Levana Ceri (Moon Love)

Author Note: I got carried away on this one. But here's what everyone's been begging me for...the next chapter. :P Hope you enjoy it as much as I had fun writting it. ^^

Chapter 26

Serena awoke on a pillow of clouds. She very slowly opened her eyes to realize she was lying in what had to be the softest bed she'd ever been in. She rose to her elbows slowly and the silk of the bedsheets rubbed against her legs soothingly. The bedroom was huge. Looking down at herself she realized she was wearing a long grey night gown, also made of silk. She lifted the material gingerly and lowered her feet to the thickly woven carpet. The nightgown brushed her ankles and her barefeet sank into the carpet. The room was opulant...everything about the room screamed comfort and riches. Serena walked to one of the windows and pulled back the curtains. Night and steel bars stared back at her. Serena quickly checked the other window and had the same results. Heart pounding Serena made her way to the door to find it locked firmly.

Where the hell was she?

She was about to explore the room a little more when the door suddenly swung open and in walked a young woman with shoulder length blonde hair walked in. She was wearing a brown sailor scout outfit with gold trimming and the gold bracelets that Galaxia's scouts were notoriously known for. Serena quickly backed away.

Leyla smiled. "It's all right Princess Serenity. If my Queen had wanted you dead, you wouldn't have awoken so comfotably now would you?"

"What do you want?" Serena asked.

Leyla shook her head in disbelief. "You must be the luckiest woman in this universe. Not even a day ago, My Queen's scouts were given a death order for you. Capture if possible, otherwise kill on sight. And we were only meant to capture you because my Queen wished for the pleasure of killing you very slowly herself. She can be quite inventive in that department."

Serena shivered at her words.

"Yet now...everything has changed. My queen is very pleased. A great welcoming celebration is being planned. And you are our honored guest."

Serena frowned in confusion. "I don't understand."

Leyla smiled at her gently. "You will. My Queen herself plans on explaining everything to you."

"Galaxia!" Serena said with fear clutching her heart.

"As I've said Princess Serenity. The Queen has chosen to spare your life...for now."

Leyla signaled for a servant girl to walk in with extra pillows and blankets. "It gets very cold here at night so I thought you could use the extra blankets." The red-head servant girl placed the blankets at the foot of the bed, bowed to Serena before leaving. Leyla walked forward and smiled. "I don't believe I've introduced myself. I'm Leyla. My Queen's most trusted scout."

"Most trusted? What does that mean? You've killed the most?"

"I'm not squeamish if that's what you mean." Leyla laughed. "My Queen requests your presence in her chambers."

"And if I refuse?"

"Perhaps it was a wrong choice of words. I meant My Queen DEMANDS your presence in her chambers."

"I need a change of clothes."

"Those will do."

"I can't just traipse around in a nightgown!" Serena hissed.

Leyla merely raised an eyebrow. "Your modestly should be the least of your concerns...don't you agree?"

Unfortunately Serena did. She nodded slowly and followed Leyla out of the room. Leyla guided her through long hallways to a main dinning hall where, as Leyla had said, a huge celebration was all ready being organized. All types of foods, decorations and music from the band were all ready being prepared. Leyla continued walking past all the chaos to the east wing of the opulant palace to a huge set of double set doors. The two doors opened with a flourish after Leyla did a subtle wave with her hand in their direction. She stepped to the side and urged Serena through.

Once Serena was in the room the doors slammed together behind her. She was in what appeared to be a large conference room. It was almost like an empty ballroom minus the dais and the two golden thrones. That's when she saw her.

Serena swallowed audibly when her eyes alighted on Galaxia. The rumors were true. Her armor was made of gold. She wore full plated armor that trailed into what looked like an old fashioned roman skirt. She wore golden thongs on her legs and a golden sword rested at her hip. Her headplate covered her hair completely but it only drew your focus to her sculpted face and bright brown eyes. Her signature golden bracelets decorated her wrists and gold hoops dangled from her ears.

Galaxia was extremely beautiful. The most beautiful woman Serena had ever seen besides her own mother. But where Queen Serenity projected peace and welcome...Galaxia's beauty was more the beauty of a deadly predator. Waiting to attack and maul.

"Princess Serenity. How good of you to grace us with your presence." Galaxia said politely. Only by the snap in her eyes could Serena tell she was irritated by having been kept waiting. "I would offer you a seat but as you can see my throne room is kept bare minus the essentials like my throne and a few choice weapons. With all the assasination attempts, I find I'm much more comfortable in an open area, where my would be assasins would have to face me squarely, instead of sneaking up on my unsuspecting back."

Leyla gave Serena a nudge from behind forcing her to step forward before Galaxia. Galaxia rose to her considerable height and stepped down from the dais to the ground floor with Serena. She inspected Serena from head to toe, and Serena could't help but feel she didn't live up to Galaxia's high expectations. Suddenly, Galaxia struck out and slapped Serena across the face, sending her sprawling to the ground.

Serena felt tears sting her eyes as she touched the blood on her lip, where her teeth had sliced into when Galaxia struck her. Galaxia knelt before Serena and snatched her hand away from her lip. "Royalty does not show weakness princess!" She hissed at her before hauling back to her feet. "A little slap and you're all ready bleeding all over my floor." With a curl to her lip Galaxia waved her hand and the blood on her floor immediately dissapeared, along with the cut to Serena's lip. "That slap was to pay you back for making me look all over this system for you." Galaxia walked back up the dais and took her seat at her throne. She examined her nails for a bit, letting the minutes tick by and Serena got more nervous by the second.

