Out of the Darkness and Into the Light: chapter 8 by Selena rated: PG-13 ******************************** Swirling - a constant motion. A thousand images fly through his mind's eye - beautiful waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, tropical paradises, and dense woodland groves. He walks to a shimmering lake and peers down into its crystal clear waters. A smiling figure replaces his reflection in the shallow depths of the cool blue water. "Mother…" He whispers into the night air of his solitary room. Then the radiant image fades and something dark and ugly slowly creeps into the lake. The scene changes quickly. Trees, plants, and animals are swallowed into a dark, dismal bog surrounded by a thick, choking mist. The fog seems to close in on him as if something alive. Eerie inhuman cries call out from the shadows. A visually stunning woman slowly emerges from the murky waters. Facing her back, he can only see traces of her close fitting dress masked by her long wavy hair. The woman turns to face him. She has a smooth, creamy complexion and her lips shame the reddest rose. Deep emerald eyes glisten in the faint light. She smiles and holds out a hand. "You've come to me at last." She whispers seductively. "I will take good care of you. You no longer need to hide what you are. I know you - the real you. Yes, you want revenge. I can feel the anger coursing through your veins. Your blood screams out for vengeance! Search for me. Come to me. I will take away your pain forever. Think of the peace. To never have to worry…never answer to anyone. Never has your life been so. I will give you the power to kill him. Yes, I will heal you and comfort you." He shakes his head. "No. I don't need you. I have all that I need. *She* has healed me and will help me. I don't want *your* kind of help! She will come for me. I live to return to her!" She shakes her head sadly. "No, my prince. She seeks only to hurt you. Look." Darien peers into the murky waters once more. A regal, mature Selenity stands at the side of Demando as his bride. She turns to him and gives him a brief but seemingly passionate kiss. "That was a vision of the future as time flows now. You see. She cares nothing for you. She has not even returned to find you. She *will* be Demando's bride." "No! Stay away from me! None of this is true. It can't be!" He screams in denial. She slowly encases him in her embrace and smiles sadistically. Her loveliness instantly melts away as the darkness consumes the last remnants of light. Fangs seep out from her mouth, her eyes narrow to the slits of a demon and glow in a swirling blackish-yellow, and her skin turns a deathly pale white. Around her neck appears a necklace of human bone. Darien struggles to pull away but her claws dig into his skin. Blood pours from his arm as she digs her nails in further. "There is no turning back. *You* have already chosen *me*. There is *nothing* left for you. *I* will fulfill your destiny in a way you can not possibly imagine. I am your savior and now you belong to me." He finds himself drowning in her swirling yellow eyes. In an instant his radiant blue eyes darken and turn black. "Yes. I will find you. You are the one." He repeats without feeling. "Good, my young prince. Just remember I will be waiting…" She disappears from view and the ugliness of the bog returns to the blue lake. His mother's reflection stares at him with tears in her eyes. "Yes, my son. I tried to warn you. Your hate consumes you. The strength and source of your power is twofold. You must search your heart for the answers. Beware of the one who says, "I love you. I'll kill you. But I love you forever." If such is our destiny and fate then may the gods help us all…" ******************************** Darien jolts awake from his restless sleep, finding himself in unfamiliar surroundings. 'Where am I? How did I get here? What happened?' Questions flood his mind and his body becomes tense and unresponsive to the will of his brain. Everything is one big blur. He attempts to clear his mind but fails to do so. Hands trembling, he throws his clothes on, and runs from the room and out onto the balcony. His breath is ragged and he seems to be almost in a blind panic with a sense of urgency he doesn't understand. Like a wild animal he runs from side to side on the balcony desperately trying to find a way off of it. But his mind refuses to be calm and allow him to think. He feels restless and out of control. On a crazy impulse he jumps from the balcony and to his surprise lands gently on his feet. His mind screams for him to stop, but his body refuses to listen. It is as if someone is beckoning…no…forcing him to obey an unknown command. All he can do is run. ******************************** Selena lies on her mother's large, white bed. Her head is buried in a pillow and her back racks with uncontrolled sobs. