Crystal Flaws - Part 04 Crystal Bells

The next few weeks were very hectic for Lady Serenity. It seemed like everyone in the kingdom was involved with the wedding and demanded time with her. The wedding sucked up every one of Serenity’s waking moments, even on the weekends.

As per Mercury’s instructions, Serenity couldn’t teleport anymore. After spending one whole weekend separated, Elios and Serenity decided they didn’t care what others thought and moved Serenity into his room. Since wedding plans now took all of Serenity’s days, Elios would at least get to see her at night. She did sleep much more of that time than he wanted her to, but he figured it was still better than not seeing her at all.

~~~~~~~~

One Friday night Serenity had fallen asleep against Elios’ shoulder at the dinner table even before she had eaten. Elios started to worry. “Maiden, you need to eat,” he said trying to wake her. All Serenity did was mumble something and went back to sleep.

Asking that they be excused from the table, Elios again tried to wake Serenity to have her walk. She stood up but stumbled as they stepped away from the table. Realizing it was a lost cause, Elios lifted Serenity up in his arms and carried her to their room.

Elios returned to the dining room after he had Serenity settled in bed. Terrance had already finished dinner and left so Elios was able to talk openly with the King and Queen. “What has Serenity’s schedule been like this week?” he asked.

Neo-Queen Serenity responded, “We’ve been away the last four days and just returned this afternoon. I know she’s been quite busy but I don’t know the specifics. However, it’s not uncommon for a woman to be tired when she’s pregnant.”

Shaking his head Elios refuted, “Not this tired. She didn’t even eat. Whatever Serenity has scheduled for tomorrow morning needs to be canceled. I don’t want anyone expecting to see her before noon.”

The Queen nodded. “That’s probably a good idea. I’ll take care of it.”

The next morning Serenity woke up and looked at the clock. With a groan of dismay she noted it was ten in the morning. Serenity started to get up and Elios reached out to pull her back into his arms. Serenity protested, “Elios, I can’t! Let me go. I’m late already!”

Elios shook his head no as he tightened his arms around her. “You’re not going anywhere. I had your mother cancel your appointments this morning.”

Upset, Serenity turned to him. “What did you do that for? They were important!”

Kissing her forehead, Elios quietly responded, “Not as important as your health.”

“What do you mean? I’m fine!” Serenity stated with exasperation.

Elios smiled. “What do you remember about going to sleep last night?”

Serenity wrinkled her brow as she thought a moment then hesitantly offered, “I remember you getting here and going to dinner…” Elios then told her how the rest of her evening went.

Blushing bright red, Serenity whined, “You *carried* me out of the dining room?! How embarrassing!” She then took a deep breath and admitted, “Okay, maybe I was a bit overtired. Really though, I’m okay. There’s still so much to do and so little time to do it in. It will be over soon and then I can rest.”

Elios stroked her cheek with his fingers. With worry in his voice he implored, “Please be more careful about sleeping and eating right. I worry about you when I’m not here. No one else knows you’re pregnant so they won’t tell you to take it easy. I don’t want anything to happen to you or the babies.”

Serenity could see the honest concern in his eyes and it warmed her heart. “Okay, I’ll try to be more careful,” she quietly said as she pulled him closer and softly kissed him.

Quite a while later they ordered lunch and Serenity finally got back to what was left of her day.

~~~~~~~~

The weekend before Serenity and her mother’s birthday, Elios realized Serenity really needed a break. He decided to take her to Elysion for the birthday weekend. The Sunday before their birthday Elios told Serenity’s parents of his plans. The King and the Queen reacted with dismay as they pointed out they traditionally have a big party that was already planned for both birthday girls on Saturday evening.

Nodding his head, Elios stated, “I realize that. However, this year is different. With both the pregnancy and the wedding Serenity has enough going on. She won’t admit it, but a big party at this time would be too much for her. Serenity needs to get away from her hectic schedule for a few days.”

