Selinity found herself in a green meadow, full of flowers with trees and a stream in the distance. She had never seen anything so beautiful, Selinity looking around in a happy daze. Everything was so calm and peaceful, the way things had been during her childhood. "Where is this place?" She was greeted with laughter, the musical voice all around her. It made her feel warm and safe inside, almost cherished. Passing through the woods, a large clearing opened to reveal a woman with long blond hair flowing around her like a golden blanket, her slender form sitting in the center of it. It was difficult to imagine someone with longer hair than her own, never having cut it since birth.

"Welcome Selinity. I've waited a long time to finally meet you."

"Who are you?"

"My name no longer matters, only that I am here to guide you upon the path of your destiny. If your desire is to truly keep the Silver Alliance together, then a power that has not been used nor seen for several centuries will be needed and unquestioned."

"I have no such power... Please, I don't understand what you're trying to tell me."

"You're far more powerful than you give yourself credit for Selinity. Saturn has seen a glimpse of it, and it won't be long for him to realize why it feels so familiar. It is good that you seek the help of your friends, but it won't be enough to keep King Sol's dream alive or accomplish the tasks that need to happen.

"What kind of power are we suppose to call upon?"

"Have you not felt it? The warm feeling that comforts you at night when you sleep? The soft, melodic and silver voice whispering to you when you close your eyes and listen?"

Before the death of King Sol, Selinity had felt it, but she had never had anyone describe it in such a way before. "I don't understand. I've never told anyone about that."

"Before you married King Sol, you were more open and accepting. Many go their entire lives unware of what lies in their very souls. Since the beginning of time, I have been here, but I grew tired of the endless hate and wars. Immortal, I could not die, but I could sleep, and until now I have done so. A part of me still slumbers, and it will quite sometime before I am truly awakened. The savior of us all has yet to be born, a gift from me and a man you have come to love."

"I don't..."

The woman smiled, "Child, you cannot hide your heart from one such as I. I've been aware of your presence since you took your first breath. Sol was not your destiny, but another. Saturn can give you the happiness you desire; all you have to do is believe and trust in him. Know this; Saturn can never be taken from you if you so chose to love him. He is far more alone than any soul should have to be, feared by even those of his own race. No one will love him, and he has accepted this. Even one such as Saturn deserves to be loved, to be accepted despite the events he has been forced to carry out."

"Why does everyone always talk about him like that? Saturn is very gentle."

Laughter was her answer, "Only you would see such a side of him, child. I assure you, with anyone else, Saturn is far from gentle. He cannot afford to be, not with the burden he carries."

"I'm afraid..." Selinity whispered. "I've loved once and it nearly destroyed me."

"Follow your heart, Selinity; it will never be wrong."

"How do I find the power you speak of?" Selinity finally asked, gathering the courage to face her fears and future.

"Listen, and you will find the power that lies at the center of the moon. Have faith, Mother of the Light."

Queen Selinity slowly drifted awake, Saturn nowhere to be seen. She gave a sigh of relief, not sure if she could have told him about the strange dream or that she was even considering that it was real. What had the woman meant by the Mother of the Light? 'She wasn't talking about me, was she?' Selinity blushed, understanding the implications. Saturn had made no effort to hide his desire for her, but was giving her time to adjust to the death of her husband and the events taking place around her.

How long could she ask him to be patient? Everyone feared him, including Tasmir and Jasmine. Why? Selinity was confused; should she not also fear him? She stubbornly shook her head. Selinity was all to familiar with the way people thought and acted. Had they not treated her as an outsider, forcing her to a life of isolation and sadness. She had hidden the truth from King Sol, knowing how important the formation of the Alliance was. Would it have made a difference if she had said anything?

Selinity, thinking about the complexity of Saturn, realized she had never told him how she felt. He seemed to know, and there had been times when he had instinctively crowded close. Those were the times when the Kings of Mercury and Venus appeared to retrieve their wives. Saturn chose to protect her because he had wanted to, not because he had to. Throwing back her covers, Selinity went to her mirror and stared at the woman she saw.

She had gained a few pounds, not that she minded. Selinity had been far too thin, her curves now more defined and feminie. Her fingers curiously drifted to her stomach, wondering what it would be like to carry a child, to hold and love it the way she had never known. The woman of her dreams had been so calm, yet sad. Saturn at times seemed to be the same way. She wanted to take that away from him, to give him a reason to smile every morning.

"I'm not sure why, but I know you'd be a girl. If I were to have a child, and you were born, I'd name you Serenity."

Throwing a robe around her shoulders, Selinity left the castle, her bare feet brushing against the gray sand of the moon. The air felt good against her skin, and seemed to guide her towards her destination. Focusing on her innerself, she closed her eyes and began to feel the silver that surrounded her very soul. 'Wow! It's so strong and warm. Why haven't I noticed this before?' Loosing herself to the melody, something beckoned for her to follow.

Unaware of where she was headed or the time that passed, Selinity floated with the song in her mind, coming to a place where the music continued to ring in her ears long after she had stopped concentrating on it. Stopping, she re-opened her eyes and gasped. Sitting in a cave of blue, red, green, orange, turquoise, purple, black and yellow was a Silver Crystal. The crystals were all powerful, but something was different about the Silver one. It felt alive, as if it were completely aware of who she was and why she had come. All of the crystals were present, with the exception of two. The purple and black space were empty.

