The website:

http://members.xoom.com/sailmoonSol/solitair3.html

CHAPTER SEVEN

**************************
Nemesis
**************************
The emptiness of the palace did not go unnoticed by Diamond. 
Emerald's death was a sad tragedy, but Diamond was hardly fazed. He 
knew conquering Earth would take some sacrifices - he had prepared 
himself after Rubeus' death. But nothing could compensate for his loss 
of Solitaire - not even Earth. He didn't want it if she wasn't with him. 
But if he gave up now, her death would have been useless.. Diamond?s 
mind was beginning to shift from missing Solitaire to trying to get her 
back in any form he could. He couldn't accept losing her. 

Wiseman was ready to take advantage of Diamond's weakness. He 
knew Solitaire meant everything to Diamond, but Earth meant 
everything to Wiseman, and to conquer that he needed Rini. He was in 
the dark chamber, Rini floating above him in a current of black energy. 
He was filling her mind with half-truths. Soon she would be ready to 
change to their side. Rini would be more powerful if she changed her 
form. But for what Wiseman had in mind, there was an even greater 
advantage - Diamond?s trust. He would make Rini a mirror-image of 
Solitaire, other than the dress and the pink hair. Diamond would have 
no trouble accepting her as part of the Dark Moon Family.

Wiseman smiled as he watched Rini change into a beautiful woman. He 
didn't have appreciation for her beauty as much as her complete loyalty 
to him and him alone. Now it was time to introduce Black Lady to 
Diamond.

***********************
Moon Kingdom
***********************
Once again life at the palace had lost the tension of a few days ago, as 
Earth's mobilization was initiated. This time, however, none of the 
generals wanted to let Beryl make another poor decision.

Endymion stood ahead of the generals and Solitaire as they gathered in 
the gardens where visitors would teleport to. Snow still blanketed the 
ground and everyone had to dress warmly.

"How long is she going to be here?" Endymion asked Malachite 
disheartedly. Malachite frowned, a warning to Endymion that he should 
not act so blatantly irritated about Beryl's visit. It went unnoticed by 
Endymion. He didn't want to deal with Beryl  - not now, when he had 
other things in mind. He let his eyes linger on Solitaire for a moment 
before he looked at the other generals to see if any of them would 
address his question.

A deep blackish purple glow appeared infront of the group as Beryl 
materialized. She was dressed elegantly in a dark green gown. She wore 
a floor-length coat that looked as if it were made of black fur.

Endymion bowed obligatorily, and was mimicked by the other generals. 
Solitaire stood and nodded her head as was the custom, which Beryl 
mimicked.

"Welcome your Majesty" Malachite addressed the queen, who smiled 
polity. Solitaire was fascinated by her  power and elegance, at least until 
the point when she spoke.

"Thank you Malachite." Beryl snapped arrogantly, turning to 
Endymion. 

"You've met Princess Solitaire of the Moon" Endymion motioned as he 
introduced Solitaire to Beryl.

"Yes - I do remember her." Beryl said, smiling. "Its obvious you've 
changed." Beryl said to Solitaire, who was still watching Beryl in awe. 
To Solitaire, Beryl was the embodiment of power and beauty.

"So have you." Solitaire replied seriously. Beryl looked at her 
suspiciously, but when Solitaire did not say any more she returned her 
attention to Endymion. 

Another form materialized out of the blackish purple glow. It was a 
man, taller than the rest with dark brown hair and brown eyes.

Endymion's face filled with anger, but that feelings subsided to 
disheartenment when his gaze re-focused on Beryl. "Fate has decided to 
visit us as well." Endymion snickered, trying to take his frustration out 
on Beryl by irritating her. Beryl grew pensive but remained calm. She 
knew very well that Fayate had been a close friend of the Earth 
Kingdom, but things where very different now. The man was undaunted 
by the prince.

"I see then you've met Fayalite, before, Endymion." Beryl began, trying 
to sound surprised that the two knew eachother.

"It was very long ago." Fayate replied with a hint of hatred towards 
Endymion. But his attention soon turned towards Solitaire and his 
irritation melted as his eyes met hers. It was like looking at Beryl 
(although the two had very different types of beauty) - the lack of 
innocence and the determination in Solitaire's eyes almost made him 
blush; the purity plastered across the expressions of other women was 
washed away in hers by Solitaire's intelligence and demeanor. Her 
emotionless appearance signaled that Solitaire had a great passion in her 
that had yet to be unlocked. 

