							June 2000

			Secret Garden 3: Final Battle
				     Scene 8


	Serenity sat next to her mother in the dining hall,
 Endymion on her other side, dressed in her newly made royal
 gown, identical to the last save for the size fit her much
 better. "Are you not hungry, dear?" her mother asked her
 softly, leaning in close so not to be overheard.

	Serenity shook her head, "I am afraid my stomach is
 churning and does not find the food to its liking," she
 replied in the same quiet tone, "My stomach has been
 rebellious for the last few days."

	Queen Serenity smiled at her, "Are you certain you are
 with child now, darling?"

	Princess Serenity cast a covert glace out the side of
 her eye at her beloved, flushing slightly, "If I was not
 before I am for certain now."

	"Then we must throw a ball to celebrate.  The new
 generation of royalty is growing." The Queen's eyes sparkled
 with delight, "You would not deny the necessity of a party to
 help raise the spirits of ur subjects, would you?"

	"Of course not mother!  But we are at war.  Did Endymion
 not tell you about the mysterious woman who stole his brother
 from their house?"  

	"He did.  I believe it was Pluto, influencing a timeline
 she feels needs to be fixed.  Do not tell him, for he may
 wish to make a journey to the time gate to confront her and
 we cannot allow that to happen.  As for your condition..."

	Serenity sighed, "Mother, I cannot hide that from him."

	"Hide what from me, Angel?"

	The Lunarians broke apart almost guiltily and the
 Princess looked at her Prince with a smile, "Mother wishes to
 throw a ball, my love.  I... In honor of.. because..." she
 took a deep breath and told him. "I am with child, Endymion."

	His eyes widened, "You are certain?"

	She blushed, nodding.

	"Serenity, that is wonderful!" He leaned over and kissed
 her, not caring in the least that every eye was now on them. 
 "We must announce it.  A ball to celebrate is a great idea. 
 How soon?"

	Queen Serenity laughed, "It has not been planed yet, we
 were simply discussing the necessity of one to celebrate."

	"A week from today," he told them, beaming.  "Serenity,
 oh my love," he kissed her again, unable to wipe the smile
 from his face as he returned to eating, one of his hands
 drifting onto her leg and squeezing gently.

	Serenity resumed her meal but slid one hand beneathe the
 table to grasp his and slid his hand, covered with hers, over
 her belly where their child grew.

	Queen Serenity finally stood, folding her napkin next to
 her plate and drew the attention of everyone present.  "As
 all of your know, my friends, we are at War.  The past weeks
 have brought much sadness to each of us, and not one person
 here has been unaffected by the tragic set of events that
 have transpired.  I offer you a new hope, something that may
 indeed bring a little happiness to your hearts as it has to
 mine.  My daughter and her husband," she smiled at them, "are
 pleased to announce that they are expecting a child.  A child
 of both Terran royalty and Lunarian royalty, the heir to both
 thrones."

	Serenity blushed as Endymion squeezed her hand.  Murmurs
 and applause filled the brief silence as the other princesses
 acknowledged the union.  Serenity smiled up at her mother,
 and then looked around the table, her gaze meeting each
 individual's gaze before she looked lovingly at her husband. 
 Her mother spoke again, drawing instance silence from the
 members of the court.

	"As most of you know, it is customary to celebrate
 momentous events with a Ball, and this one shall be no
 different.  In fact, we hope to help raise morale in the
 system and so it will be a ball where all soldiers not
 drawing watch, and all court protectors and bodyguards will
 be expected to attend.  Each planet must be represented, and
 so I will go myself to formally extend an invitation to my
 inlaws." she inclined her head to Endymion before smiling, "I
 hope that this news in some way can bring some light into a
 dark future.  Now, if you will excuse me, I must prepare for
 my journey, and I will leave the planning of the ball in
 Mercury's capable hands.  A week from today, a masque formal,
 of course."

	Mercury smiled a wry smile, incling her head in
 agreement, "Of course,"  

	The Queen then nodded and left, a solitary figure
 standing straight and tall, filled with a new purpose as she
 disappeared through the doors towards the throne room.

	Conversation and questions exploded with her exit and
 Serenity found herself laughing, holding up her hands for
 silence, "Please, my friends, one at a time!"