"Now I have a little problem. You see, its taking all of my willpower not to kill you as slowly as I had planned...once I got my hands on you of course." Galaxia laughed at her little joke. "But it seems that I owe you a debt princess. Considering the horrible reputation I have, I find myself willing to spare your life to repay said debt."

"Spare my life?" Serena asked cautiously.

Galaxia smiled at her. "Honor demands it don't you think?"

Serena stiffened. "Honor? You dare speak of honor after all the misery you've inflicted on everyone around you? On all the lives you've destroyed with no care?"

Galaxia lifted a finger to signal Serena to be silent. "Uh uh princess. Not without a care...but with a purpose. Once I can claim rule for all...then there will be no more wars. No more famine. No disease or idiotic politicians and corrupt people in power. I will bring order. Everyone will speak one language, embrace one culture...it will be paradise."

"The Silver Millenium my father created was paradise! He, with my mother at his side, brought peace to not only our system but the next two systems over. Differences were put aside as planets flocked to ally themselves with him...not for fear or for riches...but for peace. Unity. Everyone was if not happy, content! You ruined it all!!" Serena screamed.

Leyla hit Serena in the back of her head. Serena cried out in pain and fell to her knees when Leyla kicked her in the back of her knees swiftly. Her head was wrenched back painfully by her hair Leyla had tightly gripped in her fingers.

"Tsk, tsk princess. So melodramatic. You're father was weak. A stupid idealist that believed in those silly human ideas of compassion, friendship and loyalty."

"Those aren't just human ideas Galaxia."

Leyla knocked Serena in the back of the head. "That's Queen Galaxia to you!"

"Regardless princess. If I were you I wouldn't try to anger me. We will never understand eachother. A very small part of me is looking for whatever excuse I can think of to kill you. There's something you have that I want." With an elbow resting on the armrest of her throne and her chin leaning against its closed fist, with the oposite hand Galaxia twirled her fingers very slowly in a circular motion. Serena felt the Imperium Crystal pulse twice within her, then move in syncronization with Galaxia's fingers. The pain that engulfed her from that single act was excruciating. Serena gasped but refused to cry out. She refused to give Galaxia the satisfaction. Galaxia twirled her fingers towards herself very gently and Serena felt the crystal start digging outwards, towards Galaxia, through her ribcage. A vivid image of her dream, when Galaxia nearly succeded in taking the crystal from her went through her mind.

Princess...fight this. You have more control over the crystal than she does. Focus.

It hurts so badly...I can't focus.

Yes, you can princess. You must. She's not going to take it. She wants you alive right now, so she won't risk killing you. But she will make you feel pain if she thinks she can. Don't give in to the pain.

Hotaru?

Focus princess.

With the help of Saturns psychic powers, Serena was able to center herself enough to take control of the crystal. Whatever connection Galaxia had made with the crystal through her dream, Serena severed.

Galaxia raised her brows in surprise. She again tried to make the crystal move but the tie had all ready been broken. Galaxia merely grinned. "Don't get cocky princess. This just proves you're not completely useless as your father was."

Before Serena could respond the huge double doors banged open again. Serena began to turn but Leyla shoved her head to the ground and banged her head into the floor. Leyla immediately bowed beside her. Serena tried to roll her eyes up but all she could see were shiny boots passing her by.

"Endymion." Galaxia said with an astonishing amount of love lacing her tone. Serena was able to lift her gaze just enough to see Galaxia embrace the man warmly. Who is this? Nothing Serena had heard had mentioned anything about a lover.

"Leyla, allow the princess to gaze upon the sacred face of this and all the systems new reigning king."

Leyla released her grip and Serena raised her eyes to the man standing proudly beside Galaxia. Shock held her speechless.

Galaxia grinned. "What's the matter princess? Cat got your tongue?" Galaxia ran her hand down Darien's arm lovingly. "He is why I find myself in my current dilemna. After all...no matter what my plans were concerning you. How could I in good conscience, murder the woman who reunited me with my son."

"Your s-s-" Serena couldn't get the words out.

"Allow me to introduce to you your new King and Sovereign. King Endymion." Galaxia said proudly.

"It's not possible." Serena whispered staring into Darien's strange eyes. "Darien-"

"His name is Endymion!" Galaxia cut her off angrily. "Endymion was the name given to him when I birthed him. Darien is the name that Bitch of a whore from Earth gave him."

Serena couldn't understand why Darien seemed to be staring off into space. Almost as if he wasn't really there. But it was him, she was certain. She would know Darien anywhere. "Darien, snap out of it!"

With a shriek Galaxia threw her hand out and Serena was thrown back 15 feet until her body slammed into a nearby pillar. An ominous crack sounded throughout the room as Serena fell to the ground in a broken heap.

She was hurt. Serena knew she must be severely hurt...yet she felt no pain. She felt nothing. Galaxia sighed audibly. "Why did you make me lose my temper princess. Endymion...please bring the princess here."