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Queen Serenity feels her pain as if it is her own. Holding back tears, she gently, touches Selena's back and says soothingly, "It's all right." Selenity rapidly sits up and pushes her hand away. The Queen stares wide-eyed at her violent display of emotion. Her face is pale and she looks feverish from ceaseless crying. Her eyes are puffy and swollen. They carry a sense of wildness and desperation caused by pain she should never have to experience. "No! It's not all right!" She screams. "You wouldn't let me go! They need me! Don't you understand?! I'm the only one who can find him! He's still alive - I know it! He needs my help. And I'm not there! I'm not there!" She screams accusingly. Then she rises from the bed and runs toward the door. "Selenity! Come back here!" The Queen commands in a firm voice. "Come sit here." Reluctantly, she walks back and sits next to her mother on the bed. "You must listen to me. There isn't anything you can do. Sending you to Earth is a bad idea - not to mention extremely dangerous. You never should have gone in the first place. I must take the blame for that. The girls will find him if they can. I know you're hurting right now. No amount of pain is ever easy. It's hard to know that you might loose someone you're close to. There is a possibility that he is alive, but…" "Then let me go! Please! You have to! I need him! I love him! And I can't do anything!" She screams and falls into her mother's arms. "I love him so much and I couldn't even save him! I should never have left him. I'm so sorry, mother. I'm so, so sorry." She whispers brokenly. To her surprise, she feels her mother also shaking. She looks up and sees the tears flowing from the Queen's lovely gray eyes. She stops, shocked. "I…I've never seen you cry before." "Oh, my beautiful Selenity. This is entirely my fault. There are so many things I've kept from you - Things I was going to tell you. I suppose I was just waiting for you to get older. But what I didn't realize was that you have already grown up right before my eyes. Perhaps, I chose not to notice. If it were up to me, I would keep you a happy, little girl forever. But I can no longer do so. Selena, the universe is filled with many beautiful worlds. However, it also contains dark ones - consumed by those with black hearts and wicked deeds. I can't take back what I've done and I don't know if you can forgive me. All I can do now is show you how to be strong, how to fight, and how to win. I'm afraid for you, Selenity. It is not only time to teach you how to be a Queen, but also how to use you powers to become a good soldier. Selena furrows her brows in confusion. "I don't understand why…" "Hush. Let me start at the beginning. I have much to tell you." ******************************** A few hours later, Queen Serenity closes the doors of her chambers quietly. Luna waits on the side in worrisome anticipation. "Will she be all right?" She sighs and shrugs her shoulders. Leaning against the door, she says, "I hope so, Luna. If it's a definite answer you're looking for, I'm afraid I don't have one. Only time will tell. The answer lies deep within her heart." Tears fill Luna's large blue eyes and Artemis places a hand on her shoulder. She squeezes his hand gratefully. "Perhaps I should stay with her. She may need someone to talk to. Or at least let me get Mina or Rei." "No. She's in a lot of pain right now Luna. Leave her be this night - for it will be the last of her childhood." Luna and Artemis glance at each other. He clears his through and asks, "My Queen, why?! She's only 14?!" She smiles wanly and two shimmering tears cascade down her cheeks. "I've tried hard to save her the pain of grief and from the worrisome threats to her peace and security. But I was wrong to do so. I wanted to give her the carefree childhood that I never had. I was foolish to think I could keep her hidden from the great evils that threaten to destroy us all. Now I must teach her to be a strong warrior and yet she must become a loving Queen." "It may not be as difficult as you think." Artemis interjects. "She has a good, strong heart, and a desire to help others. And she doesn't give up easily." "Yes, all you have said is true. But in the process she will lose the innocent bliss