	They quieted down, Mercury bent over a small computer,
 already planning the ball for the following week.  The
 Princess stood, her hands on the table top, one still laced
 with that of her husband, "Now, please, one at a time.  I
 only have one set of ears, contrary to popular belief. 
 Jupiter, you wanted to ask something."

	"Just curious, how far along are you?"

	Serenity blushed, "Honestly, I am not certain.  No more
 than a month and a half."

	Mars chuckled, "But you're certain now?"

	Serenity nodded, "I am."

	"But you were not before.  What makes you so certain
 now?"

	Serenity shrugged, "I just... know.  I cannot explain
 it," she glanced at Endymion, "certain... bodily functions
 have not made themselves known the last month, and I am
 positive I will not see them this month either, is that not
 sufficient?"

	Mars laughed, "Sorry I asked."

	Serenity raised an eyebrow, "Are you really?  Venus,
 what have you to say?"

	"Congratulations, cousin," she grinned and winked, "I
 knew you would be the first to have a heir, especially with
 such a... er... with such a man as your husband."

	Serenity raised an eyebrow in question, seeing Venus
 flush, "You approve?  I am flattered." she replied dryly.  "I
 am certain if you have anything else to say about this you
 will all find me sooner or later.  Now, if you will excuse
 us, Endymion and I have something we must discuss." She
 tugged on his hand and he rose to his feet.  He offered her
 his elbow and escorted her from the room as she took it.  

	The doors closed behind them and Serenity turned to
 Endymion, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him
 softly, "I am sorry I put you through that, love, I had
 thought they would be more tactful."

	Endymion hugged her gently, "No need to appologize,
 Angel.  If I had to sit thrugh a dozen dinners such as this
 simply to hear you say you are carrying my child... I would
 do so gladly."

	Serenity lowered her lashes, "You flatter me sir."

	"As much as possible, milady," Endymion teased gently,
 "Come, we do indeed have much to discuss before this
 celebration."

	Serenity took his arm again and laid her head on his
 shoulder as they walked through the halls towards the garden. 
 They walked in silence, the clicking of Endymion's boots and
 the whisper of Serenity's gown brushing the floor the only
 sounds accompanying them.

	They paused at the entrance, Serenity looking up at
 Endymion worriedly, "Are you going to be alright?" she asked
 him gently, trying not to seem insensitive to his recent
 loss.

	Endymion placed his free hand over hers and nodded, "I
 believe I will be.  Not yet, not now, but time heals all
 wounds.  It will heal this one, though it will take a long
 time.  I have lost four people who were almost as close to me
 as you are.  My father.." he sighed as she opened the door
 and tugged him inside.  "My father was my hero," he swallowed
 hard, "more than anything I wanted to make him proud of me. 
 Now I will never know what his thoughts on our union are, or
 if I still came up short in almost every way."

	Serenity listed intently as Endymiond finally began to
 voice his regrets and fears about his father.  She's never
 heard him speak of him before, though she'd seen into his
 soul and knew his fears.  She, better than anyone, knew how
 important it was to voice certain fears so they were easier
 to deal with.  

	Endymion sat on the edge of the fountain in the middle,
 hardly registering the fragerant smell of the Moon roses, or
 the deeply powerful scent of the single Earth rose bush in
 the whole garden.  He looked into the fountain and idly poked
 his reflection with one finger, watching the image ripple
 away, his image fragmented and incomplete.  He met Serenity's
 gaze in the water as she looked at him, her image wavering,
 "Can you understand what I mean when I say I would give
 almost anything to know what he thought of me, for a chance
 to talk to him one last time?  The last time I saw him, and
 actually talked to him, was over a year ago."

	"I can understand," she said softly, "I would give
 anything to have one more conversation with my Aunt.  Just as
 I would give anything to have known my father."

	He looked at her, seeing her blue eyes full of
 compassion and understanding.  He framed her face in his
 hands, his gaze roaming over the golden hair that framed her
 face, her angelic features, "I did not know you did not know
 your father.  I am sorry you did not have the chance."

	"Mother has been good to me.  From what she has said, he
 died without knowing I was even going to be born.  I cannot
 mourn a person I did not know, even if he was my father. 
 You, however, did know your father and I will do nothing to
 demean your grief."

	"Sharing helps ease the pain."

