	This part definitely goes out to Sidnei, who went above and 
beyond the call of duty to inspire me.  Thank you so much!  Also, love to 
my sistersSue Mei, Lianne, and Fushigi.  You are awesome!  And 
finally kudos to the girl who does it all for us writers, the goddess of 
romantic dreams herself, the Sun Princess.  I love you all!!!
	And of course, thank you to my fans, who have been so sweet to 
write me with plenty of encouragement to get Chapter 5 out, and so here it 
is!
	I am so glad everyone anticipates the revealing of the "true" moon 
princess.  (Ive gotten more than enough mail about it) I anticipate as well, 
but this part will be the start of a wicked twistand I think its going to be 
a good change though it IS wicked in essence.
	I must again warn of the REALLY naughty language, concentrated 
in certain scenes.  I try to keep it minimal, because Im not a huge fan of 
swearing, but at certain parts, I think that its needed to emphasize 
emotion.  So I apologize in advance if anyones offended.  I dont TRY to 
swear, and I dont usually do it in my own life.
	Id also like to say that I finally have an editor.  Lanna, thank you 
very much.
	Also, Im having a REALLY hard time contacting 
XTREME9874@aol.com, B0OBO0@aol.com, and its frustrating me.  
Also, LilWonder3@aol.com, Im having problems contacting you.  I cant 
seem to get my e-mail sent to any of these addresses.  Ill try again, being 
me, but I just wanted you to know.  Sorry!
	Again, enjoy!

Love, Luck, Luna,
Crystal Heart
crisinti@hotmail.com
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Pagoda/8024/index.html

Disclaimer: And then the toad said the princess, "I may be a toad, but I 
dont have as many warts as you do!!!!!!!!!"  HEE!  I could tell a whole 
story this way, you know?  Anyway, I dont own these characters, neither 
do I want to be sued for using them.  However, I will say that this is my 
story.

Before we start, lets recap.  Serena, Amy, and Lita have all gone to the 
moon.  Zoicyte is on the dark force, and Serena and Darien are in love 
with each other but wont admit it to themselves.  Oh yeah, Minas the 
moon princess.

Guarding Heart
Chapter 5 - Playing with Fire
By Crystal Heart

	"You want to WHAT?" Raye asked her mother, eyes widening.
	"Things are not safe as they are.  We must protect, and since your 
protectors all went away, Ive asked one of the Four to guard you."
	"You asked JEDYTE MCLULLEN!" Raye said.
	Merlyn sighed.  She didnt know what to do anymore.  With the 
discovery that all of Rayes ladies in waiting were affiliated with the 
moon, she wondered of Rayes origins.  The girl had been found by her 
brother, in a basket, with rubies.  Merlyn did not know where the other 
girls were from, but she couldnt help but wonder.
	But now, she realized, Raye had to be protected.
	Serena had reminded her of her daughters need for safety and 
guardianship.  Serena had suggested that Merlyn ask Kunz to send Jed to 
defend Raye.  As Serena had said, Jed was a fighter.  His temper was 
quick, but so was his fist.
	Of course, now Raye was extremely upset.
	"Raye, darling, whats wrong with Jedyte?"
	"Hes arrogant, unfeeling, rude, obnoxious, cruel, callous, 
asinine"
	"Okay, Ive got the picture, but Raye, Im worried about you now, 
and Serena said that Jed would be more than capable of defending you."
	"SERENA?"
	"She was thinking in your own  best interest"
	"I can defend myself."
	"Raye, not a word"
	"Mother"
	"Dont argue with me on this one, because Im not changing my 
mind," Merlyn started to pace.  "I know I havent always been a caring 
mother, butRaye, you must understand that Ilove you, very 
muchand I dont want to see anything happen to you."  She stopped, 
looked at Raye.  She held a hand to the uplifted face, and touched it softly.  
"Youre so important to me"
	Merlyn turned away, feeling her heart pound.  She never exposed 
herself very often.  "I think Ill give you some time to think this over" 
she said, as she closed the door, and walked off.
	Raye gathered herself into a little ball.
	This was a horrible daya horrible day.  Her friends had gone 
yesterday, and now she was alone.
	The suns light stung her eyes, and a tear trickled down her cheek.
	*Protected by Jed?  Thats a death trap!*
	But her mothers wordsthat she cared for her daughterQueen 
Merlyn had never told her that beforeand Raye felt, although 
disgruntled at the situation, somewhat content that it had been done out of 
love.

	"You want me to WHAT?"
	"Youve got it.  Princess Rayes got to be protected.  And you have 
to take care of her."
	"Not in a million years.  I will burn a slow agonizing death before I 
have to deal with that bitch on a daily basis."
	"Jed, you cannot argue.  Raye is now in more danger than ever, for 
her ladies are all gone.  It is your duty to the kingdom."
	"My duty is to protect the prince"
	"Your duty is to the family of Wyndica.  Raychelle is in the family.  
You have to protect her.  Do so, now."
	Jed clenched his fist.  *The bitch arranged this all, didnt she?*

	Lita stood uncomfortably in front of Serenity.  "You wished to see 
me alone, your majesty?"
	The throne room was beautiful.  It was a rotunda, and the dome 
was all leaded glass.  There was a love story, paved in stained glass at the 
top, the center being a red, red rose.  The floor was black marble, threaded 
with gold, and there was a white strip of carpet leading form the door from 
which Lita had entered to the throne.  The rotunda was all glass, and white 
marble columns surrounded on the outside, but on the inside, there were 
five pillars.  There was one in each direction.  North, south, east west, and 
each had the name of a planet scripted at the base.  The last pillar was the 
largest, which was behind Serenitys white marble throne, cushioned in 
gold satin.  
	"Yes, Princess Litanya.  Your mother has expressed a wish to see 
you"
	Lita felt her heart pound, as she felt her nerves currently being 
stretched.  "Mymother?"  She had never had a mother in her life 
beforeand nowshe was a princess, and she was going to meet her 
mother, a queen.  What was her mother expecting?  Would she be 
expecting an elegant little daughter, who could sew and dance?  Lita 
could, but
	"Queen Otonya Enscancis of Jupiter" Serenity gestured to 
Jupiters pillar.
	A woman appeared, on the pillar, and Lita felt her heart and 
worries stop.
	Her hair was a fiery red, and her eyes were glowing with lush 
green of jungles.  Her face was pale, and Lita approached the pillar, 
touching the image
	"Is that my daughters voice I hear?" she asked Serenity.
	"She cant see me?" Lita turned to the queen of the Moon.
	"The alliances communications system works in the way that only 
the person in the throne can be seen."
	"Can I"
	Serenity talked to the image.  "Tonya, Litanya is currently in the 
room now, and I think youd like to see her."
	"Yes, I would" the woman said, her eyes wide with anxiety.
	Serenity got out of her throne, and extended her hand to Lita.  
"You can meet her in person later, when her court visits, but I thought 
there was no use delaying the introduction.  Youve waited long 
enough"
	Lita took a deep breath, and stepped up the white carpeting from 
the pillar to the dais.  Serenity took Litas hand, and shook it.
	Lita hugged the woman.  "Thank you" she whispered.
	She sat in the throne, and said softly, "Hello, mother"
	"Oh, mydaughterLitanya"
	They were silent, taking each other into their eyes and minds.  
	"Youre so wonderful and elegant, and such a lady" Otonya 
sighed, and reached out, though she couldnt touch her daughter.  "I wish I 
could see you in person."
	"It doesnt matter, mother.  I finally got to see you"
	"Oh, my little Litathere are so many things that I want to tell 
you"
	Lita laughed.  "There are so many things I want to tell you!" she 
smiled, as tears started to fade form her eyes.
	"But I want to start with something Ive been waiting to tell you 
for twenty years.  I love you, my LitanyaI love you"
	Litas eyes started to well up in tears, as she heard the words that 
she had never heard in her life before.  The three words, so common to 
others, were never uttered to her, and now
	She found her home.

	"It was AMAZING!!!!"  Lita smiled through tears.  "Do you have 
any idea how long Ive waited to see her?  And I finally, oh, it was 
glorious, and we talked on forever, and oh, Amy, she loves me!  My 
mother, she loves me!" Lita got up, and danced about in circles, feeling 
like she was on wings.
	Amy smiled at Lita, but felt apprehension in her stomach.
	Was she going to meet her mother as well?
	Oh
	A pain.  Did she ever belong to anyone before?  Would she 
disappoint her?  Amy, who was pale and small, compared to the grand 
Lita, or Mina.  Amy was not a beauty by natureshe wasAmy.  
Andher mother, would she be terribly disappointed in that?  Would her 
mother look at her with disappointment?  Her mother, probably the queen 
of ice in marvelous robes of fur, and ice-blue eyes, and glorious dark hair, 
like a snow fairyand Amy, well, Amy was an ordinary girlnot meant 
to be the princess of some planet, was she?
	"Amy?" Luna came in.
	Lita looked at Amy, and gave her a hug.  "Dont worry, Amy, just 
be yourself"
	Amy nodded, thinking that "herself" would not be loved

	"I dont know if this is such a good idea" Amy whispered.  "Im 
not the daugther my mother might expect"
	Serenity paused, her lips pressed.  "Invy?  Just wait a while.  Im 
having problems finding Amyliana"
	Amy looked at the pillar with a fear.
	*Oh my gosh, shes my mother*
	The woman had pale sapphire hair and ocean eyesher eyes.  The 
wavy hair was gently pulled up, but loose tendrils bordered her pale snow 
white face.  Hardly the image she had imagined, but this one was warmer, 
gentler, and prettier by far.  She looked a lot like Amy, but so delicate and 
beautiful.  There was a single tear on the snowy cheek.  "Serenitymaybe 
this isnt a good ideashe might not want to see meafter all, Im the 
only one of the queens of the court that isnt really tall and beautifulshe 
might be expecting a goddess, and you know me, I was a mere Earth girl 
that the Prince of Mercury fell in love withshes going to look at me 
with her fathers eyesthe ice blue of all Mercurians, and laugh."
	Amy stood, stunned.  The worry in her eyes, and the tears of fright.  
The shaking body. 
	"Oh, I wish to see her, but Amyliana might not like me"
	Amy felt the tension in her fade, filled with relief, but a need to 
help this woman.  *Shes just like me*  "No, mother!"
	Invyerna Garent stopped her tears and looked up at Serenity 
through the pillars.  "That isntis it?  No, its too soon"
	Serenity gestured to Amy, with an approving smile.  Amy stepped 
forward, her heart pounding.  Serenity took Amys hand, getting out of the 
throne.  Her smile told Amy there was nothing to worry about.  At this 
moment, Amy didnt believe so either.  "Mom?" she sat down at the 
throne, feeling Serenitys hands on her shoulders.
	"Amy" Queen Invy smiledthe same smile that Amy had.  "I 
wish I could touch youthis is so dream-like.  Youre so beautiful"
	Tears came to her eyes.  Amy smiled, and held her hand out.  "You 
are too, Momsee, I have your eyesandyour hair" Amy gestured.  
"Oh mother, its been so longand Im finally here, in front of you, and 
youre there, looking at meoh, mother"
	"Darling" tears of joy flooded Invys eyes.  "My daughterMY 
daughter"

