatiently for the extremely slow intraplanetary comm system to connect them.
“..nos?..”
“Peridot?” he asked hopefully.
“..ronos? That……wait. It’s..”
“I’m here.” He called, waiting.
“Ah-there we go.” Peridot said cheerfully. “Bit of a problem connecting, just now.”
Cronos shuddered at the normalcy-he could almost pretend Peridot hadn’t just..
“How are you?” Peridot chuckled. “Been after Pluto, yet?”
Cronos reddened. “It’s not like that.” He seethed.
“Oh? Even though my people skills were rusty, I could see you wanted a piece of ass while I was still in prison.” Peridot said smugly.
“You..”
“Ah ah..temper. You wouldn’t want to forget who’s holding all the cards right now.” He pointed out. Cronos glowered before conceding.
“I was asked by her Majesty to contact you, find out your demands.”
“Demands? I have nothing but desires for her Majesty.” Cronos bristled, but stayed silent.
“Those are?”
“I’d like her to abdicate.” He said.
“Are you mad?” Cronos breathed. “You’ll never force her to abdicate. There’s no way to defeat her as long as she holds the ginzuishou.”
“I know. Wouldn’t it be grand if she were to lose it suddenly?”
“How do you propose to do that?”
“Wouldn’t do to tell you all about it so you can go tell her.” Peridot beamed. “Tell her Majesty that I’m willing to negotitate terms for the release of her eldest son. Though for the life of me I can’t imagine why she’d want him. He is an ugly child..”
Cronos surprised them both by chuckling aloud. “Helios is useless to her Majesty. He’s useless to you as well.
Peridot reddened now. “The boy has plenty uses, I just haven’t explored them all.”
“What shall I tell her Majesty then?” he asked dryly.
“Tell her Majesty that I am willing to live in peace, for the moment, with my Lunari brethren. Tell her that I am willing to release her son on my terms. I have no demands for the moment that are not currently met.”
Cronos nodded.
Peridot smiled broadly. “Good, we are in understanding. Until later, old friend.”
The screen went dark.
**************
The sun had not yet risen when Endymion boarded the transport that would take him to the Moon. He watched, entranced as the ship took off. Skimming silver lined clouds, they climbed higher, higher into the clear blue sky. The sun rose, it glowed brilliantly above the oceans and set the world afire.
He breathed as the ship left the Earth’s atmosphere and he found himself in space for the first time.
The stars were so clear-he could reach out and touch them, set like jewels in the black velvet.
The crew of the tiny transport sent to pick up the young Elysion representative laughed among themselves at his silence.
Space was pretty exciting the first time.
Within hours, the ship was contacting Millennium City’s International Spaceport, requesting permission to land.
Speeding along through the clouds, the ship sank lower, lower until they hovered above the runway and touched down ever so lightly.
Endymion still sat, glued to his viewport even after the ship landed, amused by the crews that engulfed the vessel, prepping it for its’ next flight.
“Uh-my Lord?” an older gentleman startled him from his muse.
“Yes?” he asked, snapping his head around.
“I’m sorry, sir, but we’ve got to disembark. Ye’re due to be delievered to the Sea Palace, and it’s nearly an hour’s drive.”
“Sea Palace?” he parroted dumbly.
“Yessir. It’s where council meetings are bein held at the moment. Though I hear her Majesty intends to return to the city, here, soon.”
“Why would her Majesty move?”
“Her Highness health, I would think. As it grows cooler, her Highness is more likely to take ill, especially out on the sea.”
Endymion filed that bit of information away for later, and obediently rose and followed the man out to where another, smaller transport awaited him. Crawling in through the tiny hatch he somehow managed to sit-nose pressed to the window and watched the scenery pass him by.
“Lord?” a voice called.
Endymion opened his eyes, tried to focus. The lack of sleep the night before seemed to have caught up with him.
“I’m sorry.” He apologized, crawling out the hatch and into the cool morning air.
“Is all right, Lord.” The man said again. “No harm done.”
Slinging his bag over his shoulder thoughfully, Endymion asked; “What’s your name?”
“Me, sir? I’m called Celdian.”
“I’m glad to have met you Celdian.” He said sincerely. To his surprise, Celdian flushed a bit and grinned wryly.
“Why sir, don’t you know? I’m assigned as your servant while you’re here.”
“Oh? I didn’t know I was going to be assigned someone. I’m not comfortable with that..”
“Sir?” Celdian looked uneasy. “Am I too forward, sir?”
“Oh no-it’s not you. I’m just not used to having a servant to call my own. At home-they’re all my father’s.” He examined Celdian thoughtfully, smiling.
“What if I just consider you a friend?”
“I’d be pleased, sir.” Celdian grinned warmly. “Come, this way. I’ll show you your chambers.”
Endymion took one last long look at the Palace looming in the distance and turned to follow Celdian inside.
****************
Beryl cringed as the old King rolled over once more-seeking her warmth in the chill of the early morning.
Metallia had ordered her to retrieve the Golden Crystal-and she had a feeling that failing would mean a fate far worse than death. Moving to the edge of the bed she closed her eyes and concentrated on the old man.
There! A tiny pinprick of light at the center of his being.
Deeper…deeper…
There!
Inside a bit more..
Aaaaahhh, bliss.
The Golden Crystal shone deep within him, lightening even his black soul.
Slipping from the bed she crossed to him, holding her hands over his prone form. Centering herself, she chanted the spell of Removal and waited impatiently. Slowly, carefully, the Golden Crystal slipped loose of its mortal coil and shone its warmth into the damp, darkened room.
Grinning madly she dressed quickly and shrugged into her outer robes. Wrapping a twist of it about her hand, she cupped the crystal reverently.
*****************
Celdian walked briskly down the hallway, eager to get his new master. He’d been informed by the Master of the House that her Majesty wished to meet their young Elysian representative.
Knocking, he waited for a moment before cautiously opening the door and sticking his head in.
“My Lord?” he queried.
“Just a minute!” Endymion called. Quickly drying himself, he stepped out of the shower and into his robe. Running his hands through his hair he checked to see that he was presentable and stuck his head out into his bedroom.
“Celdian? What is it?”
“Ah-sir.” Celdian was all smiles. “Her Majesty has asked to speak with you-she requested you meet her in her offices in about half an hour.”
“Oh.” Endymion looked a bit nervous and Celdian smiled at his discomfort. “It’s all right, you know. She’s not the type to order you to your death for wearing improper attire.”
“Ah-that’s not what I was worried about. I’m only here because my father could not decide who else to send. I have no experience in this sort of thing..”