	She smiled, reaching up to gently brush his ebony bangs
 off his forehead and out of his eyes, "As it should.  Joy
 shared increases the enjoyment of the event, just as a sorrow
 shared helps ease the burden.  We are one you and I and so
 your sorrow is mine, just as your joy is mine."

	"I know, Angel, but sometimes you have to deal with
 grief on your own before you can share it." he took a deep
 breath and looked away from her towards the distant orb of
 Earth hanging low in the Lunar sky, "I just wish my father
 had a chance to meet you, is all."

	"He will," she assured him gently, "One day when we all
 go to a better place, he will meet me, and see you again, and
 he will be proud of you.  He has no reason not too, my love."

	He met her gaze, framing her face with his hands as he
 gently caressed her cheeks, looking deep into her clear blue
 eyes, "How I wish that were so.  I regret much that I have
 done in my life, I find it disgraceful, as did my father. 
 His only son..." he winced, dropping his hands from her face
 and looking away again, "His only grown son, his heir to the
 terran throne and I was considered a disgrace and a failure
 through so much of my life."

	Serenity reached out one hand to gently squeeze his
 forearm, her hand drifting down to clasp his, "You were lucky
 to have known your father, Endymion.  I am sure that no
 matter what you did was not disgraceful, no matter what your
 father said.  You did what you had to to bring yourself to
 me, your past made you what you are today and I love you for
 it.  The fact that you found it disgraceful or a failure in
 some way degrades who you have become.  I love you, Endymion. 
 Not what you wish you could be, not who you think you should
 be, but you.  The man who helped a lost girl discover the
 beauty of his world and stole her heart with his caring and
 compassion."

	He met her gaze again as she finished speeking, "How can
 you say that when you do not know what I have done?"

	"Does it matter all that much, my love?  I love you. 
 Whatever you have done in the past has made you who you are
 and I cannot find that regretful.  I have done much, and said
 much, I too regret, but it brought me to you.  If I had
 followed orders and not broken the laws I would never have
 known you.  I never would have taken the one step my mother
 found disgraceful to the point of dishonor.  So you see,
 whatever you have done, ot have had to do to bring you to
 today... I cannot see it as wrong."

	Endymion brushed her face with the backs of his fingers,
 marveling at her wisdom, "You truely mean that?"
	
	She nodded, reaching up to clasp his hand with hers, her
 bandages rough against his palm, "How could I not?  You were
 lucky to have known your Father Endymion, treasure your
 memories.  I have none of mine."

	"Even with the stories of your father I am certain you
 have heard?"

	She nodded, "Even that.  I did not know him as you knew
 yours.  But I love my mother and she and I are close as a
 result.  I regret never having met him, but my mother's
 influence has made me who I am, and the woman you love.  In a
 way I cannot regret that."

	"You, my love, are exceptionally wise for your age," he
 marveled softly.  He drank in the sight of her angelic face
 framed by golden bangs, smiling as she blushed softly.

	"You are sweet, my prince."

	"And you are going to make me sick, Princess." 

	Endymion and Serenity spun away as a familiar taunting
 voice filled the garden.  Endymion slid in front of her in a
 defensive stance, his gaze narrowing at the woman who was
 watching them.  "Beryl," he growled.  His hand went to his
 sword.

	"How nice to see you Endymion," the Lady Beryl said
 pleasently, "though I cannot say the same about your little
 Princess."

	Endymion's hand slid around the pommel of his sword as
 he looked at her.

	Beryl stood a few feet from them, dressed in a purple
 body sheath that revealed her generous amount of clevage, and
 her hourglass figure.  The hem of the gown hid her feet from
 view, and her brilliant red hair hung in waves framing her
 body, and making her look even slimmer than usual.  Endymion
 noted she looked almost translucent, and he could see the
 outlines of the garden vegetation behind her through her
 body.  Beryl smiled at him, "I would not try it, Endymion. 
 You see, I am not really here.  I can hurt one person in this
 form, and since I would never do anything to injure you..."
 she trailed off, looking directly behind Endymion at
 Serenity.

	Endymion drew his sword with one hand and dropped into a
 fighting stance, his other hand lost in the folds of his
 cape.  He clenched his fist, feeling a rose appear in his
 hand as Beryl's gaze moved back to him.  He could feel
 Serenity behind him, her hands on the back of his waist.  He
 longed to comfort her as he felt her fear through their bond. 
 "You will have to go through me to get to her, Beryl."