that comes with the ignorance of things wicked and hateful. She has already tasted the bitterest poison of all - death. How that will affect her, I don't know." Luna stares ahead sadly. "You mean she'll either open her heart or close it." "Yes." Serenity nods sadly. "She suffers from a broken heart. And without love of self and others, there is no hope of defeating our enemies. I can only hope I can give her what she needs to survive and help destroy our enemies. War will come sooner or later. And she must be ready to face it! "We'll do anything we can to help you, Queen Serenity." "Thank you. You're both so special to me. I don't know if I can do this without you. Artemis, I need you to talk with the girls as soon as they return. It's time they knew just what is at stake. Selenity needs strong warriors to defend, support, and protect her. They will need intense training. Can you do this?" "Of course." "Luna?" Serenity takes Luna's hands in hers. "I know you care a great deal for Selena. Please watch over her and help her. She will need a close friend. I will miss my little girl, but I will forever love her no matter what happens." She turns to leave but stops and turns to face her two advisors. "Pray for her. She needs all of our help." ******************************* In the wee hours of the morning, Zoisite tiredly makes his way through the corridors of the palace. He turns at the end of the massive hallway and stops at the double doors directly in front of him. Jadeite sits in a chair directly in front of them, a book covering his eyes and his outstretched legs crossed in a lazy manner. "Hump. That's the only thing you consider a book good for. Figures." He nods in disgust. Suppressing a yawn he turns the handle and walks inside. He stops when he sees the rumpled bed empty. "Hey!" He screams. "He's gone!" Jadeite continues snoring as Nephrite and Kunzite come busting through the door wearing only their black pants. "What do you mean gone?!" Nephrite roars. Jade finally rises and stands in the doorway. Leaning against the frame, he yawns and drawls, "Well, that's gratitude for you. Save a guy's life and he leaves without one thank you." Kunzite smacks him upside the head. "Did you see anything? No, of course not. Did you at least hear *anything*?!" "Um…no." He sighs with disgust and decides to deal with his brother later. He turns around and heads toward the balcony and motions for the others to follow him. "Come on. He's still pretty weak. He couldn't have gotten far!" ******************************* Darien runs blindly through the thick brush like a wild animal just escaped from a cage. His swollen, red eyes strain to see in the darkness of night. The searing pain returns to his body and he feels as though he is burning from the inside out. Stopping momentarily to regain his breath, he hears voices in the near vicinity. "Hurry. He might break the shield. Then we're all dead! Find him now!" He turns and breaks out in a run. Where - he doesn't even know. Again something presses in his mind. 'Run...Faster…Harder…Must get there.' "Where?!" He calls out loud. Suddenly Jadeite tackles him. Darien struggles to break free. Jade grabs his wrists. "Just calm down, will you?! I don’t want to hurt you." Darien sees the face of a demon looking down at him. "Get away from me, witch!" He continues to fight and succeeds in kicking him in the ribs. Finally regaining some air, he stands up. "Alright. That does it!" He clenches his fist and shakes his head. "Understand I didn't want to have to do this. Forgive me." He pulls back and plants his fist in Darien's jaw, knocking him out cold. Panting Kunzite comes up behind him. "Great! Now he's going to think we're with Demando!" "Nice work, numbskull." Neph comments. "Next time you fight the wild thing! It didn't seem like he was all there, if you get what I'm saying. It was like…like he was a crazed animal. He was terrified or afraid of something. He called me a witch." "He's not far off." Kunz mumbles inaudibly. Zoi paces slightly apart from the others. "Hmm…I hadn't expected this kind of result. In any event, he probably won't remember anything." "What would?!" Jade and Neph ask simultaneously. Zoi and Kunz exchange glances. "Tell them." Kunzite says. "Um…well. I kind of gave him a relaxant…if you want to call it that." "You mean you drugged the poor kid?!" Zoisite looks down. "He was in a lot of pain. The physical pain he has is excruciating…let alone the mental abuse." "I don’t get it. Why is all this happening to him anyway? Is it another one of Demando's experiments?" Kunzite