"My Queen, there's a few things I'd like to discuss with you concerning a few of your sources on Earth within the Council." Leyla interjected while Darien left his mother's side. Galaxia growled. "What does that idiot Marcus want now."

"More power, more money-"

"More women." Galaxia finished for her. "I just need him for a few more days. Then I can be rid of that moron. Begin planning what accident will befall our dear Marcus Duval...and make it look like his trusted bodyguard Rufus did it."

Leyla smiled evilly. "Yes, My Queen."

Darien blurred his image and appeared by Serena's side at the other side of the room. Her eyes rolled up as far as she could get them to go. She smiled weakly at Darien's blank eyes. "Looks like I can't move."

Darien reached for her but snatched his hands back at the last moment. He continued to stare down at her blankly but Serena could swear that she could see glimmers of life within them. "Darien." She whispered to him. He blinked at her and a tear fell from his right eye...the only sign of emotion on his face. He reached for her again and this time he lifted her in his arms. Her head fell limp against his arm at an awkward angle. Darien immediately compensated for that and rested her head against his chest. Serena tried to move again but her body wouldn't respond to her. She couldn't even feel her body attached to her.

"That's far enough Endymion." Galaxia walked towards them and lifted Serena's limp hand and let it fall. "Nothing better than a broken doll are you princess? Its a shame you still don't have control over the crystal. Well...a shame for you, not for me. I truly believe the crystal is the only thing in this existence I fear. But you haven't completed the Levana Ceri...and from what I gather you never will."

"Leavana Ceri, My Queen?" Leyla asked.

"Oh, some silly tradition the people of the moon practice in. A mating of souls. The literal traslation would be Moon Love. In the case of our princess...she needs to become sexually active in order to awaken the full potential of the crystal."

"Sounds easy enough." Leyla responded with a knowing smirk.

"Yes, but the catch is she'd have to have sex with her mate, her soulmate if you will. If she gave her virginity to anyone besides her mate then even if she found him later...it wouldn't work. But if she mates with a man of earth...well...though she might not experience any gratification of her own it would at least activate her powers."

"so that's why she was hiding out there."

A sudden thought seemed to occur to Galaxia. She quickly ran her hand an inch over Serena's lower abdomen and upper thighs. After a tense moment Galaxia appeared to relax. "She's still a virgin. For a second there I thought I was being tricked."

Galaxia caressed Serena's hair. "How sad to die a virgin. Perhaps I can remedy that for you. And in the process I can give my son what he's desperately wanted but that you've teasinly denied him for so long."

"What are you talking about?" Serena asked.

"Don't play coy. Did you believe that I wouldn't read my sons memory to see what his life has been like? The King of Earth was a useless toad of a man, unworthy of my son."

"He loves his mother." Serena said.

"His mother is me! That Kings whore was never his mother!"

"He loves her just the same." Serena said softly.

Galaxia lifted her chin. He didn't know of me. I forgive him."

"He still doesn't know of you. He's not willingly by your side. I see the emptiness in his eyes. He's not here with you. Not really."

"He's been separated from me for over 25 years! I went through his mind and realized he would forever fight against me. He's been brainwashed by that bitch!"

"No, he's been brainwashed by you. His mother taught him honor, loyalty, compassion-"

"Nothing but human weaknesses!"

"What you perceive as weakness is a strength to everyone else. He's well loved and respected on his world. He's a strong man."

"His loyalty does not lie with me. I'm not such an idiot that I would keep him by my side when I'm not sure which side he truly is on. Until I can be sure, I will be positive his loyalty is with me."

"So you just take away his free will?"

"Endymion can still see what's going on around him. He can hear and understand. But his true personality is buried deep beneath the diamond Leyla placed in his forehead. She knew immediately he was my son when he broke through my shield. No one, lest they have a drop of my blood in their veins can destroy my shield."

"What kind of hell are you condemning him to? He can see, hear and understand but can't do anything about it?"

"You haven't given him much free will either. You kept secrets from him while claiming to love him. You put him in a position of extreme vulnerability with no thought of his own welfare. You didn't put your faith in him."

"You're right." Serena agreed to Galaxia's surprise. "I took his choices away just as much as you have."

"With me controlling him he has no reason to feel guilt or remorse. Everything he does will be out of his control. Once he's desensitized to such tender feelings like guilt, remorse and mercy...then he can truly understand what I'm trying to do. Only then will I release him. Because only then will he make the right choice. He is my son...my blood runs through his veins. He belongs to me."

Serena remained quiet as Galaxia told her all this. Serena could see that Galaxia truly believed she was doing what was best for her son. But at the same time..her possesive and selfish streak were blazing through.

"On to things I can do for him. You've denied him the one thing he's truly wanted from you. And that was your love and trust. Since you wouldn't give him that, then I will gift him with the next best thing...your body."

"What?" Serena asked in horror.

"I have no reason to worry about the Levana Ceri ritual taking effect. He's neither from the Moon or Earth...he's from my planet Galaxian. No speck of Earth or Moon blood is in our genes. He can have you and I won't risk him awakening your powers. Endymion is not your mate. Nor could he have been ever."

The deep denial Serena wanted to instantly cry out, caught in her throat. She knew...she KNEW Darien was her mate. Just by being in his proximity her powers were beginning to manifest themselves. And how she felt around him...even now, with him so distant from her, just being tucked in his arms the way she was brought her a sense of comfort she never felt before.

