I AM SO BEYOND SORRY THAT YOU HAD TO WAIT SO LONG FOR THIS AND THE
CHAPTER IS SO SHORT!  *sighs*  No long notes, but sorry for the short
chapter and please write me!  This is sorta Alec's View on things!

And thank you to my new editor: Comet Moon-kun!  DOMO ARIGATO!!

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DISCLAIMER: I own nothing, but PRINCE ENDYMION ALEXANDER IS MINE!!

RATING: PG to be safe.

Quote of the Week: "you have never truly lived life until you have
almost died protecting it.  For life has a flavor that the
protected will never know."

FINAL AWAKENINGS
INTERLUDE

__________Protector_________

Hi!  My name is Prince Endymion Alexander Shields.  Quite a mouthful,
trust me!  But you can call me Alec.  Everyone else does, except
for the press *gag* and a lot of the kingdom, they all call me Prince
and whatever.  Personally, I don't care.  I'm ten years old and I'm
in my sixth year of elementary school. (AN: Fifth grade.  My brother
was 10 after fifth grade.)

Okay, other than being a Prince of Crystal Tokyo, The Silver Millennium
and Golden Kingdom, I guess I'm a normal kid.  I've been raised to
help Rini, my little sister (or brat, whatever works and it depends
on my mood for the day) rule Crystal Tokyo until she gets married.  I
used to be insanely jealous of her when I found out that she was
going to rule instead of me, even though I'm older than she is, but
that's died down and now I see why Mom and Dad chose her instead of
me.  She's a girl.  Girl's always ruled the Silver Millennium, and
that's how they wanted our government based on.  Besides, Aunt Rose
says she'd rather be in the background than right up front!

Right now, I've traveled back from the thirtieth century with my
sister to meet my mom and dad in the past.  I'm curious, and jealous
that Rini got to meet them and I didn't; breaking into the Time
Gate and sneaking past Sailor Pluto was worth the little bit of
them I got to see.  The twentieth century is actually very cool,
primitive in my eyes, but I don't care.  The people are nice, and
other than these new Tenma's, that's all that matters to me.

*******************************************************************

"Mother!" a small voice yelled from outside of the room, and I
looked up from my book as a small purple kitten, Diana, ran into
the room.  "Mother?  Oh, it's you, Prince!" she exclaimed and bowed
her head.

I had to restrain myself from either laughing or rolling my eyes
at the small cat.  She's really sweet, and can even be funny in a
naïve way, but Luna and Artemis really went overboard with teaching
her how to act around us back home.   I think I should talk to
this Luna and Artemis and tell them NOT to do that to Diana this
time around.  Though I've probably done that before, and before
that...

I just suddenly remembered why I hate paradoxes.  They're too
confusing.

"Please, Diana, you know you don't have to call me that outside
of the Court, and even then you can just call me Alec," I told her.

Diana shook her head firmly at me, like Luna.  "It's too
disrespectful to you, and your parents, Prince.  But we've had
this argument before.  Have you seen my Mother and Father?" she
asked me.

I shrugged.  "I think they went to Raye's, with your Uncle Terren
said something about making sure the past was still inline with
Saturn finding out about our future.  You were sleeping and they
didn't want to wake you up."

Diana was gone seconds later and I had to chuckle at her.  She's
a cute kid.

I close my book and stretch out on my bed.  While Mom and Dad are
away, I've got Dad's room and Rini is sharing Aunt Rose's room.  I
have to say that this room is much different than what I've seen
of Mom and Dad's room.  This room's kinda like mine at home.  Not
a lot of decorations, in darker colors and comfortable, to me at
least.  Dad's room is just plain; at least mine is in silver and
dark blue.

I lean over to the night table and pick up a picture of mom and dad.
Frowning, I remind myself that I really need to hurt that little
sister of mine.  How can you NOT tell that they are mom and dad?  I
mean...oh well.  That's the past.  We need to worry about the future,
right?  Or at least hope we have a future after this is done.

