Crystal Flaws - Part 03 Crystal Clear

With the Earth’s power crisis over, life was starting to get back to normal at Crystal Tokyo’s Crystal Palace, except for a few changes. King Endymion publicly declared Terrance to be the Crown Prince of Crystal Tokyo and heir to the Golden Crystal of Earth. The other change was that King Endymion had been right about Lady Serenity forgiving Elios. Now Elios was at the Palace almost every day. The couple could often be seen strolling in the gardens or sitting in a hallway alcove, whispering together happily.

A few weeks later, Terrance had decided to take a shortcut through the gardens. He wanted to enjoy some sunshine before he had to sit through another long meeting. Terrance decided that being a soldier had been hard on the feet, but being a prince was harder on the butt. He didn’t know if he’d ever get used to so much sitting and talking.

As Terrance was brooding about this he passed a conservatory with a clear crystal wall facing the garden. It was attached to the palace but was still somewhat secluded. He noticed a slight movement in the shadows inside. His soldier-trained eyes saw his sister and Elios in there. Terrance stopped in his tracks as he also realized they were making out passionately and obviously didn’t think anyone would see them there. Terrance saw Elios’ hand hesitantly fumble with the zipper on the back of Serenity’s dress, but he hadn’t managed to get the small tab to cooperate. Terrance was concerned, but he had known Serenity for years. He knew she would never allow someone to take advantage of her.

Chuckling to himself, Terrance waited to see when Serenity would push Elios away or even slap him for being fresh. As he watched, a second hand slid up her back to join the first. Terrance thought she’d slap Elios for sure. It was then that he realized the second hand was smaller than the first hand. It was also much better at dealing with the stubborn little tab.

Terrance tore through the garden to a palace entrance. He almost knocked three people over as he rushed down the hall. Throwing the conservatory door open with a mighty bang, he quickly made his way to the stunned couple. He grabbed each of them by their shoulder and wrenched them apart.

Fortunately, Lady Serenity had her wits about her enough to clamp her arms down at her side and clutch the front of her very loose dress bodice.

Terrance panted heavily and gasped out as he pointed to Elios. “You! Keep your hands to yourself!”

Terrance then turned to his sister and roared, “And *YOU* keep your clothes on! Don’t you have any shame? You’re not even engaged yet!” Terrance stepped behind her and quickly slid the offensive little tab back to where it belonged.

Serenity flushed with embarrassment and anger. “How dare you lecture me!” she yelled back. “Mind your own business! You’re not my guard anymore!”

Terrance suddenly glanced around the room, looking for the four who were supposed to guard her. He growled, “I’ll have their hides for leaving you two alone!”

“Don’t you dare!” Serenity yelled.

“And why the hell not?” Terrance shot back at her.

“Because, I told them to go away. That’s why!” She retorted.

Terrance knew he was quickly losing his temper and he had a very unreasonable urge to slap some sense into his sister. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath while he gathered his thoughts and counted to ten, twice.

When Terrance was done, he smiled and spoke in a quiet voice. “Okay, Serenity. I’ll leave your guards alone, but from now on, whenever Elios is around, I will be your guard.”

Serenity sputtered, “What? You plan to follow me everywhere? *NO WAY*!!” She spat the words at him.

Terrance calmly said, “Fine, but you know if I go to our father with this, you won’t see Elios in the same room with you until your wedding day.”

Serenity gasped, “You wouldn’t dare!”

Terrance gave her an exaggerated disappointed look then shook his head. “Serenity, I thought you knew me better than that.”

Tears welled up in Serenity’s eyes and she sadly looked past Terrance to Elios. Slightly shrugging with resignation, she said, “Sorry. If he doesn’t guard me I know he will go to my father. That would be much worse.” Elios glared at Terrance then sighed and nodded his head yes.

