Author's Notes

O-Project-Of-Many-Names, in some reality my first fanfic... the earliest drafts I can find date June 7, 1998; two months before even the atrocity which was (and I do mean was) "RBD". This, version 1-2 (a version would be, whenever I create a new WP file and start over with the prose. ;) ) Of course, nothing-- nothing remains of that draft. Nothing.

My 3rd overhaul brought a new breakthrough or two; a few details remain from that "mindset," but not much. So that muddled around, in versions 3, 4, 5... and then came "Moment in Time" and I forgot the whole damn thing. For a long, long time.

Then, in the post-"Morning After"-confusion era, I thought to try again, despite my resolve to give up longfics. That was version 6. Then 7. And 8. And I realized I was forcing it; so in a tremendously painful decision (I hate throwing anything away) I scrapped every bloody inch of that prose. My general idea was the same, I just... realized I wanted to tell it differently than I'd been trying.

So this, gentle reader, is version 9(.5). It's my "Silver Millennium Theory", such as it is. Intended to make "Morning After" make more sense, but... it... really... doesn't. **sweatdrop** As anything I write, it's anime based. So none of this Kings-Senshi-picture thing, ne. Am I talking too long? It's not as Zoisite-driven as the previous two longfics, but then the Silver Millennium is a big place.

And for everyone who read anything else of mine and yelled, "WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU COMING FROM?!" this is it. Nya. :)

Longfics make me want to thank people. So, thanks. Thanks to anyone who's ever read anything of mine, especially if that person emailed me (hint, hint). Thanks to all my dear friends, online and otherwise, and the vast multitude of fanfiction writers for a vast number of series (well, three series...) out there who are so much better than I, for providing me with hours of reading, and for not lynching me. And ESPECIALLY especially to anyone who falls into all of these categories.

Now that I've gone on for a whole freaking page. I'd call this a PG-13. Thank you, that's all.

Prologue

Once, there were two.

Perhaps more than two...

but these--

Two sisters

(two opposites)

Two beings--

It can only be said, they contradicted one another

(for if Good and Evil exists, it is not for us to define)

...

...

...but there were two--

two beings, of great power

(if little pity)

each who dreamed to be a god..

Chapter 1 (that is, the Innocent)

(standing alone at the window) she knew nothing of the galaxy's politics,

...nothing of her mother's plans...

...nothing of the kingdom's wars.

All Selene knew; (it is very dark tonight)

(she couldn't see the stars)

--Tomorrow, the sun would rise (again) and she could go out into the gardens.

(she liked the flowers)

(if Selene smiled) it was an sweet smile, and pretty-- innocent, delicate lips untouched by man or worry.

She loved. It was the best way to describe Selene. Not soul-tearing, tearjerking, melodrama; not romance. But freely she gave her heart, her care, to all.

(perhaps, that is why she wasn't told).

--Perhaps also, why the Queen had not insisted upon her being engaged.

(now) she was the hapless, the innocent--

(now) she could do nothing, explain nothing.

(perhaps Selene was not incapable)

(now) it did not matter.

Chapter 2 (that is, a King)

His short hair rippled gently in the wind, as he leaned further out of the window.

(staring)

The moon was full tonight.

The window-ledge was rough beneath his arms, the night unusually... vibrant.

(I shouldn't be awake)

--He glanced back to the sleeping figure on the bed, almost lost in a tangle of fiery hair. Sleeping (of course); murmuring quietly into the pillow.

(she won't miss me, just now)

--Somehow, (I know I should go back to bed) he couldn't tear himself away from the window. Very still. Very crisp. Very alive, and yet not so (as if dreaming) the gardens, the sky lay before him.

(and she, behind him, white as the rumpled sheets)

He leaned further.

Closing his eyes, he let the gentle night breeze caress his face, his neck, his shoulders, sending a slight shiver down his body. A (gentle) springlike coolness, that breeze.

(where she is fire)

He sighed.

(times like this) he realized his vitality, his mortality-- and he wondered--

--(don't want to wake her).

Something... he wanted, needed, perhaps only (dreamed) something. It was illusive, (missing), somewhere--

--Forcibly he jerked back into the room, wrenching the curtain over to cover the window, and reeling back towards the bed.

(she stirred)

"Endy..."

"Shhh..." he murmured, laying a (be gentle now) finger to her lips, stroking a lock of hair back from her face.

(he couldn't hear the garden anymore)

With a soft rustle, he slid back in between the sheets, putting an arm around the woman, as she drifted (smiling) back into her dream.

And slept.

Chapter 3 (that is, the First of them)

The kingdom of the Moon was vast, and beautiful.

(but as she looked over it tonight, it was not--)

Not enough.

Not now, it wasn't. For years, for decades, for those centuries of her life...

(so long a queen, every moment it has...

...been there)

(Earth.)

Earth.