With a slightly annoyed sigh Neo-Queen Serenity said, “Fine. We still need to celebrate her birthday though. I want her back here for Sunday dinner. We’ll have a small family and friends dinner and party for her then.”

Elios agreed to that plan and the following Friday evening he and Serenity left for Elysion. Elios gave Serenity a pair of diamond earrings for her birthday, which matched her necklace and ring. They spent a nice quiet weekend together and Serenity admitted she did feel much better and not as tense. However, when they returned to the Palace, Sunday evening as planned, Serenity’s hectic schedule picked up right where she had left it.

~~~~~~~~

The next Saturday was dress-fitting day for the girls. They were excited about it. Each of them had gone to individual fittings, but this was the first one for the group. This was also the first time the girls were going to see Serenity’s gown.

The five girls were eating their breakfasts together at seven in the morning and their appointment with Pluto was at seven thirty. Serenity, who was annoyed because she considered this to be an ungodly hour for a Saturday, yawned for the eighth time in the last ten minutes.

Juno teasingly bumped Serenity’s arm that was supporting her head and Serenity almost did a face plant in her scrambled eggs. Glaring at Juno, Serenity pushed her plate away and decided her stomach would prefer to stick with toast and tea.

Vesta started to scold. “Juno! Be nice. You should feel sorry for Serenity.”

Serenity looked up with alarm. The other girls looked at Vesta with surprise and Juno even started to look a little ashamed. However, the Asteroid Senshi all busted up when Vesta laughingly ended her speech with, “She probably doesn’t get much sleep at all anymore!”

Totally unfazed by Serenity’s embarrassed glare, they all reached over to pat her arm as they laughed and crooned, “You poor thing!”

The girls finally calmed themselves and Pallas spoke. “Really, all teasing aside, are you feeling okay, Serenity? You seem to be dragging lately and you look a bit pale. You’re not getting sick are you?”

Serenity gulped and took a deep breath. Actually, she did feel sick at the moment. She debated with herself. Sighing, Serenity decided she just wasn’t read to tell anybody yet.

Serenity assured them, “I’m just a little stressed out from the wedding. I’ll be fine.”

The girls nodded and Ceres looked at the clock. “We have to go,” she announced.

~~~~~~~~

Sailor Pluto had hired out the sewing for the bridesmaid’s dresses, but she wouldn’t allow anybody other than herself to touch Serenity’s gown.

The four girls now stood admiring themselves and each other in front of the mirror as they waited for Serenity to finish putting her dress on.

Ceres, who loved all things feminine, stood at the center of the mirrors and gracefully turned one way then another as she tried to see all sides of her dress.

Normally, Vesta was too involved with her studies and Senshi duties to care much about pretty things, but even she turned a few times to get a better look at herself.

Pallas was her normal bubbly self as she joyfully pirouetted. Her skirt flared out and rippled around her as she happily exclaimed, “Look! Look at what the skirt can do!”

Even Juno, a tomboy through and through, admitted the dress was very pretty as she slowly turned herself around once.

Serenity walked out of the dressing room with Pluto following and carrying the train of her dress. The girls moved to let Serenity have the center of the mirrors as they all exclaimed over how pretty her dress looked.

Pluto helped Serenity stand on a pedestal then she knelt down to measure and pin the hem. Serenity looked around at her friends. Happily she noted, “The dresses look just as pretty as I had imagined them to be! Each of you looks beautiful!”

All four girls curtsied as Vesta said, “Thank you, for your kind words your “High-ness”!”