shakes his head. "No. Unless I miss my guess, this…" He points to Darien. "…is the prince." "Wait a second." Jade holds up a finger. "You mean *the* prince." Zoisite shakes his head. "And…I just knocked him out?!" "To put it mildly…yes." "So what do we do now? I mean, does he know?" Nephrite asks. "No. I don’t think so. But I have an idea." "Care to share?" Jade asks sarcastically. ******************************* Kunzite opens the large double doors and strides to the sitting room adjacent to a large satin covered bed. Darien tenses as he feels his approach and narrows his eyes. Kunzite takes a seat in a chair opposite his. "We have no intention of hurting you." "Funny - you still won't let me leave." Kunzite clears his throat. "Well…I have a proposition for you." "I'm not interested." Kunzite leans forward and says in a dark voice, "It would be wise, my young friend, to perhaps listen so you know what the offer is." Darien gives him an icy stare. "I want nothing to do with you, *friend.*" "Is that so?" "Yah. That's so." He replies cockily. Kunzite looks him directly in the eye. "Do you want revenge?" His words catch Darien by surprise. 'The dream…is he the evil? No. No. It was a woman...wasn’t it?' He stops and looks up. "Wha…" 'Aha. I've hit a nerve. Let's see how far we can play this game.' "It's a simple question." He cuts him off. "Do you want him to pay for all he's done? It can be accomplished. We can help you." "I've heard that one before." Kunz raises a brow. "Really?" "Why so eager to help one of no consequence, my Lord?" A smile crosses his brow. 'So you are smart. I hope you do the right thing.' "Let's just say, he's been a thorn in my side as well. Life would be so much…easier with him *out* of the picture. So what do you say?" "Why not kill him yourself if you're so eager to be rid of him?" 'You're good at this game, prince.' Kunzite shrugs and remains completely cool and calm. "It's not that I haven't tried. And since you two seemed…well…aquainted, I thought you'd be perfect for the job." Darien's blood begins to boil. "You thought wrong." He spits bitterly. "I want nothing to do with him. I thank you for your kindness and generosity. Now if you'll be so kind as to let me go, I won't trouble you further." He says, his teeth grinding together. "I'm sorry. I'm afraid I can't do that." "Then you can take your murderous body out of my sight!" Kunzite narrows his eyes cast a deadly warning. Darien refuses to be intimidated and returns the stare. Finally, Kunzite stands and heads toward the door. He stops and turns. "I see you want nothing to do with anyone or anything. How sad. Is this how you repay my hospitality?! Perhaps Demando was right to want to be rid of you. You would only cause him trouble. Sleep well, my young friend. Tomorrow you shall meet your destiny." He leaves, closing the doors behind him. Darien slams his fist on the table. "Damn!" ******************************* The others wait anxiously for Kunzite to say something. "Well?! How'd it go?!" Jade asks. "I think…I say we go for it." Neph shakes his head. "But what if he's not ready? Do you honestly think he'll go for it?" "There's only one way to find out. He's no murderer, though. He turned me down cold." "Can he do what he must. Will he do it?" Zoi asks. "Who's to say. We needed help and we got it. If we do our best to help him and train him, then when the time comes, he'll be ready." ******************************* "Selena? Won't you talk to me?" Luna calls as she sits on the bed next to her. Selenity sits, hugging her knees and tears streak her face. "Please, princess. It's him again, isn't it?" "I want to die, Luna." She whispers. "There's nothing for me now." Selenity's words scare her. "That's not true! You have so much to live for! Someday you will be a good, wise Queen with many friends to help you and support you. You just have to be strong and take each day one at a time." Selena stares at Luna through her tears. 'How can I possibly tell you how I feel. I feel as though half of me is gone.' "Don’t you understand? I love him." 'And it's my fault he's not here right now! No one can take the blame but me!' She thinks as she bursts into tears once more. 'For the first time, I saw him happy. Now…now…he's gone.' "You will always love the *memory* of him. But you *have* to let him go." "I know." 'You're right, Luna. I feel dead. I died with him. And yet I can't help but feel that he's here. Yes, in this room with me. And any moment he will take me in his arms and tell me everything is ok. Since I know that is impossible, I want to join him wherever he is.' Luna turns serious. "You've cried for months now. It's time to put this behind you. Your mother needs you - we all do. You know what's at stake." Selena lifts her head and stares blankly at Luna. 