I Don't Have A Title Yet

Eight

1

Darien though he knew what to expect when he was his blindfold was removed, but never expected the sight that awaited him. He’s first sight was of shining, glittering gold and dark blues, greens, and reds. Something was put on his head and people crowded about him, congratulating him, accompanied with hugs, kisses, and claps on his shoulders as he was urged further into the Arcade. It was blur of images until he spotted an angel.

Dressed in white tinted lightly with rose, Usagi stood out among the revelers, with her brilliant, diamond white hair, pearl complexion, and her beautiful silver eyes were fixed adoringly on him.

His lips stretched into a warm smile graced his features as came to stand before her.

Suddenly she was in his arms, pressed against him as she whispered, “Happy birthday, my dearest and only love.”

A good beginning should had even better ending. But in the course of their two life times, Darien felt they should have known when they were at their happiest, something had to come out and ruin it.

And true to form, the party was in full swing when the Dark Kingdom attacked the Arcade.

Darien and Usa were huddled in corner booth, large chunk of his birthday cake between them that they were taking turns feeding each other when ground started to shake and the roof exploded.

People started screaming and the next thing Darien knew, Ami and Josh were at their sides. Ami pulled Usa out of his arms while Josh hauled Darien to his feet. Ami was running for the closest exit, with a firm grip on Usa’s left hand when the space before them was blown to kingdom come.

Darien shouted Usa’s name and tried to go to her, but Josh was forcibly pulling him in the other direction, when out of no where five armed to the teeth female creatures rose before them. One of the she-demons lunched at Josh with a pike. Josh pushed Darien back and he parried the attack with his own sword.

Now armed, Josh was able to take on their attackers as he tried to lead Darien to safety.

Darien looked behind himself and from the rubble he saw his love crouching on the floor behind a very dangerous and alien looking Ami.

Ice daggers flew from the Mercurian warrior as she speared their attackers. The creatures were turned the statues of ice that she shattered mercilessly.

“Endymion,” Josh snapped as he grabbed his Prince’s arm. “We need to get you to safety.”

Darien started to protest, but Josh was already moving, half pulling half dragging Darien behind him, trying to make it to the other emergency exit.

Lita, Rei, and Jiro were fighting in the middle of the crowded dance floor. People were running everywhere and Beryl’s creatures were taking advantage of the panic. People where being hurt and killed trying to flee. They were crammed together on the staircases, trampling over others and dying.

Frankie and Hotaru were trying to end the deluge of people at the stairs, but their efforts were useless against the flood.

“Mina!” Hotaru shouted. “We need a distraction!”

“Merc,” the Venusian shouted over the den, “Blind them.”

Ami nodded once, she threw out her hands and called out, “Shabon Spray.”

“Senshi, protect the Princess.” Mina ordered as she raced into battle swinging her Love-Me-Chain. A golden light wrapped about her as she leapt into the air. She threw the chain out and cut down the youmas who rose out of the floor. Venus jumped back as ball of lighting tore through another set of creatures that was falling from the opening in the ceiling.

“Flame Sniper.” Mars shouted, unleashing a volley of flame arrows at creatures trying to force she and Nephrite into a corner. The terran warrior was protecting the Tsukinos and Usa’s friends while Mars defended his front.

Neph spared a second to locate his Prince. He saw him and Zoisite trying for another exit but they had bogies on their tail.

“Jadeite!” He shouted, “Boguis a las tres.”

Jade turned in that direction. He ducked a claw swinging at his head and kicked the youma in the gut. It stumbled back and was decapitated by Saturn’s glaive.

“Gracias, Hota-chan,” he winked at her before hurrying over to assist his liege.

Kunzite threw off three youmas that had tried to pin him down. Violet energy shot from his body as he tore through the ranks of creatures as Kunzite fixed his deadly gaze on Terra’s great enemy. Beryl.

There was so much death, so many were suffering. If Ami had not been with her, Usagi knew she would have come completely undone.

More screams came from the side doors and stairwells. People were literally crushing other people who were trapped below them. The sounds of their deaths coupled with the sound of fighting had thrown the Moon Princess back.

It was the Fall of Silver Millennium all of over again and just like then, Usagi was overwhelmed—No, the memories of her past as Serenity…It was Serenity who was frightened and helpless.

Not her.

Before that day, Serenity had never witnessed as battle, she never had to fight.

But Usagi did. She fought everyday.

Until Serenity intentionally put a sword through her chest, the girl had never been hurt. Unlike Usagi as Sailor Moon. A warrior who has been injured more times than she cared to remember. A Senshi who lead her warriors in battle against the agents of Beryl’s Dark Kingdom. She had killed, maimed, and destroyed all those who had stood against her.

She did not run from her enemies nor was she going to start now.

Usa felt the panic recede in her soul, memories of the past melted away as the shining warrior that resided in her was awakened.

The battlers seemed to stop and everything seemed to slow down as all attention was drawn to the front of the shop. Standing now, beside Sailor Mercury was glowing, stone faced Sailor Moon.

Moon glared at Beryl, her silver eyes narrowed into dangerous slits as she came forward.

“You know, Beryl, I put up with you in the past,” she began conversationally. “I had Endymion, I was in love, blind and deaf to everything, including you. Then you killed my man and I admit that I let you off easy. I mean, hey, killed myself and you went home the victor that day.” She stopped in the center of the room, ignoring everyone and everything except the redheaded she demon floating over the stage. “That ain’t gonna happen to day, bitch. You better run now, tramp, because when I get my hands on your neck, I’m going to beat the hell out of you with your own damn right arm.”

Darien could only beam with pride, “That’s my baby!” He cheered her on. “I got your back.”

“Kick her ass, babe” Jadeite cheered madly.

Zoisite stared at the two as if they had lost their minds.

If she could have, Venus knew she would have face vaulted.

“Move!” Kunzite shouted as grabbed Venus about the waist and just in time too as the Moon Princess launched herself at their enemy.

A flying tackle from Moon brought Beryl from the air and the tiny warrior was slamming her fist into Beryl’s unprotected face. Just a few weeks before, Usa was going to kill the Moon Princess if she tried to take Darien from her. Luckily for them all, she turned out to be the Princess, but today there were no exceptions to be made. Beryl was a desperate little stalker tramp from their past lives who was still after her man. Oh, hell no, as far as Usagi was concerned, if it took death to get Beryl to understand that she was not going to get Usa’s boyfriend, then so be it, the witch was going to have to die.

