The Dawn of Serenity

		          Chapter Twenty-Seven


	She absent mindedly strummed the desk with her long fingers, 
her sharp nails tapping against its polished surface, the index finger 
of her free hand idly massaging her  throbbing temple. He also noted 
how Beryl’s tinted skin had faded, her eyes bloodshot from lack of 
sleep. His queen seemed a poor image of her former self, but his heart 
wasn’t all that heavy with sadness at the thought, as perhaps it should. 
The fact he was allowed to stand in her presence once more hadn’t 
roused his heartbeat to race excitedly. Kunzite realized he felt 
nothing at all as he stood before his queen. He only experienced a 
hint of uneasiness in the pit of his stomach.

	Word soon reached them that Serenitas had made themselves 
manifest, the news having spread like wildfire throughout the palace, 
before Beryl had snuffed it out with a shriek loud enough to carry to 
the barren servant’s quarters.

	Dark Terra, her utopia, so long sought after, was now under 
attack by two forces she thought well under her control. These opposing
forces, even now were battling one another, the outcome determining 
their ultimate fate. Kunzite knew this waiting would be the end of her,
just as much as his leave of absence had driven him closer to chaos-- 
in the form of a golden haired anomaly. It hadn't taken the malignant
monarch long to let her resolve crumble under these circumstances. 
Within a week after the arrival of Serenitas, she had recalled him to 
serve at her side once more and Kunzite found himself returning to her
lofty chambers. 

	"Do you think I should absolve you of your sins yet, Kunzite?" 
she asked.

	"I would not pretend to know better than you, your highness."

	She nodded, seemingly appeased. "Your exile is at an end. You 
are free to wander outside the Shitennou's quarters as you see fit. All
honors and privileges associated with your title and rank are 
henceforth restored."

	"Thank you, Your Grace," he said, bowing humbly. 

	"And it is well, for the queen has need of her hand. Since you
have failed to find Serenitas, they have sought us out. As you probably
know by now, they are currently engaged in battle against Demando and 
his forces, but that will not last long. When they are finished with 
the usurper, they will come for me, and this palace cannot be allowed 
to fall. Use whatever methods you have at your disposal, Kunzite. I 
want Serenitas found, and I want them eliminated."

	"As you command," he bowed once more and turned to exit the 
chamber.

	"What happened to the Underling you turned?" she asked, and 
took note of how slow he was to answer her question.

	"I'm afraid she didn't take the turning all that well. We had 
no choice but to exterminate her."

	"Pity," she whispered, more to herself as she waved him out of 
her presence.

	Once he was gone, she sighed, reclining back in her seat. She 
shut her eyes against the swarming incursions of the dark world around 
her. Her kingdom lay in shambles, her closest guardians aloof and her 
power diminished. It seemed impossible for one of Chaos's chosen 
children to be so weak. She had succeeded where all His offspring had 
failed, and after the keeper of light had even managed to vanquish Lord
Chaos himself. Could her reign possibly be undone by a few rebels?

	She stood abruptly and left her bureau behind, passing from 
room too room until she reached her bedchamber. She didn't bother to 
undress as she climbed under the covers and close to him. He stirred
as she draped a cold arm around him, his blue eyes fluttering open to
gaze upon her. 

	"My lady is ailing, allow me to lift your spirits." He extended
his hand, the veins beneath his skin coming alive with his power.

	"No," she replied, calmly swatting away his caress. "Save your 
energy, for you shall need it. How do you feel?"

	"Up to any task you ask of me."

	"I need you to see to the Shitennou whenever you have enough 
strength for the task," she revealed. "They need to be reminded of  
their loyalties, forcefully if need be."

	"It will be done."

	If there was only one she could trust, it was Endymion, her 
golden prince, who stood faithfully by her side. No matter how the 
battle turned, or who betrayed her, he would fight for her until the 
end. He would die for her. That thought set tingling sparks dancing 
within her forgotten heart. He had shown Beryl more love than her own 
Earthen parents, Metallia, even their dreaded Father. 