"Good!" Beryl replied superoirly. "Then we'll all get along very well.  
Shall we, Endymion?" Beryl motioned. Endymion extended his arm and 
Beryl wrapped herself around it. Endymion watched Fayate looking at 
Solitaire angrily. But right now he would have to deal with Beryl first

Fayate continued to watch Solitaire with apprehension as her face did 
not reveal any hint of a smile. Had he not been under the unnatural force 
that was now controlling him, watching Solitaire would have become an 
obsession, but that emotion, like the warmth in his eyes, was hidden by 
Metallia's power. Nevertheless, when he watched her, it was in some 
ways like looking at himself, and even only when he was thinking about 
Solitaire the warmth in his eyes returned.

Fayate's glare was making Solitaire uncomfortable, strangely, because 
few things broke through the shell she hid herself in from the outside 
world. But his eyes where so warm and inviting, Solitaire was once 
again trapped between forming a relationship with him and avoiding 
contact with others as much as she could. "I don't think we've been 
introduced." Solitaire said as the adventurous side overcame the 
inhibitory reflex of keeping herself bottled up inside. "Solitaire, of the 
Moon Kingdom." she said, extending her hand to Fayate.

Fayate kissed Solitaire's hand, looking up at her as her eyes flickered 
between two different types of determination. He began to reply with 
"Fate", but quickly the warmth in his eyes dissipated as he corrected 
himself - "Fayalite". 

"From the Mineral Kingdom?" Solitaire questioned, noting that Fayate's 
dark eyes and hair where unlike the features of the other people she 
knew came from there, although that would be the logical place to 
assume Fayate originated from, given his name.

Again, Fayate struggled to answer her simple question. Part of him was 
going to say he was from the Earth Kingdom, but instead he added  
simply "Yes." Nevertheless, his eyes resumed their warm glow as he 
looked at Solitaire. Suddenly he recognized her name - "Princess 
Solitaire?" he asked timidly.

Solitaire frowned slightly, as Fayate pointed out the source of her 
misery. Her sad acknowledgement of his question reflected how she 
hated having that title. It seemed as if Solitaire wouldn't be the one to 
keep reminding herself of her destiny, others would always 
inadvertently point it out to her. This called for a drink. "Do you mind if 
we go inside?" she asked, pulling her robe around herself to block the 
cold wind and taking a step towards the palace.

Fayate nodded as they walked.

*****************************

Endymion watched Fayate enviously as he talked with Solitaire. Beryl's 
presence only made his desire to chase after Solitaire even stronger, but 
now besides Beryl their was another obstacle he would have to 
overcome. Why did it have to be Fayate?! This was the traitor that had 
abandoned the Earth a year ago - now he was back here again. To make 
matters worse, Solitaire was already on the verge of intoxication and her 
usually passive demeanor was hidden by the warm smiles directed at 
Fayate. He could almost make out what they where saying.

Solitaire sat elegantly in a dainty chair across from Fayate. 

"I know you're mother." Fayate added with a hint of seriousness.

Pain shot through Solitaire's eyes for a moment but the alcohol morphed 
it into something else. "I haven't seen her for a while." Solitaire 
peacefully said. "I've been on Earth for months now."

"I was surprised to see you here, I mean, I've heard how Serenity keeps 
you all to herself." Fayate joked.

Solitaire appeared serious for a moment but found lots of humor in her 
answer  - "Desperate times call for desperate measures!" Fayate looked 
somewhat nervous - perhaps Solitaire had had too much to drink. "And  
I trust you're here on business as well. "Solitaire giggled. There was a 
little Serena in her after all.

Fayate smiled. "As always." He could see Solitaire was growing weary.

"It doesn't have to be that way, you know." Solitaire motioned as she 
ran a finger along his arm. 

While the temptation was greater than Fayate had ever known, he didn't 
want Solitaire to do anything that she would regret later. Immediately 
he rose, shocking Solitaire with the abruptness of the movement. "I 
think maybe you should take it easy for a while." he said to Solitaire as 
he lifted the drink out of her hand.

