Serenity and Endymion

Chapter 50: Zirconia

Queen Serenity POV

"Be safe, Serenity," I whisper through our bond. The air trembles — I can feel the Moon's heartbeat waver beneath my feet.

Zirconia steps forward from the shadows, staff raised, her dark form glowing faintly. "It's time to attack."

"Dreams are weakness," Nehelenia continues, turning her gaze toward us. "They will never understand true power — obedience, fear, and perfection are the only truths that endure. Do not falter."

Before I can speak, the great Moon Gate shimmers open — and through it step Lady Moon, Endymion, and two non-familiar faces.

"Stop!" Lady Moon's voice rings like bells.

Nehelenia sneers. "Zirconia, remove these interlopers."

Pegasus flares his wings, stepping protectively before Lady Moon. "I am Helios, guardian of dreams, protector of the Golden Crystal."

"Dreams?" Nehelenia laughs bitterly. "Dreams were stolen from me. And now you dare speak of them?"

"Because you've forgotten what they are," Lady Moon says, calm but unwavering.

Nehelenia's eyes flash. "I remember everything! I remember how they adored my sister! And what did that leave me with? Shadows!"

"I see your pain," I say softly. "But those dreams did not cause you your pain."

"Pain is survival!" she snaps, raising her hand. Black lightning arcs through the hall.

"Then let me remind you," I call, "that fear cannot create love!"

Nehelenia falters for a moment. Her fingers twitch, unsure. "You dare—"

"Zirconia, strike now!" she commands sharply.

Zirconia lifts her staff. Lightning crackles at her fingertips, arcing toward Lady Moon and the others.

"Stop!" Lady Moon shouts, stepping forward, silver light coiling around her.

Fisheye cries out, "Queen Nehelenia! Please, this isn't the way! You've seen the Dream Mirror — it shows what you could be, not just what you fear!"

"Traitors!" Nehelenia roars, twisting to face them. "Do not speak to me of mercy!"

Tiger's Eye steps forward, shielding Fisheye. "I will not destroy dreams anymore."

Her eyes flick between us and her subordinate. "You...you dare defy me?"

Even now, I see the conflict in her eyes: the sister I once knew, a little girl lost beneath the weight of expectation and fear. I reach for her with words, fragile and mournful. "You do not have to command only through fear. You can still choose love."

"I—" she falters, lightning sputtering around her hands.

"Mother!" Lady Moon calls, running to me.

"I'm all right," I say, though the tremor of power shakes me. "Stay behind me."

Nehelenia raises her hands again — but her glance toward Zirconia betrays doubt. "If I cannot have it all... then none shall."

Zirconia steps forward, her voice low, hesitant. "Yes... my Queen."

The storm erupts. Silver light and black lightning collide in a furious dance, shards of crystal splintering through the hall.

I raise my rod, voice trembling with sorrow and resolve. "I fight only to save you."

Nehelenia meets my gaze. "Save me? Or seal me again?"

"I will not seal you," I whisper. "I only wish to reach the sister I once knew."

Her hands tremble. Lightning falters. Zirconia glares, staff raised, but she does not strike.

I take a deep breath. "Sister... it is not too late to change."

Nehelenia's lips quiver. "Lies!"

The palace shakes. Mirrors float like shards of frozen tears. Lady Moon, Endymion, Pegasus, all the Ladies and our allies stand with me.

And through the storm, Nehelenia's shadowed orders drive Zirconia and the remaining Dark Moon members onward — the clash begins anew, the Moon trembling under the weight of fury, regret, and the hope that even the lost can still be saved.