Stubbornly self-governed, proud, obstinate--

(would not agree to her most courteous offers--)

--The Moon was beautiful. The planets, all of them, were beautiful.

And they... their happiness... made... her... content....

...

(useless, lying to yourself, of course)

Serenity... sighed.

(No, not enough.)

...It was something (she told herself) she didn't like doing; but it had to be done.

(didn't it?)

Yes.

--United, they could stand. A mere child could not hold firm a kingdom. Serenity...

Serenity could, an empire.

(a Millennium)

If they knew her intent-- if they were prepared-- if the Quartet had been summoned--

It would not... be... enough.

(They haven't a chance

--It's almost sad.)

Because, of course....

(Oh, this time--)

--Serenity smiled.

(oh yes, my kingdom is beautiful)

This time, she...

...wasn't alone.

Serenity (the Queen) had found... a toy.

And if the way could not be found through warfare (it whispers) there are other ways for men to fall... than by a sword.

She smiled.

(how it glitters.)

Chapter 4 (that is, Loyalty)

(She shouldn't be doing this.)

It wasn't his job to say; and aloud, he never would've.

(She is my queen)

But--

(she shouldn't be).

His expression betrayed nothing (of doubt). But he knew.

(too young, too selfish, too inexperienced)

--It didn't look well, for them.

(But still, he said nothing)

(Incompetent though she might have been) it was his duty to serve her, and so he did.

(I would have to die for her cause--

though it would not be pleasing.)

He did not smile.

--These new ones.

(his eyes betrayed nothing) as they flitted from one to the next, taking in each detail-- learning them.

(Perhaps they will be of use.)

--Potential. (Young, flawed, but not hopeless)

(We are not hopeless.)

That was... comforting.

(Eyes--)

His gaze snapped up, to attention.

(Someone.)

He felt, he knew--

--The other, whose (eyes) darted away as soon as he realized how Kunzite knew.

(Vaguely...

--interesting.)

He did not move his eyes; but stared deeper into this... (the second of them)

--The smallest of them.

(Hardly looking a soldier)

...He had learned, (so many years) that appearance was nothing.

(Intriguing.)

...and somewhat-- unnerving.

(it was quite a monument, though the youth did not realize)

--when the Lord Kunzite quickly averted his eyes.

Chapter 5 (that is, the Queen)

(she dreamed) though she sat on a cold throne, in a seat of power (she did not want).

(Warm)

If only it were warm, if only it were green, fragrant (sweet) gardens through the window, and she with her (Endymion).

(but instead, she sat)

The kingdom, the Earth had been left to her (and she had to agree)-- there was no-one else.

(anyone else--!)

(What ambassador?) bowed before her. She set her face the right way. She said the right things, in the right voice.

(I am going to scream.)

--Childish, that thought. (did it matter?) Nothing would make a difference, anyway. Nothing.

(And I don't know what to do)

(Endymion...)

How she wanted to call to him (somehow). How she wanted to be with him, away from here.

(they'd only had a day, or two, before this

...so unfair.)

(Why do I have to be a Queen?)

Guardians, soldiers, ambassadors, wars, politics-- she simply... didn't... care.

(I hate this.)

She knew (as her father had said) it was her duty to protect this planet.

(I am a queen)

--But she... had no sense of that.

(...Endymion...)

...Endymion...

The sun was at its peak. (she dismissed the ambassadors) Hours still, but night was nearing each moment. (Kunzite saying things...) Night, darkness, the fragrant garden (go away, leave me alone, I don't want to...) and her beloved.

Until then (this seat of power, too large and too cold) she would... be a queen.

Interlude

Her (merest) crimson finger brushed over their dreams;

Reaching-- wondering-- testing...

(there is time yet, for me)

The sister thought she had won...

(but no)

The second smiled.

(she cannot win

...my sister.)

--Carefully, carefully had she chosen. The first would touch the heart of one, to set a plan in motion--

She would play off the reactions of the others.

...Of this one.

(Simple, really)

Let her sister weave, she had only to turn it her own way.

(...you see?)

She had chosen.

(but it is not quite time.)

...there was time.

The second would... wait.

(the first moved.)

Chapter 6 (that is, the Destined)

She did find him (or perhaps he found her) in the palace gardens. The strangest of chances, the bitterest of miracles--

(he was frozen, staring into her eyes.)

(you were only wed, a week now)

--blue. They were blue eyes.

(she smiled)

"Good afternoon." and a curtsy befitting a... princess.

He (thought) he replied; a greeting. Not sure.

She moved slightly, and her dress of (purest white) rustled; the faintest, sweetest whisper.

(oh, she knew)

(Innocent, sweet, pure, crystalline little princess--

knowing... nothing...

but Selene knew.)

"K... kami-sama." half a plea, half a curse, the word caught in his throat--

Of course, he...