"Alec!" I hear Aunt Rose call to me.  "Where are you?"

Standing and sighing, I stretch and head out into the living room.
"I'm here Aunt Rose!" I call back as I pad out there softly.

"Hey kid!" my aunt says with a wink towards me.

I smile back at her and watch as she puts her things away and
starts to get dinner ready for Rini, herself and I.
"Where's your sister?" she called to me from the kitchen and I go
back to my room.

"Still at school with Melissa!" I called back as I flopped back
down onto my bed with my book and open it up.  "And Terren and
the others are all at the Temple trying to make sure that the time
line wasn't messed up," I filled in dully before she could ask a
question about the whereabouts' of her feline trainer.

"With Saturn?" she called back, which was quickly followed by a
curse as she dropped some eggshells in a bowl.  I had a very bad
feeling about this dinner..."Hey, dinner will be ready soon, go
and get your sister, please!"

I open my mouth to protest, but she beat me to it.  "Say a word and
you'll be choking down Spam for dinner!"

I was out of there in about five seconds flat.

*******************************************************************

As I walked down the street, I decided to take the short cut through
the park.  One, it's cooler in the park in the beginning of June
and two it's shorter!

I sighed slightly and looked at the canopy of trees.  I hadn't been
invited to play with everyone after school like Rini has, but I
guess that's cause she's been here before.  I don't know.  But...
she always looks so happy playing and...I don't play.  I watch.

As I approach the school, I begin to hear the sounds of kids at
play.  More specifically Rini, Melissa and Kyusuke** and some
others that I don't know about.  "KYUSUKE'S IT!" Melissa yelled as
I walked onto the playground.

Kyusuke, for his part, attempted to look angry.  It was a good
attempt; well for someone who didn't know the guy's future at
least.  It's obvious, even now, that he really likes Melissa***.
I stop outside of the yard and watch them run around for a while.
Most of my friends laugh when they find out that I actually care
for my sister, but I don't care.  I mean, she's my sister, and is
going to rule over me one day.  Though if that brat thinks she's
gonna be able to order me around, she's got another thing coming.
I know Rini wouldn't do that, but we joke around a lot about it.

In all honesty, I have dubbed myself my sisters' protector.

Yeah, strange as it sounds, that's what I want, and will, be to her.
She's already fought several times, here in the past, and nearly
gotten killed because of it.  Because there was no one to
specifically protect her.  Mom has dad, and always has had dad, but
Rini doesn't have anyone to be overprotective of her.  It's only
temporarily though.  Once Rini finds someone, hopefully the guy will
have magic, I'll back down a step and let him take over.  I'm the
Sailor Earth in our family.  I suppose I'm Aunt Rose in a way.

"Rini!" I called out to her as I snap out of my thoughts.

Everyone's movement's stop and I watch as they turn to me.
Melissa and Kyusuke wave to me at smile, while Rini makes a face
and turns to say goodbye to her friends.  Moments later, we are on
our way home.  Rini starts talking the whole way and I put in a
rude comment or roll my eyes at her in appropriate places.  Hey,
just cause I protect her that doesn't mean I'm not going to take on
the older sibling role of making fun of her all the time!

*******************************************************************

The room was quiet, as everyone listened to what Luna, Artemis
and Terren had to say about the Fire Readings today.  "So you've
found nothing so far?" Amara asked coldly.

Terren shook his head.  "No, apparently the time line is still in
tact, and as for the enemies...hidden," he finished.  "It's as
thought they KNOW what we can do so they're preparing themselves..."
he trailed off.

"But that's impossible, isn't it?" Hotaru asked worriedly.  "If
they know anything about us, they must be a past enemy or something!"

Raye shook her head at them.  "No, it can't be, they're all done,
FINALLY, and the aura's are different than any of them.  It's much
stronger and seems to hold a grudge of some sort against all of us.
It's confusing."