“Let’s go then.” Terrance said as he motioned to the door. He followed a very frustrated and annoyed couple out.

~~~~~~~~

Serenity was still pouting at dinner that evening and Elios was even more quiet than usual. Terrance was sitting across from them and he kept a close eye on them.

The King and Queen could tell Serenity was upset and asked her what was wrong. Sullenly, she said nothing was wrong. A few minutes later however, Serenity gave Terrance a hard kick in the shin.

Terrance jumped and glared at Serenity. She stuck her tongue out at him. Elios sighed at their childishness.

The King could tell they were picking on each other and he had finally had enough. He growled, “If you two want to act like spoiled royal brats, fine, but you won’t do it at the dinner table. Once more from either of you and I’ll make you both leave the table. Clear?”

They both nodded their heads and dinner was finished mostly in silence.

Serenity asked to be excused first and Elios rose to follow. Terrance also stood up and Serenity sighed. She turned to Elios and said, “I’m feeling a bit tired so I’m going to retire to my room for the night. Please stay here, finish your dinner and I’ll see you tomorrow. Okay?”

Elios slightly bowed to her then took her hand and gently kissed it. He smiled encouragingly and said, “As you wish. I hope you sleep well and have beautiful dreams.”

Serenity blushed at his reference to their special bond from the past. “Thank you, Elios. I’m certain I will. Good night.”

Not long after, the Queen also decided to retire for the night.

The three men were left to linger over their drinks and talk about inconsequential things. After a while Terrance stood and Elios got up too. They both said good night to the King and left together.

Terrance was a little concerned Elios would try to talk with him about what had happened that afternoon. [If he tries to get me to back off, I just might have to hit him again,] Terrance thought with annoyance.

Elios did ask Terrance to walk in the garden and talk. Terrance steeled himself for an argument and was surprised when it didn’t come. They walked until they were pretty sure no one was within hearing distance then Elios apologized for behaving inappropriately and for causing trouble between him and his sister.

Terrance was stunned for a moment before he accepted the apology. He grudgingly admitted to himself that this raised his estimate of Elios some. He wryly thought, [I better watch out. If he does too many things like this, I may end up liking the guy!]

Elios cleared his throat. “Terrance, since you’re going to be around us quite a lot now, I thought I’d ask you to help me with something.”

Intrigued, Terrance asked what.

Elios smiled and blushed a bit as he answered. “I need you to bring Serenity to the cliff that overlooks the pond tomorrow night at sunset. Don’t tell her that’s where you’re going. She may refuse to go there with you after what happened the last time. Bring a blanket for her to sit on, and absolutely no jumping off the cliff this time! Okay?”

Terrance laughed then said, “Okay. I guess I can do that, but why?”

Again Elios blushed. He smiled and admitted, “I figure if you’re not going to leave us alone, then maybe I should try to move things along a little faster. I’m going to propose to her.”

Terrance drew in a quick breath. He nodded as he thought, [What an idiot I am. It’s so obvious, I should have guessed.] Terrance laughed. “Good. Maybe then I won’t have to baby-sit you two for very long. Why at the cliff though?”

Elios answered with a dreamy look in his eyes. “I’ve known for years how I would propose to her if I ever had the chance. The cliff is the perfect place to do what I’ve planned.”

Terrance shrugged and said, “Okay. I guess that’s a good reason.”

Elios was obviously nervous and excited as he fidgeted and ran his fingers through his hair. He said, “Thank you, Terrance. I’d better try to get some sleep since I have a big day planned. I will need to run some errands tomorrow, so I will leave a note for Serenity telling her I went to Elysion for an important meeting I forgot about. I’ll tell her that I will be back the next day. Thank you again.”

Watching Elios leave, Terrance chuckled to himself. He was amazed at how excited and happy Elios was. [I guess he really does love her,] he thought.

~~~~~~~~

The next day Serenity was still angry with Terrance. He soon realized it might be harder to get her to cooperate with him than he had thought. He decided he should try to “butter her up” a bit. He offered to take her into the city but she just growled and snapped at him. He then went to the kitchen and got a few slices of one of Serenity’s favorite deserts, Strawberry Cheesecake.

Terrance showed his peace offering to Serenity and asked her to eat in the gardens with him. She grudgingly agreed. While they ate he joked with her and even managed to get her to chuckle once.

When they were done, Serenity said, “Terrance, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you are trying to be nice to me. Why?”

