Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Tales from the Silver Millennium ❯ Nephrite's Tale ( Chapter 4 )
[ A - All Readers ]
By: Lsama-no-miko 
An au version of Nephrite's past
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.14.2005 | Updated On: 05.14.2005 | Pages: 2 | Words: 7.1K | Visits: 193 | Status: Completed
An au version of Nephrite's past
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.14.2005 | Updated On: 05.14.2005 | Pages: 2 | Words: 7.1K | Visits: 193 | Status: Completed
Tales from the Silver Millennium
by Sakura
Nephrite's Tale
I, Nephrite of the royal guardians of Prince Endymion of Earth, set down this record so those who find it may understand why I have done what I did.
I know very little of my childhood. In fact, I can remember next to nothing of my parents. What little I can remember is that I was orphaned at a very young age and was forced to live alone until I was about ten years old. How I was able to survive is a miracle and a mystery. For as long as I could remember, I've had the power to listen to the stars and understand what they had to tell. Perhaps that is what allowed me to survive a life of poverty as a child.
When I was about ten or eleven, I was taken in by a strange old man I called 'Grandfather'. Whether he was really my grandfather or not, I do not know nor do I care to. Of all the people I've come to know in my life he was one of the two I loved most.
He was a wise old man who knew a great deal of the world of Krynn, the tiny backwater planet I was born on. He was both a parent and teacher to me, helping me to learn to read and write one minute and scolding me for some mischief the next. Once I had what he called the basics down, he then made me he apprentice. He had been a jeweler, you see and needed someone to help with the jewelry making since he wasn't as young as he used to be. I turned out to be a very quick learner and was soon able to work in the shop by myself while he could rest at our home a few days out of the week. Our works never really sold well, but many of those who did buy from us, often complimented my pieces more than my grandfather's.
The old man had on more than one occasion told me I must have had magic in my blood if I could surpass him. He had often told me stories of how almost every noble house in the Silver Millennium rushed to buy his work whenever he visited a new planet. But what puzzled me was that he had also said more than once that my pieces always seemed to feel strange. He swore the gems were alive, filled with a strange energy. To me the jewelry I had made was just beautiful ornaments for the rich to show off at parties and holidays.
I lived with my grandfather for several more years until he died just shortly after my twenty-first birthday. I remained alone in our house for several weeks, leaving only to buy food. It was a very sad and lonely time for me. For ten years I had lived with another person and the loss was devastating. Finally a group of Grandfather's friends had convinced me to join a traveling caravan of merchants since I was running low on money. Taking only my tools, a couple books, and what was left of my grandfather's money, I left the hamlet that had been my home for ten years not realizing how drastically my life had changed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The caravan had just stopped at the beautiful city of Istar and I was wandering the streets looking for a profitable place to set up shop. Now wandering the streets of a crowded city like this was a very silly thing to do, but I was still naive then. I was too overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the city too pay attention. Never before have I seen all the races of Ansalon stuffed into one place. There were dwarves, elves, humans, even an ogre or two. But what worried me was the sheer amount of kender running loose. As much as I am found of these mischievous people, I knew too well how much mischief they could cause with their kleptomania. We had one or two of the little thieves living in my hometown for a couple years before subcumbing to the wanderlust.
I was making my way through the crowds, making sure to steer clear of the kender so I failed to notice the slender figure trailing me. I was so worried about the kender, that I had totally forgotten that they weren't the only race of thieves on Krynn. I felt someone bump into me as I passed an alley. I looked to see that it was a beautiful, young woman.
She had long honey gold hair pulled into a loose ponytail, sparkling emerald eyes and the pointed ears of the elves. I noticed she was dressed in the gaudy costume of a street performer. She apologized and I was about to let her go, when I remembered the lessons I learned as a street orphan. I quickly grabbed her before she could get any further into the crowd and pulled her into the alley. "Just a moment," I said once we were alone.
"All right girl, give it back," I said, not too harsh. I didn't really want to frighten her. I knew what it was like not having enough money for food or shelter myself.
"I don't know what you're talking about. Now let me go," she said with a slightly accented voice. I could tell by the accent that she was not exactly one of those cultured elves, but a Kagonesti or wild elf. In fact, her eyes shone with a feral light as she reached for a dagger she had hidden in her costume.
"I don't think so," I said as I grabbed her arm. Taking the weapon, I threw it to the ground out of her reach. I removed my pouch from her belt. "I believe these are mine," I said as I put the pouch in my pack to prevent other thieves from trying. "Next time be careful, girl." I turned to leave but it seemed she still wanted to fight.
"Matte!" she called. I stopped and turned around to face her again. I was really not in the mood for a fight. "You're not going to call the watch? You're letting me get away with stealing from you?" she asked. It was obvious from her surprise that she was not used to being treated so kindly.
"Why should I?" I said, smiling. "I got back what you took."
She did a slight curtsey and said the that lilting voice of hers, "Um... Domo arigatou gozaimasu." I nodded and she began to leave.
I started to think that if it was this easy to be robbed in Istar, then I needed a guard. Thinking that the best way to guard one's wares would be to hire someone who knew the way of thieves. I knew I shouldn't be considering her as a possible employee, but something drew me to her. Besides I felt that even though she was a thief, she could be trusted somewhat.
"Matte," I call to her and she froze in her tracks.
"I didn't take anything this time. Honto!" she said, nervously.
"I know," I reassured her. "It's just that I want to know why an elf like you has to steal for a living."
"I don't have to," she said curtly. "I also work as a street dancer." That definitely explained the costume. "Besides I like it," she said with a hint of mischief in her emerald eyes.
"You LIKE stealing? Naze?" I said totally shocked. Never before have I heard of an elf liking to steal.
"It's fun. 'Sides these fools deserve to be robbed if they don't bother protecting themselves," she said disdainfully.
I didn't care much for her attitude, but I believed that if I could give her some real honest work, she'd stop stealing. "Listen, I have a proposition for you," I begin. She looked at me curiously. "No it's not a robbery or anything else your thinking of." I was surprised when she looked a bit disappointed, but I could tell she was still interested in what I had to say.
"OK, I'm listening."
"How would you like to work for me? You could help set up the jewelry I make, plus act as a guard since a good thief like you should have no problems spotting others," I said laying on as many compliments I could think of. Grandfather always said one caught more flies with honey than vinegar. "Someone as beautiful as you would also happen to make it easier to sell my works, don't you think so?"