She ignored the other crystals, drawn only to one. It matched the same song in her mind, growing brighter as she approached. Unafraid, she reached out with her hands and touched the silver crystal, her breath catching when the entire room lighted in its brillance. The six remaining crystals, surrounding the Silver One, added their colors before settling back down.

A silver warmth flooded her body, destroying any sorrow she had left over the death of her husband. She would always miss him, but King Sol would have wanted her to move on. The aura gave back the strength she had long forgotten, giving her the courage to meet the inner and outer kingdoms head on. This was her battle and she would not be defeated so easily. After the Silver Crystal was finished showering her with its warmth, it floated into her hands and continued to shine, beating in rhythm with her heart and inner song. It seemed happy to be near the Queen.

Taking it with her, she made her way back across the desert of Lunaria, to find the entire palace in an uproar. Servants were dashing through the gardens, everyone pale with fright. "What is going on?" She demanded, spotting Luna racing by.

"Selinity!" Luna cried, jumping into her mistress's arms. She couldn't help herself, purring and rubbing against Selinity's neck. "Thank God you're safe. Saturn's tearing the place a part looking for you."

She gaped at the black feline, "All of this is because of me? Why?"

Luna seemed truly puzzled by Queen Selinity's question. Did she truly think that no one would care if she vanished or died? "Selinity, the people of Lunaria have always supported you, even if the other kingdoms have not. You are one of their own, and for that they will always be loyal."

"How long have I been away?"

"Over twelve hours. Everyone thinks someone kidnapped you. So soon after the death of King Sol, were we to think other wise?"

"Oh, Luna..." Selinity sighed. "My husband was killed on Earth, ambushed by a group that was against the two kingdoms uniting and joing the Silver Alliance. The King of Earth barely made it out alive himself."

"Where were you?"

"I'm not sure. This song was calling to me, and after I woke up, I followed it to a place that has long been forgotten."

Jasmine, Tasmir and Artemis soon joined them, all looking at Selinity with concern. Artemis was furious, already having lost one person he had cared about deeply. It took several minutes to calm the white feline, and Selinity wondered what she would face with Saturn. "Selinity?" Tasmir whispered.

"Yes?"

"Are you alright? I mean, you're not hurt?"

"I'm fine. I just took a little walk."

"For twelve hours?" Jasmine asked, clearly confused. "Saturn's livid with rage, and sent the entire castle searching for you. We thought..."

"I'm perfectly fine! What could possibly happen on Lunaria?"

"Are you really so naive?" Jasmine choked, trying not to cry. "Even Lunaria can't stop the people that wish you out of the way! Saturn has already caught three assassins."

"Why didn't anyone tell me?"

As if seeing it for the first time, Jasmine moved closer and leaned over, hypnotized by the silver brillance. "Selinity, where did you find it? It's beautiful."

"I found it in a cave with six others. Strange, I only wanted this one."

Tasmir could feel the same warmth that Selinity had since she had picked it up. "Does it always blink like that?"

"It has since I first saw it."

"What are you going to do with it?"

"Make a necklace out of it." Sighing, Selinity set Luna down, suddenly afraid to approach the castle. "Is he really that angry?"

"You have no idea," Jasmine sighed, thankful that Selinity was unaware of Saturn's true power and strength. Selinity told them to meet her in the guest rooms, promising to join them after she had found Saturn. She swallowed the lump of fear, never having been in trouble before. It was an odd feeling and she didn't like it.

Selinity was starting to have second thoughts about facing Saturn, watching the servants look away. 'I won't be afraid! I won't! Saturn would never hurt me! Why the hell am I trembling then? This is nonsense! I have no reason to fear him!'

She wasn't even near the kitchen before a pair of strong arms circled her waist, lifting Selinity off the ground. In seconds she was being carried swiftly down the halls, Saturn saying nothing. Angry was an understatement; Saturn's aura was pure black, pusling with rage.

He found passageways she had never seen, taking her to a pool beneath the castle that bubbled with heat. Blue crystals glowed from an unknown source, Saturn taking her to the far corner and placing her on a bench. He knelt to meet her gaze, his hands braced around her body. She couldn't look away, unable to move or say a word. Not for the first time, Selinity wanted to know who and what he was?

Saturn slowly reached up to touch her face, her lips and neck. His hands made a path to her shoulders and arms, working their way to her waist and hips. Selinity blushed, but avoiding Saturn was impossible. "What happened?" His voice was barely a whisper, but it felt like a whip of lightning.

"I took a walk," Selinity sighed in frustration. "This is nonsense! I'm perfectly safe here! Why is that so hard for everyone to believe?"

Saturn had her pulled against him in an instant, his mouth dangerously close. "You are never safe, Lunarian, not from the people I guard you against. Sol was too blind to see the danger on your very doorstep. Selinity, you have no concept of the power I possess, but I am far from the gentle man you think me of."

"You won't hurt me," she said with defiance.

He lifted her off the ground, pushing her against the wall with her legs around his waist. Selinity didn't know how to think, confused and uncertain of what Saturn was doing. He didn't know how to describe what he was feeling, the thoughts racing through his head when he had thought the worst about Selinity.

Saturn had been terrified, an emotion he didn't like or want to feel again. How did he convince this rebellious woman that he needed her, that her life was more important than the future he had come to prepare her for? "Put your arms around my neck," he ordered.

Selinity found herself obeying, her gaze still locked with his own. Slowly he lowered his head, brushing his mouth against her lips. She could still feel his anger, the hurt and fear he was trying to hide. "I'm sorry," she whispered between breaths, Saturn barely giving her time to breathe.