Terrance hesitated then said, “Well, I won’t apologize about yesterday because I have to do it, but I do feel bad that we’re fighting and mad at each other.”

Serenity sighed. “Yeah. I don’t think we’ve ever fought like this before. I guess I am being a brat about this. It’s very hard though to have loved someone for so long and been separated, then suddenly that person is very much there and very close. It’s overwhelming.”

Her face looked so sad and as always, it pulled at his heart. He steeled his resolve as he reminded himself he was doing this for Serenity’s own good. He sighed with exasperation and thought, [I will be glad when they’re finally married and this will be over with!]

Terrance cleared his throat then said, “Serenity, I can’t say I know how it feels because I’ve never been in love like that before. I can tell you I’m not doing this just to give you a hard time. I’m doing it because I care about you and I don’t want you to do something you’ll regret later.”

“Yes, I know that,” Serenity quietly admitted.

Terrance suddenly changed the subject as he poked Serenity in the side and teasingly and asked, “If you’re not too tubby after eating cake, how would you like to go to the Senshi Practice room and work out our powers together? I’m still a bit new at using some of mine, and I don’t always keep control of them like I should.”

Serenity laughed and teased him. “Wow! Mister perfect Terrance doesn’t get something right the first time! Maybe this will be my chance to whip your butt in something.”

Terrance rolled his eyes. “Yeah. In your dreams sister!”

Terrance and Serenity had fun working out together. They teased and goaded each other to do better, and it took their minds off of things.

There was a computer with a power level database in the practice room. It was used to compare levels with any of the Senshi, the King and Queen. Terrance noted his levels showed he might barely win a power match with Jupiter, but all four outer Planet Senshi and Sailor Mars would whip his tail easily. Serenity laughed at his expression. She enjoyed seeing him feel a little humble.

Terrance had recently found a new attack power with the help of Sailor Mercury questioning him. She had told him she suspected the purple rose he had given to Serenity wasn’t just pretty. Now he could pull them quickly at will and his father had shown him what to do with them.

Terrance looked at the clock on the wall. He realized they needed to get ready to leave. “Please make Serenity cooperative,” he silently prayed to anyone who would listen. Terrance said, “Let’s call it a day and hit the showers. Okay?”

Serenity laughed. “What? Are you all tired out?”

Terrance sighed. “No, but I have some things to do and w… [oops!] I’ve got to get going.”

Serenity shrugged and followed him out of the practice room. As they walked to their rooms Terrance said, “Serenity, Sailor Mercury asked me to measure some energy levels for her Earth power monitoring research. Would you like to come along and keep me company?”

Serenity responded, “I guess I’ll go. Elios won’t be back until tomorrow anyway. When do we need to leave?”

Terrance silently sighed with relief and said, “As soon as we’re done getting cleaned up. Okay?”

Serenity nodded. “I’ll meet you in the library in half an hour then. Bye.”

Serenity walked into the library wearing jeans and a T-shirt. Terrance cringed to himself. He was pretty sure she would want to be dressed up if she knew what they were going to do. How could he get her to change without her becoming suspicious? He tried to be casual as he asked, “Serenity, do you usually carry your Luna Pen with you?”

She gave him a funny look. “Yes. Why do you want to know?”

“Oh, I was just curious about it and I never remembered to ask you before. Come on let’s go, I don’t want to be out late.”

Serenity hurriedly followed him to the stables. They took two horses that were saddled and waiting for them. The sun was starting to go down, so Terrance rode quickly. Serenity was surprised he was riding the horses so hard just to get some levels for Mercury, but she didn’t have a chance to ask why. Before she knew it they pulled into a clearing and Terrance stopped.

Serenity looked around. “You need to get the readings for Mercury here?” She suddenly turned on him and suspiciously demanded, “You’re not planning to dunk me again are you?”

Terrance laughed and shook his head no. He spread out a blanket where they had picnicked before and said, “You can wait for me here.” He turned back to her and eyed her critically. “Get your Luna Pen out and dress up like you’re going on a date with Elios.”