“Is that all? Her Majesty is very understanding. I’ve yet to hear of anyone who suffered anything at her hands. Come, sir.” Celdian strode to the wardrobe and began removing the very clothes Endymion had placed in there an hour before. “I’ll help you dress, and show you to her offices.”
“Thanks.” The youth looked extraordinarily relieved at the thought of company.
Exactly twenty-five minutes later, Endymion found himself seated outside Queen Serenity III’s large office suite in an extremely uncomfortable chair. Celdian had talked his ear off as he had dressed, telling him that he should simply be himself-be warm, polite and amiable. Celdian had mentioned that her Majesty might, at some point, mention introducing him to the Princess-he added at that point that he would educate him on her Highness’ disposition later.
Endymion felt extremely uneasy with that-he hadn’t heard anything specifically, but he’d listenened carefully to changing conversations outside his suite all day long-and he’d heard some interesting conversations that may or may not have included her Highness’ name a few times.
The door opened suddenly and Endymion started.
“Endymion?” a deep voice asked. He nodded and rose, wiping his hands on his suit pants nervously.
“Her Majesty will see you now.” The man gestured for him to come in, so he did so, offering a tight smile.
The office was very neat and well kept.
Large glass windows dominated the south wall, overlooking the sea. The furniture was all a cream décor, down to the throw rugs and the bookcases along the wall with windows.
Her Majesty, Queen Serenity III was seated behind her white oak desk, bent over what looked to be some sort of appointment book. The man had shown him in, and left him, standing awkwardly for some five minutes before she noticed him.
“Ah-” she said as she looked up, smiling. “You must be our young Elysian representative. Welcome.” She held out a hand, which he took with practiced ease and raised to his lips. She smiled at him warmly and gestured at one of the seats before her desk. Leaning back, she toyed absently with the pen she had been writing with and examined him thoughtfully.
He squirmed.
“Mind if I ask you a few questions?”
“I don’t mind, your Majesty.”
“How much experience do you have?”
“Er-I’m afraid I don’t have any experience in politics.” He answered honestly. “My father sent me for lack of anyone else. Elysion is somewhat small, your Majesty, but at present we’re the only clan to believe in life beyond our own planet.”
“I see. Tell me, how should I address you?”
He blushed. “I’m sorry. My name is Endymion.”
***************
Beryl raced through the woods, ignoring the sting of the branches as they scratched her bare skin. She clutched the Golden Crystal tightly, afraid to loosen her grip for fear it would vanish into thin air. Entering the sacred grove she had been in before, she dropped to her knees before the remnants of the fire. Slowly uncurling her hand, she placed the crystal above the ash and released it, holding her breath. The ashes flickered, brightened, then began to smoke.
They glowed, dimly at first, then brighter, until the grove was bathed an unnatural orange.
Beryl breathed in, awed by the light that arose to surround her. She could feel the lightning, though she saw no flash. She could hear Metalli laughing, though no sound was omitted.
Looking upward, she focused on the sky, barely cognizant of when the glow enveloped her, suffused her. In a blinding flash of light that expanded upward and outward, she scarcely noticed when Elysion was no more.
***************
“How old are you, Endymion?” she asked.
“Sixteen, your Majesty.”
“Awfully young.” She commented, and Endymion tried not to bristle. She noticed, and grinned. “My apologies, Endymion. Everyone is young as far as I am concerned.”
“Ma’am?” he asked.
“Do you know how old I am?” she smiled fondly.
“Er-no Ma’am.” He looked uneasy again, and she decided to set him at ease before he sprained something.
“I am 392 this year-well, in another month, I am to be 393.”
He stared, then tried not to. “You are?” he asked dumbly, then flushed red to the tips of his ears. She laughed, a tinkling, musical sound and he hastily apologized. “I’m very sorry, your Majesty. I didn’t..”
She waved it off, still smirking. “It’s all right.” She assured. “I quite enjoy your honesty. To tell the truth, my mother, and her mother before her lived for a long time.”
“Really?” he asked, then cringed at the childish tone his voice had suddenly taken on.
“You remind me of my daughter.” She mused absently. Have you had a chance to meet my daughter yet?”
“Er, no, your Majesty. I haven’t had that pleasure yet.”
She looked at him squarely in the eyes and said; “Endymion, I know that you have only been here since this morning, but I imagine that you have heard about my daughter. I know that she is insufferably spoiled and indulged.”
Endymion opened his mouth, but paused, uncertain as to what he should say. With an innate sense of diplomacy, he closed his mouth again, content to let her lead.
She smiled at him again. “You catch on quickly, Endymion. I would not have expected you to say anything.”
He settled for nodding in agreement.
“I would like for you to meet her-perhaps you can use your diplomatic abilities to persuade her to join you for an afternoon?”
“I would be delighted to meet your daughter.” He agreed amiably. She gave him a hard look that suggested he were mad, but said nothing. Instead, she rose from behind her desk and held out her hand. He rose as well, taking it and lifting it once more to his lips to kiss when the door to her Majesty’s offices flew open and a large man came running in.
“Your Majesty! We-”
“Cronos!” she looked irritated by his sudden entrance.
He looked from Endymion to her Majesty and Endymion felt a bit embarrassed. Serenity’s expression suggested he’d better talk, quickly.
“My apologies, Majesty. But, we have a bit of a problem.” He spotted the holoremote on her desk and took it, flipping the set on and selecting a particular channel.
“..explosion. From what we can pick up on satellites orbiting Earth, a large energy burst has been omitted in the nearby woods surrounding Elysion’s main castle.”
Endymion froze, unable to breathe.
“..we go live to our reporter in the field. Tamique?”
“..yes, I’m here.” A woman’s voice said faintly.
“Tamique-what can you tell us?” the man in the studio asked.
“..there appears to have been a large explosion. Of what, no one is quite clear, but I can tell you that the strange energy being emitted seems to be spreading.”
Endymion blinked at the set, then swallowed anxiously. For the first time since a long forgotten ceremony in his childhood, he reached out and tried to touch the Golden Crystal.
Fire.
Flame.
Pain.
Destruction.
He recoiled visibly, the force of the energy sent him spinning into the far wall of her Majesty’s office, where he smashed a lamp and lay, stunned into silence.
“Endymion.” Her Majesty knelt next to him while he struggled to regain his bearings. Despite the fact that he had broken her lamp, she seemed not to notice as she she tenderly touched his cheek. His eyes flew open at the touch and he scrambled to escape until he realized who she was.
“Majesty.” He croaked. “I’m so sorry..” he gestured helplessly at the lamp.