But Galaxia wouldn't risk her having sex with Darien if she thought there was even the remotest possibility he could be her mate. Galaxia was so sure...

"Endymion." Galaxia cupped Darien's cheek and smiled gently at him before she dropped said hand to the top of Serena's paralyzed head. "This will be my first of many gifts to you. Though it looks as if I may have broken her spine in my anger-"

Serena's eyes widened.

"-You really don't need her to move to appreciate her. Take her to your chambers and do what you wish with her. But I do ask one thing."

"Yes, My Queen?" Darien asked her with no emotion or eye contact.

"Kill her when you're done with her."

Serena gasped and Darien's fingers tightened slightly around her thighs and back where he was holding her. Galaxia glanced down at Serena's shocked eyes. "I spared your life for returning my son to me. But I said nothing of Endymion killing you."

"Why make him do this. If as you say he can still see and understand everything that is happening...no matter how angry he is with me, he'll never forgive you for this. He will hate you."

"Good. I want his anger. In the name of anger its amazing what even the nobilist of people are capable of. Even though I control him...he still is my son after all. He has my strength. He fights me even now. I can hear him screaming at me to stop. To release him, to spare you. His love for you is very powerful princess. And because of it, he still fights me. But if I take you out of the equation-"

"You're making him kill me!" Serena managed to shout.

Galaxia smiled down at her. "Exactly. If he kills the one thing he truly loves...your death will help me as nothing else can...in breaking him. Endymion," Galaxia continued to him. "When you're done bring the Silver Imperium Crystal to me."

"Yes, mother."

Galaxia turned away and Darien bowed deeply, still holding an immobile Serena in his arms before leaving the room. Serena's tears fell as she was carried to his chambers. When his door shut behind them with a solid thunk Serena's speechlessness fled. "Darien, please don't do this. Don't let her do this to you. Fight this!!"

Darien dropped her onto his bed and proceeded to take off his clothes. He didn't even look at her. He was acting like a puppet. Serena wanted to scream in frustration that she couldn't move. Couldn't reach out to him.

Focus princess...

Hotaru's voice whispered through her mind and a slow burn followed its path. Serena sensed a subtle power within it. Suddenly she could feel Mina and Kunzite's voices in her mind.

Serena! I can't feel anything from you. What's wrong? Mina asked.

Master, I can barely sense his presence but I feel his powers right beside you. What's going on? Kunzite asked in concern.

Galaxia's controlling him. He's trying to fight it but I don't think he can.

Serena...why can't you move? Mina asked urgently.

Galaxia threw me against a wall...my spine is broken. I can't move.

The sudden silence from the both of them terrified her. Darien, now without his cape, armor and shirt began unlacing his boots.

Serena cried out and reached out to both of them. I'm running out of time here! I need help fast or Darien is going to rape me.

Serena, Mina whispered to her. Kunzite is going to help me, I can transfer my healing powers to you for a short while. But you know they're sexually based. Your injuries are severe, you'll need to have intercourse to heal.

So I have to let Darien rape me? Serena asked in shock.

I'm sorry princess, Kunzite told her solemly. But he would have done so anyway. At least this way you'll be able to defend yourself when he's through.

The defeat evident in Kunzite's voice, the one who would fight for Darien no matter how bleak the situation, told her as nothing else could how dire her situation was. Lost in her thoughts, Serena was surprised when she suddenly felt the added weight of Darien on top of her. Looking down she realized while she had been distracted by Kunzite, Mina and Hotaru she was sure, Darien had removed all his clothing.

Serena looked into his eyes, looking for some sign of him, but all that looked down at her were unfocused dead eyes. "Darien...Darien listen to me. You dont want to do this. I know you wouldn't want to do this...well maybe you do want to do this because I know a part of me does want to do this with you but we can't do it like this because you'll never forgive yourself and I don't want us to do this if you're not yourself and you'll probably hurt me pretty badly and-" Serena froze her terrified rambling when she felt Darien's hand cup her cheek. Startled Serena looked into his eyes again and saw a flicker of something in their depths. Darien's thumb stroked her cheek tenderly for a heartbeat, and his body went still.

"Darien?" Serena whispered to him. Hope making her voice crack as tears clogged her throat. "Darien...I love you so much...please, fight this. I can't stop you. I'm hurt. I need you to help me." Tears streamed down Serena face as she tried desperately to reach out to him. Darien's fingers smoothed over Serena's lips very slowly and she kissed his fingers gently. Darien stilled, her tiny kisses like butterfly wings still fluttering over his fingertips. Staring blankly, his hand moved and he touched her wet streaked face. As soon as his fingers came into contact with her tears Serena felt the crystal not pulse within her...but sing. A tiny twinkling melody that began on a dream and seemd to never end. The notes resonated through her and her tears glowed to a sparkling silver.

