"A White Rose, A Red Rose" - Chapter 10 Ok, this has taken me a while to star, I got writers block and had a hard time getting around it, but with the help of Chichiri I finally managed it! YA-TA!!!! Aren't you all happy! I can hear the BOO!s in the crowd already, but you aren't getting me out of the spotlight, no matter how many tomatoes you throw, so there! Anyhow, You finally made it! To what you are about to find out, but you finally made it! But this is NOT the end, there is but one more episode after this, one away form the end!!! Thank you to all those who have supported me so long, thorough the think and the thin, like family to me, (I am a little hyper right now and it is late, but people seem to like my hyper writing better than the depressed and unhappy stuff . . . ) Thank you to Chichiri, Usagi, Minako, Twilight, Melinda, Hotaru, Eike, Crystal Sere, and everyone else that my wired mind is throwing at me! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH JUST FOR READING THE STORY AND THANK YOU EVEN MORE FOR WRITING ME!!!!!!!!!!! Anyhow, THANK YOU! Disclaimers: hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!! I am not going to say it, I won't! The truth is all to painful!(SOB) And why aren't comments flying in about my wonderful, creative, unusual disclaimers? I would think that they are masterpieces in themselves . . . perhaps I should put them again at the end to draw more attention . . . Anyhow, on to what you people came for, Oh, but wait, have you peoples seen "Ghost" with Demi Moore and Patrick Swazy? I love the line in it where she goes "I love you." and then he looks at her and says "Ditto." I just love that!!!!! Now REALLY on to what you came for! "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the spirit of adoption by which we cry out 'Abba, Father.'" - Romans 8:15 (the following verses are REALLY great as well.) "A White Rose, A Red Rose" - Chapter 10 @-->-->--- "So what do you guys think, will Zoicite like it?" Ami asked, holding a blue, spaghetti strap dress in front of her and twirling around. The others stared at her speechless. Their parents had sent them each dresses and each had made alterations to fit her own personality. Ami had taken the longest, meticulously laboring over ever inch of cloth to make sure it was perfect, and now she stood before the twirling around. "Ami, you are really hung up on him, aren't you?" Rei asked, in a slow, shocked tone of voice. Never before had Ami worried about clothes, except for the time her mother had come to visit. Still, that was NOTHING compared to the display that she was putting on now. "You are one to talk, look how you have been fawning over Jadeite these last few days! I mean, you would think that the universe revolved around him!" Ami shot back, with a giggle. Rei dropped to the ground in a faint and the others stared openly. "Ami, are you OK? Are you developing a fever or something?" Makoto asked, concern flowing in her voice. "Maybe you study to much and need more exercise, want to go out and train some more?" "Makochan, I am a healer! I would know if I were sick and cure it instantly! I have never been sick in my life! A Merurian's blood freezes bacteria disallowing us from getting any of those burning decease that others get. Instead we get other things, things that you are immune to. But as the Princess of Mercury I was born with an immunity to those diseases as well, instead I controll them. In essence, I have never been sick in my life. I have been cut and bruised, drained of energy, but never sick," Ami answered back in an authoritative tone. "Amichan, this is not going to affect your duties as a Senshi will it? I mean, if there was an attack on the Princess you would be on your Guard right?" Minako asked, getting worried at Ami's behavior. For any of the other Senshi this display of behavior was normal, but for Ami, that was another story. "I will be on my Guard of course! I would never let my Princess be at risk!" Ami replied, obviously appalled at the very idea. "OK, that is enough! Ami, the dress is gorgeous, I am sure that Zoicite would love you no matter what you were, or don't wear," Ami shot Serenity a chilling glance so she hurried on, "And you others need to make sure you are ready, the ball is tomorrow, and there is much to be done!" The Senshi nodded and started off, but Sere stopped them, "Ami, would you wake Rei, all she needs is a little water on her face." Ami laughed, but obliged her Princess. A steady trickle of water began to pour out of nowhere and down Rei's face. Soon the fire Princess woke, gasping for breath. "Hey, who did that! You all know that my body doesn't tolerate water well! I can drink it, but I can't submerge myself in it! I take a bath in liquid flame for goodness sake!" Rei immediate started yelling as soon as her eyes opened. "Yea, that's why we were trying to wake you with is," Makoto snickered. "Well how would you like to be woken by me dousing you with fire?!" The ends of Rei's hair began to smolder as she spoke. "Hey, cool down! Literally! At least you can drink water, I can't drink fire," Makoto said laughing. She had experienced Rei's wrath before, and both she and Rei had spent a week in the infirmary. Ami and Serenity had agreed that they should have to heal the normal way, 'to learn a lesson.' Rei's hair burst into full flame and she glared dangerously at the others. Serenity, who had been watching this whole time had enough. "Rei, enough." She waved her hand and Rei's hair simmered down back into place. "We have a lot of prep to do, and we don't need this. I asked Ami to wake you up, and seeing that you are unhurt, there is no need to continue. Now . . . I shall race you all to the gardens!" With that Sere took off running down the hall ways, Makoto the only one close to keeping up. @-->-->--- "Hotaru, may I speak to you?" Serenity asked the small girl when she finally spotted her among the roses. "Of course, Prin . . . I mean Usagi. Anything, I told you that I would do anything I can for you," came the beaming response. Hotaru loved the feeling of friendship that she was getting. Usagi was proving to be a wonderful friend, and Setsuna was supposed to come to the ball as well! "Hotaru, you know, don't you? I can see it in your eyes. You possess magnificent power, I don't know what or how much, but you do. You can feel what is coming, can't you?" Serenity looked straight into Hotaru's eyes. "Yes, I feel it. But I don't know what it is, why are you asking me?" Hotaru asked, looking at the ground. "Because I want to ask you not to tell anyone, it is evil, pure evil. But we are not supposed to know yet. I don't know why, but I can tell that we are not supposed to know. Mamochan and I can both feel it, and I saw it in your eyes. You know a lot for one small girl." Usagi smiled and gave the girl a hug. "Why do you not let the others know who you truly are? I saw you first with Mamoru, so you could not hide it, but when you are with the others, well, you act like you are a ditz half the time. Totally oblivious to what is around you, only caring for the game. Sure, you calm arguments, but that is because you are simple and don't like fighting. How come you don't let them know how much you truly see?" Hotaru asked, looking up suddenly into Serenity's eyes. "Why? They could not take it, and they would treat me differently. I don't know, I guess it is the feeling that they might start doing things like bowing to me, I hate that! I have always just wanted to be a simple person with my Mamochan beside me. If