"No!" Solitaire whined as she tried to stand up and reach for the drink 
unsuccessfully. She lost her balance and fell into Fayate's arms. The 
drink spilled along her back onto the floor. Finally it hit Solitaire what 
she was doing to herself, and her sadness and frustration returned to her.

"Oh - I'm sorry." Fayate apologized as he lifted Solitaire. He wanted to 
help her walk, but her overwhelming need for independence and 
fortitude pushed him away.

"No - you're right. Please, excuse me" she replied as she looked at him 
coldly. Fayate could see the anger and sadness in her eyes even though 
the rest of her face was drained of emotion.

"Wait  - " he whispered, but Solitaire slowly staggered out of the room.

*********************
Endymion saw everything that happened. He was envious of Fayate for 
catching Solitaire's attention, but he was even angrier at Solitaire for 
liking Fayate instead of him. He was full of frustration from Beryl's 
visit, but this had been too much for him. He excused himself from 
Beryl, who was busy talking with Zoicite, and headed to follow 
Solitaire. Now he had a good excuse to take his anger out on her, 
because she had embarrassed everyone by acting so stupidly.

He saw her standing against the bedpost in her room. Knocking on the 
door, he entered as Solitaire held the wooden post.

"Are - are you alright?" Endymion asked tenderly, Solitaire's condition 
worrying him for a moment. She never seemed to ever lose her cool - 
something was truly wrong.

"Go away!" Solitaire roared as she turned towards him. Her rudeness 
brought out the anger in him as his kindness dissipated.

"Maybe you should leave. I can't believe you would embarrass everyone 
like that. What's wrong with you?!" Endymion replied, even though 
what he was saying was an exaggeration.

"Why don't you leave me alone!" Solitaire yelled, her eyes filling with 
pain. She was sad enough without Endymion's tormenting. Fayate's 
rejection made her feel stupid and worthless. She felt so horrible.

"I'll leave you alone when you stop making a joke out of my affairs! 
Me, leave you alone?! Why did you ever come here in the first place?!" 
Endymion countered.

Solitaire cursed. She felt he was so right - she wanted to leave, but she 
couldn't for her kingdom's sake. Now Endymion was making her 
unwelcome and it hurt her even more. "It wasn't my choice." Solitaire 
replied, even though she knew it wasn't entirely true.

"Sure it was. You came here to use everyone - to use Neflite and 
Malachite." Endymion said coldly.

Solitaire's eyes widened. Endymion was bringing out all that she 
regretted, and what hurt even more was that he came here to hurt her 
and he was almost right. "Maybe one day you'll grow up and understand 
what duty is. You don't know anything,!"

Endymion was enraged furthermore because what Solitaire said was 
partially true. He couldn't hold anything back. "At least I'm not a selfish 
slut like you! You toy with everyone's emotions and throw them to the 
wind. I don't understand why they would waste their love on someone 
like you. Duty - hah! Your only duty is to yourself!"

Endymion did not realize the irony of his words, as he only felt the sting 
on his cheek where Solitaire slapped him, catching her arm as his face 
closed in on hers. She couldn't pull back as they stared into each other's 
angry eyes. For a moment vulnerability flashed through the rage in 
Solitaire's expression, but the prince's eyes fluctuated even more 
between anger and desire. He couldn't hate her - he felt he loved her. 
His eyes closed as his face slowly inched towards hers and he could feel 
her heavy breathing on his lips before he kissed her.  

Like always Solitaire found comfort in others' affection and Endymion 
was right about that. Was what he said true? It couldn't be - she knew 
why Neflite left hr and why she left Malachite. The fact that Endymion 
had changed his actions only strengthened her belief that she had not 
acted as he had described her. She didn't resist; she let Endymion's 
actions comfort her, eventually returning his passion instinctually. He 
was being kind to her - his words where overwritten by his actions. She 
needed his reassurance. The drinks blocked out any sort of restraint she 
usually had. 

This was what Endymion had been wanting for so long. Now there was 
no turning back, even though his duty to Beryl loomed in his mind. 
Solitaire didn't care either - Endymion provided the best kind of comfort 
for her, and she wasn't thinking about what her actions might lead. 
Destiny was forgotten by both of them.

Footsteps came down the hall unnoticed by the couple until they 
stopped infront of the door. Fayate knocked on the wooden pane.

