Lost Love in the Moon Palace

To turmoil in the heart

Serenity lay on her bed, gazing at the night sky. So much had happened on this one day that she was trying to process. The closeness to Seiya and how good his embrace had felt, the pang in her heart when she realized it was Pluto who had an affair with her husband, and then the farewell from her Small Lady that had almost torn her heart apart.

Why had her life fallen apart like this? Her physical weakness was adding to her distress, but her thoughts wouldn't leave her alone. They revolved endlessly around Endymion. She had to talk to him and confront him with her suspicion as soon as possible; she needed clarity.

Serenity knocked on Endymion's door, but there was no response. She cautiously pushed the door open a crack and peered inside. The room was empty.

A hand on her shoulder made her startle. "Oh, it's just Mercury."

"Are you looking for something, Serenity?" Mercury asked.

"Yes, I... I wanted to speak with Endymion, but he's not in his room. Do you know where I can find him?" the queen asked, feeling uncertain.

"Actually, I do. He just relieved me by the lake as a guard," Mercury replied.

A weight lifted from Serenity's heart, as in her mind's eye, she had already pictured Endymion with Pluto again, just like that night. That night that still took her breath away.

"Thank you, Mercury. I'll go to him then. I wish you a good night."

"Should I accompany you?" the blue-haired warrior asked.

"No need. I'll find my way. Don't worry, it's not far, and I'm feeling fine at the moment," Serenity assured her, hoping to put her friend's mind at ease. What she needed to discuss with her husband was a matter for them alone.

With mixed emotions, the young queen left the palace and headed towards the lake. It was the first time she had visited this place since the black crystal had transformed the peaceful landscape into a threatening environment. The ominous aura of the lake was palpable from a distance, and the violet flicker emanating from it was unsettling. Serenity couldn't help but shudder at the sight before her. Goosebumps spread across her body, but she continued onward.

The closer she got to the shore, the more shocked she became by the scene that unfolded before her. The once lush green grass at the edge hung withered and lifeless, as if it were being smothered by darkness. The once vibrant flowers that had lined the lake had withered and lost their splendor. The lake itself, once clear and inviting, was now tainted by an ominous murkiness.

Serenity's heart weighed heavy as she saw the devastating effects this monstrous thing had inflicted on her beloved planet. She wanted to rid herself of this black crystal; she wanted to regain the purity and beauty of her realm. Above all, she wanted to regain her own strength because she felt so helpless and weak in this situation.

"...that's not it, and you know it!" she suddenly heard Endymion's voice not far from her. He was having a heated conversation with someone and seemed clearly upset.

Something inside her compelled her to get closer to the scene, even though she didn't want to eavesdrop. She stopped in the shadow of a tree and tried to remain unnoticed. Even without looking closely, her heart told her who was there with him. Pluto.

"And then what is it? Look into my eyes and tell me you don't love me," she demanded, and Serenity held her breath.

Endymion sighed. "I can't do that, and you know it. Setsuna... please, let's not argue. You knew from the beginning that I'm married to Serenity... what you're getting yourself into... She has a good heart; she's my wife, and she needs me. She needs my full support so we can save this planet. Together."