	Serenity sighed, as she paced the throne room.
	That love in the eyes of the daughters and mothers.
	Why wasnt it there for her and Minalle?
	And why was it there for her and Serena?
	Over the past months, it was odd, and Serenity felt a slight shame, 
butshe felt that Serena had become more her daughter, by the simple 
fact that they understood, and saw something in each other.
	Mina had been enthusiastic, but they didnt seem to understand 
each other
	It tore her heart out.
	Maybe her sister would understand.  Slouching back in her throne, 
she closed her eyes and called for her 
	Venuss pillar glowed, and Primavera Versitallias image glowed.  
Prima was the older sister of Serenity.  She was the true daughter of the 
court of the moon, but did not take the throne, for she married the king of 
Venusand she always thought that the daughter of the goddess of the 
moon ought to be with the goddess of the moon.  Though Serenity had 
been born and raised by the Lunar family, it was no secret that she was the 
child of Hecate and Selenes powersthe product of the edict of the gods.  
She had the body that a child of their parents had made, but she was 
infused with an extra power.  The sisters were therefore related by blood, 
but Serenity was also half-goddess as well.
	"Prima?"
	Prima, of the same blue eyes of her sister smiled.  "Whats 
wrong?"
	"Its just thatoh, my daughter"
	"I had heard that she was found.  Whats wrong?"
	"I dontunderstand her"
	"Oh dear"
	"She looks so much like Terrence, too.  Shes got his hair, all 
golden, but shes got our eyes.  Our family eyes.  And shes so sweet and 
loving, butPrimaI just dont understandI dont" she broke down 
in tears.  "Today, I reunited Tonya and Invy with their daughters, and they 
are so happy now, and want to meet their daughters in person.  They just 
hit it off"
	"Has there been any sign of MY daughter?  Or Veras?"
	"No" Serenity said, realizing.  "Oh, Prima, Im sorry, here I am, 
obsessing over why my daughter doesnt connect with me, when you are 
worried about your daughterif shes still aliveoh, Prima, Im so 
sorry"
	"Dont worry" Prima said, slowly.  "I know, youre just worried.  
Dont worry, your daughter will understand youand you will understand 
heryou just have to be patient.  Sometimes, a connection can be made in 
an eyelock.  Others, it may take years of practice"
	Serenity nodded slowly.  "Yes, of course" she said softly.  *I 
hope we find your daughter soon, Prima*

	Serenas figure was a ghostly silhouette in front of the palace 
windows.
	Luna looked at the figure, confused at how such a small girl could 
possess the power to fight so hard.
	The girl was dressed in a white night gown, and her blonde hair 
cascaded down her back, golden sunlight.
	She was staring at the Earth, and there was something in her hand.
	Luna approached her, as she saw that the girls eyes were the color 
of the oceans of the Earth, and filled with salty water.  A small tear fell 
from her eye down her ivory cheek.  "Lady Kingston"  Luna felt a 
stirring in her heart for the girl.
	Serena turned around quickly, grabbing her object protectively.  
She sighed with relief when her gaze fell on the brunette who entered the 
room.
	She wore robes of gold embroidered with black, and her wavy 
night black hair was a rush of silk that fell to her hips.  Her eyes were a 
deep blue, the color of the Moons sky at daylight, a beautiful sight Serena 
had just seen today.
	As she turned to look at the Earth, she saw a sight that beat all 
others.  Home.
	Luna had heard of this strange human girl, from Earth, who 
guarded Selenes granddaughter, who possessed the connection with 
Selene.  She had been suspicious of her, for she had never heard of the 
Moonlight Maiden.  There was no record of this odd girl in the history of 
all the Moon Kingdom.
	As she saw the girl now though, she felt pity.  "Its beautiful, isnt 
it?" she joined the girl.
	Serena nodded.
	Luna looked at the article in the white clasp of Serenas thin, 
elegant hands.  "A gift from your family?"
	Serena looked at the blue velvet, and the handkerchief that was 
slightly damp nowshe lightly fingered the monogram, "DW" in delicate 
calligraphy.  "A friend" she said, opening the pouch, and catching a 
faint smell of the Princes cologne in the handkerchiefs.  She turned to 
Luna.  "A good friend."
	Luna nodded, and they stood together in awkward silence, each 
wanting to say something.
	Luna finally began, by holding out her hand, "My names Luna 
Dimiantya."
	"Serena Kingston," the shook hands.  Serena noted that Lunas was 
rough and strong, similar to her own.  She appreciated the warm feel.  
"Tell me, Luna, if I may call you that.  You were born here?"
	"Yes, you may call me Luna, and I have served here twenty-one 
years"
	"You look as old as I dobut you certainly act as if youve been 
in the queens guard for quite some time" she said, noting the youthful 
face, her lesser height.
	Luna laughed.  "Ive served the court of Rhysterial, thats the 
surname of our dynasty, since I was only six."
	"Rhysterial?  They didnt announce that as the last name of any of 
the royal family at the balls"
	"Rhysterial is the surname of the deceased King Terrence, and his 
sister Tranquillity.  Her majesty feels so much pain when she remembers 
the husband and sister she hadand her childthat she prefers not to hear 
the dynasty name uttered" Luna said, softly.
	Serena felt the sadness in Lunas eyes, and retreated to discussion 
of the child, carefully.  Serena needed to know what had happened"You 
were around when Queen Serenity had her child?"
	"Yes.  Queen Serenitys child was born twenty years ago.  I had 
only begun my apprenticeship.  I was but seven, and only a kitchen maid.  
After the incident, I became the queens own personal secretary, and on 
my eighteenth birthday, the Queen made me her advisor."
	"And Artemis?"
	Luna blushed.  "Artemis was inducted as a guard when I was 
sixteen.  He was eighteen.  Hes trained to be her bodyguard, but soon she 
trusted him as well.  Hes now an advisor as well."
	"Mmm" Serena said, noting Lunas blush.  She teased, "Hes 
handsome, isnt he?"
	Lunas face became very rosy, and Luna looked at her feet, then 
looked up, "Tolerable enough, I suppose"
	"What?  With those lightning blue eyes, and that long slinky snow 
hairmmmm." Serena teased lightly.
	Lunas face burned with embarrassment.  "Ohyes, I suppose he 
is a LITTLE handsome" she said, letting the words out, like strings of 
pure gold, of the rarest kind.  "But he doesnt need to know THAThis 
egos already big enough.  Would youmindum" she asked, a 
childish look on her face.
	"Only if you tell me what happened the night Serenity gave her 
child up, and where these guardians came from," Serena smiled, with 
friendship glowing in her eyes, and curiosity evident on her features.
	Luna drew in a breath.  "We call it the Day of Sadness, because 
after, Serenity had lost something in her life.  Seven months before, she 
had found out that she was pregnant, and wanting to protect her daughter 
form Hecate, she hid in the palace, and conducted all affairs there.  She did 
not want her sole remembrance of her husband Terrence to fall to the dark 
side.  This night, she woke with an especially bad dream, and realized that 
her daughter would never survive if she were to stay in the Moon 
Kingdom.  She then decided that she couldnt keep her.  Sadly enough, she 
decided to take her daughter, and send her to Earth.  Now around this time, 
Serenitys court, the present queens of their kingdoms, the planets, were 
all either pregnant, or already had a baby daughter.  The five queens met 
promptly that night, and they decided together to preserve the new 
generation, to send them into a safe place.  Since Earth was the only place 
that was not in the league, and therefore, the least possible place they 
would be expected to hide them, Serenity sent the girls down to Earth, in 
gold baskets, and their mothers each lined the baskets with family jewels 
for their daughters welfare, and included a note, imploring care for their 
daughters.  When Serenity had her baby, she sent her daughter to Earth as 
well, in a basket, and that is where the daughters grew, and were supposed 
to continue normal lives, until there was a danger of the Negaverse"
	"Negaverseis that Beryl and MetaliaerHecate as you call 
her?"
	"Yes, Metalia had not known of the girls birth, nor had she even 
known of the childshe first came to Earth to vanquish the kingdom, and 
gain power of the planet, since it was in the middle of the Five star 
alliance, which is what the Lunar court was part of.  By being in the 
middle of all the alliance geographically, and being so close to the 
headquarters of the alliance, the moon, Metalia would stand to gain much 
power if Earth fell.  But, the day that Beryl saw Mina use that power of 
hers, I think, and this is only what I guess, she remembered a legend of a 
moon princess, and she realized she might be able to find the legendary 
granddaughter"
	"Yes, Raye was telling me about the mythonly I suppose when 
Beryl saw it"
	"She saw the truth" Luna completed.
	They looked to each other.  "So thats where we are now."
	"And where will we go?"
	"I dont know" Serena said.
	"And how do you fit in all this?" Luna asked, curious.
	"Im just a normal girl.  I was born and raised on Earth, and my 
father decided to give me a good education, so I went to a boys academy.  
After a while, I accelerated, and made it into the cut for the princes 
guard"
	"Dont you mean princesss?"
	"Its a long story" Serena said.  "I trained for the princes guard, 
and did not make the cut, because" she did not want to talk about 
Darien.  "Because of some complicationsbut because the queen liked 
me very much, and because I earned it, I was chosen to be a lady in 
waiting to the princess.  And that is where I was, when the nightmares 
cameabout this evil woman.  One night, I was awakened by this spirit, 
and I went to find her.  She was Beryl.  We were battling, and for a while, 
I was losingwhen I was savedby Prince Darien" her voice trailed 
off again.  *Darien to the rescue*  "After that, well, he was struck 
downthis sorceress had a lot of magic, and I was going to fall, when I 
looked to the moon, and just knew, I was to call upon the powers of 
Selene.  Thats how I became the Maiden."
	Luna put a hand on Serenas shoulder.  Seeing the girl shift 
uncomfortably, she reassured Serena that she had done the right thing to 
open herself.  "I dont know what it is about you, Serena Kingston, but I 
like you, very much."
	Serena turned to look into honest, and beautifully shone eyes.  "I 
like you too, Luna"  They started walking, and Serena put her hand 
around the womans shoulder, "Now about your Artemis"

