In his mind flashed images of Sailor Moon sitting before the tiny rosebush overlaid with the memory of Princess Serenity. He recalled the memories of that past life. When he saw her for the first time. At first he couldn�t take his eyes off the Princess. After several moments of watching her silently, he hesitantly called out a greeting. He had startled her so badly that she gentle hands flew, catching one of her fingers on a thorn. He had helped her tend the injured finger, despite her protests that the cut wasn�t deep. From the moment he took his hand in hers, however, he knew he would never be able to let go.
Endymion�s mind started to flood with memories from another lifetime. His pacing abruptly stopped as he braced himself against a pillar of his bed to keep from keeling over as the onslaught of recollections hit him hard. Ever since Sailor Moon had healed him, Endymion had begun to feel funny, sensing a knot in his stomach as his mind seemed to open wider to his surroundings.
The Senshi�s attack couldn�t have been the cause of the sudden condition he found himself in. Despite the force with which she threw him, Sailor Moon had been weakened by her previous battles. He had only feigned unconsciousness to give her time to get away. But then she had healed him. He suspected that it was the healing that was making him feel so ill now. After they had kissed, he couldn�t resist taking one final glance at this remarkable young woman. He had peered out of tiny slits to see her head turned in profile. With her mask on, a sense of nostalgia had overwhelmed him. Who was Sailor Moon?
Resolving to find out, Endymion decided to see if the princess was busy in her court. If not, he could have an audience with her. As he stood upright once more, a wave of dizziness overwhelmed him, nearly causing him to collapse to the floor. Catching himself, he decided to wait a few minutes before he sought that audience with the princess.
* * *
Luna stood stunned outside of the Senshi�s command room. She was still in shock over the reappearance of Queen Serenity. And the Queen wished to speak to Sailor Moon! Despite the many attempts made to contact her spirit, no one had been successful. She wants to speak to Sailor Moon?! Her Majesty has returned for no one, Luna thought, not even for the Princess.
Luna was beginning to realize that something awfully fishy was going on. She was determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. She figured it�d be best if she started with her lady, the princess.
* * *
Serenity�s arms pulled her daughter in close against her body. She looked down sadly at the child who�d left her at far too young an age a millennium ago. She�d had even less time with her child in the last life, being able to only hold her daughter long enough to give her a name before all her strength left her. As she looked down on the beautiful blonde in her arms, she wished to see how her baby had grown. With a twinkling of energy, Sailor Moon disappeared, leaving Eriko in her normal form.
Surprised, Eriko looked up at her mother. Serenity pulled her daughter away to arm�s length. �Let me look at you, my dear,� the music tumbled out of the Queen�s lips. Serenity�s spirit floated off of the crystal to touch the ground beside her daughter. On the ground, she realized that Eriko had grown as tall as she had been in life. She drank in the sight of Eriko�s long black hair, her bronzed skin, and her almond-shaped brown eyes, now softened with the sadness and the joy of their reunion. Serenity noted that her daughter looked healthy, if not a little bit tired. Her daughter�s clothing amused her. Eriko was still wearing her jeans from earlier and a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows still lay over Eriko�s slightly torn t-shirt. As Serenity realized that the outer shirt was a man�s and obviously far too large for her, she correctly guessed it must belong to Endymion. Fingering the collar of the shirt, Serenity sighed, �I am glad that you found each other.�
Eriko looked at her mother in confusion. �Found whom?� As she realized her mother was still looking at the shirt, Eriko felt a blush come over her cheeks. �No, it isn�t like that�� Eriko trailed off, not knowing how to explain things.
Her mother raised her hand. �Don�t worry about it. I have a fairly good idea of what exactly your relationship is like now.� Once again a small panic flashed in Eriko�s eyes. �His heart wants to be with you, but he feels loyalty to the princess.�
�But, Mom� if you�re really Queen Serenity, then aren�t I Princess Serenity?�
�Of course, my dear,� the Queen replied with a warm smile.
�So then that woman on the throne�?�
�An imposter. One of Metallia�s minions. We don�t have much time, but would you like to hear the entire story?�
Eriko nodded slightly but without any hesitation. She hated that the magic of her reunion with her mother had to be interrupted by necessity, but she realized how grave of a situation both she and her kingdom were in.
Serenity moved to the center of the floor between the crystals and sat down. Yards of fabric and hair streamed around her gracefully as she rested on the marble floor. She motioned for her daughter to join her. Serenity might have to interrupt their happiness with a sad story, but she could at least ensure that her daughter would remember always how much she loved her.