"Selinity," he growled, burying his face against her neck. Hot tears soaked her skin, shocking the Lunarian Queen like nothing else would. The tears were for her. Did he really care for her? "Can't... leave..." He was too angry to think straight, wanting her to understand his need of her, his longing to fully possess every inch of her body. No, he couldn't hurt her, but he knew how to make her do anything he wanted, to drive all thoughts from her mind.

Saturn released a frustrated snarl, allowing Selinity to slide free of his grasp. If he didn't stop now, he would take her with no regret. Dark hair hid his desire, his pure sexual need. In the past, if he had wanted a woman, he had simply taken her. It was so easy; place them under cumpulsion, take them and make them forget. Why was he being so gentle with her? Why couldn't he just take her?

He knew why; Saturn loved her. Slowly, he traced the crescent moon on her forehead, wondering why she bore the mark. No other Lunarian possessed the symbol of Selene, the Goddess of the Moon, Peace and Tranquility. He had a feeling he knew the answer, but didn't want to think of the implications. Selene had disappeared centuries ago, her soul disappearing in a blaze of silver light. The Gods, thinking she had tired of living, each gave her a piece of their power, a part of their souls.

The light remained for several days, joining with it blue, orange, red, green, turqouise, purple, and yellow. Saturn had been the only one to withhold his power, still mourning the death of his wife. In his rage, he had dropped his glaive, ending the lives of millions. The other Gods left him to his isolation and grief, even Jupiter fearing the power Saturn so easily displayed.

Selinity watched the flickering emotions in his eyes, some of rage, grief and a loneliness that far outweighed her own. Something bad had happened, and Saturn truly believed he could never be accepted for what he was and things he had done in the past. The woman had been right, Selinity's heart had fallen for her quiet protector. Drifting towards the water, Saturn still in the past, Selinity gave a teasing smile and loosened the ties on her robe.

She hesitated for but a moment, but quickly dismissed any thought that what she did was wrong. The silky material slid from her shoulders, leaving her in only a think night dress, leaving almost nothing to the imagination. Silver hair floated upon the water as she entered the pool, her night dress clinging to her body like a second skin. Saturn looked so sad, so completely alone that it reached to her aching heart. Selinity understood his pain, accepting her fate in the hands of this one man.

Saturn had saved her life, and for that she would be forever grateful. She had loved Sol, but this was different, stronger and far more lethal. "Saturn..." she called, her voice taking on the same note as the crystal. Gently, she placed it on a nearby rock, not wanting to accidently drop and loose it.

Selinity quickly had his attention, his gaze following her every movement. "Selinity," he warned. "Don't start what you have no intentions of finishing."

"Start what," she pratically purred, moving further into the water. His eyes darkened with desire, his fingers clenching together. "I can only assume you brought me here so that I may take a bath?" Her question seemed innocent, but Saturn sensed something deeper.

"A bath is not what I had in mind," he growled.

"Why else would you bring me here if not to bathe?" Selinity was terrified, never having been so bold in her life. She had been with Sol one night, her husband having been taken away on business to the Planet Earth. Their joining had been brief, if not somewhat painful. Would it hurt again? Selinity tried not to think about it, tracing the ripples of the water.

"Selinity, you play a dangerous game."

"Game?" she replied innocently; "Does it look like I'm playing a game?"

Selinity couldn't believe how fast he was, Saturn jumping in the water and pinning her to the cavern wall. The water was so warm against their skin, pushing them closer together. Tiny drops dripped from his dark bangs, hitting against her skin and sliding beneath her gown. "I won't stop," he promised, giving her a chance to back out.

"Stop what?" She was driving him insane, and they both knew it. "I only wanted to do this," she whispered, pulling off the rest of her clothing. Selinity stood before him, waiting for him to respond.

Saturn claimed her mouth with a fierce possession, no longer able to hold back. No sane man would have been able, his hands exploring every inch of her. Selinity whimpered, slightly afraid of his aggression. He smirked, having a feeling she was not as experienced as she pretended. Saturn was fully aware King Sol had left the day of their marriage, spending barely a couple of hours with his new bride.

Selinity shyly tugged at his shirt, silently asking if he'd remove it. In a single motion, his shirt was thrown away, his pants quickly following. He felt her tremble beneath his palms, determined yet afraid. "Do you wish for me to kiss you?" He asked with a mysterious smile.

Weakly she nodded, closing her eyes and lifting her head. To her surprise, his lips moved to her ear, his teeth nibbling on the sensitive flesh. Selinity jerked, Saturn's hips pressing her harder against the wall. She felt something hard against her leg, and paled. Selinity bit her lip, 'I can do this.'

Saturn, froze, watching her face closely. She was truly frightened, but had been trying to go through with this. His eyes narrowed, his fingers dancing across her face. "Describe your first time," he gently asked.

Selinity blushed, trying to turn her head away. Saturn grasped her chin, forcing her to look at him. "He took us to our room, undressed me and... well... Anyway, it hurt. I remember him stopping and holding me for a few minutes and then he was called away."

"He didn't even explain why it hurt," Saturn snarled in fury.

"Sol never wanted to hurt me," she choked, tears starting to form. Saturn released a few swear words, gently holding her to him. "He was busy, and I couldn't take him away from the people that needed him. I just..."