I sighed and watched as they debated on the subject more and more.
The Outers only spoke up when they had to, or when they disagreed
with something.  Not that I was surprised about that.  As long
as there were Outer Soldiers and Inner Soldiers, there would be
fights as to what to do, how to do it, and how many people would
die during it.  Sorry if that sounds rude, but it's a true as I can
make it.

I rubbed my eyes as the debates continued and slowly felt myself
drifting to sleep...

<:Dream:>

It's so cold here.  My home was always warmer than this, but I
don't know why it's so cold at this time.  "ALEC!" Aunt Rose, in
full battle garb, called out me.  "GOD, PLEASE ANSWER ME!" her
voice was high and panicked as she ran through the halls.

I wiped my nose and called out softly to my worried aunt.  "Aunt
Rose?" I whispered softly as I crawled out from under the table I
was hiding under.  I didn't want to see Daddy today, Daddy was hurt
and it hurt me to watch him go through so much; especially without
Mommy with him.

And last month...that was when Rini ran away.  I remember that
everyone went mad searching for her, but we haven't found her yet.
And afterwards...Mommy was taken and put into the quartz by the
Dark Moon.  But today, Aunt Rose said that Rini was coming back,
along with our hero, Sailor Moon.

No one knew why Rini ran away, but I do.  I was there when she
was being teased by everyone, all of our supposed friends, and
got so upset.  She ran out of the room and down the hall.  Five
minutes later, the Dark Moon attacked us and I knew what had
happened.  Rini ran away, Mommy got caught and Daddy got hurt.
The day from hell.  The day I probably could have prevented if I
had only stood up for her.

But that was a month ago, and now Aunt Rose and I were running to
meet up with Daddy so we could then meet up with Sailor Moon and
the others.  We opened the door and I heard myself gasped when I
could see the room clearly.   There was Daddy, but he was on one
knee leaning over a small girl with pink hair.  "Rini!" I yelled
as I ran forward so that I was standing on the opposite side that
daddy was.  "Daddy, what happened?"

Daddy shook his head and sighed to the best of his ability.
"They're here now," he whispered.  "Your sister ran ahead of them,
she needs to rest now."   Daddy stood up and faced me a smile on
his face, the first smile I had seen in weeks.  "Look after her,
she's counting on you."

Aunt Rose glared at Daddy.  "I'm guessing WE'RE not allowed up,
are we?"

"I really didn't think you were that stupid, Rose.  But hey, we can
make you the next wonder of the world," Daddy said as he walked out,
or rather ran out, of the room.

"WHEN YOU GET YOUR BODY BACK, I'M GOING TO MAKE SURE IT'S UNUSABLE!"
she yelled after him.  Sometimes I wonder if they'll ever go through
with their threats...

I watched my little sister sleep for a few more minutes before
Daddy took her back with him, Aunt Rose said it was so Sailor
Moon and the others could make sure she was okay.  A little while
later, Aunt Rose said she had to go and do something, but told me
to not move, no matter what.

About two hours later, I heard a familiar sob from outside the door.
Looking up, I saw a flash of pink and blue run by the door and
head outside.  Outside where it was dangerous.  "RINI!" I yelled
as I stood up and ran out there after her, not thinking for one
moment about what Aunt Rose had said.

When I got outside, I shivered from the cold air; the death I could
smell in it was nearly overwhelming.  I knew exactly where Rini
would go, and ran to the old swing set where she was.  I stopped
when I saw her sitting there, looking so sad and dejected.  She
was crying and talking to herself, but I was too far away to hear
her.  I began to slowly make my way closer to her when the air
around me got even colder, and something told me what was happening.
The enemy was here.

A man appeared by my sister.  He wore a dark hood that covered his
face and his entire body.  But I couldn't see or hear what was going
on.  But the aura...I knew he was one of the Dark Moon.  I formed a
silver rose in my hand and got ready to run to her, but a hand on my
shoulder stopped me.  Aunt Rose.

