(SM) A Love They Can't Live Without

[tsukinofaerii]

WARNING Old Fic ahead. Read with caution.

This story... scares me. Seriously. I read it and want to cry, it's that bad. The PoV jumps in completely random circles, the plot wanders aimlessly, and I use the phrase "heavenly blue eyes" in complete seriousness. Yes, it's one of Those Stories. So I post this as inspiration: to anyone who thinks they'll never become a better writer, here's proof that ANYONE can buff their skills if they try hard enough.

A Love they Can't Love Without 1/1
By tsukinofaerii
Rating: SNUG
Generic/Romance
Warnings: Male/Female
Spoilers: No spoilers
Series: Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon
Pairings: Unknown

Summary: No clue, except a vague memory of somehow managing to pair up every single senshi in the space of a single story. Complete short story.


This story is a work of transformative fiction, such being defined as a work which incorporates characters and situations which have been created by other authors/artists. No infringement of copyright is intended and no profit is being made from the creation or dissemination of this work. Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon was created and is owned by Naoko Takeuchi. It is used with respect and admiration for the work.



Welcome to this, my sappiest, most dramatic, tear jerkingest
fan fiction EVER! (Waits for the cheers to die down) This is an R
Season Romance, post doom-tree. It's gonna be pretty long, but
one part. I really hope you guys like it!

Here's the deal. The girls are seventeen, and have been
fighting youma for three years. Darien is 20, and in college. I
used the japanese attacks, 'cause I like them better. I think I
wrote Rini out, but she can be there if you want. In fact...
(shuffling papers and making notes... wads of papers fly through
the air, and loud curses echo off the walls) THERE! Rini is in
the story, though it's a bit part of no real importance. And in
case your wondering, heavy emotion, little action and I'm hoping
a few REALLY sweet scenes towards the end. However, if you're
easily depressed (say...you feel sorry for Beryl, wondering why
Endymion couldn't have been gentler on her feelings, ) or sad, I
can only say that you'd better grab the tissues. I hope. I'm not
really sure how good this is, so (crosses fingers, toes, arms,
thing I put in here needs to be taken with a large grain of salt.
NOTHING really happened this way. I even changed the future a
bit... Opps! No giving away the story! Bad author! anyway, it's a
bit of comedy too, mainly romance and the beginning is angst.

Anyway... Here ya go peeps! And NO, this stuff is NOT MINE!
However, I did create all the little poems and songs in here.
Except the Lamb Chop Song, and I modified that a little. GOMEN!

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

Author's POV


"Serena, I think we should see other people. It just wasn't
working out," he had said over the phone, just three hours ago.
Three never ending, agonizing hours ago. Now the girl Darien had
just broken up with lay in a heap of tears, blonde hair and
pillows as she cried. With just those few words, he had broken
her entire world apart. Her entire being was hurting...

Serena couldn't live without him, she knew that. If she
didn't have a duty, to the Earth and her Mother, she wouldn't
have wasted time ending it. But she couldn't let thousands of
people suffer because she didn't want to live anymore. So, no
matter how much it hurt, she kept trudging on, determined to keep
going... even if it killed her inside.

"Serena?" her small black cat asked gently. She hadn't left
the girl's side for a moment since she had heard the news, and
wasn't planning on leaving anytime soon. "Are you all right?"

"No," came the muffled reply. I'm not all right, and I never
will be again." Serena looked up at Luna with blue eyes that had
been reddened by crying. "Oh, Luna... Why'd he leave me?!" Serena
wailed, making the window panes rattle.

A knock came at the door of Serena's bedroom. "Honey, are
you okay? You haven't been down all night," came her mother's
worried words.

"Yeah, I'm fine Mom!" Serena answered, sounding happy. "Just
a little busy!" she lied.

"Okay Honey," her mother called through the door, not
convinced in the slightest. "I'm down stairs if you need me."

"Okay, Mom." They could hear Ilene moving down the steps.
When the noise died away, Serena locked red eyes with Luna's.
"What am I going to do, Luna?"

Luna could only shake her feline head. "I don't know."

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

Darien pounded his head against the wall, again. He could
feel it all... her pain, loneliness, betrayal... he could feel it
all, and it was tearing him up inside. But most of all, it was
the hopelessness that reduced him to this. The feeling that life
isn't worth living.

"IDIOT!" he yelled again, adding yet another knot to his
head. He wanted to use much stronger words, but the neighbors had
children. He damned the day he'd ever started having those
dreams, the ones that did this to him.

Sobbing, Darien sank down against the wall. Her emotions
were drilling through him, eating him alive. But so were his own.
He could feel that hole in himself that Serena used to fill, a
brightness that he never knew he needed before now. And it, she,
was gone, all because he let some Gods damned dream lead him
around by the nose!

'I can't live without her... but what if the dream's true? I
would never forgive myself if she died because of my selfishness.
We'll get through this... she'll get over me... DAMNIT!' He
didn't want her to get over him. Darien just wanted to run over
to her and apologize and hold her tight and kiss those soft lips
and never let her go again...

"NO!" he screamed, turning around to give himself one last
good knock on the head. Stars flew before his eyes, and before
oblivion took him in it's warm arms, he murmured to the lonely
room, "If not for me... for her..." And with a sigh, Darien
collapsed to the floor.

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

Raye's POV


I sat up suddenly, the feeling of pure evil screaming
through my blood. Fumbling, I reach for the communicator on my
bedside stand. Flipping it open, I hit the all call button.
Serena answers first.

"Raye? What's wrong? " Was it my imagination, or did Serena
sound... depressed? Serena's NEVER like that.

"There's a strong feeling of evil nea-" I cut myself off.
Outside, the sounds of screaming was filtering through my window
quite easily. "Get your butt over to the shrine!" I scream,
snapping the communicator closed.

No time to look for watchers. "MARS STAR POWER, MAKE UP!"
The fire envelops me, burning away the impurities and my night
gown, searing through my veins, turning me into something more
than human, more than the Raye of here and now. I spend several
seconds as Princess Raye of Mars, the woman who died protecting
all she loved and still loves. Even now, she doesn't regret what
she did, knowing that one day we'll be one in the same again, not
the past and present selves of a person.

The flames melt my newly formed Sailor suit against me,
molding it. When the power finished it's work, I don't even pause
for breath before diving out the window.

The energy glows around me, as it always does when I'm
Sailor Mars. Everything has it's own energy signature, and
somehow I can see it. It's a glowing light, millions of different
dancing shades of light. There's no color to it most of the time,
only shades of gray. The darker someone's light, the more evil.
Pretty simple. But we, the Sailor Soldiers, we glow colors. It
has something to do with who we once were and who we will be
again.

But right now, I don't have time to reflect on all of this
as a nearly black-lighted being dives at me, claws shining in the
moonlight.

I dodge, and take my fighters stance. "How dare you attack
these people before this Holy Shrine! In the name of Mars, I will
punish you!" I concentrate on my hands, feeling the fire that is
tickling my fingertips. "Fire SOUL!"

The fire rolled out from my fingers, burning the very air
around it. The youma lunged aside, barely escaping the flames.