they truly knew how much that I know, if they knew how much I truly understand, they would look at me differently. They love me now as a sister, and that is how I want to keep it." Hotaru could see a sadness well up in Serenity's eyes, and gave her a hug. "Usachan, you don't have any real sisters, so can I be your little sister? I never had anyone but Mama and Papa." Serenity looked at the small girl and gathered her up in her arms. The girl was small, to small for the intelligence that showed through her eyes. But she understood Serenity like no other but Mamochan had, but then Mamochan could not be a sister. "I would love for you to be my sister! That would mean a lot to me, imouto-san, you know how much this means to me." "I know, but you also know how much this means to me, my own sister! I have always wanted a sister, but never dreamed that I could get one as nice as you! Just wait unit I can tell Setsuna, she said that she would be coming for the ball. Do you know her?" Hotaru's eyes shined happily and joy emanated form both women. Both were without a sister, and both could tell that something was wrong. But neither knew that both knew more than the other. @-->-->--- The days of preparation for the ball passed quickly. The Senshi and the Guard laughed happily and joked among themselves. They each looked toward the ball not only for the fun of the evening and being able to see their parents, but it also marked the point at which they two would be able to become engaged. For other that Makoto and Nephrite, who were already engaged, the others felt it necessary to wait until after their lieges were married to do so themselves. The palace was decorated festively and the whole of the Moon and Universe was looking forward to the event. On Terra white and red flowers bloomed profusely, telling the people that the Prince was happy. It was said that when ever the roses bloomed it meant the very core of the earth was celebrating with the royalty. All the planets shown brightly, knowing that with the Princess's coming of age they would enter into a new age of peace. The stars twinkled happily in the sky, as if trying to give away the news that was to be announced that night. Everything appeared to be perfectly. But something dark and foreboding hung over the sky, something that most did not see. It did not pass from the eyes of Serenity, Endymion, and Hotaru however. They did not talk about it, but it was evident that something was coming, and they were not supposed to know about it. @-->-->--- Mamoru appeared in Usagi's bedroom. It was just before midnight, the eve of her sixteenth birthday. Mamoru had waited until he knew that she was fast asleep and then had teleported to her, following the pull. Mamoru looked down at her sleeping form on the bed, it was curled up like a ball, reminding him of a rabbit, his Usagi. Smiling he lay down on the bed next to her and pulled her to him. She snuggled into his side, as if burrowing safely into a hole. She sighed contentedly in her sleep. A golden glow caught Mamoru's eye. It looked vaguely familiar, so he pulled at it, and found it to be a blanket that was tightly woven about his love. He felt the blanket, it was soft, softer than anything he ever felt. Closing his eyes he examined the fibers, surprised at what he found, his eyes shot open and he stared at Usagi in surprise. The blanket was made from his energy! Suddenly it hit him, it was from the star locket, the left over energy. This is what she had done with it, he had made a figurine, and she had made a blanket. Pulling his sleeping angel into his arms he kissed the top of her head and buried his face in her hair. The smell intoxicated him, like a drug, making him slightly giddy. Soon he fell asleep, Usagi curled into his arms. @-->-->--- Usagi woke up and found herself snuggled deep in Mamoru's embrace. Sighing happily she snuggled deeper against him and then whispered called out to him mentally, "Mamochan, time to wake up! It is time to see the sunrise and look at the morning star!" Mamoru woke, but did not move from the bed, instead he tightened his arms around her, bringing her in closer. "Usako, do we have to get up? We have been watching the sun rise together for the last thirteen years, can't we skip it once?" he begged her. "Mamochan, you should know better than to even ask, for you have been asking that question for the last thirteen years. We are getting up to see the sunrise and the morning star! And there's nothing that you can do about it . . . " as Usagi spoke she attempted to remove herself from the arms of her beloved, only to find that he held her tight. Glaring up at him she commanded, "Mamochan, let go of me this instant! You have no right to hold me against my will." "No right, huh? I never heard you asking to be let go. All you said was something about that there was nothing that I can do about it," he said, grinning down at her. "But since it is your ladyships desire, I shall release you and escort you to the terrace." So saying Mamoru released Usagi and stood up, pulling away from her. Usagi sat up on her bed and stretched. Slowly she looked Mamoru in the eye and then accepted his outstretched hand. Gently he helped her to her feet and then led her outside. Usagi shivered slightly in the cold, crisp morning air and Mamoru immediately pulled her in, closer to him. The two watched, just as they always had, the sun rise and the morning star fade. Both felt content and whole in each others arms. There were no more wishes, no more desires, just the knowledge that they were together. When the sun was finally over the horizon Mamoru slowly unwrapped his arms from around Usagi. She sighed at the loss of warmth and turned to look up at him. "Usako, this, as I am sure you are fully aware, is your birthday and the day our engagement is to be announced. And, as I do every year, I am going to give you a birthday gift, but this one is going to be just a little different. Usako, we both know that something is happening, something that will change the rest of our lives. And I wanted to give you something, something that will let us know each other no matter how much we may change, no matter what might happen." Just as he finished speaking he leaned over and kissed the base of her neck softly. She giggled as his lips tickled her. Mamoru stood back and a small mirror appeared in the air. Taking it in his hand he held it in front of her. She looked into it and noticed that on her neck, exactly where he had kissed her, a small birthmark like shape stood out. One end, if possible, was even whiter that her skin and the other end was a little darker. She reached up her fingers and touched it lightly, wondering what it was. As soon as her fingers brushed the mark it transformed and the shape cleared. Usagi's breath caught in her throat. On the base of her neck was the tiniest picture of a rose she had ever seen. It was pure white with a deep green stem. Smiling Usagi turned back to Mamoru, "I shall give you one," she whispered. Mamoru smiled down at her as she stood up on tiptoe and kissed the base of his own neck, she was barely tall enough to reach. Instantly a red rose appeared in the spot where she had kissed his neck. "Usako, look at your own rose, and at mine again," he said, holding up the mirror again. Usagi looked, no longer was there just a white rose on her neck, but rather a red rose had appeared beside it and the two had entwined their stems around each other. Looking up and Mamoru she found that his rose had done the same thing. "When