Cords of Silver and Gold: Chapter 6 - By: Selena - rated: PG-13 *************************** Cords of Silver and Gold Chapter 6 *********************** 'Mmmm…someone's calling me…' She thinks in her sleep. Selenity awakens to the warmth of a familiar touch. She snaps open her eyes and blinks in disbelief. "Endymion?" She grabs hold of the hand gently caressing her face. Dressed in his formal black armor, he sits on the side of her bed and gently presses his lips to hers. Tears spill down the sides of her cheeks. She holds his face close to hers and whispers, "Why? You came to me…I thought…I thought you…" "Shh" He whispers in her ear as he gently cradles her, rocking back and forth. "I'm so sorry…I'm so sorry." He repeats over and over again. "Selenity, please forgive me. I never meant to hurt you. You mean *everything* to me. I love you." He kisses her lips and feels the joy of love…a feeling he could never live without again. Those three simple words mean more than anything else does. She breaks the kiss and holding his face in her hands, looks deep into his eyes- the same eyes that held her transfixed from the first moment she saw them. "I still don't understand why you…" Suddenly reality hits and she sits up, a concerned expression marring her face. "Wait a minute…How did you ever get past the guards?!" Endy's eyes flash with mischief as his boyish grin crosses his face. "I have my ways." As quickly as it came, the smile fades. "What is it? What's wrong?" Hie eyes turn a dark shade of midnight-blue. "You must not return to Earth until I tell you that it is safe." "Why?! What's happened?!" He sighs deeply and shakes his head. "Please, just listen to me. You've seen the dark things happening on Earth, Selenity. So many things are already destroyed. What's worse is that, I don't know exactly when this started or where it came from. But until I do, I don't want you taking any more risks." A bit angry, she rips off the covers and storms out of bed. "They are *my* risks to take!! I know what's involved…every time I go to see you I break the sacred laws. I know the penalties. And yet, I still do it because *I* want to" She walks back toward the bed and sits on the floor next to him, resting her head on his knee. "I would do anything to be with you." She whispers. He stares off at nothing. "If only it were that simple…" He says absently. "But it is that simple!" She says as she looks up to face him. "I love you. That's all that matters to me." He looks directly into her eyes. " It's not that I don't love you…it's just…well…I mean, look at what happened to you yesterday!" He says accusingly. His voice turns strained and hard. "I almost lost you… Selenity, I would sacrifice anything to be with you except for one thing - *you*. I would rather stay away and be miserable than see you hurt or punished." She stares at him incredulously. "You think I was hurt as punishment from the Gods?! That's ridiculous! It was that…that… thing… What happened…occurred because it did…and not because of any punishment or anything else!" "Weather it was or not, it doesn't matter. Selenity, I knew that woman. She used to be the kindest soul that ever walked the face of the Earth. Look what happened to her. Her soul is as empty as a black hole, just waiting to suck the life out of another victim. The same could…happen to anyone…and…it could…even happen to me. I'm not going to put you in any kind of danger. I don't care what I have to do. I come from a place that you're not supposed to go to. Maybe…that's exactly what we're missing. The Gods have forbidden this. They must have had a good reason. All we have is stolen moments and secret meetings. Is that what you want? For now it may be alright, but in the future, will it be enough?" Endy looks deep into her eyes. "Do you know how much I wish that I could hold you forever?" He looks down and shakes his head. "But I think now I realize that it can't be…" She sits quietly, tears flowing like rivers from her sad eyes. 'All this time…he's been thinking of reasons for us to be apart; while I've been dreaming of why we should be together…' She sits before him on her knees and takes his face in her hands. "Look at me." She begs with a wavering voice. He reluctantly peers into her eyes. All hope and happiness they contain seem to depend on his response to their silent pleas. "Is that what *you* want?" You speak these words, yet your eyes betray what is hidden in your heart. Follow your dreams." She whispers. "Life is nothing without them. Do *not* let the Gods dictate your fate. In the end *you* will decide what your future will be. I know what my future holds. Everyday for the past year I thought of it by day and dreamed of it by night. All I can see is you. It doesn't matter how high the odds are against us. Please, I can't bear to have you as just a dream. I want you; I need you. Fate brought us together and now it is up to us to decide the outcome. There is always a way; there *must* be a way. The fact that I even met you was an impossibility. I know what I want." She sobs. "I knew long ago…" He wipes away her tears with his thumb and she closes her eyes at his touch. He desperately tries to think of something to counteract what she just told him. But there is nothing. 