Three movements catch the corner of my eye, and I turn to
look. Icy blue, forest green and golden lights meet my eyes. My
friends are here!

"What took you so long?!" I demand as Mercury, Jupiter and
Venus jump down from their roof.

"Oh, get off it!" Venus snaps with a smile. Sometimes I
swear she enjoys ticking me off. "Love Me CHAIN!" The gold chain
lashes out, ripping a deep chunk out of the youma.

"Sparkling Wide Pressure!" A ball of electricity flies at
the monster from Jupiter's direction.

"Shine Aqua Illusion!" A flood of icy water, freezing
everything it touches, flows past, locking the youma into a ball
of ice.

"Mind if I join the fun?" a soft voice cuts in. Sailor Moon
lands silently in front of us, not stumbling or even complaining
about fighting at this hour. Sailor Moon's back is to us, and
she's facing the enemy silently. Her pure white aura is thin, as
though draining away. I don't know what's wrong, but I won't let
her make it worse by fighting.

"Moon-"

"NO!" I tackle her, shoving the blonde into the ground.
"Guys, handle this for her. Sailor Moon's not fighting tonight."

"Who do you think you are, to tell me not to fight?" she
demands quietly. Her voice is empty, cold. Something I've never
heard from Sailor Moon, or either one of her alter egos. Her face
is in shadow, but I can see the emptiness echoing through her
aura, her very being is being drained away.

"I'm your guardian, Princess," I tell her quietly. "And I
won't let you fight. Something's wrong, I can see it." I help her
up, and for the first time, I see Sailor Moon's face as the wane
moonlight strikes it.

The usually happy face is tear-stained. The blue eyes are
red from crying. Those cloudy orbs are lost, aching with a pain I
hope I never know.

"Mars, I am your leader, and I will fight," Sailor Moon says
softly, locking eyes with me. She's challenging me to tell her
no. I know I can't force her, so I simply nod and pray that
she'll make it through this.

"HELP!" Mercury's voice breaks through the tense silence.
Sailor Moon and I look at each other and run to help our friends.

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

Author's POV


"I won't let you hurt my friends like this!" Sailor Moon
screamed. "On behalf of the Moon, I'll punish you!" Yet, in spite
of her bravado, she was hoping deep down that this time, it would
be too strong. That this battle would take her into oblivion
without guilt.

The monster threw Mercury against a wall, where she rolled
to a stop and lay still. Venus and Jupiter were groaning on the
pavement, recovering from similar treatment. "Pretty speech,
girly," the youma growled. "DIE!" It's razor sharp claws
descended, falling. Sailor Moon made no move to dodge. he just
sat there, looking on a certain death descended upon her.

Suddenly, a warm body was wrapped around her own, rolling
her safely out of the way.

"Are you insane?" Tuxedo Mask demanded of the small blonde
that he had just saved. "Or do you just have a death wish?"

Sailor Moon glared up at him, all the pain he was putting
her through shining through her eyes. "No and yes!!!" she nearly
screamed, pulling roughly away from him. "But it's not like you
care," she continued bitterly. "Next time, do us both a favor and
let it kill me." She turned back to the fight quickly. Tuxedo
mask stared at her, trembling. Had she been looking, she would
have seen his lips mouth the words that would have solved
everything.

"I'm sorry. I love you," he mouthed silently to her slender
back. "I'm sorry."

Mars stared at the two, letting her body fight for her. It
didn't require thought anymore, she just responded automatically.

'What happened to them? It's like they hate each other
again! And Tuxedo Mask's aura is so pale.' She was right. Where
Tuxedo Mask usually had a deep ocean blue glow surrounding him,
now it was a pale color, almost pastel. What had happened?

"Moon Princess Elimination!" The youma was caught by the
energy Sailor Moon threw at it, and was instantly turned to dust.
She turned back to Tuxedo Mask, who was watching her with his
arms crossed.

"Are you still here?" she demanded harshly. "I would have
thought you'd have a date waiting for you or something?!" The
pain was evident in her voice.

"No, but you wouldn't know anything about hot dates, would
you? After all, you have NO chance of ever getting one," Tuxedo
Mask snapped back coolly. His heart tore in two at having to be
so cold to her, but in his mind there was no choice.

Sailor Mars watched them with wide eyes. With every harsh
word, their drained spirits were dimming more and more. Sailor
Moon's was a dim, translucent shimmer of white; and Tuxedo mask's
was a pale light of blue glittering over his features.

"STOP IT!" Venus screamed, struggling to help Jupiter to her
feet. "I don't know what happened between you two, just STOP IT!"
Mercury was sagging against a wall, and Jupiter was leaning
heavily on Venus. Their strengths were slowly returning. Enough
to where they could feel the WRONGNESS in this argument.

"It's not my fault he's an egotistical jerk who gets his
kicks by breaking hearts!" Sailor Moon snarled.

"I don't get my kicks breaking hearts, Meatball Head! It's
just I can't imagine why I would ever want to go out with a
stupid, clumsy, whining little ditz like you!"

Serena turned rock hard eyes on him. "Why yo.. yo..." her
eyes rolled back in her head, and the super hero collapsed to the
ground, the glow of her spirit nearly non-existant now. Only the
shallow rise and fall of her chest revealed that she still lived.

Tuxedo Mask clutched his head and fell to his knees at the
same second, fighting off the darkness that rushed up to claim
him. It was useless, and Tuxedo Mask followed Sailor Moon into
oblivion.

"Sailor Moon!" the soldiers screamed as their leader
crumpled to the pavement. Mars was the first to kneel down,
holding her friend in her arms and rocking her back and forth.

"Oh, Gods, Sailor Moon, don't do this to us," she sobbed. "I
told you not to fight, I tried to stop you..." She was close
enough that she could see Sailor Moon's spirit ebbing away, more
slowly now that she and Tuxedo Mask weren't fighting.

"What happened?" Jupiter asked softly, checking Tuxedo Mask
for a pulse. Then she sighed and smiled slightly. "He's alive."

"I... I think they broke up..." Mars stuttered. "I can SEE
their souls weakening, like they can't stand to be apart..." she
trailed off, not sure how to finish.

"It's killing them," Mercury stated bluntly, looking up from
her computer. "They can't take this... it's like when they broke
up, so did their souls..." Mercury looked at Venus. "I'm not sure
how to explain this, can you?"

Venus nodded, "I am the Goddess of Love," she tried to joke,
and failed. "But first, we need to get these two to the
hospital." The crowd around them was slowing beginning to stir.

Jupiter scooped Sailor Moon out of Mars' arms. Mars slowly
stood, and went to help Venus and Mercury lift Tuxedo Mask. The
group hopped from roof to roof, only one thought in every mind.
What would they do if Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask didn't make it?

Above them, the light of the moon flickered and dimmed.

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


Serena looked around her. There was nothing but mist in
every direction. Nothing stirred, no noise broke the silence. She
could barely see her hands in front of her nose, and not even her
high heels made a sound on what she knew was solid stone.

