Fragments of the Crystal * * * * ..Hmm.. usual, annoying, irritating- space taking.. **DISCLAIMERS** You all know the drill, right? * * * * Chapter6 Serena lay in complete silence- her head rested upon Darien's lap- her body wrapped up in his arms- a warm blanket spread evenly over her body. Darien's hands ran across her forehead- playing with strands of her golden fringe, and caressing her pale features. Her eyes slowly opened, tilting her head upwards to glance upon him. His back rested up against the couch, his body suspended upright, head held high; eyes closed. She shifted slightly in his arms, catching sight of a red rose clasped in his hand. His eyes flew open, corresponding with her movement. "Serena... are you still- are you okay?" She nodded her head weakly, "I feel better, though I sense something." "You feel it too?" he asked. She jerked her head upwards, "feel what...? It is Metallia I sense, Darien? What do you feel?" He sighed softly, noticing the desperation in her voice he mentally cringed. Relaxing his head forward, "I'm sorry, I didn't want to scare you.. Its not important." "Not important." she repeated softly, disappointed that he would not share his secret, but at the same time wondering if she really wanted to know. She glanced towards him- her hand reaching upwards playing across the curves of his cheek- her head rose, eyes turning up to meet his. Sitting upright she turned facing him fully. Her hand finished its play across his face, her other hand tightened around his wrist. Her eyes opened wider. Something shook her inside, an awareness.. of someone she once knew. "I wish I could do more..." he whispered, his fist clenched by his side. "No!" she lurched backwards, astonishment visible in her voice. "This isn't your fault!" She released her hold on his wrist, only then realizing then how tightly she had been squeezing it. Her head shook away from his troubled features, crawling a few feet away, she turned back to him saying in accusation. "How can you do this to me, how can you hurt me like this?!" "Serena.." "No! I.. I hate.." "Serena!" he dropped forward onto his knees, racking her up into his embrace, encircling her firmly into his arms. "She is still there, isn't she?" "No." she replied- firmly. His eyes turned to hers, unmasking her every motive- Serena gasped in realization, with his cruel and heartless gaze- or was it so cruel? Everything inside her was screaming that he was the enemy but, she drew his gaze downwards, frowning inwardly. His arms held her upright within the realm of reality, he lifted her into his arms. "Serena, don't.. I can feel her, she is there, isn't she?!" She sobbed softly, whispering. "Yes." He brought her closer then she thought possible, she fell into his embrace- as he whispered. "Don't _ever_ stop fighting Serena. Never! Do you hear me?" "I can't, oh help me, she is so powerful she is so.." her breathing slowed- her head doubling over into her lap. Darien lifted her back into his arms. "I will always be here for you." He reassured, stroking his hand through her hair. After a few moments of silence, she pulled back a few inches, looking upon him fully. "You said I had friends, do I have many?" she asked softly. "I guess- a few." He said unsure. "So, I'm a nice person?" she asked hopeful. He smiled, a little self-assured. "Yes, the nicest." "Do I kill?" He turned to her, surprise crossed his features. And Serena drew it in, timidly crossing her hands over her lap. "I.. you've never taken a human life." She rested her chin on his chest, tilting her head upwards. "So killing things 'other' then human is okay, is that what I do?" "No. No it is never okay, but.." "Necessary? And I do it." "I do it, the scouts do it, you're just.." "Mislead." He nodded slowly, "you were never meant to kill- it isn't your nature." She shook her head confused, drowning her face into his shirt- tears trickling down her cheek- at her sorrowing gaze- he continued. "You do it to protect the ones you love, to protect the Earth, "It's alright, then?" "Serena what you do is protect defend the innocent, it's your choice." Another voice sliced through the silence, warm- yet firm. "You're the scout leader, Sailormoon!" A rose shot outward from Darien's hand, striking near centimeters away from the small black feline. The cat turned its head, noticing the gap between herself and the pointed rose tip; with much will she held her footing. "Lu...Lolo?" Serena said- at the sight of the creature. "Hmmm.." the cat whispered, in an almost purr like voice. "Luna, I am your guardian cat." "How did you find us, Luna?" Darien inquired. The cat turned startled, composing herself quickly, she had failed to notice Darien's presence. "I saw her crescent beam of course- there is much I must tell you." She breathed, she turned unsure up towards Tuxedo Mask- 'I'm not sure how much I can trust him.' She continued hesitantly. "The scouts, Venus, Mars, Mercury and Jupiter have been captured." Tuxedo Mask turned towards the cat, startled his hand gesturing to another rose- whilst Serena crept back tighter into his embrace. . "How do we know we can trust you, that you aren't just.." "If I was from the Negaverse," the feline cut in. "I