"NO!" I yelled as I pulled out of her hold and began to run.  She
dove and grabbed me around the waist, pulling me down to the
ground.  "Let me go, Aunt Rose!  Let me go!" I screamed at her as I
watched Rini disappear with that man.

"Alec, you'll understand one day."

"I failed her, and Dad," I whispered as Aunt Rose began to try and
sooth me.  But I couldn't hear her.

*******************************************************************

I woke up with a gasp and took several deep breaths before
realizing I was back in Dad's room.  In the present, or past for me.
But I was no longer in my memories.  Memories of that awful day
still haunt me, even three years later.  I know it wasn't my fault,
and that it had to happen, and looking back on it, I knew I wouldn't
have made it to her anyway.  But one can still feel responsible
even though it's not ones fault.  That's what dad always tells me.

Mom tells him he's full of it.  Aunt Rose tends to agree with mom.

I stretch out my neck and roll it.  I must have slept a while on
the floor at the Temple to be this sore.  I stand up and walk to
the door, opening it and venturing out into the hallway.  I heard
several very familiar voices as I made my way to the kitchen.

"There's another one," Amara said as she closed her communicator.

I wanted to whine, but my little sister beat me to it.

"ANOTHER?!  It's not fair!" Rini said with a pout.

Michelle giggled.  "I see you're taking your mothers place on the
complaining line, aren't you?"

I walked out and laughed at Rini, the way we always are around
each other: Friendly and annoying.  "She got lessons from Mom,
Dad says!"

Rini turned and glared at me.  If looks could kill...I think we'd
both be long gone!  Aunt Rose stood and grabbed us both by the
ears.  "Shut it you two, we've got work!" she told us as she let
go of my now painfully throbbing ear.

*******************************************************************

I don't think I've mentioned that I hate these Tenma's, so I will
now.  I hate Tenma's.  This one is especially difficult, and seems
to be here just too annoy us.  I don't think it would surprise anyone
at this point.

Sailor Mars used another attack and then swore, a little harsher
than she normally does, and turned to Mercury, hoping for an
analysis.  The others and I jumped in as often as possible, throwing
our attacks at it as often as possible.

"NEO-MOON TIARA MAGIC!"

Neo-Moon flung her Tiara at the target, which looked like a big
blue ball actually, and it hit it, scraping its' side.  "YES!"
Neo-Moon cheered as the disc returned to her.  I smiled for a moment
but noticed that the monster was recovering quickly.  TOO quickly,
actually.  It got up and I watched as it lunged at my sister, ready
to take her into death.
"EARTH TSUNAMI SPLASH!"

The wave of water only briefly affected the Tenma, who continued on
its' course to take down Neo-Moon.

"LOOK OUT!" I screamed as I ran to Neo-Moon and pushed out of the
way.  There was something like pain, but it was so brief that I
didn't know if that was what I felt before it went dark.  But all I
could think was that this time I had protected her.

*******************************************************************

I woke up what seemed only moments later, but Aunt Rose later told
me it was actually hours.  I saw Grandma leaning against the bed I
was lying in.  I looked around and found that I was in mom's room,
at her house.

"You're awake," Grandma said with a smile as she got up and walked
over to me.  "Everyone was worried, and I think Rini wants to kill
you now, Alec."

I rubbed my eyes and looked at the young woman.  "Grandma?  What
happened?" I asked groggily as I tried to move, only to find a
sharp pain in my side as I tried to do so.

Grandma sat down on my bed.  "I worry enough about my daughter in a
far away place, I really don't want to have to worry so much about
my grandchildren.  I know you care about your sister, Alec.  You're
just like Darien, actually.  He's over-protective; he just won't
show it as often.  But you can't go around doing things like that.
As much as I hate to say this, the Soldiers are here to protect you
and Rini, don't do their job."

I looked down, away from my Grandma and shook my head.  "Dad made
me promise...and when I failed," I whispered, "it nearly cost us
everything.  Grandma, I..." I trailed off, unsure of how to tell
her what had happened.