	"Your majesty?" Serena walked out to the gardens.  She found 
Serenity sitting at a bench, watching the Earth.  "You wished to see me?"
	"Hello, Lady Serena" she said.
	"Just call me Serena."
	"Then you shall call me Serenity"
	"Oh, noI couldnt possibly" Serena said.
	Serenity sighed.  "Then just sit down here for a while."
	Serena sighed, and nervously settled down next to Serenity.  "You 
wished to see me?"
	"Yes.  Im just having problems, and I thoughtwell maybe youd 
help, or at least listen" Serenity began.  "Minas trying hard to become 
my daughter, but its difficult, and Ive tried as well, butwe, we just 
dont"
	Serena sighed.  She had feared this would happen.  "I think that 
were still in the whole novelty of the situation.  Well get into this soon 
enoughI hope"
	"And you?"
	Serena looked at the queen.
	"Serena, Im not blind.  Ive seen you walking about the halls, as if 
you were lost, late at night, and Ive seen you sit at this very bench, 
watching the Earth, clutching something at your chest.  I know it must be 
difficult for you, since you belong to Earth, after all, but Serena, Id like 
you to know that as my ward I am acting as your mother as well."
	Serena looked at the woman, with an understanding.
	"What are these flowers?" Serena asked, changing the subject, 
smiling conversationally.  She did not know what to say to this woman.  
"Ive been out here with Luna, and I have never seen so rare species of 
flowers as I have seen up here"
	"AhI also wanted to talk to you about Luna."
	"What about her?" Serena asked.
	"Thank you."
	"Thank you for what?"
	"Lunas never been really social before.  But as I see her stay 
around you, I see you two getting along.  At first, I thought there might 
have been some tension, since you were the guard, and she was an advisor, 
but your opinions coincided, thankfully, and what you didnt agree on you 
went over very logically.  And now, Lunas not that afraid of stating 
herself anymore, and shes got Artemis on a leash now"
	"Its always good to have a man worshipping after you" Serena 
smiled.
	Serenity grew slightly wistful.  "Yes, it is"
	Serena began cautiously.  "Look, if I touched a nerve"
	"No, you just reminded me"
	"Did he love you very much?" Serena asked quietly, 
understanding.
	"I worshipped him.  He worshipped me.  The minute we saw each 
other, there was that feelingyou know?  That feeling of knowing I had 
finally found my homein a mannot any palace"
	So that was it.  Home was in the company you kept?  Serena 
looked at the Earth, wistfully.  Where was her home?  With this woman at 
her side, or with the couple in Polaris, or in the young men who resided in 
a palace somewhere down there?
	Serenity paused.  She could hear the thoughts stirring in Serenas 
head.  "We were very much in love.  We got married within weeks"
	Serena couldnt help but feel the romantic in her sigh.
	"I had a good year with him"
	"A year?" Serena thought.  Hardly enough time to spend with the 
man of your life, when all of eternity was before her.
	"Yesthen"  Serenity trailed off, looking at the girl.
	As if understanding, Serena put her hand on the queens shoulder, 
and said softly, "You dont have to say anything more.  Lunas told me 
about this"
	"He loved mewhy did he have to go?"
	"Because he DID love you" Serena said.
	"Andmy babyoh, she was so beautiful" Serenity cried.  "Oh 
why did I have to let her go?"
	Serena rigidly took the queens hand, and held it tightly.  "You 
loved her, your highness.  There was no other way but to let her goyou 
wanted her to be safe" 
	"Oh, Ive been so lonely.  If it werent for Luna, all these years, 
and even she wasnt easy to understand me" she looked at Serena.  "But 
you understand me" she looked at the young girl.  "I dont know what it 
is about you, Serena Kingston, butyouyou understand me"
	Serena felt the tears coming, and tried to keep them down.  She 
didnt want to be emotional now.  She was determined to hold up the 
front.  She had somewhat managed it before she came (except for in front 
of that stupid Darien) and now she wanted to keep herself concentrated 
on her goal.  She had her moments of course, but theyd pass, after she 
walked them off, and cried about it a little.  But right now, in the queens 
presence, she realized a connection with this woman, who wanted Serena 
to share her burden with her, and take some of her own burden.  "Your 
highnessyou understand me too"

	"No!  Never!"
	"Thats IT!  I am sick of this.  Forget you, you half wit.  I dont 
care if youre in danger.  Youre a pain in my ass."
	"Oh, I thought that was your FACE!" Raye shouted at him, and 
turned away, sighing angrily.
	Jed turned to her.  The princess of Earth had fiery eyes, and her 
hair was tossed about her face, falling from the chignon she had put it in.  
She was beautiful, he had to admit, butwell, he turned around, and 
looked away.
	Raye sighed, trying to calm herself down.  "This isnt working out.  
I have no ideas whose this is, but its lame!"
	Jeds fury had just spun itself into a dead end.  The irony of the 
situation.  No one knew why they were together, but they just werethe 
anger in his whole being started to juggle in his mind, and he laughed.
	Raye nearly jumped.  The laugh, his laugh, it was warming and 
pleasing to hear.  She turned to look at her guard.  "What are you laughing 
at?" she asked, eyes narrowed.
	He couldnt stop laughing.  He tossed his golden head back, and 
smirked to the clouds.
	It was a sight.  He wore a loose white shirt over some tan pants, 
with black boots.  His sunshine blond hair was delicate silk thread in the 
sunlight.  His eyes, which were burning ice before, were now summer sky.
	Rayes heart started to pound.  She turned, "Forget it"
	Her body was clad in a red gown of velvet, with golden 
embroidery.  "Wait!" he smiled.
	She stopped, as if she had heard that the palace was on fire.  What 
did he just say to her?
	He caught up to her, and started to walk alongside her.
	"And if you are to guard me, how are you doing so without your 
weapon?"
	"I thought Id kill you with it" he said, trying to contain his 
smile.
	Raye looked at her guard.  "Whats going on?"
	"Nothing" he said, trying not to laugh.
	Paranoid, she sighed, and walked onfinding that he hastened his 
pace to catch up.  Smiling mischievously, she turned to him, and flashed 
her best smile.
	She was a stunner when she smiled.  The night hair, the sparkling 
twilight purple eyes, and the dimples and blush.  And most of all, the pure 
joyous message she conveyed in her smile.
	But the hint of wickedness in her eyes wasnt pleasing to him.
	She laughed heartily as his eyes deepened in suspicion, and she 
took off.
	"Dammit, princess!" he took off after her.

	She led him into the maze, and within minutes, he was lost.  He 
walked around a bit.  Hed done this maze plenty of times after training, 
when he and Serena would play tag.  But hed never run himself into a 
fury with her.  He had always kept a cool head, and played the strategy.  
Now, he played to catch the princess.  She was undoubtedly not safe this 
way.  He slowed down, and listened.  Play it Serenas way, he thought.
	He listened carefully.  The ruffling of cloth was just a wall of 
leaves away.
	He carefully walked around the corner

	She felt an arm go around her waist from behind, and she was 
lifted up, and slung over a shoulder.  "AUGH!  Let me goI have a guard, 
somewhere" Her blood ran cold.  *Where is he?*
	"You mean me?" Jed teased, as he slapped her behind.
	Raye laughed with relief.  She laughed so hard her stomach hurt, 
and she felt sick.  "Oh Im going to throw up soon"
	"Too bad.  Im taking you back in" Jed said, determined, but 
concerned.
	Raye started pounding on his back, and wriggling.  "Let me go!" 
Kicking out, she almost succeeded in making his lose his balance, but he 
kept walking.  The next time she kicked out, she felt a sharp pain in her 
leg.  "OW!"
	"Now youve done it" he said.
	"What did I do?  Youre the one whos being a Neanderthal."
	"I was protecting you from yourself" he said.
	He came to a bench, and carefully placed her on it.  She sighed 
with relief, as she felt her stomach in its upright position again.  *I thought 
Id lose my breakfast!*
	However, he kneeled before her and started lifting her skirt.
	She kicked him in the chest and took him by the hair, "What the 
hell do you think youre doing?"
	Jed fell back.  The girl WAS tough.  He wanted nothing more than 
to just leave her here, but the sound he heard when she kicked that wall at 
that angle were not good.  It sounded like a twist.  "I WAS trying to check 
your leg"
	"Youre not a doctor!" she said.
	"I was going to be oneI still am studying to be one" he said, 
settling her back down, and kneeling in front of her.  "I dont enjoy this 
either, so just let me examine and get this over with," he held out his hand.
	She looked at him reluctantly.  She could take care of herself.  It 
was just a small bruise, probably.
	But it was so painful.  Finally, she gritted her teeth, and placed her 
foot in the palm of his hand.
	He pushed up the skirt a little, and told her to hold it that way.
	Admitting that her calves were VERY nice, and started to unlace 
her boot, ever so gently.
	The touch was gentle, but she felt ever inch of it.
	He took the boot off, and examined the socked foot, feeling a few 
muscles, and testing them out.  Then, he started to gently rotate the foot
	She cried out in pain.  "Watch it, dork!"
	"Found the problem.  Just as I thought"
	"Im not a mindreader.  Why dont you just tell me what you 
thought?" Raye said, sarcastically.  She had to admit, he had a touchit 
was soothing, until he touched her ankle like that.
	"You twisted your ankle by kicking the stone wall with your foot 
at a wrong angle"
	"Geezall that from a foot roll?" she asked him, as she started to 
reach for her boot.
	"Oh no. Thats going to hurt to put on youyou have to wear 
loose shoes for a while, and Ill bandage up the foot when we get back 
inside."
	"And how do you propose we get back there?  Fly?" Raye asked.
	"No, but I dont want to make you limp back eitherthat could be 
bad right now, and youve already exhausted yourself earlier" he handed 
her the boot.  "You take care of this"
	She smiled in remembrance.
	He stood up, and scooped her up in his arms.  "But youre 
exhausted yourself, too!"  Raye said.  "Put me down!"
	"Theres no other way we could get back to the palace, and Ive 
got some energy stillI was hired because of that."
	She was amazingly light in his arms, and Raye felt a twinge of 
feminism in hershe felt so beautiful and delicatea feeling that she had 
never had before.  She felt preciousshe felt like a treasure, and she felt 
pampered.  She fell back in his arms, and in the rhythm of his step, fell 
comfortably asleep, having exhausted herself today.

	"Darien?"  Merlyn stepped out onto the moonlit balcony.
	Darien nearly jumped, but remained where he was.
	Merlyn looked at her sons features, which appeared to be locked 
in concentrationand a regret.
	"Dont worry mother, Ill be in" he said, softly.
	She wanted him to speak to her, but he had been keeping to 
himself lately.  Seeing that cold solid finality in his eyes, she knew he 
wanted to be alone right now.  She turned, and walked away, into the 
palace.
	Darien watched his mother walk back in, and then turned to look at 
the sky once more.
	A dreamit was floating with clouds, as if it were some material 
layer that he could climb up to, and push himself out of
	A pale last quarter moon sadly remained distanthiding among 
the clouds, as if ashamed to face him, or afraid to.  Distant, elusive
	He looked down to his hands, which held a golden star.  He gently 
opened it, and heard a love song of many years ago
	Should he have just let her go?
	He almost laughed.  No, even if he tried to prevent her, Serena was 
so staunch on her ideas of duty and honor that shed leaveeven if he told 
her that sometime, in these past few weeks, that he had realized that some 
part of his life left when she left.  Shed stay on her moon, guarding her 
moon princess.
	But if he was just given the chance, right now, hed tell her that her 
laugh, and her smile made the heavens dim, and that her touch made the 
sun seem cold by comparisonthe expression of her eyes left the summer 
to wonder where the warmth had gone
	There was a part of him that whispered that he was in love with 
her.  But another part told him that he was too practical to fall in love with 
her, because she was soso different from what he had expected.  She 
was so odd, and different.  Stubborn.  Opinionated.  Pushy.  Frustrating.
	Perfect.