As Eriko rested her head on her mother�s lap, she realized with surprise how strange the floor she sat upon was. While appearing like marble, and having the same cool touch as marble, the floor was incredibly soft, offering enough cushioning to make lying there as comfortable as lying in her own bed at home. These thoughts were quickly interrupted as Serenity�s hands moved to stroke her daughter�s long black hair. After the two rested there for a moment, Serenity began her tale.
* * *
�Artemis!� Luna cried, bursting into the transport room.
�Luna! This is a surprise. What - � the white cat cut himself off as he noticed the expression on the black cat�s face. �What�s wrong?�
�Something is terribly wrong, Artemis. Sailor Moon is currently in counsel with Queen Serenity.�
�WHAT?!?� the white cat shrieked.
�Hush!� Luna quickly admonished. �There seems to be a bit more about Eriko than we had anticipated. We need to do a more thorough background check.�
�Gotcha,� Artemis quickly responded, typing away at his console.
�Artemis,� Luna began gently. �I don�t think you�ll find all the answers there. We need to also do some research about Eriko�s past� on Earth.�
The male cat cringed. �Earth? Why would you want to ret -�
�Not me, Artemis. You. You�re going to have to go down to Earth and find out about Eriko. She has a friend named Lily. She should still be close to the coordinates from which I left the Earth. Find her, talk to her.�
�But what are you going to do?�
�I need to talk to the Princess,� Luna said firmly.
* * *
Once upon a time, there was a grand kingdom which overlooked the Earth and its people. That was our kingdom, the Moon Kingdom. It was our duty to ensure that the Earth remained safe from foreign intrusions. We were to use the power of the ginzinshou to maintain the balance over good and evil. It was our duty to also ensure that the ginzinshou was never abused. To abuse the pure stone would cause a catastrophe never before experienced.
Time passed, and the years brought you into my life. You grew up to be a beautiful young woman, quite capable in her abilities. I had no fear of one day handing the ginzinshou and all its powers to you. One day, while gazing on the Earth, you saw the Prince that would become your one and only true love. Of course, it didn�t start that way. You two fought as if your lives depended on every single trivial argument. But eventually, that aggression departed, leaving the two of you strongly in love with one another.
Your happiness was not to last, however. Soon after the announcement of your engagement, Endymion�s advisors were turned against him. The people of the Earth feared their leader would become a slave to the Princess bearing the most powerful weapon in the Galaxy. The hatred and fear in all those people made it all too easy for Metallia to sneak passed our defenses and enter the Earth. Having recruited all of Endymion�s old friends, either through trickery or mind-control, the Prince of the Earth fled to the Moon. We fought hard against them, but we were unable to defeat Metallia. The casualities on both sides were high. I lost even you, my daughter. You died trying to save your Prince. After all the loss, I was forced to release the full power of the ginzinshou. It was strong enough to trap Metallia and her forces, but at the price of my life. Luckily, the ginzinshou heard my final dying wish: that we could all be reborn and live together on the Earth.
A thousand years later, I was born on Earth. I didn�t remember any of my past life until I found your father. Theodore Rogers was my prince, sweeping me off of my feet at first site. Soon after we were married, I became pregnant with you. It was during my pregnancy that I started to remember.
As I came closer to term, I could sense the Metallia�s dark forces resurfacing. In my current state, I knew that I would be unable to stop them. So I did the next best thing: I released your old warrior spirit. It had been entrapped in crystal, just as those of the other Senshi. I prayed it would be enough to help the Earth.
When you were born, I�d been incredibly weakened by all my experiences. I quickly realized that we would not be able to spend this lifetime together either. I was sad, but I never regretted bringing you into this world. Look at you now! All my effort has been well-rewarded.
After my body died, I returned to the Moon. I was too late, however. Metallia had sent one of her minions to infiltrate the emptied kingdom. The minion presented herself as the resurrected princess, and she revived the court, who were all too willing to believe their princess had returned to them. All I was able to do was defend this room from Metallia�s dark powers. I am too weak in death to resurrect the other Senshi, but now that you are here, we can turn things around, my darling.
You are my daughter. You are the true Princess. You are Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom.
* * *
As Endymion stood outside of the side entrance to the throne room, he realized that Her Majesty might be busy with other business. He did not wish to interrupt the court�s proceedings. With a wave of his hand, his armor transformed back into Tuxedo Mask's costume. As an afterthought, he altered the costume, changing his cape into a hooded cloak. Drawing the hood down over his eyes to mask his identity, he entered the chamber.