"I know, Rini told me earlier, and that's why she's so mad," she
explained with a smile.  "But it's not your job.  You have to
understand that anything that happens to anyone on that battlefield
is not anyone's fault and you can't always prevent it."

I saw another figure standing at the door with her arms crossed
and I felt ready to run.  Rini.  "Alec you idiot!  I got half a
mind-"
"Really?  I'm impressed!" I exclaimed.

Rini blinked for a moment, before she glared and got what I was
trying to do.  "TAKE IT BACK!" she yelled while grabbing a pillow
from the side and bashing me in the head with it.  I glared back and
in seconds an all out pillow fight started between the two of us.
I think Grandma was trying to tell us to stop, but hey, we're kids,
when was the last time we listened?

About five minutes later, Aunt Rose's voice broke into our fighting.
"IF YOU TWO DON'T STOP YOU WON'T GET TO TALK TO MOM AND DAD!" she
yelled, which caused our fighting to cease in nanoseconds.

"Mommy!" Rini exclaimed as she jumped off of the bed and ran to Aunt
Rose and snatched the communicator from her hand.

"Hi Rini!" I heard mom's voice exclaim.  "How are you doing,
sweetie?" she asked.

"Okay!  It's been kinda dull around here though..." Rini answered
with a sigh.
I rolled my eyes at my sister.  "Oh yes, Tenma attacks are so dull."

"Alec, you're there too?" I heard mom ask.

I got out of bed, albeit slowly, and walked to where Rini was.
"Yep!  Hi mom, where's dad?" I asked.

She rolled her eyes.  "Fencing since he and Endymion got interrupted
earlier today.  Tenma attack."

We talked for a few more minutes before Mom had to get off and go
see...well herself.  Aunt Rose took Rini out of the room at some
point in time.  But just as Mom was about to leave, her voice became
sad, almost pained.  "Alec, what did you do today?" she asked me.

I froze up and my heart began to beat faster.  "Mom...Rini...they
were aiming for Rini, Mom!" I yelled.

She stopped for a moment, her face growing paler than before.
"Alec, I understand but you can't-"

I cut her off, I actually cut my mom off.  "Mom, I know you don't
want me to do stupid things like that, but-" I stopped suddenly, not
wanting to tell Mom what Dad had made me promise.  "She's my only
sister, I gotta protect her, and I know one of the Soldiers would
have made it, but they aren't related to her!  Even Aunt Rose...I
couldn't let them do that and not me."

"Alec..." Mom whispered as she looked away.  "Just don't do something
like that again...I'll have to hurt you!" she declared.

I raised my eyebrows.  "Doesn't that defeat the purpose of me
staying out of danger, Mom?"
Mom blushed and then glared at me.  "You and your father..." she
said.  "Well...I'll figure you both out one day, Alec.  Say hello
to everyone else.  I love you."  The screen went blank and I sighed.

"GET TO BED!" I heard Amara yell from downstairs and I did as told
with out even blinking.  You do not not listen to the Soldier of
the Wind.

No one lectured me after that, and I don't think I'll ever figure
out why.  But right before I went back to sleep, Rini stood by the
door and said something I'll never forget.  "I know what Dad wanted
you to do, and I know that Aunt Rose stopped you.  But everything
happens for a reason, and if that means that I get killed in battle
one day and you could have stopped it, it still wasn't your fault.
And besides, you've done a great job so far, you're allowed to screw
up a few times, Alec."

She left after that, and I still have to wonder when she became so
mature, but I can't help but feel that I have to protect her even
still.  Oh well, Dad has many different faces, why can't I?

THE END

It sucked!  I know it sucked!  *crying*

Stef-chan

** Kyusuke is that guy friend of Rini's in SuperS.
*** In the manga, Kyusuke and Momo (Melissa) are very close.

E-mail: stefaniecraig@hotmail.com

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