(would not know)

Would not, would not...

It was no use. Endymion felt, as much as she did, and the realization...

--He moved forward, to touch her hand. She (blushed lightly) smiled, laid her other hand atop it, leaned closer--

(her lips) so soft, gentle, sweet. This most innocent of innocents (as the Prince drew her deeper into the kiss)

(helpless, each... helpless)

He led her where he knew, deep behind the green curtain, within the (brightest) shadows of the garden.

"We won't be found." murmured Endymion.

There was the slightest rustle of silk, as the whiteness of her dress fell away.

(and something in Endymion screamed)

Chapter 7 (that is, the Breaking)

Ambassador

Ambassador from Moon Kingdom

Official business

Mother sent her

Sent her to Beryl

to Beryl

Beryl

Beryl

Beryl

--Oh, gods.

(--screamed) Was he running? He couldn't feel the roses' thorns, couldn't at all, but somehow he could see her behind him, clear as day, golden hair falling all about her shoulders, those (blue) eyes, and her softest skin--

Screamed, rabid, horrified, seeing before as it should be, knowing he'd (somehow) always known.

(some nobility made me run away)

--Some... hurt... would not let him return to where he...

(Where should I be?)

It was (almost) a dream, almost an impossibility, for him to be standing in a garden near midnight with a perfectly naked and perfectly unfamiliar

(I know her soul)

innocent Princess Sent By Her Mother As An Ambassador From The Moon Kingdom I Can't Even Remember Her Name.

(It-- can't-- be)

But (the idea) of returning to his bedchamber in the coldness of the castle, to the (stranger) the woman who was his Queen, his wife, his

(...not... my love.)

--was (somehow) ludicrous.

Endymion scrabbled against the castle wall, shoved his way inside. He did not know where he was-- he did not know the hallway, even the wing. (So) he did not know what door it was that he forced open; didn't know the one who screamed.

(But right now it didn't matter.)

Endymion couldn't return to Beryl.

Endymion couldn't return to the garden.

--Endymion easily overpowered the stranger (no moreso than either of them), half-realizing he'd left his jacket, and it didn't...

...matter....

Because (right now--)

Endymion knew... not even what he wanted.

(or if he wanted this.)

It didn't matter! Not either way. He had this, now, and he didn't have to think about what he Knew, what had to, what would be.

(I don't want to have to care anymore, not now--)

The (stranger)'s crying was muffled in a brutal kiss.

(--he didn't want to care.)

Chapter 8 (that is, a Promise)

...pain.

(It was simply the best way to describe, how he felt)

not purely physical. he couldn't remember just what, just why...

(yes, he could.)

He whimpered softly, unknowingly, and tried to curl tighter, retreat into himself--

(pain) wracked through his body; (and he wept)

(I... want to die.)

(A foolish, an-- untrue-- thought, but he indulged himself, for now)

I want to die.

I want to--

--Something cool and damp brushed over his forehead, and he blinked.

"You are awake, then?"

Fear lanced through him (he didn't--!); and he realized, it was not that voice.

"...Who...?"

He sat up. And blinked. A cold room, and dimly lit, not his own. A strange bed, a cold-and-uncomfortable-looking chair, and--

(Kami-sama.)

--He felt himself blush.

"You'll be alright." said the other, with an expression... (unreadable).

"...want to die." mumbled Zoisite, half in reply, as he drew his knees up to his chest, and buried his face in his arms. Don't see me, don't look at me....

...don't...

He was crying now (...unsuitable... what must he think--) not sure whether he was angry (at whom?) or only... (hurt).

...pain...

(His superior officer) said nothing, did nothing, only... watched.

(...he didn't know what to do...)

When the smaller man had quieted, the Lord Kunzite spoke.

"The King is a man of... questionable loyalties."

...And the little one raised his head. "Questionable...

...questionable... loyalties."

(angry, I am sure--)

"Is that how you justify--"

...Something... in the Lord-General's eyes stopped him.

"...I justify nothing."

(--realized what he was doing)

Zoisite let his head fall back onto his arms. "I... g-gomen... I didn't mean to... I--"

--His heart stopped. A hand (not a cold hand at all) rested almost gingerly on his shoulder. And Kunzite spoke.

"I am sorry."

He paused for the longest of moments, as if deciding-- (and Zoisite felt himself blush)

(there was a cold determination in that voice, now)

"This will not happen again."

Chapter 9 (that is, Realization.)

("Your Majesty."

"--Kunzite, what do you want?"

(her amber eyes glinted darkly at him, today. She must know, of course.)

"Your Majesty, as the head advisor of the Court, I m--"

"Stop it!"

--Her screech cut him off sharply. She clenched her fists on the arms of the throne, glaring.

(and she... forcibly... controlled--)

Somewhat.

"Get to the point, Kunzite."