Wincing, Serenity chuckled at Vesta’s bad pun.

~~~~~~~~

With Serenity gone to the fitting for the day, Elios was once again alone at the Palace. He thought to himself that if it wasn’t for the night, it wouldn’t be worth the trip to go there. Elios was sitting on a bench in the garden reading when he saw Terrance walk toward the Palace from the gym. Elios knew all the Senshi were with Serenity and the King and Queen were at a social event until dinner. Elios could tell by Terrance’s walk there wasn’t anyone around for him either. Thinking about it a moment, Elios then shut the book and hurried after him.

Elios caught up to Terrance in the main hall and said, “Hi.”

Terrance looked a little surprised and said hello too.

Elios got in step with Terrance as he said with a smile, “I’ve been abandoned again. Do you have plans, or could we hang around together?”

Terrance admitted, “I don’t have plans.” They decided to go eat lunch.

At first the conversation was a bit awkward, but soon they found they had a common interest in plants, and things improved. While finishing lunch Elios described some of Elysion’s unique plants to Terrance.

Smiling, Terrance said, “I throw purple roses that come from Elysion.”

Elios laughed. “Yes, I know.”

As they left the table, Terrance asked, “Elios, would you like to see how we use the roses?”

Curious, Elios said he’d like that.

In the Senshi Practice Room, Terrance demonstrated to Elios how he pulled and threw his roses.

After discussing it and seeing it done, Elios realized that Terrance, and the King, due to their connection to the Earth, inherited a small invisible tunnel that was connected to Elysion. Elios explained, “A tunnel would magically find and pick the flowers it’s tuned to, then store them. As the flowers are used, they would be replenished.”

He continued, “If I’m right, I should be able to show the tunnel opening to you.”

Terrance watched amazed as Elios generated a beam of light from his forehead jewel and aimed it at Terrance’s hip. They both clearly saw a shadowy tunnel opening with a purple rose poised and ready to be thrown.

Terrance reached down and touched the rose, but didn’t pull it. Elios’ beam faded and Terrance said, “I didn’t know you had powers. I thought you could only pray.”

Elios shook his head no and said, “I can do other things.” He didn’t elaborate on what the other things were though.

Terrance thought, [Elios would make a great poker player.] He made a mental note to someday teach Elios the game.

Elios looked at Terrance and asked, “Would you like to see Elysion?” Terrance smiled and said sure, so they headed back to the garden.

A Pegasus flew over them and landed. Elios was about to introduce Terrance and the Pegasus when he realized they had met previously.

Elios said, “Terrance this is Pollux. He is the Pegasus you rode when you saved King Endymion from the dimensional monster.”

Terrance looked surprised for a moment then said, “Good! There is something I forgot to do that day.”

Terrance knelt down on one knee in front of the Pegasus. Crossing his right arm over his chest with his fist on his heart, Terrance bowed to Pollux.

Elios stood there speechless with surprise as Terrance looked up into the Pegasus’ eyes and said, “Pollux, I have been remiss in not saying thank you to you. You put your life on the line to help us save the King. We would not have succeeded without you. Please, accept my gratitude for your service to our King and Kingdom.”

The Pegasus looked to Elios and his eyes questioned if he should answer Terrance. Elios nodded his head yes.

As Terrance stood he heard a deep resonant voice respond in his mind. [Dear Prince of Earth, I accept your gratitude. I was honored to help the Royal Family of Earth.]

Quickly looking at Elios, Terrance asked, “Did Pollux just answer me?”

Elios said with a smile, “Yes, he did. Pegasuses communicate telepathically in their Pegasus form and speak verbally in their human form. Not many surface humans know that about us.”

“Us? Human form?!” Terrance questioned with surprise. “You’re a Pegasus?!”

As Elios nodded his head yes, he chuckled at Terrance’s shocked expression.

Terrance asked, “Does Serenity, the King or the Queen know?”

Elios responded, “Yes, they all know.”

