by Sailor Lily
posted December 16, 2000
One night they held hands as they walked in silence, they didn’t feel the need to make conversation. They simply kept quiet, and felt the spirit of the wonderful things that surrounded them. Setsuna looked up at the dark sky, where the moon shined like a lonesome pearl. < I still can’t believe how silent, deserted, peaceful, and beautiful the moon looks from Earth.>
“What are you thinking?”-asked Endymion noticing her gaze fixed on the distant moon. “Do you miss being at the Moon Kingdom?”
“Not really, we spent only six months there. We have been longer here at Earth, almost a year and a half. But I was just thinking about how different the moon looks from Earth.”
“Do you like how it looks from my planet?”
Setsuna turned to face him and hugged him. “I love your planet, and never want to leave. I feel happy and peaceful here.”
“I know how you can stay here with me, if you want.”-he said hugging her tightly.
“Really? Well, what’s your plan?”
“You can just... marry me, and we can live here forever.”
She looked up at his smiling midnight-blue eyes, and asked incredulous, “Are you serious? You really want to marry me? But what will your parents say?”
“Of course I’m serious, I want to marry you. Don’t you worry about my parents, they want me to marry the woman I love, and I have to say that... I found her.”
She leaned her head on his chest, and closed her eyes to listen to his heartbeat. “I hope you’re right about your parents agreeing to a marriage between us.”
“Then, you will marry me?”
“Yes, of course I’ll marry you. I don’t even have to think about it twice.”
“Great! I’ll go with you to Pluto soon, and talk to your parents.”
He leaned down and kissed her passionately. That was the first time they had ever kissed in such a manner. Setsuna could feel her heart going a thousand beats per second. As they stood next to the water with their bare feet, they began to feel little drops of water on their face. Their heads were damp from the drops, and it smelled like wet earth because of the rain coming down. They continued to kiss under the rain, until their warmth couldn’t keep them from getting wet. They finally parted from that endless kiss that had united their souls.
“I think we need to go inside. We’re soaked and its darker now with the storm clouds covering the moonlight.”-said Setsuna unable to keep herself from smiling up at him.
“Yes, come its raining really hard and we have no shoes on.” -he said as he smiled and took her warm hand.
They ran together with feet as light as feathers, because they had found and shared a feeling like no other. It was that kiss, that moment under the rain, that would bind them together forever.
********************************************
The following day, everyone woke up bright and early, except for one person.
“Setsuna, may I come in?”-asked Michiru after repeatedly knocking on the wood door. “Setsuna?”
“What’s wrong, Michiru?”-asked Ami seeing Michiru’s worried expression. “Is something wrong?”
“I’m not sure, Setsuna is not answering.”
“Maybe she’s really tired since she probably came back late from her walk with Endymion.”
“No, it’s not like her not to answer when someone’s at her door.”-said Haruka from behind Ami. “Try the door, maybe she didn’t lock it.”
Michiru opened the door and saw the room all dark. “Setsuna?”-she whispered while making her way next to her bed. “Are you okay?” There was no answer. Michiru looked down closely at the sweating face of her dear friend. She placed her hand on Setsuna’s forehead.
“Haruka, call Endymion!”-called out Michiru desperate. “Ami look for Queen Grace, Luna or Nebula.”
Seconds later in ran a worried, gray-eyed Endymion, followed by Hotaru and Haruka. He went to Setsuna’s bedside, and his face paled like cold ivory. <He really loves her. He’s simply terrified to see there’s something wrong with her.> thought Michiru to find such bold emotion on the usually collected Endymion.
“What’s wrong with her? She was fine last night.”-he asked while griping Setsuna's hand.
“We have no idea, but her forehead is really warm.”-answered Michiru looking down at Setsuna's sweating face.
“That can’t be, her hand is freezing.”
Michiru continued to looked down at her very concern to see if Setsuna responded in any way, but her face was calm. Hotaru climbed the bed, and stroked Setsuna’s silky hair saying, “Setsuna, please wake up. Setsuna? What’s wrong? please answer us!”
“What’s going on?”-exclaimed Nebula coming through the door. “What’s wrong with her?”
“Endymion, go call Setsuna’s chambermaid.”-commanded Queen Grace while looking at her sweating face. “All of you, help me open the windows. We must bring her fever down as fast as we can.”