ever we are apart, only one rose will be there. But whenever we are together, the second will appear. In that way we will never be able to be fooled . . . " Mamoru whispered as he drew her back into his arms. "And no one else will be able to see the rose, all they will see is a tiny birthmark." Usagi said, finishing for him. "Took the thoughts right out of my head, again," Mamoru said, laughing. "Well, I've had practice. And it's not like you don't do it as well!" Usagi hit Mamoru lightly on the chest as she spoke. "Hey! Stop that! You know, if this keeps up I am going to have second thoughts on marring you." "Not likely, you can't keep your hands off me. Anyway, (Chichiri, I did it, you have no idea what that took! (Inside Joke)) we had better get to breakfast, we're late . . ." "Again," Mamoru finished, laughing. @-->-->--- The day of the ball shone brightly, the sky seemed to stretch on forever, and the clouds played in the wind like small puffs of cotton on a breeze. Guests arrived all day long, coming form all over the universe. All bore gifts to celebrate the Princess's sixteenth birthday, the day that she was supposed to become a woman. The Princess herself spent most of the day hidden in her bedroom with Mamoru, laughing and just enjoying each others presence. "Mamoru, you know that the ball is supposed to be masked tonight, right?" Usagi asked, snapping Mamoru back to reality. The two were stretched lazily out in the garden. Mamoru had been staring up at the clouds with his head in Usagi's lap while she leaned up against a tree. "Hmm? Masked? I didn't know that. So how do you suppose we'll recognize each other?" He asked feigning an innocent look. "Let us think? How will we know each other?" she replied sarcastically, reaching up and touching the roses on his neck gently. "I doubt anyone else will have these, Mamochan." "You think so? I thought they were the new rage," Mamoru's eyes twinkled merrily as he spoke. The two stared at each other, one with mock annoyance, and the other with mock innocence. Serenity was the first to break the silence. "Do any of the Senshi or Guard know that we are here?" she asked, looking around into the green foliage. "Do they even care? They are all so wrapped up in each other that they barely seem to know that we exist, but that's all right with me," Mamoru said, waving his hand in the air as if brushing them off his chest. "They have been around since I was ten, they're like brothers, but space is nice." "Now what you mean, at least you're a guy so they expect you so rebel some, but as a Princess they blew their lids when I refused to wear a dress. If I ever tried to actually disappeared I don't know what they would do. They look after me every waking minuet. It feels so suffocating. Sometimes I wonder if I had a choice, if I could choose, would I choose to be who I am? But then there is you, I would be anything as long as it meant that I could be with you," she smiled down at him. "Would you really? If I asked you to go with me to some far off planet, would you?" "Would I? Would I truly go with you? I don't think I would have much of a choice. I can't stay far from you, I can't even make reasonable choices without you. I mean since I was four every decision I ever made was made with you. But would you ask me that? Would you ask me to abandon the galaxy and the universe? Cause I would, I would leave everything just for you." "Then I won't ask. Maybe someday, maybe we will go, just the two of us and hide from the world. But I must admit, it might be hard to hide those silver locks," Mamoru smiled as he looked up at her. "Maybe, we can, after the wedding. Perhaps we can go and hide for a while. Everyone would understand and then they would not have to worry, they would know that we have each other." "I don't think that anything could separate us, at least not for long. No matter what people tried, we would always be able to find each other. No matter how far they might try to separate us, I don't think that they will ever be able to do so for long. I don't know why, but I don't think that even death can keep us apart. Perhaps because I don't know how to live without you." "I think that I have the better end of the deal, I'm younger, so you were always there for me, always. I am sorry that you had to wait four years for me to show up," she said, entwining her long, white fingers in his dark hair. "It was worth the wait, believe me. I just don't know how we stayed apart so long." Mamoru suddenly sat up and turned toward her. Taking her hands in his he asked, "Usako, have I told you that I love you? Have I seriously told you that I love you?" Mamoru's eyes flashed from a stormy blue to black. The pupils in his eyes disappeared into a pool of black, blacker than night. "Because I want you to know that I do love you, more than anything. I would give up anything just to spend a few minutes in your company. I would give my life if it meant saving you, because you are my life." "Mamochan, you had better not give your life for me, because you are my life as well. If you die, I must as well. There is no way I can live without you." @-->-->--- Serenity sat in front of her mirror, staring into it. She had let out the magic that had kept her hair gold and so long silver tresses tumbled down her back. Her sky blue eyes shone out from beneath her dark lashes and her lips shone a gentle pink on her pure white skin. Carefully she reached her hand up and put her hair in its tradition style. She was so used to putting it up in the fashion that it took her only a matter of five minuets to secure them. A knock sounded on her bedroom door and Naru walked in caring a basket of white roses. Naru stopped in the door way and stared at her Princess. "Naru, what is it?" Serenity asked, smiling at her maid. "Sorry, Sere, but, why is your hair silver?" Naru asked, stuttering. "I guess this is what Mother meant when she told me that when I became a woman I would experience a few changes. Do you like it?" Serenity turned her head so that Naru could see the colour better. "It is beautiful. Speaking of which, Prince Endymion asked me to give these white roses to you, he said they are for your hair," Naru told the Princess, holding up the basket and lifting out one of the perfect white roses that were inside. "Naru, they are beautiful! Will you help me string them through my hair?" "I would love to. You know full that I love to do your hair, you usually just don't have the time to let me," Naru said, moving quickly the Princess's side lest she should change her mind. "You know, that dress suits you well. I think the Prince will like it." "And what would you know about the Prince's taste in clothing?" Serenity asked laughing. "Admit it Sere, you look GOOD in a dress, you just don't like to admit it. Any guy who has seen you would do anything if they thought they could gain your favor, but most of them prefer a woman in a dress, or so I have heard," Naru stated, finishing Serenity's hair. The Princess stood, her long white gown falling around her gracefully. Everything about the girl was like that, graceful and beautiful. Her gown only accentenatd what was already present. The gown itself was made from the purest and whitest silk that could be obtained. Yards of the perfect material flowed down from an empire waste. White Pearls encircled the waist line and golden and silver embroidery work accented the bodice of the dress. The finishing touch on the gown was a bow that swept the silk together in the back, allowing the gathered bunch to