Slowly shaking his head, Terrance said, “Elios, there is a lot more to you than I thought.”

Shrugging his shoulders, Elios asked, “Are we going to go?”

Terrance looked at Pollux a moment then turned back to Elios. Curious, he asked, “Why do you ride if you’re a Pegasus too?”

Elios laughed. “It’s a long story. I’ll explain it on the way.” Elios paused then said, “A Pegasus can easily carry two full grown men, but as you said, I can fly too. Maybe I will stretch my wings a bit.”

Terrance shrugged. “Sure, whatever you want.”

Elios started his transformation. His pure white, feathered wings spread open wide, a bright glow washed over his body and then he stood there as a Pegasus.

Tossing his mane, Elios reared up to stretched his muscles. He shook out his wings then snapped them smartly into place. He realized he hadn’t used this form in a very long time.

Even though he was warned, it still surprised Terrance to actually see Elios transform. However, having been raised with Youma he had seen stranger things than this.

Pollux laughed and teased Elios. [It’s about time, you lazy butt!] He turned to Terrance and said, [Hop on.]

Terrance mounted and the two Pegasuses and Prince flew away.

When they got to Elysion, Elios introduced Terrance to his sisters then showed him the Crystal Forest.

Terrance laughed at the funny antics of the Fairies, and with their help, they found a bush of Terrance’s purple roses.

Terrance touched a rose and he could feel the power in the bush resonate with his own power. The bush started to glow and suddenly all the buds on the bush burst into full bloom.

The Fairies clapped and cheered joyfully at the show.

The two men found a few other interesting plants then went to meet all four of the Pegasus brothers.

Elios introduced the other three brothers to Terrance as Castor, Jabbath and Volans.

Terrance found it was easier to tell which brother was which when they were in their human forms because they each wore a different outfit. Otherwise, they truly looked identical. He found he really liked the four brothers. They each had a dry sense of humor. They also teased Elios unmercifully, as if he was their younger brother.

Handing Terrance a drink, Pollux, the punster of the group, said with a smile, “Elios takes life way too seriously. Our job is to make him lighten up.”

Elios took the ribbing good-naturedly until the subject turned to Serenity. He blushed as the brothers told Terrance about Elios’ rules for them regarding her. They joked that it was going to be very difficult to not talk to Serenity during the wedding.

Elios finally said, “Okay, I can take a hint. You can talk to Serenity.”

The brothers laughed. Jabbath, who could never resist an opportunity to tease, nudged Elios. He asked, “So, you still won’t let us nuzzle, kiss and cuddle with her?”

Elios glared and said, “No! And if any of you try, I’ll, I’ll fire you!”

The brothers laughed harder at Elios’ vehemence. Jabbath nudged him again and triumphantly crowed, “Got you!”

Elios sighed as he wondered, [Why do I let them push my buttons?]

Terrance laughed and thoroughly enjoyed listening to their banter.

Elios looked at his watch. He realized they needed to leave if they wanted to be on time for dinner. Also, Serenity would be back soon so he really wanted to get going.

The brothers could see Elios wanted to hurry.

Jabbath, as usual started the teasing. He winked at Terrance as he yawned and said, “I’m too tired to fly. Cas, you can fly them.”

Castor sighed but played along as he said, “I can’t fly. I have a headache. Let Poll do it.”

Crossing his arms, Pollux huffed, “I just flew! It’s not my turn. Lans can do it.”

Barely able to suppress his grin, Volans whined, “I can’t do it! I pulled a wing muscle! J should do it.”

Jabbath concluded their teasing by shrugging his shoulders and saying, “I guess you’ll just have to stay here then, Elios.”

Elios sighed and said, “Come on guys!” He stood up and walked outside.

Terrance laughed again as he followed Elios. All four brothers were still laughing. Castor however, did stand up and follow them out.

Elios thought to himself, [I think I’ll ride this time.] He shrugged his shoulders and could feel his back muscles protesting the workout they got earlier.