He was surprised to hear the members of the court yelling and cheering. He slipped unnoticed into the crowds. As he moved closer to the forefront, he saw a general of the Princess�s army addressing the court.
�- and that is why now would be the best time for us to take over the Earth!� the general announced triumphantly. A wild cheer of agreement rang throughout the court. �Princess, with your permission, let us go to Earth and take over before Metallia�s forces can properly reassemble!� Once more the crowd cheered, sending cold shivers down Endymion�s spine.
Endymion�s looked desperately at the Princess, hoping her voice of reason would quell this insanity. With horror, he realized that the Princess�s expression was a mix of mild annoyance and great pleasure.
�General Korata, while I appreciate your sentiment, I do not agree with you.� Endymion sigh of relief was quickly cut short. �Our infiltration of the Earth is premature.�
�But Sailor Moon has been decommissioned - �
�Yes, but I would feel more comfortable doing this after we are certain that she will not try to rebel against us. She is still strong.�
�Yes, yet she is but one��
�One who is endowed with the full powers of a Senshi. She may be weak now - �
�But isn�t that all the better reason to attack now?!� the general asked desperately.
The princess�s expression darkened into a tight grimace. �Never again interrupt me,� she hissed. Endymion felt a shiver run down his spine. This was certainly a side of the princess he had never before witnessed.
�My decision is final,� the princess concluded, tossing a lock of reddish hair over her shoulder. �We will hold off the infiltration until I give the word. Any objections?�
Glancing around the room discreetly, Endymion could tell that while the crowd was disgruntled, no one would dare complain.
�Good, then -�
Whatever the princess would have said was interrupted by the main doors to the throne room being thrown open. The silhouette of a cat appeared in the doorway.
�Your Majesty!� Luna cried. �I must speak with you.�
* * *
Eriko sat up and turned to look at her mother. �But Mom, I��
Queen Serenity smiled at her daughter. �Yes, you are weak now, but we can fix that. I�ll lend you my strength until you find the ginzinshou.�
�Find the ginzinshou? But isn�t it hidden within me?� Eriko looked puzzled.
Serenity laughed. �You�ve been reading too much manga. No, the crystal is hidden in this Kingdom. It is your final test, my darling. Once you find the crystal, you can turn things around, defeat Metallia, and reclaim your throne as the new Queen.�
�The new Queen?!� Eriko yelped. �But I�m too young, and -�
�You�re at the right age.� Serenity brushed her lips across her daughter�s forehead. �Happy birthday, my dear.�
In all the confusion and activity, Eriko had completely forgotten that it was indeed her birthday. She was now 21, the age of ascension. A lifetime ago, she�d have been crowned queen at this age. But that was a lifetime ago.
Serenity watched her daughter struggle with this inner turmoil. She did not wish to let her daughter suffer. �But that�s something to worry about later. First, we must awaken the other Senshi.�
The Queen stood gracefully and extended her hand to the still confused Eriko. Eriko noticed as she stood on her own two feet that darkness no longer threatened to take over her body whenever she overexerted herself with a task as simple as standing. Looking into her mother�s eyes one more time for support, Eriko pulled out her compact and transformed.
The first thing that Sailor Moon realized was that she was incredibly stronger than she had been before she�d entered the chamber. Still, she let Serenity guide her arms up, the wand finding its way into Sailor Moon�s grasp.
Standing behind her daughter, Serenity whispered into her ear, �Together we�ll say it. We�ll have only one chance like this.�
In unison, the two called, �Moon Cosmic Healing!�
* * *
�Augh!� Luna cried out in agony as the princess�s blast sent her flying across the room.
�Stupid cat,� the red-haired princess laughed haughtily. �You dare question my authority!� The princess released another energy blast at the fallen cat. Luna flew back another few feet. �Insubordination will NOT be tolerated!� The princess raised her hand to release the final blow. As the fatal burst of energy raced to the cat, a black blur jumped out of the crowd, pulling the cat away to relative safety.
�That is quite enough!� Endymion cried, tearing his hood off of his head. The unconscious black cat lay in his arms.
The princess looked up in shock. �Endymion,� she whispered hoarsely. In a moment, a cold glare replaced her confusion. �Release the traitor. She must be punished.�
�For what? For asking questions? I have quite a few of my own, Your Majesty. Do you intend the same punishment for me?� Endymion returned the princess�s glare.
The princess�s face softened. Tears started to pool in her eyes. �Endymion,� she whispered, almost pleadingly. �I�m so sorry. I know this looks bad, but I can assure you that there is an explanation. Please don�t hate me� please� Endymion��
Endymion felt his anger melting, almost against his will. As two tears slowly slid down her lovely face, Endymion realized that he had lowered Luna to the ground and was slowly walking towards his princess�s outstretched hands.