'Every word is true. Could I live without seeing her, without holding her, without touching her ever again?' All doubt in either of their minds is completely erased with his next kiss. He rests his forehead against hers. With ragged breath and closed eyes, he whispers hoarsely, "I want you, Selenity…just you…I love you…" Selena smiles, feeling warmth she can never live without. "I love you too." He shakes his head and gives her a boyish grin. "How is it that you always manage to talk me out of something I thought I was so resolute upon?" She answers with a kiss. Endymion's voice and mood turn serious again. "But you must promise me that you will not come to Earth…at least, for now. She sits back and pouts. "I gather that you're not telling me everything?" "Please, just do this for me." Unhappily, she consents. Endy kisses her sweet lips. She looks up with worried, wide eyes. "How long will you be away?" "I don't know." "Will you come and see me?" He sighs lightly. "I don't know if I can, but I'll try. He looks toward the balcony, where a view of the full Earth is in view. Every second more darkness seeps into its oceanic blue. With it, it carries the last remnants for hope and peace in what was once called the jewel of the solar system. Endymion stares in horror. 'It will never be the same unless I stop this thing.' "I have to go." He says, shaking out of his fixation and beginning to rise. "No! Stay a while please!" She grabs onto his arm. "Selenity, you know I can't…" His argument is broken with a deep, passionate kiss. "Don't go yet." She begs, her eyes filled with tears. "You can't leave me now. Please!" Endymion lifts her chin with his hand and caresses her face. They stare deeply into each other's eyes. In the kiss that follows, they lose themselves to the emergency of their situation and to the warmth and love they find in each other. ***************************** Jadeite, Nephlite, and Zoisite stand around the great seal. "I can't believe he did it." Jade comments, incredulous. "I hate to admit it, but I think Kunzite is right on this one. Has he forgotten the consequences? All of Earth could suffer for this." Zoi sighs. "Hey, cut him some slack. I don't' know about you guys, but if I could, I'd go to her in a flash. I don't' think he realizes what he's done. Otherwise, he wouldn't have done it. It's neither his fault nor the princess's. She really is quite nice despite what Kunzite may think. I rather like her. It's easy to see why he loves her. In a way, she reminds me of…" He trails off, deciding not to mention a name that brings him pain. "They do love each other. One look at stars reveals all. The Earth and Moon are bound together in a forbidden love." 'In more ways than one.' He thinks to himself. "Then it is up to us to break it!" Kunzite comes up behind them in powerful strides. His three brothers stare at him. "And how do you suggest we do that, brother dear?" Jade remarks. At his look of death, Jade shrinks back. "Calm down, will you?!" He glares at them with dagger eyes. "The princess may be innocent for the time being, but that does not prevent her from spreading the Moon Kingdom's poison!" Jade looks at him confused. He covers his eyes with one hand and hold up the other. "Hold…hold on a minute." He shakes his head from side to side. "I'm a little lost. Since when did this Moon Kingdom thing become an issue?" Kunzite's eyes swirl even darker. " Do you remember when mother left?" Do you remember the last time we saw the Queen? They all nod slowly, wondering just what he's getting at. Jade rolls his eyes. "You're still obsessing and blaming yourself aren't you? But I still don't see how…" "Shut up and listen!" Neph and Zoi exchange glances. 'When did he become cold and mean? He's always been firm, but never ruthless.' ######(Flashback)####### "Kunzite, I must go away for a while. I need you to promise me something." Eros says to her 9-year-old son. "But mother, where are you going?" He asks with wide eyes. "I am going to serve as a messenger to the moon. Listen carefully! What I do, I am forbidden to do." She looks down. "I may not return from my mission." "But mama…" He sobs. I don't want you to go! "Shh…you must be strong just as your father was. Terrible things are happening. We must try to stop it before it comes to Earth. To do that, I need to go for help." She hugs him close, tears falling from both of their eyes. "If I don't come back, the Queen will have to fight alone. The Prince - be a good soldier but first be a friend. He will need one. Take care