“Goddamn,” punch, “stupid,” backhand, “gutter-crawling-obsessive-freak!” Moon shouted as she continued to pommel Beryl’s face, “He’s with me! Endymion wants me. You fucked up by coming here trying to take my man…”

“Get off me!” Beryl shouted as she took swing at Sailor Moon’s face.

Instead of knocking the smaller girl off, Beryl’s attack only caused Usa to snap. Beryl could see a red haze film cover the Lunar Princess’ silver eyes as the girl bared her teeth.

“That was your last mistake,” she hissed through clenched teeth.

Those not used to violent, over protective, jealous side of Usagi could only stare in silent horror as the girl did as she claimed she would do.

Darien had transformed and come over to help his sister and Kunzite. Venus stood there, in a stupor, watching as her princess proceeded to beat their so-called “Greatest Enemy” to death with her fists.

Saturn quickly realized that there wasn’t going to be a great drawn out battle. She waved in the other Senshi to help rescue the injured and repair what damage they could. Tuxedo Kamen asked Mars to toss about a few spells and he took care of their youma problem with his Golden Crystal.

The Senshi and Generals along with the Tsukinos, Alex, the Kou brothers, Andrew, and Eiji went to help the unfortunate people trapped in the stairwells and the rescue workers. Since it was still his birthday and practically a holiday therefore it was his day off, Kamen decided his involvement for the day was over. He went back for another slice of cake and watch Sailor Moon beat on Beryl. He pulled up a chair close to where Sailor Moon and Beryl were rolling about on the floor.

Beryl had resorted to hair pulling while his bunny was repeatedly slamming Beryl’s head against the floor.

Well, Darien mussed, he couldn’t have asked for a more interesting birthday celebration and he began to wonder how Usa was going to top this one next year.

“Die, you washed-up, yellow-eyed excuse for a succubus,” Moon was yelling, “Die!”

A lock of Beryl’s hair brushed the tip of his shoe, Darien glanced down and brushed it aside as he went back to his cake.

“Excuse me, Cape-boy,” Alex said as she came over to him, “But we could use some of your help.”

Slowly, Tuxedo Kamen raised his eyes to her before turning back to watch the love of his life defend his honor. “You need help, here I am.” He quipped.

“Well, we need help…” Alex started, but Darien wasn’t listening.

Beryl had sucker punched his sweetheart, knocking her off, and now the hag was trying to escape.

Moon had kipped up and was now in a low crouch. She touched a gloved hand to her mouth; when she glanced down, she saw blood.

Beryl staggered to her feet, her wild eyes searched the room for an ally or a weapon when her yellowish eyes fell on the object of her obsession.

“Endymion,” she cried.

Kamen was in the process of carrying a forkful of cake to his mouth when he heard the rusty cry.

He cringed. “Aw, hell.”

Alex took a step back, not out of fear but from revulsion. “Bokh (God),” she gasped in horror. “What is that!”

Beryl’s face had been beaten in, her nose smashed, her front teeth missing and both of her eyes were swollen shut. It was even worst when she smiled. A sick, pathetic sight that just turned Darien’s stomach.

In her obsessed hazed mind, Beryl did not see his disgust as she started towards him.

“You touch him, Beryl, I swear to God…,” Moon shouted, running after Beryl only to come up short as sliver blade went completely thought Beryl’s neck and sending her head flying.

Darien flicked the blood from the blade of his sword before returning it to his subspace pocket. He turned back to Alex and took his cake from the stunned woman’s hand. “Well that’s over with.” He said. “I guess I should do something—“

“Holy mother of God!” Kunzite shouted.

Simultaneously, Darien and Sailor Moon turned to opening in the roof and immediately there was a flash of light. Everyone heard the two cry out once, when the light died down, Alex started screaming.

Ilene saw her daughter lying motionlessly on the floor. For a second, it looked as if Usa had fallen in a puddle of spilled punch or something, except as she looked closer, Ilene realized that colour was all wrong. The liquid was thicker, the colour too vivid…

“No, Princess!” The Senshi had abandoned their task and raced to their fallen leader’s side.

Alex staggered back as the Kunzite and the others rushed to Darien still form.

Venus held the Terran Prince to her, screaming denials while Zoisite checked for a pulse.

Beside them, Mercury was working tirelessly to revive her Princess.

“Their spirits are here,” Mars cried, her voice frantic as she watched Mercury and Jupiter work on Sailor Moon.

“I will not let them pass into death,” Saturn swore violently. “They will not die this day.”

“This is not what we were born for,” Venus shrugged off Jadeite’s hands. “Serenity. Darien…”

2

Usagi opened her eyes, a startled gasp escaped her as she looked about her. It was so dark, like a heavy black drape had been pulled over the sky, blocking out the sky.

“Where am I?” She whispered when she had pushed herself up to her knees. Usa paused as she listened—Her eyes went wide with shock when she realized that she heard absolutely nothing except for her own breathing. “There’s nothing here!” She cried, panic firmly settling about her. “Where am I—Aaahh!” She jumped when she felt something touch her right shoulder. Usa spun about, her right fist flying out, but it was caught easily. She looked up quickly and then threw her arms about her companion’s neck.

“Darien!” She laughed as she hugged him tightly.

“Ugh, Buns, you’re choking the life out me, baby.”

She let go sharply, an embarrassed blush staining her cheeks. “Um, sorry. Just got a little excited…”

Her fumbling apology was cut off as Darien swooped down and kissed her open mouth. A roguish grin graced his face when he glanced into her clouded eyes. Darien drew back after another kiss. He wrapped his arms about her small shoulders and planted a soft kiss between the two buns on her head.

“I have told you that you were my hero?” He asked softly.

Usa shook her head against his chest.

He nuzzled his chin on top of her head, a slight smile on his face. “Well, you are. Oh, God, I can’t believe you actually fought for me.”

“You’re my life,” She told him. “I was going to fight myself over you. No one going separate us and if some pathetic little whore tried to, I will be taking her head.”

“Ah, there’s nothing like true, psychotic love to make a man feel appreciated.”

“Well, I am the Queen and I have to defend what is mine as well as fight for what I want.” She smiled up at him.

Darien was going to rebuke her bold statement when something in the distance caught his attention.

“What are--?” he squinted his eyes, “Ruins?”

