Dark Kingdom Transgressions - Part 01 Fallen

Disclaimer: Sailor Moon, her lover, her friends, her family and her enemies all don’t belong to me. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi. I just borrowed them for a little bit of fun. I do not make any money from the writing of this story. All original characters in this story do belong to me. ^_^


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Endymion brooded as he stared into the fireplace. Bright flames darted back and forth and their quiet chatter seemed furtive gossip to the silent man sitting on the couch. Every other time Endymion had been there, the house had been filled with the happy noises of family and friends. This time, except for the caretakers that stayed in a separate building, he was alone. The quiet was disconcerting.

Everyone was mad at him - even his guards. Endymion had thought the four he considered his brothers would have understood. Their reactions had surprised him. Even if his parents had allowed it, Endymion didn’t think any one of them would have willingly stayed and joined him in his exile. In the garden, Zoisite had silently turned his back on Endymion and left the palace without a word. Jadeite and Nephrite had awkwardly stood silent a moment more before they too left. Of the four, only Kunzite had stayed but Endymion almost wished he hadn’t.

While Endymion packed, he had tried to explain his actions but his grim and brooding cousin wouldn’t listen. No matter what he said, Kunzite kept returning to why Endymion couldn’t do this. Finally, Endymion had snapped, “Well, I did do it and I’m not changing it!”

With flashing, angry eyes, Kunzite had growled, “Then you’re a selfish Jackass,” before he too had turned and left.

As Endymion had walked on the beach, stared at the ocean and up at the stars, he had reviewed everything about his and Beryl’s relationship and finally came to a conclusion. He was a stupid fool. Endymion now saw how he had let Beryl manipulate him and the more he thought about it, the angrier he became. Whether he was angrier at Beryl or himself, he couldn’t decide. One thing Endymion knew for sure - despite all the trouble it had caused - he had made the right decision. It had almost been too late but an angel had unknowingly saved him. One glance at her had been enough to show him everything wrong in his life.

Princess Serenity. Seeing her had made such an impact on him that he just had to meet her. That was why he was going back for the dinner and performance, no matter what. Queen Serenity had given them additional medallions and in all the chaos, no one had noticed one missing.

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[Now what?] Beryl wondered as she looked around with dismay. All she could see was woods and more woods. Sighing, she admitted she probably should’ve taken a little more time to plan things out - but she had panicked. After her and Jumel’s little talk, she was surprised she had even thought enough to grab a cloak.

Beryl had recently overheard the palace maids whispering together about one of their sisters who visited a witch in these woods to get rid of an unwanted pregnancy. Usually, Beryl ignored palace gossip but she was glad she had listened that day. If she could just find this witch and get the deed done then she could go back home and say she had gotten lost in the woods. However, Beryl hadn’t considered the possibility of the witch being difficult to find.

Despite the deepening evening gloom, Beryl urged her horse on. The chilly mist, which had fallen on and off all day, turned into an icy deluge. Beryl was tired, hungry, bone cold and now, totally drenched and miserable. She heard wolves howl in the distance and they spooked her just as much as they did her horse. The frightened girl realized they had to find shelter before things got any worse than they already were.

A large, dark form loomed off the trail to Beryl’s right that looked to be a rock wall. She directed her horse towards it hoping they’d be lucky enough to find an overhang or cave there. When she came to the end of the smooth stone, she was totally discouraged. Couldn’t even one thing go right for her? That was when she realized there was a second wall about six feet behind the first, forming a long, narrow ravine. Beryl got off her horse and led it down the dark path. They were still getting wet but the walls blocked some of the wind and this seemed to be the best they could hope for.

At almost the midpoint of the ravine, Beryl sank down against the wall and huddled under her cloak. How had she come to this? [Endymion. This was all *his* fault!] She thought, wiping at the raindrops on her cheeks and sniffling.

Beryl must have nodded off and was dreaming because when she next looked up she saw a fire-lit cave and heard an old woman calling to her. Beryl rubbed her eyes but the woman was still there. Standing up, Beryl croaked out, “W,what…who…who are you? Are you the forest witch?”

“Dear child, you’re soaked to the bone! Please, come in and warm yourself by my fire,” the woman beckoned. She looked harmless enough and without another thought, Beryl went to her and followed her inside.

