Always Watching You Act 4: Betrayals/Earth By: Sailor Jes E-mail: Sailor Jes@aol.com ****************************************************************** Well, midterms are over (thank god) but suprisingly I'm still as busy as ever. But, I haven't forgotten about you all and have continued writing my fanfic. The next (and final) part should be more timely because, I can't wait to write it!!!! (I'll admit, this part isn't the most exciting part. But it's kind of the eye in the middle of the storm!) Anyways, I've posted up my first series of poems, "The Outers," as well, that I would like everybody to read. It's about the Outer Senshi (duh) and I worked really hard on them so, pretty please read them and give me feedback! Okay, enough with the self-promotion! This fanfic belongs to me, although Sailor Moon does not. So, if you are going to use this fic anywhere, please notify me first. Oh, before I forget! I'm searching for ideas for my next fanfic, so if you've got a good one, feel free to e-mail me with it and I'll give you credit if I decide to use it!ThanksJessie-mail: Sailor jes@aol.com ****************************************************************** I couldn't sleep. Even after this exhausting night, my eyes refused to shut and my heart refused to be at ease."Serenity..." I mutter. It takes me by surprise. Did I mean to call her name? And then I know. Something is happening to her. I can feel it in my heart. I dress in the grey uniform and cape that all military officers wear on Earth and proceed outside. An urgency grows inside of me. Her distress is great, I feel it. I stride down the balcony and see a figure in the distance clutching the railing, wandering aimlessly and mumbling something. Squinting, I realize it is myprincess. "Serenity?" I call.The silhouette stops momentarily and answers back "Endymion?" "Serenity," I say running to her, "Why are you here?" I gasp when I see her face. Her nose and cheeks are bright pink. Her normally crystal clear eyes are bloodshot and brimming with sadness. She looks like she has been weeping for hours. "Oh, Endymion!" she moans throwing herself helplessly on to me. I catch her weight with ease and hold her in my arms. She seems like a priceless doll about to break. Her uncontrolable sobs fill my soul with dread. "Serenity, are you okay? What happened? Did somebody hurt you?"I ask. She flings her arms around my neck and hugs it tightly. Only muffled crying. Her silky plantinum tresses are loose around her sad face and they drape down to her knees. I stoke her lovely hair genlty, comforting her. "Oh, Serenity, beautiful Serenity. Don't cry, please. Tell mewhat happened." Sniffling, her face lifts up to look at mine, her gentle, hopeful, angelic face that looks so mournful."She found out," she whispers. "Who? Who found out?" I ask "My mother. She discovered that I was coming here, that, that, I had fallen in love with you," her voice cracks and she breaks into tears again. "I came to say goodbye." My heart stops beating and terror fills every bone in my body. Goodbye? How will I live without seeing your sparkling eyes, hearing your melodic voice, touching your smooth skin? I feellike vomiting. "What..." I ask softly, not quite believing what you have told me. "I don't know what will happen to you, Endymion. I think my mother intends for you to die. And its all my fault..." you break down in tears again. Strangely, I feel relieved. Your first words seems more like a death sentence than the latter. I hug you tightly and you just cry. Tears brim in my eyes too. For what seems like an eternity, we remain there. Finally, you pull away. "Goodbye, Endymion. I love you and always will." I panic. "Serenity, no, wait, please. We'll talk to your mother, make her understand, maybe I can move to the Moon...we could livetogether..." You smile sadly, but don't say anything. Tears are streaming down my face; I don't care. Nothing matters to me anymore. I don't even want to see another sunrise. You approach me and kiss me gently on the lips and then turn and walk away. I stand there and gaze at you. You turn sadly and begin walking away from me for, what you believe, the last time. And then an idea comes to my head. If you won't talk to your mother maybe I will. Maybe I'll go visit you on the Moon. Maybe I don't want to give this up soeasily. So, I trail you. Out of the palace, into the woods behind the gardens, and finally, to a secluded cave. Once into the cave, you walk a few steps and then stand before a gaping, black porthole and step through. Jaw dropped and eyes wide with amazement, I watch as you disappear. So that's how you change worlds. Alright then, tomorrow night, I'll pay the Queen of the Moon a