doubt very much you would be alive." Darien shook his head upwards- "maybe, but is it worth the risk?" After a moments silence, he inquired. "Luna?" The cat turned back towards him, she muttered a silent curse. Turning back towards the open window. Small flower petals rained in, slowly coming to rest across the cabin floor. * * * * * Mars lifted her head above her shoulders, her face drawn ahead to the bright lights. She mentally shuddered, groggily lifting herself to her feet. "I suggest you show yourselves!" she demanded, hoping her words would not flow out as weakly as she felt. "At any rate, I don't take well to this petty game!" "I assure you it is not a game." a familiar figure materialized meters in front. "Zoisite!" she sneered between her teeth, "where is Jupiter?" "Now, now.." "Where?!" Zoisite smiled patronizingly, letting out a lose sigh, "oh- very well little senshi, don't get all boiled up." With a low 'click' three separate lights flicked on. Mars turned 80 degrees, her eyes making out three separate light sources. She gasped, her eyes opening wider; she quickly approached the first light. Arms bonded to an upright metal grate- Jupiter. Her head was bent down to an angle, a small trickle of blood dribbled down her cheek- emanating from her left eye. "What have you done to them. You...you demon!" "They're in a dream scope Senshi," she added. "Their worst nightmares." "Why, why have you left me?" she asked. "You can feel their pain, no?" She nodded weakly, her head throbbing painfully. "You're also apparently our dear little princess closest alley- thus have the ability to exploit her weakness." She smiled- then added dryly. "We need someone to join the crystals- she is the only one. I suggest you do it, or they die." Mars glanced back- a pain-racked Venus thrashed around in her sleep- vainly struggling against some unseen force. The Mercury Senshi simply held her head high- her face was without color- as she drew small breaths- her hands moved against her binds- causing a blood rash, which even now dripped down her blue fuku. Mars's eyes fell closed- she whispered softly. "No.." * * * * Tuxedo Mask rose to his feet, carefully examining the alien surroundings. 'So this is our nega-verse'. Why am I not surprised that this is betrayed by darkness. He glanced back over his shoulder- lying face up- arms to her side Serena lay motionless. To her direct left, a new figure emerged- Tuxedo Mask turned towards the figure, he repressed his obvious surprise "Malachite." he breathed. "Endymion, it is you." Malachite turned coolly to meet Tuxedo Masks gaze, quickly concealing the surprise which crossed his features seconds prior. Tuxedo masks eyes grew large, his hands drew a rose- holding it down to his side, he muttered. "You low down.." "Curse all you like prince," he cut in. "By the way- nice to see you, again." The forth general dropped down to Serena's side, drawing a dagger from his hip side. Tuxedo Mask stepped forward, raising a hand. "Get back Malachite!" he growled. Malachite pulled the dagger to her neck, lightly nudging her motionless body, she jerked to aside- though remained unconscious. "Stay back or I will kill her." He warned. "How low can you get Malachite? Using a defenseless.." "I need your assistance, prince- or else." "Malachite!" a voice echoed through out the empty chamber, the general turned upwards to face the dark queen- Beryl. "Mars has agreed to help us- you no longer need to use her- or ..him" "With respect, my Queen." Malachite stated, "it is not worth the risk, It is possible she will simply change her mind, and we can only play this trick once!" "Malachite," she breathed, calmly Beryl turned facing the heart-stricken Endymion, she dryly followed his loving gaze to the motionless Senshi moon. "I wish him not to spend another second with her.. Sailormoon wake!" Tuxedo Mask's head jerked upwards- with a hidden realization, "No!" Sailormoon rose forward, her eyes flying open. "You brought him back, excellent job Sailormoon." she smiled, her eyes not leaving Endymion. "Sailormoon!?" Tuxedo Mask shouted- he stumbled a few steps forward. Sailormoon turned up towards him, her eyes blinking open- she stood. Her eyes were a ruby red, with small blue specks around the edge, her face pale- and without expression. She bowed down to her Queen. "You didn't really fall for her act, did you Endymion?" Beryl asked. He spun towards Beryl- a rose shooting from his open hand, his voice dropped down to a deadly low hiss. "Die!" A field materialized in front of Beryl- illuminating from Malachite's energy source. He quickly prepared another rose, a look of pure anguish fixed across his features. "Malachite, drop the shield." He ordered. The general smiled simply, the shield remained. "Malachite!" he shouted. "I have to kill her, you can be free, just let me..." "Enough!" Beryl voiced, she calmed considerably before continuing. "Malachite, tell me what you suggest we do with our little Senshi?" "It would be a shame to waste her," Malachite agreed- "but I would be cautious of were her loyalties lay." Beryl smiled, nodding. "Yes, it is a curious matter." "Beryl." Tuxedo Mask cut in, his voice firm- he stepped back from