“It’s all right.” She rocked back and stood, motioning for Cronos to help him to his feet.
He stood, leaning against the wall for a moment before pushing himself away and swaying a bit.
“Endymion.” She said gently. “I know this is an odd question, but I need to know..is your kingdom the bearer of a planetary stone?”
He blinked in confusion momentarily before answering slowly. “You mean, a crystal, like yours?”
She nodded. “We have something, well, my father had something similar. The Golden Crystal.”
She and Cronos exchanged looks, she grimaced.
“One more question-did you receive any unusual guests lately?”
******************
2996
Minako sipped tiredly at a cup of cappuccino. The caffeine was all that kept her awake now. She had brought a cup for herself back upstairs from the lounge. Serenity-sama had managed to eat a half-bowl of soup before she fell asleep again.
"Minako-chan?"
Semi-startled, Minako turned to face Serenity-sama, who watched her curiously.
"Hai?" she whispered softly. Serenity seemed half awake, watching her through half closed eyes.
"Where is Endy-chan?" she asked sleepily.
"I took him home." She whispered. "He needed to sleep for a while."
"Oh." Serenity seemed to fall back to sleep with no protest.
Minako took her hand reassuringly and gently squeezed it before setting it down on the bed and raising her communicator to her lips.
"Ami-chan, you still out there?"
After a moment's pause, Ami came back quietly. "Hai. I’m getting dressed, be ready to take over as soon as I find…”
"How is Endymion-sama doing?" Minako held her breath as she listened to keys clattering away on Ami's computer.
"Fine, I think. Why?" her fingers came to rest suddenly on the home keys.
"Serenity-sama was asking.”
"Minako-chan..I think we should tell her about the baby.”
“Iie.” Minako trembled slightly, turning to face her friend.
“Minako-chan, she’s going to figure it out eventually. We need to tell her.”
“I think we should-”
“Minako-chan.” Ami said tenderly. “If it were you-and your-”
“Ami-chan..” Minako’s voice broke. “I..I can’t..”
“I’ll do it.” Ami sighed heavily. “I’ll be there in about half an hour.” Then she disconnected the commlink.
Minako had puttered about the hospital room absently, fidgeting with her now-empty cappuccino cup, walking to and from the window and back to the door again and again. By the time Ami arrived, she was a nervous wreck.
“Ami-chan!” she nearly pounced her friend as she walked in the door, unwrapping her scarf. Prying Minako off her, Ami set the scarf down on the chair, pulling her gloves and heavy trenchcoat and setting them over the back of a chair to dry.
“Has she been awake since?”
Minako shook her head. “Iie.”
“All right.” Ami took the chart at the end of her bed and surrepitously examined the results. Temp was slightly elevated, BP was low, pulse weakened but acceptable. Urine output..
Evidently satisfied with the chart, she put it down and sat on the edge of the bed, taking Serenity-sama’s wrist in hand and feeling for the pulse, silently counting. That completed, she took her hand and squeezed slightly.
Serenity shifted, then opened her eyes. “Ami-chan?” she mumbled sleepily.
“Hai. How are you feeling?” she asked gently. Serenity couldn’t see it-but Minako had turned away from them and was examining the crowd gathered down on the street below.
“Tired.” She said softly.
“I bet.” Ami bit her lip uncertainly. “Serenity-sama?”
“Hai?” her eyes popped open again and Ami felt tears prick her eyes.
“I need to talk to you about something. Can you stay awake right now, or would you rather sleep?”
“What is it?”
Ami sniffled suddenly, squeezed her hand even tighter, and Serenity stiffened, struggled to sit up, hampered by the-
“Oh kami-sama..” she remembered, suddenly, the attack, Pluto, standing above her with hatred in her eyes. She wailed suddenly, both in pain and anguish. She keened aloud, then wrapped her arms about her midsection, as much in pain as in sorrow. Ami tried to hold her, but she wanted no part of it, choosing for the moment to wallow in her pain, to die in it as surely as her baby had.
Minako had known the moment Serenity-sama had figured it out-her friend’s very soul seemed to shatter in the silence of the room, and she had exchanged a look with Ami before turning back to the window. Ami whispered to her quietly, no doubt telling the tale of the baby’s birth-of the CPR that failed to breathe life back in her tiny daughter’s body. Minako cried tears for her friend’s loss, feeling it as surely as if it were her very own.
Minutes, hours, Serenity silently cried until she could cry no more, then lay awake, staring into nothingness.
Ami remained with her, whispering words she knew her friend did not hear. She stroked her hair away from her face, soothing, again and again, waiting for her to come back to herself, to the world once more.
She would not begrudge her this time to mourn.
They had all the time in the world.
******************
Endymion eyed the Queen, suspecting a joke of some sort. “An unusual guest?”
“Yes-a woman with red hair?”
The redhead? How could she have-
“Yes..” he said slowly. “She came the night before I was to leave to come here.”
Cronos and Serenity exchanged looks. “Did she seem interested in-”
“I don’t know!” Endymion was anguishedly staring at the holoscreen watching the orange ball grow larger by the second.
“What is it?”
“What is what?” Cronos asked.”That-ball.”
“That is the energy of your Golden Crystal..Metallia-”
“What’s Metallia?” he interrupted.
“Metallia is..it’s a very long story, I don’t have time to tell it properly now. Suffice it to say, Metallia is a very powerful entity who sought once, long ago, to gain control of the Moon. She failed then, and she seeks revenge now.” Speaking to her Majesty, Cronos said; “Majesty, I believe now that she is free she will move against you. I would suggest we start calling in reinforcements.”
Serenity nodded absently, still focused on the screen.
“Yes.” She looked up, her blue eyes like lasers. “Gather the council, Cronos.” She dismissed him with a look. Endymion remained, uncertain what he should be doing.
“Endymion, you’re dismissed as well.” She said softly, not turning to look at him.
He reluctantly started for the door when she spoke. “Join us in the Council chambers, please? I need some information from you regarding this crystal of yours.”
“Yes, your Majesty.” He whispered.
Cronos had sent out the message that the council was to meet immediately and was not disappointd by their response. Most had seen the broadcast from Elysion and had been enroute to the chambers when they received the call.
Endymion had had to ask for directions to the chambers, and had been rather unaccountably shy about entering them. He attempted to slip in, unnoticed, but he discovered all eyes were on him the second he stuck his head in the door. Fortunately, Cronos seemed sympathetic and waved him over with a small smile. He sat, shooting Cronos
a grateful smile.
“Thanks.” He muttered.
“You’re welcome.”