He was less that a foot from her inviting hand, when suddenly a blast of energy erupted from her outstretched fingertips. Endymion was thrown across the room, crashing hard against the back wall. The crowd gasped in surprise, but a few members of the court began to applaud, having long since grown tired of an Earthling�s presence. As the princess stood over the still form of the fallen Prince, she repeated, �No one questions my authority.�
* * *
Sailor Moon was beating her fists on the solid blue crystal. Serenity watched in silence as her daughter worked herself up into a frenzy. Finally, Sailor Moon, sank to her knees, sobbing, utterly exhausted. Serenity slipped behind her daughter and rested a calming hand on her daughter�s heaving shoulders.
�It�s alright, Princess. Shh�� Serenity pulled her daughter back into a tight embrace.
Finally, the Senshi�s sobs subsided. �I couldn�t free them,� she murmured sorrowfully. Sailor Moon�s mind raced with the memories of her past life; she recalled how they had all grown up together, trained together, fought together, and had even died together. The Senshi felt a great loss for the lack of her friends� company.
�Don�t worry, Eriko. Don�t worry. Once you regain the ginzinshou, you will have no trouble releasing them. You�re just weakened right now. Don�t worry; this is only a passing phase.�
�But how can I begin to fight when I�m this weak? I�m so tired, Mom,� Eriko complained softly.
Serenity turned her daughter around in her arms, forcing her daughter to look at her. �I have been holding onto something for you. It once belonged to you and Endymion. Stored in it is all the love that you two shared for each other. It�s energy will be able to sustain you until you once again wield the silver crystal.�
Eriko looked down to her mother�s shimmering, translucent hands. Resting in her palms was Princess Serenity�s and Prince Endymion�s star locket. Sailor Moon gasped in surprise and recognition. In her mind floated memories of when he had given her this keepsake a thousand years ago. Tentatively, she reached out a hand and gently nudged the top of the locket. A spring threw open the top of the locket, starting an all too familiar melody. As Sailor Moon listened to her lover�s song, she felt a warmth spread throughout her body, renewing her spirits, healing her muscles of their weariness. Just as the tune drew to a close, the locket began to fall. With the full reflexes of a warrior, Sailor Moon caught the locket midair, clutching it tightly. With a sigh, she brought her fists, closed tightly around the locket, up to her breast. It was at that moment that she realized that Serenity hadn�t let go of the locket.
Looking up at her mother, Sailor Moon felt a sob choke her throat. The Queen was glowing more, and it was evident that her body was no longer as solid as it had been minutes before.
�Mom�?� Eriko called sadly, tears already welling in her eyes.
�Hush, my darling,� Serenity said calmly, a warm smile on her face. A transparent hand brushed away the few tears that rested on the Princess�s cheeks. �I will always be with you. Don�t forget that. I love you, Eriko.�
�I love you too, Mom.�
Queen Serenity�s spirit smiled and quietly disappeared in little balls of white light. Her voice echoed again in the chamber, �I will always be with you.�
* * *
Quinn awoke with a start. She had a rather bad kink in her neck from sleeping on Dawn�s couch, but she ignored it as she tried to remember what she had just dreamt of. She knew it had something to do with Eriko, but she couldn�t remember what exactly it was. After a few minutes, she finally gave up, and finding herself fully awake, decided to get up. Carefully navigating around the sleeping forms of Dawn and Kat, Quinn left the living room.
As she walked out onto the deck extending from Dawn�s dining room, she reached an arm back to massage some of the soreness out of her neck. Leaning against the railing, her arm suddenly fell down to her side. Quinn stared in wonder at the moon.
Looking up at the bright orb of white light, Quinn felt a rush of emotions course through her body. Highlighted in all of her thoughts was Eriko. With a sigh, Quinn finally tore her eyes away from the beautiful moon, refocusing her eyes on the Earth�s ground instead.
A sudden movement in the brush caught Quinn�s attention. The 20-year-old�s body grew tense, ready to fight or flee depending on what emerged. Quinn realized that she�d left the French doors to the dining room opened, so if she screamed, she knew that Dawn and Kat could hear her. Quinn was ready for whatever would come out of the bush.
Well, almost ready. Quinn�s body immediately relaxed as she saw Lily coming out of the brush. In her arms lay something large and white. Lily looked up to the deck and caught Quinn�s gaze. In a second, the younger girl ran up the hill and up the steps to the deck. �Come help me,� she said gruffly to Quinn as she walked passed the taller girl into the house.