littlevisit. ********* My eyes grow wide as I listen to the conversation taking place. The Moon princess? Forbidden love? With Endymion, the Highest Ranking Prince of Earth? It's too perfect. I surprise myself when I realize a malicious grin plays on my lips. I have been experiencing tainted, evil thoughts lately. It seems the only thing I can think about is winning Endymion any way I can. The thing that calls herself Metalia has promised that I will achieve my goal...that is, if I help her capture a powerful gem; the Mystical Silver Crystal is what she called it. And, now, the plan that has been toying with my mind has finally become concrete. I know how I can get Endymion and this crystal. I had watched from the shadows when she came to him tonight for the first time. Jealousy had brewed in my soul. Imagine my shock when she revealed she was a Moon Being! Somehow, I would have to destroy their love...or her, whichever came easiest. And now, it had almost been done for me! It was too perfect! I walk back into the palace leaving Endymion alone is his little garden, a satisfied smile on my face. Metalia has assisted in this, I can feel it. Now, I will have to serve her diligently and swiftly. I can't do this alone though, she said the Crystal could be anywhere. Subordinates are what I need. But where to findthem? "You're up late," says a voice, that causes me to jump withfright. "Who's there?" I ask. >From the darkness, steps two men, both in grey uniforms. I relax as I recognize them. And then I smile slightly when I realize where I shall get my subjects. "Jadeite, Nephrite," I say. "I would say the same thing to you." "We were making sure the Prince was safe. He's been gone for quite awhile," replies Jadeite."Yes, I know," I say. "You do? How?" asks a puzzled Nephrite. I smile again. That evil, twisted sneer. "Oh, I've seen everything. I know about the Moon and about Endymion's involvement with it, or shall I say, her." The two men pale significantly. Nephrite mutters "You-you won't say anything, will you Beryl? The Prince would be-" "Shamed? Crushed? Ostracized by his people? Oh, I don't know. Don't you two know about the threat the Moon poses to Earth? They have been spying on us! Observing all of our secrets so that they can crush us when we aren't ready!" Jadeite narrows his eyes. "You're a paranoid lunatic! The Moon would never do that!" "No? Then why would they care about us? What are we to them? I've never heard of anybody watching a planet just for fun! These Moon People are alien to us! Who knows what evil intentions lurk in their hearts? That Moon princess is just out to betray Endymion, and the Earth's trust! We must destroy them before theydestroy us!" Only silence from the two handsome men. They seem to be absorbing what I've just told them. "Well what can we do?" asks Nephrite. I grin again. This is where the real fun begins. I place a hand on each of their backs and begin leading them away. "Come, let metell you..." ********** The confidence from last night has decreased substantialy. My knees quake a bit and my heart pounds louder as I stand before the black, cold porthole. It's now or never, Endymion, I say to myself. One, two, three, and I step into the consuming darkness. ********** I'm not sure how long it took, or exactly how it happened, but somehow, when I stumble out of the obscurity, I find myself in another cave. Did it work? Or am I still back on Earth? Approaching the light from the opening to the cave, I know that I am most definitely not on my home planet. I gasp when I see whereI am. Surrounding me is a dense forest of trees with silver leaves and snowy white trunks. Light blue and purple flowers dot the pink grassy ground and line a dusty worn path that I begin to follow. I gaze up into the sky and almost trip when I see the exquisitely luminous and beautiful blue and green planet that is my home. The stars twinkle a million times brighter here than on Earth. So captivated with the heavens, I almost don't notice that I have cleared the forest.I stop in mid-step when I behold what lies in front of me. Standing on a hill, I observe thousands of colored lights from the Moon Palace and kingdom below. The architechture is modeled in the style of the ancient Greeks, with many tall, winding columns. In the distance, a rolling, wide sea glitters from the light of the Earth and a blue mountain range majestically towers over the horizon. Trance-like, I continue on my journey, breathing in the exotic beauty of this ethereal place. Suddenly, I find a long white stoned bridge over a clear lake lined on both sides by fountains spurting colored water. I decide to follow this path in the hopes that it will lead me to the palace. It