Crystal Flaws - Part 04 Crystal Bells

Author\'s Note - This story, \"Crystal Bells\", is the fourth part of my five part series, \"Crystal Flaws\". Enjoy! ^_^

Elios and Serenity knocked on Neo-Queen Serenity’s office door, and heard her say, “Enter”. They opened the door and saw that both of Serenity’s parents were sitting at the table by the window drinking tea. The couple sat down on the couch and accepted the cups of tea the Queen offered them. Everyone sat a moment in silence as they sipped their drinks. Finally Serenity’s mother said, “You saw Mercury.” It was more a statement than a question.

Serenity nodded her head yes. Putting her cup down, she grabbed Elios’ hand and quietly said, “I’m pregnant.”

Her parents sighed and tried their best not to look upset. After a moment her mother asked, “Are you feeling okay?”

Serenity answered, “A little nauseous, but Mercury said eating a little bit often should help. Mercury also said some other things.” Her parents looked up with concern. Squeezing Elios’ hand again, she continued. “She said we’re having twins.”

Her mother gasped and her father said, “What?!”

The Queen exclaimed, “How is that possible?!” She added with puzzlement, “The heir to the Silver Crystal has only ever had one child, a daughter.”

Elios spoke. “My family genetics includes multiples.”

For a moment the King had an intense thoughtful expression on his face. He then said, “That’s right, I remember now! Your family had multiples. You are one of triplets, right?”

Shocked, Elios looked at King Endymion with a start. He had thought that everyone, except his sisters, who had known about his brothers and parents were gone. He hadn’t realized that Prince Endymion knew them back in the Silver Millennium!

Elios’ face paled as he slowly nodded his head yes. Unconsciously squeezing Serenity’s hand tighter, he looked down. Haltingly he said, “Was. My brothers and parents died…during Beryl’s invasion. My sisters and I…were in Elysion when it happened.”

Serenity looked at Elios and saw the deep sadness in his eyes. Putting her free hand over their clasped hands, she leaned against Elios to offer him comfort and support.

Both the King and Queen looked sad. The King quietly said, “I’m sorry Elios. That must have been a terrible time for you and your sisters.”

Elios nodded his head and sighed. Unbidden, long unsought images insistently pushed their way to the surface of Elios’ mind. Images of his parents, his brothers, and his baby sisters when they were all together. Happy images from a peaceful time long, long gone. Images that were still as sharp to Elios’ mind’s eye and as cutting to his heart as they were two millennia ago.

Closing his eyes, Elios swallowed as he tried to push the images and the pain they brought back into the far recesses of his mind. [Damn!] he thought. [Why did that have to come up *now*?!]

Finally, with a shaky sigh, Elios looked up.

Realizing that Elios definitely did not want to continue talking about his family, Usagi asked, “Have you considered a date for your wedding?”

Elios and Serenity shook their heads no. Elios cleared his throat. “It should probably be soon, before Serenity begins to show.”

Serenity sighed and looked down. She had been looking forward to planning her wedding and now they would have to rush it. Things definitely were not going the way she had thought they would.

Hot tears silently spilled down Serenity’s cheeks and her father started to reach out to comfort her. Usagi put a restraining hand on her husband’s forearm as Elios enveloped Serenity in his arms and hugged her close.

Mamoru watched Elios comfort his daughter and he felt a surge of anger bubble up inside his heart. He thought, [This is all Elios’ fault! He doesn’t deserve Serenity. I should have sent him packing after that battle with the monster. If I had, we wouldn’t be in this mess and Serenity wouldn’t be crying!]

Usagi looked at her husband and could see the anger in his expression. Concerned, she gripped his hand to try to soothe and anchor him. [The *last* thing we need now is for Mamo-chan to lose his temper!] she thought.

The pressure of his wife’s cool, calming fingers reminded Mamoru that regardless of what he thought, Serenity had chosen Elios. He *had* to let go. He *had* to let Elios have her. Mamoru rubbed his eyes tiredly and sighed as he struggled to force his heart to submit to reason.