She blushed. I knew I had the elf woman eating out of my hand. I smiled as she stood, apparently thinking over my proposal. "All right," she said after a few moments of silence, "You got yourself a guard." She held out her hand. How this elf knew the human custom of handshaking after striking a deal, I did not know. But it didn't matter.
Smiling, I gently take her hand and kiss it on the back as I've seen many a rich man do so to a woman he favored. "I am Nephrite, my lady," I said using my best suave tone.
"You can call me what you like, but I'm no lady," she retorted with a bitter tone. "If I was, I'd still be living with my people and dying of boredom while serving some old lech." I began to feel pity for this beautiful creature. I had forgotten most wild elves were slaves to their more cultured cousins and started to mentally kick myself in the head for being such a jerk. "So when do I start?" she asked, quickly changing the subject.
"Immediately, if you'd like," I said, glad she had decided to look over my faux pas. I leave the alley and this time I was aware of the elf woman following me, safe in the knowledge that as long as she was near I didn't have to worry much about the local thieves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For the next two years, the elf woman whom I decided to call Milady, worked with me as a partner and guard. Even though I was good at spotting thieves myself, I felt sorry for her and insisted that she stay and help me. It was a good thing too for as I had predicted, having her around increased my business. What I really missed was being able to stay in one place. We had been following the caravans for almost two years and I was beginning to feel a bit homesick.
It wasn't too bad to have her company, but I found I still could not trust my partner. There was something about her that reminded me of a wild animal someone hasn't completely tamed. To make it worse, she hardly ever talked and when she did, she never told anything of herself. I however, told her everything. Even of my lonely childhood. I tried several times to get her to open up, but failed.
After we closed shop for a day, Milady and I would go over the day's profits making sure we split them evenly so none of us would complain and she would help in my jewelry making. What surprised and interested me was that she would take one of the crystals we had lying around and attempt to shape it into something. I had never seen anyone do that before, not without the tiring process of chipping away at it. She seemed to do it by sheer will alone. Once she had changed every single crystal we had, she went and bought some more and made one into a sword like weapon. When I asked her why she did that, she said that she wanted a better weapon than the dagger she'd been carrying since the day we met. I should have let her go then, but I was only a naive human fool then.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We were back in Istar for one of the many festivals when fate decided to pop in for a visit. It took the form of a tall woman wearing a red cloak so dark I was sure it had been black when she first approached our stall. She had with her a silver staff that resembled a giant key.
"May we help you my lady?" Milady asked, eyeing this strange woman with the veiled disrespect she usually showed mages. I never really cared much for mages either, but this woman was giving me a very uneasy feeling for some strange reason.
"Actually Ferileaghamberlantalasa, I was hoping you and Nephrite could help me," she said with a somber tone that sent shivers up my spine. She was here for another reason and I didn't want to know what it was. I desperately wanted to get out of there and fast. She removed her hood and revealed green hair so dark it was almost black and a pair of ages old looking magenta eyes.
I then realized exactly what I was looking at. I was looking at an avatar of some god. One look at those eyes and you could tell. My partner began to shiver slightly as she stared at this god in mortal form. I didn't know which one of our gods it was, but I had my guesses. Hoping I had guessed the right one, I addressed her. "Lunatari-sama, how may we humble mortals help you?" I said bowing as was what a mere mortal should do when in the presence of a god.
She smiled before answering. I should be honored for very few have ever been able to make that woman smile. "Please Nephrite, get up," she said gently. "I'm not one of your gods, just an emissary on a mission."
I rose to my feet, noticing that Milady hadn't stopped eyeing the woman with suspicion. I was going to ask her who this Feril-something person was when the elf woman spoke up, "What sort of mission, my lady?"
"Didn't I just say that Ferileagh?" she said, obviously having some sort of unspoken conversation with her. Milady's eyes went wide. Mine did as well. Never before had she ever told me her name and now here was a total stranger addressing her as if she was an old friend. I could tell this person's knowledge of Milady's true name was upsetting her so I turned to face this so called 'emissary'.
"I have come for you and Nephrite, Ferileagh," she said in an calm even tone. "I assure you it is nothing sinister, so don't worry so much Feril. You two have been chosen by the Fates to be two of Prince Endymion's personal bodyguards."
I could hardly believe my ears. The Great Prince of one of the two most mighty kingdoms of the Silver Millennium had need of bodyguards and we two were to be them. I was no warrior, why chose me? I thought. This still bothers me even now. Why chose someone who had no experience whatsoever in battle to be a bodyguard? Feril I could understand, but not me. I was about to voice my protest to the woman before us when once again, my partner but in before I opened my mouth. I really wish she hadn't. For what she said next caused another great change in my life.
"All right, my lady, I'll go with you, but only if Neph decides to come as well."
"Fair enough, and call me Pluto, Feril. Nephrite?" She looked at me. Gods! The way those ages old eyes of hers bore into my soul made me so nervous that I could hardly make my mouth work. This was one woman you didn't mess with you could tell just by looking at her.
"I'd hate to leave my work, not to mention my home, but who am I to go against the Fates," said smiling, but it was a weak and nervous one.
"I'll take that as a yes," replied 'Pluto'.
I nodded to confirm her answer and looked towards my partner. She too nodded her consent. "Then it you two are ready... No need to pack anything. Any trace of your existence here will disappear as soon as we leave," she said reading my mind. However, I highly disliked having my entire existence erased from the world I had loved so much. I took one last look at the city of Istar as Ferileagh did and before I knew what was going on, a maroon light surrounded the three of us and we were someplace else.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After a rather uneventful trip to Earth via spaceship, I, Milady and Pluto arrived at the royal palace. Never have I left my world before and I was still awed from the fact that there were such things as ships that sailed among the stars. The guards at the doors gave my partner and I very suspicious looks, something I was all too used to but one look at Pluto and they let us through.
My jaw dropped at the splendor of the castle. There were marble statues lining the halls and gold leafing on the ceilings. The finest of furniture and rugs decorated each room I could see and all were filled with every type of flower imaginable some I've never even seen before. "I've come to speak with the prince," our tall companion said as she stopped a passing servant.
The servant bowed and immediately ushered us into what was the biggest library I've ever seen. I have never nor ever will see one like it again. I hear a low whistle as Milady stepped in followed by Pluto. The servant quickly left and shut the door behind us. On a finely carved chair by a fireplace, sat a black haired boy of about eighteen. The prince, I assumed. He was good looking as most young men go, but nothing could ever compare to HER beauty, but I digress.
"Still reckless Endymion, your back's to the door," said Pluto, cheerfully scolding him.