does. In fact, right to the front gates. I gawk at the enormity and unusalness of the structure. More columns line the entire palace and winding towers jut from every which way. A huge dome on top of the building boasts detailed sculptings and stained glass. A circular fountain in the courtyard ahead of me shoots dozens of streams of water. Nobody gaurds the gates of the palace. In fact, I have not seen a single soul since I arrived. How will I find you? Doubts begin swarming in my mind. This place is colossal, the chances of finding my princess are slim. I close my eyes in frustration. And that's when I hear it. In my mind. A voice, well, more like a song, that beckons me, telling me which way to go. I'm drawn to the left side of the palace. The cries become louder in my head and I feel a close urgency. The melodic voice in my head grows louder as I continue searching. I make my way to the back of the palace, where I see a tall obelisk jutting its way into the night sky. Am impressive monument. I approach it. Carvings and colored glass adorn the top of the tower. A stone circle surrounds the massive structure. I walk around it and notice eight smaller circles with strange insignias in each. I near the tower, looking for an entrance to its insides. I am not dissapointed. A stone door with an inscription in a foreign language lies ajar. Opening it slowly, I am met with a faint yellow glow. The large octagonal room is lit by thousands of glowing candles. The light from the heavens mingled with the tint of the stained glass throws magical reflections on the wall and floor. And a path towards the farthest wall of the room leads to a small altar. Someone kneels on this altar. Whispers of prayer can be heard from her lips. Hair, abundant and glossy and almost white, falls from her bowed head. She does not seem to notice I have entered. I stand there, in awe of my surroundings and of their quietholiness. I take a few steps, approaching the altar. It is then that I know that this praying girl is you. My heart soars and screams at the same time. My id wants to run to you, take you in my arms, kiss you over and over again, and never ever let you go. Somehow, I resist and slowly, silently pace to the altar and kneel beside you. Startled, you jump and open your eyes widely. "Who-?" you whisper loudly. "En-Endymion!" I can't help but smile. Who could if they were gazing into youreyes? "What are you doing here? I-I already told you, we can't see each other anymore."These words hurt me significantly but I am a very determined man. "I came to have a word with your mother. I can't stand this anymore, Serenity..." As I speak, you shake your head. With your slender hands, you rub your temples. Rising to your feet, you turn and walk a few steps and then stop with your back towards me. Silky, golden tresses fall past your knees and around the white long-sleeved nightgownyour wear. "It isn't that simple, Endymion. She believes stongly in the traditions and laws of the Moon, and would do nothing to break them. She wants me to follow the traditions, too, so that I can be a competent ruler when it is my time." I rise from my knees as well. "And what do you want?" I ask abruptly, somewhat coldly. This takes you by surprise and you turn your head a bit. "Me?" "Yes, you. What is it that you believe? What is it that youtruly desire?" Silence."Serenity?" I ask. You whirl around and look at me, tears threatening to spill over. "I don't know. You're asking me to make an impossible decision! I care about you, Endymion, so much that it scares me. But, I can't choose between you or my mother, my friends, my home! I justcan't do it!" Your face is filled with desperation and confusion. And suddenly I don't want to see it anymore. I clench my fists, bite my lip, trun my head away. Anger, sadness, resentment, hoplessness boil up inside of me. I wonder why you can't see my pain, how you don't know the hurt this is causing me. I love you too but I don't want to grieve like this anymore. Would I have been better of never seeing you? I shake my head and stride past you and out of the door to the tower."Wait, Endymion, please!" you call. I don't stop or look back. You continue calling my name, your cries become louder as you run to catch me. I hear your panting breath. But my striding doesn't slow. Then I feel your hand on my arm jerking me back and halting me. Swinging your body around, you look at me wildly, pleadingly. Your chest heaves, your hair flies around your lovely face, and your arms press on my armor, keeping me from deserting you. Suddenly, you press your face up to mine, our lips meeting tenderly and gently. Do I want this? The answer is oh, so badly. I run my fingers through