	"No, youre so wrong.  Juliet died AFTER Romeo.  I should know.  
I read Shakespeare as often as I eat!"
	"But he was visiting her funeral bed when he died!"
	"Only because he thought she was dead"
	"But she wasnt?"
	"No, she drank a potion to look like she was dead, so that hed 
come back and theyd run off together."
	"Why didnt she just wait until he went to her?  It would have been 
less complicated that way."
	"She didnt want to get married"
	"Waitwasnt she married already?"
	"Yes, she was married."
	"Then why was she worrying about it?"
	"Her parents wanted her to marry someone else."
	"But she couldnt.  Shes already married."
	"Her parents didnt know that."
	"She should have told them that."
	"They would have killed her!"
	"Its been a LONG time since Ive read Romeo and Juliet, and I 
didnt even get it then.  What a waste of life."
	"I think its romantic."
	"To die?"
	"No, to be together, no matter what, even in death."
	Jed rolled his eyes.  "Whatever, your highness"
	"And you said that you liked Hamlet better than Romeo and 
Juliet?"
	"Actually yes."
	"Whats so good about a prince dying?"
	"I think its insightfulmore insightful than dying for love" Jed 
chuckled, suddenly.
	Raye looked at him, her eyes narrowing.  "What are you laughing 
at?"
	"You remind meofKatherine" he burst out laughing.  "in 
the "Taming of the Shrew"
	Rayes face boiled with anger.  "You conceited MORON!" she 
wanted to slap him.  "Maybe I may appear like a bitch, but Ill have you 
know that Katherine wasnt really a bitch, only misunderstood"
	"and in your case, that is DEFINITELY the reason, but even 
then, its stretching itdying for love" he laughed.
	"Ill have you know that Romeo and Juliet actually isnt my 
favorite Shakespeare," Raye said, loftily.  She was hurt.  She had exposed 
herself, and had just been slapped across the face.
	"Oh?" Jed noted that she was now closing up.  *Damn Jed, you 
just had to laugh at her, didnt you?*  Now she would be impossible again. 
*Not that she isnt always impossible, but when we debateits different 
from when we actually FIGHT*
	"Its Much Ado About Nothing" she said, softly.
	"Oh, a happy sappy romantic story," Jed couldnt resist rolling his 
eyes.  *Of course, the happy sappy romantic, choosing the happy sappy 
story* The choice did not surprise him.
	"My favorite Shakespearean characters are Benedick and 
Beatrice"
	"But they chewed each others heads off, when they werent 
gawking at each other."
	"Who said that love has to be a happy little calm pond, or a cool 
spring day?  It can be a summer thunderstorm, and full of conflict, but as 
long as in the end, there is that feelingof belonging" she looked at 
him, ready to fight his challenge.
	There was something in her look now, that challenge, that 
intrigued him.  There was a small dimple at the corner of her cheek that he 
felt tempted to kiss.  With the firelight, playing off her pale faceand the 
fire, being reflected in those endless purple eyesJed turned away, trying 
to compose himself.  *What are you THINKING, Jed?*  "You are WAY 
too romantic for my tastes," he said, clearing his hoarse voice.
	Raye smiled slyly at his uncharacteristic discomfort, but felt a little 
fluttering herself.  After all, the fire caught the golden strands of his hair, 
and made them look alive, and his eyes, they looked warm as the fire.  
And his voicewith that rasp that made her toes curl"Everyone 
deserves something to dream for.  Leave me to my dreams, and I wont 
laugh at yours, if you actually have any."
	Jed turned, surprised to Raye.  "Who says I cant dream?" he 
challenged her, his eyes a dangerous dark blue, that made Rayes heart 
stop.
	Raye looked away.  Over the past month, shed had to spend most 
of her time with this young man, and learned about him, and his temper.  
But now, as she looked at him, his hair, falling gently in his eyes, so soft 
in the light she wanted to touch itthe feeling of actually LIKING him 
made her eyes water.  She blamed it on the firelight.  "UmIm tired, Jed.  
I think Ill turn in right now"
	Jed followed her with his eyes as she got up from their place across 
each other in the rug.
	The firelight played off her body perfectly, and she looked 
beautiful, as she turned to him.
	He got up as well, "Come on, Ill take you to your room" he 
offered her his arm, a gesture which he had never executed before, for any 
woman, even Serena.
	She took his arm awkwardly.  "All right"

	"Kunz, you must save me!"
	"Mina?"
	"Help meyou must"
	The darkness was enveloping, and he couldnt see clearly, but it 
was Mina who beckoned him.  Oh God, was she in danger?  Sweat 
blanketed his forehead, and he looked about him.  "Mina?"
	"Here" her voice guided him.
	Through the dream he worked.
	He found a sword at his feet, and he took it up"Just keep calling 
me, Mina.  Ill find you!"
	"KunzKunz" The voice pulled him, making his heart hurt.  He 
head to find her.  The adrenaline was coursing through his system, and 
fear plunged a dagger in his heart.  Was she all right?
	There was a forbidding door.  He tore against it, and slammed it 
open.  "Mina, Ill find you."
	"Kunz hurry" she cried.  Her voiceso fearfulso distant.  He 
moved faster.  "Im coming"
	Pushing through the mists, he moved around trees, and rocks, 
ended at the spot where he could hear her voice, right through the wall of 
darkness.  He felt a pulling back.
	A monster?  He withdrew his arm from the monster, and found it.  
A dark presence.  "No!  I have to save her" he pushed at the monster, 
brandishing his sword.  "Im a trained general, and Im not afraid to use 
this"

	Oh godhe had to stop him.
	"Kunz, what are you DOING?"
	Kunzs eyes were wide open, but totally not there.  His gaze was 
straight ahead, into nothingness, and there he stood, brandishing a sword.  
In one fell swoop, Kunz threw Jed aside.
	Kunz threw himself against the door to Rayes room, demanding 
entrance.
	Jed had awoken when he saw a shadow leave the room.  He felt 
something cold in the air, and followed.  And now, he realized it.  Raye 
was in danger, of his friend.  His friend was under the influence of 
something sinister
	He yelled for help, and threw himself onto Kunzs back.  He had to 
stop Kunz.  What was the crazy guy mumbling abouthaving to save 
who?

	Raye opened to door to hear Jed scream at her to keep it closed.
	He was trying to strangle or deter Kunz.  "What is going on here?"
	Kunzs eyes, normally cool icy blue were midnight blue, fell on 
heryet they didnt.  Was he imagining, or seeing someone else?
	"Beryl" he grabbed for her arm, his sword ready to slit her 
throat.
	"No!" Jed kicked Kunzs sword arm.  Kunz yelped in pain as the 
sword fell to the ground.
	He did not, however, let go of Raye.  His grip tightened, and now 
his pained hand clasped her throat.  "Call off your minion, Beryl."
	Raye panicked.  Trying to stomp on Kunzs foot , and jostling 
around, she looked at Jed, for some answer, some guidance.
	Both hands went about her thin throat and she felt herself being 
lifted off the ground.  She screamed, but the grip got tighter around her 
neck.  Jed picked up the sword, but stood helpless.  Hurt his friend?  He 
had already lost one.  This was undoubtedly a scheme of Berylsto 
guide his friend into killing Raye, thinking the princess was actually the 
evil sorceress.  He had to save her, but without hurting Kunz.
	The sight of the pain in her face, she looked so delicate and small 
right now, with fear rushing from her like a torrent.  Her throat looked so 
pale in the grasp of Kunzs hands.  He couldnt let her be hurt.  He 
couldnt.
	Darien and Neph now rushed to the doorway of the room, having 
woke up in hearing all the screams.  Merlyn was quick behind them, but 
then stood helpless as well, unarmed, and confused.
	Jed stepped toward Kunz.  "Dont make me use this, Kunz.  Were 
friends, but I cant let you hurt her."
	*I WONT let you hurt her*  he looked at her frightened eyes.  
A deep violet, almost black with fear.  No, he was going to protect her.  It 
was his duty to do so.  It was his desire to do so.  The princess had to be 
saved.  Raye had to be saved.
	"Let her go!" he yelled at Kunz.
	"Call off your minion.  Where is she, Beryl?"
	"Who?  Where is who?  What is going on?" she gasped, trying to 
get the air into her chest, confused.  *Oh Jed.  What are you doing?  
Youre supposed to protect me!*
	"Mina!  And dont play dumb with me Beryl, you know perfectly 
well whats going on" he growled, shaking her violently.  It seemed her 
throat was collapsing.
	Kunz was frustrated.  He had Beryl by her throat.  She HAD to tell 
him where Mina was.  If she didnthe shook the thin body of the queen 
of darkness roughly.
	Raye felt her lungs jangle, and she could swear that she heard her 
heart thud against her rib cage.  She felt like a rag doll, and with his hands 
about her throat, she didnt know how much longer she could hold up.
	Jed stepped quietly behind Kunz.  With the grip of the sword, he 
hit Kunz in the back of his head.
	Cringing at the pain he had done to his friend, he nearly backed off 
totally.
	Kunz felt the blow, but he had to keep on fighting.  For Mina.  He 
dropped Beryl suddenly, and turned to the minion.  "Youre persistent, but 
Im even more persistent.  Ill kill you!"
	In his foible to collect himself, Jed tried to grip his sword, but it 
fell to the ground.  He was left unarmed.
	Kunz tackled him.
	They fell on the marble floor, Kunz on top, and Jed had the wind 
knocked out of him.
	Raye watched, frightened.  Her leg felt broken.  She had landed in 
a crash on the marble floor, and now Jed was in danger.  She felt her heart 
pound.  She had to do something.  Why were Darien and Neph just 
watching?  They had to do something.
	The two started to run in, but were put off with a sound that made 
their heads pound and ears bleed.  They felt pressure in their mindsas if 
a dark spirit was trying to force its way in through their ears.  Merlyn 
watched, pale-facedfear clutching her heart.   She tried to collect herself, 
but she felt a weight in her that dragged her to the ground and anchored 
her there.  She felt clasps about her ankles, and screamed with pain as she 
felt the clasps tightening, cutting into her skin.
	Raye sat helpless, feeling a throbbing in her head from confusion, 
panic.  But she only saw one thing right now.  Jed.
	He was knocked out cold.  Kunz was reaching for the sword.  Kunz 
just had to kill this evil being.  To protect Mina.  Hed kill this one, and 
the next, and the next, and all of them until he got to Beryl, and hed slit 
her throatno more theatricals.  Hed kill Beryl, and find Mina on his 
own.
	HELP ME.  Her inner soul cried out.  HELP ME SAVE HIM!  She 
implored, not knowing who she was begging, but only that she needed to 
save Jed.  She felt her soul on fire.
	I Need You!  she called to the heavens.  Help me save him!
	She felt a glow in the palm of her hands, and a sizzle in the air. Her 
palms felt heated.  Every part of her body hurt, but she dragged herself to 
the two, and put the palms of her hands against Kunzs neck.
	At contact, a sizzle.  A burning in her hands.
	The dark insignia, which she had not noticed before, on his 
forehead, glowed red, and vanished, as Kunz fell to the ground, 
unconscious.
	She felt the power leave her.  What was it?  Was it just something 
inside her?  Or did she just catch Kunz at a weak moment?  But, no.  There 
was a power in her, at that one moment.  But now it was gone.
	She felt the dark presence leave her room, and she saw her brother 
and his guard suddenly freed of their pain, before they fainted.  Her 
mother lay unconscious, but looked all right.
	She then looked to her guard, and placed his head in her lap, gently 
rubbed blood from a cut in his cheek, and gently touched a soft spot she 
knew would be a bruise later on.  Relief was a warmth that was quick to 
replace all emotion in her.  She was relieved, gratified that he was still 
alive.  She bent down and kissed his lips softly, and held his head to her.
	He was all right.