Endymion came back with the chambermaid and the other girls followed him to see what was the matter with all the commotion in Setsuna’s room. Luna came in and ordered them to leave the room so that they would let them heal the girl’s sickness.
“Yes, please all of you must leave, I don’t want anyone else to catch whatever Princess Setsuna has.”-said Queen Grace while drying her wet hands.
“But, when will we be able to see her?”-asked Endymion while trying to get next to Setsuna’s bed side, but Luna blocked his way. “Will she be fine?”
“I don’t know my son. But don’t any of you worry, I won’t leave her side until she’s better.”
“Please help her, mother.”-said Endymion with fear taking a hold of him. “She's my best friend, my closest companion, the true love of my heart, and... my future wife.”
Everyone in the room fell silent, and all the girls were in absolute shock at his plain sincerity. That was the type of love that all of the girls dreamed about. Nebula on the other hand, couldn’t believe her ears. <So it has happened as Liba foresaw when she heard that a Prince had been born at Earth, and years before she had Setsuna.> Grace smiled at her son, the son that she had managed to take away from death. She thought sadly, <So it has come, he has found his soul mate. These poor children, they do not know all that must happen before being together.>
“We’ll make her better, I promise.”-finally said Queen Grace going to reassure her son, and patting his cheek.
He leaned down to kiss her forehead and said, “Thank you, thank you. I don’t know what I would do without her,...or without you, Mother.”
**********************************************
It had been three days since she had become ill. The fever refused to retreat, causing Setsuna to be delirious with her illness. She would have spontaneous outburst that would make her open her eyes, but she couldn’t recognize them, and with how weak she was, fell back into a fitful sleep.
“No! Pluto...destroyed. Mother, Father, Liba don’t leave me! Please don’t go. Not Hotaru, she’s so young. Please, please, don’t leave!”
Nebula was absolutely frightened to see her so ill, and listening to the fragments of things she said. She hoped with all her might, that everything that she was dreaming about was only a dream and not a vision of the future. Nebula continued applying cold cloths to her blazing head while soothing her.
“I should have suspected that at least one of them would get ill here.”-said Grace to Nebula while handing her another cold cloths. “People don’t suffer from diseases in outer space. Her body is not used to illness, but she’s strong and will get better.”
“Yes, she’s very strong spirited. But I wonder what caused this unexpected sickness, she was fine when she went to take a walk with Endymion.”-said Nebula looking down at the restless girl.
“She came in running barefoot, and soaked to the core.”-informed the chambermaid while she brought more cold water. “I asked her if she would like me to help her change, but she sent me to get her some tea. When I came back she was sitting down on the floor, still wet, and looking at the rain outside.”
“Well, that probably did it!”-exclaimed Grace looking at Luna who agreed.
It took two more days for her temperature to return to normal, and become aware of her surroundings. She opened her heavy eyes to see Queen Grace next to her, holding firmly to her hand.
“Setsuna, how do you feel?”-whispered Luna looking at her closely. “Do you want something to eat?”
“I feel light-headed.”-answered Setsuna calmly putting a hand to her head. “What happened?”
“It seems being barefoot in the rain, and coming into the cold affected you. Don’t worry you’ll be fine.”
“Are the others well? Was I the only sick?”
“Yes, you were the only sick. The others are fine.”-said Luna with all her black hair pulled back. “Now come, sit-up and let Queen Grace give you something to eat. I’ll go tell the others you’re better.”
Setsuna obediently tried to sit-up, until her chambermaid came to help her. Queen Grace fed her, trying to nurture her back to health as if she was her own little sick doll. Setsuna said nothing, and simply looked at her. She reminded her so much of her mother. <I miss you mother and I wonder if you miss me too. I haven't seen you in so long. I wish you could meet Queen Grace, she reminds me of you. She’s such a kind person, so beautiful. I guess its no wonder where Endymion gets his good looks and character from.>
“Come, my dear,” -said the Queen after handing the maid the empty dishes. “You must rest in order to get well. I will be by you side all night, you rest now.”
“No, you must sleep too. I’m better, there really is no need for you to lose sleep over me.”
“My girl, you are so considerate and always thinking about others. Your parents must be very proud of you.”
Setsuna blushes saying, “I hope so.”
“You know, I wish I could have had a daughter like you.”-said the Queen sincerely. “I had a baby girl before Endymion, but it was too small to live.”