"Yes, your Majesty. ...I have noticed, your king Endymion--"

--He saw the fear in her eyes. (she knows, of course she knows, little fool...)

(She was afraid of what they both knew.

It couldn't, it had to be said aloud)

"--dymion has been... acting quite strangely, since the envoy from the Moon Ki--"

She screamed. Incoherent, vulgar and immature, she stood by her oversized throne and yelled at him, the sounds resonating throughout her great hall.

(Kunzite... stood)

"Your Majesty, the other night, one of the junior officers--"

"I-- don't-- CARE!"

...

...For a long, long moment they stood, staring at one another.

The young Queen's gaze burned with fury (pain)

Kunzite's eyes... were cold.

"I see." he said,

and left.)

Chapter 10 (that is, a Comfort)

This will not happen again.

The world... froze.

(You watched him before)

...I did...

(and now, he's...)

--The bed, the room... (he found me, he brought me here)

(His bed, his room)

(blushing)

"Why did you..." he began quietly, too quietly for Kunzite to hear. And thought better of it.

...will not happen again.

(It's a... nice... feeling)

...He hardly knew any of the others. Jadeite seemed vaguely friendly. Nephrite, he found (instinctively) not... likable. This third, this original--

(rumors, there'd always been rumors, but never... never...)

Could he...?

(why did you--?)

-- Zoisite blushed. Again. (But did not ask.)

"A... arigato."

Kunzite turned away. And for a long moment, the young officer was afraid he had made a mistake.

(the Ice King spoke)

..."Do you think it is safe, back in your rooms?"

Fear took him.

(I-- don't want to--)

(--Lie.)

"I'll be fine." he stood painfully; (somehow) clinging to such faint words of reassurance (of hope) as he had.

(He said...

it'll... be... alright...)

--Kunzite caught him, as he fell.

Interlude

It is set in motion.

(each smiled, not knowing the other)

...There are two roads from here.

(No, yet, a little farther on)

The first withdrew her hand to wait

(The second would stay in waiting for now)

...But the time was drawing closer, now.

(and the sisters... would smile)

Chapter 11 (that is, he who Loves)

Each day he saw her, enthroned, and would watch with starry eyes.

To other men, she was a queen--

He somehow saw her humanity.

It was romanticism perhaps, that made him dream of taking her away, somewhere...

--but he very much wished it.

(Very much)

--And now, how he saw (if only he could see) her crying

(how he hurts you...)

...it would almost break his heart...

(you see, I would make you happy

would be every faithful

would keep every vow

would do anything for you, to only...)

...She was looking at him.

She couldn't even begin to hide, this time (not from me...). Her (beautiful) golden eyes glittered with girlish tears, and she looked...

vulnerable...

young.

(he could almost hear his own heart pounding)

--As he stretched out a hand to her (ungloved)

And as if in a dream, whispered,

"Come with me."

--And as if in a dream, she... smiled.

(nodded)

And followed him.

(--Because I need you tonight)

Chapter 12 (that is, the Waiting)

"It's hopeless, isn't it..."

He sat by the small table, on a chair (where his feet could not quite reach the floor), spinning the long-empty teacup in circles in its saucer.

--Was darkening, now--

(he'd delay as long as was possible)

He didn't think he could go home, again.

"Not hopeless."

Standing near the window, facing out and away from the room, his (beautiful) hair fluttering gently on the slight evening breeze.

"Isn't it?"

A pause. And-- "Not... quite."

"I... could hope then... maybe." and he blushed.

(--baka!)

He set the cup down, and stood. And walked to the window. Zoisite leaned outward as far as he dared, squinting against the coming night, his eyes fixed on the horizon.

(But every scrap of his attention focused entirely on the --wonderful -- man standing at his side)

(He's so close...)

(he felt his heart pounding)

(--watching.)

--Leaning a little farther still, (I'm not afraid), his eyes focused briefly-- so he could see the darkness, the clouds, and smell the slight dampening freshness of the outside air.

"It's going to rain..."

Chapter 13 (that is, an Afterward)

She cried.

(despite what she knew--)

what have I done?

(despite what she had seen--)

what have I done?

(despite all she could see in Endymion's manner--)

what... have... I... done?

(despite all she heard in every one of his words--)

I can't believe....

He had gone, now, slipping out the door and through the darkest hallways, back to his chambers.

(where Endymion was, she could not say)

She was cold.

I shouldn't have.

(He came to you...)

Shouldn't have agreed.

(He cared for you.)

Shouldn't... oh, gods....

(What could a girl such as you know?)

The doorknob turned, and she raised her head (half hope, half fear)--

(there is no time to conceal, anything...)

He... opened the door.

--A sob caught in her throat as she reached to him.

"Endymion--"

(in that moment, he saw)

Then slammed the door, and was gone.