flow down with the ribbon of the bow. Yet, despite the beauty of the dress, it paled in comparison to the lady who wore it. Serenity's skin was purer, her hair more silver than any of the cloth or thread in the dress. Her blue eyes sparkled with more brilliance than any of the pearls around her waist, to say nothing of the brightest of jewels. "Naru, what I look like is of no importance, but tonight you are going to look like a princess. I have been working on this gown for a long time now, so it had better fit!" So saying Serenity walked over to a chest and pulled out an exquisite pale green ball gown. All Naru could do was stare as Serenity helped her put the dress on and arranged the folds around her. Without a word Serenity then swept up the stunned girls hair and decorated it with Baby's Breath from a nearby bouquet of flowers. For the final touch she pulled out a white opera mask and carefully adjusted it on Naru's face fixing a few Baby's breath atop it. Stepping back from Naru Serenity exclaimed, "Naru, I do believe you look like an angel. I will not be the one that everyone will see tonight!" Naru looked at herself in the mirror. For years she had watched the other Princess' go off to the balls in gowns, though Serenity often complained, and now she was to go with them. "Sere, what can I say, the dress is beautiful. Thank you!!!" Naru flung herself into the Princess' arms in a tight embrace. "Naru, we had better get going if we don't want to be late, and try not to mess up your hair. Tonight we play the roles of Lady Naru and her sister Lady Serenity. Remember, this is a masquerade, and I will not be known until Mother has to make the announcement, so you are my sister!" Serenity's eyes were alight with the thought of the game. "Sere, snap out of it and let's go!" Taking Serenity's hand the two began to run down the halls making their way to the ballroom. The two stopped their mad dash fifty meters from the door that led to the main ball room and smiled at the Guards who stood at attention. Serenity walked up to one of them and whispered something into his ear. He smiled at her and nodded, calling to a page. Thanking him she signaled to Naru and the two walked into the ballroom. The two emanated grace and nobility from every pore. Naru had lived around the Princess and her court too long to not know how to walk like she owned the world, and tonight she did. As they walked in almost all the eyes in the ballroom turned toward their direction. Serenity's sharp eyes instantly found her court and Endymion's Guard among the crowd, but her fianc‚ was no where to be found. Her brilliant smile faded slightly, but then brightened as she thought about how often he was late. A young man with glasses approached the pair of ladies and bowed elegantly. Serenity was surprised that he had the courage to approach them. At most of the balls no man dared approach the Princess in fear of being torn apart by the other men, the only one she ever seemed to dance with was her escort, if she couldn't get out of it. "I am Lord Umino, may I ask for the Lady Naru's hand in the next dance?" he asked, looking straight at Naru and reaching out his hand to her. Naru blushed slightly, but accepted his hand shyly. "I would be honoured to have this dance with you, Lord Umino," she replied in a voice barely above a whisper. Umino smiled at her and Serenity got the feeling that he would have liked to shout out for joy, but good breeding held him back. 'Stupid breeding,' she thought to herself, 'to have to hide one's emotions like that. It is so obvious that he is smitten with her, but instead of telling her right out he has to act civilized and indifferent. Stupid . . . ' all the while her thoughts trailed onward she had continued her solitary decent of the stair case, only to be cut off by a hand taking hold of her's. Serenity spun quickly to find herself staring straight into the bluest eyes she had ever seen. The black opera mask did nothing to hide the blue sharpness of his penetrating gaze. The man had a mop of pitch black hair on top of his head. He stood tall in a suit of black and gold armor, no markings to signify any loyalties. "My lady, will you give me the honour of this dance?" he asked with confidence running through his voice. Serenity blushed slightly and replied, "I am sorry sir, but I am waiting for another to ask." "But I will have it no other way, but if you insist on waiting then you will have to wait all night, for I will let no other approach you. So, My Lady, you can see that it is pointless in denying me," he answered her coolly. "But, sir, the other that I wait for is the man I love. I will not let you deny me the privilege of dancing with him." Serenity's eyes sparkled brightly, portraying her happiness without refrain. "I am afraid that if you insist on dancing with the man, that you will never see him again afterward, I could not let him live if he dances even a moment with you," the man answered, his eyes flashing dangerously in contrast to hers. During the whole course of the conversation he had not released her hand and he now tightened his grasp and pulled her to him. Placing his other arm securely around her waist he released her hand and brought the other one up to her chin, tilting it up to look straight into his eyes. Allowing her no time to struggle he bent down and kissed her fully on the lips. Serenity responded instantly to the kiss and wrapped her arms up around her neck. When the two finally separated Serenity whispered, "Mamochan, would you really kill anyone who tried to dance with me?" "Well, I don't think I would let anyone near enough to you to even try it, but if they did, I don't think I would KILL them, but they WOULD regret it," he answered, smiling down at her mischievously. "Now, may I have this dance?" "I suppose, but you must try to behave yourself, we are in a public setting," she said, following him to the dance floor. Gently Endymion slid his arm around her waist, resting his hand on the small of her back. Serenity rested her hand gently on his shoulder and he took he other hand in his . The pair began to dance and glide across the floor. Soon almost all other couples had stopped dancing, amazed by the beauty and grace that surrounded the seemingly perfect couple. "You know, on your twelfth birthday, before I had even seen you, I realized that your mother was going to start looking for a husband for you. The very thought of that set my blood on fire. I could barely stand the thought of another man even touching your hand, much less holding you," he whispered in her air as they danced. "It is a good thing I never paid any mind to all the men who tried to win my favour, they would not have lived long, would they?" "Most likely not. Even when we were fighting, just seeing you laugh with my Guard made me feel like killing them. Remember when we had that dual? I came into the training room just as you were helping Nephrite up, you were touching his hand. I could barely see for the anger I felt. You never looked at me with the kindness you were looking at him with, and that made me mad," he said as he spun her out and brought her back in. "But know I have your heart, your love, I have more than any other man in the Universe. And that is because I have you, my little Usako." "And I have you, my Mamochan," she said, smiling up at him. @-->-->--- Queen Serenity entered the ball room and immediately a hush fell over the crowd. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen," the Queen began calmly. "This evening you have gathered together from all over the galaxy, and in some cases even farther out, to celebrate the sixteenth birthday of my daughter, Princess Serenity, the future ruler of the Silver Millennium. Serenity, will you please reveal yourself from among your guests." A beautiful silver haired girl began to move forward, only to be stopped by the man she was standing next to. The girl laughed and turned to give the black haired man a quick kiss before he would let her move up to the front of the room, next to her mother. Four other women quickly moved up with her and stood flanking the Princess. All five ladies curtsied to the crowd. The Queen continued her speech, "It is with great pleasure that I not only announce the birthday of my daughter, but also the engagement as well! Will Prince Endymion please come and join us?" The black haired man moved quickly forward, as if he couldn't get next to his Princess fast enough. Four other young men quickly moved up with him, and surrounded him. "With my daughters engagement comes an alliance with Terra as well," the Queen proclaimed. A mummer ran through the crowed showing surprise at the statement. Someone called out, "But is the Princess pleased with the arrangement, for we cannot allow this marriage to take place unless she to is pleased. We are responsible for our Princess's joy and happiness, and we cannot allow her to do something that would harm her." A cry of agreement ran through the crowd. The silver haired Princess smiled and the crowd fell silent somehow knowing that she would speak. "My dear friends, I would not have you think that I am the least unhappy with this arrangement, indeed, it brings me great joy. If Endymion were not a Terran and we did not benefit from this peace agreement I would still marry him, for he has claimed my heart." "Much as you have claimed ours!" came the crowds reply. "I thank you for your loyalty and devotion, I will not fail you," the Princess said, her voice filling with evident and unrestrained happiness. "Then we stand by this treaty, and this engagement. But let it be known that we will not hesitate to obliterate the Prince and his kingdom if harm should befall our Princess in any way," the crowd cried in unison. "Let is be known then, Princess Serenity is engaged to be married to the Terran Prince Endymion in one months time," the Queen proclaimed. A cheer rose up form the crowd, announcing to the stars that they stood behind their Queen's decision. @-->-->--- Endymion led Serenity outside the ballroom and onto a balcony. He had not let go of her hand since the announcement was made, and he still made no move to release her. "You know that I am going to have to go back to Terra to prepare things, and you are going to have to stay here for a time?" Endymion asked the girl he held close in his arms. "Yes, I know," she replied, sadness filling her voice. "But it is only for a time, and it is not like they can ever totally separate us. We were connected since before we were born, two halves to make a whole. And, I will be coming to Terra to join you after about a fortnight. It will not be too long . . . " The sadness in her voice and what he could feel through their connection made his heart lurch. He could not bear to feel her unhappy. Tilting his head back he looked up into the stars. "You know, after this month we will truly belong to each other? We will be able to wake up together and watch the sunrise as many times as we chose for eternity, never to have to worry about being separated." "Did you truly think that they could, even now? We will always find a way back to each other, no matter what happens. Even if our memories were to be erased, it would be impossible to keep us apart. Our link demands that we be together, for we are truly one. Without each other we are nothing, nothing but an incomplete nothing," said Serenity, following his gaze to the stars and begining to settle down again. The calmness that swept over her began to refresh him and his thoughts slowed from their frantic race. @-->-->--- "My Queen, you should call the two back in. The outer Senshi still need to make their vows. They have made them to you, but that was when the Princess was just conceived. She must know and strengthen their power. None of them can reach their full power unless they pledge to her again and she gives them the last part of their strength, like you did for their mothers. They do not know who it is that they pledged to, as far as they know they pledged to protect the Millennium, because to everyone the ruler is the kingdom. As for the older generation, you were the kingdom, for this one she is. They must know and the link be created," Princess Setsuna of Pluto told the Queers calmly. Queen Serenity sighed. She had been watching her daughter and the Prince for the last ten minuets, and found great comfort in it. Something was going to happen, and soon. Serenity was extremely worried, not only for her own sake, but for her daughter's. "Setsuna, I know that you cannot tell me what is to happen, but tell me only this, will my daughter be safe?" "My Queen, you know that I am forbidden to speak. You also forget that I answer first to your daughter, but I am forbidden to tell even her," Setsuna's face remained like stone as she spoke. "You are very much like your mother, but then I suppose you are trained to be like that, if you were not, how would you be able to bear knowing the truth? But I am surprised that with being my daughter's Guard you can manage it. You can draw on her strength in that in some later date you will pledge to her, and I suppose that like your mother you can fold the time line and draw on the future. But in that you take part of her, how can you remain stone? She is more light than even I am. Her light is stronger, and it makes her love and power all the more powerful. If you considered me a candle light, you would still have to look at her light as that of the sun. Never have I heard or seen a power greater than her own. And her Prince matches her jot for jot," the Queen sighed as she spoke. "She is all to powerful, but I suppose as long as her Prince matches her, it is fine. But, you are right, we do need to call her in. But give her a few more minutes." @-->-->--- Serenity pulled back from Endymion's grasp. "Mamochan, I would like to give you this. I have had it since we made it, and I think that you should carry it now . . . to remind you of how much I love you," she whispered as she carefully took the star locket from the chain around her neck. Mamoru took the star locket form her outstretched hands, and then caught up her hands and kissed them. "You know that I do not need anything to remind me of your love, I can see it in your every thought. I know from the feelings that pour from you into me. I don't need an object to know what is so evident. But I will take it, because I wish you to know how much I love you, and I can not refuse you anything. I really have no choice," he said, ending in a laugh. (Um, I accidently hit Ctrl + O, and it did the spaces, I don't know why or how to get rid of it, sorry) "I know, that is why I do not worry about you taking it. I know that you could never refuse me anything, unless you wanted to break your own heart. I love knowing your feelings and thoughts, that way I can always know what you think about me," Usagi told him as she leaned back into his embrace. Mamoru tilted her face up towards his and kissed her on the tip of her nose. She began to giggle, but he cut her short by kissing her fully. @-->-->--- Queen