Setsuna could see the sorrow in the older woman’s black eyes, as she tried to fight the tears. Setsuna said nothing while she held her shaking hand.
“I named her Celestia. Two years after her, Endymion was born.”-continued the Queen while she removed the memories from the past. “He was very frail, and from the moment I saw him, I didn’t want him out of my arms. He came so close to death, but I managed to snatch him form its claws. Now he’s all grown, strong, handsome,...and ready to marry you.”
Setsuna didn’t know what to say, since she hadn’t expected Endymion to have told them already. The Queen smiled at her shock and hugged her.
“Now, I will finally have a daughter, you will be the daughter that I have longed for since the death of my own. I will be so happy and proud to see you married to Endymion.”
Those words touched her heart so deeply, and incredible fear ran through her that she began to cry. < I should be happy, but what is it that I fear? What is it that causes this fear in me?>
“Oh, I’m sorry I’ve made you cry with my babbling. Come, you must rest now.”
“Queen Grace...”
“No, please call me Mother Grace.”
“Mother...Grace, I love Endymion very much.”
“I know, and he love you more than he loves his life. He would do anything for you. But it’s been enough talking for you, go on, rest.”
Setsuna smiled at her kindness through misty eyes. She lay her head on the soft pillow and went right to sleep.
********************************************
The whole court was gathered in the dining room after they were done with dinner. They talked, discussed, and laughed about the occurrences from the day. They had bonded so tightly that they had become a big family. Setsuna loved all of them dearly, but Michiru was simply her closest friend. She was very dear to her heart, and so she only talked to her about everything. But lately, she felt as if Michiru was holding something back from her, and she was particularly concerned about a talk they had while she had been recovering in her room a couple of days ago.
[Beginning of flashback]
“I’m really glad you’re better, I was so scared when you were so sick.”
“I’m sorry I scared all of you like that, but look, I’m so much better now.”
“Yes, the color is definitely back in your cheeks. Setsuna,...promise me something.”
“Sure, anything you like.”
“Promise me, that no matter what you will always think and see me the same way. No matter what, you will still accept and love me as I am.”
Setsuna stared at Michiru’s downcast eyes, silently questioning her strange request. <What could possibly make her ask me to promise something that will never change.> She put her hand under Michiru’s chin.
“Michiru, look at me.”
Michiru raised her aqua-blue eyes just as Setsuna had asked. Setsuna continued, “I swear to you that no matter what, I will always love and protect you since you are the sister that I never had. But tell me, is there something wrong?”
Michiru’s eyes watered and tears rolled down her beautiful face. < I’m so lucky to have her as my best friend. What would I do without her? What would I do if she found out that I love Haruka?>
“Michiru? Tell me what’s wrong.”-Setsuna insisted again.
“Nothing, nothing... I guess I was just so scared of loosing you. I have to tell you, I’m so happy we swore to be like sisters,...I don’t know what I would do without you!”
Setsuna was crying by the time Michiru finished, since she felt the same way. <Yes, I have Endymion, but my bond with Michiru is do strong that I would feel as if I had lost part of myself.> She hugged a weeping Michiru while she thought troubled, <But she’s holding something back. What could it be?>
[End of flashback]
“Setsuna?”-said Queen Grace getting her attention. “Since you’re done with dinner, I would like to talk to you in the library.”
They excused themselves and left the dinning room quietly. When they entered the library, two men where awaiting for them.
“I’m glad you made it,”-said Endymion’s father when he heard them enter. “I was about to send for you.”
Setsuna looked at Endymion questioning. Grace went to stand next to her husband, and Endymion held out his hand to her. They sat together, and as the King began.
“I’m glad to have all of us together. It really makes me feel old to know that my son is grown, and ready to start a family of his own. My son has made it clear that he loves you, Setsuna. I’m very happy with the decision he’s made since you’re beautiful, smart and talented. I don’t doubt that you will have a wonderful family together. Therefore, I give you both my blessing to do as you see necessary, and may you both be as happy as Queen Grace and I have been.”
“Years ago,”- continued the Queen after her husband. “Endymion’s grandmother gave me this ring to wear at my wedding. She told me to give this ring to Endymion when he had found the woman he loves.” She held out the ring to Endymion who took it delicately. “Your grandmother wore it on her wedding day, as did I, and Setsuna after us.”