"Shhh... Serenity, I will never place anything above what you need. If you need me to lie in bed all day and afternoon, loving your gorgeous little body, then nothing in this universe would stop me. If you need me to simply hold you while you cry, then that's what I'll do; however, don't be surprised if I'm tempted to take the memories away for awhile."

Selinity giggled, calming under his loving words. "Sol loved me."

Saturn lifted her face, staring at her sadly. "I never said he didn't, but that doesn't excuse a man from neglecting the needs of his wife. If he was so busy, he should have waited before taking away such a special moment so carelessly. You're not the type to be set aside at a moment's notice."

"You need and deserved to be loved; you don't even ask for it. Every inch of you should be worshiped like the treasure you are, and if you dare tell anyone I said all of this, I'll torture you for hours."

"Is it..." Selinity took a deep breath, "Will it hurt like the last time? I don't think Sol meant to hurt me, I really don't. He seemed shocked."

Saturn, never in all his long life as a God, would have thought he would be having this conversation. Selinity had been deprived of a mother, never having the the discussion that would have prepared her for that night. Apparently Sol never did either, his parents killed before he was fifteen. "Dammit... Did he ever have a girl before meeting you?"

Selinity frowned, "I don't think so. He was always so busy. We met by accident one morning, Sol taking one of his rare walks into the city. Our first kiss didn't come until a year later and that happened on the spur of the moment."

"Selinity, you were a virgin."

"A virgin?"

"A virgin is a woman, or a man in King Sol's case, who has never slept with another before. The first time for a woman can be painful, but if the man knew what he was doing, it would be brief. And no, it shouldn't hurt again, but you have to trust me."

Selinity nodded, shyly tracing his lips with her tongue. She didn't know if what she did was correct, but feeling his arms tighten around her gave her the courage to continue. "Can we start with this?"

Saturn complied to her request, burying his hand in the thickness of her hair. He nipped at her lips, coaxing her to open them to allow him to kiss her more deeply. It was nothing like she had expected, nothing like the shy kisses she had shared with King Sol. Everything had been so new to both of them, unlike the confidence Saturn possessed.

He started a dance with her tongue, exploring every inch of her mouth before he moved to her lips, her cheeks and neck. His teeth scraped at the soft flesh, making her tremble and whimper. It was a slow seduction, designed to build her slowly to the perfect moment. Saturn knew he would take her fast and furious, but not until she was completely prepared for him.

Saturn chanted in a language known only to himself, weaving a magic that had her blood burning in a sexual heat. Holding her with one arm, Saturn tilted her body back, his other arm brushing against her feverish skin. Selinity jerked, but he didn't release her and did it again and again, setting her skin a fire.

His hand dipped below the water, moving to the soft curls that hid the treasure he knew he'd find. Selinity tensed, uncertain, but quickly forgot her fear when she cried out. The contact had been brief but electrifying. Strong fingers found her clit, rubbing and stroking, pushing the Lunarian quickly over the edge. "Saturn..." she whimpered, slightly afraid of the building pressure. Selinity attempted to pull away, but Saturn gripped her tighter, stroking her harder.

Selinity screamed, a wave of pure pleasure washing over her body, followed by another as he plunged a finger inside of her warm feminity. Her eyes were glazed with deisre, no longer afraid of anything he did or wanted from her. "Saturn..." she whimpered, her hips instinctively moving against his hand.

"Shhh... I want you to enjoy this, to be fully ready..." Selinity could barely hold her own weight, supported by his powerful embrace. Saturn brought her to another shattering release, but he refused to allow her sleep. In a burst of strength, he lifted Selinity high in the air, settling her thighs on his shoulders and ensuring her back was against the wall.

Selinity frowned in confusion, but quickly forgot her question when his tonuge slid against her clit. Her nails dug into his shoulders, her head flinging back as she moaned and cried out in pleasure. Saturn started at a gentle pace, speeding up until he was nipping and sucking. Again-and-again he made her orgasm. He wanted her, then, lowering her onto his throbbing cock.

He tested her readiness, listening to her cries of frustration. In one move, he drove himself inside of her, ringing a scream from both. Saturn had never felt anything so tight, so perfect as he set a demanding pace that would leave marks on her back for days. Neither of them cared, Saturn feeling the clenching of her muscles as she continued to orgasm. Lowering his mouth, he sucked on a nipple, biting at it with his teeth.

Helplessly she held his head to her breasts, whimpering for more. Saturn snarled in frustration, unable to get enough. Pulling out, he turned her around, placing her hands on the wall and lifting her rear slightly out of the water. Saturn slammed into her, pleased at her cry of pleasure. She was no longer afraid, completely his to possess.

Saturn felt it build, a blinding pressure that took him by surprise and into dark oblivion. Thirty minutes later, he found himself lying at the edge of the pool, Selinity holding his head in her lap, her eyes worried. "Are you hurt?" she asked. Saturn reached up and brushed the tears from her face.

"No," he smiled, perfectly content. "Next time we do it in bed."

"I thought..."

"Selinity, I'm perfectly fine. I just didn't expect to enjoy that so much." Forcing himself to sit up, he spent the time to reassure the frightened Lunarian that he wasn't going to die or leave her."

Several hours later, both made it back to their rooms, Selinity forgetting all about meeting with her friends. That night she slept without dreams, held possessively in Saturn's arms. He would have to marry her, but the idea was not an unpleasant one. "You will always be safe in my care, Selinity."