Darien's eyes focused on the color and seemed captivated by them. The wetness that still lingered on his fingertips began to glow as well and the melody reached out to him. Darien groaned suddenly and gasped in pain. His other hand grabbed his wrist and a scowl twisted his face. He tightened his hold on his wrist, almost as if he was trying to stop something from spreading within him. Serena looked at his fingers and realized that her tears were literally melting into his hand. They emanated a soft glow that Serena could see through his skin. Darien tried to stop them but they passed his fist wrapped around his wrist and traveled up his broad arm. He slapped at the glow but to no avail. It sank into his chest and Serena felt the melody within her suddenly reach crecendo and she was arched into the air by the force of it. The soft glow centered into Darien's chest and surrounded his heart. Darien opened his mouth in agony and tried to scream but no sound came out. He clutched his chest as sweat beaded his brow and his breathig turned ragged.

The notes within Serena became a healling chant and in seconds Serena was able to feel movement in her body.

Run. Run princess. Hotaru's voice echoed in her head and Serena very nearly jumped off the bed to flee. Serena hesitated as she swung her feet to the side of the bed. Biting her lip, Serena clenched her fists in the covers as Hotaru screamed in her head for her to run. Serena refused to budge...something was wrong.

Princess Serenity. Serena could barely hear the voice beneath Hotaru's screams. The voice was calm and peaceful...that was the voice she wanted to listen to. That she needed to listen to, not to the hysterical screams of Hotaru telling her to run as quickly as she could.

Princess...

"Saturn?" Serena whispered, her temples all ready throbbing in pain from the screams.

Princess...Galaxia knows of Hotaru's connection with you. She's using it against you.

"Galaxia knows somethings wrong?" Serena asked, fear gripping her.

No princess. Galaxia suspects nothing. She believes her hold on Prince Darien is secure. He is her son after all.

"Saturn...how do you know that?" Serena asked finding it hard to concentrate on Saturns voice as the Fake Hotaru's screams grew louder and more piercing in her head.

Focus princess. Hear my voice alone. Galaxia has some kind of fail safe on the Prince. It is there, on the off chance anything were to threaten her hold on him, that you would run to her immediately. She knows the only thing that may threaten her connection with Darien is you. If you run...you will run to her. And she will kill you. Without you the Prince is lost to us.

"Darien." Serena forced herself to look back at Darien on the bed, despite the everything in her telling her not to turn around and to just run.

Darien was writhing on the bed behind her, the soft glow now enveloping his whole body. His mouth was gaping open in a silent scream as his hands were literally attacking his body wherever the glow was. He scratched and clawed at his flesh, ripping into it, trying to remove the offensive glow.

"Darien stop!" Serena cried, horrified at the damage he was inflicting on himself. He was bleeding everywhere and his body kept trembling. Serena grabbed at his wrists and tried to restrain him. Suddenly his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he burst into covulsions.

"Darien! Oh my God! Saturn! Tell me what to do! I don't know what to do!" Serena yelled. The glow had come from within her...if the glow came within her she should be able to control it. Serena released Darien and knelt beside him on the bed. She pressed her hands against her chest where the crystal lay nestled within. She closed her eyes and prayed.

"C'mon...work. Work please...stop. Stop hurting him...stop killing him." The soft glow that eveloped his body suddenly sprung into the air and slammed back into Serena's chest. She flew backward and slammed into the headboard. Darien was immediately on top of her, pinning her wrists and growling down at her.

Serena was so relieved to see him moving that she didn't care that he was being rough with her. That he was tearing at her clothes, all ready trying to complete Galaxia's bidding for him. Serena relaxed beneath him and he paused above her. Serena moved her wrist, asking him to release her. When he slowly did Serena reached up and stroked his cheek. She leaned up on her elbows and kissed him. Darien didn't respond but Serena didn't care. She was so happy that he was ok. She rained kisses all over his face when he suddenly slammed her into the bed. Serena smiled up at him sadly her eyes shimmering with emotion.

"Darien...its ok. I love you." Darien's hand ripped the front of her dress open from chest to naval. Serena gasped before she said quietly. "Don't blame yourself when this is all over. It's not rape...not if I let you."

Serena closed her eyes and forced her body to relax.

She wasn't fighting anymore.

Darien roared inside of his body. What the hell was she doing? Why did she stop fighting! Didn't she realize he was going to kill her! He was going to kill her when he was through with her and she was letting him!? Darien fought savagely against the fog that was engulfing him. He needed to get control of his body back. He needed to stop himself before he hurt her. Darien violently focused all the energy he had on the fog and slowly...very slowly...pushed it back.

Serena felt Darien trembling violently above her. She opened her eyes and watched in confusion as sweat engulfed him again and he closed his eyes and clenched his teeth. He was whimpering softly under his breath when he fell against her. The trembling grew worse as shudders wracked his body. Serena wrapped her arms around him and tried to offer him what comfort she could. Darien slowly moved up her body until his mouth was beside her ear. Serena's eyes widened in shock when she heard him speak to her.

"Kill me." Darien groaned against her.

Serena shook her head and held on to him tighter. One of Darien's hands wrapped around her thigh and squeezed viciously. Serena cried out in pain and he pushed her thigh aside so he could nestle himself between her legs. Now all that stood between them was what remained of her tattered dress. Darien's erection pushed against her and Serena bit her lip as she felt his tip enter her through the thin dress.

"Kill me, baby." Darien begged her. "I can't fight this for much longer. I don't want to hurt you. Please kill me. I'll make it as easy for you as I can."

"No...I won't lose you!" Serena said and held him to her chest tighter.

"I'm all ready lost. Serena...please."

Serena cried against his neck but refused to budge. "Don't give up."