Serenity looked at him like he had grown two more heads and exclaimed, “Why do you want me to do that?!”

Terrance sighed. “Serenity, look. Please just trust me as your brother and do what I asked. Okay?” He looked so hopeful and even a bit nervous. Serenity was very suspicious. She opened her mouth to argue and he stopped her by actually pleading, “Please?” as he gave her big puppy dog eyes.

Serenity sighed and thought, [God help any female he uses that expression on. She’d never have a chance!]

Pulling the pen out, Serenity said, “Luna Pen, dress me up like I’m going on a date with Elios!” Light swirled around her. When it stopped she posed and asked, “So, does it pass?”

Terrance looked her over. She wore a pastel yellow short swing sundress with matching ballet slipper like shoes and daisy barrettes in her hair. She did look very pretty. He said, “That will be fine.”

He took her shoulders and led her to the blanket. Terrance told her to sit facing the view from the cliff. She sat down and her dress and hair pooled around her prettily. She looked up at him and accusingly demanded, “What is going on? You’re obviously not here to get any levels, so you’d better tell me!”

Terrance sighed and looked around. The sunset was almost completely gone behind the trees and stars were starting to show in the twilight sky. He silently hoped Elios would be there soon because he was running out of ideas. That’s when he noticed three trails of light far away in the sky. Seriously hoping it was Elios, Terrance pointed and said, “What’s that?”

Serenity looked out over the forest and saw it. It was getting closer quickly. Alarmed, she asked, “Do you think we’re under attack?”

Terrance, who now knew it had to be Elios, started to laugh. “No, I don’t think it’s an attack, so just watch.” Giving him an annoyed look, Serenity turned back to watch the streamers of light.

In the distance Serenity could faintly hear singing, as the ribbons of light got closer. They undulated in the sky with a multihued shimmer as if God had painted an Aurora Borealis using diamond dust. The choral singing was getting louder and she thought it seemed to come from the streamers of light.

Serenity was so mesmerized by the glowing strands that she almost didn’t notice the Pegasus leading them. Once she saw it, she was amazed to see the rider was Elios in his ceremonial High Priest robes.

As the strands of light got closer Serenity could see they were really many, many thousands of small, different colored lights and they were definitely singing. The combined light from so many tiny beings glowed bright enough to rival a full moon. The singing was clear and its sound carried far over the forest then echoed back. It sounded like many heavenly choirs singing in rounds from the far corners of the earth.

The Pegasus and Elios hovered low over the cliff and Elios gave a signal. The streamers of light twisted and flowed until they formed three huge words written in the sky.

Terrance was leaning against a tree in the shadows and thought to himself, [Okay. I’m impressed.] He also realized if anybody at the Palace or in all of Crystal Tokyo looked out the window, they would easily see the huge show. He wondered if the King and Queen saw it and if they knew what it was.

Terrance tore his eyes from the bright display and looked at Serenity. Her eyes were as big as saucers and shimmered with tears as she read the words and listened to the choir’s new verse. Both the written words and song were the same, “*MAIDEN MARRY ME*”

The Pegasus now landed on the cliff’s edge. Elios dismounted as the song quieted down to a murmur. His white cape with royal blue lining swirled behind him as he walked to the blanket. With a smile, Elios wordlessly reached out to take Serenity’s hand and have her stand. Bending down on one knee, Elios then gestured for her to sit on his other knee. He took both of her hands in his and pressed a small box into her palms. Looking into her eyes, Elios whispered the words that had filled Serenity’s beautiful hopes and dreams for years. “My Maiden, please marry me?”

Serenity’s voice was choked with emotion. She tried to say yes, but nothing would escape her throat. Finally, she mutely nodded yes instead. She opened the box with shaking hands and saw an exquisite, fire-rose gold engagement ring with a heart shaped diamond. Elios took it from the box and she held out her left hand. He slid the ring onto her finger then gently kissed her hand.

Elios leaned toward her face and Serenity closed her eyes. He knew she expected a kiss, but there was one more thing to say first. Elios gently rubbed noses with her to get her to open her eyes. Serenity quizzically looked at him. He looked into her eyes and whispered with a mischievous smile, “Just a short kiss then run for the Pegasus.” Serenity smiled at him with comprehension.