of your brothers. Kunzite, we must fight to protect our home at all costs. Fight with your last breath to ensure its freedom." #####(End of Flashback)####### "Before the Queen left, she said she was also going to seek the help of the moon. Neither returned from their mission. The Moon Queen slaughtered them. What prevents her from killing Endymion or us too?!" "Hold on!" Nephlite stands, enraged. "You don't know that! You have no proof!" "Anything could have happened to them, Kunzite." Zoi says. "I doubt that. All of you - you met the members of The Silver Millenium. What happened to their parents? They're dead! Dead! The Queen of the Moon is still alive! She did nothing to help! She stood by and watched! They're all a part of it! Who's to say they aren't the evil mother spoke of?!" Jade walks up to him defiantly and grabs his oldest brother by his shirt. "You as hell better make sure that you're right before you go around accusing others of murder. That is high treason! For the first time in my life, I don't look up to you. I don't want to. You're letting your hatred blind you!" Kunzite plants a hard fist in his jaw. "Be careful little brother. It is you who is being blinded. "Don't let the love of woman blind your judgement. Would you put *her* before your duty? Who do you serve? The Moon or Earth…her or the prince?" He looks at Neph and Zoi. "You had all better decide. I know where I stand." Jadeite, Nephrite, and Zoisite painfully look at each other, as the black mist moves in toward them and seeps into their eyes. In the distance, a rumbling noise sounds. ***************************** Just inside her balcony, Selenity shakily helps Endymion with his armor. She adjusts his cape and hands him his sword. As he puts it in hits sheath, her eyes flood with tears and she bites her bottom lip in an attempt to control her crying. She runs into his arms and buries her face in his neck. He can feel the hot tears streaming from her eyes. He pulls away and lifts her chin, gently kissing away her tears. "Selenity, when you left, you made a promise to me. I will make the same vow. I *will* return. I promise." He kisses her eyes where new tears have begun to form. "I love you." He whispers. "Endymion, please!" She begs. "Don't go! Without you, I can't be strong. What if something happens to you?!" "Everything is going to be alright. I'll always come for you. No matter what happens, there will always be a part of you in my heart. We are one. No one can take that away, Selenity - not even death itself." She chokes back a sob and attempts a half smile. "Then I want you to have something." She pulls out a gold, star-shaped locket. "It plays the song of true love and it will only play in its presence. When you're far away, look up at the moon and think of me. It will play a melody for you, to make the darkness bright." She places it in his hands, but can't bring herself to remove hers. His fingers entwine with hers. She looks up into his eyes and almost jumps. He stares at her face and deep into her eyes, memorizing every detail as if he will never see her again. She closes hers and sighs shakily. 'Those eyes…they make me drown in their intensity. His warm hands…will I ever feel them again?' Every part of her screams not to let him go. 'This battle has already been decided. I can see it in your eyes. You're just…just being strong for me.' She feels his warm, sweet lips meet hers and she gives herself fully to it, savoring every moment. He looks down at the locket. "When I return, I will give this back to you. I have something for you as well. Close your eyes." He slides a ring on her finger. It's a rose with a perfect, heart-shaped, diamond in the center. She gasps. "Endymion, it's so beautiful!" Her eyes once again fill with tears. "I don't want you to leave me…" "I don't want to either." "Then don't go!" He shakes his head. "I have to. That's my world. This is yours. I just wish I would have given you that ring sooner. It was my mother's. Can you keep something for me?" "Of course." He hands her a glass, star-shaped pocket watch. "This belonged to my father. It shows the phases of the moon as they appear on Earth." He takes her hands. "You're carrying all I have left of them." 'At least if I die, a part of them will live on in you.' "Oh Endymion…I love you…" "I love you too." Under the waning light of Earth, they give each other their final kiss. ******************************** Endymion stands behind a tall, silver crystal tower, hidden by the shadows. Venus walks through the long corridor in deep thought. Suddenly she stops and closes her eyes. 