I Don't Have A Title Yet

Six

1

Usagi should have known this week was going to be a bad one. After what happened on Sunday and that disastrous meeting when Luna went after Lita, Usagi should have known to just stayed in her room for the week and let the thing pass. Lita did not like Luna and vice versa. Luna tried her standard authoritarian method with Usa’s cousin. Lita really disliked the cat, but that just put her over the line to hate.

Monday was just as bad as Sunday. But it concerned Hotaru, Darien, and Mina. Usagi removed Darien from the equation but somehow Sam was dragged into it. (Sam had went out with Mina a couple times before he and Hotaru started dating. Mina claimed that Hotaru had stolen her boyfriend and she wanted him back.)

Tuesday, there was a battle. Usa and Ami were hurt, Frankie and Lita wanted to take them to the hospital, but the question of secret identities came up. Lita warned them this was the last time for that stupid little rule.

Wednesday, Josh and Jiro were at K O University Library when they had fight off a group of mutated creatures. The group and their enemy had a shock as Josh and Jiro joined the battle as two armored warriors and to their surprise, they were protecting Darien. Which led to another reason Usagi wanted to hole up her room for the rest of the week? The three male warriors did not have gaping holes in their memories like Luna and the Senshi. Ami had been right when she had told them that Frankie been evasive when they first questioned him about who it was his served. Frankie, Josh, and Jiro were three of the four Royal Terran Guardians who protected the Crown Prince of Terra (Earth)/the Golden Kingdom, Prince Endymion.

Usa guessed at the identity of their lord before the three revealed who their Prince was. It was the first time she had ever turned away from Darien. It was her worst fear come to life.

Thursday. A war was brewing within their ranks. Luna (that little instigator) was once again trying to cause trouble between the Senshi and the Terran Guards. That cat was adamant in her belief the girls did not need any help from outside sources. For once, Usagi had to give Luna her due. When that cat wanted something, she would not stop until she had it. But her stubbornness was not helping them.

Usa was still reeling from the after shocks of finding out the truth about Darien. You see, Darien had not only been the Prince of the entire planet in his past life, he was the lover the girls’ Princess as well as her soul mate. Luna had managed to make Usagi feel guilty by insinuating that the girl had betrayed their princess and so forth. Darien stood by his original decision. He wanted Usagi and was going to stay with her. The question was placed before Usa. The conflicted girl was torn by her duty to the unknown, man stealing Princess and her love for Darien. Somehow it turned into a huge fight with Darien’s Guards who put his feelings first and the Senshi and their oath to their Princess. Usagi left them to sort out their problems as she went home to sort out her own emotions.

Friday wasn’t great either, but it was getting better. Darien was adamant. He refused to give up on her and he would not let her give up on them. Her friends, despite of had happened with the Generals (as the guys chose to call themselves,) they told her not to give up on her love.

Usa was showered by Darien’s many displays of affection. Every hour that day, she received a bouquet of roses. Their special song was played on the two radio stations he owned and a heart felt declaration of his love and list of her many virtues appeared in his newspaper and both ran all day on a ticker of his cable news channels for all of Japan to see.

He called her that night and asked if she wanted to go to the movies on Saturday. Luna ordered her to say no, Lita tossed the cat outside, she closed her cousin’s bedroom door after she encouraged Usa to say yes.

Luna snuck back in and admonished the girl for once again betraying their Princess. That cat told Usa that Darien did not have his full memories and could not be in love with Usagi. She went on to claim that once Darien had seen the Princess, his memories of his life as Prince Endymion would return to him and he would return to his true love, the Moon Princess.

Once she was sure she had suitable crushed Usagi’s hopes of ever having a future with Darien; The obnoxious feline stretched out on the girl’s bed for a peaceful night’s rest. Before that, the evil creature had the audacity to wish Usa a good night.

Heart sick, Usagi ran for her room and into Lita’s. Her cousin held her as the blonde child cried helplessly into her arms. Lita did not release her until Usa had fallen asleep. It broke Lita’s heart to see her cousin suffering, but she could do nothing to end Usa’s suffering. Everything hinged on the Moon Princess.

Saturday rolled around. Usagi had made her decision. She loved Darien; she loved him with all her heart and soul. She would love him for the rest of her life. She was also bound to the Princess by her oath and her destiny. Usagi knew she could not have both. Luna could have been right about Darien leaving her for the Princess one day. She would have lived with that. But there was also the other scenario. The one were Darien chose to stay with her and she breaks her oath to her Princess. Usagi knew she could not do that. Therefore she decided to end her relationship with Darien. Be first, she wanted one more day with him, while he still loved her. Only her. She would enjoy this last day with him.