Suddenly, a small breeze blew her long white skirt against
her legs, and her long golden hair lifted off the ground to drift
softly in the wind. The thick fog blew away, and what Serena saw
before her made her take a breath. It was the resurrected Silver
Millennium, looking as it had at the height of it's surreal
glory. It glowed in the light of the newly risen Earth, casting a
heavenly air over the long dead kingdom. Slowly, Serena began
walking towards the home of her past...

Darien looked up from where he'd been napping, His black
armor clinked as he stood, in awe of the Earth rising before him.
How had he gotten here?

He was in a clearing, obviously waiting for something, but
he couldn't recall what. Briefly, he remembered causing himself
and someone else a deep and his mind grasped the memory quickly.
Serena, those dreams, everything. "How did I get here?" the last
thing he remembered was the battle...

He turned eocean-blue eyes towards the Earth again, and
turned away from the meadow. He didn't know where he was going,
but it was clear that he didn't care either...

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


The Sailor Soldiers ran into the Emergency Room, panting for
breath. Especially Jupiter.

"I had no IDEA Sailor Moon was this heavy," she gasped as
they passed through the sliding doors. The people in the room
paused to stare as the short-skirted girls ran in, dragging
another girl and a guy in a tux.

"The Sailor Soldiers!" Someone screamed, and suddenly they
were surrounded by reporters and microphones were shoved into
their faces. Each reporter was begging for an interview.

Mars let Mercury and Venus take Tuxedo Mask, since they were
no longer running. She let the fire within her gather into a
searing anger deep in the pit of her stomach.

"Get away from here, NOW!" she told the reporters shortly.
"We may not kill humans, but my first loyalty is to my Princess,
and I'm not against breaking rules." Suddenly, anybody with a
camera or non-hospital issued name-tag vanished in a stampede
towards the door. Mars smiled to herself for a moment before
turning to busines.

"WE NEED A DOCTOR NOW!!!" Mars screamed, taking advantage of
the skills she had built up yelling at Serena. The Goddess of War
that she had once been flickered deeply inside her eyes, glowing
with a desperate fire.

"Excuse me, Sailor Mars, but this is a hospital," a blue
haired lady in a long white coat said as she walked up. Her eyes
were on a clip board as she somehow manuvered through the room.
"What's wrong?"

"We can't explain," Jupiter said, hefting Sailor Moon again.
"We just need a room with two beds where we can keep ALL
reporters and civilians away."

"We can pay in cash for the services," Mina added. After
three years of battling evil, they'd each accumulated quite a bit
of money from Civil Service awatrds awards and the such. Each of
these seventeen year old girls was very, very rich.

The doctor merely smiled and jotted something down. "Follow
me, please," she murmured. The lady hadn't looked up once.

Jupiter looked at Venus, who shrugged and started dragging
Tuxedo Mask along. They followed the doctor without any words.

They were led to a large room with two beds and a lock on
the door, only one entrance and an outside hall narrow enough to
be guarded easily.

"Thank you, Ma'am," Mercury murmured softly, after laying
Tuxedo Mask on one of the beds. "It's just what we needed."

"You people saved my daughter's life a few years ago," the
woman answered, still writing on her board. "It's the least I can
do."

Jupiter set Sailor Moon on the bed, being careful of her
hair. The last thing she needed to do was step on the long locks.
"What's you name, Ma'am?" she asked, covering the heroine over.
"And your daughter's? We would like to remember you and your
kindness, if at all possible."

"Oh, I'm sorry," she answered, finishing her writing and
looking up for the first time. "My name is Dr. Mizuno, and my
daughter is Amy," she smiled, looking around the room. Her blue
eyes paused on Mercury, and widened slightly. The (infamous) clip
board clattered to the polished tile floors.

Mercury gasped, her indigo eyes wide. She looked almost
ready to join Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask in oblivion. Her knnes
shook as she smiled/winced guiltily and waved. "Umm... Hi Mom?"

"AMY ROSEMARY MIZUNO!" Dr. Mizuno yelled. "YOU HAVE GOT A
*LOT* OF EXPLAINING TO DO YOUNG LADY!"

"Keep it down!" Venus hissed, slamming a hand over the
woman's mouth. "Keep this up and I'll use my Chain to hog tie
you!" she threatened. Doctor Mizuno nodded slowly, eyes still
wide. "Now, you and little miss Mercury over there are going to
go into a VACANT room and talk about what's wrong with those
two," she nodded at SM and TM. "After you've done everything
physically possible, you two can sit down and talk about this.
Now go, and the threat stands until we're through this crisis."

Mercury strung her arm through her mothers, beginning to
drag her out the door. Then the blue girl paused. "Watch the
Prince and Princess carefully guys. I don't know how they're
gonna react to this." And she led her stunned mother out the
door.

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

Serena's POV


I stared around at the Palace. It was like it was welcoming
me home, like this was where I belonged... for now. Every step I
took rang hollowly in the halls, halls that still echoed with the
laughter of times past.


"Little Serenity, please don't cry

Go to sleep, let the moon rock you by

Take a ship beyond Sol in the night

And visit your Prince, in the bright Earth light."


The soft lullaby brought teas to my eyes, and I peered in a
room nearby. There was a small bed, and a scene that would replay
endlessly throughout eternity, if left alone. Queen Serenity
tucked the small Princess into bed, singing softly as she always
did. The little girl reached up to tug her mothers lavender-white
pigtails, so different from her golden curls, which were still to
short for the royal buns. Then she closed her crystal-blue eyes
and sighed softly, falling asleep as her mother hummed the song.

I lean against the wall, tears running unheeded down my
cheeks. I remember when I was that little girl. How different
things were then...

"Serenity, I'll always love you. No matter what," the deep
voice whispers through my mind. Without even looking, I know
what I'd see if I turned. The image ran through my minds eye as
more tears run down my cheeks.

Endymion held Serenity tightly as they stole a few moments
together before he'd have to leave again. No one could ever know
of their meetings. It was forbidden for them even to speak to
each other, much less love each other as they did.

"Oh, Endy, I love you too!" Serenity answered, tears in her
eyes. "Do you really mean it?"

"NO," I answered bitterly, not sure what I'm talking about.

"Of course, always and forever," Endymion hugged the slight
girl tighter.

"NO!" I scream, picking up my skirts and running. I don't
care where, just as long as I get away from the horrible vision.
This is killing me, seeing my past like this. I can't take it.

Somehow, my feet find their way to a fountain I had cried at
many times before, as Princess Serenity. I fall to my knees,
burring my face into my arms and letting the salty tears mix with
the clear water of the fountain. I wept my eyes out, until my
throat is raw and my shoulders shake as my tightened lungs gasped
for air.

"Excuse me, beautiful Lady. Why are you crying?" a soft
voice asks.

'Oh, please Selene no, don't let this...' I look up...

and am swept into blue eyes. Eyes that are the color of the
Earth I love so much. Without thought, I fall into the memory
that is being replayed for me. I know that it will only make the
pain worse, but I can't help but grasp some of my former
happiness while I can.

I smile and wipe uselessly at my her tears. "I'm not
crying," I lie, trying to smile brightly.