'I feel a…presence…someone is…following me.' "Venus." She whips around, prepared to do battle. Upon seeing Endymion, she lowers her arms. "What are you doing here?!" She hisses. "Do you realize what could happen if you're found?" "I need to talk to you. Please, you have to listen to me!" He begs urgently. Venus sighs and grabs his arm, leading him down the hall into a dark room. She lights the chandelier with the flick of her hand. "Now, you'd better make this quick." She says with daggers in her eyes and ice in her words. He looks directly into her eyes, his warm depths searching hers. "You…you have to keep Selenity away from Earth." "What do you think we have been trying to do?!" She says in an irritated and uncomfortable tone. "Venus, please! I know that right now you carry a bitterness in your heart. But Kunzite is not lost yet…at least, not if I can help it." She looks at him in astonishment, her yellow eyes displaying their confusion. "How…how did you know?" Venus whispers. Endymion rests his hand on her shoulder. "Some things need not be seen or heard. You can see the thoughts of another when you look into their eyes; or you can experience their feelings with the touch of a hand. Something is different about Kunzite - about all of them!" He says frustrated. Then he looks down and his eyes grow hard. "Terrible things are happening on Earth. I have an idea of whom, but I'm not sure why or how it's causing it. And what scares me is that I don't know if I can stop it." Venus looks up and cocks her head to one side. "What things?" She asks cautiously. "I'm not sure exactly. All I know is that hatred and darkness are spreading like wildfire. The souls of my people are being destroyed and along with them, every other living creature." He walks over to a large window in the far corner of the room. "Look at my home. Do you see those dark monoliths?" Her eyes grow wide as she sees the thick darkness slowly enveloping Earth in a blanket of never ending night. "Those are neither storm clouds nor any other act of nature." He stares at the glass floor. This floor…its…so delicate…just like…the cords that keep the balance of life…" "What are you talking about?" He stares deep into her eyes, the sadness in his evident. "My generals are directly connected to the land and to every plant, animal, and living thing on it. When their good spirits, their souls, are destroyed, so are my general's. That is why all of you have to stay away." He looks out the window again. "You've seen the blackness seep into Kunzite's heart. If things keep going the way the way they are, there's no telling what they might do. Until I can get things under control, I can't protect Selenity, nor can I guarantee the safety of anyone else. Please, if anything, do this for her. Keep her safe." She remains silent, allowing all that has been said to sink in. "What are you going to do?" She asks, breaking the long silence. "I am going home. I *will* find out what's causing this and I'm going to destroy it…or I'll die trying." He turns to leave, but Venus stops him. She takes his hand in hers. "Wait." She turns her head and calls out to a figure in the shadows. "Adonis." A fair-haired man walks toward them, wearing battle armor. The symbol of love and beauty is engraved upon his shield. He kneels before her. "Your Highness?" "I want you to return home. Prepare your things. I have a message for you to take to the Commander." He stands quickly, in protest. "But I was sent her to keep you safe. It is my mission. I have always served you, but don't ask me to leave you, especially in view of what the prince has just told you." She smiles wanly and touches his shoulder. "You know why I have to do this. Please, for me." Adonis looks up at her sadly and nods. 'I never could have your full heart. It has always belonged to someone else.' "I will…for you." He turns and quickly leaves the room. Venus turns back to Endymion. "He is a messenger to my commanding officer. My army has been left small after the many battles my mother fought. But whatever help I can give you, I gladly offer." He stares at her in surprise and whispers, "You don't have to do this." She stares at the ground, finally releasing tears of grief and pain. "Yes…yes I do." Endy nods sadly in understanding. "Venus. I hardly know how to thank…" She nods her head and holds up her hand, silencing him. "You must go now. I give you the blessing of Venus…and of the Goddess of Love and Beauty. May the strength and protection of the Gods go with you." He smiles slightly and squeezes her hand. "Thank you. Be strong…if not for yourself, than for him. He will need your strength. It'll be alright." He breathes and turns to leave. "Take care of her." He whispers and slips away into the shadows. Endymion keels over as he reaches Elysion. A searing pain burns through his flesh. Lightning bolts flash to the ground and thunder cracks in the distance. Dead bodies lay everywhere and there is a stench of putrid, burning flesh. "Prince!" Jade screams as he sees him running into the palace. "Jadeite! What happened?!" "I…don't…know!" He pants. "All of a sudden there was a huge earthquake. It was like the Earth was being split in two! Then