'So this is what I'm still here for. I have to kill him.' Her tears slowly disappear. "Yes. Perhaps I've been selfish. I know what I have to do. Tell mother I'll start my training tomorrow." "Are you serious?" Luna asks in disbelief. 'She really is growing up!' She nods her head. "Now go. I want to get some sleep." "But…" "Please." Luna reluctantly consents and worriedly leaves the room. Selena climbs off the bed looks out her large window. She falls to her knees and stares up at Earth. She clutches a perfect red rose. 'When this is over…when this is over, I'll join you.' Her last, solitary tear falls onto a petal. ******************************* "Where are we?" A blindfolded Darien asks. "Quiet. I want you to see something." "It would help if I weren't blindfolded." He drawls sarcastically. "All in good time." 'This kid is as much of a pain as Jade. Well in any event, they should get along. I wonder…that's not necessarily a good thing.' "I assume you have a name?" "Darien, my Lord." "You may dispense with the title, Lord Darien, Knight of The Silver Millenium." Darien stops dead at the mention of his formal name. He removes the blindfold and glares at him. "Who are you and what do you want from me?!" He demands. "My name, is Kunzite and, as I said yesterday, today we shall tempt fate and find out if you are worthy of your namesake. He steps aside and points to a massive gold door on their left. "After you…" After a final look of death, Darien warily turns and enters the doorway, preparing to face whatever lies beyond it. A scintillating light blinds his eyes. After a moment it dies down to reveal a sword hovering in the middle of a circular room with no windows and only one exit. Flames of gold and red engulf the air around the sword in a moving spherical pattern. The glow of the raging fire dances in shadows of orange and black upon the ornately carved walls - telling stories of past history and tales of life's beginnings. "What…what is that?" Darien whispers. "A very special sword belonging to a very unique person. Only one may take possession of it. It's yours…" "What?!" "If you have the courage to pull it from the fire." "You're crazy." He breathes. "What makes you think I could do that?! And why should I trust you?!" Kunzite shakes his head. 'Damn, you! Why are you being so stubborn?! Just take the sword! Wait…what if it’s not him. I could kill the poor kid. No. It has to be him. We have no more time. It's do or die.' He turns to face Darien and looks directly into his eyes. "You *can* trust me. You just have to believe. Go on faith. Reality has ceased to exist. Look at the flames. Do you think that was a work in the ordinary? What about your dreams? Yes, I know of those as well. I know because you are the only one who could receive them. If what I have said is true, then go. Take it. Fulfill your destiny. You are the Prince. Now do it!" As he reaches his hand out to touch the flame, he wonders what made him decide to go through with this. 'Was it what he said. Why does this not make sense yet seem perfectly logical as if I should have known this all along or expected it?' The words of the apparition that appeared to him the night he faced Demando call to him as if just spoken a moment ago. "Your mission is an important one. You must remember! In every stone sleeps a crystal. Every color bears the light. Find your friends. Then you can become what you were meant to be." He slowly moves forward and the tips of his fingers graze the blazing flames. With his touch, the flames burst up toward the ceiling, changing to brilliant shades of emerald and blue. "Yes, take your place as protector of this planet and then you can return to her strong and triumphant!" His right hand grasps the hilt of the ornate, gold sword, emblazoned with sunbursts and jewels. Once again a bright light sears through the room and encircles his body, filling his eyes with gold and dying his hair blond. The fire disappears. In its place a holographic figure clad in a flowing robe addressees him. "So, you've come. The sword you hold in your hands is a very special one. It belonged to my master a long time ago. My name is Elios and Apollo, the Sun King, was my master. He was a good friend of your mother, Gaia. He and Queen Serenity did all they could to help in her struggle against the darkness as the carvings on the walls indicate. Unfortunately, neither