Jasmine and Tasmir suddenly understood why their friend stood them up, when they saw her huge smile the next morning. "When's the wedding?" Tasmir asked, bringing a red blush to Selinity's cheeks. "I wish all men responded like that when angry," she said enviously.

"It was nothing like I expected to be," Selinity admitted.

"Do you love him?"

"A week ago, I wouldn't have been able to answer you. Now, I can honeslty say that I love him with every breath of my body. It's not the same for what I felt for King Sol, but no less powerful. King Sol was inexperienced, kind and still very young; where as Saturn is strong, confident and very male."

The women giggled at her description of Saturn; it fit him perfectly. "I almsot forgot," Jasmine gasped, "all the women have been invited to the party."

"Will they all come?"

"It's hard to say. You have to understand, we're not used to upsetting the balance we've been living in."

"Both of you have been so helpful the past three months. I'm glad I met you, and I'm sorry I was too afraid to stand up for myself before now. Unfortunately, I'm due to meet with Kings of Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus today."

"You're not going alone, are you?" Jasmine asked fearfully. "They're not easily intimidated, Selinity."

"Saturn has agreed to stay in the sidelines, but only if you two are in the room with me."

They hesitated, but the pleading in her eyes persuaded them to help her. If their husbands should ask, they were only present for support and not for the political reasons. "

"Alright," Tasmir whispered.

Selinity was careful about picking out her dress. It had to be presentable, yet intimidating at the same time. Her held high, she walked into the throne room, closely trailed by Tasmir and Jasmine. The three Kings stood up, startled and offended by the other women. As promised, Saturn hovered in the shadows, prepared to reveal his presence if and when needed. He was well aware that none of the other Planets knew of him being on Lunaria, it would play in his favor if these three should step out of line.

"Shouldn't they be some place more appropriate?" Uranus growled. "Our discussion is far from delicate and unfit..."

Selinity never gave him the chance to finish, fixing him with an icy glare. It had the desired affect, already having earned the reputation of being an ice queen. "Where is more appropriate than by my side? As you can see, I am a woman in the presence of three men. If you can't accept the idea of a mere woman, which I happen to be in case you've forgotten, I'll call for Artemis."

"Tasmir and Jasmine are my chaperone's during this discussion; is there a problem with this or should we terminate the discussions now. It's up to you, gentlemen and unless you're prepared to discuss why you're here, I suggest you quit wasting my time and leave."

Tasmir and Jasmine were too experience from social parties to display their shock, unprepared for the suddenly display of confidence in Selinity. Her stance was every inch a Queen, giving the Kings no room to find a weakness. The idea of a cat giving advise instead of the women was outrageous, Selinity winning the argument. Uranus glared at her, but how no reason to say anything without making himself look foolish.

Smiling, the two women sat silently beside Selinity, congratulating her for so easily countering Uranus's intimidating demand. 'Point one for Selinity, minus one for the kings.'

Neptune studied Queen Selinity closely, seeing something different about her. She had been quiet during the funeral, easily manipulated given the right circumstances. Now, she was perfectly calm, confident and almost arrogant. The idea was appalling to him, but he could describe her in no better term. Selinity would not be easily controlled, having accepted her role as head of the Silver Alliance.

"We're going to be blunt," he said. "Due to the current situation, we feel that you hand over control of the Silver Alliance to us. We know how difficult the situations can get between the inner and outer planets."

Selinity made no reply, having learned from experience that silence always gained her more information than speaking needlessly. King Pluto was quickly realizing they weren't dealing with an average woman, her eyes alert with intelligence and cunning. Had they made her this way? None of the kings had been kind to this woman, isolating and shunning her after King Sol had announced his engagement to the woman. If he didn't know better, he would almost say she wasn't a peasant, but of noble birth. "Selinity, you're very young and attractive. Given a few more months, you should be able to find someone to hlep govern the moon, perhaps one of the other single kings within the system. This is too much for you to handle."

Tasmir and Jasmine knew she didn't appear angry, but after spending the last three months with her, Queen Selinity was no longer the gentle person they had grown to love. They noticed a hint of pink flickering around her body, but they weren't certain. Selinity was restraining her anger with an iron will that would have impressed both men if they were aware that she was doing it.

Uranus placed a piece of paper and pen in front of her. "We've already drawn up an agreement tat would easily give us control of the alliance and let you go back to what ever it is women do. All you have to do is take this and sign where the line is." If it was one thing Selinity hated more than anything else, was being treated like an uneducated commoner. She had been reading since she was six, learning how from those that were willing to teach her.

Selinity studied the three men. Neptune and Pluto seemed to regard her a bit more cautiously than their arrogant friend. Uranus was practically gloating, assuming she was simply agree and hand them the Silver Alliance without a fight. "Perhaps with a little more diplomacy, you might actually convince someone with such audacity," she practically snarled.

The three kings blinked in surprise as Selinity met each other gaze with no hesitation or fear. "If you had the best interests of the inner planets, then why are they not present? As a matter of fact, have you even discussed this matter with the Planet Saturn? No of course not, you assume because the Planet Saturn is a part of the Alliance, they have no say in the matter and should be left out of the discussion.

"Every planet, and that includes Earth and Saturn, are affected by the decisions we make. With the kind of arrogance you display, I'm not at all surprised that they haven't joined with us. Second, the reason you want to take control is because I'm a woman and not a man. What angers you even more is the fact that I'm of common birth! How ever I may have obtained my position, the Silver Alliance and all its people have to be considered."