"I can't..." Darien shuddered against her and thrust his hips into her. He didn't go in any further because as he thrust, his hands quickly grabbed her hips and lifted her away. "I can't..." His voice was growing weaker and his hands were becoming rougher.

He was losing the battle.

Anger churned within her and she punched him in the shoulder. Surprise imobilized him as he stared at the beautifully pissed off woman beneath him. "Darien you shit head! If you don't fight this with everything you got I swear to god I'm going to KICK YOUR ASS!!"

Darien smiled. "Yes ma'am."

Serena slapped her hands against his chest and thrust what little powers she had access to into his chest. Darien cried out and sat back on his haunches. Her powers and his own raced through his system and the agony of it was excruciating. Darien felt both their spike into his brain with the power of a freight train. He clutched his head in torment and passed out.

Serena scrambled to her knees and leaned over him. "Darien?" He didn't respond...and he wasn't breathing. "Darien!" Serena quickly began administering CPR while muttering curses at him. "Damn you...don't you die on me!"

Serena administered CPR for what seemed like hours before exhaustion forced her to stop. She fell against his chest and weeped. There was no heartbeat.

Serena nearly jumped out of her skin in terror when Dariens arms clamped around her. His heartbeat thudded against her ear in a powerful rhythm and relief engulfed her. "Darien!" Serena wrapped her arms around him and squeezed for all she was worth in joy. Darien gapsed for breath. "I just came back from the dead..are you in such a hurry to send me back? I can't breathe." Serena immediately let him go and Darien coughed as air rushed back into his lungs. "Are you ok?"

Darien moved around a bit, testing his body before he grinned at her. "Never felt better."

Serena smile dazzled him as she leaned down and kissed him passionately. She nipped at his lower lip until he opened his mouth and she thrust her tongue into his mouth. Darien groaned and wrapped his arms around her again. Serena eagerly crawled atop his naked body on the bed and straddled his waist without breaking their deep kiss. Darien ran his hands up and down her back, from her shoulders to her bottom, and squeezed. Serena moaned and deepened their kiss as she wiggled in his arms. Darien brought one hand back up and around to the front, where he dipped his hand into the ripped gown and cupped her breast in his hand. Serena gasped and Darien took advantage and thrust his tongue into her waiting mouth. Serena suckled his tongue against the roof of her mouth and plunged her hand into his thick tawny black hair. Darien tweaked her nipple and rolled it between his fingertips. To his shock Serena broke the kiss and sat up. Darien tried to push her back down so they could continue their kiss. Serena shook her head and a blush flowed from beneath her breast to her face. Darien smiled gently at her and tenderly stroked her cheek with the back of his knuckles. Serena grabbed his hand and left a trail of open mouth, needy kisses on the back.

"I love you, Serena. I've never felt this way about anyone before."

Serena smiled before gently scraping her teeth over his knuckles. "I know." Serena locked her eyes with his and very slowly reached up and removed the tattered remains of her gown from her chest. Her small perky breasts were pale white and the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Serena was still blushing hotly but refused to hide from him. Darien swallowed audibly and reached up to cup her breasts with both hands. Serena threw her head back and purred. Darien smoothed his hands over and around her breasts, completely ignoring her nipples when he suddenly sat up beneath her and and licked the underside of her breast. Serena gasped and leaned back, her hands bracing the bed to give him better access.

Darien's tongue trailed the underside of her breast to the valley between and left a damp trail in his wake. He circled his tongue around one of her aerolas lazily until Serena thought she was going to scream. Very lightly , he flicked his tongue over her pert nipple, then clamped his mouth around it. Serena cried out as the soft, easy suction of his mouth became harder and harder...almost as if he was trying to bring her whole breast into his mouth. Darien's thumb worked her clit through her gown and Serena tried very hard to remember to breathe. Serena ground herself into his thumb and inadvertantly into his erection that lay between them. Darien turned his attention to her other breast and very gently bit the nipple as his thumb and forefinger pinched her clit. Serena screamed in pleasure as her orgasm tore through her. She shuddered violently in his arms, but his thumb never stopped moving and neither did his mouth. To her surprise another orgasm, not as violent but just as good, claimed her. Darien's hand refused to stop moving and but the pleasure was becoming too intense for her. She tried to wrestle his hand away from between her legs but Darien merely laughed and continued to devote his attentions there. Serena's hands cupped both of his cheeks and forced him away from her breasts. She kissed him deeply and moaned again as Darien worked her to another orgasm but this one was more gentle...so slow in coming it caught her completely by surprise to Darien's delight.

When she finally finished quivering against him Darien kissed her neck, the hollow at the base of her throat and then laid a very light peck on the tip of a hard but sore nipple. Serena pushed on his shoulders until he was lying fully across the bed. Darien stared at her, curious what she was upto when Serena bit her lip, and blushes consuming her again, lifted the remains of her dress up and over her head. Bare before his appreciative gaze Serena raised herself up slightly on her knees, and reaching between her legs she grasped him in her hands.

Darien's breath hissed out his teeth as Serena stroked him from base to tip then used her thumb to circle the mushroom head. Darien was so lost in pleasure that he nearly didn't notice when Serena very gingerly placed the tip against her open and pressed her body down on top of it. Darien grabbed her hips to stop her. "Serena...we don't have to go all the way."

