Lost Love in the Moon Palace

Evacuation plans

Serenity had spent some time lost in thought on the bench while waiting for Endymion's return. However, minutes dragged on like hours, and he didn't seem to be coming back. Finally, she decided to head back to the palace. The paths of the garden, once so familiar, now felt somehow foreign and lonely.

On her way to the throne room, her next destination, she unexpectedly encountered Kakyuu.

"Serenity, it's good that I've found you. Do you have a moment?" Kakyuu asked, her eyes reflecting concern.

Serenity responded with a weak smile, "Always for you. What is it that you want to discuss with me?"

"I wanted to say goodbye. We can't leave Kinmoku and Kazuki alone any longer," Kakyuu explained her intentions.

Inside Serenity, something painfully tightened. She was aware of the duties of a royal couple, but she had hoped to spend more time with her childhood friend. And also more time with her newfound friend, Seiya, who had given her that unique feeling of lightness.

"When... When do you plan to leave?" Serenity asked with a hoarse voice.

Kakyuu noticed the sadness in her friend's eyes and sighed softly. "I will depart this afternoon," she said calmly, closely observing Serenity's expression, which barely concealed her disappointment.

Kakyuu thought back to her conversation with Seiya the previous evening, his promise not to get closer to Serenity. Now she was curious about Serenity's reaction. "I will depart, but Seiya will stay here until the situation with the Crystal is resolved. It's our way of showing that Kinmoku stands by your side."

Serenity's heartbeat quickened at the thought that Seiya would stay with her. Her features relaxed, which didn't go unnoticed by Kakyuu.

"Serenity? Is that alright with you?" Kakyuu asked since she was still waiting for a response. Serenity shook herself out of her thoughts.

"Yes, of course. He can stay as long as he wants, and you are always welcome as well. My doors are open to you," Serenity said kindly and gratefully embraced Kakyuu.

"Oh, there you are. I've been looking for you. Why didn't you wait in the garden, as we discussed? I was starting to think something had happened to you," suddenly, Endymion's voice echoed to them.

Serenity released the embrace and looked at him.

"Do you know how long I've been sitting there? A bit longer, and I would have grown roots," she snapped at him. She felt her emotions spiraling out of control, but she couldn't hold back the pent-up frustration any longer.

Endymion took her hands and sought her gaze. His touches, once so comforting and familiar, now felt almost unbearable to her.

"The situation is gradually getting more serious. The blackening is only a few meters away from the shore. The attacks of the Sailor Warriors are all in vain, as are mine. Serenity, we can't do anything except wait and see if the Silver Crystal recovers. It's our only hope to save the Moon."

As Endymion spoke about the dire situation of the Moon, her anger gave way to horror. The thought of losing the Moon and its beloved people choked her.

"So, what do we do now? I can't force the Silver Crystal to shine," she whispered, a mix of helplessness and fear in her voice.

Kakyuu had been listening to his descriptions, and an idea came to her. "Serenity, may I propose something? What if we create a portal and evacuate the Moon's inhabitants to Kinmoku for the time being? At least your people will be safe," she suggested.

Endymion snorted. "Kinmoku is far too distant. I am not only the King of the Moon but also of Earth. We appreciate your offer, but if an evacuation becomes necessary, we will handle it our own way and choose Earth as our new home."