After Quinn locked the door behind her, she was startled to see what Lily had brought in. Lying on the table was a long white cat whose fur was stained with red. Quinn took in a sharp breath. �What happened?�
�I think some wild animal attacked him,� Lily said, staring dumbly. �I think it�s Artemis��
A quick peak at the golden crescent on the white cat�s forehead told Quinn that Lily�s guess was correct. Leaning down over the unconscious feline, Quinn did a quick check of the cat�s outward appearance.
�Looks like he�s got a really nasty scratch on his foreleg. I can�t see any other major cuts though.� Quinn bit her lip as she thought over her diagnosis. �Go wake up Dawn and Kat. We�ll dress this wound, but we�re really going to need to take him to see a vet in the morning.�
With Lily busy, Quinn�s mind was occupied with questions of why Artemis was with them now. Quinn really hoped that Eriko was all right.
* * *
Sailor Moon snuck down the hallways of the palace. Once again her mask was on, but her mission was now more focused. She finally knew what she was looking for. Peering around corners and into rooms, Eriko looked for the tiny ball of light that would be her key to leaving this prison. As she quickly walked, her star locket bounced around her neck.
Sailor Moon rounded another corner, subconsciously drawing her closer to the throne room. All of a sudden, she stopped, and doubled over in pain. Her hands automatically clutched the locket. As she held it, the waves of pain and confusion increased significantly. Finally, she yanked the locket off of her neck and held it lightly. Immediately the pain was alleviated.
As she sat heavily on the ground, trying to catch her breath, Masato appeared before her, his hood drawn as per usual. She looked up at him sharply. �What the hell was that?� she gasped. �Endymion� What�s going on?�
�There�s no time, Sailor Moon,� Masato said, quickly covering the few steps to her side. He offered his hand to pull her up, which she hesitatingly accepted. �Endymion questioned the fake princess, and is now in her clutches. She also has Luna captive.�
Sailor Moon looked at robed man strangely. �Who are you? Why are you helping us?�
Masato paused for a second and then sighed. Slowly, he raised a hand to push back his hood.
Eriko gasped and took a step back reflexively. �You!� she cried.
�Princess Serenity,� Nephlite began, �I owe you everything. Thanks to you, I�ve been healed and released of Metallia�s possession after all these many years.�
�I healed you?!� Eriko squeaked.
�Yes, the purified crystal healed me.�
Memories of that afternoon flooded her mind. She remembered purifying the crystal with her wand, but then the evil general had injured Tuxedo Mask. The next instant, she had felt a great calm take over her body. She was only vaguely aware of her actions. It was like some greater power had known what to do and simply acted. Looking at Nephlite now, she realized that she hadn�t killed him and that whatever it was that had awoken inside of her had known how to heal the tortured general.
The reverie was interrupted as Sailor Moon felt another wave of pain wash over her mind. As she started to double over again, a hand shot out and grabbed Nephlite�s arm for support.
�Put the necklace away!� Nephlite hissed. �It�s causing you to feel his pain.�
�What�s happening to Endymion?!� Real fear could be seen in Sailor Moon�s bright blue eyes. Nephlite noticed that she did follow his advice, however, slipping the locket into a subspace pocket.
Sailor Moon recovered almost immediately. When she was once again standing on her own two feet, Nephlite spoke, �She�s trying to control his mind. They�re in the throne roo-�
Sailor Moon raced off. Time was running out.
* * *
Eriko blinked hard.
The throne room was still blinding with the light refracting off of the crystal chandelier, but with her mask on, Sailor Moon�s vision cleared quickly.
Looking around, she saw all the hostile court members glaring at her intrusion. Sailor Moon only vaguely paid attention. Her eyes were seeking out the man with black hair and dark blue eyes. She was distracted, however, as her eyes fell on the redhead sitting on the throne - on her throne.
�Welcome back, Tsuki no Senshi,� the princess greeted coldly. �What can we do for you?�
With a slight gesture, Prince Endymion emerged from the shadows, standing at the redhead�s side.
Eriko�s dismay at seeing Endymion in the evil princess�s power was soon replaced by recognition as the true Moon Princess realized who sat on her throne.
�Beryl,� Eriko seethed. �I am here to reclaim my throne.�
The crowd immediately started screaming, yelling obscenities at her, demanding an apology, demanding justice from the counterfeit princess.