"Why? Its not fair to you that you never get anything out of our times together." Serena said shyly.

Darien brushed her long pigtail to the back and gently wrapped his hand around her throat. He stroked her neck and Serena arched back and away from him involuntarily. "Just seeing you break apart in my arms is pleasure enough. Knowing I'm the only one to have ever brought you pleasure like that is enough...loving you is enough. We don't have to do anything you're not ready to do. Galaxia, crystal, war or not...we can wait if you need time."

Serena nearly cried at how pefect he was being. "Besides," Darien continued with a rueful grin. "I don't know if now's the right time for us to be doing this. Galaxia is waiting."

"Exactly." Serena said before she sat herself fully onto his erection making Darien's head snap back in pleasure and shock, as he was engulfed in her sweet hot depths. "She'll wait for you to take your prize...So take me." Serena said as she began to ride him slowly. Darien grabbed her hips and gently showed her the rhythm, as he thrust shallowly against her. All the foreplay they had done...all the orgasms he had given her, had made her deflowering very easy. She had only felt a slight pinch of discomfort that was quickly washed away in the knowledge that she was finally one with Darien. She finally belonged solely to him, and he to her.

Serena clenched her inner muscles around him and darien groaned deeply. "I didn't teach you that." He complained in sweet agony. Serena smiled before she clenched around him again. "I'm a virgin Darien, not naive."

"Correction dear princess. You WERE a virgin." Unable to take the torture Darien thrust himself fully inside of her, allowing her to take all of him. Serena sucked in a sharp breath at the feeling of fullness within her, then panted when his thrusts grew shorter and faster. Darien rolled her beneath him on the bed and moved faster and deeper within her. Serena moaned and cried out in pleasure as Darien grunted and groaned. Serena felt a throb growing within her and thrashed her head from side to side, begging Darien to finish. He only laughed against her and thrust himself harder and even faster in her. Serena wrapped her arms around his shoulders and sank her teeth into the tender flesh where his neck meets his shoulder. Shouting in extacy Darien released himself within her and Serena quickly followed, milking him until he was bone dry.

Darien kissed her temple gently, then kissed lips. Serena playfully flicked her tongue against his lips and Darien chuckled. He rolled off of her but Serena quickly rolled over too, and snuggled herself against his chest. Darien wrapped one arm around her and held her close. For a moment...one precious moment...Darien enjoyed the feel of Serena in his arms. The feeling of happiness, peace and love he had when he was with her...especially after having made love to her for the first time, was a moment he wanted to treasure forever. A moment he wanted to be with him throughout eternity.

Prince Darien...it is time.

Darien sighed and hugged Serena close to him again before he closed his eyes. Serena was surprised when clothes instantly appeared on both their bodies. She was wearing a long black skirt with golden trim and a lacy black top. She wore black sandles with tiny golden chains hanging from the tiny thongs. Darien wore a black designer suit with a white button down shirt, bow tie with red collar and matching long black cape with red lining.

Serena giggled when she saw his outfit. "What's so funny?" Darien asked with a forced smile. "Nothing, just that all you need to complete the outfit is a top hat and a cane." Serena laughed but her laughter abruptly died when two golden bracelets appeared on Darien's wrists. Darien studied them, turning one wrist this way and that before lowering his arm and looking at Serena. "It's time for you to go."

"Darien, what's going on?" Serena asked him, but when she took a step forward to approach him he stepped back. "Galaxia is coming. I can sense her." Darien raised his head and cocked his head to the side. "Mother's pissed." He said, more to himself than to her. Darien lowered his head and told Serena again more firmly. "It's time for you to go princess."

Darien lifted his hand, splayed outward to the right and a billow of smoke flowed from his palm and formed a shadowy portal in the room. Sailor Saturn stepped through the portal with Sailor Pluto following close behind. "Hotaru? Trista? What are you two doing here?"

Both Pluto and Saturn bowed deeply to Darien before turning their attention to Serena. "We've come for you princess. You must leave here before Galaxia realizes I've placed her in a time paradox." Pluto answered.

"Why are you outside your time realm Trista? Galaxia will use your absence to steal time and use it to her whim!" Serena cried.

"It's all ready too late princess. As of one hour ago Galaxia was able to beat me back and she has taken control of my realm."

"Her obsession with time was for her to have the power to reverse it, so she could stop the prince's father from stealing her only child. But now that she has been reunited with her son she has no need of it for now. The warrior in her won't simply use time to defeat us. She wants to do it hands on." Saturn informed Serena.

"We don't have time for this. Take her now, leave this place and never return." Darien growled out.

"No Darien! Come with us! We can go back to my mother's kingdom and be safe. I've unlocked my powers. I just need my mother to show me how to use them properly and we'll be free."

"I'll never be free Serena." Darien told her quietly.

"What are you talking about."

"I feel her anger princess, we must leave now, quickly." Pluto moved to grab Serena but she raised her hand and froze both Pluto and Saturn in mid-air. "I'm not leaving Darien." Serena told them both coldly. She turned her eyes back to Darien. "Come with us Darien, or I'll force you." Serena raised her other hand and Darien felt her power wrap around him like a vice. With her powers holding them all Serena walked towards the shadowy portal she assumed led home.