It was Saturday afternoon, two hours since she had left school. She had been on her way to the arcade to meet Darien when she ran into Molly and Umino. They were on their way to the Fruit Parlor, since she was going in that direction, Usa opted to tag along with them. Umino had been the one who suggested they take a short cut through the blasted park and like a fool, she agreed.

What the heck had she been thinking?

She hadn’t been thinking. That had been her problem.

Her mind was preoccupied by the pain of this decision so Usagi was forced to play helpless bystander in this little drama. She was running about and shrieking as each situation demanded since Molly refused to let go of her hand long enough for Usa to make her escape and transform.

The new freak in charge was a real madman who seemed to live by the motto ‘more was best’. He had come with ten mutated pets and a lot of bad attitude.

Molly screamed in Usa’s ear. The petite blonde shoved her friend aside as a mutated beetle with blades for arms swung two down at them. Usa rolled out of the way and kicked out at the creature’s feet from beneath it.

“Aro Ryo Tan San!” Mars hurtled a charm at the creature’s back.

The thing screamed in agony as the spell penetrated its armored shell. Usa pushed herself to her knees only to be kicked down. A booted foot was planted on her neck.

Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Kamen froze in place.

Zoycite held his sword over Usa’s heart. “One more step, Sailor Senshi, and this innocent dies.”

Usa grunted painfully as she tried to push the foot of her throat.

“Kill—him!” She gasped. “Kill…”

Zoycite applied more pressure, Usa squealed helplessly.

“Get off her!” Umino screamed at him.

“Help her!” Molly screamed in terror, her eyes pleading.

Usa pounded on the freak’s leg, he laughed at her pitiful efforts as he taunted the four warriors. “Yes, please kill me and this child will die as well.” His laughter became more manic. “Come on, you proud warriors of Silver Millennium, bound by your scared duty to protect all innocent lives…”

Kamen growled menacingly at the dark warrior. He could feel Usa’s fear and panic, but he could also feel her rage. She did not care if she had to die, she did not want the freaks to win.

“Dar—“ Usa choked out.

“You filthy little toad!” Bellowed the thoroughly enraged, katana welding Tuxedo Kamen. “Get. Off. Of. Her. NOW!”

Zoycite gawked at him incredulously then he laughed. “Little man, you have no idea—“ his boast was cut off when Tux threw his katana at the effeminate little weasel’s chest. Zoycite’s reaction was swift, he managed to knock the blade away; however, and he lost his footing and stumbled back. Usa rolled out of the way. Zoycite summoned an energy ball and was about to launch it at the girl’s unprotected back…

Out of the nowhere, a golden chain shot out and wrapped about Zoycite’s extended arm and looped about his neck. Tuxedo Kamen leapt forward and grabbed Usa up and hid her in the protective folds of his cape. He directed his murderous eyes on the shrieking demon.

“You will pay for touching her.” He ripped off his mask. Wanting the thing to see the face off the one who was going to end its pitiful existence. “V, rip his damn head off.”

The person holding onto the other end gave a sharp tug on the chain. Darien raised his cape and covered Usa’s face. Inside her shelter, Usa clutched at the front of Darien’s jacket and buried her face in chest.

“No one will hurt you again, Bun.” Darien let the cape fall aside and he cupped her face with his free hand. “I would never let anything happen to you. You know that right?”

“Darien!” She reached up and threw her arms around his neck. The moon Princess be damned. If she wanted Darien, the Princess was going to have to kill her; Usa was not going to give him up without a fight.

Zoycite disintegrated into a pile of dead meat. Behind them, Molly screamed. The Senshi and the Generals galvanized into action. Darien stood up, Bunny hurriedly pushed his mask to his face. Darien did his best to keep her face hidden as they fled the park. Jadeite and Nephrite had thrown their capes over Molly and Umino and the group, with their “hostages” fled the scene.

“Yo, Cape-boy.” Jade called to his Prince. News helicopters and the cops were on their heels.

“Can this wait?” Kamen called over his shoulder.

“Darien,” Usa moaned weakly as they went plunging over the side of ten-story building. “God, put me down so I can transform. All this—“ he leapt over another building. “Heck, Moon Prism…”

“We lost them.” Merc shouted.

“Everyone, break off.” Jupiter told them. She could take over and issuing commands like a pro. “We meet back at the house in five minutes.”

“What about these two?” Zoisite asked her.

“Bring them along.” She said, “Kamen, don’t drop your bundle.”

“But what about the…” Mars started to say.

Kamen turned on his heel, he stood on the ledge of the building with Usa clinging to his arms. “Don’t worry, miko, I will bring our guest along.” With that he leapt off the side of the building and into an alley.