Setsuna looked from Grace to Endymion’s smiling face, still trying to grasp the reality of being embraced by their family. They had asked for nothing and simply accepted her as one of their own. Endymion reached for her left hand and placed the sparkling ring on her finger. Tears began welling her eyes as she thought, <How I wish my parents could be here with me. They would be so happy to know that I found the love of my life. This is the happiest day of my life. I will always remember this moment. I swear I will never forget such happiness.>
“Look darling,”-pointed out the Queen to her husband. “the ring fits her perfectly, just as if it was made specially for her.”
“Of course, don’t forget that it was specially made for the brides that truly belong in our family. It fit my mother, and you perfectly. Now you see it on Setsuna with the same perfect fit.”
Darien whispered to Setsuna will all his love. “I love you, and I promise to fight for our happiness. I will always be with you.” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed the ring to seal his promise.
“I will always love you, and I’ll be with you always. I will always fight for you.” But she thought to herself, <I will fight for your happiness always. I swear that I will fight for your happiness, even before my own.>
[Knock, knock]
“Come in.”-answered the King irritated by having such a wonderful moment interrupted.
In came one of Endymion’s bodyguards. “I’m sorry to disturb, your Majesty. I was sent with the message that counselor Beryl from the Moon Kingdom has arrived.”
<This doesn’t feel right, what is she doing her? Why am I scared of her? Why does something in me reject her so consistently.>-thought Setsuna nervously.
“Please, ask her to come join us.”
The man bowed solemnly and closed the door after himself. Endymion was still holding her hand, but she felt as if a bucket full of ice had been dropped over her. Soon after, a knock was heard at the door, and she felt her knees shaking beneath her.
“Come in.”
In came redhead Beryl with a long dress that matched her hair perfectly. She walked in with the confidence of a Queen, but her eyes spit fire when she saw Endymion holding Setsuna. <How did such a woman become counselor to Queen Serenity? That dress matches her everything all too well, specially her mood. Am I the only one that can see her evil?>
“My Lords from Earth, I’m happy to see everything is well here.”-declared Beryl smiling with all the hypocrisy she could manage to gather.
“Welcome Beryl, come join us in this happy occasion.”-said the King.
“Really? What brings about this pleasant celebration.”
“The announcement that my son has asked permission o wed Princess Pluto.”-answered Queen Grace’s smiling face.
Setsuna could see the news where not too great for Beryl. In fact, they had caused her such great impact that she tried to make up any reason to separate them. The news where really too hard for her to handle.
“What? Prince Endymion cannot marry Princess Setsuna!”-exploded Beryl finally loosing her senses.
“Really? Says who?”-replied Endymion trying very hard not to lose his temper.
“The...the Queen won’t allow it! There are other plans... for you both. You’re not meant to be together!”-cried Beryl pacing menacing towards Setsuna. “You! I should have guessed you where too smart, and... and enchant him.”
By saying those words, Beryl managed to do something that seldom people could do, make Endymion furious. He stood protectively in front of Setsuna. He defended her by saying, “She did nothing to enchant me! All she had to do was be herself to attract my attention. Besides, this didn’t happen overnight, I have loved her since we were children.”
Setsuna managed to lose her fright, while thinking, <How dare she accuse me of something I didn’t do.> She finally lost her temper. With her wild beauty blazing, she moved next to Endymion and faced Beryl fearlessly. “That enough! I will explain nothing to you, since its not of your business. If Queen Serenity has plans for our future, then she will surely inform us about them.”
“The Queen has no reason to ask for permission to... make decisions. She’s doing it for... for the best interest.”
“The best interest for who? Not the people that it involves, correct?”
“Nothing good will come out of your relationship... its simply not meant to be! It can’t be!”
By then, Setsuna was just fuming because she hated to see Beryl so sure of what she claimed. Beryl’s certainty scared her, and that made her more furious. Setsuna approached Beryl and looked at her eyes with fire blazing in her heart.
“How can you say nothing good will come of this? What makes you so sure? Answer me! How can something bad come out of love? Answer me!”
“I...have seen,...destruction...if you two marry.”
Everything in the room went deadly quiet. Setsuna stared at Beryl in disbelief. Beryl continued while inwardly smiling at the success of her convincing story. She was a counselor of the Queen and they wouldn’t dare to go ask her Majesty if it was true. She went on, “That is why I was sent, to make sure that you two don’t see each other any longer. Also, I came to prepare things to move the Court back to the Moon Kingdom.”