(and she cried, again)

Chapter 14 (that is, Independence)

(The stars are silent, tonight)

Or perhaps it was only his own mind, too clouded by wine and worry to hear...

--He shook his head; whether at the stars' obstinate nature, or merely to clear it, he was not sure...

Speak!

--The others at the court, would do what they would do...

He didn't see how he could help them, as they were.

(glitter)

The worthless queen

Her unfaithful king

Her young idealistic lover

The shamed young officer

And

a man of ice.

(And me.)

--He turned from the stars, took a long drink, from his glass.

Stepped inside.

Then he sighed; ran a hand through his thick hair.

Oh, how they needed help...

(And how) they were beyond it.

...Ah well... he began to smile, and laugh, and not care, as the sweet wine made its way through his blood. What happens to them, won't be the end of my world... I can come out alright.

(If only...

you knew)

(the second... smiled)

Chapter 15 (that is, the Release)

Whore!

His mind burned with fury, with hatred. How dare she, how dare she have that... sniveling boy... in his own bedchamber! It was a disgrace. An unforgivable, damnable disgrace.

(You're only looking for an excuse.)

He didn't listen. He wouldn't listen.

(because now, nothing's stopping me.)

Endymion had left the palace, and Endymion had left the Earth. Despite his anger with her, his lips were inclined to smile.

(Nothing stopping me now!)

...It was a release, a blessed, blessed release. (a more roundabout way of saying--) He had... had almost waited for it. And now, now, NOW, he was going... to the Moon.

She... she would be expecting him.

(Let the whore cry.)

He wouldn't run away this time.

(She started this.)

They could find another garden, and...

Endymion closed his eyes, to recall the (crystal) portrait of that lily-white figure, her golden hair, and the silken dress...

fallen to the ground.

Endymion smiled.

--Nothing... at all... to stop me now.

He was glad, glad of everything. He wasn't even angry anymore, he couldn't be. Let her cry, let her cry... he was going to the Moon. She had given him his (long-awaited) ticket and he was going to the Moon.

Endymion... smiled.

(and the first, one of triumph)

(and the second prepared to step)

Chapter 16 (that is, Hopeless)

(watch him, watch him, don't let him fall...)

He looked (down) at the smaller one, with an unaccustomed...

...warmth.

"...Yes, it will rain."

(How long has it been?)

It hadn't been long enough.

(he tries to hide that he is afraid to go back.

...But I know, every time.

Didn't I promise you wouldn't be hurt again?)

...Not... not that he wished the little one to leave.

(Safer this way, for me, as well)

So gladly, without word, the king of Ice had surrendered his bed to the young officer. He slept, sometimes-- or would only come, stand in his chamber and watch the (beautiful one) sleeping.

(Nothing will ever hurt you.)

--And they talked (if awkwardly) in a sense, on a level... in a way... (somehow) strange.

Or silent.

(It's a different type of loyalty.)

(...he's nervous.)

Kunzite stepped away from the window.

"Serenity won't wait long..."

The other turned to face him. "What do you think she'll do?"

...He paused. "She'll attack us. She's always wanted the Earth." sighing, he smoothed his silvery hair. "And Beryl... cannot resist her, for long."

--(Fear) flickered in those emerald eyes. The young one walked quickly, the three (sharp) steps to Kunzite's side.

And that thin, white hand on his arm, trembling. "Then... what can we do?"

He looked down into the (beautiful) face; then out through the (almost) faraway window.

"What we must."

Chapter 17 (that is, the Betrayal)

She was tall as mountains, beautiful, and terrible all in one (with those same, same blue eyes).

"I've been expecting you."

He-- blinked, slightly.

"Your Majesty, I..."

..."Mama?"

(They froze)

And Serenity smiled.

"I know." said the Queen, smiling (is it almost.... cruel?) down at them.

(she laid her chin upon a white hand, as they watched her)

"I know why you're here, Endymion," she murmured, then--

"Go ahead. It's quite alright, here. Now."

He winced slightly, but turned to the princess, took her in his arms, and kissed her.

(almost mechanically.)

--Serenity smiled. She knew (of course).

"Perhaps not under Mother's watchful eye, then..." she chuckled lightly, a beautiful sound like the purest crystal bell.

Her eyes focused (into) Endymion.

"You love her, don't you?"

(it was not a question)

"Yes, I love her."

Serenity smiled, again. "You love her more than anything."

(he was not sure of her smile) but he nodded.

--She was not smiling anymore. Her expression was serious; regal.

"Then for the Galaxy's sake you will help me, Endymion my son..."

(but the first smiled)

Chapter 18 (that is, the Second one)

(and the second moved)

Reaching out, gently, gently, she touched the sleeping (Queen)

More insistently, this time--

Not in dreams, child... I want you to wake.

And the (girl) opened her eyes.

(fearful)

He's gone to the Moon Princess, child. whispered the kindest, the cruelest of voices in her ear, Gone to her and left you forever.