Usagi staggered out of his arms and into corner where she relieved her stomach while he de-transformed.

“That’s attractive.” He pulled out his cell phone and pulled up his contact list.

Usa sat back on her heels and drew in a deep breath. “Keep that up mister and I will kiss you.” She closed her eyes as she raised her face to the sky. “Who are you calling?”

“Min.” Darien said into phone. “Sis, where are you?” He reached out and brushed a strain of hair away from Usagi’s face, his eyes were fixed on the bruise forming on her delicate neck and they hardened to sapphire bits. “We can meet you there.” He told his sister, “No, she’s not hurt. Good. See you in two minutes.” He put his phone away.

Usagi opened her eyes and met his. “You want to tell me how you know Sailor V and why you’ve been keeping it a secret all this time?”

“You already know the answer to that.” He held his right hand out to her. “We should go. Mina will be waiting.”

She looked at proffered hand then at him. Usagi pushed herself to her feet and stepped past him. “How could you keep something like this from me, Darien?” She stepped out into the sunlight. Darien was right behind her.

“Buns, you know I wouldn’t lie to you.” He slipped his arm around her shoulders as he led her towards the intersection they were to meet Mina.

“Then what do you call this?” She demanded angrily.

“I call it family loyalty.” He glanced into a shop window as they passed. There was a necklace in there that would have looked great on Usagi. He committed the store’s name to memory. He would stop by tomorrow to pick it up.

She jabbed her elbow into his ribs, “You’re not listening to me.”

Darien winced, “God, woman. Why did you to hit me, I was thinking about buying you something.”

“I don’t want anything except answers, Shields.”

“Don’t call me that.” He warned. Darien sighed. “Buns, I don’t want you to think I did not trust you.”

“Well you didn’t.” She shook his arm off only to have him put it back.

“I wanted to tell you. But I was swore to Min that I would keep her secret.”

“Why you?” She stopped on the middle of the sidewalk and turned to him. “She should have come to one of us…”

Darien pulled her close and whispered into her right ear. “I because I was her sidekick.” A car horn blew. He glanced over his shoulder, Mina had pulled to the curb and was blocking the pedestrian traffic.

“Hey, little brother. You two plan on staying in that spot all day or do have to get a ticket before you move?” She called to them.

“You were Ace?” she whispered back.

“Today, Dare.” Mina shouted.

“Get off the crosswalk.” Some guy shouted.

“Don’t touch my car, moron.” She made an obscene gesture.

Darien touched his brow to Usa’s and groaned loudly.

“Darien!” Mina snapped.

“Let’s go before your sister kills someone.” She started to kiss him, but Darien drew back.

“God, woman, have you forgotten that you just puked.” He made a face.

One minute later, they buckled in and speeding through downtown Tokyo. Usagi sat in the back seat with Mina’s mound of shopping bags.

“Are you sure you’re alright, Usagi?” Mina glanced the girl in her review mirror.

Usagi rubbed at her sore throat. “I’ll be alright, Sailor V, but thank you for asking.”

“It’s Venus.” Mina corrected. “We should get you checked out…”

“I’ll be fine.” Usa told her. “I just want to go home.”

Mina glanced at Darien, he nodded, “Home it is.” She said. “It’s time I reestablished my command as leader of the Imperial Senshi.”

It wasn’t exactly the great meeting of the minds. Heck, it was just barely civil. Usagi sat on the floor beside the couch that Molly and Umino were on and all three were watching Luna and Mina go at it.

Mina was a tall Amazon blonde goddess with a quick mind and a sharp tongue. She was studying to be a lawyer, she wanted to a criminal prosecutor no less; Watching the way she tore into Luna was a glimpse at how good she was.

Ami returned to the family room, leading the four Terran warriors back. The guys had gotten bored and went to grab some takeout an hour ago. Usagi wished she could have gone with them, but Luna and her position demanded that she remain and at least put up a token fight for her title as leader. Now that she had done her part and surrendered her position gracefully—Okay, so she just told Mina it was hers, cat and all—Usagi wanted to do something else, even her homework. She did have a test coming up in trigonometry and the project for Japanese History. Hmm, she still hadn’t decided on what period to do her report on.

She had just decided to do report on the Shogun Wars and focus on the Chiba’s (yeah, Darien was old Japanese nobility. She found his British side to be just as interesting.) When all hell broke loose, literally.

The guys were coming back with Ami who was carrying a bottle of soda when Mina surged to her feet and Luna jumped back into a defensive crouch.