	They should have been together from the beginning, but the Moon
refused to remain silent in its revolutions around their beautiful 
planet. Their days spent with one another cut short by an enchantress, 
a sorceress from the moon with eyes as clear as the sky. She would
never forgive Serenity for taking him away from her, not even in her 
cozy cocoon of a grave. She smirked, beside herself, picturing 
Demando's torment when he realized he would never release his fairy
princess without her help. Even if the battle went ill for them, and 
Beryl lost her kingdom, she would refuse to let Demando unleash that 
whore by getting his hands on the Golden Crystal. No, she had plans 
for their doomsday if it were ever to come. 

	"I don't want to think about anything anymore," she sighed, 
plunging out of her thoughts and closer into his arms. Gently, Endymion
caressed her cheek, sending goosebumps over her body. She adored the 
way he touched her, even after all this time. He kissed her collarbone
lightly, his eyelashes tickling her skin as he slowly moved to her jaw.
She captured his face in her hands, bringing his eyes to meet her own.
"You'll always be mine. Say it." 

	"I will always be yours. I love you, Beryl," he whispered, 
before capturing her ruby lips. 

+++++

		
	Jadeite watched as Zoicite worked intently at his computers. 
When the youngest Shitennou was involved in his work, there was little 
one could do to distract him, but Jadeite was trying his hardest. It 
seemed there was nothing for him to do but follow his friends around 
and grumble. With Kunzite reinstated, most responsibilities fell upon 
his shoulders, and Kunzite was not one to share burdens so easily if 
at all. He and Nephrite worked closely as ever, trying to find 
Serenitas with Minako's help. Danburite led their armies into glorious
battle and didn't seem to need help right now with the lull Serenitas 
had offered them. Zoicite was hard at work examining whatever it was 
requiring careful analysis and gave the impression he didn’t want 
company, not that this stopped Jadeite of course. 
	
	"What are you looking for now?" he asked when he noticed  
Zoicite had switched his attention to another screen.

	Zoicite sighed, shaking his head. "Please Jadeite, go bother 
someone else."

	"They're moving all over the palace and outside, it's hard to 
find them. You're the only stationary one today, sorry."

	"I'm developing a tracking device that will allow us to follow 
Serenitas' army when they disappear. We always lose the signal every 
time. Nephrite says when he looked into Minako's mind, he saw a glimpse
of Serenitas."

	"Really, when did you talk to him?" Jadeite asked.

	"He was here an hour before you arrived. He seems to think 
Serenitas is not really under the catacombs after all."

	"Then where?"

	Zoicite shrugged, too distracted for a moment to answer right 
away. "In a separate dimension perhaps, or on another planet. All our 
devices thus far have only been limited to this rock, so I'm expanding 
its range to  scan the galaxy and those dimensions known to us."

	He stood then and lifted a small door, reaching in to grab the 
device of which he spoke. He inspected it closely, making a few 
adjustments before turning to Jadeite. "Take this to Kunzite."

	"I'm not your squire," Jadeite snorted.

	"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you had so much else to do. 
You've been sulking around this palace for the last month ever since 
Kunzite was reinstated, I thought perhaps you would want something to 
do, but if not..." Zoicite drawled, rolling his pretty eyes.

	"Fine," Jadeite said, snatching the device from his hands. He 
left without another word and Zoicite sat down, shaking his head in 
disbelief, his long hair following the action.

+++++ 

	Jadeite had soon found Kunzite with Nephrite in their command 
center, the consoles flashing brilliantly. Many of the gadgets and the 
technical equipment bore Zoicite's signature, but some Endymion had 
designed. Even if Jadeite was hesitant to admit it, the prince had a 
few more uses than simply serving as Beryl's lapdog. Beryl had hardly 
let his other uses and skills show over the years, however, for she 
had kept him locked away within her chambers. It was awkward seeing
him moving around as of late, conjuring up a sense of unease within 
Jadeite's gut that made him most uncomfortable. 