"Hello to you too, Pu," he said choosing to remain where he was. "I saw the flames flicker and knew someone had come in. You've brought a friend I see."
The woman was surprised. An amused look appeared on her usually stoic face. "Endymion, how did you know I wasn't' alone?" she asked.
"Easy enough, I heard someone whistle as you came in. I knew it couldn't be you because you've been here before. Whoever it is, must be very impressed with our 'collection,'" the prince replied. A slight blush came to my elven partner's face, embarrassed that she'd been heard.
Pluto sat in one of the other chairs by the fire and at a gesture from her we did as well. "Endymion, if you can tear yourself from that book for two minutes, I'd like you to meet two of your guardians," she said leaning her staff against the chair. I stared at the large garnet orb on the top, anything instead of looking at him. I didn't hate him, but I was embarrassed. I've never been this close to royalty before. My partner however was still staring at the books. 'I bet she'd love to get her hands on those,' I thought with a smirk.
After we were properly introduced, we were yet again whisked away off to somewhere. To this day, I still can not remember where. Anyway, we left Earth to train in battle so we'd be prepared to protect the prince should we have to.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I won't talk about what went on during our training since it was virtually uneventful. We met the other two guardians, Jadeite and Kunzite and became close friends. So close in fact that by the time we returned to Earth, Milady or Zoisite as Kunzite had renamed her, had fallen in love with the pale haired guardian.
I may have been close to Jadeite, but sometimes, I liked to remain at my modest cottage and work on jewelry. It was during this period of my life that I met the love of my life and the one reason for doing what I have done. May the gods forgive me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was at a Lunar Ball where me first met. I was about to sneak off when the second most beautiful woman I've ever seen asked me to dance. She looked about seventeen and had chestnut brown hair the color of brown earth. Her eyes reminded me of sunlight being filtered by the trees near my cottage. Despite her being tall she was graceful and light on her feet as we danced one waltz after another.
I hadn't been able to rid my mind of Princess Makoto of Jupiter ever since then. She somehow struck me as a kindred spirit. I, being easily intimidated by the class system, couldn't bring myself to tell her I wanted to see her again until I had the chance to see her at another Lunar Ball. I noticed the princess inching her way to the doors of the ballroom, and was about to ask her to dance, when the blonde goddess of Venus, Princess Minako grabbed me and pulled me onto the dance floor with the other couples. 'So much for that idea,' I thought as I was forced to spend the rest of my night with the beautiful, but somewhat dense Venusian princess.
Hours later, the palace was thrown into an uproar when Princess Makoto was discovered to be missing. I volunteered to help with the search and decided to search the area beyond the palace.
I started on the farms and the meadows then worked my way up the hills. Each area yielded nothing. No sign of her anywhere. She was good at hiding. That much I could give her. I knew next to nothing of her except her reputation as a good fighter and a nature lover as well. I wanted her found soon for I was concerned for my love's safety.
At last I found her on a hill on the edge of the woods, sleeping under a solitary oak tree. 'Gods what a beauty!' I thought as I stared at her. The sleeping princess looked like a an Qualinesti elf princess come to sleep under her favorite tree. Her brown hair had come loose of its ponytail. Her skin looked like snow or clouds in the starlight. Her page's uniform left nothing to my imagination and I began to blush as not so pure thoughts popped into my head. She looked so fragile, but I knew she could be just as strong as the oak she slumbered under.
I could not bring myself to disturb the sleeping princess, yet I knew I must.
"I'll just let her sleep here a little longer," I said, "She looks so peaceful, almost as if she belongs here and not at the palace."
I took off my cloak and gently covered her with it. Hoping not to wake her, I turned to go. She stirred as I started down the hill.
"Who's there?" she asked, "I know someone's here. Show yourself."
I turned and stepped out of the shadows. Gods her eyes were so beautiful in the pale earthlight. I could look at those eyes for all eternity and still never learn their secrets. I had to get to know her better.
"Lord Nephrite. What are you doing here?" she asked.
"Please, my lady, I am no lord," I said blushing. "However I would like to know what you're doing here, my lady," I said with a smile.
"Is there something wrong at the palace? Is the princess -." she began.
"You could say that. It's not the princess or the queen. All of Lunaria has been looking for you, Lady Jupiter."
"For me why?"
"Because Princess Serenity got worried when she couldn't find you."
'Leave it to Serenity to make a mountain of an ant hill,' she thought.
"I'm sorry, Nephrite-san. I know I shouldn't have left the ball. I hate to admit this to anyone but, these balls bore me to death."
I laughed.
"What's so funny about that? I enjoy dancing as much as the next girl, but every night?"
"I'm sorry, my lady. I wasn't laughing at you. You see, um, balls bore me too."
Now it was her turn to laugh. "You? Bored? It looked to me you enjoyed dancing with Lady Minako earlier."
"It is true she is lovely and a wonderful dancer, but I have to admit I was on my way out when she caught me. How could I explain to her that I'd rather be at home making jewelry?"
"You make jewelry?" she asked, amazed.
I blushed yet again. "It's just something I do to keep me occupied when his highness doesn't need me."
"Wow! I think that's amazing! You think you could show me some of your work sometime?"
"I don't see why not," I said completely at ease with this gorgeous woman.
"I understand how you feel about these snobbish balls, Nephrite-san. I'd rather be here watching the stars and the earth if I have to stay on the Mars."
"You're a stargazer?"
"Yes, I suppose I am," she said, the blood rushing to her white cheeks. "Is that what you call it, stargazing? I love to come here and just look at the sky at night. Of course I come here during the day too. But at night everything's so quiet, so peaceful."
"I quite agree with you, my lady. The night can be peaceful. The view must be spectacular during the day though."
"Yes it is. But nighttime's the best for thinking. I wonder why you haven't found this place sooner."
"Yes, well, um. Perhaps it's because of the stars, my lady."
"The stars?" she said with an extremely puzzled look on her face.
"Yes. You see the movement of the stars rules everything."
"It does?" She tried her best to veil her skepticism. I couldn't help but smile at that.
"Yes. It does. Various cultures of my home world believe that the stars are in charge of everyone's destiny. When you're born, how you live, how you'll act. Everything."
"And you believe this, Nephrite-san?"
"Yes. I do. But I don't believe it. I know it."
"Know it? How?" she said while she thought,
"They told me."
"Told you? Who?"
"The stars of course."
"The stars told you?" I could see that she was considering of having me sent to a nut house as soon as we got back. I hardly believe I could talk to the stars myself sometimes.