Raising her free hand, Beryl quieted the room. �Sailor Moon. You dare usurp my throne? Someone is trying very hard to outgrow her Moon Boots.�
Eriko rolled her eyes at the cheesiness of the line. �It isn�t your throne, Beryl!� she cried defiantly. �I demand that you step down. Either that or face me in combat.�
�I have a better idea,� Beryl said coolly. �Endymion, kill her.�
In a second, Eriko had been knocked off her feet as she avoided the falling sword. While the steel missed, Endymion�s fist didn�t, connecting directly with her stomach. Sailor Moon immediately doubled over, trying to catch her breath and move away at the same time. She had enough presence of mind to duck as the next swing of the sword cut the air where her head had been just a second before. Sailor Moon tried to jump up, jump away, but Endymion was too quick for her. He grabbed her foot as she tried to make her momentary escape, pulling her down hard to the floor.
Endymion stood over the dazed girl lying beneath him. He raised his sword for the final blow.
Sailor Moon�s vision was entirely too blurry. She stared up at dark shadow standing above her, not comprehending what was happening. Then her eyes saw passed him, up to the chandelier. She saw hundreds of blurred balls of color. Hundreds of colorful orbs� and one pure white one.
As Endymion brought down his sword, Sailor Moon rolled to the side, knocking Endymion off his feet. In that moment while he was down, Sailor Moon crouched low to the ground. A second later, she had jumped 18 feet up into the air. Beryl watched the scene in confusion. She almost expected the warrior to grab hold of the chandelier, just to escape Endymion�s onslaught. Instead, she only saw a flash of movement from Sailor Moon�s hand as she reached up into the chandelier. A few seconds later, the Senshi was back on the ground, once again crouched low to the ground.
Endymion had recovered by then, and he once again attacked the Senshi. His mind was racing with thoughts of loyalty to only his princess. The imposter has to be stopped, a voice cried in his mind. He looked at the tiring woman crouched before him. At the last second, just before his blade hit the woman, he turned his sword, hitting her with the face of the sword. He heard the woman cry out in pain as she was sent flying once more. She lay on the ground, sprawled everywhere, with her hand clenched tightly around something.
As he approached her once more for the next attack, she moaned softly, �Endymion��
Suddenly his mind flashed back to another time, another place. He was in the same room, only it had been decorated for a festive occasion. A dance. A masquerade. He had approached a young lady who looked very much like the fallen Senshi. Only that young lady had been dressed in a long white princess�s gown. Still the masks that both the present warrior and the old Princess wore were the same. Endymion groaned with the mental strain, pausing to lean on his sword and try to shake his head clear.
That was all the time that Sailor Moon needed. In an instant, she was up and on her feet. She decided to trust anime.
�Endymion,� she murmured once more.
He looked at her sharply. �What are you doing to me?�
�Endymion,� she repeated softly. �Don�t you remember? My Prince? We were once lovers. We�� she reached into her subspace pocket. Sensing her movement, Endymion raised his sword once more, ready to fight whatever attack she�d throw at him.
A shadow of fright passed in clouds over Sailor Moon�s clear blue eyes, but the clouds quickly dissipated as resolve took firm hold. She pulled the object out of her subspace pocket, and offered it to him with one of her hands. �We shared a past,� she continued. �We had this.� She opened her palm, revealing the star locket. �Endymion� please.�
Remembering only shadows and dreams of a life they once shared, Endymion looked confusedly at the pretty woman standing in front of him. The wave of emotions flooding over him was a new experience for him. As she stared at him pleadingly, he felt his resolve melting.
Slowly he lowered his sword, letting it fall to the ground. With a faltering hand, he reached for the locket. At his lightest touch, the top sprang open, and music filled the large room.
Endymion�s expression softened as the music washed over his soul. It was his turn to look pleadingly at her. Part of his mind remembered, and wanted to believe everything that she had wordlessly promised him, but the part of his mind that Beryl controlled was fighting hard. Recognizing that look and all its meaning in an instant, Eriko threw her arms around him, grabbing him tightly. Before he could protest, she whispered, �Remember�� and pressed her lips tightly against his.
Beryl was surprised as Sailor Moon kissed her Prince. To her horror, she realized that Endymion was responding, his body relaxing, his lips meeting the Senshi�s for the intimate embrace. Even before they pulled apart, she knew that she had lost control over the Prince of the Earth. Screaming in frustration, Beryl let all her rage gather in her hands, allowing her to release her most deadly blast at the embracing couple.