--wrapping her arms around herself, she sobbed brokenheartedly.

"Endymion--!"

Shhh, my child. motherly, caring, gentle. Seductive. (could almost feel those crimson fingers of power caressing her) Selenity is a powerful temptress. It will take much to break her spell over your Prince.

"I have no power." the wretched child sobbed, digging her fingernails into the palms of her (white) hands.

(Blood, crimson, staining the white sheets...)

The entity smiled (as it could) and wrapped another gentle tendril of power over the girl's shivering form.

I could... help you... my child.

Beryl did not speak. Could not speak. She was frozen, terrified, overcome by desire, the energy flowing through her--

she was a Queen

she was a Goddess

she was All.

"En... dymion..." she moaned, and the fight was won.

(It will take your soul.)

And the Queen hissed softly between her teeth (eager).

"Anything..."

--The power overwhelmed her. Violet and crimson and golden and searing and bright, the tendrils swirled around her, moved inside her until the energy encompassed her very being and she stood in a fiery and beautiful galaxy all her own--

And Queen Beryl laughed, in pure delight.

Interlude

(and so the stage is set, my sister)

The silver glittering, and... yes...

two paths from here... yours, mine.

--In truth, there are many more than two.

Many paths.

But through every shade of gray, the ends are black or white.

...(Perhaps not)

(and the gamesters prepared)

Chapter 19 (that is, a Pawn)

She blinked.

(softness and white), the golden of the sunlight drifting gently through her window. Just rising now.

(sweet and gentle) he still slept beside her, his short dark hair ruffled, his brow furrowed slightly. She ran her fingertips over his chest, smiling a little to herself.

Beloved.

She pushed a strand of her own hair out of her face, and raised herself on her elbow, to look out the window.

(The Moon's Gardens there, because she loved them...)

...Earth... he came from Earth.

Selene rose quietly, crept to the window. She saw it there, the planet not so far away. Her mother-- her mother wanted something from him. Something from Earth.

(She didn't know what)

The Princess... frowned slightly. What design could be laid over that lush planet, spinning just past her fingertips and... all the galaxy was theirs now. Why the Earth?....

Her stream of consciousness was broken, when she heard him stirring. Quietly, quietly she turned from the window, and crept beneath the sheets.

(White.)

Selene snuggled close to him. She could almost smell the freshness and life of Earth, in his skin. Perhaps that was why her mother was so adamant.

("That planet is our future.")

She allowed her azure eyes to flutter closed, against the coming dawn. She didn't need to know; not now. Not now....

Now, there was only the garden, only the (white) of the sheets, only her beloved sleeping here beside her.

(softly) the two lovers, dreaming in silence....

Chapter 20 (that is, the Protector)

Lord Kunzite couldn't sleep.

He paced silently from one end of his bedroom to the other, back and forth, over and over. Not nervous by nature; but one who liked to understand his situation.

Something about this situation... simply... would not click.

Something wrong.

Many things wrong. His liege a whining and emotional wreck, the king fled off to betray them. Not an enviable position at all.

(...except...)

He sighed lightly, turned from his pacing. His pale lavendar eyes (tinged with sadness) rested on the creature asleep in his bed.

So beautiful.

Almost as if in a (dream), the Lord Kunzite leaned over the bed, smiling (gentle) at the little figure, lost within a tangle of white sheets and fiery copper hair.

"So beautiful." he murmured almost sadly, stroking a lock of that soft hair out of Zoisite's face.

(and leaned) despite himself, (gently) closer, drawing nearer, nearer, until his own hair fell like silver moonlight over the delicate face.

And Kunzite kissed him.

--He rose abruptly, drawing back; still silent, for fear of awakening the young officer.

(I...)

He realized, what he had always known. Or always dreamed.

(Zoisite... did not move.)

--He sighed quietly, in relief.

And silently, the Ice King slipped out the door, and was away down the corridor, with his thoughts.

(...a different type of loyalty...)

Zoisite was not asleep.

Chapter 21 (that is, the Child)

She felt different, today.

Today-- this morning-- she felt a Queen.

(Power!)

--Surging through her veins, the most potent of drugs. She was beautiful, she was invincible, she was irresistible.

And she smiled.

--This quartet standing before her. She looked them over, each one, her golden eyes glittering with anticipation. Oh, yes, they would do quite nicely.

(perfect...)

"I will not be waiting for Serenity to attack."

She spoke loudly, startling them. And she laughed.

"We will strike, and crush her where she stands."

(Her lover) looked shocked, almost saddened.

The second one radiated contempt.

The third, this smallest, registered worry; fear.

The fourth (would address her).

"Queen Beryl-sama!" he stepped towards her, eyes wide, glinting with (a cold anger?) "As we are we have no chance against Serenity! This is suicide! We cannot--"

"Silence, Kunzite." her voice was very calm. And she raised a hand, and blasted him.