Solitaire pulled away from Endymion abruptly and faced Fayate. 
Endymion was surprised, but immediately noticed Fayate as well. 
Fayate was looking down the hall.

"Beryl is looking for you." Fayate calmly stated. Solitaire wiped her 
mouth and looked toward the ground as Endymion let go of her. The 
prince paused for a moment, but stormed out of the room pushing 
against Fayate as he left. "Bastard." Fayate mumbled after Endymion. 
He was angry that Endymion was so selfish as to take advantage of 
Solitaire when she was in such a state, and even worse to do it at the 
risk of Beryl finding out. What if Beryl had seen them? Deep down he 
was angry that Endymion could have this woman while he had to fight 
hard to resist her. As for Solitaire, he realized it was none of his 
business, even though he felt the overwhelming need to protect this 
stranger. He hadn't meant to interrupt her - he only wanted to see if she 
was alright, but now he was glad he did. Endymion didn't deserve 
Solitaire, and he already had a duty to Beryl.

Solitaire turned around so that Fayate could not see the shame written 
on her face.

"I'm sorry." Fayate began, apologizing for everything that had 
happened. He felt his rejection of her earlier had brought about the 
incident with Endymion. Fayate sensed that under the hardened exterior 
Solitaire put forth there was a fragile soul. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

"I do it to myself." Solitaire whispered as her thoughts drifted towards 
her sadness. She had vowed to not let anything like what had happened 
with Malachite and Neflite ever happen again. How could she be so 
irresponsible? She had made a complete fool of herself, and even worse 
she let herself get close to Endymion. If only she didn't have to be 
"Princess Solitaire" her life would be so much easier. She wanted to be 
free of her destiny.

"Good night." Fayate replied as he left the room. He really felt that he 
had no right to take away Solitaire's privacy. Perhaps he had been 
wrong to interrupt her and Endymion. Perhaps they had a relationship. 
But Fayate knew better than that - that Endymion was promised to 
Beryl and it was his duty to uphold this promise. Even more, Beryl truly 
liked Endymion and it wasn't fair what he was doing. The least he could 
do was keep his infidelity private, and not flaunt it infront of everyone. 
And Solitaire was Princess of the Moon - not some average girl; she 
was the one of the most prominent figures in that day, and if such a 
scandal where publicised Beryl for sure would engage another war. 
Fayate felt that Solitaire should have known better, but he knew the 
drinks had made her act unnatural. He felt he was partially to blame. 
Then again, what if they loved eachother? But then Solitaire wouldn't 
have acted  with the way she had if she loved someone else. Either way 
it didn't matter because Fayate's life didn't belong to himself anymore.

"Wait - " Solitaire called after him. The pain in her voice washed away 
Metallia's influence and allowed his thoughts to venture back to her. 
Fayate reappeared through the door. "Please" Solitaire began "Please 
don't tell anyone."

Fayate was shocked by the lack of emotion in her face, although her 
cheeks warmed out of embarrassment and her eyes could not hide her 
torment. Why wasn't she crying? He didn't really know what to do, so 
he simply left the room without looking at Solitaire.

Again Solitaire was rejected, making her hurt even more pronounced. 
Her anger at herself translated into anger at Fayate, as she picked up a 
nearby vase and threw it after him. It smashed into thousands of shards 
against the door. Solitaire kneeled by the bed and rested her head. She 
looked as if she where crying, even though she was not. Eventually she 
fell asleep against the bed until Neflite came into the room to see where 
the sound had originated. His shoes crunched against the glass but 
Solitaire remained asleep. He went to pick her up and place her on the 
bed.

Solitaire woke up partially from her sleep and crossed her arms over 
Neflite's shoulders. "Father?" she said to Neflite. Neflite looked 
confused. "Please don't leave me father." Solitaire whispered, holding 
Neflite closer as he placed her onto the bed. He lifted her arms off of 
him. "I won't forgive you mother. I'll never forgive you. I hate you."

"Solitaire - its me." Neflite whispered. He didn't want to discover her 
past anymore. It was too sad.

"I hope you're happy." Solitaire continued. Neflite watched as her face 
twisted into an emotion that he had never seen - was she crying? 