Serenity sighed as she watched her daughter. She could see the happiness that radiated from her. "Luna, Artimes you may approach, don't hang around the room like that," she called out, seemingly into thin air. But the response was immediate. Two tall Lunar, one male and one female, appeared in the room seemingly from no where. Both immediately kneeled before the Queen and spoke in unison, "My Queen, Terra has been attacked. A hole seemed to be torn in the space between Terra and the Moon. Immediately a substance came out, we are unsure of what it is, but it has an aura of pure evil. We could not send reinforcements, the hole is between us and them. But we believe that it will attack us, and soon, so we must prepare and be ready," the two Lunar spoke in unison. The two crescent moons that sat in both their forehead gleamed, telling the Queen that they were speaking the truth. The female of the two had long, curly black hair and huge blue eyes. She wore a yellow gown with black lace beneath it. Her name was Luna. The male of the two had long, straight white hair and huge green-blue eyes. His name was Artimes. Both of them were servants of the Queen, messengers and spies. They knew things before any one else in the kingdom and reported back to the Queen. The two had perfected the art of moving about the kingdom and finding out information without anyone knowing what they were doing. The two could move into a room, a house and not be known by anyone. Only the Queen knew how they moved and thought and could detect them. But despite all their skill they did not dare spy on the Princess, she could do things, know things that shamed even their skill. "Terra has been attacked?! How is that possible? Who would attack them? Prepare the defences immediately! Call the alert!" The Queen commanded, her face growing long and serious. She was a wonderful leader, and despite the fact that she never, as of yet, led an army into battle, she was wonderful at strategy. The two Lunar nodded and disappeared. The Queen looked back out at her daughter and sighed. It would be fate that the evil would attack on her daughters birthday. 'I will leave them out there, it is most likely safer for her to not know of the battle and not become involved, as she surely would, she must survive!' the Queen thought franticaly. @-->-->--- Endymion and Serenity were still on the balcony when they heard the first sounds of battle. "Serenity, stay here, I am going to go and find out what is going on," Endymion said, about to run off. "Endymion, I will not let you go off without me, I am just as powerful as you, I can care for myself. And . . . I can tell you what is happening. Because I draw my power from the Moon she tells me what is happening, if I listen. Listen as well." Serenity took Endymion's hand and closed her eyes. Immediately the sound of battle filed Mamoru's ears. He could hear the sound of people screaming and shouting, he could feel people dying. "Serenity, stay here, I have to go! I don't want you to be hurt!" Endymion begged her. But it was not to be, for at that moment a witch like creature appeared in the air, just off the balcony. Endymion immediately thrust Serenity behind him. "That effort will do nothing for you, Prince," she cackled hideously. "But I will give you a chooce, to show you how kind and good we are," the witch cringed, even as she said the words. "I will let you choice, join me, Prince, and, and you will feel the immense power of the NegaVerse. Become the King along side me, and we will rule the great kingdom. If not, you can be taken by force." Endymion didn't even pause in his answer, and pulled Serenity farther behind him and tried to hide her from the witch's gaze. "I would never accept your offer, you hideous snake!" The witch glared at him, "For that insult I will not spare you and give you the pleasure of ruling beside me, instead, you shall suffer and then die" she snarled and laughed again. "For I am Queen Beryl of the NegaVerse, and no one calls me a snake!" "You arrogant witch, you think you can defeat us? You have no chance!" Prince Endymion shot back at her. He began to glow with golden power as he pulled his sword to fight. He could feel his Guards fighting, as knights of their own planets. Zoicite and Kunzite had changed as well. The witch glared at the Prince and raised her hand, "You foolish Prince, you think you can protect the miserable girl behind you? Not likely, nothing escapes my wrath!" A glimmer shone behind Serenity and grew into a black crystal. Serenity saw the crystal and began to move away, but at that moment she felt a pain in her chest and knew. The Lunar were losing the war and the Moon was telling her. She felt herself begin to fall. She felt as Mercury fell in battle, she could feel the arrow of black magic strike Mars chest and her cry of anguish. "Serenity, watch out! Move!!!" she heard someone scream. Serenity lifted her head slightly and saw Hotaru running toward her, ready to throw her self into the crystals path, but Endymion did it first. At Hotaru's cry Endymion spun around and moved himself between the crystal and Serenity. Serenity could feel the pain as the crystal rammed into his chest. The black magic that formed the crystal disappeared and left only the hole and an incurable wound. The witch howled at the thought that she had missed her mark. Serenity caught Endymion's body as he sank to the ground. Hotaru stopped short, staring at the scene and paralyzed with shock. Serenity tried desperately to heal Endymion's wound, but to no avail. If she had a month, a week even, she could have done it. But she was not familiar with this black magic and did not know how to heal the wound. She could feel the blood pouring out of the wound, and down onto her gown. She could feel the wound as the pain became unbearable. Yet, Endymion still opened his eyes and reached up his hand to brush the tears from her face. "Serenity, my love, my Usako. Don't cry, it breaks my heart. This pain is bearable, but I can't stand to see you weep. . ." Mamoru caught up some blood and his eyes closed briefly. "I'll never leave your side, don't forget that. Remember what I promised you, that no matter what happened I will always, always, make my way back to you. Nothing can separate us forever, my little rabbit, my Usako. You are mine, don't forget that." Mamoru's eyes closed for the last time and his breath stopped. Tears poured down her face, "Mamochan, Endymion, don't leave me . . . " she whispered as the tears ran down her cheeks. Her gown was soaked with his blood and growing redder. 'Usako, don't cry . . . Aishiteru . . .' she heard his last thoughts his last breath escaped his mouth. But the command made the tears come even harder. "Mamochan, my Mamochan, Aishiteru! Aishiteru!" the Princess cried as the tears poured down her face. Endymion's body began to glow even brighter than it had before, the glow increased slowly, becoming almost unbearable to look at. Serenity began to glow as well, gentle silver seemed to be caressed by the gold, and then began to join. Mamoru's golden glow began to pour itself into Serenity's small body. She cried out in surprise and both glows flashed brightly. @-->-->--- When Serenity cried out Hotaru began to move. 