Realizing that they all needed some time to gather their composure, Usagi said to Elios, “We should take a break so you two can discuss what you’re going to do. Would three be a good time for us to meet back here?” Elios agreed and they left Serenity’s parents.

As the door closed behind the couple, Mamoru leaned forward and put his face in his hands. Usagi knelt down in front of Mamoru and encircled him in her arms.

Sighing sadly, Mamoru put his arms around his wife and hugged her back. He rested his head on her shoulder and she silently stroked his hair.

Finally Mamoru whispered, “This is so hard! I want her to be happy, but all I see is how often he has made her cry!”

Usagi quietly responded, “It’s hard for me to watch too, but all relationships have hard times. Just because they’re having a difficult time right now doesn’t mean Serenity will be unhappy for the rest of her life. They will get through this and she will be happy again.”

Reaching up to make her husband look into her eyes, Usagi continued. “Remember all the difficulties that we went through? If we had given up because of them, then we would have missed out on all the wonderful times we have had together too.”

Mamoru thought about what she said. He smiled ruefully as he admitted, “Yes, I do remember. I also remember that most of those difficulties were caused by me.”

Usagi smiled. “Well, *I* wasn’t going to say it, but since you did I won’t refute it either.”

Mamoru sighed resignedly as he realized he had no right to judge Elios.