Her Majesty entered at a brisk walk, head held high. Standing behind her chair she leaned on it and spoke; “As I’m sure most of you know by now, Metallia has been freed from her imprisonment and is undoubtedly seeking the ginzuishou.”
Nods about the table, though no one said anything.
“In the past, Metallia was easily subdued by the ginzuishou. Now, however, I believe we have a small problem. The sister stone believed to have been created at the same time the ginzuishou was-is now a substantiated reality.” A few gasps about the table, and Endymion winced, as though it were his fault.
“I give you our Elysian representative, Endymion.” She gave him a small smile. He tried to smile back.
“Metallia has managed to secure the Golden Crystal-and break free of her imprisonment. Now, it is only a matter of time-days, hours, until she comes for the ginzuishou.”
“I’ll take suggestions at this time on how best to deal with-”
The door to the council chambers burst open suddenly, and Maeri, the dayshift governess entered, looking vexed.
“Majesty.” She said almost shyly, wringing her hands in despair.
“Her Highness-she’s in great pain. I..it started when they showed broadcast of the..thing in Elysion. I..thought she was playing, but then she fell. She’s never cried like this before, Majesty..”
Serenity gave Cronos a look before leaving the room quickly at a brisk walk, nearly running.
No one spoke after she left.
******************
Beryl was not alone, she was at long last one with Metallia. She was Metallia now, and she could feel the strength of the Golden Crystal within her, pulsing as surely as what passed for blood in her veins drove her heart. She could feel the ginzuishou now-that elusive little stone was in the center of the Moon itself. She felt bound, inexplicably to it, to Serenity, to her daughter.
Now, they would all be one.
At last.
********************
The council had sat in silence for some five minutes after Serenity had left to tend her daughter. Cronos had reluctantly dismissed the group-for it had been obvious from the start that there was no way to stop Metallia from coming to the Moon and seeking the ginzuishou. The Moon’s only hope lie in her Majesty’s ability to battle her and win.
Still, Cronos mused, it couldn’t hurt to stack the deck a bit. Surely, Metallia had been on Earth long enough to have recruited a following. She would undoubtedly bring her worshippers along-perhaps intending to take the Moon and live on it, as her father had longed to do. Walking fast, he shuffled down to his chambers and bolted inside to his communit.
For some odd reason, the commsystem seemed a bit faster..must have been the energy that was pervading the system loose, for the moment.
“Cronos?” Peridot’s angular face beamed back at him cheerfully. “Wondered how long it would be before you called me.. I assume you would like to ask for my help.”
“Yes, yes.” Cronos said impatiently. “Will you help?”
“I don’t know..” Peridot mused. “After all-I did pretty much get my biggest wish fulfilled..” he trailed off.
“Peridot..” Cronos growled. “”You can’t be serious. Even you Solari were here when Metallia sought control, revenge for her father in those earliest days. And again, before First Serenity sealed her away.”
“You have a point.” Peridot conceded. “Very well-I will send troops to aid you in your defense. Either way, I suppose I lose nothing..”
Cronos hung up without another word.
Serenity studied her daughter thoughtfully as she lay in bed, shivering. The child’s forehead was aglow with both fever and her crescent sigil. Maeri had not exaggerated-the girl was quite ill.
The question was, from what?
She sat at her side, reaching for her cheek with the ginzuishou.
She flinched away, tears filled her eyes.
“Darling?” she asked gently. “What is it? Did that hurt?”
She nodded. “Hurts, Mommy. Hurts.” She sniffled.
“What hurts? Your head?”
“Everything..” she mumbled incoherently. Suddenly warm, she threw the covers off and thrashed violently. Maeri and Serenity restrained her easily, both noted that the child shied away from their touch everytime she bumped into their outstretched hands. Eventually, she stilled and Serenity reluctantly rose.
“Maeri..I don’t know. Just..” she tugged absently on a silver pigtail. “Just keep an eye on her, maybe whatever it is will pass.”
“Hai, your Majesty.”
Nodding worriedly, brow furrowed, she slipped from her daughter’s bedroom and nearly ran into Cronos, who stood in the hall.
“Cronos? Did council resolve anything?”
“Iie. I dismissed them-no one had anything to contribute.” She nodded expectantly.
“I contacted Peridot on Sol.”
She looke surprised. “You did, why?”
“Peridot has agreed to send support.”
“In exchange for?”
Cronos shrugged. Serenity sighed and walked to the couch in the main room, flopped down on it.
“Majesty?” he asked softly.
“Why do I think that today is about to go from bad to worse?” she asked rhetorically.
He had no answer.
***********
Metallia grinned ferally, enjoying the rush of power, strength as the Golden Crystal surged through her. Turning inward, she could feel the same energy exploding within Elysion, spreading in a cloying cloud that sparked conflict and chaos wherever it touched.
Summoning her evil cloak, she reached out to the minds of her followers.
Come. She commanded. They joined in a single, inopposable front-their anger strengthening her will. The wind rose, thunder clapped and lightning flickered in a kaleidoscope of colors as she initiated the transport that would take them to their future world.
The Moon.
***********
Serenity sighed heavily as she massaged her temples, feeling a headache coming on. She leaned back casually in her desk chair, closing her eyes. Despite repeated conversations with Maeri-her daughter seemed no better this evening than she had been all afternoon.
At this rate, they’d have to cancel her birthday party-and after the invitations had been sent out to nearly three hundred guests, she did not relish the idea.
“Your Majesty?” a voice called from her partly open doorway.
“Yes?” she called, trying not to be irritated by the intrusion.
“Lord Cronos wishes to speak with you?”
“Send him in.” she called, sitting up and opening her eyes.
Cronos entered at a brisk walk, looking grave. “Majesty.” He said with no preamble. “Satellites show that Metallia is advancing on the Moon, we anticipate her arrival sometime later this evening.”
Serenity felt her stomach clench and she settled a fist over it, grimacing.
“Damn.” She whispered faintly. Cronos sank into one of the stuffed chairs in front of her desk without asking, he looked as ill as she feared she did.
“Majesty? What would you like to do?”
Despite the situation, she smiled a bit at his phrasing.
“Majesty?” he asked, perhaps fearing for her sanity.
“Cronos, I would like to have my daughter regain her health and enjoy her birthday celebration this evening. We have nearly 300 guests arriving for tonight’s gathering, and a madwoman is decending even as we speak intent on conquering our world and destroying my daughter and myself.” This she said all in one breath, and when she paused, she looked up him, leaned forward over her desk. “What would I like to do? I’d like to wake up and find this all a bad dream.” She flopped back in the seat bonelessly and stared remotely at the paperwork. Cronos said nothing, only toyed with the Pluto sign about his neck, waiting for her to say something, anything.