He raises a sceptical eyebrow. "You don't lie well," he
tells me bluntly. "Now tell me what's wrong." The tall man sits
on the edge of the fountain, looking at me. I've got make-up on
my birth-mark and my hair's down, so I don't think he knows who I
am. I don't like wandering around with such signs of royalty
sticking out like red flags, I hate it when people treat me nice
just because I'm the Princess.

I sigh and set my elbows on the fountain, looking into the
clear depths. It won't hurt to tell him, I reason.

"I just found out that all of my friends have to go home for
a few months," I sigh. "In fact, they left five minutes ago, and
I didn't even have time to say good-bye." Tears well up in my
eyes again, and roll down my cheeks.

"I'm sorry," he whispers, hand running through those bangs
that are falling into his blue eyes. "We're they good friends?"

"The best," I murmur, closing my eyes sadly.

"I know how you feel," he put a hand on my shoulder.
Electricity shot through us at the touch. "I had to leave all my
friends to come here for two weeks." His hand moves, and I miss
the warmth. But I'm curious now, so I ignore the feeling.

"Where are you from?" I ask. He can't be from any of the
nearby planets, I've been to all of them but Earth. He looks like
a courtier, so I would have seen him. And no one ever visits from
Earth, it's forbidden.

Well, except when the Earth Crown Prince makes his
pilgrimage to the moon before turning nineteen, and only then. No
Earthling is allowed on the moon at any other time. Even the
Earth Prince never comes back. Anways he can't be Earth's Prince.
An Earthling Prince would be snobby and stuck up. Not nice to
someone who very well could be just a servant.

"Around," he evades the question. However, I'm more stubborn
than he thinks.

"Tell me where you're from, or else!" I demand, standing up
and stomping a little foot. I cross my arms and pout, a trick
I've used countless times in the past. The departure of my
friends is forgotten for the moment, as well as the fact that
this is only a memory I'm reliving.

"Or else what?" he asks huskily, also standing. Is it my
imagination, or is the man Selene blessed HOT? His hair, blacker
than an earthless sky, falls into eyes that burn with something
I'm not really familiar with. But whatever it is, I like it. He's
tall, with broad shoulder and slim hips. I can see just the right
amount of muscle through the loose linen shirt. A small amount of
chest shows through the laces of that shirt, making my heart beat
faster. His blue slacks are loose enough to look comfortable, but
definitely show off his trim figure. Okay, when did I stop
breathing?

"Tell me... or else..." I somehow manage to breathe. My
heart's fluttering like a caged bird, and my stomach is doing
somersaults. I step a little closer, not even realizing what I'm
doing.

"No..." he whispers. "I think I'd like to see just what's
behind that threat..." Is it my imagination, or is he stepping
closer? Yes, he is. Our bodies are nearly touching now, as I
crane my neck to look him in the eyes. Why do I have to be so
short?

I swallow hard. I hadn't really thought about it, so I
didn't have much idea what to do. Then, a delightfully wicked
though hits me, and I smile slightly. No one will ever know...
after all, I hadn't seen him before, and likely wouldn't again.
And he obviously doesn't know who I am, since my hair's down and
I've got make-up on my birth-mark. No risk...

I throw my arms around his neck, standing on tip toe to do
so, and pull his lips down to mine. I had meant the kiss to be
reasonably innocent, but my lips have other ideas. It almost
immediately turns hot. Now VERY hot. Okay, about now's the time
to stop. Before I start to melt into a little puddle of Moon
Princess in the arms of a man who's name I don't even know.

Somehow, I manage to pull up enough will power to push
myself away, though I don't know how I managed it. Dots are
swimming in front of my eyes from lack of oxygen, and my lips
feel crushed, bruised even. I'm sure I have a dazed look on my
face, but right now I'm having a hard time recalling my own
name... Serry... no, Serena? No, close though... Serenity! That's
it!

With the knowledge of my name securely in my mind, I somehow
am able to speak. "I warned you," I gasp out, still trying to
breathe normally again. My first kiss, and I REALLY doubt I'll
ever forget it. That was... that was... wow. Simply wow.

"You play rough, don't you?" he asks, leaning over as he
tries to pull air into his lungs. A glazed look is in his deep
blue eyes, and he's staring off into nothing. Hah! At least it
affected him the same way!

"I asked for something," I reply, my vision going back to
normal finally. "Now, where are you from?"

"Well, since you asked so nicely," he starts, a smile
beginning to form around his soft lips... Okay, forget the lips!
Lips bad! and soft, and very... STOP THAT!

"Sere!" a familiar voice calls. It sounds like a nagging old
lady, and I groan in frustration. Luna always ruins my fun!
"Where is that girl? If her mother finds out that I lost her..."

"Don't finish that sentence," I warn him, my hand covering
his mouth. I can feel his breath tickling my palm, his lips...
LIPS BAD! "I've got to go, or my guardian's gonna skin me alive,"
I murmur. "Bye, and you're a great kisser," I threw in just to
make him blush. I really want to stay, but I can't. So I cast a
glance back to see his red-stained cheeks, and run down the path.
I'm tying my hair up in the Royal buns and wiping the concealer
off my forehead as I run. Luna hates it when I hide my royal
status for some reason...

Suddenly, I skid to a stop as I come out of the memory, and
I look back. Endymion is walking away from the fountain, turning
more transparent with every step. Luna's voice calling for me is
turning into a soft whisper on the breeze. Something breaks off
from me and continues running, finishing the memory I started.
Serenity ties her hair up and disappears.

"No..." It was just a memory, nothing more. A momentary
release from my pain. All the anguish, all the betrayal that I've
been holding inside comes rushing back. All my love for
Endymion/Darien/Tuxedo Mask comes with it. It hurts, so much I
can't take it. That temporary joy I felt is addicting. I can't
face the pain again, so I run down the avenue, looking for
another happy memory to loose myself in. I know what memory I
want, and race to the throne room to get it...

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

Author's POV


Sailor Moon tossed on the bed as Mercury and Dr. Mizuno came
back into the room. Tuxedo Mask lay so still, only his heart
monitor proved that he lived still.

"ENDYMION!" Sailor Moon's scream tore through the room,
sounding as though her very soul were ripping in two. "No...
Why..?" It was heart rending to see her there, curling up on her
side and weeping like that. Suddenly she stilled. "Mother?" A
tear fell from her eye as she almost smiled. Then her smile
turned to a grimace of pain, and she flipped over. "Endymion...
No. NO!"

Jupiter tried to hold her down, thinking she might hurt
herself. However, the screams died down into a pitiful
whimpering, and she lay still again.

"Please, Mrs. Mizuno, can you help us?" Venus begged,
brushing the sweat drenched bangs back from Sailor Moon's
forehead.

"I've never run into anything like this..." Amy's mother
murmured, looking helplessly at the girls.

"What's wrong with her?" Jupiter demanded, looking
belligerent.

"Her soul can't take being seperated from Endymion's," Amy
filled them in. "His is in the same situation. They can't live
without each other." She was typing rapidly as she she spoke,
searching for an answer in her computer. "They're weakening, and
quickly. Pretty soon, they'll die if we don't do something."