Usagi saw the sad resignation in his eyes. Reaching up to pull Mamoru’s face closer to hers, she softly whispered against his lips. “Don’t worry Mamo-chan. You will *always* have me.”

~~~~~~~~

Elios took Serenity to his room. He could tell she felt overwhelmed. Setting the alarm, he cuddled her to him on the bed. An hour later the alarm rang and Elios went to the kitchen to put together a lunch tray for them. He returned to the room with the tray and Serenity was still sleeping. He gently woke her and the smell of food convinced her to get up.

As Serenity and Elios ate, they talked about their wedding and chose a date. Serenity did consider trying to get Elios to talk about his family again but decided against it. She realized she would have to wait until he was ready to bring it up.

Elios returned the tray to the kitchen and when he came back Serenity was lying on the bed relaxing. She smiled as Elios stretched out next to her with a sigh. “Hey!” he suddenly yelped. “What did you do that for?”

Serenity giggled. “Your shirt pulled up when you stretched. I couldn’t resist tickling you.”

“Is that so?” Elios said as he suddenly grabbed Serenity’s ribs and tickled her unmercifully.

She gasped and laughed and tried to grab his hands. When she finally caught them, she quickly leveraged herself up and pinned Elios’ hands to the bed. To keep him from breaking free, she swung her leg over his body and straddled his waist. Serenity’s life of military training had made her strong, and with his hands held down by his ears, Elios was truly pinned. He tried to lift his hands and was surprised he couldn’t budge them.

Smiling, Serenity teasingly whispered, “I win,” then she leaned down to kiss Elios. As they kissed, they both became aware of how they were positioned. Serenity could feel Elios’ reaction to their kiss and closeness. She slowly broke their kiss then sat up and pressed herself against him.

Elios closed his eyes and pressed back against Serenity. Even through their clothes, she could feel his length slowly slide past her. It set her desires on fire.

Serenity smiled and slowly rocked her hips to repeat the pleasing movements. Breathlessly she said, “Oh Elios, this feels nice! I wonder how it would feel to make love like this.”

Elios had unconsciously slid his hands up under Serenity’s shirt and was softly caressing her breasts. He whispered, “I’m sure it’d be great, but we don’t have time.”

Serenity opened her eyes to glance at the clock. 2:35p.m. she read. “Yes we do,” she whispered.

By this time, Elios was more than willing to agree. He lifted Serenity’s shirt off and she quickly unbuttoned his. Serenity stood up on the bed still straddling him. Stepping back, she bent over, opened his pants then slid them and his underwear off.

Sitting up, Elios tossed his shirt then reached for Serenity’s pants and underwear. She stepped between his outstretched legs and he slid them down to her ankles. Serenity stepped out of her clothes and Elios tossed them on the floor too.

Elios laid back and gazed at Serenity standing over him naked. His breath caught in his throat at her beauty. Wordlessly he held up his hands to her and she stepped up into his arms.

Elios slid his hands along the sides of Serenity’s legs as she slowly sank to her knees over him again. His hands moved to her breasts and he lovingly kneaded their softness.

Serenity’s hands slowly slid up over his chest as she leaned down to kiss him.

Looking into Serenity’s eyes, Elios said, “I guess we don’t need to use protection anymore.”

Serenity shook her head no. “I don’t think you’ll miss it, will you.”

Elios chuckled. “No, I won’t miss it at all.”

Serenity moved herself back and could feel him pressing against her. Sitting up, she slid him deeply into her.

They both gasped and Elios grabbed her hips to hold her still. He hoarsely whispered, “Give me a moment!”

Serenity sat still and enjoyed the feel of him filling her again.

Elios caressed her breasts as he waited for his frantic desires to calm a bit. After a moment he swallowed and said, “I don’t know if I’ll last very long this way. It feels really good.”

Serenity smiled. “I guess we’ll see.”

Elios rubbed and gently squeezed her nipples as Serenity slowly lifted herself almost off of his length then smoothly moved herself a little ways down then back up again. She repeated this a few times then sat up and pushed down onto him completely. She paused and slowly rocked her hips. Serenity’s insides felt on fire as she built up towards her climax.

Elios was a little confused by Serenity’s changing rhythm, then he groaned as she rocked and he pushed himself deeper inside her. He felt so close to the edge and he very much wanted to take over the lead of their dance to get there. Panting quietly, he struggled to stay with Serenity’s leading.

Again she slowly moved up off of him until they were almost separated then she quickly moved down and up again and again. With a gasp, Serenity hit her flash point and she plunged him deeply into her. Gripping him tightly inside her, she rocked her hips in time with the pulses of pleasure she felt.

Elios couldn’t hold back any longer. He powerfully thrust up and groaned as he explosively released his seed deep inside Serenity. He thrust into her again and again as he pulsed.

Finally, they started to relax and Serenity collapsed onto Elios’ chest. He lovingly ran his hands over her back and hair as she lay there. They both tried to catch their breath. Elios kissed her forehead. Looking up, Serenity kissed him deeply. They were still comfortably joined together and neither one wanted to move.

Elios quietly asked, “What time is it?”

Looking up again, Serenity mumbled, “Two minutes to three,” then closed her eyes and cuddled against her lover’s chest.

Elios said, “Mmmmm,” then, “What?!” Grabbing Serenity’s shoulders, he pushed her to sit up. She looked confused.

Elios said, “We have to get out of here!”

It suddenly dawned on Serenity why. Groaning with dismay, she quickly got up and looked around for her clothes. She found her pants, shirt and shoes and Elios had done the same.

He waited impatiently as Serenity finished pulling her clothes on. He grabbed her hand as they ran out the door.

Serenity shook her head and asked Elios as they hurried, “Why do we keep getting ourselves into these messes?”

Elios grinned. He leaned closer to her and quietly answered, “Because we’re horny.”

Serenity gasped, blushed and looked around to see if anyone had heard him. “Elios!” she admonished.

Elios laughed. “Well, you did ask!”

Serenity rolled her eyes and muttered, “We’re hopeless!”

~~~~~~~~

Serenity and Elios reached her mother’s office door. It was 3:10 p.m. Serenity opened the door and no one was there. They looked at each other confused and went in.

Serenity asked, “Do you think they gave up on us and left?”

Elios looked around. “No. I don’t think they’ve been here yet because the tea isn’t hot.” Elios and Serenity sat down on the couch and the door opened.

The King and Queen came in. Usagi’s face was flushed from hurrying and Mamoru said, “Sorry we’re late. We were, um, unavoidably detained.”