"I know you don't believe me, my lady, but please try to believe me. You see I do star readings. That is I track their movement and they tell me things. It's part of my powers as a guardian I guess. When I was posted to Prince Endymion's elite guard, they told me I would find true love here."
"True love? On the Moon?" She looked like she was talking to the Millennium's worst pick up artist. And perhaps I am.
"Yes. I know it sounds like a pick up line, but it isn't. I mean if there's anyone else I'll stay away."
"No there's no one right now," she said blushing. "You're right it does sound like a line, and you're failing miserably," she said. She couldn't help laughing. Neither could I. The two of us became instant friends at that moment.
"I'm sorry to have bothered you, my lady. I'll see you later at the palace perhaps?" I turned to leave certain she'd follow when she was ready.
"Nephrite-san. Wait. Why don't you stay with me a while. I'd actually like to hear more about the stars and your home."
"I'm honored, my lady."
"Please, stop calling me that. It makes me feel like an old maid. I'd be honored if you called me by name."
"And I if you did the same, my la-, um Makoto-san," now it was my turn to turn red as a beet yet once again.
"Please, Nephrite-san, tell me more."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I came to love her more and more each day. My time on Earth was made only bearable when I was able to visit my love on the floating kingdom of Jupiter or at one of the constant Lunar Balls. It was at such a ball we finally got the courage to tell each other how we felt about each other.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the months moved on the two of us closer and closer. Soon there wasn't a night when we weren't together. We were always at their favorite spot. The hill with a single oak tree.
"Neph-kun, I've been thinking. We've known each other for a long time now and I'd like us to be together for a really long time."
"What are you trying to tell me, Mako-chan?"
"Well, I know it's usually the guy who's supposed to say this but, well -" She was trembling and blushing making a faint rose color rise to her cheeks. Was she going to say what I've longed to hear?
"Go ahead, dear, I'm listening."
"What I'm trying to say is that I love you and well, um,"
"Yes?"
"Neph-kun, will you marry me?" She turned redder than a beet. She couldn't bring herself to look at him. She was afraid of being rejected. Again.
"Mako-chan, You're a wonderful girl and -" I began. How could I possibly hope to marry her when she was of royal blood and I was a commoner with no idea as to where his roots were. I knew what planet I was born on, but that was it. "I love you, Mako-chan and I'd love to marry you but it's forbidden." It was true. Queen Serenity, ruler of the entire Silver Millennium, had passed a law saying that those of the Moon Kingdom could not marry those of the other planets. I was incensed of course. I mean what right did she have to interfere with someone's life like that. Her daughter's I could understand but not anyone else's.
"But I'm not from the Moon Kingdom. So we CAN get married," she said emphatically.
"Have you forgotten your duty as a Sailor Senshi Mako-chan?" I asked, loathing myself for forcing her to remember, but it was for her own good.
Tears began to fall from her lovely eyes. How I hated myself then. But not as much I do now. "Is that how you really feel?" she asked. I said nothing. "Sayonara, Neph-kun." She turned to go but I gently grabbed hold of her. Pressing a pair of rose quartz earrings I had made for her into her hand. It had taken me the whole time we've known each other to make them since they were a pair of delicately carved roses.
"Take these to remember me by," I said and make the first major mistake of my life. Makoto looked at me the tears never-ending as they fell and turned away and ran down the hill. I stood there mentally beating myself up for what I have done.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Terrible things had happened a month after our break up. Atlantis had been destroyed completely. It now lay at the bottom of the sea. Endymion's father, King Herne was dead. Slain by marauding youma. Queen Gaia secluded herself in a convent. Everywhere whole countries were being conquered. Only the continent of Lumeria, also known as Mu, remained unconquered. And I was holed up in my cottage pouring myself into my work when I wasn't too tired from battling youma.
A young sorceress was behind the near total domination of the Earth. Beryl had been able to seduce, hypnotize, or kill her way to get whatever she wanted. Now she was after the Earth and the Prince. She had always loved Prince Endymion ever since she and he were children together. Now that he was to marry Princess Serenity, Beryl's jealousy grew so great that she began her revenge.
She was the one behind the slaying of the king. She had sent an army of youma from her dark dimension as a distraction for what remained of the Terran army while a few assassin youma slipped unnoticed into the castle and slew Endymion's father. To make things worse, my friends Jadeite, Kunzite, and Zoisite were missing and there were reports that the missing guardians were fighting with the evil sorceress.
All the people on the Moon, agreed they were Beryl's next target. Endymion and I would go assist Mu while the Senshi and Moon army would prepare and fortify the Moon. I haven't seen my beloved Makoto since that night, but the stars told me she was just as miserable and worried as I was. I smiled to think that she still loved me as much as I her. If it weren't for that damned law, I'd be fighting by her side.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You already know the outcome of the battle for Mu. Earth now belongs to Queen Beryl and Queen Metallia. It was a total massacre. Almost all of the Earth's forces were entirely wiped out. Prince Endymion had barely escaped. He had reached the Moon just in time to see it be destroyed.
The Sailor Senshi and what remained of the Moon's army prepared for the final battle with Beryl. Beryl's army hit the Moon Kingdom like nothing ever seen before. For every soldier slain, ten more replaced his place. There seemed no end to the slaughter. I feel so ashamed for ever being a part of such an atrocious at of treason.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
During the battle, I had gotten separated from my fellow traitors. Yes I too had gone over to Beryl's side. Let's just say she made me an offer I couldn't refuse and leave it at that. I was killing soldier after soldier not caring to look about me until I caught sight of an all too familiar figure come into the fray.
"By the Gods! Nephrite! Is that really you? They told me you were killed at Mu," my beloved Makoto cried running up to me. I loved her still, but I had to obey my queen. Those in her way had to be eliminated even if it was the one I loved most.
"Then they were mistaken," I say coldly, showing no emotion in my eyes. It was as if my heart and soul had been frozen and locked away. She could see I was not the man she had loved.
"Neph-kun, what has happened to you? How could you betray us. Betray everything we had?" she said, tears beginning to flow again.
"I just chose the winning side, my love. Mako-chan, I don't wish to hurt you so this is why I'm offering you this choice. Come with me. We could still have what we had." I was telling her the truth. I still did and still do want her even if it's impossible now. She stared at me. I could tell she wanted to go with him, stay with me by the look of confusion and hesitation on her tear stained face.
"I'm sorry, Neph-kun but, I can't. I won't betray my friends, my home, my people."