Mars locked gazes with Venus and Jupiter. "We-" she was cut
off by a short sniff from Sailor Moon. They looked at the bed,
eyes wide.

The crescent moon that had been hidden by her tiara was
shining brightly, encompassing her in a golden light. When it
faded, Princes Serenity tossed on the bed, her long blonde hair
trailing off the bed. Tuxedo Mask lay, unchanged.

"Princess?" Jupiter breathed softly. "Why would she turn
into Princess Serenity?" Mars shook her head, dazed.

"We need to call her family," Mercury cut through the awed
silence. "She may not make it, and they deserve to know more than
their daughter disappeared one night and never came back."

"What about Andy?" Jupiter asked suddenly. "He IS Darien's
family... sort of. I think he deserves to know what's going on
too."

"Good idea, Jupiter," Mars approved. "You hold them down,
I'll guard the halls-"

"And we'll help," a voice said from the window. Three new
Soldiers stood inside the room.

"Who are you?" Mars demanded. Mrs. Mizuno looked ready to
faint.

"Sailors Pluto, Neptune and Uranus, we got here as soon as
we could. We're the Outer Soldiers," the blonde one said
apologetically. "We only saw it on the new this morning."

"Sailor Pluto? Neptune and Uranus?" Mercury asked, blinking
wildly. "Why haven't we met you before?"

"They'll explain later," Pluto cut in. "Right now, all you
need to know is that we're here to help guard the Princess and
Prince." She waved the big staff thing she carried threateningly.
"Now, someone go get the Tsukino's and the arcade guy."

"The ARCADE GUY?!" half the room yelled, sweatdrops on every
forehead.

Venus nodded, brushing her embarrassment away. "I'll get
them, I don't want to take a chance with the phones." she
vanished out the window, wondering how she was going to pull this
off and who the HECK those new Soldiers are...

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

Darien's POV


I looked up, the soft glow of the Earth lighting my path.
Before me stood a castle, shining silver in the pale light. Where
did that come from? I haven't been to the Silver Millennium in..
well, in centuries. How did I get here?

I forget the questions that race through my mind and step
onto the flagstones of the kingdom. I'm here, and that's all that
really matters. I'll figure it all out later.

So I explore the sight of my most prominent memories. Sure,
I'd been born on Earth, but that didn't mean a thing. It was on
the moon that I met my soul-mate, that I got engaged, and that I
died. Sortta deep, now that I think about it.

Everything is exactly as I remember it, and that kind of
scares me. I know it was resurected after Beryl was defeated, but
you'd think there'd be SOME evidence of the final battle. But no,
everything is pristine.

By now, I'm in that garden. The moon flowers are growing all
around me, and various roses are everywhere.

"Hahaha," a female giggle catches my attention. It's coming
from my left, so I part the hanging vines of roses.

"Endy, you win!" an achingly familiar voice laughs. I see
myself, pinning someone down and tickling them. The person I'm
attacking seems to be a ball of white cloth and golden hair.

"You give up?" Endymion asked, pausing for a second.

"Yes, YES! I surrender! Just please STOP!" she gasps, her
voice ringing through the silent garden.

"Well, then," Endymion whispers, helping her sit up. It's
Princess Serenity, and my breath catches. She's absolutely
beautiful, with her cheeks pink from laughter, and her hair
mussed from rolling on the ground in an attempt to get away from
Endymion. "What were the stakes of the game this time?"

I close my eyes and look away. I remember exactly how this
ended. It ended the same way every time. I recall perfectly how
it felt to be the one she loved, what it felt like to hold her
like that. But now she hates me, and she always will. I lost any
chance I might have had for happiness, because I'm afraid to lose
her. I'm such an idiot!

And so, with that ringing through my mind, I leave the
memories to finish their play. Serenity's joyous laughter echoes
through my mind, mocking me as I walk...

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

Author's POV


Mina knocked on the front door of the Tsukino house as the
sun finished rising. She fidgeted in wrinkled school uniform,
thanking whatever was listening that she'd fallen asleep in her
clothes last night.

"Just a moment!" came the yell through the door. It was
opened slowly by Ilene Tsukino, who was dressed, but still bleary
and holding a cup of coffee like a life-line.

"Mina... Isn't it a bit early for this? Serena's still in
bed..." Ilene murmured. "Would you like some breakfast?"

Mina shook her head and stepped inside. "No thank you, Mrs.
Tsukino. I ate at the hospital."

"Hospital?" Ilene asked, now wide awake. "Maybe you should
explain, dear." She sat Mina down at the kitchen table and pulled
a seat up across from the girl.

"I need you and your whole family to come over to the
hospital, now," Mina cut to the chase.

"Ken has to get to work-" Ilene tried, but Mina cut her off.

"He'll have to call in sick, this is an emergency." She
locked eyes with the older woman. "I'll see you all there in a
half hour." She stood up, prepared to leave.

"Wait, I'll see if Serena wants to go with you." Mrs.
Tsukino stood up, and cupped her hands. about to call Serena
down.

"NO!" Mina stopped her. "Serena's already there. I'll see
you, bye!" She was out the door before anyone could stop her.

"Serena's already where?" Ken asked, walking into the
kitchen. He was attempting to drink coffee and tie his tie at the
same time.

"Hospital," Ilene answered shortly. "You call in sick, I'll
get Sammy up, and Mina had better explain when we get there..."

Mina's next stop was the arcade, or to be more specific, the
apartment over the arcade.

She pounded on the door, knowing that Andrew was up, 'cause
he opens the arcade at seven, in a half hour.

"Yeah?" Andrew opened the door, sipping coffee.

"What is it with you people and coffee?" Mina demanded,
crossing her arms. "Never mind, Darien's in the hospital and
you're not opening the arcade today."

"What the..." Andrew trailed off, staring at Mina with big
brown eyes. "Darien's in the hospital? I'll be there in a few
minutes." Andrew turned around to throw on his shoes and socks,
calling for Lizzy. "Wait a minute, Mina. Would you like a ride?"
He paused to look at the girl in the hall.

"No, a car would only slow me down. Bye!" And she vanished
down the steps, with Andy and his sister looking after her,
confused.

"Slow her down?" Lizzy asked, blinking.

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


Venus arrived at the hospital in full Sailor gear. 'Won't do
any good to give away my identity, now would it?'

Nothing much had changed when she got to the room. The
inner Soldiers were hovering worriedly over the two beds, and the
outers were guarding the door and window closely.

"Guys, the civilians will be here in a few minutes," Venus
ordered, looking over at the Princess. "We can't take a chance on
them recognizing one of us in public, so I suggest Uranus and
Neptune escort them to the room. Pluto and Jupiter will guard the
door, I'll take a window with Mars. Mercury and Dr. Mizuno will
watch the Prince and Princess at all times."

"Who are you to take charge?" Uranus asked, looking ready to
fight.

"I'm the leader of the Inners, and this is MY Princess and
best friend we're guarding," Venus replied stiffly. The symbol of
Venus burned brightly on her brow for a moment before fading out
again.