~~~~~~~~

The three men chatted and soon they landed in the Crystal Palace gardens.

Serenity ran out the door. She stopped dead in her tracks as she saw Elios and Terrance dismount the Pegasus. They both smiled at her. Elios stepped forward and hugged Serenity tightly. Terrance turned to Castor to thank him for the ride and say good-bye.

Terrance turned back around, and Elios and Serenity were kissing like they hadn’t seen each other in a year. He smiled and lightly poked both of them in the side as he walked past.

Serenity broke the kiss with a surprised squeal and Elios started.

Laughing, Terrance winked and said, “Don’t miss dinner you two!” as he headed into the Palace.

Serenity looked at Elios questioningly. Elios smiled and said, “Terrance and I decided to hang out together today.”

“And you didn’t kill each other?!” Serenity asked incredulously.

Elios laughed as they turned to go to dinner. “Actually, we had a good time.”

During dinner, Terrance told the King and Queen what he and Elios had discovered about the roses and about their trip to Elysion. Elios added comments to the conversation and answered questions.

As Serenity listened she realized this was probably the most pleasant dinner her family has had since she and Elios started dating. She was thrilled Terrance and Elios were getting along better. It was as if they both finally recognized and accepted the fact that they were going to be family now. They were even laughing and teasing each other. Both men were very important to her and it had saddened Serenity that they didn’t seem to like each other.

Serenity’s eyes suddenly filled with tears that overflowed down her cheeks. Immediately she was in the center of her family’s attention.

Putting his arm around her with concern, Elios asked, “Maiden, what’s wrong?”

Serenity tried to stop crying as she grabbed a napkin to wipe her cheeks. She felt very confused. She tried to laugh at her absurd tears but they still kept falling. “N-Nothing’s wrong,” Serenity hiccupped. “I-I’m really very happy.” Serenity then put her face in her napkin and cried earnestly.

Everyone was at a loss until Usagi recognized what was going on.

Reaching out to pat Serenity’s arm, her mother said, “It’s okay, dear. I’m glad you’re happy.”

Serenity nodded her head and laughed even as she continued to cry.

Elios and Terrance were totally confused. Terrance said, “She’s happy? She doesn’t look very happy!”

Mamoru started to chuckle as he remembered his wife acting like this when she was pregnant. He started to explain Serenity’s behavior to his son and soon to be son-in-law, but then realized Terrance didn’t know Serenity was pregnant. Mamoru looked at Usagi questioningly.

She nodded her head and quietly said, “Serenity dear, I think someone here needs you to tell him what’s going on.”

Serenity looked up at her mother and the Queen subtly nodded toward Terrance.

Serenity realized what her mother meant. She took a shaky breath and quietly said, “Terrance, I’m pregnant.”

Out of everything Terrance could have expected Serenity to say, that statement wasn’t even on the list. He looked at her blankly and said, “Huh?”

Serenity sighed and repeated herself.

Terrance finally comprehended what she had said. Stunned, he exclaimed, “You’re pregnant! What did you go and do that for?”

Serenity burst into tears again and this time she was definitely not happy. She buried her face in Elios’ shoulder and her sobs shook her.

Tightening his arm around Serenity, Elios looked at Terrance accusingly. He said, “It didn’t happen on purpose, but it’s not something we regret. It just makes things…complicated.”

Terrance was tempted to blame Elios for what had happened. He *really* wanted to, but he remembered the talk he had with Serenity in the garden before the couple was engaged. He also remembered Serenity’s expression when she and Elios had flown away on the Pegasus together. It was obvious she had gone willingly. With a sigh he admitted it was inevitably that this would have happened.

Terrance now felt like a heel for making Serenity cry. He said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so negative. I’m just very surprised that’s all. If you two are happy about it then I’m happy for you too.”

Serenity looked up and brokenly said, “I-I am happy about it,” she then put her face back in her hands and sobbed.

Mamoru knew it was time for him to explain. “When a woman is pregnant her hormone levels go haywire, and that makes her very emotional. She’ll cry about everything, even happy things. She’ll also be very sensitive and get her feelings hurt easily.”

He looked at Elios and said, “This is where you really need an extra large dose of patience. She’s truly not trying to drive you and everyone else crazy. She’s at the mercy of her hormones and she is even driving herself crazy. It doesn’t help for you to also get upset. You need to be extra understanding and just wait it out. It doesn’t last forever.”