these demons - hoards of them- entered here! Here of all places! They began attacking everything!" "We have to fight them. Hurry!" "Wait! You can't. They're human. The surface has been taken over! All that remains is Europe! Zoi and Neph are there! Kunzite and I are heading off the attack here." Kunzite sees them and runs over. "Do you see what you have done?!" He screams. "The Moon has taken advantage of your absence and attacked!" "That is enough! What's happened to you? I saw the darkness seep into your heart but I know your heart is strong enough to fight it! That creature - that…that…thing! It's the one behind this. You yield a tremendous amount of power, Kunzite! Use your skills. You can see what's going on for yourself. Stop letting yourself be blinded by the dark thought that witch inflicts upon you! She wants your power and your abilities! Don't allow your heart to become as twisted as your mind has. I've been to the Moon. They will fight with us." Kunzite stares at him. Endy turns to Jadeite. "Have the reinforcements sent by Venus arrived yet?!" "Venus?!" "Yes, Kunzite. *She* sent them. Not for me, but for *you.* Now will you fight with us?! I need you!" He looks down and slowly raises his gaze to meet the prince's. "I will fight by side no matter what the cost." Endymion smiles and takes his hand. "Thank you, my friend." He clears his head and gears himself for battle. "How many men do we have left on the surface?" "Not many I'm afraid. Only a few thousand are alive and many were wounded." Kunz answers. He sighs and draws his sword. "You two stay here. I will await Adonis and the rest of Venus's troops." "But…" They both yell in protest. "No buts! You two have your work cut out for you! Besides, it's no safer here then there." "Be careful, my prince." "You too." He turns and disappears. Upon arriving in Western Europe he finds conditions even worse. There is no sign of life anywhere - just death, and stink, and rot. He walks through the endless battlefields of the dead. "Oh Gods!" Suddenly he stops. Lying near a dead tree is a young man with golden blond hair and a yellow and gray uniform. "Adonis!" He cries, running to him. His arm has been severed and he lies in a pool of blood with scars marring his face. "Hang on! I' can help you!" "No! Just leave me. Everything happened so fast! I…That witch…she just came from no where…I didn't even…have time…to…" He winces in pain, then continues, leaning closer to Endy. "She's looking for you! It's not safe. Get out of here! Now!" He screams through clenched teeth. "Get to the Moon. It's the last hope! Tell…tell my princess that…I love her…" He whispers brokenly and falls to the ground. "No!" *********************** The one light in a never-ending sea of darkness exhausts its light. Endymion can feel the choking, cold winds of death, trying desperately to grab hold of his heart as he arrives back in Elysion. The shadows seem to glare and vibrate ever so slowly. A thick, black mist swirls about his boots. In a state of horrified shock, he takes a few difficult steps through the knee-deep black snow. Hugging his worn cape around his shoulders, he struggles through the raging blizzard to see the once grand entrance of The Crystal Palace. He stumbles back as he runs head long into a remnant of one of the four tapering minarets. "No!" He chokes. At his piercing scream, the howling winds and swirls of darkness cease. Speech fails him and Endymion falls to his knees at the sight before him. All that is left are a few piles of snow-covered, charred pillars and hollow shells of a once glorious and holy land that had existed since the birth of its star. A single tear of despair falls down his left cheek only to freeze with the deathly cold. A ray of hope floods his dull, lifeless eyes as he casts his vision to the Holy Tower. "It's till there! Thank the Gods!" He breathes, through cracked, parched lips. Endymion takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, and clears all thoughts from his mind. Drawing deep within himself, he searches through the cords and strands that bind a soul to its body for his power. Beads of sweat pour down his face and neck as he begins to glow subtly. A ray of sunlight breaks through one of the giant, dark monoliths to shine on his kneeling form. The dark snow around him slowly begins to melt away and pieces of smashed pillars rise into the air and begin to reconstruct themselves. Suddenly the air grows thick and stale causing him to struggle for breath. Walls of swirling yellow and black flames encircle the ruins of the palace. Endymion, nearing exhaustion, screams through clenched teeth, "Kunzite! All of you! I need you!" The pillars crash back to the ground and smash into thousands more pieces than before. His last strength gives out and he collapses to the bare ground. Opening his eyes halfway, a blurry, milky-white, object comes into view. Oxygen