Usa had turned about and was now following his line of sight, “I see them.” She was just as confused as he was, “They kinda look like a bluish white—“

“Just where the hell are we?” He demanded.

“Hey,” she scolded, smacking his arm.

“Woman, please.” He scoffed, “You have said worst in the last fifteen minutes.”

“I was defending you.” She reminded him.

Darien snorted, “You were just proving that you are possessive and psychotic. And I can’t forget that you are insanely jealous.”

“And you’re not?”

“I never said I wasn’t.” He let her go but reached down to grab her right hand.

“Hey,” she cried when he started to pull her towards the ruins. “What are you doing? Let go of my hand!”

Darien just rolled his eyes and continued towards the ruins. As they walked on, both allowed their transformations to drop. Usa had hopped onto Darien’s back. They passed the time just talking. Usa was going to spend next month in New York visiting her great-grandmother and he going to visit some of his Chiba cousins in Atami. Usa wanted to know how the restorations were going at Chiba palace. Darien wanted to sell the place or turn it into a museum, but she had fallen in love with the place and had been working hard to keep him from doing either. (It was one of the last surviving shogun castles in Japan and it had been the site of several major battles during the Hundred Years’ war and the Shogun wars.) Darien had a love for history, but had no use for the place. When he graduated from university, he was going to take up residence in his other ancestral home in Aoyama. Usa had talked him out of opening his houses in England up to the public; he was not going do the same with that rotten old money eater in the Japanese countryside.

“I will buy it from you.” She was saying when they entered the ruins.

“You can’t afford it,” Darien said for the hundredth time.

“How do you know?” She demanded.

“I just know.” He hunched down and allowed her to slip off.

“How much to rent it?”

“Are you saying you don’t want to live with me?”

She looked aghast, “Of course I want to live with you. You will be my husband.”

“How can you be with me when you want to live in the countryside?” He asked.

“I wanna live a castle.” She pouted. “Every girl wants to live in a castle with her big, brave, handsome Prince.”

“I’m a king, baby.” He swatted her bottom playfully, “And you best not forget that, sweetheart.”

Usa socked him in the arm. “King my foot.” She was seething. “I will—“

“Buns,” Darien called over his shoulder, “Stop talking to yourself and get over here.”

She was not going to give up on their argument, Usa stormed over to him, ready to give him a piece of her mind. “Listen, Nerd boy, just because it’s your birthday that does not mean— Dear Goddess, what in the name Selene is that?”

The thing that had captured Darien’s attention looked like the hilt and pommel of a sword that was buried in the ground. With a start, Usagi realized what it was and more importantly where she and Darien were.

“Silver Millennium.” She gasped as she stared at the ruins of her home. “ This is my moth—this is my kingdom.”

Darien looked up at her sharply, and then he too began to look about. He had only come to moon that one time and he had died here. “The Moon?” He could not believe it. “But how?”

But Usa was no longer listening to him. She hurried through the ruins as memories of her past life were racing through her mind reminding her of the happier days and the saddest day of her life as the heir of the universe.

Goddess, how it had all changed, there was nothing left except the piles of broken, crumbling pillars. It was like walking about a ghost town, seeing everything that was once alive and flourishing now reduced to nothing but, but…

Suddenly, Usa dropped to her knees on a cracked marble floor in what was once the center of the palace, the rotunda that was their place of worship. Sad eyes gazed at a broken column of dull crystal.

Darien had soon came after her; He was worried about the effect of seeing the ruins of her home would have on Usagi. The memory of that fateful day he had come to Silver Millennium were still too raw in his newly awakened memories. For Usagi, to have see the place had been both her home and grave it must had been overwhelming.

Quietly, he stood by watching as Usagi extend her right hand towards the ruined crystal pillar. Yet before she could touch it, Usa dropped her hand and then crumpled in on herself as painful sobs broke from her mouth.

Darien knelt behind her and carefully he took Usa into his arms and held her close. He sat there for a long time, just rocking her as he tried to comfort her but her grief had overwhelmed Usa completely. Darien wished he could take away her pain or erase her memories of that awful day. Everyone they knew and loved had died in one strike. He had died right before her eyes and then she…And it wasn’t enough to satisfy the gods or fate. But to have her mother do the same and to be here alone. Darien’s heart broke for her.

If he could only back, he would have done some many things differently. He would heeded the advise of his Generals and but an end to Beryl before she came a threat. He could have explained his position to his mother; Gaia was not so naïve that she would accept the life of one person over the lives of all their subjects. His mother would have done anything to protect her Kingdom, but it had been him who truly the weak one. But doubting his Queen and her strength as ruler, he allowed Beryl to live.

“How chivalrous you are, Endymion.” A delicate, melodious voice wrapped about the pair. “You will take the blame for something that was never your fault.”

Darien started quickly. He began to look about wildly. “Who’s there?” He demanded once he was back on his feet. “Where are you? Show yourself.” He commanded.

Usagi clung to him; in her right hand was her crescent wand as she prepared for a possible attack.

The voice chuckled softly. The sound of single pair of footsteps on their right had both warriors turning in that direction. They quickly moved apart, Usa going to the right as Darien took point and drawing his sword.

He could make out a vague outline as the person came closer. The sound of rustling silk and small, precise steps identified the persons as a woman. A brief flash of gold winking from the center of what could the brow of a small woman held his attention.

Usa’s eyes narrowed as she recognized a form fitting white gown. She gasped and before Darien could ask her what was wrong, Usa had dropped her wand and was running towards the woman.

The strange woman had stopped and opened her arms just in time to catch the smaller girl.

“Serenity.” She cried in wondrous delight as the two embraced.

“Mother,” Usa gasped in surprise.

Poor Darien was forced to do a double take and sure enough, he was looking at the Queen of Silver Millennium. Alive, healthy, and well—alive.

What the hell was going on?

3

“Move back,” Venus ordered.

The Senshi and Generals jumped out of the way to avoid being trapped in the magical barrier. Jupiter had to grab her aunt and drag her away from Usa’s body and just in time to as the walls of crystal came up around the two fallen lovers.

“We can’t let it grow here,” Mars was saying, her voice mirrored her panic and confusion.

“We don’t a choice.” Mercury told her. She turned to Venus and said, “The thing that attacked the Prince and Princess is moving over Tokyo, and it’s growing.”

“We have to stop it, Venus.” Saturn’s tone was grave, “No matter the cost.”