Usagi rubbed Serenity’s arm soothingly and said to her daughter, “I have to admit this was a part of being pregnant that I didn’t like. It does go away eventually, but until it does you need to be patient with yourself and keep remembering that you’re loved and your family understands.”

Serenity nodded and again wiped her eyes and nose. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself.

Elios still had his arm around her. Leaning over, he kissed her cheek gently and said, “I Love You, my Maiden.”

Serenity gave him a tremulous smile and whispered, “I Love You too.”

Everyone sighed because Serenity’s episode seemed to be over. They ate silently a few moments then Terrance looked up. He hesitantly asked, “I was wondering, is your baby going to be a Pegasus?”

Elios answered, “No, and maybe.”

Concerned, King Endymion looked up. “I thought you said the babies would be born in the same form as their mother, a human form.”

Nodding, Elios said, “That’s correct. There’s no chance of Serenity delivering babies in Pegasus form, but we won’t definitely know if they are Pegasuses or not until their fourth year.” We really don’t have any idea what our children will be like genetically. I’m guessing they will be girls because of the Silver Crystal’s power, but after that who knows.”

Terrance still looked confused, “They? Girls? Babies?” he asked.

Laughing at Terrance’s confusion, Serenity said, “Oh yeah, that’s the other thing. We’re having twins.”

Again stunned, Terrance repeated, “Twins? Are you sure?”

Elios said, “Yes. Sailor Mercury confirmed it. Pegasuses always have identical multiples.”

Terrance said, “Oh. I see, like the four brothers. Then I guess your sisters are twins too, right?”

Elios nodded his head yes.

Terrance then asked, “Are you a multiple?”

Looking uncomfortable, Elios answered, “Yes, triplets.” He knew what Terrance’s next question would be and he didn’t want to answer it.

“Where are your brothers?” Terrance asked.

Elios looked to the King and his eyes made a mute appeal for help.

That was when King Endymion realized Elios’ predicament. He said, “Terrance,” and his son looked at him.

Elios looked down with relief. Serenity held his hand and squeezed it comfortingly.

Terrance realized that for some reason the answer to his question was unsettling. He said, “I didn’t mean to intrude. You don’t have to answer.”

King Endymion sighed and tried to pick his words carefully, “This is a difficult subject for a number of reasons. If Elios doesn’t mind, I’ll explain.”

Without looking up, Elios nodded his head yes.

The King explained about Elios’ parents being ambassadors. When he got to the part about how Elios’ family died, he tried to be gentle but also honest.

Terrance was stunned and he felt horrible about what his mother had done. Shaking his head, Terrance tried to speak, but he couldn’t trust his voice. He stood up and quickly left the dining room.

King Endymion looked at his wife. She nodded, and he followed Terrance.

~~~~~~~~

Elios hadn’t looked up yet and he was squeezing Serenity’s hand so tight it hurt. She placed her other hand over his and gently rubbed it until he loosened his grip. Finally Elios hoarsely whispered, “I didn’t want to hurt him like that.”

Usagi got up and moved to a chair next to Elios. She put her arms around his shoulders and hugged him. Serenity put her arms around his waist and hugged him too. They sat together quietly a few moments then Serenity grabbed three napkins and handed one to each of them.

The Queen quietly said, “Elios, we know, and I’m sure he knows, you didn’t want to hurt him. Even though it’s hard, I think in the end it will be better that the truth is known. Terrance will be okay so please, don’t worry.”

Elios said, “I hope he knows I don’t blame him or hold him responsible for what happened. I know he was an innocent in a bad situation just as much as I was.” Elios looked up at his soon to be mother-in-law. He hesitated a moment then gave in and hugged her. He whispered, “Thank you for caring.”

Usagi smiled. “Of course I care. You’re a part of our family too.”

Elios almost cried again as he thought, [Yes, this is my family now.]

Of course, Serenity continued to cry the entire time. What her mother had said meant a lot to her and now she cried happily. Wiping her eyes again, Serenity looked up and said, “You’re right Mother, this crying part of pregnancy is the pits!” This made them smile.