The head officer, her father's general, crumpled to the ground. She heard the little one scream-- and Beryl laughed.

Laughed!

"As we... were, we had no power to defeat Serenity."

Her smile was beautiful.

(Terrible)

Her officers drew back in fear; the little one kneeling beside the unconscious Kunzite gazed up at her with fearful (angry) eyes.

"I am not who you remember me as." she said, her gaze sweeping over them, "I am not a cowering child. I am your Queen. And we will win this war."

Her eyes (piercing) into them.

She heard Kunzite moan, as he began to awaken; and smiled.

"My Generals... are you with me?"

--She watched them.

...His violet eyes glittering softly with confusion; with hurt, the youngest of them was the first to step forward to her. His gaze... was one of love. (and she looked on him with... pity.)

...The second came to her, striding confidently forward; carefully guarded against her. He... that one... had his own agenda. (she... could acknowledge another, who would be ambitious.)

...Kunzite. Standing as tall, as steadily as he could, with the little one's arm hovering nervously about his shoulders, he looked at her for a long moment. --Ice, in those eyes. But deeper... (that sense of duty). She smiled, amused.

--And (hesitating), the last of them, as the third the stepped away-- too frightened to move forward; and terrified to be left alone. A war raged there, the briefest of pauses-- and his eyes found Kunzite.

Beryl missed the look of sadness (apology).

Zoisite stepped forward.

("You didn't have to do that. You have no duty to her."

... "I would sell my soul, to be with you.")

--The quiet words were lost in the roar of the Second, as she poured forth into them.

Fire

--Whispers

Feeling

Dancing

Searing (into the very)

...soul...

(whisper)

(Zoisite thought he heard them scream. He knew he had.)

--And it was done.

Chapter 22 (that is, Desperation)

(only a few hours since)

...There was pain, in seeing her this way.

(She doesn't need me anymore)

He wondered if he should open the door. Wondered if he should knock; or only turn away, and (back to his own rooms)

(Forever)

She didn't need him.

--Didn't need him at all--

All she wanted, all she would have, was...

(The door opened)

She stood naked before him; somehow more confident than before. Dominating. He shivered, but could not back away. Love-- loyalty bound him to her, no matter what she had become.

And he stepped into her arms.

(...was) Endymion. Standing by the huge picture-windows in this strange castle, looking out to the Earth.

Her plan was formulated. Not long, not long, and it would all be over, and he, with Selene, forever.

--So why... did he fear?

--(Nephrite) sitting amongst the (unknowing) crowd, a cup of some liquor before him. He badly, very badly, wanted to be very, very drunk. Very soon. Something wrong, something painful, about what had happened-- what would happen.

He was afraid he was going to die. He knew he was going to die. They were all going to die.

--And took a drink. It burned him, down his throat, searing with the desperation he felt.

(and saw, the little sakura sit down across from him)

Nervous. Shaking. Fearful. Little fool, never been in a place like this before.

Before he could order a drink, Nephrite lurched forward, groping for his wrist.

(fear, anger, hatred in those eyes. They'd never gotten along.)

"Listen." he slurred roughly, "You don't belong here. Don't want to be here. What the hell are you doing here?"

"I--"

"Get out."

(--Nephrite's blue eyes burned into him. He could sense (almost) some sadness, some light of merest affection. And he stared back.)

"Get out of here." there was a desperate lilt in the drunken mumbling, "Get out, go back... to where you want to be. It's the last night we've got, sakura, what the hell are you doing here?"

He fell backward, collapsing half on his chair. Zoisite watched him (with some... apology...) for a long moment.

Then he turned and was gone.

Nephrite drained his glass, and signaled the waiter.

It was the longest, the darkest, the final night.

Chapter 23 (that is, Forever)

(It was softer here.)

Away from the clamor of the tavern, away from the liquor, the song, the tragedy--

--Here; on the balcony, where he'd found what he wanted, and the cool breeze was blowing (somewhere in, the bitterest chill)

There is no time.

"Kunzite-sama." his voice was steady; but only for that instant. As his superior turned to face him, the tears welled in his eyes, and he choked on a desperate sob. "Kunzite..."

The one called Ice King whispered his name, in the saddest of voices; took him into those strong arms. And as he leaned gratefully against Kunzite's chest, he knew they both were trembling.

"I'm sorry." he felt the low murmur breathe into his hair.

And he pulled away from that protective embrace.

"I need to know." he whispered, looking up into those (soft) eyes, "I..."

--Coherency left him, and he could only pull close to Kunzite, to kiss him.

(in return)

"...I know." the taller said finally, his voice rough. "I know." he reached to brush a tear from Zoisite's cheek;

"I'm sorry. I didn't want it to be this way."