"Solitaire - " Neflite whispered as he shook her gently. Solitaire awoke 
gently, but the tears in her eyes where signals of inner turmoil. 
Something was definitely wrong. Neflite tried to smile "You where 
dreaming."

Solitaire looked up at Neflite, although she didn't concentrate on him. 
"What have I done?" she whispered, quickly wiping the tears out of her 
eyes as terror shot through her. The memories brought back her need for 
protocol and order, which balanced out the chaos from her past.

She pushed Neflite away as she tried to stand up, but she was still drunk 
as she clung to the bedpost.

Neflite didn't know what to make of her distress. Was she angry about 
the past? Was she frustrated about what had happened today? Either 
way, something was very wrong - Solitaire NEVER cried. Even now, 
she wouldn't let the tears escape her eyes.

"Its okay, you know." Neflite said, trying to soothe her. It was often 
frustrating to deal with Solitaire as she was so depressed, but Neflite 
knew that if he didn't take care of her no one would. Perhaps he still 
believed that something might develop between the two of them, but 
every day that desire grew weaker as he discovered more and more 
sides to her sadness. And after all, there was her destiny.

"Don't look at me." Solitaire snapped. She would do anything to hide 
her emotions from others. 

Neflite knew this was not the time to let her be. Maybe if he could help 
her work out her issue, she would feel so much better in the future. 
Obviously no one had ever tried to help her, and she herself only ran 
away from her feelings. "Why don't you tell me what?s wrong?"

"I don't want to talk about it. Please leave. I don't want you to watch." 
Solitaire replied more softly.

"I know something is wrong." Neflite added as he stood and took her 
hand. Solitaire averted his gaze.

"You already know too much. Why do you even care? I'm sure you 
have better things to do." Solitaire answered. Tears where in her voice - 
Neflite could tell that this had something to do with her mother.

"What happened?" Neflite demanded.

"Nothing." Solitaire replied. But she could see how kind Neflite was 
being, although she didn't deserve his attention. She didn't want to make 
him angry - she shouldn't be so ungrateful. "I want this war to be over." 
Solitaire lied. She accepted Neflite's embrace, but still she wouldn't cry. 
The only thing that could save her from her feelings WAS the war - 
without it, she wouldn't have her duty and without duty she would think 
about her misery. 

"You don't have to worry alone." Neflite reminded Solitaire as he 
comforted her. "I know everything will work out well eventually."

"Yes. You're right." Solitaire whispered. Already thinking about the war 
was beginning to provide relief for her from thinking about her past and 
future. "I think I'm alright now." Solitaire said as she pulled away from 
Neflite. The pain in her eyes had disappeared, along with the alcohol's 
effect. Solitaire's fortitude was so strong that it could surmount almost 
anything - only when she was lost it in a fleeting emotion or memory 
was she subject to her feelings.

"Are you sure?" Neflite questioned. Solitaire nodded and tried to smile.

"Thank you." Solitaire added.

****************************
Crystal Tokyo
****************************
The car came to a gentle stop inside of the palace gates. Solitaire still 
slept in the seat; she was unused to the absence of her crystal. Fayate 
saw Serenity walking briskly towards them as he stepped out of the car.

"Oh Fayate! Thank you so much for bringing her back!" Serenity said, 
her eyes glowing with warmth. Fayate bowed.

"Serenity, do you mind me asking who she is?" Fayate inquired as 
Serenity stood against the car door and watched Solitaire's peaceful 
form.

"Oh - I haven't told you?" Serenity replied.

"She transforms like a scout, but she gave me this to give to you." 
Fayate added as he reached into his shirt for the crystal. It glowed 
unstably as he handed it to Serenity. Serenity winced as she touched it.

"I guess you know what this is." Serenity stated.

"Its Silver Crystal. But I didn't know there was another one besides the 
Imperium Silver Crystal. Is she from the past?"

"In a way." Serenity said sighing. "This is my sister Solitaire."

Fayate looked confused. "I never knew you had a sister."

"Well, I guess we where never close really. I haven't seen her since the 
Moon Kingdom. I thought you'd recognize her. She has hardly 
changed."

Fayate thought for a moment. "The she must be...Princess Solitaire?" he 
asked. Was this the same woman he had met so long ago? Why didn't he 
recognize her? It must be the sadness in her eyes - it had distorted the 
determination he remembered was so characteristic of her. But it wasn?t 
surprising that he had forgotten - after his freedom from Beryl, it took 
him long to recognize Endymion, even though they had grown up 
together. There were still some parts of his memory that he couldn?t 
access until something triggered the memories.