~~~~~~~~

King Endymion had followed Terrance to his room. He knocked on the door then went in. Terrance was sitting on the side of his bed. He held his face in his hands.

His father sat down, put his arms around Terrance and hugged him.

Finally, Terrance couldn’t fight it anymore. He leaned against his father and sobbed as tears coursed down his face. Terrance gulped and choked out, “God, I hate my mother! I hate how she hurt so many people!” His breath was ragged. He hiccupped then hoarsely whispered, “I wish she had miscarried or I never existed. Maybe then she would have had the strength to resist Metalia!”

His father hugged him tighter and started to cry as he heard Terrance’s whispered wishes. He rocked Terrance gently and pleaded, “Don’t, please don’t. You can’t blame yourself. You weren’t even born then. If you need someone to blame then blame your mother and me. We were the ones who made the decisions that led to all this. Not you!” His father brokenly whispered, “It hurts me so much to hear you say it was your fault! Please believe me, it was never your fault!” Tears ran down King Endymion’s cheeks as he said, “I’m sorry, very sorry that what I chose hurt you and so many others.”

Terrance looked up at his father and said, “I know you didn’t mean to hurt me. I forgave you a long time ago.”

The King smiled at his son through his tears. “Thank you, he whispered. “Now please,” he implored. “Promise me you will never, ever blame yourself again for the things I did.”

Terrance finally saw the circumstances of his past clearly. Blaming himself was useless and it couldn’t change what happened. It would only tear him down and consume his life. Terrance knew he didn’t have to like what had happened in the past. He did have to accept it, move on from it and take any possible good produced in spite of it, with him. He took another look at his father’s tears and finally realized just how much his father needed him. Terrance was proof to the King that something good had still managed to come out of all the sorrow.

Terrance hugged his father. “I promise.”

~~~~~~~~

Elios and Serenity had gone back to their room and this time it was Serenity’s turn to hold and comfort Elios. In the protection of her arms he haltingly whispered to her about the fears he had when he was forced to leave home at the age of ten without his brothers or parents. He had to be strong for his frightened four-year-old sisters as the three of them went to a strange land with strange and intimidating Pegasuses. He spoke of the strict training they received and the difficulty of being so young and different from everyone else. As much as he could, he had shielded and cared for his sisters, and their need for him gave him a reason to keep going.

He then said that after they had been in Elysion a year, all the priests had hurriedly left. They said they’d be back, but as days then weeks went by, Elios realized no one would be returning. A few Pegasus refugees managed to find their way back to Elysion from the surface. Their horror stories answered most of Elios’ questions. When he heard that all of Earth’s Royalty was slaughtered by Beryl, he knew he and his sisters had no one on the surface to return to.

Elios had known his special mission was to pray, and to protect the Golden Crystal but his training hadn’t been completed. He read the ancient texts and tried his best to teach himself and his sisters. He also managed to keep the Shrine running.

Eventually, they made friends with the other Pegasuses. For more than a millennium Elysion remained hidden and safe. Elios had been accepted as the Shrine’s Priest and eventually other Pegasuses asked him to train them as priests too. His staff slowly grew and this was his life until Nephrenia attacked.

Serenity cried for the lonely little boy and two scared little girls. She asked, “Why did your parents allow you and your sisters to be taken?”

Elios explained, “The Priests needed someone who was comfortable working with surface humans for the special mission of the Golden Crystal. They searched both Elysion and the surface. When they found out that we were raised more as humans than as Pegasuses, and that we had experience from our father’s work as an ambassador, they decided one or more of us would meet their needs.”

He continued, “My parents at first refused. I don’t know what pressures the Priests used, but somehow over a period of time they got my parents to relent. My mother was pregnant at the time and I think they wore my parents down. The Priests chose me because I was the first born, and they chose my sisters because they needed Shrine Maidens.”

Elios whispered, “I remember my mother crying as we were flown away and my father’s sad eyes as he held her. I never saw my parents again. I don’t even know if I had new brothers or sisters.” Elios was exhausted and emotionally drained. Finally he fell asleep.

As Serenity held him, she thought about all he had said. She now had a better understanding of Elios’ insecurities and fierce protectiveness of her. She could see how his hard life had molded him into the man he was. She loved him even more as she realized, even when he was facing great fear, Elios was driven by his desire to do the right thing and care for others. Serenity also finally fell asleep.