"I understand, my love. Please forgive me." With that I ran my sword through her slender body. The look of betrayal and sadness forever etched on her beautiful face. "Such a pity such beauty has to be destroyed. Farewell, my love." I said with a sad smile. I turned back to the battle but, not without placing a kiss on her quickly cooling lips. Oh my love, please forgive and take pity on this foolish man.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May whatever god you believe in, whoever's reading this, have mercy on my damned and tortured soul.
by Sakura
Nephrite's Tale
I, Nephrite of the royal guardians of Prince Endymion of Earth, set down this record so those who find it may understand why I have done what I did.
I know very little of my childhood. In fact, I can remember next to nothing of my parents. What little I can remember is that I was orphaned at a very young age and was forced to live alone until I was about ten years old. How I was able to survive is a miracle and a mystery. For as long as I could remember, I've had the power to listen to the stars and understand what they had to tell. Perhaps that is what allowed me to survive a life of poverty as a child.
When I was about ten or eleven, I was taken in by a strange old man I called 'Grandfather'. Whether he was really my grandfather or not, I do not know nor do I care to. Of all the people I've come to know in my life he was one of the two I loved most.
He was a wise old man who knew a great deal of the world of Krynn, the tiny backwater planet I was born on. He was both a parent and teacher to me, helping me to learn to read and write one minute and scolding me for some mischief the next. Once I had what he called the basics down, he then made me he apprentice. He had been a jeweler, you see and needed someone to help with the jewelry making since he wasn't as young as he used to be. I turned out to be a very quick learner and was soon able to work in the shop by myself while he could rest at our home a few days out of the week. Our works never really sold well, but many of those who did buy from us, often complimented my pieces more than my grandfather's.
The old man had on more than one occasion told me I must have had magic in my blood if I could surpass him. He had often told me stories of how almost every noble house in the Silver Millennium rushed to buy his work whenever he visited a new planet. But what puzzled me was that he had also said more than once that my pieces always seemed to feel strange. He swore the gems were alive, filled with a strange energy. To me the jewelry I had made was just beautiful ornaments for the rich to show off at parties and holidays.
I lived with my grandfather for several more years until he died just shortly after my twenty-first birthday. I remained alone in our house for several weeks, leaving only to buy food. It was a very sad and lonely time for me. For ten years I had lived with another person and the loss was devastating. Finally a group of Grandfather's friends had convinced me to join a traveling caravan of merchants since I was running low on money. Taking only my tools, a couple books, and what was left of my grandfather's money, I left the hamlet that had been my home for ten years not realizing how drastically my life had changed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The caravan had just stopped at the beautiful city of Istar and I was wandering the streets looking for a profitable place to set up shop. Now wandering the streets of a crowded city like this was a very silly thing to do, but I was still naive then. I was too overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the city too pay attention. Never before have I seen all the races of Ansalon stuffed into one place. There were dwarves, elves, humans, even an ogre or two. But what worried me was the sheer amount of kender running loose. As much as I am found of these mischievous people, I knew too well how much mischief they could cause with their kleptomania. We had one or two of the little thieves living in my hometown for a couple years before subcumbing to the wanderlust.
I was making my way through the crowds, making sure to steer clear of the kender so I failed to notice the slender figure trailing me. I was so worried about the kender, that I had totally forgotten that they weren't the only race of thieves on Krynn. I felt someone bump into me as I passed an alley. I looked to see that it was a beautiful, young woman.
She had long honey gold hair pulled into a loose ponytail, sparkling emerald eyes and the pointed ears of the elves. I noticed she was dressed in the gaudy costume of a street performer. She apologized and I was about to let her go, when I remembered the lessons I learned as a street orphan. I quickly grabbed her before she could get any further into the crowd and pulled her into the alley. "Just a moment," I said once we were alone.
"All right girl, give it back," I said, not too harsh. I didn't really want to frighten her. I knew what it was like not having enough money for food or shelter myself.
"I don't know what you're talking about. Now let me go," she said with a slightly accented voice. I could tell by the accent that she was not exactly one of those cultured elves, but a Kagonesti or wild elf. In fact, her eyes shone with a feral light as she reached for a dagger she had hidden in her costume.
"I don't think so," I said as I grabbed her arm. Taking the weapon, I threw it to the ground out of her reach. I removed my pouch from her belt. "I believe these are mine," I said as I put the pouch in my pack to prevent other thieves from trying. "Next time be careful, girl." I turned to leave but it seemed she still wanted to fight.
"Matte!" she called. I stopped and turned around to face her again. I was really not in the mood for a fight. "You're not going to call the watch? You're letting me get away with stealing from you?" she asked. It was obvious from her surprise that she was not used to being treated so kindly.
"Why should I?" I said, smiling. "I got back what you took."
She did a slight curtsey and said the that lilting voice of hers, "Um... Domo arigatou gozaimasu." I nodded and she began to leave.
I started to think that if it was this easy to be robbed in Istar, then I needed a guard. Thinking that the best way to guard one's wares would be to hire someone who knew the way of thieves. I knew I shouldn't be considering her as a possible employee, but something drew me to her. Besides I felt that even though she was a thief, she could be trusted somewhat.
"Matte," I call to her and she froze in her tracks.
"I didn't take anything this time. Honto!" she said, nervously.
"I know," I reassured her. "It's just that I want to know why an elf like you has to steal for a living."
"I don't have to," she said curtly. "I also work as a street dancer." That definitely explained the costume. "Besides I like it," she said with a hint of mischief in her emerald eyes.
"You LIKE stealing? Naze?" I said totally shocked. Never before have I heard of an elf liking to steal.
"It's fun. 'Sides these fools deserve to be robbed if they don't bother protecting themselves," she said disdainfully.
I didn't care much for her attitude, but I believed that if I could give her some real honest work, she'd stop stealing. "Listen, I have a proposition for you," I begin. She looked at me curiously. "No it's not a robbery or anything else your thinking of." I was surprised when she looked a bit disappointed, but I could tell she was still interested in what I had to say.
"OK, I'm listening."
"How would you like to work for me? You could help set up the jewelry I make, plus act as a guard since a good thief like you should have no problems spotting others," I said laying on as many compliments I could think of. Grandfather always said one caught more flies with honey than vinegar. "Someone as beautiful as you would also happen to make it easier to sell my works, don't you think so?"
She blushed. I knew I had the elf woman eating out of my hand. I smiled as she stood, apparently thinking over my proposal. "All right," she said after a few moments of silence, "You got yourself a guard." She held out her hand. How this elf knew the human custom of handshaking after striking a deal, I did not know. But it didn't matter.
Smiling, I gently take her hand and kiss it on the back as I've seen many a rich man do so to a woman he favored. "I am Nephrite, my lady," I said using my best suave tone.