“In the meantime?” he prompted gently.
She sighed, stood and wandered to the window to stare up into the sky, perhaps trying to find the storm that was Metallia. Only blue sky and white clouds greeted her though and she turned back to him.
“Increase security-I guess. Take precautions, as many as you can. I want tonight’s party restricted as much as possible. Impose curfews on the counties surrounding us. Is there a time you can estimate for her arrival?”
“We’re working on that, Majesty.”
“I need to know as soon as possible.” She eyed him carefully. “You say Peridot agreed to help?”
“Hai.”
“When can we expect this help?”
“I believe he will order troops to join us here on the Moon from the Martian/Solari bases. We can expect aid within the next couple hours..”
“Hopefully that will be soon enough.” Waving a hand she dismissed him, her thoughts returning inward as Cronos left the room quietly.
***********
Endymion half-listened as Celdian spoke to him-he was too engrossed in watching the guard form in the square beneath his window.
“Sir?” Celdian intuded physically now, leaning into his space.
“Sorry Celdian.” He apologized. “I’m afraid I wasn’t listening.”
“It’s all right, sir.” He said sincerely. “I was just saying you’re welcome to come home with me tonight-this is no place to be.”
“I’m afraid I must remain.” Endymion said softly. “It’s as much my problem as it is her Majesty’s.”
“Sir?” Celdian sounded puzzled, Endymion couldn’t blame him really.
“The Golden Crystal. I don’t know who or what Metallia is-but I do know that whatever she is-it’s because of the Golden Crystal that she was released.”
“Sir, I’m certain her Majesty doesn’t see it that way. Please.” He begged. Endymion shook his head resolutely.
“No.”
“Very well.” Celdian said softly. “I wish you well then , sir.” He smiled then. “I’m leaving as soon as my work is completed, her Majesty ordered all of us who need not to work tonight to leave as soon as possible. Will you be needing anything before I go, sir?”
“No, Celdian.” Endymion said fondly. “But thank you.”
“All right then..certain you won’t change your mind? I can leave directions for you if you-”
“Thanks. But I’m sure I won’t.”
“I wish you luck, sir.”
Endymion merely smiled as the young servant left his newly acquired chambers for the last time.
Night had come, leaving the Palace bathed in soft earthlight and ready to explode on a moment’s notice. Serenity absently swirled her champagne glass as she leaned over the balcony, observing the drills her advanced honor guard made on the grounds.
Looking up into the stars, she found sadly that she could detect an inky blackness already obscuring the earth beyond. Metallia was near, then. Standing, she peered inside the throne room and smiled despite the dread that hung over her like a thick cloud. Her guests seemed to be enjoying themselves even though darkness cloyed like perfume in the room, shrouding all that had dared enter the Palace this night.
Cronos sighed as he examined the time estimates Setsuna had produced for him. She shared a sad look with him and leaned back in her chair before standing. “Thank you, Suna-chan.” He whispered tenderly.
“You’re welcome.” She returned heavily before leaving the room.
An hour and a half, maybe two hours before Metallia’s followers would begin making planetfall.
Planetfall.
Cronos smiled ruefully.
Never had there been a more appropriate term spring to mind.
He found her Majesty out on the balcony, a half empty bottle of champagne next to her as she absently leaned over the edge, a full glass in hand. He eased out near her silently, though she smiled and spoke without turning her head; “What news do you bring, Cronos?”
“Two hours at most, your Majesty.” He said gravely. Swallowing, he spoke softly. “May I?”
She turned, looked at him carefully, then nodded. “How did you know I was here, your Majesty?”
“You cast a shadow.” She said quietly.
“Oh.” Silence reigned, and Cronos remained still, eyeing the wine bottle.
Vintage year SII-24.
“Do you know that my mother used to tell me stories about shadows when I was a little girl?”
Cronos waited respectfully, assuming there was more to the tale.
“Shadows are reflections of light-for every beam of light reflected in this world there are two shadows she said.”
Cronos looked up to the sky, searching for familiar constellations and finding only an inky blackness covering the stars and drowning them out.
“Metallia is but one shadow-and in this world there are two lights.” Cronos pointed out gently. Serenity turned to face him, confused by his rejoinder. “At the risk of disagreeing with her Majesty, may she rest in peace-” He intoned. “I believe she was wrong.”
Serenity smiled, her first, genuine smile in a long time.
“I’m sure that my mother would not object to being wrong this one time.” She smiled warmly, then turned her face upward to the stars. The fading starlight caught the shimmering of tears in her eyes and reflected it dully.
Shadows lurked there.
Shadows indeed.
************
2996
Minako had stared out at the crowds below in the heavy silence that filled Serenity-sama’s room following Ami-chan’s news. Examining the scene in peripheral vision Minako discovered that Serenity-sama seemed to have cried herself to sleep again. Ami remained with her curled up on the bed with her friend’s golden haired head in her lap. Minako turned away from the window and faced the blue haired senshi for the first time in nearly three and a half hours.
“How is she?” she asked tremulously.
Ami sighed. “Asleep, it’s really the best thing for her.” Ami started to get up, then paused. “Minako-chan, help me, please?”
Minako hesitated briefly, then came to her friend’s aid. Together they lifted Serenity-sama’s prone form up enough for Ami-chan to slide out, then settled her back in the bed, pulling the sheets up about her.
Ami stretched briefly, raising her arms above her head.
“I think we should get Endymion-sama in here, his presence would certainly help.”
Minako smiled wistfully. “Hai, I think we should. Do you want to get him, or should I?”
“Why don’t you get Mako-chan to sit with Serenity-sama for a bit? I have some things to finish up in my office briefly, and you need to get to your kids for a few hours, at least.”
“Okay.” Minako agreed, swallowing. “I’ll send Mako-chan on in-but you take it easy, okay?”
Ami nodded, then suddenly seized Minako in a tight hug. “Arigato, Minako-chan.”
“You’re welcome.” Minako breathed, returning the hug before releasing her.
Taking a last look at Serenity-sama, Minako opened her door and slipped into the hall. Pressing the ‘on’ button on her communicator, she quickly reached Mako-chan and asked to relieve Ami-chan for a bit. Hearing her friend’s affirmation, she closed the link and steeled herself for her walk through the squirrels…wolves beyond.
***************
Serenity had found herself unable to stare up into the heavens and ponder their fate after Cronos had left her on the balcony. Instead, she found herself walking the corridors of the ancient palace, trailing her hand along the marble walls and columns that had withstood the challenge of time.