“Venus,” Lita was moving between the two hoping to head off the physical confrontation. “This creature does not speak for us. (And if she had any sense at all, she wouldn’t be speaking right now. Lita thought,) Sailor Moon has surrendered her unlawful position as Commander of the Senshi—“

“She has no right,” Luna shrieked. “Sailor Moon is the leader of the Senshi. She was the first one I found. How this upstart was allowed to come here and force you all to accept her I will never know nor allow.” The cat turned her burning blue eyes on the girl sitting on the floor. “Why won’t you defend your right?” She demanded of her. “You are their leader.”

“If I honestly believed that, do you think I would just give it up, Luna?” Usagi proceeded to roll her eyes at the cat. “I am not the leader.” She spoke firmly, but there was edge of impatience in her words as she forced herself into the futile confrontation. “If you’re saying my being leader depends on being the first Senshi, then you are wrong again. Mina was the first Senshi.”

“What?” Luna turned her harried gaze back to tall blonde. “That is preposterous. I never felt you or your aura.”

“I have been fighting under the code name of Sailor V for the last four years.” Mina pushed away from Lita to drop down uncerminoniously in an empty chair.

“I don’t understand,” Ami sat down on the floor beside Usagi with a Burger King bag. “Without a trigger from Luna, how were you able to morph?”

“Well, none of you guys used a trigger,” Usagi said as she tore through the bag. “Both you and Rei transformed when I was in danger—Lita too.” The bag was filled with fries and onion rings. She started to open her mouth to demand her food when Darien dropped two Whoppers in her lap. “I’ve hardly seen you guys use those pins—“

Rei and Ami exchanged a thoughtful look. It was apparent that they had never though about it either.

“It just seemed natural.” Rei commented. She removed the pickles from her chicken sandwich and handed them to Usa. “I remember thinking that I had to protect you, Usagi-chan.” She told them. “Jedite had me by the neck, threatening my life, but I did not care for myself. I knew I had to keep him from harming you.”

Ami nodded. “I knew when I saw Usagi-chan being attacked by that foul youkai that I had to do something to save—“ She looked sharply at Usagi, the color drained from her face and before she knew it, Ami was on her feet.

“Ames…” the other girl said worriedly. But Ami was no longer looking at her.

The warrior of Ice and Water was looking at Mina now. The golden warrior of love nodded imperceptibly. Ami swallowed hard as she slowly dragged her eyes back to the blonde girl she called her best friend.

“Holy—“

Mina shook her head sharply; the warning in her blue-gray eyes was unmistakable as she gestured at the fuming cat. Ami nodded to show that she understood; Slowly, she sank back to the floor beside the puzzled and worried Usagi.

“Ami, are you alright?” Usagi asked her voice mirrored her concern as she checked the other girl’s brow for a fever.

Ami nodded once, she happened to meet Rei’s gaze and was not surprised to see the shock and bewilderment on the young miko’s face as well. Still. Usagi’s cousin, did her…

“Well, your mission remains the same, Sailor Venus.” Luna sneered. “You must find the Moon Princess and the Silver—“

“I have already located the Princess.” Mina glared at the cat. “And both she and her crystal are safe.”

That caught Usagi’s attention. The girl mouth moved silently as she tried to ask the one question that could have killed her. Thankfully, Luna was there to do the talking for her. You had to love that cat.

“What!” she exclaimed. “You know of the Princess’ location?” Mina nodded. The cat pounced over into her lap and stood up pressing her paws against Mina’s chest as she demanded. “Where is she?”

“Under my protection.” Was all the woman told her.

Usagi looked at her friends curiously, trying to gauge their reactions, only to find none. God, was she missing something here? By giving up her position as leader did that mean she gave up the right to have this information? Yesterday they were all clamoring for information to the find this gold digging tramp and her rock but now they looked as if they could careless. She directed her attention to her boyfriend and noted that he didn’t seem interested as well—which was good for him, because he wouldn’t have heard the end of it from her if he had—But hold the freaking phone! This was not good, not good at all, for him! That lousy, two-bit lying…

“Sonofabitch!” Usagi was on her feet and on Darien before any of them knew what was happening. She pounding on his back with one hand and the other was yanking at his hair all the while she was yelling at him. “You knew where that tramp was!” she yelled at him, “You knew where she was. You know who that bitch is. Damnit, I am going to fucking kill you, Darien. I’m going to kill her, then I’m coming back and gonna kick your ass! You cheating, low-life, scummy, motherfu—“

Darien was not lying there taking the abuse without a fight. Okay, so he wasn’t hitting his girlfriend back or anything. He was trying to get to his sister so she could rescue him from the suddenly crazed bunny. Lita and Jiro extracted the enraged girl from his back and Darien scurried away from her once her weight was removed from him. But he did not get away from her without Usa getting in a final kick.