	He cleared his throat as he approached, and both noble lords 
turned to face him. He held out his hand, revealing the device Zoicite 
had given him. "Zoicite sent me to give this to you. It's his tracking 
beacon," he announced. 

	Kunzite picked it up gently, moving it between his fingers as 
he closely examined it. "Good, hopefully this will lead us to Serenitas. 
Thank you, Jadeite."
	
	They returned to their work, leaving Jadeite fuming at their 
backs. Were they just going to shoo him away as Zoicite had?

	He had grown tired of following them around, looking for any 
remnants of work, or attention, they deemed appropriate to give him. He
was as much a  Shitennou, as they; he had a place here.

	'Then why do I feel so out of place here now?' he thought, his 
fingers clenching.

	"Look at you two, all high and mighty as usual, and Zoicite is 
playing along. Apparently, it seems two millennia wasn't enough for you
lead heads to understand how I work. If the three of you think you can 
simply order me around like this, you’re very mistaken!" he yelled, 
finally getting their undivided attention.

	Kunzite simply stared, while Nephrite smirked – in a way that 
always drove  Jadeite nuts for he knew something smart was behind such 
a look. "I think that's Jadeite's way of telling us he's lonely. Quick
Kunzite, give him a hug."

	"There is nothing here for you to do at the moment, Jadeite; 
you would be wasting your time," Kunzite said, a little more 
diplomatically. "This is something, however, that I would appreciate 
your help with."
	
	"My help…?"

	"I am far too busy to continue our guest's training. I need 
you to fill in for me until I can return," Kunzite began, and quickly
continued before the rebellion in Jadeite's eyes could reach his mouth. 
"Her skills with the sword are better than I could imagine, but you 
are a better bowman than I. Nephrite has already helped her with her 
magic skills, but these seem limited. I want to keep pushing her, and 
I want her to be on the front lines when we invade Serenitas. I hope 
that we can get her to transform before then. Please Jadeite, I'm 
asking you."

	"All right, all right, no need to beg, although it is nice 
coming from you. Have fun with your commanding," Jadeite said, waving 
as he exited. 

	"Do you ever tire of testing him?" Kunzite asked once he was 
gone.

	"Of course not," Nephrite bit back. "The ladies always found 
it endearing and adorable, and I never heard him complain about it back
then. Older brother, younger brother acts...they eat it up."

	"You too do look so much alike," Kunzite sighed sarcastically.

	"And you're the oldest of us all, always making us look bad 
with your endless personality, dashing good looks and uncanny skills 
at small talk."

	"I'm not that good looking," Kunzite replied, garnering a 
chuckle from his friend. 

	"As you wish, do you think this tracking gadget will work this
time?"

	"I trust Zoicite's instincts and skill. Serenitas must exist 
somewhere, and we must find it before it's too late."

	"Right, well let's get to it then. The next Serenitas attack 
should be tomorrow, if they keep up their current trend. A Hunter 
should have no problem latching this onto one of their soldiers."

	"No, I want you to do it."

	"Me?"

	"The Hunters may be as silent as shadows, but when it comes to 
an important mission like this, we need a real shadow, Nephrite. Only 
you can be there without actually drawing any attention to yourself. 
And I only trust this mission to a Shitennou."

	For a moment, Nephrite fell silent, as he seemed to fight with
something within himself. Kunzite scrunched his brow, finding it odd 
that he would hesitate for a mission such as this. Did he doubt his 
powers, was he growing complacent behind these crystal walls, or did 
it have something to do with his slave woman? Was she somehow weakening
his resolve?

	"As you wish, Kunzite, I will do it," Nephrite answered, the 
usual smirk returning to his lips. "It will be good to get some fresh 
air out on the plains."

	"Good, I know you will not fail," Kunzite offered a small 
smile, resting his pale hand on Nephrite's shoulder. They settled back
into work once more, but Kunzite kept his concerns at the back of his 
mind.