"King Sol would have never wanted just the outer planets to have control of everyone. If the other Kings want me to give up control, then the matter should be addressed in front of all of them, and that includes King Stephon of Earth and the King of Saturn."

"There is no king of Saturn," Uranus snarled in raged. "No one has claimed that throne in close to five millineum."

"No deal! I, Selinity of Lunaria, will never sign this trash and submit myself to the rule of a bunch of over baring, arrogant bastards who think women are beneath them and should kiss the very ground they tread upon!"

The explosive fury on their faces was nothing compared to the pure rage blazing in her silver eyes. Neptune and Pluto saw the pink hue build around Selinity, her crescent moon glowing brightly. They were about to say something to Uranus, but Selinity was right, he was too chauvnistic and prejudice to see her as the threat she really was.

"My husband never tried to bend me to his will. Even if he was too busy to spend a lot of time with me, before and after the marriage, he still allowed me to serve as an equal partner. My opinions weren't simply words and tossed aside, nor will I allow myself to degrade everything he stood for by allowing three bullies try to intimidate me!"

"Everyone has labled me as a cold and unfeeling woman controlled by her husband. How the hell would any of you know! Other than three people, two sitting in this very room, none of the inner or outer kingdoms took the time to find out who I am! You know nothing of the bond King Sol and I shared, or the friendship we held for five years before we married. As long as you view women in the light that you do, you will never understand the people you rule and live with every day. If you can't deal with my decision, then leave. This discussion is finished."

Uranus took a step forward, too angry to see the man pull away from the shadows and move towards Selinity. Pluto and Neptune back away in pure terror, knowing who and what he was. "Strong words, but can you back them up against the full might of our armies?"

"Choose your actions carefully, King of Uranus!" Saturn's voice echoed throughout the room, his very presence demanding silence and respect. "If you had been paying any attention to your companions, you would have realized they were already willing to accept her decision! Jerard, if you continue to challenge Selinity, be prepared to face not only myself but the wrath of every god that has granted their protection towards her!"

Jasmine and Tasmir gasped in shock, their eyes flying to Selinity's pale face. "The gods?" Pluto stuttered. "Why...?"

"Selinity was never raised to know this history of our planets or the Gods that rule over them, Rivan. Even now, she has yet to realize who I am. Look upon the crescent moon carefully."

Rivan, King of Pluto, Jerard, King of Uranus, and Darius, King of Uranus, took another step backwards. "She isn't..."

"No, she's not, but only a direct descendent would bare that mark. Selinity is not of common, noble or royal blood, but the daughter of Selene herself. She would have no knowledge of her parents, because Selene created her from pure desire and love."

"Selene died..."

"Her soul remains, even if we no longer seen her in human or animal form. When the time is right, she will reappear. Your Gods will not take lightly to challenging Selinity to a war, nor will they interfere should I decide to give your thrones to your daughters."

Rivan and Darius were the first to kneal, Jerard reluctantly doing the same. They were giving her their allegiance and loyalty, not lightly given by the stubborn and defiant men. Slowly they retreated, Selinity still having possession of the Silver Alliance. Jasmine and Tasmir didn't know if they should go to their friend or allow Saturn to calm her growing fear.

They decided on the latter, leaving them alone. Saturn took a step towards her, but Selinity bolted for the gardens. In a matter of seconds he caught her, holding her as she frantically tried to break free. "Selinity, have things changed simply because of a title?" he asked.

The sorrow in his voice reached through her haze of fear, her silver eyes glancing up at his face. She had heard myths of this man, but never thought to consider that she had fallen in love with the God of Death himself. Gently he stroked her hair, his caress loving and sad. "I..."

"I've wanted to tell you for some time, but knew that you would never look at me the way you did last night and this morning. Dammit, mortals and immortals fear my power and what I am, and for a few months, you gave me something I never dreamed of. You weren't afraid, and you always gave me a smile. I need your love, Selinity. More than anything else, I don't want you afraid of me."

"No one's ever needed my protection and love before," he whispered, trying to make her understand. Saturn didn't want to go back to being alone, to the utter loneliness of his life and what he was forced to do time-and-time again. He wanted to believe in Selinity, that she could create the Silver Alliance the way her husband had intended. Saturn had no idea if she could stop the evil at her borders, but he was willing to trust in her.

Saturn had watched Rivan and Darius change their perception of her, repecting her despite the fact she was a woman. "Who's Selene?"

"Do you know nothing of the legends and history of our planets?"

"Luna was trying to teach them to me, but they were always so sad. There's too much violence. Did you really kill all those people?"

"Of all the things you could have heard about, that had to stick in your mind," he growled, playfully tugging at her silver hair. She giggled, slowly accepting what he was. "That was not the best period of life. Five millienium ago, I was married to a woman. A war broke out and she was captured and murdered by the other side. I spared niether side, and for many centuries I never forgot that day or her lifeless body in my arms."

"Is that why you never leave me alone?"

He smiled sheepishly, like a little child caught at the cookie jar. "You do tend to find trouble where it shouldn't be found." Selnity stuck out her tonuge, knowing the response she'd get as she squealed and tried to evade his capture. They fell in a bed of lilies, the blue and white petals floating around them like little snow flakes. "Marry me," he demanded, kissing her with a possessive growl.

How could she say no? Wrapping her arms, she returned his embrace, the only answer he needed as he loved her in her favorite garden. Saturn was positive this woman was Selene's child, but how the godess had pulled off such a feet without no one aware was still a mystery to him.