were able to return to their families. They decided to give up their physical bodies so that hope for a future time would be possible. Both knew that this evil would rise again even more powerful than before. Endymion, Prince of Earth, you must do what they are no longer able to do. King Apollo leaves you his sword, the powers of light, and the protection of the Sun. Do what you must to save your world. For if you fail, other worlds will suffer a most cruel fate. Remember me as the keeper of dreams. I will watch over you and help you if I can. But know that true power comes from the heart. You must be strong, you must be without fear, and most importantly - you must *not* hate. May all that is good and upright fill your days. Let light, wisdom, and love guide your path. Farewell, my prince." He bows and then disappears. Darien slowly turns to see Kunzite along with three other men staring at him. They glance at each other. They take a bow and Kunzite clears his throat. "Welcome, your highness. We are your guardians and will assist you in training, learning, and what ever else you require." Jade rolls his eyes and steps forward. "What are you doing?!" Zoi hisses. He waves off his concern and steps up to Darien. "I realize you're probably in shock, so I'll put it in simple terms. Pointing to each one, he names his brothers. "This is my twin, Zoisite, this is our older brother Nephrite, and this is our 'esteemed' eldest brother, Kunzite." He slaps him on the back. "Ok, kid. You're all set. Just prepare for a big headache because this is *not* going to be easy." Kunzite shakes his head and steps forward. He smiles and says, "For once, he's right." A long sword appears in his hands. "Training begins now." ******************************* Princess Selenity moves with agility and stealth through the many corridors of the training center. Suddenly she stops. Warmth presses in from behind, followed by a cold wind. Then the crisp air crackles with ionizing pulses. A high-pitched scream starts off faint and with each passing second becomes louder and more acute. Selenity whirls around, her eyes cold and fearless. With lightning speed, she flies to the ground, quickly jumps to her feet and does a backflip. Venus's glowing chain flies by, missing her by a meter. A raging fireball, a sharp ice crystal, and a lightning bolt join the chain and begin the assault anew. She narrows her eyes and calls, "Crystal Shield activate!" All four attacks hit the invisible forcefield and are quickly absorbed. Mars, Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter emerge from their hiding places in the shadows. "You did very well, Your Highness." Artemis commends her. "Your speed has improved greatly." "I was too quick to use the shield. I used too much energy in too short a time. I want to do it again." The girls look on with worried eyes. Venus steps forward and takes her hand. "That's the 13th time today. Why don't you take the rest of the day and rest? You'll perform better if you'd have some sleep. Better yet, why don't you join the rest of us for a swim in the pool at the edge of the gardens?" Selena's eyes soften and threaten to fill with tears. 'No. No tears! I will *not* cry! I refuse to let my memory get in the way. I have one goal and it *will* be accomplished no matter what!' She notices the hand on her shoulder and pulls away roughly. "Don't touch me!" Mars pulls back in alarm. "I'm sorry I just thought…" "You thought wrong. Just go. I don't need any of *your* help!" She turns back to Artemis. "Set the simulation. I'm going to do it until I get it right." "But Your Highness…" "Now!" ******************************* Prince Endymion sits on the shore of a large beach, encased by night and caressed by the light of the moon. Jade sits next to him. "A girl?" He asks knowingly. He remains silent. "It's her, the one, isn't it? The one who haunts your dreams." "I haven't seen her in two years. Two years! She probably thinks I'm dead." "All the more reason to see her and confirm that you are still alive." "Hump. Try telling Kunzite that. Besides, I'm sure she's found another by now." "As a matter of fact I will. Hey, have a little faith. She's probably been waiting for you this whole time. See you back at the palace, pal." He slaps Darien's back and in a flash of light disappears. Jade approaches his stone-faced eldest brother. "I was right. It is she. You know we have to let him go." "No." Zoisite shakes his head. "Kunz, all things aside, let him go. This won't be an easy fight. He can't do it without her. You know what the