	His eyes opened slowly.  There was a swelling at one eye, but the 
other saw clearly. The princess was all right.  Raye was all right.
	Had it been a dream?  What had happened?
	She was holding his head, and gently touching his hair.
	"Raye"
	He noticed two bruises, on each side of her neck.  Oh god.  She 
was all right.  There was no dream.  Something had happened.
	"Shh" she said quietly, as he sat up.  He felt his muscles groan.  
He must have cracked a few ribs.  He felt a pain on his right side.
	"Are you all right?" he asked her, taking her white hand in his.
	They tingled.  There was something about her smooth hands.
	"I think when Kunz dropped me I broke my left leg when I landed 
on it.  It kills right now."
	"Let me see it."
	She moved back to lean against her bedpost as he drew up her 
nightgown a peak to see her leg.
	"Out of the frying pan into the fire" she started conversationally, 
trying not to think about the pain.  "I meanI just twisted the ankle on 
this foot just a week ago, and now the legs broken"
	"I can work on itI think itll be all right once I work on it, but 
itll be very painful."
	"Then you can work on it later.  How are my mother and my 
brother, and Kunz?  Neph?"
	Jed painfully got up, and went to each person.  Holding a hand to 
his side, he examined each thoroughly.  They were all breathing regularly.  
It appeared things were all right.  Kunz was sleeping all right, and had a 
bruise on his left cheek, but other than that, he was fine.  The Queen, the 
Prince, and Neph were all right.  Whatever had hurt them was 
psychological.
	"What happened after I passed out?" he asked quietly.
	"I dont knowI just saw you and I prayedand I felt 
somethingand I went and I touched him at the right moment, and that 
horrid mark on his forehead disappeared.  I dont knowI just dont 
know" she started to cry, with emotional relief, and physical release of 
the tension in her body.  Letting it go.  Just letting it go.
	Jed took her into his arms, and held her.
	"I didnt want to lose" she said.  *You* she completed in 
her mind.

	Her eyes were wide with exhaustion, and her head hurt.
	But she couldnt sleep now.
	It was afternoon, and everyone supposedly was to get rest.
	But she couldnt do it.
	She couldnt close her eyes.
	The darknessto leave herself unprotected.
	But she wasnt unprotected.
	Jed was right there, sitting by her bed, watching her.
	And that was what kept her from slipping into the dreams, and kept 
her thinking.
	The rush of having saved him left her confused.
	She felt relief.  And warmth with the knowledge that he was still 
alive.
	But that was unexplainable.
	Theyd spent the last month together, arguing about everything 
conceivable in the mind.  Theyd fought over a thousand times.  But 
now
	But now, it landed them in the dead zone.  The feeling.
	THAT feeling.
	Uh oh.
	*You idiot.  You went and fell for him, didnt you?*
	She looked at him now.
	He sat in front of a window, and the outline of the afternoon 
golden sunlight was about him.  The light made a halo of his blonde hair, 
and his face was shadowed, but she could still see the warm fury and 
fierce protectiveness in his eyes.  His face was pale, and etched in worry.
	"Dont worry" she said softly.
	*Leave that to me.* she thought.  He was VERY handsome.  She 
had known that before.  But now, he seemed soso much more 
handsome, and so much more perfect.  The way he cared for her, and yet 
distanced himself was endearing.  But that was it.
	*You just let yourself in this one, Raye.  You know he doesnt like 
you.  He was forced to do this, and all hes done since hes started was 
gripe and complain.*
	Disappointment trampled across her stomach, as she felt it well up 
in her throat as well.  She found it difficult to swallow.  *Why me?  Why 
now?  Why HIM?*
	She had waited for this moment all her lifethe moment when 
shed realize that she loved someone, the feeling that love existed would 
fill that little emptiness inside her.  And now, she realized, that though she 
realized that love existed, and that she loved him, the emptiness was not 
remedied.
	Only he could fix that.
	And that would never happen.  She was NOT going to tell him 
anything.  If she did, hed laugh at her, and tell her to get lost.  Or worse, 
he might scorn her feelings, for the simple reason that he never liked her in 
the first place.
	HE NEVER LIKED HER IN THE FIRST PLACE.  *Oh god, 
Raye, you ARE crazy*

	Her eyes were closed, and there was a bruise on her cheek.  Her 
side hurt, and there were bruises there as well, as he had found out earlier 
from the nurse who had examined her.
	His head ached.
	It all moved so fast.  The fear of seeing her die, but the relief of 
saving her, and then falling into oblivion, to find her all right, and 
everyone unconscious around him.  Rayes explanation of the events did 
not help.  It made no sense, and no one else knew what happened.  He felt 
helpless, and confused.  Most of all, frustrated.
	But there was a feeling of content that this dark-haired beauty was 
sleeping on this bed, and he was watching her.
	There was a lot of work to do.  Right now, her majesty was 
meeting with Darien and deciding what to do.  Kunz was being examined 
thoroughly, but the haunted look in his eyes told Jed that Kunz would 
never forgive himself, even IF it wasnt his fault.
	Anger was the order of the day for Jed, though.  The anger that the 
dark force could cause such a pain in Kunz, and the anger that he hadnt 
been able to protect Raye, that she had to save him.
	No, it wasnt an issue of pride.  If it was, hed slap himself, 
because Serena would if she were here.  He felt no shame in being saved 
by a strong, determined young woman.  That was not the issue.  It was an 
issue that he didnt protect his charge, and she nearly paid the 
consequences for it.
	She nearly died.
	He let her nearly die.
	Something gripped his stomach, and twisted it, making him cringe, 
and lose color in his face.  Heat was leaving his face as well, leaving him 
cold.  Next time, hed be better.  In fact, thered be no next time.  Hed 
protect her with his life.

	"WHAT HAPPENED!?!?!?!?!?"  Serena screamed.  She wanted to 
hit something.  The frustration at not being there to protect.  It plodded 
into her stomach, and made the anger come to her head.
	Luna and Artemis looked at each other.  They knew Serena wasnt 
going to take this very well.  But they didnt know that shed be so angry.
	"I should have BEEN there!" she started to pace.  "I want to be 
there now."
	"But Serena" Luna began.  "Surely, you know that with the 
recent attack on the royal family of Earth leads us the speculate whether 
the royal family here is safe enough."
	"Because I was not there, my best friends were endangered."
	"Could you have done anything about it?"
	"Yes!  I could have" she started, but trailed off as she looked at 
the two advisors.  "Im going back."
	"You cant just go back.  Youre in charge of the guard here"
	"No, I have to go back.  My roots are on Earth.  Many of my 
friends are still on Earth, and I dont care who says Im not going back, 
because I shouldnt have left in the first place."
	Anger had flooded her cheeks.  She should have been there.  She 
threw herself away from the two, and ran down the halls, out the door to 
Cloud Way.