"You can call me what you like, but I'm no lady," she retorted with a bitter tone. "If I was, I'd still be living with my people and dying of boredom while serving some old lech." I began to feel pity for this beautiful creature. I had forgotten most wild elves were slaves to their more cultured cousins and started to mentally kick myself in the head for being such a jerk. "So when do I start?" she asked, quickly changing the subject.
"Immediately, if you'd like," I said, glad she had decided to look over my faux pas. I leave the alley and this time I was aware of the elf woman following me, safe in the knowledge that as long as she was near I didn't have to worry much about the local thieves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For the next two years, the elf woman whom I decided to call Milady, worked with me as a partner and guard. Even though I was good at spotting thieves myself, I felt sorry for her and insisted that she stay and help me. It was a good thing too for as I had predicted, having her around increased my business. What I really missed was being able to stay in one place. We had been following the caravans for almost two years and I was beginning to feel a bit homesick.
It wasn't too bad to have her company, but I found I still could not trust my partner. There was something about her that reminded me of a wild animal someone hasn't completely tamed. To make it worse, she hardly ever talked and when she did, she never told anything of herself. I however, told her everything. Even of my lonely childhood. I tried several times to get her to open up, but failed.
After we closed shop for a day, Milady and I would go over the day's profits making sure we split them evenly so none of us would complain and she would help in my jewelry making. What surprised and interested me was that she would take one of the crystals we had lying around and attempt to shape it into something. I had never seen anyone do that before, not without the tiring process of chipping away at it. She seemed to do it by sheer will alone. Once she had changed every single crystal we had, she went and bought some more and made one into a sword like weapon. When I asked her why she did that, she said that she wanted a better weapon than the dagger she'd been carrying since the day we met. I should have let her go then, but I was only a naive human fool then.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We were back in Istar for one of the many festivals when fate decided to pop in for a visit. It took the form of a tall woman wearing a red cloak so dark I was sure it had been black when she first approached our stall. She had with her a silver staff that resembled a giant key.
"May we help you my lady?" Milady asked, eyeing this strange woman with the veiled disrespect she usually showed mages. I never really cared much for mages either, but this woman was giving me a very uneasy feeling for some strange reason.
"Actually Ferileaghamberlantalasa, I was hoping you and Nephrite could help me," she said with a somber tone that sent shivers up my spine. She was here for another reason and I didn't want to know what it was. I desperately wanted to get out of there and fast. She removed her hood and revealed green hair so dark it was almost black and a pair of ages old looking magenta eyes.
I then realized exactly what I was looking at. I was looking at an avatar of some god. One look at those eyes and you could tell. My partner began to shiver slightly as she stared at this god in mortal form. I didn't know which one of our gods it was, but I had my guesses. Hoping I had guessed the right one, I addressed her. "Lunatari-sama, how may we humble mortals help you?" I said bowing as was what a mere mortal should do when in the presence of a god.
She smiled before answering. I should be honored for very few have ever been able to make that woman smile. "Please Nephrite, get up," she said gently. "I'm not one of your gods, just an emissary on a mission."
I rose to my feet, noticing that Milady hadn't stopped eyeing the woman with suspicion. I was going to ask her who this Feril-something person was when the elf woman spoke up, "What sort of mission, my lady?"
"Didn't I just say that Ferileagh?" she said, obviously having some sort of unspoken conversation with her. Milady's eyes went wide. Mine did as well. Never before had she ever told me her name and now here was a total stranger addressing her as if she was an old friend. I could tell this person's knowledge of Milady's true name was upsetting her so I turned to face this so called 'emissary'.
"I have come for you and Nephrite, Ferileagh," she said in an calm even tone. "I assure you it is nothing sinister, so don't worry so much Feril. You two have been chosen by the Fates to be two of Prince Endymion's personal bodyguards."
I could hardly believe my ears. The Great Prince of one of the two most mighty kingdoms of the Silver Millennium had need of bodyguards and we two were to be them. I was no warrior, why chose me? I thought. This still bothers me even now. Why chose someone who had no experience whatsoever in battle to be a bodyguard? Feril I could understand, but not me. I was about to voice my protest to the woman before us when once again, my partner but in before I opened my mouth. I really wish she hadn't. For what she said next caused another great change in my life.
"All right, my lady, I'll go with you, but only if Neph decides to come as well."
"Fair enough, and call me Pluto, Feril. Nephrite?" She looked at me. Gods! The way those ages old eyes of hers bore into my soul made me so nervous that I could hardly make my mouth work. This was one woman you didn't mess with you could tell just by looking at her.
"I'd hate to leave my work, not to mention my home, but who am I to go against the Fates," said smiling, but it was a weak and nervous one.
"I'll take that as a yes," replied 'Pluto'.
I nodded to confirm her answer and looked towards my partner. She too nodded her consent. "Then it you two are ready... No need to pack anything. Any trace of your existence here will disappear as soon as we leave," she said reading my mind. However, I highly disliked having my entire existence erased from the world I had loved so much. I took one last look at the city of Istar as Ferileagh did and before I knew what was going on, a maroon light surrounded the three of us and we were someplace else.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After a rather uneventful trip to Earth via spaceship, I, Milady and Pluto arrived at the royal palace. Never have I left my world before and I was still awed from the fact that there were such things as ships that sailed among the stars. The guards at the doors gave my partner and I very suspicious looks, something I was all too used to but one look at Pluto and they let us through.
My jaw dropped at the splendor of the castle. There were marble statues lining the halls and gold leafing on the ceilings. The finest of furniture and rugs decorated each room I could see and all were filled with every type of flower imaginable some I've never even seen before. "I've come to speak with the prince," our tall companion said as she stopped a passing servant.
The servant bowed and immediately ushered us into what was the biggest library I've ever seen. I have never nor ever will see one like it again. I hear a low whistle as Milady stepped in followed by Pluto. The servant quickly left and shut the door behind us. On a finely carved chair by a fireplace, sat a black haired boy of about eighteen. The prince, I assumed. He was good looking as most young men go, but nothing could ever compare to HER beauty, but I digress.
"Still reckless Endymion, your back's to the door," said Pluto, cheerfully scolding him.
"Hello to you too, Pu," he said choosing to remain where he was. "I saw the flames flicker and knew someone had come in. You've brought a friend I see."
The woman was surprised. An amused look appeared on her usually stoic face. "Endymion, how did you know I wasn't' alone?" she asked.