+++++

	The sound of hard steel against wood filled his ears as 
Jadeite entered the training dome. Minako rushed around a practice 
dummy that quickly began to resemble a toothpick by her design. He 
watched as she moved for a few moments, silently assessing the  -- 
soon to be-- sparring partner she would become -- her legs long, strong
and quick, so she would be hard to unbalance, her arms graceful and 
powerful enough to wield a heavy sword. He was stronger, but her lithe 
body would insure his blows would not land. He watched as she whirled 
around, long golden hair swirling about her form like a ballroom gown.
It was that shining mass that would be her downfall, however, for 
Minako’s hair could be used to his advantage. Only a few of the Senshi 
were smart enough to put their girlish charms to one side and fit
themselves for battle instead of ballrooms, but even in the end, that 
was not enough. 

	Jadeite stepped to the right, keeping to the shadows as to 
remain unobserved. Without a sound, he reached the weapons cache, 
slowly pulled his bow from its resting place, the weapon a part of him 
as he raised his bow, aiming the arrow at her silken locks, and let it
loose. Silently it shot through the air, moving rapidly towards its
target.

	Minako moved quickly out of harm’s way just in time as the 
arrow flew speedily through the air, burrowing itself between the 
unseeing eyes of the practice dummy. She was quick to react, whirling 
around to face Jadeite. Her expression one of surprise, but she held 
her ground, as would any soldier trained under Kunzite's tutelage. 

	"Who are you?" she demanded. He lowered his weapon as he 
confidently strode towards her. If Kunzite was going to give him this 
babysitting job, he might as well have some fun in the meantime.

	"Someone who should be shown a little more respect," he 
drawled, putting his finger on the tip of her sword as he neared. "I 
am Lord Jadeite."

	All impudence left her face quickly enough, but her sword
remained where it was. "Why are you here?"

	"Kunzite is most apologetic as he is unavoidably detained and 
unable to conduct your training today, and most likely shall be for 
some time yet, so I will be taking his place," he informed her.

	He wasn't sure of what it was he observed passing over her 
face, a flash of uncertainty and disappointment perhaps, but it was 
immediately gone. "I see, I suppose you're an appropriate replacement?"

	Jadeite arched a curious eyebrow at her taunting tone and the 
grin lingering upon her wet lips. She twirled her sword, catching and 
directing the light into his eyes for a brief moment. She moved quicker 
than he thought possible, but he was a tad faster even after all these
years. He yanked his sword from the scabbard at his side, wielding it 
just in time as her steel clashed against his. 

	She was every part as bold as her predecessor was, Jadeite 
would give her that. But as they battled, stepping around each other 
as swift as shadows, he could tell there was something different. The
long passed saviors of the world possessed a spark of which even he 
was acutely aware. When they moved into a room, he could tell without
making eye contact. When they first met long ago, Jadeite, ever 
practical and cynical, had mistaken them for pure goddesses that shone 
by the light of the stars, this woman, this girl before him, as 
beautiful as she was, shone quite differently. Something was wrong 
about all this, even Kunzite had to feel it.

	'If perhaps he wasn't so enamored with her features,' he mused 
to himself.

	He ended their spat with a quick side step, deftly knocking her
sword out of her hand at the same time, standing beside her, his sword 
dangerously close to her throat.

	"You are skilled, Miss Venus, but you still have much to learn."

	He thought she would glare at him and make some sort of snide 
remark, but surprisingly she smiled, bending down to fetch her fallen 
weapon. "Well then, I guess we best get started, hm…?"

	In the shadows, secretive eyes watched - sparkling yellow laced
with disapproval and jealousy She watched as her master fiddled around
with a most detestable female, one not unfamiliar to her. She watched 
as he talked almost patiently with her, as he helped her learn how to 
string a bow, watched as he rested his hands on the small of her back 
to help steady her aim.

	These same yellow eyes narrowed as she watched him smile...a 
smile that should only be meant for her.

+++++

	The last time Nephrite had come to this place, he had been 
seeking escape and exoneration. Now the Crystal Chamber felt alien and 
aloof. Beryl had ordered them all to meet here, sweeping down from her
keep and bringing them along with the tide.