He collapsed beside Mina’s chair and after a moment he regained his composure, Darien felt brave enough to face his girlfriend’s wraith.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” He shouted at her.

Usagi’s arms were being pinned behind her back by Jiro and Lita kept her hand over her cousin’s mouth. She dropped that hand and ewwed when her cousin spat in her palm. Usagi’s eyes were flashing as she glared daggers at him.

“How the hell could you do this to me, Darien.” She countered, also yelling.

Now he was confused again. “What did I do?”

The look in her eyes promised a more thorough thrashing, “You know where that gold digging tramp is.” She ground out. “Well too freaking bad, nerd-boy. That trick ain’t getting her claws into you. You belong to me; and I don’t care if she’s the fricking Princess of the goddamned Sun and God has proclaimed her the Messiah. If she so much as looks at you, let alone touches you in any freaking way, I’m going to rip her hair out of her skull and strangle her with it.” She looked at Mina, the older girl’s was staring at her in surprised horror. “I don’t care if the cow is your princess. I never wanted be a Senshi in the first place and can’t be one because when see I the Princess, I’m gonna hafta beat heifer down for trying to take my man.”

Mina smirked, “Well, have fun. I always say defend what is yours, right, Dare?”

“Shut up, sis.” He growled. His face was a red as Usagi’s but for a totally different reason.

She laughed, “Aww is the little baby feeling bad because his girl beat him up.” Mina asked sarcastically

He ignored her and went to rescue his girlfriend. Jiro let the fuming girl go and Darien pulled her into a tight embrace.

“I promise you that no one will take me away from you.” He smiled to himself when she wrapped her arms about his chest and returned his hug. “But you do know, I reserve the right to beat the hell out of any guy who looks at you twice.”

“Go ahead.” She snuggled. “I only have eyes for you.”

“You two are sickening.” Lita said as she started to leave the room to wash her hands.

“Okay, with that covered…” Mina said.

“What?” Luna was once again fuming. “You’re going to let that girl get away with threatening our Princess? Venus, are you mad?”

Mina cast a hooded glance in the direction of her brother and his girlfriend. “I don’t interfere with true love.” She speared the cat into place with a cold glare. “And neither should you. It’s the reason we’re all here today.”

2

“No!” Usagi horrified screams echoed throughout downtown Juuban. She clutched the fallen Darien to her heart as she begged him to wake up. “Darien, please get up. Please. You promised you would never leave me. Darien…”

An enraged Sailor Venus had tore through the floating shield the Dark Kingdom warrior had surrounded himself with. Rage and grief made her stronger, the emotions fueled her power, making a pitiful mockery of the magic the Dark Kingdom’s dog attempt to evade her wraith.

“You will die,” Venus bit off each word as she ripped into the shield.

The Sailor Senshi stood protectively around the small blond girl and the fallen terran Prince. Their hearts breaking with each of Usagi’s pitiful cries. They fought off the creatures that tried to get to pair while the Generals under David’s command, fought a larger threat.

David, or Kunzite, had joined Venus on her assault of the demon that had struck down her brother.

This latest attack had happened so fast that they had been unprepared for it. Mina had invited all of Darien’s housemates and the girls and their friends out to dinner. After eating, they all decided to go see a movie and were on their way to the closest movie theater when the first wave of attacks happened.

Sam had grabbed Usagi and Hotaru and tried to run but their way was cut off by a gas main exploding when a group of creatures tore through the streets. People were screaming, cars where being thrown about. Mina immediately took charge. She ordered the Senshi to transform. Hotaru screamed and Usagi started yelling for Darien.

Mina turned around and saw her brother lying face down on the street, with a platinum haired villain standing over him. In his hand was a sword with blood running down its blade.

Mina stood, transfixed as her eyes stared unbelieving at Darien’s unmoving form. A silver blur shot past her and then Usagi was attacking the fiend, bare handed and fueled only by her desperate despair to protect the one she loved.

The villain raised his sword, ready to end the girl’s life but he tackled to the ground by a fully armored David. The beast managed to shove Dave aside and which he quickly wrapped himself in a magical shield that neither Dave nor the other Generals could get through.

“Venus Power!” The golden Amazon roared angrily.

Lita, Ami, and Rei joined their voices with their leader’s angry cry for blood and vengeance.

Usagi was already out of her mind with grief. She had crawled over to Darien, ignoring the battle that surrounded them as she carefully pulled his upper body into her lap. His blood stained the front and back of his shirt, the sword had gone completely through his body, piercing his heart. The blow had been fatal, death had come instantly for the young man, claiming Darien’s life before he even hit the ground.