Eriko was lost in their kiss. As the two embraced, she could feel more memories of their past flow between them. It was overwhelming. Just as she pulled away and was about to open her eyes, she heard him scream in pain. Immediately, Sailor Moon�s eyes popped opened. She caught Endymion as he fell into her arms. Static from Beryl�s blast hung in the air around his back, where he had been directly hit, blocking Sailor Moon from the fake princess�s wrath. In the background, Beryl sunk down low into the throne, her energy temporarily exhausted.
As they both sank to the ground, they knew that the attack had been fatal. He looked at her sadly, �My Princess� I will find you no matter where out paths take us.�
�Shh�� Sailor Moon admonished slightly. �You need to save your strength.�
�I have a last request,� he said softly, coughing up blood. Sailor Moon used the back of her glove to gently wipe the blood away.
�Anything you want, Endymion,� she said with tears in her eyes.
�I would like to kiss my Princess once more.�
Eriko nodded slightly. She gently pressed their star locket into his hand. She saw a brief light flicker over his face as his hand closed on the magical trinket. She quickly rearranged him, letting him rest his head in her lap. With her freed hand, she reached into her pocket once more, this time pulling out her wand.
Slowly, Sailor Moon opened her left hand, which she had been tightly clenching for the last several minutes. A bright light was emitted from her opened fist, blinding all who were watching. When everyone could see again, they beheld the fully restored Moon Princess in all her full glory, decked out in her regal gown with her wand in hand. From within the curve of the wand, the ginzinshou glowed brightly. Stunned, the court could only stare as Princess Serenity leaned down and kissed the lips of her dying Prince. As she pulled away, Endymion smiled and then breathed his last breath.
Gently, Serenity lowered Endymion�s head to the ground. She arranged his hands over his chest, ensuring that the locket was still grasped tightly in his hand. Serenity gracefully walked to the centerfloor.
�Princess Serenity,� Beryl seethed. In her mind, Beryl called out to Metallia for help.
�Beryl,� Serenity responded, her gaze and voice calm and cool. �We have unfinished business.�
With a surge of energy, Beryl got the response from her queen. �Yes. Good-bye little Princess!� Beryl threw a blast of energy, one even larger than the one that killed Endymion, at Serenity.
As the blast surrounded the Princess, refractions of the blast tore through the court. The nobility shrieked as they tried to escape to safety.
Beryl�s attacked gathered around the Princess in a ball. Suddenly there was an explosion of white light.
�This ends now, Beryl,� Serenity said calmly. She raised her wand once more. A bright burst of light shot out of the stone, engulfing the entire room in its brilliance. In the distance, Serenity heard a wail of agony. After the light subsided, Serenity looked up at her empty throne. No sign of Metallia's minion was left after the blast.
Princess Serenity sighed softly. She looked as regal as she had at the height of her power a thousand years ago. No one stopped her as she ascended the steps and finally sat in her rightful place.
* * *
The court slowly reentered the throne room after all the noise of the battle had subsided. They were greeted by the image of the rightful Princess sitting on her throne. Walking over the bodies of the fallen, they gathered in front of her at a respectful distance and all dropped to their knees in homage.
General Korata was the first to speak. �Your Highness,� he murmured reverently. He continued as the Princess nodded lightly. �We are glad of your return.�
�Thank you, General Korata,� the Princess murmured graciously.
The General bowed once more. �What shall happen now?�
�Now?� Serenity repeated. Her mind still mulled over her options. �What do you suggest?�
�We had hoped to infiltrated the Earth.�
�Oh really?� Serenity raised an eyebrow skeptically. �Go on.�
�The Earthlings are by far inferior to us, Your Highness. It would serve them best to come under your leadership,� the General explained. �Give me the word, and your troops will begin the infiltration.�
�Does everyone feel the same way?� Serenity inquired. The entire room silently tried to avoid the Princess�s gaze. In a heartbeat, Serenity knew that this was the true wish of her court.
�I see,� she concluded. �You do realize that to do carry out this assault would go against everything that the Moon Kingdom was ever meant to do. It would go against all our ideals.�
�Yes, but Your Majesty,� Korata tried to explain.
Serenity raised a hand for silence. �You are all ghosts of the past. Ghosts, corrupted by Metallia�s evil influence. I will not grant your wish, General. The people of Earth have always been meant to choose their own path. I will not choose for them.
�I will, however, grant all of you freedom from this bondage. You are all dismissed, free to go to your rightful place.�
Without another word of objection, Serenity once again raised her wand. A soft light emanated from the ginzinshou, filling the room. As the ginzinshou�s glow subsided, where each person had once stood, a small ball of light hovered. The spirits of all the long-dead court members slowly rose to the ceiling and left the chamber.