The old woman shuffled past a table worn smooth from years of use. “Sit here, child. I’ll get you some tea and food. What’s your name? I’m Metalia.”

“Beryl,” she whispered as she hung her cloak on a wall hook and sat down on a sturdy bench by the table.

“Such a pretty name, Beryl.” Metalia observed as she poured a cup of tea.

Sipping at the hot brew, Beryl watched Metalia scoop some stew into a bowl. The aroma made Beryl’s stomach growl.

“Here. Eat up.” Metalia offered.

By the time Beryl had finished the meal and a piece of buttered bread, she was practically nodding off at the table. Metalia had sat down in a rocker and picked up some sewing. She asked, “Beryl, what brings you out in such awful weather?”

Beryl perked up. “You, I hope.”

Metalia paused in her stitching. “Me? What service can I help you with?”

Beryl blushed and stammered, “I, um…heard a witch, I mean old woman,” she quickly corrected, “lives in this forest that…helps girls with um, their…problems…”

Metalia stood up and shuffled over to Beryl. Reaching out, her knurled hand cupped Beryl’s cheek and made her look up. Metalia was silent as she stared at Beryl with eyes barely slit from the wrinkles on her face. It made Beryl uncomfortable - as if the old woman was sifting through her mind.

Metalia found the information she was looking for - and a whole lot more. Releasing her hold on Beryl, she stated, “You are with child.”

Beryl nodded. Hearing it put into words, and finally having to admit it to someone, made the enormity of her situation sink in. Sudden tears well up in Beryl’s eyes and coursed down her cheeks. Dropping her head onto her arms on the table, Beryl sobbed bitterly.

“There, there, child…” Metalia crooned as she slowly stroked Beryl’s hair. “…tell Metalia all about it.”

And tell Metalia, Beryl did - Everything about her family, Endymion, which Metalia found particularly interesting, the Solstice celebration, Endymion’s proposal, Jumel being adopted by her parents, the Silver Alliance delegation, Endymion going to the moon then breaking their engagement, Jumel’s threats and finally, her fear that her parents would find out about her horrible secret. She ended with, “So you see, I really need your help. I have to get rid of this before anyone else finds out. Please, will you help me?”

Metalia couldn’t believe her wonderful luck! Not only did a female human just show up at her doorstep but one that was powerful in her own right. Beryl was perfect! Then to top it off, Beryl had presented her with all the information needed to take over this planet and she even provided a way Metalia could exact her vengeance on that bastard, Endymion. Metalia knew she couldn’t celebrate yet though. First, she had to convince Beryl to willingly join forces with her.

“So,” Metalia observed. “It seems this Endymion has used you and hurt you then thrown you away when you needed him most. Beryl, when you called me a ‘witch’ you weren’t far from the truth. What if I could offer you more than you ask? What if I could help you make Endymion eternally regret the day he scorned you and what if we could hurt him one hundred fold for all the hurt he’s inflicted on you? Join me, Beryl, and let me help you.”

“J-join you…?” Beryl stammered. “I…I just want to be rid of my problem and go home…”

Metalia was now standing behind Beryl’s seat with her hands on Beryl’s shoulders. She whispered, “Don’t you want to get him back for what he’s done to you- even a little bit? You’re beautiful and intelligent and any man would kill to have you. You offered him everything and Endymion was a fool to throw you away. I offer you a way to show him just how much of a fool he is.”

Metalia more forcefully clenched Beryl’s shoulders and insisted, “Join me, Beryl! You can get revenge on him for making your mother hate you, for leaving you open to Jumel’s harassment, for making your father ashamed of you, for making everyone else pity you and lastly, for leaving you to deal with this ‘problem’ all alone!”

Once again in tears, Beryl gasped out, “Yes, help me! I’ll join you - just help me, please!”

Metalia cackled with glee as she reached in front of Beryl and grasped her wrist to quickly pull it up above her head. Ignoring Beryl’s protesting gasp, Metalia used her fingernail to slice Beryl’s arm open. She then wrapped her fingers around the cut arm and squeezed. Blood welled up from between her fingers but didn’t drip. Metalia demanded, “Say it, Beryl! Pledge yourself to me!”