	This night she wore a gown of resplendent finery, flashing ruby
silk with waves of amethyst passing through the fabric as she moved.
Her hair half swept up by a twisted hairpiece bejeweled with dazzling 
diamonds and rubies. The prince shone as well, donning a soft velvet 
suit – a sapphire so dark it appeared almost black until it caught the 
light. Nephrite suddenly felt very plain in his grey uniform and 
glanced at the other Shitennou. They seemed agitated as well, but he 
knew it was due to another pressing matter-- there could only be one 
reason that they were here.

	"It seems it has been much too long since we last met here." 
Beryl's eyes passed over each of them, but landed resolutely on Kunzite. 
"I feel a disturbance in our most ancient of bonds; hesitancy and much 
confusion. With war raging against these walls I have put this off 
much too long, but it’s important to make sure no wars start within as 
well, is it not? It was foolish of me to deny you, your regular dosage 
from the crystal and the dark power coursing through my veins. How can 
I expect you to do my will when you do not remember it intimately as 
you once did? Well, enough of that..."

	She turned to Endymion, and all their worst fears were 
confirmed. Before all this nonsense of golden haired ghosts returning
to haunt them, or traitorous Lunarians breaking more oaths, or a 
thunderous army popping up under their feet like daisies, each month 
they would come here and receive the crystal and their queen's blessing. 
Waves of seductive dark, golden power would wash over their bodies, 
rejuvenating their old bones and allegiances. It had once been 
exhilarating, and Nephrite had always looked forward to this moment
when he would receive a small dose of the ancient power.

	Now he was hesitant. He had never felt so alive and yet, so
tormented. Part of him wanted to unconditionally embrace the darkness 
once more, and forget all that he had felt in the passed few months. 
Another part of him desperately wanted to hold onto what he was now, 
to continue to search for something he couldn’t name. He was afraid to 
find out, when all his control was taken away, what side would win out 
in the end.

	"Endymion," Beryl whispered, and obediently the prince moved 
closer to his glowing inheritance. Nephrite heard Zoicite’s nervous 
intake of breath, and turned to the young man. But were any of them 
young anymore? He certainly didn't feel so at this moment. Nonetheless,
he gave Zoicite the most encouraging smile he could before turning 
away, leaving Zoicite to his wild thoughts.

	Zoicite raised his hand to his mouth, but regrettably realized
he had no fingernails to bite. This was all wrong. He knew it somehow.
Like his blood brothers, he had come to this place once with a joyous 
smile and expectant heart, but now, he felt like running back the way 
he had come. He chanced a brave look at Beryl, and noticed how her eyes
skeptically swept over their faces. She met his, and all he could do 
was offer a quick, silly smile before averting his eyes. 

	He watched as Endymion wrapped his hands around the Golden 
Crystal and closed his eyes. For a moment, nothing happened, and then 
the scarlet room seemed to shrink. Then light began to pour through the
gaps between Endymion's fingers, the rays extending to the four 
corners of the room. Beryl moved closer to him, and rested the point 
of her dark staff against the exposed crown of the crystal. The 
shimmering light slowly became darker until all at once it exploded, 
reaching out for the Shitennou in a massive wave. Zoicite tensed, but 
closed his eyes, giving himself up to the storm, gasping as it struck,
washing over him and taking reality along with it. The world became a 
swirl of confusion as many images flashed across his mind's eye. The 
past few weeks flew by, and with it, every emotion seemed pulled away
with it as if the crystal was drawing poison from the wound of his soul. 
For a moment, he felt light and free again, and as Beryl's dark power 
swept over them once more, he found himself awaiting it with open arms.
But it never came. Confused, Zoicite ventured to open his mind's eye, 
and found a most surprising sight. 

	He was somewhere bright and innocent, a hill covered in a 
carpet of green with two men hidden beneath the shade of a giant tree,
its massive limbs reaching down to embrace them. The men appeared 
cloudy at first; as if he was looking at a painting ruined by water, 
but slowly the images cleared and his eyes grew wide. It was he and 
Endymion. They were talking and laughing, and one moment Endymion 
wrapped his arm around him in a brotherly manner. Zoicite could feel 
the scene more than he could see it; happiness, belonging, courage, 
pride...