The stars had vanished long ago, and heavy clouds brewed on the horizon. Before she had embarked on her last tour, Serenity had ordered her guests to be dismissed, she’d ordered her daughter be taken from the Palace grounds and hidden.
‘Despite what happens to me-she must be kept safe! The ginzuishou knows its’ keeper.’
************
Lightning flashed within, and Metallia smiled as the Moon drew nearer to the Moon on the horizon. Travelling at speeds she’d only imagined while surging on the Golden Crystal she was suddenly home-she could see the charred, decayed remains of the seaside city that had once been her home.
Anger grew, intensified and lightning flashed all the brighter, jagged and pink, searing the already darkened moonscape. The cities on the Moon were looming in the distance, Millennium City, Consol, Thowstayne, Priisame.
Sea City.
Metallia released her energy to Beryl and her followers were set down on the surface of the Moon.
Serenity had felt when Metallia breached the Moon’s atmosphere, a pain lacerated through her body and she nearly doubled over with the pain, dropping her champagne glass. Staggering, she made it to the window and could see the storm that was Metallia on the not-so-distant horizon.
Without being outdoors she could feel the cold breeze blowing, the sudden drop in temperature that caused her breath to frost the glass on this late spring evening. She could hear the voices that were Metallia’s followers screaming for vengeance and bloodletting as they were set down on the Moon, freed at last to do their mistress’ work.
Cronos had been given the task of sending the guests away, anyplace, so long as no one remained in the Palace itself. He’d nearly succeeded when Setsuna returned suddenly. She raised a hand to point out the window, but Cronos knew without turning around that Metallia had at long last arrived.
“Suna?” he called, though he doubted she could hear. “Suna?” he cried above the rising wind outside. Striding forward, he snatched her arm and shook it. “Is her Highness safe?”
Setsuna nodded, too moved to speak.
“Where?” he demanded, and Setsuna shook her head, a small smile lighting her features. “Can’t tell.” She said smugly.
He merely nodded.
“Her Majesty?” Setsuna asked gravely. Cronos pointed silently out the window at the blurred shapes beyond.
Serenity forced herself to leave the Palace’s warmth, fighting the bitter cold that Metallia brought. Beryl-Metallia, cackled madly as her followers began their reign of destruction. Her generals led the way into the city beyond and Serenity shuddered as the first screams of terror echoed from the Palace’ marble walls.
Summoning her courage, she swallowed and called; “Metallia-I know why you have come.”
Metallia swung about and Serenity sensed more than felt Beryl’s violet gaze land upon her.
“Yessss…” she hissed. “Thennnn you willll simply hand it over…”
“I think not.” She said strongly, narrowing her eyes.
“I have theeeeeeeeeeee Golden Crystal..”
Serenity reached within and drew the ginzuishou to herself, sensing that Metallia’s first blow would be one she could anticipate.
“Then why do you seek the ginzuishou?”
“Becaussssssssse my father did.” She raised her hands, and lightning danced on the edges of her fingertips.
“You shall not have it.” Serenity returned, and braced herself.
Metallia shrieked in primal rage and hurtled an energy blast. Serenity did not hesitate as she called upon the ginzuishou for the first time in her life.
“MOON HEALING ESCALATION!!!!!!!!”
Sparks flew.
The energy of the ginzuishou and the Golden Crystal crackled in the air before clashing violently. Metallia, who had become familiar with the Golden Crystal’s ‘feel’ pushed the energy, honing it like a craftsman would a sword until it seemed to press heavily on Serenity, weighing her down.
Serenity floundered a bit, struggling to learn her weapon as well as use it. Suddenly, she had it, and pushed back. Metallia, unprepared for the sudden power shift nearly toppled from the platform she had created herself before managing to stand upright again. Her eyes gleamed wickedly as they bantered back and forth, power ebbing and surging.
Serenity watched in fear as her world was decimated about her, the strength of the mighty ginzuishou reduced to a small sphere that surrounded her, only her. Voices called helplessly beyond her range of control and she shuddered, eyes filled with tears that longed to be shed for those suffering and dying under her rule.
Head bowed, she bared her soul, pleading long dead ancestors for strength she did not possess.
One voice called louder, more insistently than the others, a siren call beckoning.
“Mommy?” She knew that voice! There! Repeated again, chanted above the wind. “mommymommymommymommy!!!!!!!!!”
What had Cronos said?
‘Metallia is but one shadow, and in this world, there are
two lights.”
“Mommy!!!!!!!”
Opening her mind, Serenity called. “My daughter, you must hear me!”
“Mommy? Where are you??” her daughter’s untrained thoughts echoed loudly, and Metallia chuckled aloud.
“Your child will suffer no pain when she joins you in the afterlife.”
Serenity felt her daughter’s fear as she recoiled, reeling in agony as Metallia shunted the Golden Crystal’s energy through their link.
“MommmY!!!!!!!!!!” she screamed.
Serenity clutched the ginzuishou tightly to her chest. Closing her eyes, she could see her daughter on the day of her birth, the day of her first steps, the day she was presented to the ginzuishou for the first time.
No.
No!
Metallia could not, would NOT destroy the future!
************
Cronos watched the pair outside, dumbfounded as Setsuna dragged him along the Palace corridors to the command center. Barricading the door, Setsuna sat at the first available terminal and puched the keys, seeking out the senshi’s positions within the city. The Elder senshi had been beaten back, already calls for their younger replacements had been made. Despite their youth and inexperience, they actually seemed to be doing pretty well.
All things considered, Setsuna mused.
Losses were heavy, despite that small bit of good news. The elder senshi, save herself and Elder Mars, who had been offplanet due to childbearing leave-were the only ones remaining. Already Younger senshi Mercury and Uranus were missing-presumed dead and young Mars and Jupiter were already quite dead.
This battle was taking a turn for the worse.
*************
Serenity looked up at her opponent, hating Metallia’s corrupt influence on Beryl’s angular features. The ginzuishou sang in her hands as she opened herself wide open to it-judging from the look on Metallia’s-Beryl’s face, such resistance had not been expected. Her daughter’s cries replayed again and again in her mind and Serenity found herself opening to the ginzuishou in ways she had never imagined.
There was no pain.
Only liquid fire that burned in her veins like quicksilver as it raced throughout her with every heartbeat, faster and faster, until the sphere had grown so large that it seemed to encompass her, Metallia, the city-the planet as it expanded-and enveloped everything in sight.
Her daughter’s scream of pain was the last thing Serenity heard before she passed out.
*************
2996
Minako had managed to fend off the most persistent of reporters by holding her henshin wand above her head and announcing her plans to ‘love and beauty shock’ the next person who disregarded her request for ‘no questions, please.’