your hair and close my eyes, either savoring my victory or mourning my defeat, which one I do not know. The sweetness of your lips frightens me. If this is truly a goodbye kiss, will I be able to survive without their heavenlyflavor? You pull away and search my eyes. The moment of truth. Was this a farewell or an acceptance? Will I return home never to see this elusive place again?"Please don't speak with my mother, Endymion. She wouldn't understand. I'm not quite sure I do either, but maybe someday I'll know what I want. Until then, let's just keep this ourlittle secret." I don't jump for joy like I thought I would. In fact, I don't even smile. I nod gravely and hold you tightly to me. I have not lost. Nor, have I won. Only time will be able to tell me when, and if, I do champion. Until then, I'm just content standing here with you pressed up against me, your soft breathing only audible to myslef. Right now, we have all of the time in the universe. ************ I hear loud voices in my garden when I return home. Recognizing them as my closest friends and most trusted Generals, I open myears. "If she's right, we could be in grave danger!" Kunzite exclaims. "We don't know if she's right!" Jadeite retorts, "After all, this could just be a method of revenge-" "Revenge! What would she have to be vengeful over? The evidence is compelling. Besides, if this energy she speaks of is so powerful, just think of the opprtunities we could obtain! Finally, we could govern our own territories...maybe even rule them!" argues Zoicite. I feel confused. What are they talking about? A sinking feeling enters my stomach. Please, please don't let it be what I'mthinking of. Nephrite shakes his head. "It still doesn't make sense to me. Why would the Moon want to invade the Earth?" My head spins when he begins to speak of the Moon. Why are they talking of such things? They know the Moon would never do that! I know the Moon would never do that... ...After tonight's events, you gave me a tour of your home. We saw the palace, the Sea of Serenity, named for your great mother, the flower sanctuaries, and last...the Communications Room. Stunned would be an understatement for how I felt once I entered this room. On strange walls, there were images of my planet, I could even see my palace! How were these things being shown tome? And why? You explained that from this room the Moon kept its silent vigil over Earth. Pointing to a larger image, you told me that was how you first fell in love with me, that you would come every night just to watch me. I asked how they weren't able to see you or I on the screen when you came to Earth and you smiled slyly and remarked that you had made a few "adjustments." I gulp and stand there gazing at the image seriously. What does this mean?... So, imagine my surprise when I hear my friends discussing my own subconcious fears. They sound paranoid and childish and make me feel foolish for possibly considering them. *"What are you arguing about?" I ask, walking into the garden and ceasing further discussion. Frozen stillness. My friends look nervously at each other and at me. All seem to nod at Kunzite, intending for him to be the diplomat. "Prince," Kunzite says, standing with the three other generals. "We are being tightly controlled without our knowing. We fear the Moon may be planning something dangerous to our existense. They are watching us very closely." I am so shocked to hear my friends speaking in this manner. How could they have possibly known...? I furrow my eyebrows and fury brews in myeyes. "When did this start?" I ask angrily. Nephrite takes the liberty of talking. "Well, Beryl told us that-" "That evil creature? And you believe anything that she says! She's not to be trusted!" Somehow, I knew my contentment wouldn't last. Especially, when Beryl's involved. Rage and fury fills my face. I'm so upset I think steam is pouring from my ears. "Well, in a way, Master, it seems to make sense," remarks Zoicite. Jadeite nods in agreement. "I've been wary of your whole fling with this Princess from the beginning. She could be a spy or-" "Enough!" I shout. "I've listened to enough of this trash!" "It isn't trash, Endymion," Kunzite objects. "Beryl has proof and everything! She has a sure-fire way to keep these Moon Beings from invading our planet."I turn my back in disgust. "It's an energy field that needs a body, named Metalia. She told Beryl that in exchange for some trifle crystal, she would rid us of the Moon and give us infinite power. An offer we can't refuse." I shake my head. "Anything that comes out of that snake, Beryl's, mouth is a lie! It isn't an ordinary gem, it hold thousands of times more power than this Metalia would ever have. Beryl