	She raised an eyebrow, "Oh really?  Mark my words,
 Prince Endymion, you cannot be at her side all the time and
 one day when you are not you will turn around to find her
 dead."

	Endymion threw the rose at the apparition, watching it
 fly through her with eyes that never left her face.  Beryl
 flinched in reaction as the rose came at her but seemed to
 relax as it passed through.  "I told you you could not harm
 me like this, Endymion.  Watch your back princess, you will
 not be as lucky." Beryl's figure laughed and then exploded in
 a shower of stars as she disappeared.

	Serenity shivered, colapsing back onto the edge of the
 fountain as Endymion sheathed his sword and turned, taking
 her in his arms.  "Are you alright?"

	Serenity's hand dropped to her midsection, her fingers
 fanning out protectively over their unborn child.  She raised
 stricked eyes to meet his, "She would kill me to have you and
 kill an innocent child in the process."

	Endymion wrapped his arms and his caps about her,
 pulling her onto his lap as he sat next to her.  He sighed,
 "She will not get to you, princess, I swear it."

	She met his gaze squarely, her fear and determination
 clearly visible in their depths, "I will not let her kill
 me," she said softly, "I will not give her the satisfaction
 of such an act, and I will not let our child die before they
 have had a chance to live."

	Endymion kissed her gently, feeling her relax instantly,
 her hands creeping up to wrap around his neck.  He pulled
 away after a few moments, "She will not harm you." he swore
 again, "I will not let her.  Come, let us get you inside, we
 will talk in our chambers."

	Serenity nodded and rose to her feet, not protesting
 when he tucked her under the shelter of his arm.  Silently
 she swore that the Lady Beryl would never be able to make
 good on her threat.

********

	Endymion smiled as he watched his wife slip into the
 gown she'd chosen for the masque ball.  Daphenous material
 that could be seen through made up most of the costume,
 leaving her still flat mid section bare, and offering a
 teasing view of her legs as she walked.  The plain white top
 cupped her breasts like the hands of a lover and was
 connected to a skirt that hugged her hips down to her
 midthighs before flaring out into a half see through, half
 opaque powder blue skirt.  The hem brushed the tops of her
 feet, not hiding the soft blue slippers she had slipped on,
 their tips curled slightly back.  Her hair was wrapped around
 her head in a huge braid, and fell down her back to her
 waist.  Gold and silver bracelets adorned her wrists and
 ankles, and a necklace with a heart shaped locket completed
 the outfit.

	Serenity looked up at him as she finished fastening the
 last of two buttons between her breasts.  Her cheeks were
 glimmering with star dust, her eyes slanted slightly with
 black paint.  She smiled, her blue eyes sparkling, "Well?"
 she asked, holding her arms out for his inspection.  Her
 shoulders and arms were bare bust for the glimmering star
 dust she's applied.

	He walked forward, "You, my love, look like you are from
 another world entierly."

	She winked, "When it comes to the two of us, Endy, I
 really am from another world."

	She looked him over from head to toe in turn.  He was
 dressed in his tuxedo with a cape and white mask, hiding his
 eyes.  Not highly imaginative, but she smiled none the less,
 "You look absoloutely dashing, my prince."

	He grinned, "And you look absoloutely enchanting, my
 dear.  Do you not have a mask?"

	"Oh, I almost forgot." she walked to the bed table in
 their room and rummaged around in the top drawer for a couple
 of moments before pulling out two strips of the same see
 through material, these adorned with jewels and small bells. 
 She slid one over her hair and anchored it on the outside,
 underneathe her hair but above her ears.  The second piece
 she attached to the same place but pulled it over her face,
 hiding the lower half as the fabric rested on her nose and
 fell to just below her chin.  

	Endymion felt like he'd been punched in the gut when she
 turned to him and stood silently for his inspection.  He
 tried to speak a couple of times before swallowing hard and
 finally pushing the sounds out of his throat, his voice
 hoarse, "Maybe this is not such a good idea.  In that, I will
 be having to fight to stay by your side."

	Serenity giggled, and walked over to him, her bracelets
 and anklets clinking musically, "No you will not, for I will
 have to fight to keep the most handsome man in the galaxy at
 mine."