prophecy says." "It was not that specific. Besides, he's not alone. We'll help him. And that is the end of it." Kunzite turns and leaves the room. Nephrite paces across the floor a few times and suddenly stops. Looking at both Zoi and Jade he says, "My brothers, it's time we take matters into out own hands." "What exactly did you have in mind?" "It's time we taught the prince the art of interstellar teleportation. Besides, what Kunzite doesn't know won't kill him." "You're right. As long as one of us goes with him, what could possibly go wrong?" ******************************* In the light of a waning Earth, Demando smiles and holds out a budded, silver moon lily. Selenity and takes it gently and holds it up to her nose, inhaling its mild, sweet aroma. "Why thank you, Prince Demando. It's been such a long time since I've received anything as beautiful from one so kind and generous. I do wish you had graced us with your presence more often." The words roll smoothly off her tongue as they descend the grand staircase leading to the gardens. He drinks in the sight of her. 'Amazing. Such power in one so fragile and beautiful. How's she's grown since I last saw her! She will make a perfect Queen to sit by my side.' Princess Selenity glides toward a white bench in the midst of the gardens. She gracefully sits on the very edge, her posture perfect. She smoothes the wrinkles from her white, satin gown, laced with ribbons and jewels. Demando joins her. He carefully lifts her chin to face him. "Do you really? Then…Selenity, I want you to call me Demando. I know that in view of the…tragedy a short time ago, it must be difficult for you to accept any…attachments. However, I feel that perhaps…you might view me as more than just a visiting guest from a foreign royal house." He smiles his most radiant smile, flashing his pearly white teeth. Selena peers deep into his cool blue eyes. 'They have no life. Why don't they sparkle with laughter when you smile? You are cold and dark inside just as mother said you are. Your smile is as artificial as the meaning of your gift. They are far too often. I thought perhaps there might be some good inside you, but now I know for sure I must carry through with this.' "I should be honored to receive you as a dear friend to my court. Please call as often as you like." He moves a little closer. Selenity remains cool and collected. She gazes upon him with her large innocent looking eyes and pastes a gentle and serene smile on her lips. "I was planning to speak to Her Majesty about a *very* important matter. Of course, I wouldn't think of doing so without consulting your opinion first." "Oh?" She asks. 'So this is how it will be. Yes, I am destiny's joke. Not only does she see fit to steal my heart but also my soul - yes, a pawn to destroy an evil man. And yet I feel as though I'm betraying him somehow. No - not him but myself. With each passing day I feel less and less like a person and more like a machine. Please, I pray, let this take place quickly and bring me closer to the end of my pain!' Demando takes her hands in his. "Dear princess, I should like to enter into a close relationship with you. For now, becoming a suitor to your highness would be an honor and a privilege beyond my full intelligible comprehension. Someday I wish to marry you, Selenity. Would you consider entering into such an agreement?" Her will almost fails. 'His words are as empty as my heart. Perhaps we do belong together. We are both lifeless. Forgive me, my love.' Looking directly into his eyes, she says, "Yes. I think I could. However, you will, of course, speak to my mother in good time and seek her favor." He suavely kisses her hand. "Of course, *my* princess." ***************************** Standing in shock and her mouth slightly agape, Queen Serenity loses her grasp on her glass and it hits the floor below, smashing into a thousand pieces as it hits the square, crystal tiles. Finding her voice, she whispers, "Apollo?!" A stranger with golden, blonde hair and deep, midnight-blue eyes stands in the doorway of the throne room. "Where is she?" He asks coldly. **************************** To be continued in Chapter 9…. Ok. I know there wasn't any good romantic stuff. After all I need connectors to tie everything together. What good would a story be without some complications anyway?! ^_^ But the next chapter is gonna be packed with good stuff! Lots of tension, suspense, and romance too! Please tell me what you thought! Again, I'm sorry this took me so long to get out! Send all questions/comments/flames to: S2jemeko@altas.vcu.edu. Bye!