isn't telling yousomething!" Zoicite raises an eyebrow. "And how do you know of this crystal?" My heart pounds in my chest. I long to take back those last few words. I don't speak. "It's that Moon Princess, isn't it! Tell us, Endymion what do you know of it?" responds Jadeite slyly. "I know nothing!" I yell, so furious I can hardly see straight. "Do you want to betray your planet?" Kunzite laughs, steps up into my face and threatens me in a low voice: "Is it really us that is betraying you, or rather you, us, hmmm? Who will your people believe? You, who doesn't want to defend his planet for the sake of a silly girl? Or us, ready to fight to the end against any threat imposed on the Earth? Who will they believe, Endymion?" His menacing tone makes me shiver. Somehow, I know the answer. And it terrifies me, for I know it is the wrong one. My people will bedecieved. "If you side with Beryl and Metalia, we can no longer be friends," I saysoftly. "If you do not side with Beryl and Metalia," Kunzite replies, "We will have to destroy you, along with the Moon." My breath stops. So this is mutiny? Survival of the fittest? I wonder why my friends have turned traitors on me? Why can't they see the truth? I look up into the sky behind their heads and spy my answer. And it frightens the living hell out of me. A luminous, black cloud hovers low in the sky with an evil smirk on its face. Metalia. It is then that I know there is no turning back for them. They have crossed the invisible boundary from weakness to wickedness and from there any return is almost impossible. I realize it is myself against them now, and I have never felt so alone or scared. Have I just lost my kingdom, my friends, my respect, and my security? I gaze as my friends walk away from me, frightened for myself but perhaps more terrified for the Moon. There is something my companions have not been told. An interplanetary inavsion over harmless observation doesn't seem logical. What does the Moon hold that Metalia and Beryl want so badly? And then it hits me... ..."What is in this room?" I ask as we walk by an elaborately decorateddoor. Immidiately, you look uncomforatble. "Nobody is supposed to see the contents of this room. My mother, the Sailor Senshi, and myself are the only people who have ever been inside." I nod with understanding but you still seem to feel guilty. Suddenly, you grasp the door's handle, turn it, and swing the door open. A bright light shines in my eyes. Taking me by the hand, you lead me into the room. I am a bit confused when I notice that its solitary entity is a shining crystal suspended in mid-air over a pillar in the center of theroom. "What is it?" I ask. "The Mystical Silver Crystal," you reply. "An family heirloom." I stare with amamzement at this sparkling crystal with infinite colors glowing by itself. "Does it always shine this brightly?" You nod slightly, the glow pulsing in your wide, blue eyes. "As long as my mother is healthy and in good spirits.""Huh?" I ask. Without taking your eyes off of the crystal, you begin: "My mother is the Queen of the Moon, not only the High Kingdom of the Silver Millenium, but of the Universe, as well. It is hard to explain but this crystal is the physical embodiment of the Life Force of the Universe channelled through my mother. When all of this energy is used, then my mother will die. When that occurs, the crystal's power will then be transferred through me and I will be its keeper and ruler of the Universe. The Mystical Silver Crystal is the key to the Universe's existense; it's power is nearly infinite and its keeper is the most powerful being in the universe."... Fear surges through me. I now know the severity of this situation. Metalia desires one thing, the Mystical Silver Crystal! And she's using Beryl, Kunzite, and the others as her avatars. Everyone is being manipulated and they do not even realize it. Rage and fright make my insides boil. You must be made aware of this! So must your mother, the Queen! If the crystal got in Metalia's hands...I shudder just thinkingabout it. Whether knowingly or not, I have just thrown myself into the midst of a deadly war. One that shall send shock waves coarsing through space and time. I'm not sure if I want this, but it is too late for that. Silently, I make a pact with myself. I will do whatever it takes to protect that crystal, the Moon, and you. Betray my friends, leave my home, fight against them to the bitter, bloody end. Even if it means myown. To be continued... ************************************************************************ Author's notes*This is an adaptation of the converstaion endymion has with the Generals from Alex Glover's translation of Act 9 of the manga.