filled air rushes in. After regaining his breath, he groans and tries to stand. "Prince Endymion…" "Beryl?!" Endymion's eyes shift from side to side trying to focus on her demonic figure. All he can see are shades of red, purple, and black swirling together before him. "Yes, prince, it is I." She pauses and smiles in triumph. "You are weak. Give up now. It's too late to save your precious Elysion." She cackles. A light flickers through Beryl's red snake-like eyes. "But…it is not too late to save yourself…I offer you one last chance. I am willing to overlook the trouble you caused me if…you agree to serve Queen Metallia!" "Never!" He spits. Her eyes flash in anger. "Fool! Come with me and I will restore all you have lost." A wicked sensuous smile crosses her fangs. "And if you prove worthy, you will rule the universe by my side as King. Why, the Queen of the Moon, herself will fall at your feet and her soldiers will bow before our generals!" He snaps his head up. "What have you done with them?!" He screams accusingly. "Oh. That's right." She sneers. "The little prince was blinded by my dark flames. My, my, the strain must have been too much. But I will restore your sight long enough for you to see just what has become of your precious planet and its protectors. Perhaps then, you'll be more than eager to listen to my proposition. Look hard for it will be the last of the light you will ever see…" *********************** In a large room with many shelves adorned with books - some ancient and tattered, some new and crisp, Selenity sits with Venus at a large round table. Venus leisurely runs a brush through her long hair. Selena slams the book on the table. "I don't understand a word of this!" Venus smiles warmly. "Don't ask me. I did horribly when it came to interstellar studies." She furrows her eyebrows and sits up straight, looking sideways. "But then…I did bad on everything. Oh well." She shrugs her shoulders and continues brushing. After a round of light laughter, Selenity stands and stretches. She slowly walks to a near-by window. Below, lie the gardens. Moon Lilies grow in lined patterns and the crystal fountain sheds its tears into a silver pool. Glancing up at Earth, she takes pulls out a small object and clasps it tightly as tears threaten to fall. All the stars shine brightly in the space around Earth. But everyday, the darkness covers more and more of the once luminous, blue orb. Venus sees her back start to shake gently with sobs. She comes up behind her. Selenity falls into her arms. "Oh Venus…what am I going to do? I need to see him. I can't stand being alone anymore." Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter simultaneously enter the room. The sadness in Venus's eyes confirms her distress. She looks on the verge of tears herself. "You're never alone, Selena." Mars whispers as she kneels before them. "We'll always be here for you…no matter what…" She rests a hand on her shoulder. Surprised, she raises her tear-stained face. "Thank you." She breathes and hugs Mars tightly. "Is there anything we can do?" Jupiter asks comfortingly. "I don't even know if he's alive." She says and bursts into tears. Suddenly flashes of hot and cold over take her body. Her mind swirls as images fill her vision. Tears give way to confusion and she starts to sway. "Venus…" She breathes weakly as she begins to collapse. "Selena?!" Mercury runs to her side as Jupiter catches her in her arms. Mars places a cool towel on her forehead. "No!" She moans in delirium. "No!" She screams. "Stop!" "Selena! What is it?!" Venus screams as she shakes her. "Snap out of it! Mercury, what's wrong with her?!" "I don't know!" She wails. "Her life signs are going haywire! She's fighting something!" "What do we do?!" Mars asks hysterically. "Quick! Find the Queen!" Venus orders to a panicked, wide-eyed Luna, who had just entered the room. She scurries out the door. Queen Selenity rushes through the corridors of the Silver Palace to her daughter's room. The sight of her lying, in a fight for her life, sends shock waves down her back. She runs to her and kneels beside her, touching a hand to her face. "Mother…" She moans. "Help us…" The Queen closes her eyes and in an instant the glowing, Mystical Silver Crystal appears before her. Placing one hand on its searing surface, she closes her eyes, and touches her daughter's forehead at her moon insignia. Both of their crescent moons radiate blindingly. Selena's thrashing motions cease and her fever disappears. Her mother slumps back against the wall, nearly exhausted. She takes her daughter's hand and holds it to her face. Her eyes catch on the glittering object on her ring finger. "What happened?!" Jupiter asks. "And why did you have to use the crystal?!" Venus adds. "It's Metallia. She's coming. There's nothing that can prevent that now." She says through ragged breaths. After sighing deeply, she continues, "You must bring him back. He can help us. Together, with all of our power, there might be a way to stop her…" ************************ Endymion's eyes grow red as the dark energy flies from her midnight crystal. Visions of death and black, barren wastelands consume him. Corpses of humans lay half-swallowed by pits of mire and animal bones litter decaying battlefields. Beryl's hisses sound through the darkness. "Soldiers of War?" She questions in a mocking voice as her eyes flash. She says flatly, "You killed them, Endymion. You betrayed them by siding against me. Had you not, then their lives would not have forfeit. They were soldiers…they died willingly…out of loyalty and love for *you.