As the battle raged on, Usagi’s cries had stopped, only to be replaced with promises. They were going to be together again, she would whisper. He just had to wait, she was coming to him.

An odd peace had settled over her as Usagi looked around blankly for something that would help her reunite with her love.

“Where is your sword, when I want it, Endymion?” She whispered brokenly. Her voice was no more than a detached whisper on the battlefield but it was heard by the four warrior women.

“No,” Hotaru was staring at the little girl in a mixture of horror and disbelief. “Princess, you cannot. It is not your time! Princess!” She tore out of Sam protective embrace.

At the same time, Usagi’s distracted gaze fell on the fallen sword of their enemy.

“Serenity!” Hotaru shouted as the girl reached for the blood soaked blade.

“Endymion…”

Hotaru’s cry caused the three warriors to turn to girl on the ground.

“Death,” Hotaru threw her right arm out, “Reborn…” The sky darkened as magic wrapped about her as hands closed around the long metal shaft of her glaive. “Revolution!”

Time in reverse…

Memories engraved in the past…

Our tragic past…

“This will not happen again!” Venus shouted as she tore the magical shell. “Terra and the Moon will be avenged! Our Queen did not die in vain!” The last shreds of spell disintegrated beneath her hands. A bright, deadly light tore violently from her body as she roared. “Love and Beauty Shock.”

“Wait for me.” Usagi held the sword over her heart and time seemed to stop.

Time in reverse…

3

Endymion, please don’t leave me!

It’s all over now. I feel strengthened.

…A warm touch…

I feel myself getting better.

That touch…

I know it—from a long time ago…

Slowly, Darien opened his eyes and looked about as much as he could from his prone position.

Endymion…

“Endymion, look!”

He turned around and smiled tenderly at the girl who was lean against the stone wall pointing up at the light colored sky.

He did not have to raise his eyes to the sky to see what held her excited attention.

She lowered hand to her heart as she gazed upon the alabaster moon that was her home. He watched as curiosity and sadness mingled in the pearl gray depths of her eyes.

“We are so small,” her sweet, childlike voice was almost a whisper on the wind. “My home looks so cold and empty from here.”

He reached and brushed the back of his hand over her lily cheek, her eyes drifted to his and a faint blush graced her delicate features.

“How does our planet look from the Moon?”

She looked away, but she did not leave his touch. “It is beautiful.” She whispered, “It looks like a beautiful blue crystal ball.”


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“I will not stand for this,” He said gravely, his dark eyes speared the one who dared to insight his wraith . “There will be no war with the Moon.”

“They spy upon us, my Prince.” A redheaded woman cried desperately. “Your people are tired of submitting to their rule.”

“These are baseless falsehoods.” Zoisite said, rebuking the woman’s statement. He turned to Endymion. “We have just come to realize that there is life on the Moon and the other planets…”

“They seek to deceive us with sweet words and overtures.” She shouted the guardian down. She turned her feverish eyes back to the Prince. Her frustration was evident in voice as she tried to covert him to her reasoning. “They seek to take over Terra, my Lord. How can you stand by and allow this…”

“Our Queen says different.” Kunzite interjected. “Queen Gaia has received the Moon Queen’s representatives.”

“The purpose of this meeting was to decide who we would send to the Moon as our ambassador.” Endymion said. “My mother had though you would be well suited for the position, Lady Beryl.” He saw the surprise in her yellowish green eyes and contrite. “I will inform her Majesty we must continue our evaluation of the other candidates. Thank you for your time.”

The expression in her eyes as she looked at him was desperate and mixed with lust. Endymion could not wait for her to be gone fast enough.

Once the door had closed behind her, Endymion allowed himself to release the tension he felt every time Beryl came around.

“That one is dangerous, my Prince.” Kunzite turned to him.

His loyal guard only echoed what the Prince felt.

“She aspires for the Queen’s throne.” Jadeite said.

“My people have reported that she is consorting with the Darkness.” Nephrite put in. “We should eliminate her as soon as possible, your Highness.”

“We will need irrefutable proof of her treason.” Endymion stood up from the table and began to pace. “My mother believes in the inherit goodness of all people. She will not allow me to do away with one of her favorites just on unfounded suspicions.”

“Then we should go to your uncles.” Kunzite suggested. “I have the greatest respect for our Queen, yet I fear that we are facing the danger that grows impatient by hour. Lord Odin or Prince Dyaush Pita could convince her to change her position.” He met Endymion’s stony gaze. “We must act, your Highness. We will have to act soon or it will be too late.”

“I could appeal to all my relatives; Khepera, Zeus, Ohkuninushi, it would not matter.” He glanced out of the window; his gaze was drawn to the pale moon as it flitted about the afternoon sky. “My mother will want proof, witnesses or she will have doubts and would second guess herself in every decision afterwards. I will not have her ever doubt herself in anything.”