Darien used his own powers to snap hers away from him. Serena gasped in pain and held her hand gently. It burned and throbbed. Darien scowled, walked over to her, grabbed her wrist and blew his warm breath against her stinging palm. The pain instantly vanished.

"Darien...why won't you come?" Serena asked him again.

"I told you I can't."

"Explain to me why?"

"There's no time! Galaxia will be here in a few seconds and she'll kill not only you but pluto and saturn as well."

"The sooner you tell me why the sooner I'll leave." Serena told him stubbornly. Just at that moment something heavy slammed into the double doors of Darien's room and he heard Galaxia scream in rage when they didn't open immediately. Darien was grateful he was enough of Galaxia's son to stall her for a bit.

"Times up, Serena." Darien gave her one final passionate kiss before he snapped both his arms out and shoved Serena, Pluto and Saturn threw the portal on a billow of smoke. Once they were safely through the portal Darien snapped his fingers and the portal dissapeared. But not before he heard Serena calling his name on a cry of anguish.

Galaxia burst through the doors and used her powers to slam Darien flat into the ground. "What have you done Endymion?!"

"My name is Darien mommy dearest." Darien retorted back. Galaxia shrieked with rage and raised her hand causing Darien to fly from the ground, up into the ceiling. Not satisfied Galaxia lowered her hand and slammed him back into the ground.

Tasting blood in his mouth Darien spit it out, right at Galaxia's golden shoe. Galaxia used said shoe to kick him viciously in the ribs. Darien felt them crack from the force and said ruefully. "Guess the reunion is over huh mommy dearest?" Galaxia fisted her hand into his hair and yanked him to his knees. "You not only let them escape but you awoke the bitches powers!"

"Guess your plan backfired mommy." He told her mockingly.

Galaxia backhanded him across the face. "If you weren't my son..."

"Don't let that bother you. Kill me Galaxia. Put us both out of our misery. You're ashamed to have such a miserable, emotional, human wanabe for a son. And I'm disgusted to have a bloodthirsty bitch like you be the cow that bore me." Darien barked at her.

"Anger is good Endymion. Your anger I can use." Galaxia placed her hand against Darien's forehead and twisted the diamond within painfully. Darien screamed in agony. Galaxia flipped through his memories effortlessly but made sure to cause Darien as much pain as possible in the process. He would learn to respect, love and obey her...one way or the other.

Galaxia suddenly released him and burst into laughter. Darien pushed aside his agony and glared at his mother. "What's so funny?"

Galaxia laughed uproariously when she realized Darien truly didn't know. "Did you really think you could save her? That you would just sacrifice yourself and she'd be fine? You truly do underestimate me son." Galaxia made the diamond in Darien's head twinge, just enough to get his attention. "Don't forget, I hold not only your life, but your soul in my hand. Do not cross me Endymion. If I take possesion of your soul there will be no afterlife for you."

"You'd do that to your own son?" Darien asked mockingly.

"You know me well. I wouldn't do that to my son."

"Then what are you threatening me with? Take my life, take my soul, I don't care. As long as I'm not damned for an eternity knowing I share the blood of a murderer."

"Conqueror Endymion. You have the blood of a conqueror as well. But that's not the issue. I do believe I've finally found the way to make you heel...since I can no longer brainwash you. Damn that silver crystal. When it belongs to me then I won't have to worry about it anymore."

"Please tell us what you can do to bring me to heel? The audience awaits in rapt attention." Darien told her sarcastically.

"You fucked the whore did you not?" Galaxia asked smugly.

Darien nearly foamed at the mouth. "Don't you dare call her a whore!" He roared.

Galaxia smirked. "I'll take that as a yes. And since you are your father's son, you cummed inside of her. Well, then I guess I should tell you a little secret. I no only brainwashed you, I implanted a few of my special power seeds inside your body."

Darien froze and stared at her. "What did you do?"

"I made sure that you would obey me Endymion. You may not care for your own life anymore but I know how deeply you care for the Shitenou, the innocent people all around and especially hers. If she were to die...then everything would end with her. All hope, all fighting spirit...it would all be gone. With the death of one girl...I can destroy all defiance against me."

"What did you do!" Darien yelled.

"I didn't do it Endymion. You did. When you comed inside her you implanted her with a few of my seeds. Now not only do I hold your life and soul in my hand, I now hold hers. Your life is tied to hers. If you tried to sacrifice yourself or provoke me too badly...she'll die instantly with you. Isn't that romantic?"

Darien struggled to breathe as horror engulfed him. He couldn't even give himself the peace of taking his own life. If he dies then Serena would die with him. He could never do it. Worse yet, without Serena Galaxia would have no one who could stand against her. "Then why not kill me now? Then you'd end the Silver Millenium in one swoop."

"Unfortunately it doesn't work the other way around. Though I highly doubt I would kill you since you are my only true child...my only son...you are EXTREMLY adept at provoking me. I could make a mistake in anger. So Endymion. It's up to you. Are you going to make me kill you? Or are you going to do as I say...like a good boy?"

Darien swallowed his pride and walked slowly over to Galaxia. He knelt before her and bowed his head. "My Queen need only ask...and I obey." He uttered the oath that would tie him to Galaxia irrevokably. The golden bracelets melted into his wrists and he felt Galaxia inside of him as never before.

Serena...forgive me.