* But what of the innocent?" In another dream like vision, he slowly turns around to see a world of ice - all life frozen by the harsh cold and freezing winds. In the snow at his feet, lies a woman. Her skin is blue and icicles hang from her hair and clothes. Snow seals her lips. A newborn infant is nestled in her arms. Both lie frozen in their eternal slumber. "No!" He lets out a blood-curdling scream as a new scene floods his vision. Kunzite lies injured and defenseless under the sword of Beryl. She chuckles wickedly. "You fool…so easy to manipulate. It's really quite sad. You betrayed your prince. For that you deserve to die." She lowers her sword and grazes his neck. A small stream of blood trickles down to a puddle on the ground. "But it's too late for apologies now. I'm afraid I'm not as merciful as he is. I will do much worse than kill you." She lowers her bony hand to his chest and holds it directly over his heart. Black and Yellow flames rise and he screams in pain. A glowing crystal of gray of pink surges into her hand, and he goes limp. "Kunzite!! No!!" He breathes raggedly and pounds the ground in disbelief and anger. "This can't be happening!" "Oh but it is! Things will never be the same again. You only have one choice. They have only once chance. You must join me." Four glowing crystals appear between her hands. "You can still save them. I have their stones. I will allow you to bring them back *only* if you bow to me." In a state of shock and despair he struggles to shake his head in refusal. "Join me…" She repeats. "Join me or the same fate will befall your beloved princess and her kingdom. You're the only one who can prevent it. You have already caused the deaths of millions. How many more will you carry on your head?" 'She's right.' He thinks, tears streaming from his blind eyes. 'It's all my fault.' A voice inside his head scrams hysterically begging, pleading with him to be strong. 'Don't give up! Fight! I love you, Endymion!' He attempts to rise but staggers in weariness and confusion. Beryl smiles wickedly. 'He's done for now. He has nothing left.' "Come, my King. Here take them. Come to me and take your place at my side. Your generals will be with us. Come…" She beckons in a trance. Hazily, he sees the 4 brightly glowing gems. Endymion rises and absently walks toward her. "That's it! Come to me!" She gleams. He can't hear the voices screaming in his head - 'who is it?' He thinks. 'I can't remember. I know that voice but I can't think.' A dark, rumbling echoes through his mind. "Forget…forget…you belong to The Dark Kingdom…you are our finest soldier!" Endymion steps up to Beryl. She holds out her hand. He raises his to take hers… "Stop!" "Venus Love Chain…encircle!" "Mercury Ice Storm…rage!" "Mars Fire Bird…soar!" Jupiter Lightning…strike!" "Ahhhhhh!" Beryl screams as the attack catches her off guard. They run to Endymion, who stands as if nothing happened. "Prince!" Venus screams, shaking his shoulders. "Wake up! We have to get out of here!" "What's wrong with him?!" Mars shouts, as the roaring of a gigantic Earthquake sounds in the distance. "He's in a trance!" Mercury answers. "We have to find a way to break it!" Jupiter runs forward and grabs one of his arms. "There's no time. We have to get out of her now! Look!" Beryl floats in the air, her energy gathering. Her eyes flash with blood. "You will pay for what you have done!" A glowing ball of dark power grows between her hands. "Quick!" Venus yells. "Form a circle around him! We have to do this ourselves." "What?!" They chorus. "Just believe in yourselves. We can do it!" They close their eyes and join hands. "Venus Power!" "Mars Power!" "Mercury Power!" "Jupiter Power!" "Teleport!" Venus shouts. Four beams of light shine through the darkness and reach to the heavens. A blinding flash of light sears through Elysion and they disappear. "No!" Beryl screams. ****************************** To be concluded in Chapter 7… Well?! I tried to add more action and stuff! Did I succeed or does it stink? Please tell me! Send all comments (yah, I guess I'll even take flames ^_^) to s2jemeko@atlas.vcu.edu. Thanks for reading! _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]