"Easy enough, I heard someone whistle as you came in. I knew it couldn't be you because you've been here before. Whoever it is, must be very impressed with our 'collection,'" the prince replied. A slight blush came to my elven partner's face, embarrassed that she'd been heard.
Pluto sat in one of the other chairs by the fire and at a gesture from her we did as well. "Endymion, if you can tear yourself from that book for two minutes, I'd like you to meet two of your guardians," she said leaning her staff against the chair. I stared at the large garnet orb on the top, anything instead of looking at him. I didn't hate him, but I was embarrassed. I've never been this close to royalty before. My partner however was still staring at the books. 'I bet she'd love to get her hands on those,' I thought with a smirk.
After we were properly introduced, we were yet again whisked away off to somewhere. To this day, I still can not remember where. Anyway, we left Earth to train in battle so we'd be prepared to protect the prince should we have to.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I won't talk about what went on during our training since it was virtually uneventful. We met the other two guardians, Jadeite and Kunzite and became close friends. So close in fact that by the time we returned to Earth, Milady or Zoisite as Kunzite had renamed her, had fallen in love with the pale haired guardian.
I may have been close to Jadeite, but sometimes, I liked to remain at my modest cottage and work on jewelry. It was during this period of my life that I met the love of my life and the one reason for doing what I have done. May the gods forgive me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was at a Lunar Ball where me first met. I was about to sneak off when the second most beautiful woman I've ever seen asked me to dance. She looked about seventeen and had chestnut brown hair the color of brown earth. Her eyes reminded me of sunlight being filtered by the trees near my cottage. Despite her being tall she was graceful and light on her feet as we danced one waltz after another.
I hadn't been able to rid my mind of Princess Makoto of Jupiter ever since then. She somehow struck me as a kindred spirit. I, being easily intimidated by the class system, couldn't bring myself to tell her I wanted to see her again until I had the chance to see her at another Lunar Ball. I noticed the princess inching her way to the doors of the ballroom, and was about to ask her to dance, when the blonde goddess of Venus, Princess Minako grabbed me and pulled me onto the dance floor with the other couples. 'So much for that idea,' I thought as I was forced to spend the rest of my night with the beautiful, but somewhat dense Venusian princess.
Hours later, the palace was thrown into an uproar when Princess Makoto was discovered to be missing. I volunteered to help with the search and decided to search the area beyond the palace.
I started on the farms and the meadows then worked my way up the hills. Each area yielded nothing. No sign of her anywhere. She was good at hiding. That much I could give her. I knew next to nothing of her except her reputation as a good fighter and a nature lover as well. I wanted her found soon for I was concerned for my love's safety.
At last I found her on a hill on the edge of the woods, sleeping under a solitary oak tree. 'Gods what a beauty!' I thought as I stared at her. The sleeping princess looked like a an Qualinesti elf princess come to sleep under her favorite tree. Her brown hair had come loose of its ponytail. Her skin looked like snow or clouds in the starlight. Her page's uniform left nothing to my imagination and I began to blush as not so pure thoughts popped into my head. She looked so fragile, but I knew she could be just as strong as the oak she slumbered under.
I could not bring myself to disturb the sleeping princess, yet I knew I must.
"I'll just let her sleep here a little longer," I said, "She looks so peaceful, almost as if she belongs here and not at the palace."
I took off my cloak and gently covered her with it. Hoping not to wake her, I turned to go. She stirred as I started down the hill.
"Who's there?" she asked, "I know someone's here. Show yourself."
I turned and stepped out of the shadows. Gods her eyes were so beautiful in the pale earthlight. I could look at those eyes for all eternity and still never learn their secrets. I had to get to know her better.
"Lord Nephrite. What are you doing here?" she asked.
"Please, my lady, I am no lord," I said blushing. "However I would like to know what you're doing here, my lady," I said with a smile.
"Is there something wrong at the palace? Is the princess -." she began.
"You could say that. It's not the princess or the queen. All of Lunaria has been looking for you, Lady Jupiter."
"For me why?"
"Because Princess Serenity got worried when she couldn't find you."
'Leave it to Serenity to make a mountain of an ant hill,' she thought.
"I'm sorry, Nephrite-san. I know I shouldn't have left the ball. I hate to admit this to anyone but, these balls bore me to death."
I laughed.
"What's so funny about that? I enjoy dancing as much as the next girl, but every night?"
"I'm sorry, my lady. I wasn't laughing at you. You see, um, balls bore me too."
Now it was her turn to laugh. "You? Bored? It looked to me you enjoyed dancing with Lady Minako earlier."
"It is true she is lovely and a wonderful dancer, but I have to admit I was on my way out when she caught me. How could I explain to her that I'd rather be at home making jewelry?"
"You make jewelry?" she asked, amazed.
I blushed yet again. "It's just something I do to keep me occupied when his highness doesn't need me."
"Wow! I think that's amazing! You think you could show me some of your work sometime?"
"I don't see why not," I said completely at ease with this gorgeous woman.
"I understand how you feel about these snobbish balls, Nephrite-san. I'd rather be here watching the stars and the earth if I have to stay on the Mars."
"You're a stargazer?"
"Yes, I suppose I am," she said, the blood rushing to her white cheeks. "Is that what you call it, stargazing? I love to come here and just look at the sky at night. Of course I come here during the day too. But at night everything's so quiet, so peaceful."
"I quite agree with you, my lady. The night can be peaceful. The view must be spectacular during the day though."
"Yes it is. But nighttime's the best for thinking. I wonder why you haven't found this place sooner."
"Yes, well, um. Perhaps it's because of the stars, my lady."
"The stars?" she said with an extremely puzzled look on her face.
"Yes. You see the movement of the stars rules everything."
"It does?" She tried her best to veil her skepticism. I couldn't help but smile at that.
"Yes. It does. Various cultures of my home world believe that the stars are in charge of everyone's destiny. When you're born, how you live, how you'll act. Everything."
"And you believe this, Nephrite-san?"
"Yes. I do. But I don't believe it. I know it."
"Know it? How?" she said while she thought,
"They told me."
"Told you? Who?"
"The stars of course."
"The stars told you?" I could see that she was considering of having me sent to a nut house as soon as we got back. I hardly believe I could talk to the stars myself sometimes.
"I know you don't believe me, my lady, but please try to believe me. You see I do star readings. That is I track their movement and they tell me things. It's part of my powers as a guardian I guess. When I was posted to Prince Endymion's elite guard, they told me I would find true love here."
"True love? On the Moon?" She looked like she was talking to the Millennium's worst pick up artist. And perhaps I am.