	Oh god, had he almost died?  She couldnt get over it.  The minute 
she had heard that thered been an attack on the royal familyDarien 
flashed in her mind.  She was always Rayes guard, but she had always 
seen to personally that the prince would be protected when she was 
around.
	She couldnt help but feel a little shudder of relief when she found 
out that Darien was all right.
	The feeling was fleeting, though, when she was informed that Raye 
and Jed had nearly died fighting Kunz.  And Kunzwhat was he feeling?  
*Hed want to kill himself for what hes doneoh, I want to be with you, 
Kunz, I want to be there for you, Raye, Jed*
	She loved them, and she didnt want to lose them.  And oh, to hear 
that they were in danger, without her there, beside them, to protect them.  
*Oh*  Tears camequick and hot.  Pouring down her face.
	"WHY?????" she screamed out to no one.  Why couldnt she be 
there?   Why did she have to stand aside and let others handle it?  Dammit, 
they were her friends, and she cared for them too.  *I may not be their 
guard in paper, but in heart, I am always their guard.*
	She looked at the Earth.  *WHY????*
	Why couldnt she be there to help them?  They had nearly died.  
NEARLY died, and the Lunarians were expecting her to just stand and 
calmly accept that fact?
	"NoIm not an IDIOT" she muttered.  She had to get down 
there, somehow.  To make sure everyone was all right.  She should have 
been there already.
	But instead, she remained up on the moon.  And she had to stay 
here as well.  Because they needed her here.  She needed to be here.  
Butwhat about Earth?
	Shed arrived here a month ago, and it had been one long journey 
for her mind to get to level it was at now.  At first, she did not like the 
moon very much because it prevented her from being with her mother and 
father, and kept her from going home.  But she had grown to appreciate 
the surroundings, and feel attached to it, once she saw how much she was 
needed here.
	She loved the moon.  She loved the people, and she loved her 
moon queen, and the princess.  She had a feeling of hominess that had not 
been at Terryl Manes.  It reminded her of her parents back in Polaris, and 
when she thought of them, shed lose that content she was just starting to 
develop.
	But it was beautiful up here. It was a different kind of beautiful 
from the beautiful of Earth.  The clouds were silvery paths that could lead 
anywhere around the Earth, and sometimes, Queen Serenity brought her 
daughter and her guardians down the layer of clouds, where they walked, 
looking down at the Earth.
	Serena descended the moonlight stairway to the Cloud Way, and 
stepped off the staircase, and walked.
	The Cloud Way had become one of her favorite places.  She came 
here now.  Sitting down on the white feathery edge, she looked below her 
at the dark sleeping Earth.
	Shed usually come here, to look down, and dream of the palace of 
Earth, and worry.  Now, she came to worry.
	Darien was safe, but Raye had nearly died.  Raye, her romantic 
little princess, almost died.  And Jedalmost her brothershe shuddered.
	Playing with the mists absently, she blew a clumpful out of her 
hands, and saw it float away.  What she wanted more than anything was to 
rush down the rest of the Moonlight staircase, and enter Earth, and run to 
the palace.
	But she couldnt.
	Her honor would not allow it.  She had an obligation to the moon 
kingdom and although she had stamped her feet and yelled at the top of 
her lungs to Luna and Artemis, she was not going to just leave for Earth, 
because their argument held truth.  The Moon Family could very much be 
in danger right now.  And if she left, and if anything happened, shed 
never forgive herself.  She loved her Moon family.
	Being the person in between was hard enough before she left.  It 
was even more difficult now.  She felt a deep love for Queen Serenity, and 
her majesty possessed a great deal of patience and understanding.  And if 
anything happened to her, shed feel a deep loss.  And her friendsno, she 
could not leave them.  What if they suffered because she was not there to 
protect them?  Like her friends on Earth had?
	But what about her Terran friends?  Her Terran royal family?  The 
royal family of the planet she had been born?  Although she did love the 
moon, she still felt a tinge of guilt, that she should enjoy and love the 
moon so much, when she came from the Earth.  After all, without the title, 
thats what she was, wasnt she?  A Terran girl?
	She loved her Earth.  She loved her parents.  She loved the queen 
of the Terran kingdom, as much as she loved the queen of the Lunar 
kingdom.  And now, she stayed in indecision.
	She wanted to be there, to heal her friends with this new talent that 
she had started to master.  She wanted to use Selenes powers to keep her 
friends, all her friends, safe.
	The impact of her first hearing that thered been an attack was an 
attack on her heart.  To hear that her friends had to defend themselves, as 
strong as they wereshe should have been there.
	But could she have been there?  No.  Her duty, her life had been 
devoted here, and if she had left them, shed never feel comfortable, 
fearing for the Lunar family all the while she was gone.  And that left her 
nowhere, as she had always been.
	Would she ever truly belong anywhere?  Would she ever feel a 
secure restful feeling?
	A part of her wished Darien was here.
	She reached into her robes, and drew out a blue velvet pouch.  The 
sight of it comforted her, but she immediately burst into tears.  Darien.  
Darien would understand her feelings.  Like he had before.
	Darien.
	He reminded her of that conversation she had with Queen Serenity 
a few weeks ago.  Of being home with a person.
	A longing tore her stomach.  Where was he now?  Was he 
peacefully sleeping?  Or was he being threatened by nightmares which she 
couldnt fight for him?  Was his life in danger?
	Was he dreaming about her?  Was he thinking about her?
	She had dreamed of him often, and she hardly went through a day 
without thinking of him.  How could she not?  He was soso infuriatingly 
unforgettable.  She missed his arguments, and she missed his transient 
compassion.  She missed his strong heart.  But most of all, she missed 
him.
	She had let it slip in so quietly, she had no idea that the storm that 
would come would be so painful.  The pain of wanting to see him.  She 
wanted to see him, and she wanted to throw herself into his arms, and cry 
out all her worries to him, and have him comfort her.  She wanted him to 
hold her.  She wanted to be near him, and feel his presence.  She wanted to 
see him smile at her, because the pain of not seeing him was getting to be 
unbearable.
	She couldnt sleep, because shed worry, about him.  No, she 
couldnt let anything happen to him, because he was so important.
	Shed let him become important to her, because she had liked him.
	Now, it was indisputable that she
	*Curse Raye and her romanticism*
	She stood up on her cloud, and screamed in frustration across the 
skies.  The frustrations.  The screams echoed all about her, giving her a 
sense of aloneness.  Cold.  She looked around her, dizzy.  Cold.  Alone.  
No one.
	She clutched at the velvet packet, and collapsed to the floor of 
clouds, rolling herself up into a little ball, crying.  "Darien"
	But no reply came, because she didnt expect one.  He wasnt with 
her right now.  He wasnt ever going to be again.  Because they were too 
different now, and too distant.
	Even the deepest love couldnt overcome the obstacle that had now 
been set between them.  A distance.  His duty as a prince.  Her duty as a 
guard.  No, the deepest love would fade in all the chaos.  
	And what she felt waswas deeper than thatshe cried harder.  
*Dont make me think of this right now*
	No matter how close hed be with her in the future, theyd still 
remain distant, separated by that stupid invisible wall.
	He wasnt even hers by heart, or right.  By right, he was Minas.  
Strategically, it was EXTREMELY desirable that he marry her.  Serena 
knew she ought to advocate it.  Before, she felt that bitter feeling inside, 
and now, she recognized it as jealousy, though shed never let HIM know.  
Now, thoughshe wanted him to be safeand with the recent attack
	Maybe the arranged marriage wouldnt be such a bad idea.  Her 
heart stung when she thought about it, but she realized the practicality of 
the situation.  That way, Serena could keep a watch over everyone.  
Theyd all be one place, and shed be able to protect everyone she loved.  
Shed be able to protect him.
	Hed be alive.
	Thats what counted, wasnt it?  As long as he was alive.  Besides, 
he never loved HER.  He might as well just have a happy life with 
Princess Minalle
	But could she leave such a thing to happen to her heart?  Would 
she be all right about it?  His marrying her friend?  When shefelt that 
way?  And when her friend had aninterest in someone else?
	But hed be alive.  Everyone would be protected.  She could 
protect them all.
	"Serena?" the wind whispered over the misty landscape.
	Serena pushed herself up from the cloudy surface to look about 
her.
	A glowing being walked towards her.
	"SerenaI thought I might have found you here." Selene walked 
to her, putting her hands over Serenas shoulders.
	It was the first time the Moon Goddess had ever touched a human.  
Her touch almost wavered, but she looked at the young girls wide eyes, 
filled with confusion and anger and sadness, and kept her grip on the 
shoulders firm.  "You want to see him, dont you?" she asked, quietly.
	"I want to see them" she corrected the goddess.
	Selene was not an idiot.  Shed seen Serena many nights, haunting 
the halls of the palace at night, crying, and clutching that blue velvet 
pouch.  But seeing the flicker in Serenas eyes, she decided not to 
challenge the girls feelings right now.  "Its not advisable."
	"I know" she said.  "I dont want to leave anyone here.  If I turn 
my back, Beryl and Metalia will know.  I have to stay, to keep them safe."
	Selene remained quiet as Serena took the goddess through her own 
thought processes.  "But Ive been thinkingabout protection, I mean."
	"What about it?"
	"I think its time there was an alliance made between the Lunar and 
Terran kingdoms; they should unite under own kingdom.  Its about time.  
If they united, then we could keep tabs on whats going on, as one, rather 
than just as two kingdoms.  Plus, the army would be two times as large, 
and our powers would be unbeatable.  I think Metalia should know that if 
she messes with one kingdom, both are coming after her throat."
	"So should we send them an ambassador?" Selene began, quietly.  
Serena had thought this out a lot.
	"Yes, and no.  We should see if they are interested in such an 
alliance, but essentially, the alliance will not be made by treaty."
	"What do you mean?"
	"I think we should do it" Serena breathed in deeply.
	Selene watched, patiently.
	"by marriage.  I think that if the royal families united in 
matrimony, they would all be together in once place, and wed be able to 
protect them all"  *Id be able to protect them all*
	Selene could practically hear the thoughts in Serenas mind.  *She 
wants to protect them all, and she doesnt know how else to keep them all 
under her care*  "Marriage?" she asked, carefully.
	"Yes, between the princess of the Moon, and the prince of Earth."
	"Have you told anyone else?"
	"No, but Queen Merlyn of Earth had been thinking about it before 
we left Earth.  At first I didnt see why, but now, I see that such a union 
could be very advantageous.  I know Minalle and Darien arent really in 
love, but I just dont see what else to doits the only way to keep them 
all safe" she started to cry.  She wasnt going to cry about this.  
*Besides, what else is love besides that dumb pain you get?  And the 
knowledge that youll get hurt?*
	*She loves him* Selene looked at the girl, who now cried into 
her lap.  She had speculated, but now she knew.  This strong woman loved 
him enough to give him up to another just so she could protect him, and 
keep him alive
	"Im going to tell her majesty the queen of the Moon about this and 
see what she thinks, but I think shell agree this is the only way to fight 
Metalia, especially since Beryl has been recently been able to manipulate 
the actions of the court through dreams.  Maybe if we keep closer tabs on 
each other, this wont happen again" she said, whispering to herself.

	"Kunz, its not your fault!" Neph shook his shoulders.
	"I endangered the life of the princess.  I nearly killed one of my 
best friendsI nearly killed Jed," his head was in his hands, as he sat on 
the edge of his bed, fighting the headache.
	Neph looked, worried at his friend.  What would he have felt if he 
endangered the lives of all these people, thinking he had to get to Lita?
	"She sounded so realshe sounded helpless" Kunz continued to 
mutter.
	"Kunz, its not your fault.  Beryl manipulated you.  You couldnt 
have knownany one of us would have fought as hard as you did if we 
were in your position."
	"But I nearly KILLED two people!"
	After Kunz had come out of unconsciousness, he had refused to 
rest or sleep.  Hed never sleep, he vowed to himself.
	Of course, it was a silly promise.  But when he posed such a threat 
when he was asleep
	And good god!  What would Mina think?
	Neph jumped back, upon hearing the last question muttered aloud.  
"Kunz, Mina will think what we thinkthat you were a victim, just as 
much as Raye and Jed"
	"But I didnt nearly dieoh god, shell blame herselffor not 
being here to stop megeez" he clutched at his hair with furious 
fingers.
	Neph frowned.  "Kunz" he swore.  "Kunz.  Youre being a huge 
idiot right now.  Things happen.  Its not always our fault.  We accept 
these events, and use them to build off of.  We change to accommodate to 
mistakes, we dont dwell on them."
	"But how can I not?"
	"Kunz, what are you blubbering about?  You represent the pillar of 
honor, and as far as I see, you have none right now!  Why dont you live 
up to it some time, Kunz?"
	"Fuck honor!"  Kunz stood up.
	Neph shoved Kunz back to sit on the bed, and gripped his fist, to 
prevent himself from slugging him.  "You cant just toss it aside!  You 
were specifically chosen to represent honor.  Honor is maintaining respect 
from and for others, but most importantly, from yourself and for yourself.  
Damn!  You fought through the ranks of more than a hundred men, and 
got damn lucky when Serena was canceled from the list, because shes ten 
times the person youre being right now.  Be the person you were raised to 
be.  Be the person you were trained to be.  Be the person you are!"
	Neph stormed out, leaving Kunz to wonder at Neph.  It was the 
first time hed ever seen Neph yell at him.  Neph, who always seemed to 
possess a calm.

	"NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!" Mina cried.
	"Shits all right" Amy looked helplessly to Lita, who stood on 
the other side of Minas hunched-over body.  "Hes all rightRaye was 
able to get to him before he killed Jed."
	Minas body was raking with sobs now, and looked at the two.  
"Dont you get it?  Its not about him!  He fought for me!  He had tried to 
save MEif Id been there, I may have been able to stop him!  If Id been 
there, none of this would have occurred!!!  And I know that hes blaming 
himself for all this"
	Amy said softly, "It wouldnt have mattered if you were there or 
not.  Beryls manipulative" Tension was wearing away at her own 
nerves.  "Mina, you couldnt have done anything, you got that?" she said, 
taking her friends tear-paved cheeks in her hands.  "Its not your fault, 
and its not Kunzs.  Its Beryls."  Amys eyes started to wade in tears.  
"Its Beryls" she said softly.
	Lita looked at the girl who now sat next to Mina, crying next to 
her.
	"You got that?" Amy asked, distantly.
	Mina looked at Amy.  Had she cracked?
	"OhZoy" she whispered.  Her haunted eyes focused on 
Minas.  "You couldnt have helped your immobilityyou couldnt help 
your helplessnessyou werent there to see the darkness come over 
him" her voice cracked as she finished the last sentence.  It was clear 
that she wasnt talking about Kunz anymore.
	Mina grabbed her friends shoulders, shaking her.  "Amy"
	She blamed herself.
	Lita looked at the two, fear, but also calm, in her eyes.  She took 
both in her arms, and they hugged.  Tears came to her eyes.  "Its not any 
of your faults.  Things happened, got that?  Always believe that.  You are 
not to blame.  This is all a mind game.  Beryls trying to throw you into 
guilt.  Dont let that happen.  Weve got to pull through, and we will."