His guards looked as if they wanted to protest; yet they knew it would be futile. With his decision made, Endymion would be hard pressed to change his mind. His friends prayed that their Prince knew what he was doing.


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“Endymion!” It was the last thing he heard his beloved say.

Beryl had done the unthinkable. She had sold her soul to the Darkness and declared war on Terra and the Moon.

Endymion had fought hard and valiantly with his fellows at his side and watched as his mother made the ultimate sacrifice for him and their planet.

He called out to her, desperately even as her magic wrapped about him and transported him and his friends to the Moon. He did not recall much of had happened from the moment they arrived in the Lunar Palace. He just remembered her, his angel. Serenity had come to him immediately. Her delicate arms going around him, holding his as the grief of his mother’s loss washed over him.

The planning had begun almost immediately.

The Silver Alliance went into action, armed forces were mobilized, but it was all too late.

Beryl and her horde of demons fell on the pristine lunar palace like a plague of locus within hours. The younger Senshi were overwhelmed, the Lunarian guard fell like fresh mowed wheat at Beryl’s advance. Endymion watched his friends fall one by one then all of sudden Beryl appeared before him. The blood of his dearest companions was still dripping from her clothes and the blade of her stone sword as she commanded him, Endymion, the High Prince of Terra to lay down his sword and stand at her side as her consort.

He could not get his mind around it.

Beryl was standing in front of him covered in his loved ones’ blood. On her head sat his mother’s crown--his crown--the state crown of Terra. Of all the atrocities that psychotic witch had done...She dared to stand before him and offer him a place at her side.

“I would die than live with you,” he spat.

She went into a rage then. Her sickly yellow eyes fell on the beautiful alien princess who had just run out to find him.

Serenity drew back, away from the terrible creature with the human face.

Beryl’s jealousy had found a target to lash out upon. Before the little Princess could turn to runaway, the darkness fell on her. Endymion reacted quickly, running as fast as he could, Endymion threw himself in between the dark sorceress and the love of his life.

He hit the ground in a clattering heap, with Serenity clutched tightly in his arms. They rolled a few times before coming to a stop.

“Endymion,” he felt her soft little hands on his face.

“Se--ren--ity…” he rasped. He collapsed on her and he heard her scream.

There was a large, gaping wound in his chest; his lifeblood came pouring out in great torrents. She clung to him, pressing the gauzy material of her skirts to his chest trying to stop the blood flow, but her pathetic attempts were useless, for the blood continued to flow.

“No, no,” she moaned helplessly. She pressed at hundred butterfly kisses to his paling face. “Do not leave me,” she said on a broken sob. “Please, my love, stay with me…I love you.” She buried her face in his neck; her crystalline tears fell gently on his rapidly cooling skin.

Serenity…
He wanted to say her name, to tell her how much she meant to him, yet only blood came from his mouth.

“I love you.” She looked down into to his eyes; a sad little smile graced her lovely face as she brushed strains of his hair from his brow. “I’ll love you forever.” She bent down and dusted an aching kiss over his stained lips. “Wait for me.”

Before his dying eyes, Endymion watched his angel drive his sword into her own chest. A little cry was all she made as the blade pierced her heart.

“Endymion.” It was the last thing he heard his beloved say before they both were swept away in Death’s cold embrace.

“This has happened before,” Usagi looked down at Darien’s pale face. “Long ago you died to protect me for I was not strong enough to save you. This time a coward stole your life without giving you a chance to defend yourself.” A tear slipped down her face as the sword fell from her trembling hands. “My love, we were not reborn to lose each like this! Please, Endymion, hear my voice. Do not leave me here like this. We have so much to live for. We’ve found each other again… Endymion, please don’t leave me! You swore you would never leave me again. Endymion!”

Time in reverse…

Memories engraved in the past…

He had found her again….

Time in reverse…
He would not die like this. Not when he had so much to live for…

Memories engraved in the past…

…No. There were more than memories of a secret love affair. Their love was real, true, and worth fighting for. She was worth fighting for.

Time in reverse…

Life continued as would he with Serenity—Usagi at his side. He just had to reach for it and it would all be his once more.

The power that was his birthright.

The world that surged beneath his lax body heaved and breathed for him. The magma that ran through Terra’s core pushed through his veins forcing his blood to move and flow. Water and wind attacked his wounds, repairing the damage done to bone and muscles. And the Sun, his father’s light, nurtured and restored his body and his soul.

The battle was over. Venus had ripped the Dark Kingdom warrior apart, literally with her bare hands.