"Uranus, do as she says," Pluto gave the belligerent Soldier
a cool gaze. "Unless you'd like the time line to change, Lady
Venus knows what she's doing."

"Fine, you memmghfj..." Uranus trailed off, and Neptune
elbowed her sharply in the ribs.

"What was that, dear?"

"Nothing, I was just wondering how we'll recognize these
people," Uranus cover her tail easily.

"Here." Mars pulled a group picture out of her dimensional
pockety-thing. "That's Andrew, and the one looking ready to kill
is Serenity's father." The picture showed Andrew throwing Serena
over his shoulder while her friends laughed. In the background
was Ken Tsukino, not looking happy at a boy handling his daughter
in such a manner.

Neptune blinked at the photo. "Is he always purple?" she
asked, pointing to Ken.

"Only when Serena's around boys," Mars answered. "Now GIT!"
The priestess shoved the Soldiers out the door. "And look
professional, we can't have them thinking that this is a joke."
The door was roughly slammed after them.

"Hmph," Uranus huffed. "That's rude!"

"Oh, Ruka, forget about it," Neptune soothed her. "We've got
a job to do."

They positioned themselves just outside the hall, making
sure they had a good view of the doors. Not two minutes later,
Andrew and Lizzy walked in, looking around the Emergency room
with wide eyes. Eyes that settled on the Sailor Soldiers near the
hall. Neptune glanced at the photo.

"That's them," she murmured, glancing over at the arcade
guy. "He's cute, isn't he?"

"Hey!" Uranus looked at her with puppy dog eyes. "What about
me, Michi?"

"You're not cute, love. You're hot. Now act professional,
all the Princess and her Guardian mumbo jumbo."

Andrew and Lizzy stared as the two Soldiers came at them.

"Andrew Grey (AN: I can't remember his japanese last name!
GOMEN NE MINNA-CHAN!) and Elizibeth Grey?" Uranus asked, staring
him down. She may have been a girl, but here was nothing wimpy in
her attitude.

"Yes..." Andrew trailed off, looking intimidated. "What do
you want? We're here to see a friend." He somehow managed to look
her in the eyes, even though his knees felt like jello.

"We know," Neptune said coolly, crossing her arms. "We'll
take you to them as soon as the others arrive."

"What?!" Lizzy crossed her arms and sat leaned back. "Our
FRIEND is in here, and YOU are not going to stop us from seeing
him, GOT THAT?"

"Listen, little girl, we're just doing out job," Uranus
snarled, clenching her fists. "I have my orders, and you WILL NOT
get by this Sailor Soldier!"

"I don't care WHO you are, We ARE going to go see Darien
whether you like it OR NOT!" Lizzy growled back. Andrew looked at
his little sister with respect. Lizzy was was toe to toe with
Uranus, a lady who scared him. A lot.

'When did she get so brave?" Andy asked himself.

"URANUS! ELIZIBETH!" Neptune snapped. "Calm down, NOW!" she
roared louder than either of the fighters. Then, softer, "This is
a hospital."

The two blushed, looking at the crowd around them. "Sorry,"
they muttered.

"What the..?" came a hushed voice from the door. A family of
three came through the sliding doors. It consisted of a lovely
woman with blue/purple hair, a tall man and an eight year old
boy; both of the males with brown hair.

"See, that didn't take long," Neptune smiled. "There they
are."

"Is that them? The man doesn't look like the picture,"
Uranus answered, a question mark over her head.

"Turn his face the color of his wife's hair," Neptune
murmured.

Uranus paused, trying to imagine it. "Yep, that's them!"

"What, the Tsukino's?" Andrew asked, confused.

"Sit! Stay!" Uranus pushed the two down into some chairs and
walked over to the family. "The Tsukino family, I presume?"

"Yes, and you are..?" Ken trailed off, looking at them with
murder in his eyes. 'Are they the ones who hurt my daughter? What
if it was a boy that had her out so early? I'll KILL HIM! I
SWEAR!' he thought as his face tund a lovely red.

"Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune, Guardian's to Princess
Serenity and Prince Endymion. We'll show you to the Prince and
Princess immediately, if you'll follow us." Uranus finished her
speech and turned on heel, walking quickly away. Neptune signaled
Andrew and Lizzy to follow, and the group of seven people walked
down the halls, Neptune trailing behind.

"Ma'am, would you like to make a statement," a reporter
shoved a microphone in Ilene's face. "Please, say anything!
What's your name, how are you involved with the Sailor Soldiers?
What's wrong with Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask?"

"Leave them alone!" Neptune snapped, shoving all reporters
out of the way. "They're not interested in talking to you."

"Let them say that themselves!" the reporter said coldly.

"They don't need to," Uranus jumped into the conversation.
"We WON'T let them say anything, and they don't know anything
besides!"

"And I thought Mars had gotten rid of you pests," Neptune
growled. "I'll let you know that WE have NO problem killing
humans for out Prince and Princess. We'll get rid of you MUCH
faster than the Inners could." The media men vanished.

"You know, I could get to like this," Uranus murmured softly
before walking back down the halls. "Sorry, that WON'T happen
again."

They came to the door that was being guarded by Pluto and
Jupiter. Jupiter kept her gaze down, so they couldn't see her
face.

"Any change, Sailor Jupiter?" Neptune asked.

"No, Sailor Neptune. The condition of the Prince and
Princess is unchanged," she answered softly.

"Prince and Princess?" Andrew asked, using what little
courage he had accumulated. "I'm here to see Darien!"

"And I want to see my daughter, not some Princess!" Ilene
added. Sammy and Ken just stared at the Soldiers, not quite
grasping the situation. The Soldiers ignored the outbursts.

"Are the others ready?" Neptune asked in her soft voice.

"Yes, they are," Pluto answered. "Send them in."

"Wait just a gosh darned minute!" Ilene yelled. "I want to
see my daughter NOW!"

"Mrs. Tsukino, your daughter is right through those doors,"
Pluto smiled her secret smile. "As is your friend, Mr. Grey."

"Please follow me," Neptune led them into the room, not
waiting for yet another complaint.

"Sailor Neptune! Uranus!" Mercury jumped up, her computer
open. "I've located the souls of the Prince and Princess!" Mrs.
Mizuno stood behind her daughter somberly. Twin symbols off
mercury appeared on their heads briefly, but vanished before
anyone noticed.

"Where?" Neptune demanded. "Wait. Pluto, Jupiter!
Breakthrough!" The two Soldiers outside the door came in. "Okay,
explain."

"They're on the Moon, in the Silver Millennium to be exact."
Mercury waved a print out. "And what's stranger, the Palace is
powering up! Even the water mains are running again!" She looked
so excited that it was hard not to join her in jumping about.

"What does this mean?" Ken asked, finally pulling his mind
away from killing whatever boy was out with his daughter late at
night. "And where's Serena?!"

"I apologize, Mr. Tsukino," Mercury finally noticed that
there were civilians in the room. "The Prince and Princess are
over there," she waved a hand at the beds.