Venus nodded, “Without the Imperial Crystal we are strong enough to seal this creature away. The best we can hope for is to contain it.”

Saturn stepped forward, her dark eyes filled with determination. “Awaken my team, Venus. With our combined strength and the power of the Outer Senshi Talismans, we might have enough power to return this demon to it’s prison until our Princess has been reborn and is strong enough to defeat it.”

“What are you talking about?” Kunzite demanded.

“We are going to banish this creature for another millennium.” Venus replied grimly.

“No,” Sam said angrily as he grabbed Saturn to him. “You’re planning to commit suicide.”

“We must protect this system.” Venus said.

“Even if it means your deaths?” He asked incredulously.

She looked at the crystal that protected the two people she cared for, “Even if it means our deaths.” She told him

Sam turned to Saturn and the other girls. He shook his head no; he was not going to allow it. He just lost his sister; he was not about to lose his cousin and the girl he was in love with.

“Lindsey.” Ilene touched her niece’s face sadly. “I have lost my sister and now my daughter. I can’t lose you, too.” She turned to Ami and Rei, “You girls are just babies. How can you want to do this?”

“Don’t ask this of them.” Venus growled. “This is not something any of us wants to do. But this is our duty and our lives.” She turned to face the confused family members and friends and she steeled heart against them. “We are the warriors of the Silver Millennium, the Princesses of this Solar System. It is our sacred duty to protect it and our Queen from that threatens them. We knew this going in, we accepted this from the moment we reclaimed our past destinies for we will bear this burden of this on our souls. Do not attempt to dissuade my Senshi from their duties with your pleas and tears. Respect them enough to understand their positions and our duty.”

“Mina,” Kunzite said, “We know you are hurting right now. But Darien would not want you—“

“This isn’t about Darien.” She snapped angrily. “We have to stop this demon before it becomes too powerful again. If this thing escapes the planet, then rest of the Solar System is doomed its past.”

“Venus, we need to go.” Mercury’s quiet voice cut through the tension that surrounded them all.

Jupiter turned around and hugged her aunt. “I’m sorry.” She whispered.

“Hotaru,” Sam said pleadingly even as she pulled away from him. “Don’t do this. I love you.”

Hotaru knew if she turned around she would have tempted to stay with him, so she didn’t.

“Tsukino-san,” Mars said as Jupiter stepped away from her. “Would you tell my Grandfather that I love him?”

“Would you please tell my parents that I am so sorry,” Mercury asked with tears standing in her dark eyes. “I’m sorry and I love them very much.”

Kunzite touched Venus left arm, she glanced up at him, her face was an expressionless mask.

“What am I going to tell your dad?” He asked softly.

Venus looked past him to craggy crystal prison that held her brother and princess. “Tell him that Darien will be avenged.” Resolved to the path she had chosen, Sailor Venus started towards the center of the room. “Senshi, it is time.”

Mercury wiped at her wet cheeks, Mars laid a consoling arm about her shoulders. Jupiter took a final glance back at her family, she smiled sadly before she turned away. They all joined Saturn in the middle of the ruined room.

“We can teleport right beneath it.” Venus told them.

“How are we going to do this?” Jupiter asked her.

“With the greatest power we possess,” Saturn answered for their leader.

“I am not going to awaken the others just so they die,” Venus told them. “If we are successful, our Princess will awaken and she will be stronger and be able to defeat our enemy.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Mars smiled, trying to bring a bit of levity to their grave decision. “Are Usagi-chan would say, ‘Let’s go raise some hell and make the witch wish she had never decided to come out of her hole’.”

Jupiter grinned, “I don’t Usa would ever say anything like that.”

“It could have been Frankie.” Mercury said, also smiling.

“Thanks, Rei.” Venus laughed, “Well girls, I can’t say it hasn’t been fun. We have had one of hell of ride. It has been an honor to serve with each of you and in our next life, may we be friends again.” The others nodded sadly. She held her hands out to Mercury and Saturn. “In a circle, ladies and let’s hold hands.” When they were all in rough semi-circle, Venus said, “Merc, get us started.”

The crystal on the front of her Mercury’s fuku began to glow as she called out, “Mercury Crystal Power!—“

Following close on her heels, Mars cried out, “Mars Crystal Power—“

“Jupiter Crystal Power—“

“Saturn Crystal Power—“

“Venus Crystal Power—“ Venus shouted as all their power built up. The area about them began to blur and swim as all the different colours of their combined energies came together and then it shifted.

They appeared in the downtown Tokyo, standing on the observation deck of Tokyo Tower right under the belly of the great, dark cloud of evil.

In one voice the five female warriors shouted, “Mediation!”

For days afterwards, people would remember the blinding flash of light that lit up the dark sky over Tokyo. The rioting and acts of violence ceased as people began to run away in terror from the light. People as far away as San Francisco, and St. Louis in the United States reported seeing a brilliant flash of something that was brighter than the sun. In Beijing and Moscow, both governments had an influx of telephone calls from hysterical citizens throughout the country that thought their nations were under attack. Many others though it was a sign from God either the beginning of the Apocalypse or a message for hope and peace.

In Tokyo and the outlying suburbs, the Senshi’s attack hit with the force of three nuclear bombs. Buildings shook as glass was blown from windows. Car alarms went off, people were tossed about as the ground beneath their feet literally rose up beneath them. Water mains broke, gas mains exploded. Great gusts of dust and debris washed over the fleeing people, leaving even more death and destruction in their wake.

Back at the Tower, the Senshi poured all of themselves into the attack. They had managed to push the creature from the surface, but even with their strongest magic coming directly from their hearts and souls, they were still not strong enough to banish the creature completely.

Grimly, Venus watched as their enemy continued to stand against them. But the Sailor Warriors refused to give up. If they could not seal Metallia away then they could give their lives for their Princess’ and pray that she could the impossible.

From her subspace pocket, Venus drew a stone sword. She held the blade aloft and it began to glow. “Oh, majestic blade that protect our Princess,” she prayed, “Hear me once more. Pierce this darkness; make it though to our Princess. We give you our powers and our lives…” Princess Serenity, Usagi, you must be alive! “Awaken, Serenity! Pay homage to our Holy Tower and bring peace to your kingdom!” She shouted. “Serenity!” With a final blast of their strength, the Senshi were thrown from the tower.

About the base of Tokyo Tower, the five brave warriors lay dead. As the last of their life forces faded away, the transformations faded along with their terran glamour, leaving the five alien princesses to be found along with the rest of dead when the search for survivors began.