Sailormoon's side. The Queen turned towards him, she cocked an eyebrow. "Why Endymion, you do remember _me_?" He stared her straight in the eye, and in a few seconds replied in a low whisper. "Yes I remember you, witch." She continued, "So you know exactly what I'm capable of." "I don't know where the title 'Queen' came from, you're not fit to be the royal stooge!" "Still as spiteful as I remember you- Prince." She snarled in response, he was quickly trying her patience. "You will be banished, you're in over your head Beryl!" Endymion spat, the Queen turned back to him, eyes turning to daggers. Tuxedo mask continued. "No, don't try to manipulate me I know that look, Metallia controls you Beryl- you're nothing but a pawn! Give me back Sailormoon and leave Earth in peace, and I may not kill you." The queen smiled, she thrust her hand outwards- clasping it closed- and muttering a phrase. Sailormoon in direct collation collapsed to the floor, letting out pitiful cries of agony, her body turned limp. Her screams became louder, until they were nearly deafening to her ears. With the increasing pain Sailormoon threw her hands to her ears- her head dropping into her lap, tears streaming down her cheeks. Endymion cried in agony, though he never allowed words to form in his mouth. With a raging outcry he threw his hand palm faced up in front, chanting an ancient phrase of power. Wind rose from his side, as an illuminating energy surrounding him- and at last struck its target. Beryl screamed in anguish, her head soaring upwards. In that singular moment Sailormoon dropped to the ground- debilitated. Her body falling limply to the ground. She screamed again- for an instant breaking free of Metallia hold. Her eyes became clear, she sniffled- as her outcries were reduced to small whimpers. Endymion's hand lowered as both the women breathed in relief, the queen staggered to gain strength, as Sailormoon regained her composure. "You see Endymion.." the queen breathed, turning to face him- as Malachite brought himself closer to her side. "Killing me- you.. run this risk of driving her insane," he gestured to Sailormoon. "Endymion?" "I was so close, so close to healing her, Beryl!" Tuxedo mask shouted. Sailormoon's eyes flickered towards him for an instant, something showing through them; it quickly faded, she closed in beside Malachite. Endymion slowly approached her- letting out a small moan as she moved to avoid him. The Queen smiled knowingly, "Prince Endymion, it is a useless gesture." Sailormoon dropped to her knee's, moving closer towards the Queen, her eye's red and lips turning a deathly purple. It was obvious for Tuxedo Mask to see she was working on the Queens command- he would be helpless to stop her. It left him to only watch in agony as she pulled her limp body to the Queens side. The Queen took Malachite's dagger- from his outstretched hand- Beryl dropped the dagger to Sailormoon's side, the girl took it with shaky hands. A voice loud and demanding screaming for her to obey, bending her to its command Tuxedo mask stepped towards her- she jerked to a side. He shut his eyes closed- murmuring above a whisper, "what will it take Beryl?" "Endymion.. you can set her free- though you shall never touch her-" she smiled visibly, continuing- her voice deadly low. "Metallia has infected her so deeply- even the slightest touch.." "Don't play with me Beryl!" he shouted- "what will it take for you to set her free?" A smile crossed her dark lips. "Your soul.." * * * * * "Mars?" the princess whispered, turning to face the Senshi. Mars dropped down to her side- whispering below her breath. "God forgive me.." "Mars?" the princess repeated, she tried to meet the priestess gaze, though Mars refused to face her. Mars clenched her fists, bowing her head into her chest. An image of doom flashed through her mind- Luna's voice becoming clear. "If the Princess is caught.." Why me? Why not Venus, Venus is our.. oh please help me, I can't. "Mars, is something wrong, Mars?" the princess half shouted, grasping onto Mars tight sleeve. "Please Mars.." she whispered softly. "I don't want to be alone." Mars hid her tears, replying. "Princess." she breathed, pulling the girl who resembled in any way which counted her truest friend. The Princess sobbed openly onto Mars shoulder, whispering her deepest fears. Mars slowly rocked her in her arms. "Princess, I you know I care." She murmured, trying to loosen the strain which deeply filled her voice "Mars, what's wrong?" she inquired. "Nothing...shh." Mars clutched her tighter within her embrace, tears trickled down her cheeks- as her hand ran protectively through the princess lose mane. Her other hands rose, caressing the Princess forehead, and at last her crescent moon. In a voice so low it was barely audible- she whispered. "Mars...fire...ignite." * * * * * ..soul." Serena's eyes flew into complete awareness, a barrage of energy flooding her conscience, she was not the only one taken unaware. A voice deep inside her screamed in agony. A thousand images, voices- names and emotions flooded her. She screamed a name, though when at last her world came to rest she could not place it. Her head shook upwards, facing the occupants of the