Saturn found himself surrounded in a silver mist, a woman slowly approaching him. He would recognize her anywhere, the Goddess everyone had loved. "Selene..." Golden hair flowed around her like the wings of a bird, everything about her serene and peaceful. "You are alive."

"Yes and no," she answered, her voice still filled with sorrow of so long ago. "I was so tired. The Lunarians we're being wiped out and the wars spared no one. I understand why you did what you did, but I couldn't stand to see that kind of violence any longer. Even now, knowing what we're faced with, it is hard for me to awaken myself enough to do what is necessary."

"I withheld my power as you asked, but why?"

"You had need of it, and may still in the future. Protect her, Saturn. I came to you before I vanished, knowing you would do as I asked. She is what I used to be, but it will be through your unborn child that I will reawaken. I wish to see the world through new eyes, to be able to feel the innocence of a child once more. I want to know what it is to be loved and to love in return. My role is nearly finished, and soon I will be able to rest once more."

"A child?"

"Your future wife has already chosen a name, she just didn't dare to hope that such a gift would be given to her. The child will need you."

Selene faded away, sending Saturn back to the world of reality. He slowly opened his eyes, staring at the sleeping woman beside him. She looked so content, his hand moving to her stomach. Saturn gave a soft smile, already longing to hold the child he knew grew within her womb. 'A child...' He decided that no one should no of who the girl was, to allow Selinity to name her.

"I'm worried about Selinity," Jasmine said. "I've never seen her so angry."

"She's not going to go power crazy. Selenity was being backed into a corner, and thankfully Saturn interfered. I never thought the outer kings would bow to her though."

Jasmine smiled, "at least no one can say she's of low birth anymore. How do the Queen of Mars and Jupiter feel?"

"Fera and Marlene haven't decided yet. Saturn, youself and I, until today, were the only people backing her a hundred percent. That's the only reason they haven't turned their backs completely yet. Their intrigued that a woman has power and hoping she could really make a difference."

“We have to help her, Tasmir.”

“How?”

“I don't know.”

Jasmine and Tasmir stayed the night, promising their husbands they'd return the next morning. They seldom knew their wives were gone, off in some kind of war or business deal. Both had a dream, finding themselves in world too perfect to be real. The grass was soft against their feet, and they could each hear a different song in their hearts and minds. Tasmir heard the sound of love, while Mercury listened to the wind and ice hitting against a solid surface.

"Welcome Queens' of Mercury and Venus. At long last, you have finally come."

The woman had long, blond hair, sitting on a mound of grass surrounded by creatures of all sizes and types. "Who are you?" They asked in unison.

"A friend that will guide you towards your path."

"What path?"

"Selinity made powerful allies today, but even with the power of the outer kingdoms, it will not be enough."

"Is she in danger?" Jasmine asked terrified.

"No one is ever trully safe. She follows her heart and that is sometimes harder than giving into a more intimidating threat. The choice she made today is a long and difficult one, one that cannot be done without your help. Will you, her two closest friends, help or let her fall?"

"We've stuck by her this far and we're not about to desert her now. Tell us what to do and it shall be done," Tasmir vowed with determination.

"Jasmine, with your intelligence and knowledge on all the kingdoms, you will be Selinity's mind. With the ability to persuade people to your desires, Tasmir will be her voice. Listen and you will find what has been calling to you in the nights."

"Wait!" Jasmine shouted, fading to wake back in her room. Her door opened to have Tasmir join her on the bed. "Was it real?"

"It has to be. How else could Selinity have come across her crystal?" Shutting her eyes; "It won't hurt to try." Soon, they both felt the pull of their songs and let their feet guide them across the sands of Lunaria.

The cave they found themselves in was massive and old. Ice to the east, Hearts on the west, flames in the south and thunder to the north; all melded with a silver light out lining them. On the ceiling were the stars and ocean, while time and darkness were beneath their feet contrasting against the silver. In the center of the room, eight crystals floated in the air, circling an empty spot in the middle of them. Two of them pulsated with their minds, beckoning for them to approach.

The Queen of Mercury was the first to touch the blue one and gasped when a wave of cold, icy wind blew her back, creating an ice storm that turned the entire room into a sheet of ice. If Tasmir had not grabbed the orange crystal at that moment, she would have been a statue, frozen for eternity.

Chains of arrows encircled the entire room, showering it with meteors that struck everything in its path. The blue and orange faded to a low glow, making the holders stare at each other in stunned silence. "Is this what Selinity found with hers?"

"I don't know Jasmine, but our lives have become a lot more complicated and dangerous."

"I'm not going to regret it though. We've sat in the side lines far too long and it's time we show them women are more than toys to be played with."

"Count me in. You do realize our husbands are going to be a tad angry with us, right?"

"They'll get over it if they wish to share our beds again."

"I like your style, Jasmine. Let's get back to Selinity." They ran from the cave and found her still fast asleep in her room. About to turn away, the silver crystal blinked at them, greeting them.

"Did it just acknowledge us?"

"These crystals are strange."

"You can say that again, Tasmir."

The day of the party, Selinity paced back and forth in her room, waiting for the hour when they had to meet their guests. Five months had passed since the death of her husband and Tasmir, Jasmine, and Saturn had faithfully remained by her side. She couldn't have torn them away if she had wanted to, loving them all the more for it.