Usagi turned to start the teapot boiling and Serenity began to notice things she never saw, or at least noticed, before. Her mother didn’t have her wings attached to her dress now, and the two little eyehooks above where the wings attached were not closed. Sitting down with a sigh, Usagi crossed her legs. Her shoe peeked out from under her dress and Serenity noticed her mother had her heels on without stockings. Serenity then saw her mother’s hair was slightly disheveled and realization finally dawned on her.

Serenity took a second look at her father. At first he had appeared calm and collected, but now she noticed his vest was missing and he wasn’t wearing socks. She looked at his hair and it looked like it had been combed with his fingers, but that was how it always looked. Serenity looked down and blushed as she realized she and Elios looked just as hastily thrown together as her parents did.

Suddenly Serenity realized her parents and Elios were talking and she had better pay attention.

As Neo-Queen Serenity served the tea she asked, “Did you pick a date?”

Elios answered, “July 30th, if two months is reasonable.”

The Queen nodded yes. “We can work with that. It’s a month after our birthday, so one won’t overshadow the other. What about your attendants? Serenity, do you know who, and how many, you want?”

Serenity answered, “My Senshi.”

Her mother said, “As I guessed.”

Elios spoke up. “That will work out well because I have the four Pegasus brothers as groomsmen.”

Serenity and her parents looked at Elios with confusion. Serenity asked, “Four Pegasus brothers? I don’t understand.”

Elios chuckled a bit nervously as their expressions. He realized it was time to broach this subject. He took a deep breath and picked his words carefully, “The four brothers have been my rides here and are my friends. They are identical quads so you may not have realized there was more than one.”

Serenity hesitantly said, “Okay, but how can they be in the wedding? They’re very big.”

Elios said, “All Pegasuses can transform to either a Pegasus or a human form.” He took another deep breath and cautiously asked, “You do remember that I can transform, don’t you?”

Serenity was quiet a moment then haltingly said, “I remember when you were a Pegasus, but I wasn’t sure if it was a permanent part of you, or a part of Nephrenia’s curse. You didn’t transform again after you were freed, and you called a Pegasus to you to fly.”

Sighing, Elios realized how his behavior had contributed to her confusion. He looked up and said, “I see now that I need to explain some things.”

Elios swallowed. He knew he had to explain and he was determined to do so. He cleared his throat. ”My parents were Elysion’s ambassadors to the Earth’s surface. We lived full time on the surface and my siblings and I were born on the surface.”

Continuing to explain, he said, “A Pegasus will stay in the form its mother chooses to give birth in until four years of age. Our mother gave birth in her human form, and we grew up as humans. Until my sisters and I were moved to Elysion, I had only transformed three times. Because of this upbringing, we are much more comfortable in our human forms than most Pegasuses are. We actually prefer our human forms, especially in the company of surface humans. When my sisters and I moved to Elysion the other Pegasuses thought we were strange, but eventually they accepted us in our human forms.”

Elios concluded by saying, “A group of Pegasuses are on call to provide me with transportation to the surface so I don’t have to transform in front of surface humans. When I was a prisoner I was too weak to hold my human form. What little power I had was needed to contact you and to fight. After I was freed and healed, I didn’t really think about it and just called a Pegasus out of habit.”

Puzzled, King Endymion said, “I knew your parents were the ambassadors, but I never saw them in their Pegasus forms. I don’t remember ever being told that they were Pegasuses.”

Elios explained, “Most people didn’t know. Surface humans can be uncomfortable relating to someone as an equal that looks like a horse. Also, surface humans are sometimes uncomfortable with how we communicate in our Pegasus form.”

Elios finally dared a look at Serenity to see how she was taking all this.

Serenity slowly shook her head and for the second time that day struggled to absorb a new view of her fiancé. Looking up, she said with frustration evident in her voice, “Elios, you are so very mysterious. Is there ever going to be a day when I can think I know everything about you?”