	"I dont know if its going to be a happy marriage, but your 
highness, Ive talked this over with Selene, and we think it advisable that 
you DO consider this"
	Serenity looked at her ward.  Selene stood next to the girl, hand to 
her shoulder, offering support to do this.
	Oh to see the fear and heartbreak in those eyes.  The storm of 
regret.  The determination flushed through though, and the blue was 
steady, and held in constancy right now.
	Serenity loved Serena.  With more breath than she could give.
	The girl was very special.  Over the past month, shed had many 
problems trying to connect with her daughter.  Mina was a dear girl, and 
Serenity knew that Minalle was trying hard, but in the end, Serenity could 
not feel the strength of the bond that she had with her ward.
	She had bonded with her ward enough to know how much Serena 
was sacrificing in this marriage.
	Could she do it?  Could she just pretend she didnt know what 
Serena felt for Darien, and just let her heart break?
	"Serena" she said.  She looked at Luna and Artemis with a 
certain strain in her eyes.  They took the hint, and left the room, taking the 
guards with them.  "Serena"
	Serena held herself rigid. Selene tightened her grip on the girls 
shoulder, to give her support.
	"Dont" she stammered, walking away from them both.  Her 
hand balled into a fist, and she turned from them, holding a fist to her 
mouth, and biting down on it.  She had been determined not to cry.  And 
shed be damned if she did so now.
	Serenitys arms when around the girl, and she held her.
	She felt the pain.  "Serena, dont be afraid to cryyou cant stand 
stoically all the time, especially since you have such a passionate soul."
	Serena collapsed against Serenitys breast, and sobbed.  "Oh, I love 
him so"
	There was no question about who they were talking about.  "Does 
he know?"
	"No, he doesnt, and he shouldnt" she continued to cry.  "He 
has to marry Mina.  Its for his own good, and hers, though she will hate 
us at first for doing this to her."
	"Serena, Im not sure if we should do this then"
	"No, dont you see, your majesty?  We HAVE to, to protect them.  
If theyre here with us, or if were down there with them, we can protect 
each other"
	"And you can protect everyone.  You can be there fore 
everyoneis that it?"
	"Its better that hes alive and married than dead!"
	Serena backed out of Serenitys embrace, and looked away.  
Serenity looked at Selene, who continued to stand still, patiently to let the 
girls feelings come to calm once more.  
	"Anyway," Serena began, "I would like to be the ambassador to 
Earth, to set up the propositionif you approve of thisMerlyn knows 
me, and she can trust me, and that will make negotiations go quicker.  I 
know its dangerous to just leave the Lunar court like thisbut I would 
like to be the oneso do I have your approval?"
	Did she approve of this?  Serenity felt that if she approved, then 
shed stab the girl in the heart, but if she didnt, and if she forced Serena to 
stay here, when she felt divided between two places, Serenas heart would 
be torn apart.  "What if he married you?" she asked.
	For a brief second, there was a fluttering of the heartbeat.  It 
showed in her eyes.  Then, there was darkness.  "He cant marry me.  Ive 
got a duty to protect this kingdom, and thats hardly queen material.  
Heck, I had to be TRAINED to be a lady-in-waiting."
	"It makes no difference if you couldnt get the surface.  What 
matters is on the inside, and I have not known a woman with more 
integrity, intelligence, passion, zest for life, than you."
	Serena was touched by the words.  They meant a lot to her.  More 
than they would normally.  There was a special connection she had with 
Serenity, and hearing these words made her feel suddenly princess-
likeand royal.  But she wasnt royalty.  SHE WASNT ROYALTY.  
"Besides, the alliance is to be made between the two families, and the last 
time I checked, I was a part of neither"
	"by blood, perhaps, but you are my daughter in heart and spirit."
	"Mina is your daughter by blood and right, and therefore should be 
the betrothed," Serena argued.  Besides, she didnt want to force herself on 
Darien.  He showed too much compassion to her to make her want to 
anger him by forcing him into matrimony with her.  She didnt even know 
if he loved her.  "Mina will be engaged to Darien" she said, more to 
herself than to the two who stood in the room with her.
	Serenity knew Serena was hurting, but Serena was also stubborn.  
She sighed.  "All right, I give you my approval"
	"Id like to go down there as soon as I can.  It shouldnt take more 
than a few days if we work fast.  I dont want to leave here too long"
	"I understand"  Serenity nodded her head.
	Serena tried to force herself to leave.
	But she couldnt.
	She couldnt.  Are you going to be all right? her eyes seemed to 
ask Serenity and then Selene.
	Go

	She was silent, and looked at her shoes more than anything else.
	"I thought I brought you outside so you could see things that are 
outside.  If I had known you were going to look at your shoes the whole 
time, I would have thought twice before taking you out" Jed teased 
lightly.  Her arm was around his shoulder, and his around her waist.  She 
was practicing walking on a broken leg.
	Raye looked at him, startled.
	"Whats wrong?" he asked, seeing her eyes, two pools of twilight, 
quiver.
	"Nothing" she said, looking away.  *I love you.  Thats whats 
wrong.*  She wanted to scream it at him, she wanted to throw herself into 
his arms, and be held in his embrace, and feel protected.  Right now, the 
contact between them was infuriating.  To be in his arms, but to know that 
it wasnt more than help he was giving her.
	Jed looked about them.
	Sunsets were meant to be romantic, and relaxing, not moments 
filled with tension.  He looked at the girl.  What was wrong with her?  He 
continued on, looking around for any sign of trouble.
	There was a whole feeling of uneasiness in him right now.  What 
was going on?  The world was darkening around them, and it was natural 
of course, since night was approaching.  But something else
	"HELP!!!!!!"
	Jed recognized that voice.  "Zoy?"  The fear in that voice.  He had 
to help his friend.  He wanted to go look for his friend, when he realized 
that Raye relied on him to keep her footing.  He stayed at her side, but 
called out.  "Zoy, where are you?"
	ButRaye felt a coldness in her stomach.  It started to spread to 
her heart, and now she felt it in the sweat on her forehead.  She gripped 
Jeds shoulder tightly.  *Dont believe him!!!!*  she tried to convey to 
him.
	"I dont think we should stay around here" Raye said softly to 
Jed.
	"Dont be ridiculous, Raye.  Zoys around here" he smiled, a 
boyish joy was in his voice, his eyes.  The strain was now easily vanishing 
from around his eyes.
	"No!" Raye said.  "We should go"
	"What are you talking about?" Jed backed from Raye.
	"Help!" They could hear his voice, as Jeds hands went fromm 
Rayes body.
	She fell to the ground, now unsupported.  Her skirts belled around 
her, and she gave a small cry of pain.  "What are you doing?" he 
demanded of her.  He felt a small pain inside at seeing her hurt like that, 
but stood firm.  "Zoys been gone for who knows how long, and hes 
finally backand you want to LEAVE?"
	"I dontI dontTRUST him" she said.  "Not nowtheres 
something in the air"
	"Or your imagination" Jed said, hurt, as he backed away.  "Its 
perfectly safe here" he continued.
	"No" Raye begged.
	"Here, Ill go look around for Zoy, you just wait here" Jed said.
	"NO JED!!!" her eyes widened with a huge fear.  *Youd think 
that shes fearing for my life* Jed thought, sardonically.
	"Dont worry.  Ill be around the area.  If anything happens to you, 
Ill be here in a flash.  But Ive got to find Zoy"
	"Dont leave me here!" Raye said.
	"I cant believe youre being like this.  One of my best pals is 
crying for help and you dont want me to help?" he looked at her, eyes 
narrowed.
	He pushed himself away, and stalked off.
	"Jed, Jed!" she cried after him.

	He smiled from the shadows.  Mission accomplished.  Hed get the 
bitch right now.
	Jed was always a little too gullible for his own good anyway.
	His lips curved as he smiled to Beryl.  "Ill go get her right now"
	"No, I want you to get your friend" Beryl ordered him.
	"Shes all open right now"
	"Ill take care of her.  Shes a feeble little thing.  We dont need to 
kidnap her.  She has no power.  But your friendwe dont usually find 
Jedyte alone, and he would be an incredible asset to the dark side."
	"What do you mean?" Zoy asked, dark eyes narrowing.  Jealousy 
ate at him like a disease.
	Beryl smiled in annoyance and triumph.  It had been hard, but she 
had finally been able to gain control of Zoicytes mind.  However, he was 
FIERCELY competitive to gain the most power aside of her.  "I mean that 
I need good leaders in my army," she explained, exasperated.
	"I thought I was the leader of you army" Zoy asked, a snarl in 
place on his lips.
	"I need more than one, you half wit, but if youre not going to 
cooperate, I might as well get rid of you and give your friend all the 
power" she frowned.
	It did the trick.  Zoys pressed together.  "Ill get him"
	"Yes, and meanwhile, Ill deal with the little princess" she told 
him, her cold blue lips pressed together.  "Ill deal with her"
	
	Raye looked around her.  She had to get to Jed.
	She had to.
	Fear tasted bitter in mouth, and her head was reeling.  But shed be 
damned if she was going to let himself walk off like that, into the arms of 
danger.
	She pushed herself to her knees as she felt another presence around 
her.  It was not Jed.  There was a coldness in the wind.  "Who are you?"
	She saw herRayes eyes never wavered as she got up to her feet, 
ignoring the pain.  "So youve finally come to get the job done yourself, 
huh, Beryl?"
	Beryl frowned.  "Are you presuming something?"
	Raye ignored the pain in her leg as she stood tall and smirked at 
her.  "I just thought it odd that you had to rely on another person to 
execute YOUR business."
	"I dont waste my time on pathetic little girls."
	"Im not a little girl" Raye said, a fire flashing into her eyes.
	Beryl walked to the girl.  "Such determinationI always thought 
you had more than you let onbut youd never be of any use to 
mealways too soft.  You were never strong enough to fight anyhow."
	Rayes hands started to feel a tinglethe familiar tingle.  Her 
temper was rising.
	Beryl twisted her wrist.
	Raye felt her weak leg jerk out from under her and collapsed once 
more to the ground.  Sweat mingled in tears of pain.  But shed have to 
fight.  Beryl would stop at nothing until she was dead.