They did kiss, then as one they jumped up and ran. The Pegasus, who knew of the plan, knelt down. Elios leaped on its back and he quickly pulled Serenity in front of him. Her hands gripped the mane and Elios’ arms encircled her waist to hold her on securely. He yelled for the Pegasus to take off.

Terrance was shocked as they had hoped, but his training and abilities made him quick. He almost managed to grab Serenity, but had to drop to the ground when the Pegasus started to beat its wings. He did not want to go for a swim in the dark.

Terrance was furious with himself that he hadn’t realize Elios would try something like this. He yelled futilely for them to come back. The Pegasus hovered above the cliff out of reach while the multitude of lights swirled around them.

Elios clearly spoke, “Thank you Terrance for your help. We’ll be back sometime tomorrow. Please tell the King and Queen that Serenity is with me.” With that said, the Pegasus turned and flew off with the twirling streams of light following behind.

~~~~~~~~

Serenity turned her head to look at her fiancé. A bit of worry wrinkled her brow as she said, “You know, my parents are going to be royally p.o.’ed at us tomorrow.”

Elios had only been thinking with his hormones. He had to admit he had also wanted to pull one over on that pain in the ass brother of hers. Now he realized Serenity might have reservations about going to Elysion with him. Elios swallowed a sigh and said, “We don’t have to go. We can turn back to the Palace if you want.”

Serenity thought a moment then said, “No, I don’t want to go back. I want to be with you. I’m just warning you that tomorrow your King will probably be very angry, and there will be hell to pay.”

Elios chuckled, then seductively whispered in her ear. “I’d be willing to pay in hell everyday just to have the privilege of being with you, my Maiden.” Serenity’s breath caught in her throat and she blushed. Elios smiled at her response to him. He then continued more seriously. “However, I am willing to do whatever you feel we should do. I won’t argue either way.” Maybe a smarter couple would have gone back, but Serenity and Elios were already too far-gone to listen to common sense.

Serenity smiled and turned her head to reach Elios’ lips. They kissed long and passionately. When they finally broke apart for breath Serenity asked, “How long of a ride is it to Elysion?”

Elios nuzzled her neck and whispered, “A few more hours at this rate.” He looked up and explained, “We could go faster, but the fairies wouldn’t be able to keep up. I don’t think you want me to leave them to wander over the earth. They can cause quite a bit of mischief if left to their own devices.”

Serenity nodded. “I don’t mind the ride, but I am getting a crick in my neck from twisting to kiss you.”

She thought a moment then had an idea. She told Elios, “Make sure I don’t fall. Okay?” Then, in a very unladylike manner, she turned herself around on the Pegasus’ back. Serenity was now facing Elios with her legs crossed over his legs. Elios had thoroughly enjoyed watching the process.

Elios wrapped his arms tightly around her and crushed her to him as he kissed her deeply. Serenity sighed happily and said, “That’s much better!” Elios couldn’t agree more.

They kissed again and Elios leaned forward until Serenity was lying down on the Pegasus’ back and he was on top of her. They looked into each other’s eyes and Elios whispered, “I Love You, my Maiden.”

Serenity whispered, “I Love You too, my Dreamer.”

They both felt like they were in heaven and probably would have gone farther with their making out, except for two things. One, Elios couldn’t forget they were riding on the back of a Pegasus. He was a personal friend and co-worker who had agreed to do Elios a favor by flying that night for his engagement. Elios knew he would probably suffer a lot of teasing for what he and Serenity were already doing. More than once the Pegasus had looked back and laughingly raised his eyebrow at Elios.

The other reason they couldn’t totally concentrate on each other was the fairies. They would fly over the couple and around them, lightly bump them playfully or pull at Elios’ hair and cape. The fairies were constantly singing many different songs, talking and laughing. The overall sound was like white noise, but every once in a while they all would harmonize on the same song. The change would be startling. Especially when they sang bawdy and risqué love songs.