With shaking voice Beryl whispered, “I…I p-pledge my…myself to you…”

With Beryl’s words, Metalia absorbed the blood and the cut was healed. Releasing the shocked girl, Metalia actually danced around the room with joy. Finally, she stopped. Still wearing a big smile, she turned back to Beryl and offered, “I’m sure you’re tired, my pet. Sleep now and tomorrow we will begin.”

Beryl, exhausted and completely overwhelmed, numbly nodded. Metalia had pointed to a bed against the wall and Beryl walked over, collapsed fully clothed onto it and was instantly asleep.

********

The next morning, Metalia could sense the changes in Beryl’s emotions as she awoke. Before the girl could fully panic at the solid blackness that surrounded her, Metalia gently spoke. “Beryl, fear not. I am still here.”

“Oh,” Beryl answered with relief. After a moment’s hesitation, she continued. “Why is it so dark in here and c-cold?” Shivers and some nervousness shook her voice.

“I will give you light in a moment but first we need to talk,” Metalia explained. “I am not what you saw last night. That was an illusion that’s too costly for me to continue. You need to see me in my true form for me to be able to help you.”

“Your true form?” Beryl echoed.

“Yes, I’m different,” Metalia responded. “I’m not what’s considered beautiful on this planet.”

Again, Beryl echoed, “This planet?” She thought a moment. “Does that mean you’re from…someplace else?” A few weeks ago that idea would have been ludicrous to Beryl but after having witnessed the Silver Alliance delegation’s appearance, she couldn’t quite dismiss it outright.

Metalia answered, “Yes, I come from a planet far from your star system.”

Beryl took a moment to absorb that then quietly asked, “What do you look like?”

Please with Beryl’s curiosity, Metalia honestly answered, “My shape is somewhat human looking with arms, legs, hands, feet, eyes and a mouth but that’s where the similarities end. If you’re ready, I will light the cave now.”

Beryl nodded. Then, not knowing Metalia had no need of light to know her response, she spoke, “O…okay, I’m ready,” as she steeled herself for anything.

Dim light began to fill the cave and Beryl’s eyes adjusted quickly. The first thing she noticed was that, except for the bed she sat on, everything else she expected to see in the old woman’s cave was gone - no table, no bench, no rocker or fireplace. However, her cloak was still hanging on the wall where she had put it.

Metalia beckoned and Beryl stood, then turned to grab her cloak and wrap it around herself. She noticed a turn at the back of the cave that the light was coming from and walked towards it. Turning the corner, Beryl saw something almost as tall as the cave ceiling, leaning against the back wall. It looked damp and leathery and very old. Its color was a mottled brown, that seemed somewhat see-through, and it was as wide around as a mature oak tree. There was movement and a sighing hiss, and as this thing began to peel open, Beryl realized Metalia was inside. Nothing Metalia said had prepared Beryl for what was now stepping out in front of her.

Metalia gave Beryl a few moments before she spoke. “I hope you can overlook our differences and we can still work together. I think we could be very useful to each other.”

Beryl had yet to say a word and the emotions flowing from her ranged from shock, to fear and revulsion. Metalia started to wonder if she had misjudged this human’s resilience. If so, she’d have to take Beryl’s energy and body and forgo the working relationship. Beryl had so much more to offer than just a meal and a temporary disguise though so Metalia gave her a few more minutes hoping she’d adjust.

Metalia opening mouth to speak had added a whole new level of hideousness to her appearance. She had called herself a female but there wasn’t anything about her that verified one gender or the other. When Metalia stood to her full height she was taller than Beryl. Her skin looked a camouflage of the pod she had just stepped out of and it was translucent so Beryl could just make out the muscles and other…things inside her. She didn’t have hair and the only other features to her body were the black claws that extended from the tips of her long fingers and a line of dark, wet-looking spots that ran from the palms of her hands, up her arms and connected at the base of her neck. Her baldhead was small in proportion to the rest of her and was dominated by two large, reptilian eyes and a mouth that split the bottom half of her face revealing two sets of small, razor sharp teeth and a brown tongue. Metalia didn’t have visible ears or a nose but she did have two noticeable indentations above her eyes and she continuously waved her hands in front of her in slow circles as if testing the air.