	But these were swept away harshly as Beryl pushed her power 
farther into his mind. The scene shattered, the emerald sea turning 
red with flame as the mighty tree shriveled up into nothingness. The 
two friends were ruthlessly torn apart, and the image turned to ash in
his mind. Her power seared through his mind, burning every thought and 
feeling but loyalty to her. He wanted to scream at the pain, but when 
he opened his mouth, he realized the voice was not his own.

	All too quickly, the wave of power passed by, and the Shitennou
were thrown back into the cold Crystal Chamber. They swayed a tad, 
their minds reeling from the mental and physical break. Zoicite glance
down the line of men, but he couldn't tell if they had experienced what 
he had. 

	"Endymion…!" Beryl's uncharacteristically worried voice snapped
Zoicite's attention in their direction, and fear claimed his own heart.

	The prince had fallen to the ground beneath his crystal, his 
eyes closed as if sleeping. But Zoicite feared it was not so simple. 
Beryl was at his side, fretting over him with exposed emotions that 
he'd never seen on her face. For a moment, Zoicite remembered somewhere
deep within, his mistress was human too. 

	"Do something!" she turned towards them, half-enraged and 
desperate. Kunzite and Nephrite were quick to do their queen's bidding,
Kunzite gently clutched Endymion in his arms while Nephrite roused 
their shaken ruler. Swiftly they left the room, most likely heading 
for Beryl's chambers. Jadeite followed slowly behind, almost afraid. 
Zoicite lingered, simply unsure of what to do now. What had he seen? 
Certainly, it was not a memory he had forgotten. He would not forget 
such feelings, could not...

	He glanced down at the crystal, and noticed another petal had 
turned black. 

+++++

	He found it hard to believe he ever dreamed of this place.

	From behind the transparent barrier, Demando watched as the 
Earth dutifully rotated on its axis. It was not such a beautiful 
inspiration in blue and green anymore. Dark grey clouds blocked an 
observer's sight; not that what lay beneath was worth looking at. This
world was useless, spoiled, and Demando would not be surprised if the 
tired planet stopped spinning on the morrow. 

	From his splendid home on the Moon, Demando had glanced at
Earth as his kin was often to do. The princess was not the only one 
who dreamed of beautiful shores and endless meadows. But in the end, 
all Demando's dreaming had ceased, when he realized his princess, his
destined love, fell in love with not only the planet -- but also its 
heir. 

	Demando's reflection suddenly sneered, as if cursing Endymion 
and his homeworld. For far too long had he been cast aside and denied 
what was rightfully his. There was only one reason Demando lingered 
here. Somewhere beneath those dark clouds shone his only joy in this
world -- Serenity. Only she was worthy of his undying affection, only 
she was glorious enough to stand by his side as they ruled together.
And they would not rule this hunk of rock. He would whisk her away to 
a planet full of life, a planet of people looking for a savior. She 
would rescue them with that blasted crystal of hers, and she would 
make him a king, as he deserved. 

	He would have already accomplished his dream if his oldest 
competitor would stop protecting that infernal palace from his attacks.
As long as Endymion drew breath, he would protect his dark queen and
deny him entrance into Serenity's secret room. Even without his 
knowledge, the prince was keeping him from what was his once again. He
would've laughed at the irony, but there was too much of it.

	Rebels had begun pouring from the ground bearing a name so 
familiar to his future wife, and had turned all their power against 
him instead of their omniscient oppressor, Beryl. They seemed to be on 
her side, responding to Demando's looming victory. And he would have 
won, if not for their involvement. Now his stolen army was battling on 
two fronts, and his grand force didn't seem so superior anymore. 

	He was growing tired of all this injustice, but his fatigue ran
much deeper than that. Demando could feel the effect of being away 
from the crystal's power. Its protection and support had branched off 
to all of Beryl's high council; sheltering them, giving them strength, 
stilling their age. Demando felt no relief now. He realized with grim 
realization, that his rebellion might have been the death of him and 
his clan. He needed Serenity. He needed her beautiful power. This war
must end, and quickly, before it was too late. 