~~~~~~~~

A few hours later, Elios woke up. His back was cold because they had forgotten to pull the covers up. Now he was awake and he didn’t want to lie there tossing and turning. He carefully got up then covered Serenity snugly with the blankets. Elios got dressed and left to walk in the gardens for a while.

The night air was cool and Elios welcomed the solitude. He wasn’t used to talking with others about his past. The quiet moonlight soothed his jumbled raw emotions. Elios stopped and sat on a bench and watched wispy clouds glide past the Moon. When he heard a noise, he reflexively turned to look down the trail.

A person crossed the path Elios was on and in the moonlight he could see it was Terrance. With a faint smile Elios realized Terrance probably couldn’t sleep either. Elios wished there was a way he could let Terrance know he didn’t hold what had happened against him.

After spending time together that afternoon and seeing Terrance with the four Pegasus brothers, Elios had a lot more respect and admiration for Terrance. Elios admitted to himself that the only thing Terrance had done to annoy him was that he had tried to protect Serenity. Elios thought it was ironic that if he had accepted Terrance’s protectiveness instead of circumventing it, their lives would be much easier right now.

Elios realized Terrance could be a loyal friend. Wishing he could find a way for them to start over, Elios thought for a moment. He smiled as a possible solution formed in his mind. Standing up from the bench, he resolutely headed in the direction he had seen Terrance go.

Elios found Terrance sitting on a bench in front of the fountain at the center of the gardens. He stepped out from the shadows of the path and Terrance looked up quickly. Elios smiled and hoped it conveyed his friendly intentions.

Terrance stared at Elios a moment then said, “Can’t sleep?” Elios shook his head no and sat on the fountain’s edge. Terrance sighed. “Me neither.”

Elios sat forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “You know Terrance,” Elios quietly said. “I’m not angry or upset at you about the past. We were both caught up in the tide of something much bigger than us and we both suffered because of it. I see us as more like war survivors. We survived to live this day and love. Each day we make good of our lives is another day we defeat what harmed us.”

Terrance looked up and smiled. Elios could see the brightness of unshed tears in Terrance’s eyes as he quietly said, “Thank you.”

Elios took a deep breath as he thought, [It’s now or never.] He opened his mouth and said, “Terrance, I was wondering, would you be willing to stand with me at the wedding and be my best man?”

Terrance looked up stunned and was sure he had heard wrong. “Best man?” he questioned.

Elios nodded his head yes. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to, but I’d really like you to. You can think about it if you want.”

Terrance sat quiet a moment then looked up and smiled at Elios. It was the first smile that had reached his eyes since dinner. “Sure,” he said, “I’d like to be your best man.”

Elios also smiled happily. “Thank you.”

The two men sat a few moments more and finally Elios said, “I’m starting to get tired so I’m going to head back. Are you heading back soon?”

Terrance stood and stretched then yawned. Elios caught the yawn and yawned in return. They both laughed and Terrance said, “Yes, I guess I am ready to head back.”

They turned to walk down the path to the palace. Terrance asked, “Besides standing up front during the wedding, what else does a best man do?”

Elios shrugged his shoulders. “I think we’re going to have to ask the Queen tomorrow. She’ll know. She knows everything.”

Terrance and Elios continued to chat as they headed back to their rooms. Before Elios fell asleep he decided he was very happy with how things had worked out.


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 Pegasuses - They\'re mine! ^_^ ) don\'t belong to me. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi. I just borrowed them for a little bit of fun.