Elios was not sure how to answer Serenity’s question. Finally, he quietly said, “I can’t promise you a day like that will ever come. Is that a problem for you?”

Serenity looked at Elios and saw the fear in his heart reflected in his eyes. Now that she had seen Elios’ pain from the loss of his family, Serenity had a better understanding of what it was Elios truly feared.

With conscious determination, Serenity swallowed her frustration and squeezed Elios’ hand reassuringly. “No,” she answered. “It’s not a problem for me. Today it surprised me, but from now on I know to expect the unexpected from you every once in a while.”

Elios smiled and the fear faded from his eyes and heart.

As the couple talked, King Endymion thought about what Elios had said regarding the Pegasuses and Elysion. He realized there was more to both of them than he had thought. When he saw that Elios and Serenity had finished working things out, he asked, “Why would people be uncomfortable with how a Pegasus communicates?”

Elios responded, “In Pegasus form we communicate telepathically. Our personal thoughts are on a different level than our verbal thoughts. Many surface humans don’t know how to separate their thought processes, so they constantly talk out loud telepathically. Often it is difficult to differentiate their personal thoughts from verbal ones. If a Pegasus unintentionally responds to a personal thought, it upsets surface humans. They often blame us for being able to read their thoughts and they claim we are invading their minds.”

King Endymion nodded his head in understanding. He could see how this would cause problems and fear between the two races. He said, “I remember Elysion and the surface were on good terms during my father’s reign. How was that accomplished?”

Elios answered, “The Priests had very strict rules regarding who could travel between Elysion and the surface. This was the reason for having the ambassadorship. My parents were the only Pegasuses approved for unrestricted travel. From an early age, they taught us to be cautious and not to respond to surface human’s thoughts. They rarely spoke telepathically to each other or us. They did make sure we knew how to separate our thought processes. If we got careless, our parents would reminded us to keep our thoughts to ourselves.”

“I see,” King Endymion responded. “The Priests’ and your parents’ caution protected the peace.

After thinking a moment, King Endymion said, “I think it would be best to keep the relationship between Elysion and the surface the way it is for now. Because of your marriage, things will have to change, but we need to do it carefully. The changes need to be implemented in such a way that they don’t harm either world. Elios, how many Pegasuses live in Elysion? Are there any other sentient beings there?”

Elios thought a moment. “There are about four to five hundred Pegasuses. Beryl’s attack and Nephrenia’s invasion severely reduced our number. The only other sentient beings are the Fairies. They number in the tens of thousands as best as I can tell. They are simplistic, easily pleased creatures, but they should not be dismissed. When angered they are a force to be reckoned with.”

Concerned, Elios asked, “Do you really think our marriage will cause drastic changes for Elysion?”

King Endymion knew he wouldn’t be doing Elios or his daughter any favors by softening the answer to this question. Looking at both of them he said, “The only way to avoid changing our worlds would be for one of you to totally renounce your life from before your marriage.”

Neo-Queen Serenity looked away. She stood up and began to pace the room with her hands gripped together.

King Endymion looked down and sighed. The price to pay if they chose this option would be unbearable to him. If they didn’t choose it, the price to their worlds could also be significant.

Serenity’s face paled as the implications of her father’s words sunk in. She whispered, “You mean, leave one place and never go back?”

Elios shook his head no resolutely. “Neither of us could do that. Both places and their people are too important to both of us. We will work the changes out between our worlds.”

The Queen sighed with relief as she sat back down. “It may be selfish of me, but I’m glad that’s your choice.”

The King nodded his head in agreement. “If you’re agreed, we will try to keep contact between our worlds at a minimum until after the wedding. After that we’ll decide how to introduce our two worlds to each other.”

Elios agreed.

Looking at the clock, Usagi said, “I don’t mean to rush this, but we should get more wedding plans on paper before dinner. Serenity, who is going to be your maid of honor?”

Serenity answered, “Hotaru, if she’s willing.”