'No! He was not supposed to die, not yet! I should know, he is not supposed to die, but then his thread is not cut all the way, his life is going into Serenity. But he can't do that, not unless . . . and if it succeeds . . . ' her thoughts screamed in her brain as she ran toward her Princess. The glow could not be penetrated, there was no way to even gaze at it without blinding ones self. Hotaru turned to the witch, "How dare you touch my Prince and his Princess, that is unforgivable, witch." Hotaru's small body began to glow a dark purple. The witch snarled at her, and shot a dark crystal. Hotaru deflected the crystal easily. She gathered her power together, preparing to strike back, but she was stopped. "Hotaru, enough!" Serenity's command halted her action. @-->-->--- Serenity stood up, resting Endymion's body gently on the ground. All blood was gone, it had flowed into Serenity's own body. Both her own and Endymion's blood ran through her veins, as did both their power. The two had become one, one power, one blood. Wings spread out from her back, half white, and half black. The feathers were tipped with silver and gold. Her hair was longer and her eyes bluer. Silver and gold flecks stood out sharply. Her gown had changed, it had become even whiter and purer. The gown swept around her feet and hid her shoes. The silver crest that had adorned her dress had changed, it was joined with the golden crest of Terra. On her forehead her crescent moon shown brightly, but it was backed by the sign that had once shown on Endymion's forehead. She radiated power, but the colour was a perfect mix of silver and gold. "Hotaru, Saturn, you know what is to happen, do you not?" Serenity's calm voice floated, filling the silence that prevailed. "Serenity, I know, and so do you," Hotaru answered, falling to her knees. "Then tell my mother what has happened here, for she will wish to know," the Princess commanded. Hotaru nodded in agreement. Serenity turned to the witch, "Beryl, you have slain my love, and I am thereby obligated to slay you. Your people have wounded my own, and for that they shall be banished. I cannot allow you to destroy any more than you have. You have destroyed my entire court, as well as Endymion's. That is a feat that few could claim to have the power to preform. But, it is not a feat to be proud of, for in doing so you wrote your own death warrant and then in killing my beloved you signed it." The witch snarled, "You do not frighten me! You are just a little Princess, I have killed several such as you!" The witch laughed evily and threw another crystal at Serenity. But the crystal did not even penetrate the glow, but disintegrated as soon as it touched it. Serenity lifted her eyes to the dark sky. The stars cried out in anguish as the beauty and life was destroyed. They cried out as the death of the Terran Prince. They cried that Serenity would have to die as well. For the stars knew as well as anyone that a pair of soulmates connected so strongly as Endymion and Serenity could not live without each other. Their life forces were connected to each other, even if Serenity were to hide she would die within a day. Most soulmates were only perfect for each other, destined to meet, but once every ten thousand years a pair of soulmates would be born that could not survive without each other, they literally had to have each other to survive. It was once every ten thousand years that a pair of people would be so close that they could feel each others every emotion and hear each others every thought. Serenity closed her eyes and a tear escaped down her cheek. Her glow began to spread, covering the Moon and then extending out into the farthest reach of the universe. Wherever the glow touched the evil disappeared. The beings from the NegaVerse vanished, unable to bear the brilliant power. The only people who survived the surge of energy and power where those who were left, left from the massacred. Queen Beryl shrieked as wave after wave of energy surrounded her. She called out to her master, begging for protection and more power. But even as more dark power surged through her evil body, she was unable to survive. Her body disappeared under the powerful light. The glow of power retracted back into Serenity, and she collapsed to the ground next to Endymion. But her body continued to glow, the glow surrounded both of them and continued to pulse with energy. @-->-->--- Hotaru watched, tears streaming down her face. She lifted her face to the sky and wept, sobs racking her small body. 'She knew, she knew the whole time. Usagi knew that I was Saturn, the Senshi of death and she still allowed me to become like her sister, she called me imouto-chan . . . and she knew, she knew all along. She loved me despite the fact I am death. And now I could do nothing to stop her death. But she was not supposed to die, I would have known if she was, but her life span was not even near the end. No, it was cut. Cut cruelly and senselessly, but don't they know that when a life span is cut, it must be picked up again? It must be completed before the person can truly die. shouldn't it?' Hotaru stared at the stars, a song began to reach her ears, and somehow, though she did not know what she was hearing, she understood it. The song comforted her, told her that all would work out, and then she realized what must happen. The glow that had surrounded her during her brief battle with Beryl had not dissipated, instead it grew and pulsed with life and energy. The energy that Serenity and Endymion had poured into her streaked through the glow, adding a little bit of gold and silver to the deep black like purple. The glow pulsed brightly and flashed silver and gold for a brief moment. When the flash calmed back to the black like purple Hotaru no longer stood there, instead a grown Sailor Saturn stood over her Princess, Sailor Saturn, the Senshi of death. but in being the Senshi of death, she also became a bearer of life. And now she chose to work her power. Calling the Silence Glaive forth into her hand she wove a magic spell over the two soul-mates. She called the bodies of all the Guard and seishi together. The bodies floated up from the ruble and gently over to Sailor Saturn's feet. Saturn's tears crept down her face as she worked, but she paid them no mind. Carefully she linked the lives of the Senshi and Guard to their Prince and Princess, and carefully she added her own life as well. Queen Serenity walked up behind the Senshi and fell to her knees before her daughter. Saturn paid her no heed but continued with her work. "I will do it, Saturn, I will do what you need done. You need not try the feat yourself, I have nothing left to give . . . but this," the Queen whispered, catching the Senshi's attention. "Your majesty you are needed. You are needed to rule those who are left, they will need your loving hand to help them rebuild their lives and their homes," Saturn stated, her voice like ice. "Ah, Saturn, life has not been kind to you. It has never been for any of your line. You have felt the deaths of all those who have died this day, and so you must know. There is no one left, no one. The only one's to survive this blood bath are a hand full of Terran's that were in some caves when the NegaVerse attacked. They are simple folk, unlearned and wanderers. They know nothing of the Moon kingdom, they barely know their own. Other than those forty or so on Terra there are five others; Pluto, Luna, Artimes, you, and me. There are no others," the Queen said, tears running through her voice. "It is true, they are the only one's left, but still . . . how can I let you do this?" "How can you stop me? You have limited energy as it is. To create the spell you are preforming now you are taking up quite a bitof that energy. Without my daughter, your power is weakened