"--But we have no time." the young officer murmured.

A moment of silence; and Kunzite made a... sound (somehow akin to a sob).

"Never leave me." it was a desperate, almost frightened whisper.

(and the little one nodded, pulling close.)

--There was another moment (softness); they held one another.

(Knowing)

...Before Kunzite tipped his chin upward, and looked into him.

(those eyes were never cold.)

--His gaze burned with passion. And Zoisite shivered.

"Zoisite."

It was every question, every request. Fear, honor, gentleness--

"It's alright."

He let Kunzite unbutton his jacket; lay a gentle kiss on his cheek, his throat, his chest. And burying his hands in the silvery hair (-- I don't ever want to lose you...) he felt a last, hot tear drip down his face.

"I love you." Zoisite whispered; and Kunzite kissed it away.

Chapter 24 (that is, Insanity)

He awoke to a gray dawn.

And rising, to look out the window of the bedroom, he saw the gates of hell open, and the blackness was upon them.

(and he heard Selene scream)

(--!!)

--and they (flew) on the wings of the blackest wind, over the Moon, and all fell before them. Rage, insanity seared through the veins of that army--

(and Beryl laughed)

None could stand before them.

It was a final, a fiery charge; a madman's rush for another's cause, and the clashing of two entities.

(the first screamed)

(the second... could laugh)

and so much of human frailty.

--And so much of human agony.

She stood before the temptress, in all her newfound glory, and he barred the way.

"Endymion."

Nothing had changed. Nothing, nothing, she still was the child left crying (naked) on her bed; alone in the darkness.

alone.

"Endymion, why do you have to defend her? ...You... you could have ruled the Earth with me."

(pain)

--He did not move. And she felt the anger burning behind her eyes.

"You'll die as well."

(and every fragment of her tortured soul struck at them)

(what have I done)

--Beryl wept.

Semi-interlude, or what you will.

All her Kingdom lay broken before her

Every dream shattered

As she saw the body of her daughter.

Innocent

She never knew...

never knew anything.

--Didn't deserve to be ended this way--

(I'm not worthy)

(trembling) she took the crystal in hand

I'm so sorry.

"Moon Healing..."

Chapter 24, again.

"...Escalation."

--and all the battle was silenced.

(save for screaming)

The intensity which had lasted from the night before was ended, in three words. All the world was (soft) and (slow) and a searing, excruciating agony.

...He wanted (so badly) to fall. All the world was pain, and he could think of nothing, nothing save the sweet escape of (death) and darkness--

Zoisite...

Zoisite...!

--Whether he actually called out, he could not be sure.

(and he knew he could not be heard)

(But I swore I'd protect him.)

He staggered, almost blinded, through the burning haze of dead and suffering, forever;

(through some miracle, caught the thin body as it collapsed--)

--Then all the world froze; and he could hear clearly the frail whisper.

"Kunzite-sama..."

He stood tall, proud, unwilling to fall, as the world tore to pieces around him. The pain was there, but somehow he was separated from it-- and all his world was Zoisite, clasped tightly against his chest.

He (stood) in that last embrace for an eternity, feeling the comforting heartbeat against his own. And bit by bit, the darkness overcame him, and try as he might to hold his beloved to him

(...he fell away, alone, into the darkness)

Interlude

(somehow foreboding)

There will be another day.

Not a soul left alive, there, not even (for now) the Chosen;

--The second lapsed into sleeping.

...Patience...

--The first shattered.

...In a thousand years...

(for now, all the world wept)

Epilogue (that is, Awakening)

Drifting

Forming

Essence--

(from nothing)

Created as one with Herself

(the time for sleep is ended)

(the waiting is over)

(Awake.)

--He opened his eyes.

There was stone beneath him; cold, and foreign-- and he could see nothing, in the blackness.

(he shivered)

--and realized he remembered nothing. Realized he was alone, alone in the midst of this great darkness, great evil, that he could never begin to fathom.

(and it was cold.)

--He began to cry.

"Zoisite?"

(...his name)

"Zoisite?"

(gentle... protective...)

He felt a hand-- an arm, wrapping around his waist, pulling him close against a warm body.

(safe...)

And he knew one thing, at least.

"Kunzite-sama."

Endnotes

I... hmmmm.

Please (tired of this yet?) tell me what you thought. Don't be gentle, it's not my first fanfic (besides which, people should have been so much less gentle with my first fanfic...). Flame the proverbial snot out of me. I can take it. (this would be my address.)

...But if it's not too much to ask, do tell me how I suck, hm, not just the fact that I do? I'd like to think I'm not beyond mortal help, ne?

It's easy, perhaps to die for a dream

With banners unfurled - and be forgiving!

It's the hardest part to follow the gleam

When scorned by the world - and go on living! --Myra Brooks Welch

"If you like a thing once, try it twice." -- Errol Flynn