Some of the fairies had noticed Serenity’s long pink ponytails fluttering in the wind along the Pegasus’ sides. They flew back and forth through the curtains of hair as a game. A few of the fairies lifted handfuls of her hair and tried to braid it by flying around each other in circles. This didn’t hurt Serenity, but she couldn’t help giggling when she felt their light, frantic tugs because they got themselves tangled.

Elios sighed and explained, “The fairies aren’t trying to be annoying or bad, they are just excited because they got to help with this special night. They’re very playful and want to be a part of our party and celebration. They practiced hard to make the show perfect, and they’ve waited a long time for this night to come.”

The Pegasus snorted with annoyance. He shook his head to throw off a fairy that was standing on top of it. The fairy leaped off into the air and did a perfect swan dive from its perch. Some other fairies were trying to catch onto the Pegasus’ wings to get a free ride. They dangled from the feathers they grabbed and were flung up and down with the movement of his enormous wings. When a fairy would lose its grip and tumble off into the air, the other fairies would twitter with laughter. All in all it wasn’t a very quiet or private ride.

Lady Serenity enjoyed watching the amusing antics of the fairies, and to be honest, a Pegasus’ back is a bit bony and hard. She said, “Elios, I think we should give up for now and sit up. He sighed, but knew she was right.

Sitting up proved to be a bit difficult. The Pegasus’ back didn’t have enough of a flat surface to push upright on except under Serenity. They finally did manage to sit up after much slipping, twisting and giggling. The fairies even helped by taking armfuls of Serenity and Elios’ hair and pulling.

Elios grabbed one overly enthusiastic fairy out of his hair. He held it gently but firmly in front of his face. Elios tried to scowl at the offending pixy. He laughed instead when it defiantly blew raspberries at him with its little tongue sticking out. He finally said, “Okay! I’ll let you go but please be a little more careful! I’d like my hair to stay attached to my head.” Elios opened his hand. The fairy twittered a laugh, winked at Serenity then happily flew away.

Serenity was completely enchanted by the fairies. She asked, “Elios, do you think one would let me hold it?”

Elios laughed then loudly said, “Would a fairy like for Lady Serenity to hold you?” Elios grabbed Serenity tightly around the waist. He said, “Hold on!”

All the fairies had stopped what they were playing. As a group they flew to Serenity. They all twittered and vied for her attention. There were so very many, and they all shone so brightly, that Serenity couldn’t even see Elios. If she didn’t still feel his arms around her, it would’ve frightened her. Suddenly the Pegasus snorted and quickly dove down out of the flock of fairies. Serenity let out a scream at the surprise drop. She then looked up and laughed at the confused fairies milling around in a ball above them.

The Pegasus hadn’t liked the fairies blocking his sight. He threw Elios an annoyed look. Elios felt bad and apologized. Serenity also realized what had bothered the Pegasus. She said, “We didn’t think about blocking your view, please forgive us,” as she smiled apologetically. The Pegasus sighed and shook his head.

The fairies were still trying to catch up with the Pegasus. When they got close enough, Elios asked them to not go near the Pegasus’ head, and they agreed.

Soon they saw Elysion. Elios pointed down to it and Serenity saw the beautiful shrine, the Crystal Forest, and the Crystal Lake. “Oh, Elios,” she exclaimed, “It’s still just as beautiful as I remember!”

Elios smiled and hugged her close. He said, “I’m glad you like it. Soon it will be as much your home as it is mine, Love.”

The fairies twittered their good byes and the couple thanked them for all their help. The fairies disbursed themselves over the forest and the Pegasus circled to land.

~~~~~~~~

Terrance had watched Elios and Serenity fly away on the Pegasus. He sighed with dismay as he thought, [I can’t believe they really left! What am I going to tell the King and Queen?] He sighed again as he rode back to the Palace leading Serenity’s horse.

Just as he had feared, the entire Palace had seen Elios’ display and a very large group was waiting for him. Everyone started to ask questions at once and Terrance didn’t feel like answering any of them. He continued to stand quietly. Slowly the questions died down until everyone was staring at him with curious expressions. Terrance sighed. “Yes, Elios did propose to Lady Serenity and she did say yes.” Everyone started to talk at once again.