“Foolish Senshi,” the demon chuckled. “This time, Terra is mine!”

4

Usagi dropped down on broken column, her pale face had lost all colour.

Darien stared speechlessly at the former Lunarian Queen.

“We’re dead?” Usa whispered.

“Not yet, my darling,” the Queen corrected. “You are in between life and death.”

“I don’t understand,” Darien confessed. “I feel fine…”

“This time and place exist outside the parameters of what you accept as reality, Endymion.” She assured him, she turned back to her daughter and said. “Unfortunately our time here is short and Serenity, we much to discuss.”

“I can’t believe I’m dead.” Usa muttered.

Queen Serenity looked to Darien for help, but the boy just as worst off as her child. The Queen sighed wearily. “I need your attention since you both refuse to talk. Endymion, you and your mother, Queen Gaia did not know much about us of the Silver Millennium when you decided to marry my daughter. Serenity was quiet young and was continuing her education that would prepare for her future duties as queen and the Protector of the Silver Imperial Crystal. Since our kingdom was at peace, I was no great hurry to rush Serenity’s training; I realized much later that was a grave mistake on my part. I allowed her a carefree life of innocence and pleasure. This was how she came to discover your world and fall in love with you.

“The year Serenity was to marry you, the sun was very active. The Queen of Neptune and the King of Mars were highly concern about this phenomenon therefore they brought this to my attention and I created a committee to investigate it. But I was too slow in my doing this for this unknown evil had already slipped past my Inner Sentinels and somehow buried itself deep within your planet. I contacted Gaia with these findings and we decided our best course of action would be to work together in trying to locate the criminal who summoned this evil to Terra, dispatch of the witch, and purge this darkness from our Universe.”

Darien started, his dark eyes filled with shock. “My mother knew about Beryl?”

The Queen nodded, “We were afraid that it would attempt a coup to take over your kingdom from the very beginning. Because your mother was afraid for you, she masked the power of your Golden Crystal early in your life and I played up the power and strength of my crystal through Serenity and with power of my Senshi. It had been our intent to drive the evil out of your world and to mine where I could destroy it and your mother would obliterate the foul creature that summoned it.

“Unfortunately, things did not go as we had planned. So many mistakes were made on both sides, small, seemingly inconsequential actions at the time led to our downfall.” Queen Serenity walked over to the ruined crystal tower, her face an unreadable mask as she gazed down at the broken pieces. “We did not know until it was too far gone that this creature had crept into the hearts of your Terrans,” she continued. “The creature sought the power of the Silver Crystal and the Terran throne. It wanted to overthrow my rule, yet it needed a base of power—“

“It came after us.” Darien said.

She nodded slowly, “Once in the hearts of the Terrans the foul creature created envy, fear, and paranoia within your people and it turned them against we of Silver Millennium.” She turned back to them, “Gaia and I kept this information from you two. It was deliberate and selfish, yet our only desires were to protect you and Serenity. You both were so young and naïve and were caught in the first blushes of love. We did not want cause your worry…”

“Had I known,” Darien said through clenched teeth. “Had I known my mother knew about Beryl’s treachery, I would have killed that witch and spared our kingdoms this tragedy.”

Shame coloured the proud monarch’s features, but she continued to meet their steady gazes as she continued with her narrative. “When the Terran Kingdom fell, I realized that I would be making final stand here at my kingdom. My advisors and I assumed after you and your guardians had arrived that we would a day or more to prepare for a counter strike against the evil. We were completely caught unawares when the beast arrived on your heels, Endymion. My Senshi were immediately targeted and killed. Serenity’s guards fell just moments after their noble parents. I had come too late…I watched young Freya cut down the witch that was responsible for your deaths. The poor girl, she was gravely injured and dying when I reached her side. There I was, alone, surrounded by dead and dying. Then I saw you, my sweet Serenity…My grief was so sharp and devastating. I could not breathe; I was caught in a wellspring of sorrow and rage. When I faced that beast, those emotions had so clouded my heart and mind that I was unable to defeat the demon.”

Usa looked at her worriedly. “What do you mean you could not defeat it, Mother?” She asked. “What did you do?”

“Since I could not focus my energies or my heart, I was forced to seal the demon away.” She said quietly. “I was not thinking straight when I banished it.”

“Mother, please,” Usa tone was urgent, “Did you send it back Terra?”

She nodded solemnly.

“Why?” Darien exploded. “Why would you send it back to my world? Why not to where it had come from originally?”

“I was overwhelmed,” she explained. “Serenity, you must understand that our hearts control the Silver Crystal. Our must be pure like crystal or we are weakened and destroyed. My grief and regrets led to my destruction and it is why the evil has returned. My dearest Serenity, I am afraid the task of ridding the Solar System of this is has now fallen to you.”

“But Mother,” Usagi whispered, “I don’t have the crystal.”

Queen Serenity looked surprised by this news, “Well, something must be interfering with your will to summon the crystal.” She then smiled warmly at her daughter. “Sweetheart, do not fret over this. You are now the Queen of Silver Millennium, the power of the Solar System and the Silver Crystal are yours to command. When you ready to fully accept them, they will come to you.”

With the greatest fear laid to rest, Usagi took comfort in her mother’s words and returned the Queen’s smile a hundredfold. “You’re right, Mother, I will not worry about this.”

“Good. Now it is time for you to return to Terra.” the Queen said as held her hands out to her. Usagi came to her and the two embraced. As she held her daughter close this last time, Queen Serenity gave her daughter final bit of encouragement. “My dearest, most beloved daughter. You must be strong, my love; You must possess faith, unity, and deep love at all times, for without them you cannot defeat the evil. Be proud that you are the Queen of this bright kingdom and Champion of Justice, my dearest Serenity.” She pulled back taking Usagi’s face in her hands before she leaned forward and pressed a tender kiss on the spot were Usagi’s crescent moon was. When she drew back, the golden insignia was shining brightly on her daughter’s brow. “Never forget that I am so very proud of you, my darling girl, or that I love you.” She raised her eyes to Darien, a watery smile appeared on her trembling lips. “All I ask is that you continue to love my daughter. Even in the most difficult times and when you two are at a crossroads in your lives, remember that she is reason you live and the only one you would die for. Take care of her for me, Endymion.” Her gaze drifted back to her daughter, who now had tears in her silver eyes. “She is so small yet she bears a great burden on her tiny shoulders.”