Everything inside Beryl screamed, “Run!” and yet, where would she run? Home? Not unless her original problem was solved. Beryl realized Metalia truly was the best and only option she had right now. Besides, Beryl reminded herself, hadn’t her father taught her to stand strong and never show fear? With that thought in mind, Beryl squared her shoulders and firmly replied, “I’m okay now. Your appearance won’t bother me.”

“Good,” Metalia purred, pleased. The moment she had felt Beryl pull her determination and courage around her like a cloak, Metalia had known she bet her efforts well. Finally, she could stop hiding, defeat her enemies and get revenge.

“Let’s get started then…” Metalia added then paused as a hollow, gurgling sound erupted from Beryl’s stomach. “That’s right,” Metalia continued. “You need sustenance – especially since you’re breeding. I’ll feed you today but after this, you’ll need to acquire some of your own food so you don’t continue to deplete my store.”

Beryl was somewhat offended by Metalia referring to her being pregnant as one would a horse or rabbit but decided food definitely sounded good. As Metalia ambled over to her, Beryl looked around expectantly and was surprised when Metalia reached out to wrap her slender digits around Beryl’s arm. An odd, warm sensation flowed up Beryl’s arm then through her body and suddenly she wasn’t hungry anymore.

Answering Beryl’s unspoken question, Metalia explained, “I gave you some energy. It’s more efficient and less costly to just feed it to you myself than to bother with a façade.”

Beryl felt totally creeped out by this but a plus was that she didn’t feel nauseous like she normally would have after eating breakfast. “T..Thank you,” she stammered out. Beryl realized Metalia would probably do a lot of things that were strange to her.

Metalia returned to her pod and motioned for Beryl to sit in front of it at her feet. Beryl didn’t really want to sit on the cold, damp floor but she now knew Metalia wouldn’t want to expend the energy to make her a chair. An idea came to Beryl and she said, “I want to get my saddle to sit on.”

Metalia knew Beryl was now bound to her and couldn’t leave so she nodded and Beryl went outside the cave to see if her horse was still there. Unbuckling the saddle straps, Beryl slid it off the horse’s back then gave the horse a hard slap on the rump. As the horse ran off, she wondered if anyone would care enough to search for her when it returned home alone. She decided her father probably would but she didn’t think even he would be able to find her here. Beryl sighed then dragged the saddle inside the cave. She set it in front of Metalia then sat down.

Languidly waving her arms in front of her, Metalia began. “We need an army to conquer the Earth Kingdoms, Beryl, and I want you to build it.” Before Beryl could voice the questions in her eyes, Metalia continued. “I have a spell that can turn any human into our servant and I will teach it to you. The spell needs to be invoked within three minutes of death and it uses the body’s own residual energy to power the spell. Because the body is dead, it doesn’t use energy anymore so it’s perfect for gathering and holding energy for me. Also, because the body is dead, the Youma has no self-will and is totally subservient. The down side is that the process causes a severe loss of intelligence but Youma can still do what they are told and make excellent foot soldiers. Lastly, females make better Youma than males. We will probably have to use some males anyway but there’s something in their body chemistry that fights the spell. It makes them weak both physically and mentally. Male Youma tend to be fearful, whiney and lazy which makes them almost not worth the effort. Any questions so far?”

Beryl thought a moment. “Does how the person died affect the spell at all?”

Shaking her head, Metalia explained, “As long as the spell is invoked within the first three minutes after death, it uses whatever material is available to create a new body.”

“Can a Youma be destroyed?” Beryl wondered.

Metalia added, “They are quite hardy but yes, Youma can be destroyed. Anything else?”

Beryl shook her head and Metalia went on to her next topic. “Endymion’s strongest asset and his biggest weakness is his generals. If we turn them against him, not only will having access to their knowledge undermine Endymion’s military strength, but their betrayal will hurt him personally and psychologically.”

Beryl sat up straighter on the saddle. This was what she really wanted to talk about. “Do you expect to turn them into Youma? They are very powerful. I would have a difficult time killing them individually. Against them as a group I’d almost have no chance.”

Metalia’s guttural, rasping chuckle echoed in the cave. “Beryl, you don’t have to worry. You really don’t have any idea of the power you posses through me. I have no doubt you could kill them even as a group. However, we don’t want to kill them.”

Curious and perplexed, Beryl questioned, “We don’t?”