Jadeite and Mars had subdued the fires while Mercury and Jupiter handled burst water mains and the underground electrical equipment.

Venus and the other Generals had destroyed the mutated creatures. All were doing what they could to ignore the pain and grief that threatened to overwhelm them.

Sometime during the fighting, Sam had cautiously approached his little sister. He had grabbed up the sword that had fallen from her hand. Simultaneously, the youth felt awkward and useless. All around him his friends were fighting. Even his cousin and his girlfriend had joined in, yet what had failed to sink in was that they were using magic. Not just magic, archaic weapons, and each were performing amazing feats of physical strength.

Andrew was kneeling beside him, his hands were flying over Darien’s still body.

“Usagi,” the sandy-haired youth said sharply, “you have to work with me. Hold this against the wound in his chest.” He had stripped off his shirt and put it under Darien’s back and was using his tee-shirt for Darien’s chest wound.”

Numbly, Usagi followed his direction. Andrew started CPR.

“You’re going to be fine,” Sam heard his sister quietly promise to boy on the ground. He looked down at her, blood covered her pale hair, limbs, and stuck to her clothes. There was so much blood on her and around Darien’s body, Sam doubted if there was anything left in his young friend’s body to keep him alive.

“Remember how last week we talking about how many children we wanted to have?” She brushed her finger tips over Darien’s cheeks, “Okay, you win. We will have six, just like you want. Five little boys, all named Endymion and one little girl named Bunny with my hair and your eyes. But you will have to wake up first. Please, sweetie. Open your eyes…I’ve already bought your birthday present. I sent out the invitations and people are have already started to RSVP…If you don’t wake up, I’m going to go on a date with—“

“We got a pulse!” Andrew cried happily. He turned around a just as EMTs picked their way through the rubble. “Hey, over here. Hey!”

As the paramedics made their over to them, a racking, slugging cough shook Darien’s body. And to the surprise of his friends, Darien rolled on to his side and he began to retch up the blood that had been in his lungs. Usagi had never seen a more beautiful sight or heard a more wondrous sound. She gently held Darien’s head, encouraging him to get all the clotted blood out of his body.

Andrew came out of state his of shock, grabbed up one of Darien’s wrists, and felt his pulse again. It was steady and becoming stronger with each heart beat.

“I can’t believe it.” Drew gasped at the pair in awe. “How…?”

“Bun—“ Darien tried to say, but it came out like a weak gasp.

She dropped a kiss on his brow, “Don’t talk, sweetie.” She wanted to laugh or sing she was so happy. “I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Where—Kun—Dave…?”

“David.” Usagi turned her urgent gaze on her brother, “Where’s Dave? Call Dave. He can help Darien.” She looked back down at him, “Oh, if I only knew how to summon your armor.”

“His armor?” Andrew asked skeptically.

Darien saw the paramedics coming towards him, the same moment, Kunzite appeared at Usagi’s side.

“Endymion?” he asked worriedly.

“Stand back.” The medics dropped down and began to exam Darien.

Sam slipped his arm around his sister’s shoulders and pulled her back as Darien was lifted onto a stretcher.

“We’re taking him to Tokyo General,” one of the paramedics informed them. “If he has family…”

“I’m his fiancée,” Usagi told them. “Please, I need to be with him.”

When he would have agreed, his partner shook his head. “We’ve doubled up.” He explained. “There are a lot of injured people out here…”

“But I—“ Usa reached for Darien.

“He’ll be alright.” The kind one assured her. He placed a diamond shaped topaz crystal in to her out stretched hand. “Here, why don’t you hold on to this for your boyfriend. From the way he was holding onto it, it must be very important to him.”

Usagi’s eyes drifted down to the stone in resting in hands. It was hot to the touch and despite its size, it was very heavy in her small hands.

“Usa, let’s get you to the hospital.” Sam was saying. He cast a distrustful look in Dave’s direction.

She raised her eyes to meet her brother’s concerned ones. Something seemed to dawn on her, for she turned around quickly and for the first time saw the damage that had been caused by the Dark Kingdom’s latest attack. Her pale eyes went wide at the sight.

“Princess Serenity,” David inquired politely, his voice mirrored his concern.

Usagi flinched noticeable at use of her long forgotten name and title. She turned to David, no Kunzite, and the last veils of Time and Death faded from her mind and soul…

With a heart wrenching cry, the long lost Princess of the Moon threw herself into the arms of one her beloved’s most trusted guards and companions.

A shuddering sob escaped her as the memories of her short and tragic past flooded her mind.

David looked helplessly at the Sam and Drew while the girl cried on his armored chest.

Time in reverse…

Memories engraved in the past…

Our tragic past…