"Yes. I know it sounds like a pick up line, but it isn't. I mean if there's anyone else I'll stay away."
"No there's no one right now," she said blushing. "You're right it does sound like a line, and you're failing miserably," she said. She couldn't help laughing. Neither could I. The two of us became instant friends at that moment.
"I'm sorry to have bothered you, my lady. I'll see you later at the palace perhaps?" I turned to leave certain she'd follow when she was ready.
"Nephrite-san. Wait. Why don't you stay with me a while. I'd actually like to hear more about the stars and your home."
"I'm honored, my lady."
"Please, stop calling me that. It makes me feel like an old maid. I'd be honored if you called me by name."
"And I if you did the same, my la-, um Makoto-san," now it was my turn to turn red as a beet yet once again.
"Please, Nephrite-san, tell me more."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I came to love her more and more each day. My time on Earth was made only bearable when I was able to visit my love on the floating kingdom of Jupiter or at one of the constant Lunar Balls. It was at such a ball we finally got the courage to tell each other how we felt about each other.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the months moved on the two of us closer and closer. Soon there wasn't a night when we weren't together. We were always at their favorite spot. The hill with a single oak tree.
"Neph-kun, I've been thinking. We've known each other for a long time now and I'd like us to be together for a really long time."
"What are you trying to tell me, Mako-chan?"
"Well, I know it's usually the guy who's supposed to say this but, well -" She was trembling and blushing making a faint rose color rise to her cheeks. Was she going to say what I've longed to hear?
"Go ahead, dear, I'm listening."
"What I'm trying to say is that I love you and well, um,"
"Yes?"
"Neph-kun, will you marry me?" She turned redder than a beet. She couldn't bring herself to look at him. She was afraid of being rejected. Again.
"Mako-chan, You're a wonderful girl and -" I began. How could I possibly hope to marry her when she was of royal blood and I was a commoner with no idea as to where his roots were. I knew what planet I was born on, but that was it. "I love you, Mako-chan and I'd love to marry you but it's forbidden." It was true. Queen Serenity, ruler of the entire Silver Millennium, had passed a law saying that those of the Moon Kingdom could not marry those of the other planets. I was incensed of course. I mean what right did she have to interfere with someone's life like that. Her daughter's I could understand but not anyone else's.
"But I'm not from the Moon Kingdom. So we CAN get married," she said emphatically.
"Have you forgotten your duty as a Sailor Senshi Mako-chan?" I asked, loathing myself for forcing her to remember, but it was for her own good.
Tears began to fall from her lovely eyes. How I hated myself then. But not as much I do now. "Is that how you really feel?" she asked. I said nothing. "Sayonara, Neph-kun." She turned to go but I gently grabbed hold of her. Pressing a pair of rose quartz earrings I had made for her into her hand. It had taken me the whole time we've known each other to make them since they were a pair of delicately carved roses.
"Take these to remember me by," I said and make the first major mistake of my life. Makoto looked at me the tears never-ending as they fell and turned away and ran down the hill. I stood there mentally beating myself up for what I have done.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Terrible things had happened a month after our break up. Atlantis had been destroyed completely. It now lay at the bottom of the sea. Endymion's father, King Herne was dead. Slain by marauding youma. Queen Gaia secluded herself in a convent. Everywhere whole countries were being conquered. Only the continent of Lumeria, also known as Mu, remained unconquered. And I was holed up in my cottage pouring myself into my work when I wasn't too tired from battling youma.
A young sorceress was behind the near total domination of the Earth. Beryl had been able to seduce, hypnotize, or kill her way to get whatever she wanted. Now she was after the Earth and the Prince. She had always loved Prince Endymion ever since she and he were children together. Now that he was to marry Princess Serenity, Beryl's jealousy grew so great that she began her revenge.
She was the one behind the slaying of the king. She had sent an army of youma from her dark dimension as a distraction for what remained of the Terran army while a few assassin youma slipped unnoticed into the castle and slew Endymion's father. To make things worse, my friends Jadeite, Kunzite, and Zoisite were missing and there were reports that the missing guardians were fighting with the evil sorceress.
All the people on the Moon, agreed they were Beryl's next target. Endymion and I would go assist Mu while the Senshi and Moon army would prepare and fortify the Moon. I haven't seen my beloved Makoto since that night, but the stars told me she was just as miserable and worried as I was. I smiled to think that she still loved me as much as I her. If it weren't for that damned law, I'd be fighting by her side.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You already know the outcome of the battle for Mu. Earth now belongs to Queen Beryl and Queen Metallia. It was a total massacre. Almost all of the Earth's forces were entirely wiped out. Prince Endymion had barely escaped. He had reached the Moon just in time to see it be destroyed.
The Sailor Senshi and what remained of the Moon's army prepared for the final battle with Beryl. Beryl's army hit the Moon Kingdom like nothing ever seen before. For every soldier slain, ten more replaced his place. There seemed no end to the slaughter. I feel so ashamed for ever being a part of such an atrocious at of treason.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
During the battle, I had gotten separated from my fellow traitors. Yes I too had gone over to Beryl's side. Let's just say she made me an offer I couldn't refuse and leave it at that. I was killing soldier after soldier not caring to look about me until I caught sight of an all too familiar figure come into the fray.
"By the Gods! Nephrite! Is that really you? They told me you were killed at Mu," my beloved Makoto cried running up to me. I loved her still, but I had to obey my queen. Those in her way had to be eliminated even if it was the one I loved most.
"Then they were mistaken," I say coldly, showing no emotion in my eyes. It was as if my heart and soul had been frozen and locked away. She could see I was not the man she had loved.
"Neph-kun, what has happened to you? How could you betray us. Betray everything we had?" she said, tears beginning to flow again.
"I just chose the winning side, my love. Mako-chan, I don't wish to hurt you so this is why I'm offering you this choice. Come with me. We could still have what we had." I was telling her the truth. I still did and still do want her even if it's impossible now. She stared at me. I could tell she wanted to go with him, stay with me by the look of confusion and hesitation on her tear stained face.
"I'm sorry, Neph-kun but, I can't. I won't betray my friends, my home, my people."
"I understand, my love. Please forgive me." With that I ran my sword through her slender body. The look of betrayal and sadness forever etched on her beautiful face. "Such a pity such beauty has to be destroyed. Farewell, my love." I said with a sad smile. I turned back to the battle but, not without placing a kiss on her quickly cooling lips. Oh my love, please forgive and take pity on this foolish man.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May whatever god you believe in, whoever's reading this, have mercy on my damned and tortured soul.