"Anne?" (AN: Don't know Mrs. Mizuno's first name either!)
Ilene asked, blinking once. "What are you doing here?" She
glanced around at the other Sailors. "Raye? MINA?! LITA AND
AMY??!!??!! What the HELL is going on?!"

"You're daughter and her Prince are dying, Ilene," Amy's
mother explained. "We thought you should know what's going on in
case the worst happens."

"Serena?" Sammy asked quietly, being the first one to look
at the people in the beds. His eyes were wide, and his knees were
trembling. The girl was no longer Princess Serenity, she was back
in her Sailor Moon form. However, the crescent moon birth mark on
her forehead was glowing brightly. "Serena's Sailor Moon?"

"WHAT?!?!" Ken demanded, looking ready to faint.

"What about Darien?" Andrew asked. "If Serena's Sailor
Moon... Then wouldn't that make Darien...?" Andrew looked at
Lizzy. He couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence.

"Tuxedo Mask?" Mars asked. "Yes, as a matter of fact." She
pinned Ken down with a glance. "Sir, you're going to want to sit
for this."

"Why should I?" Ken muttered, mind still going in circles.

"If you don't, Jupiter will restrain you, Sir." Jupiter
smiled and cracked her knuckles. Ken sat.

"Now, a thousand years ago, Serena was Princess Serenity,
heir to the Silver Millennium Moon Kingdom and the Silver
Imperium Crystal, the most powerful object in the Universe," Mars
began. "Darien was Prince Endymion, Crown Prince of Earth and..."
she trailed off, looking at Ken speculatively. "Communication
between the moon and Earth was forbidden," she finished in a
rush.

"You're hiding something," Ken said quite calmly. "Please,
don't do so. I don't know what I might do if I think you're
lying." Mars gulped, weighing the options. To tell, or not to
tell?

She sighed, no help for it. They deserve to know the whole
story. "We tried, believe me on this. We tried to keep those two
apart. But SOMEHOW," she glared at the girl on the bed, "she kept
getting down to Earth to see Endymion. But no matter how hard we
tried, those two just kept meeting up!"

"Queen Serenity even had to dissolve the decree outlawing
contact between the Kingdoms for her," Venus added helpfully.

"And this means WHAT to us?" Andrew asked, sensing that they
were avoiding a subject.

"Puu, you do it!" Mars said. "You know how to handle these
things, you're older than we are!" She jumped behind the older
woman.

Pluto sighed. "Wimp," she told the Soldier cowering behind
her. "Endymion was Princess Serenity's soul-mate and..." even she
hesitated.

"He was her what?" Ken and Andrew asked at the same time.
Ilene and Lizzy just looked at each other, having figure it out
several minutes ago.

"LOVER!" The Sailor Soldiers all screamed at the same time,
a giant sweatdrop over their heads.

"HER WHAT?!?!?!!!!!" Ken screamed, face turning a darker
purple than the picture showed. "I'LL KILL HIM!!! NO, I'LL
TORTURE HIM first, then I'll kill him..." Papa Tsukino's voice
had gone from an enraged shout to a murderous whisper. His eyes
were bright with an unholy light as he moved towards where Tuxedo
Mask lay helpless on the hospital bed. "Nobody touches my baby
girl..."

Andrew was nearly in the same condition. "He touched Serry?!
My little SISTER?! I'll hold him, you attack, Ken. His weak spot
is his knees..."

Mr. Tsukino was tackled by three scared Sailor Soldiers.
Lizzy and Mrs. Tsukino held Andrew in his chair, whispering
desperately.

"NO!" the Soldiers screamed, dragging the over-protective
father to the ground.

"Mr. Tsukino, I can assure you that NOTHING has happened
between these two in this life time," Mars yelled as Ken tried to
kick her off his legs. "That was a thousand years ago, please
stoooppp kiiicckkiiinnggg!"

"Hold on guys!" Venus yelled. "Venus Love-me CHAIN!" The
chain wrapped around the mentally instable man, tying his arms
and legs together. The Soldiers dropped him gratefully, each
nursing a bruise of some sort.

"Thank's Mina," Jupiter got up, slightly limping from a kick
to her ankle. "You know, if Beryl had dropped the Generals and
gone with Mr. Tsukino, Metallia might rule the world right now."

"Yep," Mars and Mercury groaned, sitting up. TM rolled over
and moaned. A white light enveloped him, and the bed creaked as
his armor doubled his weight. The light faded, and Tuxedo Mask
was Prince Endymion. He flashed briefly back to Tuxedo Mask
before staying in Royal form.

"Andy... big Brother?" Lizzy asked from his lap, which was
where she'd thrown herself when he tried to get up. "Are you
going to be okay?"

"Yeah... I think I'm calm now," Andy answered. He looked
high strung, but no longer fit to kill. Lizzy and Ilene released
him slowly, but Andy made no move to kill Darien.

"I was expecting this from her father, but the arcade
guy?.." Uranus asked the ceiling. "Why me?"

"So will you please finish explaining?" Ilene asked, an
eyebrow raised.

"We'll make this short," Pluto began. "The Prince and
Princess were engaged, and it was the night of their engagement
ball..."

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

Serena's POV


I ran into the throne room, knowing what I'd find there. The
translucent image of Queen Serenity was pacing back and forth.
Princess Serenity rushed into the room, obviously in a hurry. I
wasted no time stepping into duplicate of my former self.

"MOTHER!" I yell. "Mother, I'm SO sorry, I was in the
gardens!" I murmur, sliding to a halt. "Luna said that you anted
to see me?"

"Sere, your hair!" Queen Serenity whined. Now I know where I
get it! "You had it down again, didn't you?"

"Umm... Yes," I whisper, looking at my feet.

"Here, I'll help put it back up," Mother says, taking down
my lopsided buns. "I know you don't like it, but we have to wear
this." She began humming our lullaby as she played with my hair.
I swear, sometimes I think she likes my hair more than she like
me!

"So, why did you want to see me?" I ask, trying not to wince
as she pulls the comb through my tresses.

"Prince Endymion of Earth is here for his visit, and we're
supposed to meet him here in a few minutes," she murmurs around
the hair-pins in her mouth.

"Oh," I answer. My mind drifts off, wondering what the
Prince will be like...

Darien's POV


I wander through the halls, watching as memories, mostly
Serenity's, flash by me. Then I pause. There's Endymion again,
walking away from a fountain of some sort, and straight at me.
Serenity is running around the corner, and I pause to watch her
run.

While I'm just standing there, the ghost of my past passes
through me, and I'm caught up in the remembrance.

Probably some noble's daughter, having fun with perfect
strangers. It was a nice kiss though! I wonder who she is?..

I wrench myself away from that mindset. I stepped into the
memory! Specifically, the memory just after my first meeting with
Serenity. A smile crosses my face, and I hurry to catch up with
the ghost. I know exactly what happened after that meeting, and
had no problem with reliving it. So I step into the image,
blending once more with my past...

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

Author's POV


"So that's why Serena just up and vanishes sometimes," Ilene
murmured softly, eyes thoughtful. A grumble from the floor caught
her attention. Ken wiggled, still tied, and now gagged. He was
trying to crawl towards Darien, intent upon killing the young
man."Oh, Ken. STOOPPP IIITTT!" Ilene whined, and everyone covered
their ears.