“I promise, I will love her forever.” Darien replied solemnly.

“I know. It was why you were reborn there, together.” She whispered as she wiped at Usagi’s damp cheeks. “Good-bye, Serenity.”

“Mother,” Usagi cried out in fright as she grabbed at the Queen’s hands. “Don’t leave me again, please—“

“My darling, I have never left you. When you look at the moon, you will know that I am here, watching over you.” Carefully, she freed her hands for her daughter’s and then she moved back, her image fading before their eyes.

“No, wait, Mother—“

“I love you, Serenity.” The shade whispered.

“Mother, I—“ Usa choked out. With some effort, Usagi forced herself to smile as she called out to the shadows, “I love you, Mother, and I will never, never forget you.”

5

Her first memories were of him. Oddly enough, they had always been of him. Even before they ever spoke, she would either fantasize or dream about him all the time even after they had met.

How it all happened, it was quiet simple. She had seen his face on a screen in one of the monitoring rooms in the Minister of State’s office. No one said anything as the High Princess stood rooted in one spot, staring openly at the beautiful young man with the raven dark hair and deep, mysterious sapphire eyes. She memorized his features that afternoon and later she added his face to her precious collection of sketches that she hid from her closest friends and companions.

Weeks later, she knew his name and for days after she haunted every office that had contact with the mysterious blue planet that her small world circled and she managed to learn more about him. The ministers believed that their Princess was finally showing some interest in the matters that concerned the Kingdom and welcomed all of her questions about the planet and the Terran Royal family. Oh, how clever she was, too. Disguising her inquiries about the Terran Prince with questions of possible treaties and diplomatic correspondences between their states; It was so easy for her to fool everyone, even her own mother never guessed her true intentions. In a short time, she knew a great deal about the Crown Prince.

He was well educated, intelligent, charming and mindful of the welfare of his people. He was also his planet chief military leader and a leading diplomat. He was handsome, brave, cultured, and perfect as far as she was concerned. She had to meet him.

Seeing up close him was the end for her.

One look and her hesitant, stumbling conversation with him had ruined her for all others who would have ever tried for her hand. No one could compare with him in beauty, a beauty that went beyond his physical appearance; he was truly a kind and generous person once she was able to see beyond his arrogant facade. He was curious about the other planets, he had thousands of questions about everything and she was happy to answer all that she could or bring him books that he seemed to devour with a mental voraciousness that rivaled the Princesses of Mercury and Venus.

She went from childish infatuation to love almost immediately and he expressed the same feelings. Their first kiss brought the Universe to a stand still and before either knew what was happening, the Princess was being carried away, surrounded by a small platoon of Venusian Senshi under the command of the leader of her guardians.

Days and weeks of no contact with her beloved nearly killed her and then one day, her mother relented. The Princess raced from her palace to the Terran keep and fell, literally on top of the Prince. He was on his training grounds, resting after a furious sparing match with his cousin. His joy at seeing her and being with her again mirrored her own. It was right there, with him lying flat on his back and she laying half on him that the young Princess asked the handsome Prince to marry her.

After he argued that it was the man’s place to ask his ladylove to become his bride, he relented and graciously accepted her proposal.

At that moment and for the year to follow, she believed that she would have her fairytale ending. Her life was unfolding like one of her favorite stories complete with the handsome Prince who only loved her. Then glass dreams were shattered. Her fairytale had a tragic ending; Her Prince was dead, her kingdom was dying as she lay taking her final breaths.

A new life and new dreams and different memories came for her in the distant future.

She was an everyday schoolgirl in Japan. She blended into the scenery of the time and the backdrop of humanity like everyone else. She was nothing special; She wasn’t a Princess or famous, she just didn’t stand out in a crowd. But he did.

The first time she saw him, her heart sped up and her breath came out in short pants. He was so beautiful with raven dark hair and deep mysterious sapphire blue eyes. She was a confirmed romantic and believed in love at first sight. That was until he opened his mouth.

He wasn’t compassionate or sensitive. He was arrogant, snide, and petty. She decided that she hated him after their first conversation. He was just some snooty college student and far too old for her if he was in medical school. So she wrote him off, rather she tried to, but whenever he was about, she found herself drawn to him. Soon her disgust and dislike gave way and she found herself falling desperately in love with him. She tried to fight it, she was too young and he much too old to ever take her seriously. For a long time she tried to hide her feelings, but he was very perceptive when it came to her and to her surprise and utter amazement, he confessed that he felt the same way about her.

Her joy at his revelation immediately turned to heartache. She did not know what to say other than blurt out that he couldn’t love her. He was a grown man and she was just a kid what kind of relationship could they possibility have? He was confused, but then realized what she was talking about it. After that afternoon in his father’s office, there had never been any confusion between them until recently.

This new confusion led to the merging of the past and the present. The former royalty of the Moon and Terra had awaken in the a future where they were together and deeply in love with one another. This was how their story should have been. It was their story and destiny to find each other and always love one another…

Endymion…

“My Silver Imperial Crystal, I beg of you to help me find him…” She felt her heart beating in time with another pulse. “Endymion, my love, this time we will be born on the same planet and we will find happiness. My crystal, I will hold you to my breast…Together, we will protect you; And this time we will find happiness…” The beats joined as the power began to build in her soul. “Endymion, we will transcend time to live again. We will find happiness—Endymion.”

“Serenity,” he soul reached for hers, his magic brushed against her power. “Stop trying to corrupt me with your Lunarian magic.”

With a start, Serenity sat up reaching for him. “Darien? Endymion.”

“Darien, Endymion, Endy.” He laughed, “I am whoever you want me to be, even your baby.”

She threw herself into his arms and hugged him for all she was worth. “Selene, I hope we are alive.” She cried as she burrowed into his arms.

“You feel solid enough, a bit soft some places.” He felt a floor beneath him and heavy satin at his back confirmed to him that he was alive.

“Sweetie.” The light of his life murmured.

“Yes, love?”

“Your hands are wondering.” She snapped as she pulled away from him.

He shrugged as he reached up to brush his hair from his eyes. “Your fuku is just so inviting.”

“Yeah, yeah.” She reached up waved her right hand over her broach to release her transformation but her fingers bumped against something. She gasped as the thing began to glow.

“Well now,” Endymion grinned. “It would seems as if your mother was right.”