	He offered his arm, smiling, "Enchanting is too weak a
 word.  I will not leave your side this night, Angel."

	She slide her hand around the curve of his elbow, "And I
 will not leave yours."

	Endymion kissed her forehead gently before openeing the
 door and escorting her from the room.  They walked down
 semi-empty halls in silence, making their way towards the
 main ballroom, their only company the click of Endymion's
 shoes and the whisper of Serenity's slippers, the chimes of
 her costume chiming musically.  The servant traffic began to
 pick up as they neared, and Serenity tensed at his side when
 they finally stopped at the doors.

	"We do not have to do this." Endymion told her softly,
 making a motion to one of the guards to hold the openeing of
 the doors and their announcement.

	Blue eyes met his, "Yes we do, we cannot miss our own
 party.  I am alright, my love, honest.  I just do not like
 the thought of facing strangers I barely know and accepting
 congratulations for our child when we have barely known for
 sure for a week."

	Endymion chuckled, "I do not either, but it will be good
 for the kingdom and for the morale of the army."

	"Open the doors, let us get this over with."

	Endymion signaled the guards to announce them and then
 watched with pride as Serenity smiled a genuine smile and
 straightened her shoulders.  The doors were opened and they
 stepped inside, pausing at the top of a large staircase.  He
 watched his wife blush as a cheer went up from the guests and
 waved, not in the least surprised when Serenity did the same. 
 They walked down the stairs slowly, and Serenity made a
 conscious decision to ignore the speculation and the murmurs
 as people saw her still slim figure.  She smiled and waved,
 meeting her mother's proud gaze across the room.

	Endymion turned to her as they reached the floor and
 offered her his arm, "May I have this dance, milady?"

	"Of course milord," she replied, her eyes sparkling as
 she took his offered hand and was led onto the dance floor.

	The first few notes of a waltz floated through the air
 as Endymion grasped one of her hands in his, holding them
 clasped together on his left shoulder.  His other hand slid
 around her waist.  He could feel her relax as she slid her
 free hand up his right arm to rest on his bicep.  He smiled
 at her as he began to lead her into the melody of the music.

	Serenity smiled behind her mask as Endymion pulled her
 closer than was proper and then sent her spinning out one way
 with the music.  She couldn't hold in a melodic laugh a few
 minuted later when he spun her one way and then the other,
 ending with her locked securely in his arms and leading her
 through an inticate set of footwork.  The waltz finally ended
 and Endymion spun her slowly into his arms, tipping her back
 over one arm and placing a gentle kiss on at the base of her
 throat where her pulse pounded.

	They stayed frozen for a couple of moments as the
 musicians set up their next piece and then left the floor as
 the strains of the next song began to fill the room.  The
 other guests filled the floor and began to dance to the music
 as Endymion and Serenity made their way through the crowd.

	Endymion found himself watching the suroundings, one eye
 on Serenity, the other on the people around them, for some
 sign of Beryl's awful promise.  He couldn't help but smile a
 half smile as his wife played the crowd expertly, answering
 their questions and defelcting those she didn't feel the need
 to answer.  He felt a surge of pride as none of her earlier
 fears were visible and she laughed easily with their guests.

	Endymion finally led her to a remote corner and put his
 back against the wall, drawing her into the safety of his
 arms.  He put his mout next to her ear so he could be heard
 clearly over the din of the ball.  "How are you holding up?"

	She shrugged, "I cannot get Beryl's threat out of my
 mind," she admitted, her mouth near his ear so that he could
 hear her without being overheard.

	"Me too, I do not like this setting, someone could get
 really close to you without too much effort.  And I feel like
 we are being watched."

	"As do I.  I feel it everywhere, except our private
 chambers," 
	
	"The Lady Beryl not wanting to see what is not for her
 eyes, how intriguing.  Still, I do not like this setting."

	She sighed, "We are here though, we cannot very well
 leave in the middle of our own party, it would be rude."

	"Even if it means saving your life?"

	"I will not let her kill me, my love, do not worry so. 
 This is good for the soldiers and the public.  We are safe,
 they can see us enjoying ourselves and having a good time."

	"And putting you and our child at risk.  Angel, please,
 humor me, be careful."

	She pulled back to meet his gaze, raising one eyebrow
 before moving back close to his ear to speak.  "I am being
 careful, you will not leave my side this night."