Alone, Serenity sighed. All the bodies of the fallen had also disappeared, save one. As her eyes fell on her Prince, Serenity rose, and rushed to his body. As she ran, the illusion of Serenity disappeared, once again leaving Sailor Moon.
Kneeling beside his body, Eriko began to cry. Overcome with grief, she didn�t hear Nephlite enter the room with a small black burden in his arms.
Luna peered out from over the former General�s arms. �We�re too late?� she asked sorrowfully.
�Perhaps, Luna,� Nephlite said in a strong voice, capturing Sailor Moon�s attention.
�Nephlite!� she gasped. Looking at the burden in his arms, Eriko cried out a greeting, �Luna!� The black cat immediately threw herself out of his arms. Stumbling momentarily on her injured leg, Luna ran to Sailor Moon�s inviting arms. Snuggling her cat gently to avoid further injuring the bandaged cat, Eriko felt hot tears slide down her cheeks and fall onto the cat�s soft fur. �I�ve lost him again,� Sailor Moon moaned.
�Not yet,� Nephlite corrected. Sailor Moon looked up at him, confused. �There still may be a chance to save him. You found the ginzinshou, correct?� Sailor Moon nodded. �It was Queen Serenity�s wish that you live your lives together in happiness. That wish is still in the ginzinshou�s memory. Perhaps you can tap into that, and the power of your bond, in order to save him.�
Sailor Moon swallowed hard. She considered his proposal. She turned to her memories of her past life, recalling all the capabilities of the small crystal. �I can probably do it,� she agreed, �but he will lose all memories of these two lifetimes. He will have a fresh start� and one without me,� she concluded.
�What?� Luna questioned.
�I can heal him,� Sailor Moon explained quietly. �And I could bring him back into my world. But� if I did that, he would only be a puppet, following a destiny he doesn't understand or remember. I want him to learn to live his own life. When he awakens, things will be hard for him, but not nearly as hard as they would be if he had to start all over plus deal with all of his past. That�s why I must ask for your help, Nephlite,� she said, turning to the man in grey robes.
Nephlite nodded. �I think I understand your plan. Tell me what I must do.�
Sailor Moon gently placed Luna on the ground and arranged for the healing. She had Neplite stand next to her Prince, keeping a steady hand on Endymion�s still shoulder. �I need for you to think of where you want to live, Nephlite.� The general tried to respond verbally, but Eriko cut him off. �Don�t tell me where. Just think hard of where you want to live. No matter where you go, I�ll find him again. Our destinies are intertwined. We will meet again.� The General nodded acquiescence, and Sailor Moon began the healing.
Holding just the ginzinshou in her hands, she concentrated on every feeling of love she had ever had for Endymion. She recalled all her memories of a lifetime ago, plus the new feelings that had begun to surge within her during this lifetime. She freely gave all her love and passion for this man, letting the emotions wash through the ginzinshou and be channeled into her fallen Prince. Sailor Moon was vaguely aware of the locket in his hands glowing in response to what she was doing. As Eriko concentrated all her energies, a faint glow surrounded the two male warriors, with a brighter glow around Endymion. Just as Eriko realized she was going to have to stop soon, there was a brilliant flash of light. When Sailor Moon and Luna opened their eyes once more, the two had disappeared.
* * *
Sailor Moon collapsed to the ground, exhausted.
�Eriko!� Luna cried out in concern.
�I�m fine, Luna,� Sailor Moon said tiredly. �I just need a small break before we can go home.�
Luna looked up at the exhausted warrior. The cat could tell that part of what strained this girl were the strong emotions tearing her heart apart. Making a decision, Luna drew upon the powers of the Moon.
Glancing down at the cat, Sailor Moon saw that the crescent on Luna�s forehead was beginning to glow. Quickly Eriko swept her pet into her arms, breaking Luna�s concentration.
�Don�t,� Eriko said.
�But Eriko��
�No. Please. Don�t.�
�How fair would it be,� Luna asked, �to make you remember all of this?�
�How fair would it be to make me forget it?� Eriko echoed softly.
The two looked at each other, realizing just how little they could do to fix the situation. Gently, Eriko hugged the black cat.
�I�m ready to go home now, Luna.�
�Let�s go, Eriko.�
Raising the ginzinshou one last time, Sailor Moon let the white light fall over the two of them. Eriko looked around the throne room one last time before they transported. In her heart, she could feel Queen Serenity was with her. A moment later they left the Moon Kingdom.
* (* *
End of first arc