The Palace seemed especially quiet without Serenity-sama, Minako mused as she entered the royal couple’s suite and turned on the lights. Hurrying to the bedroom, Minako was amused to find Endymion-sama as she had left him. Sprawled across the bed, dead to the world. Smirking, she stole into the bathroom and filled a cup with water. Unable to resist the temptation, she upended the cup over his head and listened in satisfaction to his ‘girly’ scream.
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeooooooowwwww!” he protested, sitting straight up in bed. Glaring at her, he crossed his arms like Keneyo did when she teased him and growled out; “Minako-chan, you’d better have a good reason for waking me..”
“She’s been awake, and asking for you.”
He sobered, slipped from bed and darted into the bathroom, slamming the door behind. Minako grinned as she heard him flip the lock a few minutes later, when he realized it wasn’t wise to tempt her any further.
Calling from behind the door, he asked; “Is she all right?”
“Hai, seems to be.” Minako hesitated, then decided he’d be better off knowing. “Endymion-sama, Ami-chan told her about the baby.”
The door unlocked, and he emerged, looking a bit pale and washed out.
“Well?” he asked.
Minako shrugged, and Endymion sighed. “That well, huh?” she nodded.
“Is she awake now?” he opened the closet door and hurriedly pulled out a pair of jeans and a sweater before returning to the bathroom, though he didn’t lock the door this time, Minako noted.
When he came back out, he stepped into a pair of basketball shoes and skipped the laces, shrugging into the jacket he’d worn home earlier.
“Let’s go, hmm?”
**************
For their return trip to the Institute, Minako once again teleported the two of them. She certainly didn’t want to handle the press, and she doubted Endymion-sama did either.
Her room was just as they had left it-although Minako was a bit surprised to find Ami-chan still there.
“Ami-chan, I thought you were leaving when Mako-chan came in.”
“Mako-chan’s not answering her communicator.” She pointed out matter-of-factly.
“Oh?” Endymion asked, though his concern for Mako-chan faded as he approached Serenity and kissed her forehead lovingly.
Minako was puzzled.
“I spoke to her-she said she was on her way.”
Ami shrugged indifferently, and Minako blinked. “Endymion-sama, I’ll be down in my office if you need anything.”
With that, she turned and left abruptly.
It was apparent that Endymion-sama was very occupied, for he didn’t even notice Ami-chan’s abrupt exit. Minako mumbled an excuse and left to find Mako-chan. She decided to make Rei’s room her first stop.
The halls to Rei’s room were mysteriously empty. Pushing the door open, Minako shivered in the cold air.
Looking to the thermostat, she didn’t notice the frozen figures in the bed until she turned-but it was too late.
It was too late for all of them.
“Ami-chan! Ami-chan!” Minako had hit the nurses’ station as soon as she found Rei-chan and Mako-chan in the bed, slumped over. She had been reassured by their quick response, they were attempting to revive the two of them as she tried to track down Ami-chan.
“Ami-chan, come on…pick it up!” Frustrated, she resisted the urge to panic and hit the all call.
“Minna, I need everyone to report in! I can’t raise Ami-chan, and we’ve got a situation.”
Neptune answered.
Minako gulped heavily. They were in trouble.
“Michiru-san! Where is everyone?”
“I don’t know!” Neptune sounded suspiciously close to tears. “Haruka just disappeared right in front of me. She was saying something, and poof, she was gone.”
“I can’t get Ami-chan to answer.” She was silent for a moment. “Michiru-san..Rei-chan and Mako-chan were injured somehow-” she was interrupted by the sounds of a code blue being called, then another. Crash carts were wheeled in, and Minako found herself herded outside.
“Minako-chan?” Michiru asked gently. Minako listened, transfixed as ‘Clear!’ was called several times-and each time, the monitors flatlined.
“Michiru-san..” Minako’s eyes were wide with fear and grief. “Rei-chan and Mako-chan are dead.”
*************
Endymion had remained in the Palace with the remaining council members as the city, the Palace fell to pieces about them. Finally unable to remain indoors any longer, many people had charged, panic stricken toward the nearest exit as the Palace shuddered, reeling from an invisible blow. Chunks of marble crashed down from high vaulted ceiling arches, and Endymion never saw, nor felt the blow that felled him.
Serenity found herself drifting on a breeze, buoyed by the still ringing power of the ginzuishou. She was beyond her body, beyond pain, beyond all feeling when she heard the most wonderful words echoing in the distance; “Solari! The Solari have arrived!”
She wasn’t certain, but she imagined that she passed out about that time.
**************
2996
Serenity awoke slowly, enjoying the warmth she was generating within her cocoon. Opening her eyes, she stared blearily at the ceiling for several minutes before sitting up slowly, wincing at the pain it caused. Her hand automatically strayed to her abdomen, and tears welled when she realized what had been taken from her.
No.
The tears faded immediately, unshed.
Something was wrong. Something..
The baby-the word only evoked a faint sense of trifling concern and she rode out the alien concept that her daughter could be insignificant at any time.
No, this was more..real.
Drawing into herself, Serenity struggled to pinpoint the unsettling feeling that she was alone.
Opening her eyes, she stared about the empty room and took several deep breaths, faster, faster, until the alarms she was hooked to began to beep faintly in protest.
The door opened suddenly, and someone was there, soothing quietly. A mask was pressed over her nose, and she was reclined in the bed. Almost immediately, she began to feel sleepy, and the edges of her vision dimmed until she could only just make out Minako’s bright blond hair.
“Minako-chan?” she murmured sleepily.
“Hai?” Minako asked gently.
“Where’s Endy-chan?” she slurred tiredly.
“He’s out resting in the waiting room, should I go get him?”
“Iie-he’s not here.” Serenity reached to touch just above her heart, and tapped it lightly. “He’s not here.” She whispered firmly before the medication took her and she was gone.
“Masaka..” Minako murmured as she tore from the room.
Endymion was lying on the couch, as she had left him. Kneeling by his side, she snatched his wrist and felt for a pulse, relieved to find one, even one as slow as his…seemed…..to……..be.
Minako felt her blood freeze in her veins as she hurriedly called for the nurses.
*************
Maeri silently peeled away the curtains from the window, staring out into the night. Occasional flashes of light lit up her darkened apartment, something akin to thunder rumbled in the distance. At her Majesty’s request some hours before-had it only been hours? She had moved her Highness to her home under the cover of darkness.
The girl had been bedded down in the guest bed shortly after her arrival-though Maeri doubted that she slept.