	"Nor any night that follows.  Do you think Beryl may
 choose to attack tonight?"

	"It is possible.  Mother said their forces were amassing
 for one huge attack.  I do not know if our forces will be
 strong enough to hold them back, but we should be safe this
 evening.  I do not think Beryl has the sense to attack this
 night, she will more likely find some way to get into our
 ball and see if she cannot strike some kind of blow to us
 here."

	"I agree, that is more her style.  She never has liked
 frontal attacks.  At least my mother is safe back on earth,
 though the rest of our family is here for the moment."

	"Listen to us," Serenity chided suddenly, laughing
 softly, "We are here to enjoy a party and we are talking
 about matters of state.  Should we not be circulating, no
 matter the dangers?  I get a positive feeling from our
 guests, this has helped boost their spirits, and remind them
 what we are fighting to protect.  If putting myself in danger
 this evening is one way of boosting their confidence in their
 cause then is that itself not worth the risk?"

	Endymion laughed softly, echoing her, before pulling
 away, "You're right," he mouthed before offering her his arm
 again.

	Serenity took it and smiled, gently caressing his arm as
 he led her back towards the dance floor and all of the
 glittering gems and jewels of their guests.

********

	Queen Serenity looked at her daughter as she approached 
 on the arm of her husband and smiled.  Her daughter's costume
 was inventive and daring, just the thing to show the whole
 kingdom that her latest ordeal had not dulled her sense of
 fashion or adventure.  She held out her hand and grasped her
 daughter's in her own, "You look lovely, darling," she said
 loudly, certain that even if Serenity couldn't hear her she
 would pick up the general sentiment.

	The Princess blushed and bowed her head in
 acknowledgement.  She leaned forward and hugged her mother,
 who had voted not to dress up for the masque.  She leaned in
 close to be heard only by her mother, "I have a question.  Is
 it improper to ask for a few moments of your time and steal
 away from our party for a few moments?"

	"Can it not wait until later, my dear?"

	"I suppose it could, but I would prefer to know now if
 it is possible."

	Queen Serenity nodded in sgreement and moved towards the
 doors that led onto the balcony.  She looked over her
 shoulder to make sure that Endymion and her daughter were
 following before climning a slight flight of stairs and
 walking outside.  Endymion escorted his wife up them and
 closed the doors behind them, blocking out most of the noise
 from the party.

	"Now, dear, what was so important that I cannot wait
 until after the masque?"

	The Princess cast a glace at Endymion before meeting her
 mother's gaze again, her eyes somber, "Why do the royal
 family of the Moon not fight?  I do not think its fair that
 my friends and my husband risk their lives for me when I
 cannot do anything to help them."

	Queen Serenity smiled softly, "I have been expecting
 this question.  You have a good heart, my dear, and you
 cannot help but feel as if this arrangement is unbalanced.  I
 asked my mother the same question.  Her responce to me was
 that we cannot put ourselves into harm's way because only the
 bloodline of the moon has the ability to wield the power of
 the ginzushiou.  Even Endymion cannot wield it, only you and
 myself.  If we die without an heir, the power will fracture,
 becoming unstable, and everything in the Silver Millenium
 will fall apart.  I do not think you yet understand that the
 power of the ginzushiou is in your blood.  It is a part of
 us, and using its power will more than likely kill us if it
 comes to that."

	"But that does not explain why my friends must defend
 me.  I could learn to use the power inside me in pieces,
 making it safe and then help my friends fight."

	"And taint your pure soul forever." Queen Serenity's
 eyes were sad, "I do not wish for you to learn to use the
 powers, Serenity, because they -will- taint you forever if
 you need to use them, even in defense of those you love most. 
 I have tried to train you with everything you will need to
 avoid conflict and keep the peace.  If that should fail your
 guardians, and Endymion, have enough experience and training
 to protect you."

	"But mother, who will protect them if they are not
 strong enough to fight this evil?  Is it not proper for a
 Princess to take her place by her guards and lend her
 strength to their defence?"

	The Queen leaned against the balcony railing, "Serenity,
 my dear daughter, you do not understand.  How could you?  If
 things go badly, I will wield the power of the ginzushiou
 alone.  At this stage in your life I do not want you to have
 to give up your life when there is so much ahead of you."