"Yes. Although I don't think she would want you to call her that."

"She mentioned something about a great tragedy." Fayate continued. 
Serenity became disheartened for a moment. "She said she was 
responsible for the deaths of 'everyone'."

"I know. I can't believe Endymion told her the war with Beryl was all 
her fault. Sometimes I wonder if that man has any sense in him."

"But why? That was - so long ago. It doesn't matter anymore. It wasn't 
anyone's fault really but Beryl's." Fayate added, although he hated 
talking about that war.

"She's had a terrible past. She was always alone and always sad because 
she believed her destiny was to be alone. Eventually she fell in love 
from Diamond, but Wiseman destroyed her. She came here a few days 
ago to reunite with Diamond, but as you know Diamond already loves 
Pluto. There was nothing left for her, no one to love her and no duty to 
uphold, and then Endymion thought it would be a good idea to tell her 
the war was her fault. I don't know what he was thinking."

"Why would he tell her that? Didn't he realize that she had already gone 
through enough?" Fayate questioned.

"Well, you see, Solitaire never admits to anything. But if she doesn't 
have a duty she is forced to actually be a human being for once. I think 
Endymion thought she was going to do something drastic - and he told 
her that so that she would work out some of her emotions. If she 
realized the war wasn't her fault, perhaps her other problems would look 
less daunting. But nothing ever gets to Solitaire. She won't let herself 
feel anything. I don't know how you managed to persuade her to come 
with you."

"She fell asleep crying." Fayate added surprised. How could Solitaire be 
void of emotion when he had seen her so sad and tearful? He had never 
seen so much passion in his life.

Serenity was speechless. Solitaire crying? It wasn't possible! "I don't 
believe it! What did you say to her?!"

"Nothing - she was just acting so strange. Is she alright?"

"I don't know. Solitaire's never cried a day in her life. I've got to tell her 
the truth. I think then maybe she'll have a chance. She doesn't want to 
live if she has no duty. I'm sorry to involve you in all this."

"Not at all. I still can't believe she's your sister, though."

Serenity nodded. "I guess there's not much in common between us. Do 
you remember her from the past?"

"I met her once before the war. Now that I think about it she did seem to 
have something bothering her, but it definitely wasn't the sadness I saw 
today. Has she always been like this?"

"No, not really. Endymion remembered her differently. I mean, when 
they where in 20th century Tokyo. I think Diamond saw a side of her 
too that we never knew. But then again, she was always distant during 
the Silver Millenium."

"I don't understand though why she would be so sad otherwise. I doubt 
the life of a princess is a difficult one."

"You don't know it, but I think the rest of us all realize Solitaire would 
have made a much better queen and leader than me. My mother 
wouldn't allow it though, because she was afraid of Solitaire and 
Solitaire's intelligence. Somehow Solitaire found out, but she couldn't 
abandon our kingdom. Without her help we would have all been lost. 
She never had much of a childhood because she was always involved in 
the palace affairs, and to make matters worse she somehow believed she 
would never find love. But of course Solitaire would never tell anyone 
and she always kept her feelings to herself. I guess now that she has 
nothing else to do than feel sorry for herself maybe she can start over."

Fayate was quiet in reflection as he watched Solitaire. He now 
understood the sadness in her eyes because it was the same sort of 
sadness he had had before.

Solitaire was beginning to wake up. The sun burned her eyes as she 
opened them and pulled herself away from the seat. She looked around 
her only to find herself back at the palace. She saw Serenity talking with 
Fayate. In a panic she slid into the driver's seat and searched frantically 
for the keys, but they weren't there. She couldn't face her sister - she 
didn't want to go back to the palace. Fayate approached her as Serenity 
ran to Endymion who appeared outside to talk with him before he spoke 
with Solitaire again.

"Looking for these?" he asked as he held the keys in his hand.

Solitaire was terrified. She had to leave, and she had to leave now. 
"I...I.." she stated calmly, even though her breathing was heavy.