Terrance tried to slip away, but Sailor Mars stepped in front of the doorway. “Terrance, it’s obvious you haven’t told us everything you know. Don’t even think about trying to get away before you do!”

Terrance laughed wryly to himself as he realized he was standing at attention. He thought, [Old habits die hard!] Everyone had stopped talking again when they heard Mars chide Terrance.

The King walked over to Terrance. “Where are Elios and Serenity? Didn’t they come back with you?”

Terrance ran his fingers through his hair in unconscious imitation of his father, as he tried to find a good way to answer. Finally he gave up and blurted out, “I don’t know where they are. They managed to give me the slip by flying away on a Pegasus.”

Everyone in the room was silent with surprise. Venus started to snicker but quickly covered her mouth when the King, the Queen and Sailor Mars all gave her very annoyed looks.

Oblivious to the fact that he was about to ask questions he really wasn’t prepared to hear the answers to, King Endymion again spoke. “They left? Did they say when they’d be back?”

Terrance visibly cringed. He knew this wasn’t going to go over well. He hedged for time. “Yes.”

Puzzled, the King said, “Yes, what?”

Terrance responded, “Yes, they did say when they’d be back.”

King Endymion was beginning to get annoyed with Terrance’s obvious dodging. He raised his voice, “Well? What time did they say?!”

Terrance answered under his breath and the King sharply commanded, “Speak up!”

Terrance sighed and said louder, “Sometime tomorrow.”

The King, Queen and the Planet Senshi (minus Venus) all yelled, “What?” with shocked expressions. Everyone began talking at once again.

Terrance thought, [If I survive, I will get both of them back for putting me through this!]

Suddenly, Venus gave a shrill whistle to get everyone’s attention. She said, “Wait a minute. I really don’t see why you’re upset. They are engaged now and Serenity is plenty old enough to make her own decisions. Besides, how many here can say they made it to their wedding day a virgin? Don’t lie either, because I will know!”

King Endymion turned to Venus with a furious expression. Words that if spoken he would later regret, sat on the tip of his tongue.

Neo-Queen Serenity quickly stepped up. She placed her finger over her husband’s lips and pointedly looked into his eyes. After a moment of unspoken communication between them, the King sadly sighed with resignation.

Putting her hand down, the Queen then grasped her husband’s hand to comfort him and give him strength.

“I guess you’re right Venus,” King Endymion quietly said. “We are overreacting. It just seems different when it’s your own little girl. Even if she isn’t so little anymore.”

The Queen then leaned up against the King and whispered something in his ear.

King Endymion nodded his head. Looking up, he said, “Terrance, I need to apologize. You got the bad end of this conversation. I shouldn’t have taken my surprise out on you.” He walked over and put his arm around his son’s shoulders.

Terrance was flabbergasted they weren’t more upset. “That’s okay, but aren’t you mad at them?”

His father shook his head no. He said, “Venus just reminded us that we are all human. Sometimes, being human will get the better of each of us. Don’t worry about Serenity and Elios, they’ll be fine.”

Terrance looked doubtful but said, “Okay,” then left. Venus watched him go. She thought, [Terrance you will understand someday. You just haven’t been in love yet.]

Continued...

This story was edited and enhanced by the great mind and imagination of Sophia Prester. Her help and ideas have been of great value to me! Thank you Sophia! ^_^

Sophia Prester is also the author or a *wonderful* continuing Sailor Moon fanfic called \"Empire of the Sun\". Her story is very intricate and absorbing and I highly recommend reading it! The most up to date version is on Fanfiction.net . ^_^

Thank you for reading my story. I hope you enjoyed it. If you did like my story, or if you have any (kind and gently worded) suggestions/comments about my story, please let me know. I truly appreciate feedback. You can email me at ndeblock@att.net .

Bye, Luna Hope ^_^

Disclaimer - Sailor Moon and all her friends (except for Prince Terrance Donovan and the Pegasus, Castor - They\'re mine! ^_^ ) don\'t belong to me. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi. I just borrowed them for a little bit of fun.