Looking up, Neo-Queen Serenity said, “Sailor Saturn hasn’t been back to Earth in years. Please check with her and let me know if she’ll do it.

Serenity nodded and said, “I owe her a letter anyway.”

The Queen then asked, “Elios, do you have someone in mind for your best man?”

Elios thought a moment then said, “No, I need to get back to you on that.”

Usagi nodded and made a note in her notebook. She looked up. “If you are agreed, Serenity, Sailor Pluto has offered to design and make your wedding gown.”

Serenity’s eyes lit up. She loved Setsuna’s designs.

Her mother said, “I’ll take that as a yes.”

Serenity wondered out loud, “Do you think Setsuna would be willing to make the bridesmaid’s gowns too?”

Frowning, Usagi said, “If she had a year maybe. Because of the time issue, perhaps you can choose from something she’s already designed and have her hire extra seamstresses. You’ll need to talk to her about it.”

Serenity nodded.

Her mother stared at her for a moment then sighed. Grabbing two notepads and pens off the table, she held them up to Serenity and Elios. She chided, “I’ve told you both things to do. Write them down and do them, or I’m going to get annoyed with you!”

Both of them leaned forward, took the offered implements and began to write.

Usagi looked back at her notes as she muttered under her breath. “Boy! Was I ever as clueless as you two are?”

Mamoru happened to have taken a sip of tea just as he heard his wife’s complaint. He started choking on it as he laughed. Finally, he could speak. “Usako!” he exclaimed. “You’re the original ‘Meatball Head’. Remember?” Seeing the look in his wife’s eyes, Mamoru immediately realized he had not worded that well. He cleared his throat and tried again. “Of course, you’re not now, anymore. I just meant you used to be. Don’t you remember?” He smiled hopefully then began to sweat under the powerfully piercing and silent gaze of his wife.

Mamoru stood up then suddenly knelt down close to Usagi. While looking into her eyes, he pulled a rose and tickled her under the chin with its petals.

In spite of herself, Usagi laughed and started to lean away from him.

Mamoru’s hand quickly slipped behind Usagi’s neck and pulled her to him for a very thorough and breath-draining kiss.

Serenity blushed and said, “Poppa!” She couldn’t believe he was behaving like this in front of them!

Slowly releasing his wife’s lips, Mamoru calmly sat back down in his chair.

Usagi looked at the rose in her hand a moment then looked up at them. She asked, “Is the meeting done?”

Serenity stared with amazement at her flushed and slightly dazed mother.

Elios tried not to grin as he took mental notes on the King’s obviously successful technique for getting out of trouble.

They decided to end the meeting since dinner would be in an hour. They rescheduled for Friday afternoon.

~~~~~~~~

Serenity was quiet as she and Elios walked back to his room. After he shut the door she told him what she had noticed about her parents.

Elios started to chuckle. “I guess the break wasn’t long enough for them either.”

Smacking his arm, Serenity indignantly said, “Don’t laugh! What happened to my parents? They didn’t act like this before. It’s embarrassing!”

Smiling, Elios pulled Serenity into his arms. He whispered to her softly. “I don’t think it’s your parents that have changed, my Maiden. You are just more aware of these things now.”

Serenity leaned back in his arms and looked at him surprised. “You really think so?”

Elios kissed her nose and said, “Yes, I really think so.” He then changed the subject. “How about we take a quick shower before dinner?” he suggested with a smile.

Serenity looked at him suspiciously. “I don’t want to be late for dinner.”

Laughing, Elios said, “Okay, I promise. All ‘business’ and no ‘pleasure’.” Serenity was still doubtful, but she let him lead her to the bathroom.

Elios did keep his promise, but it was obvious to Serenity that if he hadn’t promised it to her, he wouldn’t have chosen to go to dinner. Serenity wouldn’t admit it, but she also considered reconsidering what she wanted to do. As she dressed, this time with all her clothes, she sighed and thought, [We really are hopeless!]


Continued...

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

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

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

Bye, Luna Hope ^_^

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