Setsuna pushed Beryl out of her way as she ran out the door teary eyed. Endymion tried to go after her, but Beryl stopped him. “You are to stay away from her.”-she said while holding his arm. Setsuna ran, and ran until her legs couldn’t carry her any further. She finally collapsed leaning her head on a firm wall behind her. <My mother! Where are you when I need you the most?>
“Setsuna? What’s wrong? What is it?”-said Haruka when she found her, and she knelt next to her. “Michiru! Michiru come quick!”
They helped her off the floor and into her room. They waited until she finally talked. Her eyes were unable to see since the tears blurred them. She finally whipped her tears and her eyes cleared to find her two friend looking at her with great concern.
“I hate her. I hate her.”-those where the words that Setsuna managed to say before starting to cry inconsolably. The two girls looked at each other in amazement, since it was unlike Setsuna to make such a statement. “Please, come to your senses. Who do you hate?”
“I hate Beryl. I hate her! Queen Serenity hates me. She hates me, she must hate me to let this happen.”-declared Setsuna without even thinking.
“No, Queen Serenity can’t possibly hate you,”- said smart, level-headed Haruka placing a confronting hand on her shoulder. “you must know that. Maybe Beryl, but no the Queen.”
“You’re right,”-answered Setsuna feeling guilty about doubting Queen Serenity.
“Please call down, and tell us what happened. You left the table with Queen Grace, and now you’re talking about Beryl. What happened?”-said Michiru concerned.
Setsuna took a deep breath and managed to narrate the events of the past hour. She showed them the ring that was still on her finger, about how she felt a fire in her heart when Beryl accused her of ‘enchanting’ Endymion, and how it was so terribly cold with the news of destruction if they stayed together.
“My poor Setsuna,”- said Michiru holding her hand. “and you had to endure everything that awful woman said to you.”
“But do you really trust Beryl? Think Setsuna, can you trust her? -asked Haruka getting a funny feeling about everything Beryl had said. “There must be something to gain behind all this for her, but what could she gain from your separation with Endymion?"
Setsuna thought about it, and knew that her heart couldn’t be wrong at loving Endymion and distrusting Beryl so strongly. “The only reason I can think for trusting Beryl, is that she’s an advisor to Queen Serenity.”
“True, but that doesn’t make her absolutely trustworthy or flawless. Besides, if you love Endymion, you should defy anyone who stand in your way. No matter if its Beryl or Queen Serenity.”-declared Michiru with absolute firmness.
“Yes, I will. But what about Endymion? Will he do the same for me?”
Haruka spoke this time, “Maybe this is a test of strength for your love. This will make the difference between words and deeds. Besides, you’re simply too beautiful to cry for someone who won’t fight for you.”
A soft knock was heard at the door, and Michiru said, “We better leave. Remember, don’t lose hope.” The girls opened the door, allowed the Queen in the room and disappeared behind the closed door. It was rather obvious for Setsuna that the Queen had been crying, and she felt endless sympathy for the older woman. They sat in silence until Setsuna approached a subject.
“I assume you must have come for the ring,” -she said while removing it from her finger and holding it out for the Queen to take. “here you are. I’m sorry this happened, but it doesn’t change anything in my heart. I still love Endymion and will fight for him.”
The Queen didn’t take the ring. “Please keep it, it only belongs to you. My son loves you, and you love him. It can’t and won’t belongs to any other but you ever. Nothing bad will come from your pure love, so listen to me carefully.”
Setsuna put the ring back on her finger and gave her full attention to the other woman. She began saying holding Setsuna’s eyes firmly with her black ones. “Facing Beryl was very brave of you and Endymion, but now you must be smart in dealing with her. The best way to win against an opponent, is to pretend to do as they expect you to do, but secretly continue to do as your heart dictates. Do you understand what I mean, darling?”
Setsuna nodded, fully understanding. <Endymion and I will continue with our relationship, of course very careful not to arouse Beryl’s suspicious. We must let her get comfortable enough to let the guard down and discover what she gains from our separation.>
“Setsuna, I don’t think anything bad will happen if you stay together. Your hearts are so pure, as is your love for each other. I have arranged for you and Endymion to meet a week from today. I want Beryl to think that we have all agreed to break the engagement. You will find him at the place where her proposed to you.”