"So that's where the Meatball Head gets it!" Mars yelled
over the noise.

"Hey!" Ilene looked hurt. Ken wiggled some more. "Stop
THAT!"

"Anyway, now you know the whole story," Neptune cut in.
"Now your daughter is dying because she was fighting with Darien,
and her soul can't take it." Ken growled out some curses through
his gag.

"Why were they fighting?" Andrew asked curiously. "A few
days ago, they were so lovey-dovey it was making me sick!" Lizzy
nodded, looking worriedly at Darien, who she always thought of as
her other big brother.

"I can answer that," Pluto cut into the the conversation..
"The Prince was having dreams sent to him by the NegaVerse. In
those dreams, Serena dies because of him. Naturally, since the
last time he had dreams like that they were true, he tried to
break up with Serena for her own protection. He didn't realize
how much separation would hurt both him AND her."

"He hurt Serry?" Andy asked softly. "I'LL KILL HIM!" Once
again, Lizzy pinned her older sibling down. Ken was nodding
enthusiastically.

"NO! BAD," she yelled. "Andy, it hurt him too, no need to
kill him..." she murmured.

Andrew sighed. "You're right. Sorry." He slid back into his
chair, and Ken groaned in defeat. "It won't happen again," Andy
said, blushing slightly.

"MOTHER!" Sailor Moon called out happily. She became
Serenity again, and smiled.

Serena- no, it's Serenity now- is clutching a jewel of some
sort, probably the Silver Imperium Crystal Pluto was talking
about. A empty brooch is beside her, being knocked off the bed. I
set the case on the bedside stand, gently. My daughter WILL get
through this. She has to, for me. And for the world.

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

Serena's POV


I paste on my royal smile as I sit in my throne, the one
that is just one step down from my mother's. My dress is casual
for the Throne Room, but I don't have time to change, so it'll
have to do.

My mother's retainers and ladies in waiting are gathered in
the room, looking like a flower garden. Each person talks as
though their words are of utmost importance to the safety of the
Universe, even though they speak mostly about fashion.

I hide my yawn. I can't understand why all these people have
to be here to welcome Prince Endymion to the Moon for his once-in-
a-lifetime visit. Frankly, I would rather clean the palace from
top to bottom and meet the Prince privately with my mother than
sit here in a room of courtiers and have the Palace cleaned for
me.

"Life's not fair," I mutter, rolling my eyes as yet ANOTHER
person starts speaking of how the Lunar Royalty should change
our hair style to keep up with fashion.

"I know, dear," Mother answers, trying not to repeat my
social faux pas. "He'll be here soon, then we can get away from
all of this."

'Thank the GODS!' I think, grinding my teeth. I'm developing
a migrane the size of Jupiter right now.

Trumpets blare through the room, and all the petty chatter
stops.

"Your Majesty Queen Serenity, your Highness Princess
Serenity, I present to you the Crown Prince of Earth, the Duke of
Babelonia, Earl of the Pompay, Prince of Atlantis..." the titles
dragged on and on.

That's almost as bad as my introduction! Geez, with all
those titles, I bet he as stuck up as the King of Chiron! This is
the day that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friends... I
keep that train of thought for five minutes, while waiting for
the introductions to finish.

"Prince Endymion!" the herald finally finishes. The trumpets
sound again, and an aisle is cleared as the Prince comes through.
I put on a welcoming royal smile on as he comes up. The courtiers
are moving constantly, so I don't get a good look at the Prince
until he's directly before me. When I do, I force my expression
not to change, though a slight blush is creeping up my cheeks.

'Oh, sweet Selene... it's HIM!'

Prince Endymion bows and looks up, catching my eye. His jaw
drops slightly, and he turns almost as red as I am. I can see him
holding back the laughter, and I'm trying to do the same thing.
Last time I do something like that...

Queen Serenity's POV


I catch the embarrassed look that passes between Endymion
and my daughter, and hide my smile.

So, something happened between those two, hmm? I'll have to
find out later...

Darien's POV


I look up into two of the most beautiful eyes that I've ever
seen before today. Two familiar eyes. Eyes that belong to the
girl that kissed me by the fountain earlier today. And she's
sitting in the throne of the Moon Princess. Now THAT'S IRONY!

We both blush, and I'm sure the Queen notices. Opps! My
speech!

"Your Majesty, your Highness, Thank you for your
hospitality, and I hope to learn much about your Kingdom while
I'm here." It's short and to the point, but I don't think I can
manage anything to complicated right now.

"I'm please to have you here, Prince," Queen Serenity
smiles.

"As am I," Princess Serenity smiles through her fading
blush. "Again," she mouths, heavenly blue eyes mischievous.

I bow again, giving her my infamous quirky grin. I should
have known that no one that beautiful could be the daughter of a
minor nobleman or a servant. It's a shame I can't pay her court.
But I can become her friend. Maybe that way, she'll lift the
restrictions on Earth-Moon travel when she becomes Queen.

Queen Serenity releases me to unpack and aquaint myself with
the Palace grounds. I walk out of the throne room, thoughts
intent on the angel I'll be leaving in a month...

I pull myself out of the memory as soon as I'm out of the
Throne room. Prince Endymion continues down the hall and around
the corner. My mind is traveling in circles.

I love her so much, how can I keep away from her? Maybe I
should just stay here, and not bother trying to find my way home.
I could stay here forever, living in the memories. But I wouldn't
be even close to happy without the real Serena in my arms. I love
her so much...

I wander around the Palace some more, not caring where I go.
I hurt the only one I've ever loved, so I don't really care if a
youma were to jump out of nowhere and kill me at this point. It
would put me out of my misery.

Somehow, I end up in the courtyard where the final battle
took place. There, in the center of it, a small figure glows. I
approach slowly, not quite sure what to think.

The little fairy crosses her arms and looks up at me, her
lavender-white hair pooling around her ankles and her small wings
fluttering.

"What took you so long?! I've been waiting here for EVER!"
Queen Serenity complains.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting," I reply, kneeling down to
let her step on my hands. "What am I doing here?"

"That's why I'm here," she sighs. "You and Serenity were
brought here to mend the rupture in your relationship."

"Huh?" That one threw me, I'll admit.

"Right now, your bodies are in a hospital room on Earth, and
I'm supposed to explain things." The little figure sighed. "Puu's
making me do this, for the sake of the time line," she explains.
"You see, those dreams you were having were sent by the
NegaVerse, and if you and Serenity don't get back together,
you'll both die."

"WHAT?!" I jump up, about to run off an apologize to my
Princess. Queen Serenity tumbles off my hands.

"WAIT!" she screams, flying up around my face to stop me.
"There's more to this than just you and my daughter!"

I skid to a stop. That's all I need, things to get more
complicated.

"What is it?" I sigh, flopping down on the flagstones. "This
had better be good."

"Oh, it is," Serenity answers, sitting on my knee. "It is."

( The rest of the horror. )