room. She'd been here, she was.. under beryl. "Endymion..!" she shouted in vain, her hand clutched a small dagger into her hands, rising to her feet. "Please..." she shouted, though her words were weak. Tuxedo mask turned towards her, reaching outward- though their hands never meet. Serena jerked back fearfully, fear of herself and what she could do with her mere presence, her mere touch. "Sorry," she whispered, her eyes locking with his. He smiled simply in response. Though _she_ still remained, leveling herself throughout Serena, her voice becoming stronger, a force deep inside her was rising for a final attack- she clenched her fist, turning to look upon her weapon. "Sailormoon," Tuxedo Mask whispered, though not even he could see the blast of energy approach. Malachite's hand flew forward, a barrage of energy engulfing them both. * * * * Mars rose to her feet- even with the effort she fell tumbling back to the floor. Her hand reached outward- pulling herself slowly across the deserted floor, she both heard and felt the returning of another adversary. She turned weakly over, it was not pain restraining her- nor lack of power- it was simply guilt and self-hatred which flooded her senses. And at that moment there was no better force. Her eyes opened wide, "How dare you!" she screamed, "this is -your fault!" Zoisite remained motionless, she carefully drew in the surroundings, trying to repress the true fearful surprise which came upon her. She stuttered- "why?" Mars turned upward facing her fully, tears streamed down her cheeks- she replied softly. "To save my princess.." A crescent beam flashed across Mars's palm, a small energy filled within her. She turned to Zoisite, managing to utter the phrase. "Mars conflagration inflame!!" * * * * * The throne room. Darien turned a full circle, drowning in his surrondings at last his eyes ran across her.. Serena lay sprawled across the throne room floor, her arms above her head- and body twisted onto her side. He quickly approached. She caught sight of him, staggering backwards a few steps, her bloody hands pulling her across the stone floor. The room lights dimly shadowed her features, her face was colorless- lips a dry cerise, arms and legs shaking powerfully. She rose onto one hand, the other held palm up in front, head held low. Darien realized that if he was to help her, there would not be much time till Beryl realized that Malachite hadn't quite obeyed her orders. "Stay back!" she shouted. "If you come near me then you'll die too, she'll take you. Stay back!" Tuxedo Mask stepped forward, half relieved that his senses responded so clearly to her. Her reached out towards her, smiling comfortingly. "Let me help you, please. I care for you Serena, more then you'll ever know." Her eyes fell shut, tears streaming down her cheek. She turned up to him, understanding his words, and wishing only to melt into his arms. Her arms covered her shoulders, the virus which was Metallia leaving her for the briefest on instants, although she did not directly infect her now, she still remained. And was threatening to take the next victim. He will die if you touch him, Serena! She shook her head disallowing, letting the strands of blonde hair wash over her face. Her voice was venomous, her eyes taunting. She screamed. "No! Get away! I don't love you! Get away from me now!" He bent down, falling to his knees. He reached out again, wincing when he noticed the pain she must be experiencing to avoided him. "If you don't love me, then you won't mind this last goodbye." Her mouth opened in immediate protest- her hands fell down in front of her. Tears spilled from her eyes as she saw the inevitable. His hands tightened over hers, she screamed. "No please no.." she whimpered. "No!" His arms wrapped around her, supporting her from the ground. Lips against her own, his taste intoxicating to her dying body. Unconsciously she could feel the affect of the poison take place, his life energy drowning away into the endless void which was Metallia. Her eye's rose to meet his, silent plea's escaping her lips- how could he? How could he do this to her- why would he give away his life for her last dying moments! Who was he to her to do this? She lifted her shaky hand to his face, caressing across the jaw line- wanting to keep his memory alive with her forever. She somehow couldn't find it in herself to regret the moment. "Listen to me Serena." His voice swept into her understand- powerful words as if in a chant. "You're going to be OK, do you understand me?" She shook her head- eye's barley able to keep focus. "I can't, I tried.. She is too powerful- I can't beat her.." He smiled, the sweetest, most loving smile. He held his hands to hers, palms and fingers interlocking. "I'll help you.." She turned up to him, she trusted that he would- and somehow knew that even if she did die these feelings that ran so deeply insider her would never leave her. With that realization she was content to just be held, held in the protective circle he created, to surround and envelop her. There was a mysterious burst of light, followed by a deep pulsing ray shake throughout Serena's body. Her eyes shut tight, as she felt her power intensify. With complete awareness she rose to her feet. Deep inside her a spirit waged war with her inner being- she felt herself give way trying to avoid the powerful demon. And deep inside her- she felt his words, his deep voice, his life pulsating through her. 