to the point of exhaustion. My court is dead, my friends are gone. Besides I cannot fully die until the next Queen is instated, and the only one to do that would be my daughter. True, my body will die, but I will remain here, unable to join my father, until she is crowned Queen," Queen Serenity sighed as she spoke. "Your Majesty has spoken the truth," said Sailor Pluto as she appeared beside the Queen. "She cannot die until Princess Serenity becomes Queen, but you know that. You can see the strands of life." Saturn slammed her Glaive down on the surface of the Moon. "The spell is complete, all that is left is for us to be sealed in something, and to be sent to Terra at some future date," she proclaimed. The Queen nodded and took a silver crystal from around her neck. "My husband gave this to me . . . he told me that I would find a good use for it someday, that it was worth more than just something to wear. I suppose this is as good a purpose as any. She had her father's eyes you know?" Queen Serenity turned to two Senshi, "Saturn, I shall send you with them. But Pluto, you know as well as I that you cannot go. You must stay here and Guard the time gate. Some day in the future you will meet up with them again. Protect them, please. For they will not remember who they are. I cannot give them the grief of remembering what has happened here. Now please, Pluto, promise me that you will let no harm befall my daughter. If there is danger I give permission for her memories and that of her Guard to be reinstated, but not until then! Now go, go back to the time gate and Guard the flight of the crystal." Pluto nodded and disappeared. Turning to Saturn she looked at her sadly. "Saturn, I am sorry for you. You have to go through all this, all this without having someone you love at the other end." "Nea, my Queen, I go for Princess Serenity. Though I met her only days ago, she has shown me more love than any other I have met. I go to protect her. And perhaps I shall find love, like many others. But if not, I shall settle for protecting the Princess. As long as she is, there is hope," Saturn told the Queen sadly. "Now, I will take my own life, I must be sent with them, so please, do not cry for me." So saying Saturn smiled at the Queen and dropped to the ground, dead. Her glow added to the glow that still remained around the Prince and Princess. All the Senshi and Guards colours flowed through about them, swirling, but not mixing with the gold and silver. The Queen smiled sadly at Saturn's great loyalty. Silently she lifted the crystal and began the spell afresh. The bodies of the Princess's Guard; Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Neptune, Uranus, and Saturn all vanished and the crystal in the Queen's hand flashed with each colour. Then bodies of the Prince's Guard vanished next; Zoicite, Jadeite, Nephrite, and Kunzite. Last of all the bodies of Serenity and Endymion slowly vanished, disappearing together. The Queen lowered the crystal and began to seal it. "Luna, Artimes, come out," the Queen commanded, never removing her eyes from the crystal. The two Lunar came forward and knelt before their Queen. "Your majesty, we beg you not to do this. You will die if you use the crystal as you plan. Don't do it!" the two begged their Queen. "Artimes, Luna, I am sending you with my daughter to the future. She will need guidance as she begins a new life. If ever the NegaVerse is to break lose again, I need you to help her to gain her powers, without recalling her memory. I don't want her to remember what happened to her home, her family. I don't want her to suffer that. So I will give you only enough of a memory to do what you need, no more," the Queen told the Lunar. "We will do as you command, your majesty," the two nodded in unison. "You will find that you will not look quite as you do now, otherwise you would stick out to much, instead you will take the form of something more common for that time. You will not know that you were ever different, just know that you must preform your duty. Find my daughter there and make sure she is always safe, that is all I ask." "Very well," the two said in unison again. The Queen lifted her crystal once again and the two vanished. @-->-->--- Pluto watched through the time gate as the Queen finished weaving her spell. Using the last of her strength she sent the crystal off, off into the future and to Terra. Looking up into the stars the Queen whispered, "Pluto, I know that you are watching, take care of my daughter, she needs to be loved." With that the Queen sank to the ground, lacking the energy to stand. Smiling up at the stars the Queen closed her eyes, and vanished. Pluto was the Senshi of time, hard and emotionless. Her face remained as stone, telling nothing of her feelings. They say that to see the future and know the past one must stay void of emotions and careless about people, or go mad. One way or the other. Pluto was strong, her face remained void, her voice emotionless. They say that the eyes are the window of the soul, but if that were true Pluto's soul would be empty and cold.. Her eyes were empty and void of emotion or thought. Nothing was betrayed in their coldness, they were only the burning magenta that they always were. In taking the vow to be the Senshi of time she had known that she would have to release all that she loved, most would die before she even grew old. As long as she held her title she would neither age or deteriorate. But to be able to stand the years she had to give up emotion, the right to life, the things that kept most people alive. She had embraced the solitude, knowing that one day she would be free. But upon becoming Pluto, she faced a new reality, hers was a different lot than that of her predecessors. She had a different solitude, a different life. The others had friends, hers were already dead. And now an emotionless woman, barely more than a girl stood as the Senshi of Pluto. But if Pluto truly was so void of emotion, if her eyes cried the truth, if her face told her feelings, why did a single tear make it's way gently down her cheek? For unlike her predecessors this Pluto had pledged to a girl that was pure light and love. The Queen had been right, drawing her power from Serenity made her powerless to let go of her emotions. Serenity was love and life itself, the daughter of a King. How could one who served her not know how to love? @-->-->--- End Chapter 10! SOOOO, what did you think? Huh, huh? What thoughts are running through your minds? What did you think of this chapter? It took me forever to type up! Long time, yup! Well, PLEASE E-MAIL ME!!!! (subliminal message) HINT HINT!! ( I really would not mind hearing form you, no matter what you have to say, just tell me! I don't even care if it is about the story, just tell me!!!! I want to know what you are thinking!!!) HINT HINT!! Thanks for reading! There is one more part after this, the Epilogue! That right! When I said you made it, I meant it! For those of you who absolutely hate this story, but have read so far, I give you permission to stop, the epilogue only brings conclusion, this is the end of the chapter section, just the epilogue is left! (E-MAIL) Well, Ja Ne and God bless you!!! See ya next week. And, just to annoy you, I wrote this when I had just published chapter 7(I think) HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!! God bless!!!! ". . .and the desert shall rejoice and bloom as the rose." -Isaiah 35:1 Yours in Christ, Miaka http://www2.crosswinds.net/santa-barbara/~animegals (my web-page)