	"Zoy?" he ran deeper into the forest.
	Raye must have been nuts to say that he couldnt go after his 
friend.  Zoy had needed help.  And there was no mistaking it.
	The fury in him had been enough to make himself walk away from 
her.  Fury directed at her.  And now, her stupid highness had just 
endangered herself.  She was not safe back where he had left her, and he 
was willing to admit it now.
	But would he walk back and admit defeat?  And what about Zoy?  
Where was he, anyhow?  "Zoy, where are you?"
	"Right here" he heard a low rumbling laugh.
	He turned and detected movement from the shadows.  Zoy did not 
sound like he was in any pain at all.  To the contrary, Zoy looked fit.  
However, his normally blue-green eyesthey were black.  And Zoys 
posture was held stiffly.  Cloaked in all black, Jed would not have seen 
him, had it not been for the pale snow-white face, with the thin lips 
pressed together in a wicked smile.  Jed found a clump at his throat.  He 
had not listened to Raye.  She was back there, all aloneand he was in a 
trap

	"Im impressed."
	"Dont be" Raye muttered.
	She was holding her lungs open with her mind.  She felt dark 
smoke crowd in, but imagined herself, pushing it out.  *Just keep fighting 
heryou have to.  Oh, Jed*
	Beryls hands were in front of her, open, and palms face down.  
She was pushing down on air, but her magic was pressing down on Rayes 
lungs.
	Raye tried to cough, but she couldnt.  Was this how it was 
supposed to end?
	*NO!* she dove deep within her soul to find the fires of her life.  
Summoning them, she felt the heat sizzle deep inside.  Chanting an old 
romantic chant she had learned in one of her scriptures, she felt the fire 
travel into her blood.  It moved into her heart, and then to her lungs.  She 
was burning brightly.  The flames in her licked at the darkness, and fought 
through.
	She did not understand this power.
	Beryl watched, confused, as she felt her own hands heat up.  Her 
palms were sweating.
	She felt a burn as she withdrew them from her spell position to 
look at them.  They looked black.  What had this girl done?  There was 
something in the girl.  She bodily grabbed Rayes now weak body and 
shook her.  "What did you do?"
	Raye felt hot tears in her eyes.  "I dont know!"  She didnt.  What 
was this?
	Immediately, she got too hot to touch, and Beryl had to drop her.  
No, the girl put up too much resistance, now.  Beryl was surprised though.
	Maybe the Princess WOULD be a profitable asset to her army.  
But as of yet, the princess would put up too much resistance, and Beryl did 
now know if she had enough power to fight the girl, having been 
weakened considerably by the strange and unexpected powers this girl 
had.
	*But there will be a time* she vowed.  Not only would Raye 
already be at her feet, weak and helpless, but eventually, Beryl would get 
Metalia to grant her with more of the dark powers she longed to master in 
order to make the girl submit.
	Raye landed with pain, but the dark energy left.  Beryl faded into 
the shadows.  "Youre fine for now, brat, but Ill get you.  For now, Ill 
settle for your friend"
	She felt the dark cold vanish as she looked at her hands in a new 
light.  They burned with an energy that she could not understand.  What 
was going on?  She felt something inside her, struggling to fight to get out.  
But what?
	She felt a cold slap of fear as she heard a growl deep in the forest.  
*Oh God, Jed*
	She pushed herself up off the ground, and started to work her way 
through the forest, the pain in her leg protesting each step of the way.
	She was not aware that a pen with the crest of Mars had 
materialized in her pocket.

	"Then I shall leave immediately"
	"Wait!" Selene felt something grip her.  She looked outside the 
pillars to the sky
	Serena watched in fear.  What had happened?  What did Selene 
see?
	"There is activity in the Mars sector.  Sometimes, there are 
sporadic little bursts in sectors, when the powers of the planets are used by 
accident, but the activity is hectic.  This means that someone has used the 
powers of Mars, and is starting to be able to control those powers.  
Princess Mars has used her powers"
	"and shes not with us, which means that shes in dangershe 
could be drawn into Beryls clutchesor fighting for her life right now!"  
Serena almost panicked.  
	"Wait, lets not panic" Serenity said.  "Its possible that the girl 
used the powers without realizing what they were"
	"But that leaves us in the same position.  We have to find Princess 
Mars," Serena said, looking at Serenity.  "Luna once told me that you and 
your court sent the princess and her guardians in baskets lined with jewels, 
with a note, stating their name.  Do you know the princess of Marss 
name?"
	"I dont remember, but I know someone who may" she gestured 
towards one of the pillars of the throne room, as she sat at the throne.  
"Come on, Vera"
	"Serenity?  Whats going on?" Verana Torthyn asked, afraid.  
	A womens image appeared on the pillar Serenity had just gestured 
to.  She was dressed in fiery red robes, but the minute Serena saw the face, 
she felt her stomach sink.  The eyes, the hairbut was it possible?
	"We think your daughter needs out help, but we dont know where 
to start.  Selenes reported that theres been a use of Martian powers."
	"My daughters ALIVE?" Veranas eyes widened.  "Oh, dear gods 
and goddesses, my daughters alive!"
	"We need to know her name" Serenity said.  "We need to find 
her before anyone else does"
	"Its Raychelle" Serena said, distantly.
	Serenity froze, about to ask Serena how she knew, but looked 
again at Vera.  *Of course, the resemblancewhy didnt I see it earlier?*
	The Queen of Mars looked at Serenity.  "Yes, thats rightits 
Raychelle.  Who is that, Serenity?"
	"Its the Moonlight Maidenshes my best warriorthank you, 
Verana, well find your daughter." Serenity looked at Serena.
	"But she cant be" she said.  "But Raye looks just like herand 
yet"
	"Shes the princess of Earth!  Its not possible!" Serenity 
completed for her.
	"But if her names Raychelleand if the resemblance is THAT 
strongregardless of the impossibility of the occurrence, you must find 
her." Selene declared.
	"Oh god, Rayes in trouble?" Serena felt her heart tumble over her 
stomach.  *Fight, Raye.  Ill find you.*

	He was falling.  It was cold.
	So cold.
	All around him, the dark was cold, and he felt it seep in his system.  
The blood in him was starting to freeze, and he was starting to feel dizzy.
	"Zoy" he struggled to form the words on his lips.  "Whats going 
on?"
	"My new mistress has given me a wonderful giftthe power of 
ice."
	Jed felt an ice crystal form around his heart, as it struggled to keep 
on beating in that wall of ice.
	"I told you to take him, not kill him" Beryl materialized beside 
him.
	"He was being resistant"
	"I wont let you take meZoy, I know youre still you.  Come 
ON!! Wake UP out of this stupid spell!"
	Beryl laughed at the youth who now was on the ground, gasping 
for breath. She knew it was painful, because there were ice needles in his 
lungs.
	"Jed!"
	"Raye?" he looked up, eyes unfocused.  The voiceoh no, was she 
all right?  "Get away from here!"
	Beryl stopped Zoy with her arm, and cloaked them both in 
shadows
	He was pale, and shivering.  
	"God, what have they done?" she asked no one in particular.
	Her hands tingled with rage and fire.  She moved to his side.  
	"Leave here, Raye.  Leave"
	"No!  Im getting you out of this mess" she rubbed her hands 
together, warming together.  Her eyes closed in concentration.  When she 
opened them again, they were dark, heated by a fire.
	She them took them over his chest.
	He felt a freedom in his lungs, his heart.  She was melting the ice 
in him, just by running her hands over his chest.  As he was just feeling 
freedom, he saw in the corner of his eyeZoyin all black
	"Raye!" he screamed, pushing out of the pathway of the dagger.
	She felt herself being shoved to the ground, and every muscle 
groaned.  What was going on?  She heard Jed scream in pain now.
	No, what was happening?  She feared it.  Was he dead?
	She turned around, and looked through the hair that had fallen in 
her face.  He was bleeding profusely at his shoulder.  She narrowed her 
eyes at Zoy.  "Whats wrong with you?"
	She reached into her skirts, and drew the dagger that she had 
carried ever since the incident a few days ago, which was strapped to her 
thigh.  Before, Beryl had kept her restrained with magic.  But now, there 
was nothing magical about the battle before her.  It was a matter of finesse, 
and strategy.  *Forget the physical, and get mental.  Dont get emotional.* 
she reminded herself.
	Jeds eyes widened, as he wanted to protect her.  But his sword 
arm was in considerable pain.
	Zoy lunged for her, and she dodged, taking a piece at his shoulder.
	He cried in pain, and summoned an ice to take her heart.
	But her inner fire burned it all away.  "You just TRY that again" 
she sweat.
	"No, but Ill try" Beryl laughed wickedly, realizing that the 
princess was considerably weaker than she was previously, having now 
fought, and walked though pain.  Maybe THIS was her chance
	She struck Raye down with an invisible wall, caving in.  Raye 
cried out, and fought it.  "Please" she prayed to her inner fire.
	It burst through slowly, and when it was through she was almost 
ready to die by exhaustion.
	Jed moved to her, to stand in front of her.  "I wont let you hurt her 
anymore"
	"Just try and stop me" Zoy smirked, as he carelessly tossed an 
ice dagger through the air, aimed at his heart, before Beryl could stop him.
	But Raye could.
	Seeing it fly at him.  She had to save him.  She shoved him aside, 
and let him fall to the ground beside her, as she felt the dagger in her back.
	She fell, almost unconscious, into his lap.
	Jed looked at the girl, who lay in his lap, with fire in her eyes, 
blackening her face.  "What the hell do you think you were doing?" he 
yelled at her.  "Im supposed to be protecting you!"
	"Dont you understand?  I would die for you!" Raye whispered, 
tears in her eyes from the pain, as she closed her eyes, and lost her 
consciousness.
	"Forget him.  Take her!" Zoy demanded of Beryl.
	Beryl was ready to strike him down for impertinence, but saw his 
point.  The girl showed much potential, and now, she was so weak she 
could easily be converted.
	She made a circling motion with her hands, and darkness took 
Raye into nothingness.
	Jed tried frantically to grab at her, to keep her from vanishing in 
his lap
	Jed looked up at the woman, with pure hate in his eyes.  "How dare 
you!?"  he took up the dagger Raye had dropped, and threw it at her heart.
	But it was swallowed by a dark force field.  "Perhaps I should take 
you as well."
	"Id rather die before I served the likes of you!" Jed spat out, 
starting to slowly push himself away from the two who stood before him, 
and came walking towards him.
	"So be it" Beryl said, gathering dark energy into a ball.

	*NO!!!!!!*
	A slash was against the top of her wrists, and Beryl fell back.  Her 
eyes focused angrily on her wound.  She looked up to see the young 
woman in white, her blue eyes determined, and golden hair floating behind 
her.  "Just watch who you try to harm"  The girls voice was steel.
	"So shes returnedwatch out" she muttered to Jed, knowing it 
was time for retreat.  "The next time I come for you, your girlfriend and 
the moon nitwit wont be there for you anymore"
	Zoy laughed evilly, and vanished as well.
	Jed simply fell back, and looked up to the skies.  What had 
happened?
	Had she arrived too late?  What had happened?  Her face was pale, 
but eyes were locked in concentration.
	Serena approached him, and waved her hand over him, watching 
his wounds disappear, as her magic worked its way on him.  Jed opened 
his eyes to focus on Serena.
	"Oh Jed, I just came, and I sawoh, noRayeis she?"
	Jed looked at the spot around them, to where she had lay, dying 
away.  Now, he noticed beside that spot, a pen flashed.  He took it up, to 
see a pen, with a strange crest on it.
	Serena saw it, and looked away, her tears starting to come
	"They have her" he said, softly, gripping the pen in his hand.  
He had seen this beforeit was in the hands of Lita, and Amy, when they 
had  "Serena"
	She looked at him, her eyes now pained, as she saw the frustration, 
and confusion in his own gaze.  Understanding his questioning look, and 
his gaze at the pen, her mouth froze.  *She WAS*  "Mars" she said, a 
simple word.
	*Princess Mars, huh?* he thought, looking down at the pen once 
more.  *No, not Princess anything, not princess Earth, not princess Mars, 
and not even Raychellesimply Raye* he closed his eyes.
	*Raye* tears forced through his thick lashes.
	He could hear her words in his mind
	*Dont you understand?  I would die for you!*
	*Raye*

To be continued

What will happen to Raye?  WHAT IN THE WORLD DID CRYSTAL 
HEART JUST DO????  What is Jed feeling right now?  Will Darien see 
Serena?  Will Serena suggest the marriage?  How will Darien react?  How 
will Kunz react?  Does Mina even know?  Will Kunz forgive himself?  In 
a time of war and bloodshed, will our heroines still find the courage and 
love to keep fighting?  To comeChapter 6 - Honors Disgrace

HA HA HA!!!  I admit, a whole week ahead of my schedule!  This is quite 
a coup!  Have any comments?  E-mail me.  Crisinti@hotmail.com