Floating before her awe struck face was a shimmering, brilliant Silver Crystal. “Oh.” She brought her hands up and the crystal moved towards them. “My crystal.” She breathed.

Endymion moved towards her, his own crystal gravitated towards hers just as he moved towards her. Serenity raised her face towards him, he brought up his right hand and caressed her face. He leaned forward, first kissing the golden insignia on her brow, then her tip of her nose, before he lightly pressed his lips to her rose petal soft mouth.

“So you have awaken, heir of Silver Millennium?” A dark, craggy voice broke through their moment of happiness causing the two lovers to pull away from their tender embrace.

Endymion blew out a sharp breath as he felt the hatred and malice coming from around the world as the demon’s poison tried to seep into his world. Endymion’s crystal reacted quickly, it golden light started to shine and he began to fight against evil in his planet.

Serenity crawled away to edge of whatever they were in. She sat back and looked up at the structure that surrounded them. Slowly, she reached out and touched it thick wall of crystal before she quickly withdrew her hand.

“Endy,” she said, her voice filled with panic.

“What is it, my sweet?”

“We are encased in Silver Crystal.”

“No wonder my crystal is working overtime.” He snorted.

“What was that?” She demanded.

He rolled his eyes, “You’re crystal was trying to corrupt me, but mine drove you magic’s out and revived me.” He stood up and picked up his sword. “Sweetheart, we need to get out of this. Something is very wrong out there—“

“Endymion.” She glanced back him and took his offered hand. Her crystal followed her as she joined him. “There is so much hatred and cruelty—“ she whispered.

He wrapped his arms about her waist. The crystal cage shattered and melted away in leaving them in the ruined Crown Fruit Pallor.

Kunzite was first to notice them. He called out them.

“Where are my Senshi?” Serenity asked urgently. “Why can’t I feel them?”

“Usa,” Ilene cried as she to her daughter.

“Serenity,” Endymion said sharply. “You need to calm down…”

“No!” She cried as she tried to pull free of him. “Let me go, Endymion! I need to go to them. I have to save--“ She cried out as waves of cruelty and hatred slammed washed over the area.

“Serenity!” Endymion cried when she fell against him.

She clutched at her head as she battled back the nausea and dizziness that pounded her. “I must stop her before her darkness covers the entire planet.” She said weakly.

“No!” Her mother cried frantically. “Usagi—“

The Prince and Princess ignored her and all others. Serenity beseeching gaze steeled his decision. Endymion turned to his Generals and ordered them to find the Senshi. He picked up his Princess and the two vanished.

6

“This is most idiotic thing you could have ever done.” Serenity complained as she watched her Prince channel his transformation to summon his armor.

Endymion glanced about the rooftop of the Tokyo Hilton and shrugged. “I could have put us on the ground.” He replied nonchalantly.

She rolled her eyes as she pulled out her crescent wand. “Why don’t you go play rescue hero with your guards.”

“You are forgetting that this is my planet, dear heart, and it will fight you while it’s fighting that blob of demonic goo.” He stooped to plant a quick kiss on her neck, “Are you ready, love?”

“Ready as I will ever be.” She told him.

He caught her chin, making her look at him, Endymion smiled down at her. “We will win,” he assured her. “I will save my planet and you will save your friends.”

“I—“ She tried to protest, but he stopped her with a quick, hard kiss.

“No doubts or regrets.” He said, looking into her eyes. “Remember what your mother said. The Crystal follows your heart.” He winked at her. “Don’t forget that I believe in you.”

A soft smile graced her features as she reached up to return his kiss. “I love you, too.” She whispered.

In the distance, the demon had turned towards them. She felt the power of the legendary Silver Imperial Crystal and to her surprise, another crystal of equal strength. She cackled madly as her lumbering form shifted and rolled over the Tokyo skyline.

She recognized the pair standing on the rooftop, completely oblivious to everything except one another. It was the Princess of the Silver Millennium and the Prince of Terra. Oh, how easy this victory would be, she declared to herself as she picked up speed, she rolled up like a wave charging towards the shore.

From the corner of his eye, Endymion watched the demon as she closer. A cruel smirk graced his handsome features as he ended his kiss with his beloved.

“It’s time to end this,” he murmured.

“Damn these harpies.” She pouted as tightened her grip on the staff of her wand. “Always interfering during our amore time.”

“I will let you make it up to me.” He grinned.

She snorted, “No, you will make it up to me.” She retorted as she walked stepped forward. Serenity fixed her eyes on the dark shadow that once destroyed all she loved and cared for. “You will go no further, demon!” She declared, proudly, her voice was strengthened by her determination to win and to protect everyone she loved and cared for now. “I, Serenity of Silver Millennium, will seal you away!”

The silver crystal rose in the air before it settled in the crook of the golden crescent moon of Serenity’s wand. Above the creature of darkness, the moon appeared in the sky, shining brightly as new day sun as it heeded the call of it’s mistress. She closed her eyes, filling the power of her world, the strength of her heart and love and the power of her fallen Senshi. She channeled it, through her soul, letting it build and grow.

“I need more power,” she prayed, “Great Power of my kingdom, We give service to thee. We pay homage to thee and thine sacred tower. Grant us strength to succeed and bring peace to this land.” Serenity felt it as the magic tore through her body and mind, wiping away everything she through she had known or would every feel, leaving her hollowed out, pure and clean as a crystal.

Endymion had to look away, for the light was bright and strong that it seemed to blind him with it’s intensity.

Serenity screamed as power pushed at the body, demanding to be freed. “Come to me, O Great Light of the Moon!” She yelled out, as the light wrapped about her. “I thee mine life, body, and mine soul!” Her eyes flashed opened, showing silver tinted whites and magic poured from her. “Strike this demon down. Destroy her heart!”

The demon reared back as waves of the bright magic slammed into her.

“Ohh,” the creature cooed as she began to absorb the energy pouring from the young warrior. “This moonlight! This is it! This is what I have longed for. The great power that called from abyss hidden in the sun.” But power was too great even for her to consume and she began to scream in pain as the force of the young girl’s strength began to low her body away.

Now it was time. The crescent moon on the girl’s brow flashed brightly as she shouted. “Get back, you foul creature. This sacred light will burn you to dust!” Serenity thrust her wand into the air. The Silver Crystal expanded and opened up like a flower as the all the power Serenity had been channeling violently tore from each crystal petal. When the energy hit the demon’s swollen body, it reached with all the magic the creature had already devoured and for one tense moment, nothing happened. And then she exploded.