+++++	

	The days seemed to move rapidly, and merge into an 
indistinguishable blur that Zoicite could not escape. Five days had 
passed since the incident in the Crystal Chamber, and its uplifting 
effects were all but gone, swept away almost as soon as they had come. 
He felt like a ghost flittering through the palace, and no one paid him
heed as he hauntingly passed them all and floated towards his 
sanctuary. 

	The outside world seemed dead as well. Despite the incident 
with Endymion and the crystal, they decided it was prudent to continue 
their plan of tracking down Serenitas. Nephrite crept out into the vast
barren wilderness, armed with Zoicite's tracking device, but nothing 
came to greet him. The attack they were so sure would come did not, 
neither had it come the next day, or the day after. The Earth remained
quiet, as if Demando too was gone as well. But Zoicite knew better; 
he was up there, watching, waiting, and calculating his next move. 

	As Zoicite walked through his museum to the old world, he 
pondered their enemy's next move. Was Serenitas spent? Were they 
cowering in whatever dimension they spawned from, or were they 
gathering all their forces to march on the city? The possibilities 
were endless it seemed, as well as the dangers. What if they had some 
inside source that knew about their plans from the start? His thoughts 
came to rest of Shing and Minako, the seemingly innocent young boy and 
the woman destined to be their enemy. Had they both been playing them 
for fools? He could hardly believe that one so small could accomplish 
such a tricky mission or that Kunzite’s sense could be so warped as to 
trust Minako without reason. But then again, after what happened in 
the Crystal Chamber, Zoicite couldn’t be sure of anything anymore.

	His thoughts of war and espionage didn't last long as he 
finally passed into the last room -- his garden and solace. The 
artificial sun warmed his spirits, and the fresh smell of budding 
flowers spread throughout his body like a freshly washed blanket. Here
he was safe from dangerous thoughts and wronged enemies. If only for a 
while, he could escape his daunting reality.

	As Zoicite rounded a smoothly curved corner, his growing smile 
was destroyed by the sight before him. His back was turned to him, but
Zoicite could not mistake the man for anyone else. Endymion was here, 
in his place, bent over a flowerbed. He wore a lose shirt, his hair he 
could tell even from this distance was a mess from his bed rest.

	Slowly, unwillingly, Zoicite approached. His footsteps loud 
enough, but Endymion didn't stir. It was only when Zoicite's shadow 
covered him did he move. The face that stared up at Zoicite was barely 
one recognizable to him. Endymion's skin was colorless and his eyes 
hollow and pale. Heaven knows he should still be in bed recovering, 
what was he doing here? The answer was sprawled out at his feet, 
however.

	Of Zoicite, the prince had only asked for one corner of the 
garden to grow his roses. Zoicite never particularly cared for the
flower. He thought they smelled awful and were all but impossible to 
grow, but he could not deny his prince. Endymion's roses had bloomed 
here for years, bright and cheerful for their creator. As Zoicite 
gazed at their feet, he was alarmed to find some were shriveled and 
dry, some black and lifeless, scattered on the ground. 

	"I do not know what's happened to them," Endymion said, his 
voice but a whisper of its former strength. "I was not long enough gone
for them to deteriorate so. The watering system is fine, or else all 
the flowers here would be wilting. Could some poison be affecting them?"

	'Poison…?' Zoicite thought, staring at the back of Endymion’s  
head. A sudden sadness swarmed over him, as a vision of the blackened 
crystal clouded all other thought. Somehow, he knew all this was 
connected, the crystal, the roses, Endymion. He reached out tentatively, 
placing a hand on Endymion's shoulder. His heart filled with dread, 
for one thing was clear. A poison was spreading throughout the palace, 
and when it struck his monarchs, Zoicite would not be far behind.

	There was not much time left, Zoicite noted, as another 
blackened rose fell to the parched ground below. 

+++++