Opening the door, she peered inside, then started as she realized the bed was empty.
“Highness?” she called softly.
“I’m here.” The girl whispered. Relieved, Maeri entered and found the child sitting cross-legged on the floor next to the bed.
“Are you all right?” Concerned, Maeri recalled the pain she’d been in hours prior-but she seemed peaceful enough.
“I’m okay.” Turning soulful blue eyes to face her, the Princess asked an odd question.
“What will happen to Mommy when she dies?”
**************
Serenity lie amid the rubble, feeling oddly content. A strange euphoria had overcome her-she could feel nothing. No pain, no hope, just...ambivalence, and a bit of relief. Unable to sit up, to look about, she found herself relying heavily on her hearing to keep her informed. She had no idea how long it had been since she had passed out-nor a sense of how long she had been awake. She vaguely recalled Metallia-the ginzuishou had beaten her back, but was she really gone? Shivering at the thought-Serenity struggled to sit up and failing miserably.
Tears came, unbidden, and she felt them slide down her cheeks. Powerless to stop them, or wipe them away she gave in to her grief and wept for all she feared lost.
She next woke again to the sound of voices above her.
“Majesty-can you hear me?”
Cronos.
“Majesty?” he knelt above her reverently, his fingers ached to touch her, to feel her warmth. But Serenity feared that her fire was dampened-and she knew that only embers remained.
It was time to pass the torch.
“Cronos.” She wheezed. He knelt beside her, taking a hand she no longer felt and she saw him squeeze it hard, perhaps hoping for a response.
“What would you ask of me, Majesty?”
“My daughter. Bring my daughter to me.” She commanded.
***************
2996
Comatose.
Ami’s best students had no explanation for Endymion-sama’s sudden, inexplicable condition, though they hypothesized that he had been injured in the attack and it had simply not shown up until now.
And as for Ami-chan herself?
Gone. As was Haruka.
And Rei-chan, and Mako-chan. Minako sniffled, wiped reflexively at her tears and turned to study Serenity-sama.
Fortunately-she slept on, unaware of her husband’s condition-or her friends’ sudden deaths.
Reclaiming the chair she had only recently vacated, Minako settled in to wait for word.
On what, she was not sure.
***************
Maeri clutched the girl’s hand tightly as they wound their way through the rubble. The city had been decimated-not a building left standing as far as the eye could see. The Princess was breathing heavily, unused to such physical labor, and Maeri tried hard to ignore the curious stares of those few citizens brave enough to risk life and limb in the ruins.
It was slow going. Maeri looked at her Highness once more-expecting a protest of some sort.
She remained uncharacteristically silent, sensing the seriousness of the moment.
Maeri had helped the child climb up the last column and slide down the other side-when she spotted her Majesty, and Cronos, beyond.
“Good-”she breathed, stunned. Her Highness paled several shades, and swallowed noisily as she was tugged forward to her mother’s side.
“Mommy?” she asked tearfully, shivering in the sudden autumn chill.
Serenity nodded, pleading with her eyes for Cronos to place her hand in her daughter’s. He seemed to understand-for he did so and rose respectfully.
“I shall be nearby, your Majesty.” He left quietly, though Maeri saw his eyes were misty.
“My darling.” Serenity began, wishing she could feel her daughter’s tight grip on her hand. “I have many things to tell you-things you must know.”
“Mommy?” she asked again, and this time, the tears fell in earnest.
“Sweetheart-I don’t have much time.” She admitted gently, and her daughter wiped away tears with the back of her hand and sniffled loudly.
Slowly, the child nodded and leaned forward gently, instinctively placing her Mother’s hand on her forehead, on the crescent sigil. Serenity smiled through her tears and felt her daughter’s warmth. The ginzuishou, so depleted in her own body, found life, new strength in the girl’s small form.
Her daughter whimpered as the ginzuishou touched her for the first time since infancy-and the crescent sigil flickered, then began to glow in the pre-dawn darkness. Serenity could feel the ginzuishou regaining it’s strength and she could feel her own heart beat a bit more quickly.
A respite before the end, then.
“My daughter, Serenity.” She greeted through the crystal. The child stiffened suddenly, then relaxed.
“Mommy? I can hear you!” she squealed, laughing with childish joy.
“There isn’t much time left.” She repeated again. “My love, please, beware of the seduction of the crystal. When you enter its song, beware that there is only so much you can take before the ginzuishou demands its’ due.”
She nodded, and squeezed her Mother’s hand. Serenity smiled at the strength the simple gesture gave her.
Time was….almost…
The Princess had an odd expression of rapture that warred with her childish innocence.
A bird’s sudden flight caught her attention, and Maeri noticed for the first time that the sky had lightened considerably since their arrival.
Perhaps there was an end to this nightmarish night.
Serenity could feel the ginzuishou merging with her daughter-and she could feel the connections within her slowly going out one by one. The sky was lightening, the remnants of the city were stirring. Smiling suddenly, Serenity raised her eyes to the sky and sought out the sunrise as the first rays of golden light touched the horizon.
Today was going to be a beautiful day.
Maeri had been so absorbed in watching the sunrise, she did not hear Cronos startled gasp as her Highness delicately released her Majesty’s hand and rose, facing away from them.
“Highness?” Cronos asked, licking his lips.
She did not answer for many long minutes.
“My mother is dead.” She said finally, turning to face them quietly. Maeri started at the child’s aged expression.
Cronos nodded gravely-and knelt before her on one knee.
“Majesty.” He said softly, convincingly. “I am yours to command.”
***************
2996
Minako jolted awake fearfully, then rubbed her eyes in frustration. Serenity-sama slept on despite her nightmare, Minako noted sadly. Taking her friend’s hand, she was surprised to find it cold despite the relative warmth of the room.
“Serenity-sama?” she asked softly, hoping for a response.
Sighing, Minako released her hand and paced to the window while opening her communicator to contact Michiru-san. Watching the crowds below, she at first didn’t notice the slight flickering of the lights in the room.
However, one misplaced beep of one of the myriad monitors alerted her that something was amiss.
“Serenity-sama?” Perhaps she was waking?
The beep sounded again, and Minako watched, transfixed as Serenity’s form shimmered suddenly in the bed.
Beep beep beep
Serenity’s body glowed brilliantly for a moment, then shimmered, transparent.
She was disappearing!
Nurses burst into the room suddenly, alerted toSerenity-sama’s condition via the monitors that recorded the strange phenomenon.
“Out! Out! They ordered, Minako scarcely heard them.
Minako watched as she opened her eyes and smiled a bit, before she faded completely.
To be continued..