There was loud pop, sounding oddly like balloon that had just been burst. There was a great rushing of wind that shook every building for twenty miles in every direction and could have been felt for hundreds of more even going out to sea.

Endymion grabbed Serenity to him and wrapped them in an energy field of golden energy.

When he was sure that the earth had stopped moving, Endymion lowered the shield. He teleported to the ground, in a park close to his house and he laid Serenity down on his cloak.

He could feel his guards were looking for him, but he had more pressing things to worry about. He knelt in the clearing, burying both his hands in the soil until he touched the heart of his world.

“My poor Terra,” he smiled sadly as he reversed the damage that had been done by Beryl, the Senshi, and the demon. “You’ve just been scratched a bit. But this much will soon heal.”

An hour later, everything had been repaired and lift was restored as the people in Tokyo and the suburbs began to pick themselves up and wonder about.

“What happened?” Alex asked in awe after people who died, began looking about and started asking questions.

Kenji helped his wife stand up. Sam offered his hand to Trista while the Kous, Eiji, and Andrew went to check on the others in the Arcade.

“I think we have been saved.” Trista said blankly.

“Hey, everyone,” Seiya Kou shouted from the staircase, “David and the guys found the girls.”

“Oh, my God.” Ilene said as she collapsed weakly against her husband.

“Are they alright?” Trista asked him.

“Is Hotaru okay?” Sam demanded.

There was a commotion down stairs, Seiya jumped back as the David and the others hurried up the stairs carrying the five warriors. Andrew carried Ami to table and quickly laid her down on the top.

“Did any of them have a pulse when you found them?” He shouted as he started compression on Ami’s chest.

“Hotaru,” Sam cried out as he tried to reach his girlfriend. Jiro turned around and caught his friend before he could touch her. “Let me go, Jiro.” The youth growled menacing as he tried to shove his friend out of the way.

“Let Trista and Drew do what they can,” Jiro said as he forced his friend back.

“I’m not getting anything.” Josh said after he breathed in a breath of oxygen into Lita’s mouth.

“We are not giving up on them.” Andrew declared furiously. “Come on, Ami. C’mon, kid, you got too much to live for to give up now.”

“Oh, shit!” Frankie shouted as pulled his hands away from Rei’s chest.

The three medical students turned to him, “What did you do?” Trista demanded as she rushed over to where he stood.

“What is it?” Andrew swore when he saw a red stain appear on the right side of Rei’s peach coloured dress.

“I didn’t do anything,” Frankie protested. “She just started bleeding and…”

“Mina’s bleeding.” Dave shouted over the arguing pair.

“Damn it,” Andrew snapped. “Check them all. God, where are those paramedics?” He started back as he Ami’s body began to glow. He turned around and everyone had moved back as the four other fallen warriors bodies began to glow as well. Suddenly an intense bright silver light filled the room. Everyone cried out and covered their eyes.

When the light had finally died down, Andrew looked about and began to laugh in relief.

“Oh,” Lita groaned as she rolled onto her side and gingerly clutched her aching head. “It feels like I have been drinking from a bong.”

“Next time, let’s not take the honorable death route.” Hotaru moaned as she stared up at the heavily decorated ceiling.

“I think we won.” Rei said through dry lips.

“Why does winning always have to hurt this much?” Ami wondered as pushed herself up on her elbows.

Mina asked the question that was foremost in each Senshi's mind: “How the hell did we get back here?”

Serenity rose from kneeling before the crystal tower. A soft smile graced her features as she left the Prayer Chamber. A guard bowed to her as she closed the door.

“Your Majesty,” A tall, ebony haired woman dressed in a golden robes with a golden crescent moon on her brow inquired as the girl turned to face her. “Would you please reconsider this decision. This is your home and we need you here.”

Serenity smiled fondly at her Prime Minister then she moved to embrace her. “I will return, Luna.” She told her. “But right now, my place is still on Terra, with my parents, friends, and Endymion.” She stepped back, her silver eyes warm as she said, “I trust you to take care of things until my return?”

“Of course, your Majesty.” Luna told her, “I am your loyal servant.”

Serenity nodded. “I know.” She looked past Luna and saw Endymion standing not too far away, his expression was anxious as he was in a hurry to return to his home. “Contact the other planets and let them know of the other girls’ survival. I will be in contact soon.”

“But my Queen,” Luna started to protest, “What about your coronation?”

“We will talk about some other time.” Serenity told her. “Right now, I just want to see my family and make sure my Senshi are alright?” She rushed into Endymion’s arms.

Luna smiled fondly at her girl and then waved her off. “Then go, your Majesty.”

Serenity glanced back her former nemesis, her mother’s chief advisor and Prime Minister. “I’ll see you soon, Luna.” She told her.

“Be well, Queen Serenity.” Luna said as she bowed to the girl.

She nodded once. The world about her faded as Endymion embraced her. She turned away as her palace in the stars faded away. When she looked up, she was seeing a Terran dawn.

She heard door slam open and some called her name. She turned around and just in time to be caught up in the arms of her family.

Endymion had brought her home and it was where everyone had come, waiting for them to return. Both were passed around for hugs and kisses, but she noticed that Senshi hung back. Gently, she disengaged herself from the crush of her family and she stepped forward. The five warriors silently transformed and each went down to one knee and crossed their right arms over their hearts in the traditional Lunarian salute.

“Queen Serenity,” Venus intoned formally. “We are—“

“Let’s not do this right, now.” The new Queen told her, “I’m tired and it’s late. Get out of the grass and go home.” She yawned broadly and stretched her sore muscles. “Ames, you still staying over?”

“Your Majesty—“ The Mercurian Senshi stammered.

“Until we go back to Silver Millennium, I am Usagi.” She told them. “Not Queen Serenity, nor her Majesty, or anything else. You are all my friends and that’s how we will always be.”

“Guys,” Endymion said to his Generals, “Let’s stick to Darien and you being my friends again. Even you cousin,” he said to David.

“Cousin?” Mina perked up.

“It’s a long story.” Darien yawned, “I’ll tell you on the way home.”

“But I don’t…” Mina tried to argue.

“Come by later today.” Usa told her. “Much later.” With that final order, the young Queen of Silver Millennium, Senshi of Justice, and all around average Japanese school headed into her house for a well deserved rest.

End of Part One:

The Dark Kingdom