Shaking her head, Metalia explained. “I have a different spell for the generals. It’s more of a hypnosis or brainwashing spell. It needs the person to be alive and it allows him to retain his intellect, selected knowledge and free will within the parameters of the spell. It’s a less constrictive spell so it isn’t as irreversible as the Youma spell and it requires a small amount of willingness from the victim to seal it. This spell activates the moment the victim responds to the spell caster’s kiss.”

“A kiss?” Beryl was surprised. Thinking ahead to the implication of this, she added, “A kiss won’t be a problem with Zoisite and most likely not with Nephrite or Jadeite either but…” Beryl wrinkled her nose in distaste. “Is there any other way to do the spell with Kunzite? He’s so loyal to Nisha and I don’t see how he’d ever let me kiss him, much less respond to it.”

Again, Metalia chuckled. “Beryl, you’re more than adequately equipped to make any man fall at your feet. I’m sure you’ll think of some way to handle Kunzite.” Metalia then paused and looked at Beryl’s plain, stained and torn dress critically. “Hmm…” she added. “I suppose a few changes in your image to emphasize your good points wouldn’t hurt though. Stand up.”

Metalia’s hands and arms began to glow and became totally see though. Beryl watched, mesmerized, as Metalia’s hands floated towards her. The hands touched Beryl’s hair then skimmed down her neck, over her entire body to her feet then dissolved back into Metalia.

Beryl looked down at herself and the first thing she saw was a lot of her breasts pushed up and showing for the entire world to see. The next thing she noticed was a purple dress that looked as if it had been painted onto her figure. “Oh, my…” she breathed. Then, looking up at Metalia, “My mother would definitely not approve.”

For the third time, Metalia’s chuckle grated against the walls of the cave. “Now that you have me, you’re much more powerful than your parents. You don’t need to worry about what they think any more.”

Beryl reached her hand up to touch a small, strange looking, horn-like protrusion on her shoulder. She looked to her other shoulder and saw there was another one. “What are these?” she asked.

Metalia explained, “Those, and your jewels, are rank insignia on my planet. They show that you are in command of my army.”

Beryl finally looked at the long staff with a crystal globe on top that she was holding.

Metalia added, “The scepter will allow you to telepathically see what anyone who serves us sees and it allows you to communicate with them. It also augments your power with mine when you attack. I placed the spells in your mind. You should be able to use them now.”

Beryl, feeling a little overwhelmed, nodded. Metalia then announced, “You are now ready to bring the generals to me.”

“Now? Already? But…” Beryl didn’t feel anywhere near ready to start taking over the world. Then she remembered. “But what about getting rid of this?” she asked as she gestured to her still flat stomach.

“Oh, yes…the child.” Metalia mused. She paused as she considered it. “Your child could be useful to us. You should keep it for now, at least until we’ve defeated Endymion and his family.”

“K…Keep it?!” Beryl’s voice became shrill. “I don’t want to keep it! That’s why I came to you in the first place! I want this taken care of right away. I don’t want to have to deal with it anymore!”

Metalia’s reptilian eyes became slits as a shadowy hand shot out to grab Beryl around the neck. Beryl choked as Metalia threw her, face down onto the floor. Metalia’s hand began to glow and Beryl screamed as she felt the agony of having her energy brutally drained. At that moment she knew she was going to die. She’d welcome it though, if it would make the pain stop.

Metalia suddenly let go of Beryl’s neck and grabbed the sobbing, gasping girl by the hair. Lifting and dragging her to her knees, Metalia then grasped Beryl’s chin to force her to look up. Metalia hissed, “Remember this. I’m only going to warn you once. The spell I used to bind you is different from the ones I gave you. Your spell required your full willing acceptance. It doesn’t involve any brainwashing or hypnosis and you have all your memories intact. It’s a fully voluntary contract you entered and we are now telepathically and physically connected to each other. This symbiotic relationship gives you access to my guidance and power. I gained the use of your physical body and your commitment to carry out my wishes. However, it has also made your energy the sweetest, most potent and delicious available to me. As long as you give me your unquestioning obedience and faithful service, then I will resist the temptation to drain you until you’re dead and fully posses your body. Understood?”

Beryl fearfully nodded and Metalia released her.

continued...