	"Is that not my decision, mother?  If Beryl does somehow
 find the strength to defeat us and amasses an army that
 destroys everything I know, everything I love, should I not
 use the power to rid the world of such an evil?"

	Queen Serenity gathered her daughter into her arms, "If
 things go badly, I promise things will not end here.  I have
 enough power and control to save you and your court.  It has
 never been needed before, but if something happens I can save
 you, my darling, you and your husband and your friends." she
 placed a gentle kiss on the top of Serenity's head before
 pulling away to meet her eyes, "Do not worry about the
 defense of the moon, darling, it is well protected and we
 will have ample warning should the Lady Beryl attack.  Go,
 enjoy your ball.  There will be fighting soon enough and
 moments like these will soon be a memory."

	Endymion gently grasped his wife's arm and escorted her
 back into the ballroom, leaving the Queen on the balcony, her
 gaze locked on the Earth.  "If I have any power at all," she
 whispered softly, "I pray they are not taken from each other
 as you were taken from me, my love." she bowed her head and
 did not return to the ball for many long, lonely hours.

********

	Serenity pulled her mask off with a sigh and tossed the
 two pieces of fabric on the side table, "I still do not
 understand, if I have power inside me, how is it that mother
 will not let me fight.  Surely using a fraction of that power
 is not bad."

	Endymion placed his mask next to hers before unhooking
 his cape and tossing it on the chair before the dressing
 table as Serenity began removing her jewelery, "Love, your
 mother does not want to subject you to the powers she has
 control of yet.  She wants you to enjoy our time together and
 not worry about protection."

	"At the cost of you and my friends?  Endymion, you are
 my life, without you I could not continue!"

	Endymion enfolded her in his arms, "Angel, you know I
 would die for you willingly if there is no other option, and
 you are stronger than you give yourself credit.  You would
 continue to live, if not for yourself than for our child. 
 Your friends and I understand that without you, without your
 pure heart and unconditional love, we would not have a reason
 to live.  You give us purpose, a reason to fight.  I love you
 more than life, Angel and would do anything for you."

	"Than do not fight," she begged softly, "Do not put my
 life above your own.  I cannot bear the thought of your
 death."

	"If I can avoid a fight, Serenity, I will, but I may not
 be able too.  I promise to do everything in my power to come
 back to you."

	Serenity closed her eyes as his hands began to gently
 rub her back and she pressed close to him, inhaling his
 masculine scent.  The muskiness of dried roses, a hint of
 power and dark chololate.  She burrowed into his chest, "Hold
 me," she begged, her voice cracking, "Hold me tonight, make
 love to me tonight, like you never have before."

	Endymion kissed the top of her head, "Anything for you
 Angel. Anything at all."

	She raised her head, her eyes still closed, tears
 shimmering on her lashes, and he kissed her gently,
 treasuring her mouth with his kiss, sending the familiar
 fires spreading through her veins.  She tasted of sunshine
 and rain, of pure unconditional love and he almost went to
 his knees.  He swept her up in his arms and walked with her
 towards the bed, laying her down gently on the covers, never
 breaking their kiss.  He deepened the kiss as she helped him
 remove his jacket and then his shirt.

	Endymion grasped her wrists and gently forced them above
 her head, pinning them firmly, but gently, above her head
 with one hand.

	Serenity's eyes fluttered open as he broke the kiss and
 trailed soft kisses down the side of her neck, causing her to
 arch her back, "Endy!" she gasped as he sucked gently on the
 junction of her shoulder and neck.

	He smiled against her skin, gently transfering both of
 her hands to one of his as he reached up and slammed the
 shutters closed with the other, blocking out any and all
 intrusions.

********

 Author's Note:  I'd like to thank Bei Lei for bringing to my attention the fact that I had not yet
 explained why Princess Serenity doesn't fight or use the powers of the crystal.  Such an
 unspoken fact is never explained in my story and I hope it clears up some of the questions
 any of you might have had, but not asked, about it.

 questions, comments, flames, suggestions, or just a note to say hi, I'd love to hear from you!

 Jade_Max@innocent.com
 OR
 Jademax@hotmail.com

 That's just in case my other addy doesn't work or rebounds your comments from my box. 
 Thanks for reading!

 Jade_Max