'Fight her..' With a final outcry she fell to her knees, her energy all but dissolved in the experience- deeply inside her she still felt the powerful surge of energy which was Endymion's- inter winding with her own. 'I feel so alive.. you saved me, how? What're you, that you can even stand up to Metallia.. I don't understand' 'I love you Serena.' He stated simply, though the words seemed weak. 'What? Why.. what is wrong..' she searched around the darkness, inwardly shuddering with the darkest awareness. Her eyes flew open, gasping- 'You- you cant be dying. I love you- please, my life is nothing without you.. please, please, please! Why are you doing this?' 'Because I care." "No!" her head flew upwards, tears spilling down her cheeks. She bent down towards him, her eyes locking with his. Her head fell into his chest, tears running through his stained cloth. He let out a muffled cry, the darkness was falling.. she tied her hands threw his hair- focusing completely on him. Her breathing grew faint.. __ Serena snuggled closer to Tuxedo Masks side- her hair blowing softly in the wind. Her eyes meet with his- she blushed shyly turning away. "Tuxedo mask a question?" He nodded, brushing the lose strands of hair from her eyes "of course." "When you find your princess, will you love her, with all your heart forever?" He smiled back softly, though expression remained serious. "I don't know Serena, all I remember of my past life is loving the princess more then life itself." She smiled somewhat, a little more sure of herself, questionably she asked. "What if you'd already meet the Princess, just didn't know it?" "I would know the Princess." He said sure of himself, "I will know her and love her at first sight." Tears escaped her eyes, and she shifted away slightly. "But what if?" "I would apologize." "Why?" "Because all the women I've met I've been a complete and utter jerk to." He smiled somewhat, then repeated with emphasis. "But I would know her." "You haven't been a jerk to me, 'Sailormoon.'" "You never gave me the chance meatball head." He replied, a smile crossing his lips. "Why do you ask?" "What if I was the Princess?" "You the Princess," he let out a light hearted laugh, "huh- never happen." Her eyes grew wide, but her good mood prevailed. "You'd hardly make a good prince for your princess." He stood from the bench- in the endless light. She was surprised- the look of utter shock which crossed his features was heart wrenching. He turned away- head held high above his shoulder. He moved- from the bench, stepping back from her, "why do you say that?" "You said it not me," she whispered. "You're a complete jerk." He shot her a look- he spat, "well- I would change for my Princess I would love her Sailormoon!" He turned around, and started to walk away. "Stop!" she shouted- turning to him "Stop. Face me." Her arm on his shoulder, she spun his empty figure- tears filled his eyes, rolling down his checks- though his features remained motionless. The mask seemed to become translucent. He pulled her hand from his shoulder. "You're right Sailormoon, the Princess will hate me for the fool that I am." He bent down, stroking her cheek with the back of his hand. "She will hate me for everything I am, and I will once again be alone." "You really fear that.. being alone? Don't you? If I was your princess and I did love you with all my heart would you ever leave me?" "I would not." "Say Sailor Venus was your Princess, would you leave her ever?" "I would love her regardless." "There are four inner scout guardians of the Moon Princess, there are five of us. One of us is the Princess, who is it?" He turned down to her shocked. "The Intelligent, graceful Sailor Mercury? Mars with all the passion to be a truly great leader? Jupiter with the strength, will- and power? Venus the newest scout with all the grace and beauty at heart? Who do you think Tuxedo Mask." "You miss one sailor scout." He said placidly. She nodded reluctantly. "Me, Sailor Moon klutzy and a cry baby." "Loving, warm, compassionate and extremely beautiful." She turned towards him surprise crossing her pale features. He brought her a step closer, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. Serena's eyes fluttered open with awareness, she beamed warmly up towards Darien, falling into his embrace. With a burst of light reality dawned. The entity known as Metallia faded into the endless deepest darkness... _____ Darien's eyes strained to open, his lips curved into a smile.. * * * * * Howdya like it? This will probably be the last chapter- I know there are *many* threads I started which I really should finish- and may do some time later- but I think I'll leave it here 'for now'. I appreciate all the people who mailed me- with their great idea's, comments.. -And a special/truly/I owe you my first born/ thanks To MJ, for that last minute editing! :) Sue Riley Zone123@hotmail.com www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Lot/2115