Fayate tossed them to her. Solitaire managed to put the key into the 
ignition even though she was trembling. The engine revved loudly. 
Serenity heard the noise and quickly rushed to her sister, Endymion not 
far behind her.

"Solitaire - where are you going?" she demanded, her eyes full of 
sadness.

Solitaire tried to smile so that Serenity wouldn't worry about her, but as 
she looked over to Fayate she remembered how comforting it had been 
to have someone there for her. Her eyes filled with tears as her hand 
slipped off the clutch. "I can't stay here." she sobbed as she held her 
head between her hands.

"Of course you can! Don't always be the one to run away, Solitaire!" 
Serenity cried. "You need to hear the truth!" She reached over the 
steering wheel and removed the key from the ignition. Solitaire looked 
up at her somewhat angrily.

"I don't want to live my life like this. Why must I always do what 
everyone expects of me?!" Solitaire countered. 

Serenity looked shocked. Solitaire was right - she was making her sister 
stay here against her will, and after all she'd been through if she truly 
wanted to be alone she ought to be. This was Solitaire after all, this was 
her way of dealing with her problems. Serenity gave the keys back to 
Solitaire.

The car roared once again as Solitaire shifted into reverse and whirled 
around. Serenity watched her tearfully, while all Fayate could do was 
say nothing. It wasn't any of his business.

"Wait!" Serenity cried as Solitaire speeded away in a trail of dust. The 
car slowed for a moment to a roll and Solitaire turned around. Serenity 
continued - "The war wasn't your fault - Darien was just trying to ..." 
but the car continued to roll away and finally Solitaire wedged the 
accelerator onto the floorboard.

"Do you think she heard me?" Serenity asked Fayate.

"I don't know."

"If she did, she'll be back. I know she wants to hear what I have to tell 
her. I just hope she doesn't do anything..." Serenity cried. "I have to go 
after her!?

"Maybe I should go." Fayate offered to Serenity's surprise. "She'll feel 
less threatened by a stranger."

"I don't want you to be involved in this Fayate. Solitaire's more pain 
than she's worth - if you can help it, I suggest you try to avoid her. I'm 
thankful you helped me today, but honestly, I can't let you deal with her. 
You'll end up getting hurt."

"When I think how different my life would have been if I had had a 
family to talk to - " Fayate began "I know what she's going through. She 
won't admit it either - she's proud and silent. I can't just sit by and watch 
her do this to herself. No one ever tried to talk with me - my whole life 
became a facade for what I was feeling inside. No one took the energy 
to care, but I didn't have anyone. Solitaire has family, but she can't face 
them. I wasn't strong enough to fight the anger inside and I know what I 
turned into. Death is a better fate than that. You can't understand, 
Serenity, what that sort of desperation is like; fortunalty there is no evil 
for Solitaire to absorb, so I know she'll choose death. You can't just let 
her be at a time like this - she will kill herself."

"But look at her - if I go to her she'll only run away. I'm not going to let 
you get involved in this. Trust me, its not worth it. You can't change 
her. You don't know her past. Why do you think everyone keeps their 
distance?"

Fayate looked somewhat angry. "Everyone kept their distance from me 
as well."

"But I'm her sister. I have to take care of her. She's not your 
responsibility."

"I think leaving her alone hardly qualifies as taking care of her. You 
don't know what its like. She runs away from you because you could 
never understand. The only person who could understand that sort of 
internal pain, that hiding of feelings and forcing to live every day in a 
life that is not your own creation..."

"Who Fayate? Is it you?" Serenity demanded mockingly, although there 
was evidence of anger and passion  in her voice.

"I'm volunteering, since no one else seems to care about her." Serenity 
began to cry, making Fayate rethink his words. "I know you must love 
her, but its very difficult to understand what she's feeling if you've never 
felt like that." Fayate added softly. 

Serenity did not look at him but only thought about his accusation. It 
seemed very justified; how would she know anything about what 
Solitaire was feeling, and what she needed right now? She hadn't seen 
her for almost twenty years adjusted time, and she had never been as 
close to Solitaire during the Silver Millenium as she was with Rei or 
Ami or Lita or Mina now. A mistake in her judgement could cost 
Solitaire her life. Still, Serenity felt Solitaire was her responsibility, but 
as she turned around to warn Fayate again to stay away from Solitaire 
once more, Serenity discovered Fayate was gone.