Saturn was hiding something from her, constantly asking how she felt and holding her around the stomach. Jasmine and Tasmir announced that they were with child, helping Selinity prepare for her wedding and the party with the women. Both had yet to reveal to Selinity about their crystals, wanting to discover the power hidden in them.

Walking into a well furnished sitting area, Selinity was stunned to see Haruka, Michuru and Setsuna, the three women sitting on a couch together. Smiling with warmth, she began serving them drinks and food, refusing to have servants interrupt them while they talked and introduced themselves.

Each woman was curious about the Lunarian, hearing their own version of what she was like and how she had managed to win three powerful allies such as Rivan, Jerad and Darius. Their daughters observed Selinity silently, curious about how she had managed to frighten their fathers. None of them would talk about what happened, only that no one was to challenge her. From what they saw, they could easily admire Selinity for her courage and peaceful nature.

Everyone could clearly see the close friendship she had with Jasmine and Tasmir, a bond that would never be broken. The hour grew late when Selinity finally stood, gaining the attention of everyone in the room. The trembling in her hands told them she had something important to discuss, not sure of how to begin. "I have two things I wish to announce. First, is my engagement to Saturn. All of you are invited, and free to dress the way you choose."

"The God of Death," she heard a few exclaim in surprise. Setsuna, other than Tasmir and Jasmine, seemed to be the only one not surprised by these events. There was something very aloof and quite about the woman, as if she were separate from the crowd around her.

"We congratulate you on the knews, Selinity," Setsuna said, silencing any further outbursts. "It would explain why our fathers are not so willing to challenge you for the Silver Alliance."

Selinity blushed, still shocked that Saturn had chosen to defend her and declare any who dare to challenge her an enenmy. She didn't want a war to be started over her, and the women could see this. "The second thing is, I wanted all the women of the Silver Alliance together, to create something that would be beneficial to everyone. I still await news from Queen Terra of Earth, but they've been having problems with rebellions and constant war."

"Running the alliance will be no simple task, especially being a woman. I'm outnumbered and a target for every major power in the galaxy that finds out. I could ask the kings for help, but they would over shadow and shove me to the sidelines as they take control. I'm not about to let that happen."

"What do you want then?" Marlene, the Queen of Jupiter asked her.

"The alliance was created by King Sol for all members to rule equally side by side so that when a major threat attacked we could unify together as one and defeat it. The only planet that isn't apart of the alliance is Earth."

"Selinity, you don't stand a chance." Fera, the Queen of Mars was liking the woman, feeling sorry for her. "The men are talking about taking you by force, when I don't know."

"I can't do this on my own. That's why I've called you here, to help women like myself to have the chance to be heard and not silenced. The alliance can work, but to do that, we must be united from the beginning. I don't know if my husband wanted me in charge, but he didn't plan on dying either. If I must, I shall stand alone, to keep alive his dream of peace."

Michuru looked at the two women sitting by Selinity's side, letting the Queen speak. "Tasmir, Jasmine? How do you feel?"

"We're not leaving. Your fathers would have declared war on Selinity if it hadn't been for Saturn, and I wouldn't doubt if he isn't listening in on this conversation either. He's given her all of his support, and apparently with the other Gods as well. Besides, if King Sol had been alive, they wouldn't have dared to try and take the alliance by force. The idea of a woman in power frightens them and I for one want to see her succeed."

"Same here," Tasmir agreed.

Selinity had to hold back the tears, realizing how much these two meant to her. She couldn't have asked for better friends and hugged them. "Thank you."

Fera and Marlene smiled, nodding at each other. "Selinity, we've reserved our opinions, thinking that you didn't have the strength to carry this weight on your shoulders. However, after hearing the announcements of the inner senshi we will be glad to help you in what we can."

Setsuna stood up and stared out the window, not making any sounds or movement. When she spoke, there was a wisdom beyond the age she appeared. "The future is uncertain and all of us hold the key to its success or destruction."

Turning to face Selinity, she smiled. "Your courage is amazing, especially considering how intimidating our fathers can be with people. Many of the men admire you, while others remain neutral. How far are you willing to take this?"

"There will be no turning back for me. Win or loose, I'm prepared to fight until the end if I must."

"Then I salute and join your cause, mother of the light." Selinity was startled that anyone else knew about that phrase. With a mysterious laughter, she left the room with the outer women behind her and headed to their private rooms.

After everyone had gone to bed, Selinity's friends knocked on her door, glad when she opened it. "We didn't know if you would still be up or not."

"What wrong?"

"How...?"

"You two have been tense around me for the last week, afraid to tell me something."

"We found the cave you spoke of, but didn't know how to tell you until now. After the incident with the kings, we both had a dream that told us to follow our hearts."

"It seems that both of you are holders of one of the nine crystals."

"Yes, but they've done nothing close to what yours did that day." And if there are nine, who has the two that are missing. We only saw four others. You have one, Jasmine has the blue one, and I have the orange one. Who have the black and purple ones?"

"Everything will reveal itself in time. There are many things about that day which remain a blur to me. Why would we be drawn to them if they were not important? Somehow, I think the other women of the planets are the holders of the remaining four."

"Why us, though?" Mercury asked.

"Something big is coming, an event that is far greater than the events taking place now. However, do not cast aside the importance of what happens today, for it can effect the outcome of tomorrow."

Queen Selinity had changed from the person they had met in the halls. Her head was held proudly, her words filled with wisdom. 'I wonder if the crystal is making her the person she is today?' Mercury thought.

'She's becoming a leader that everyone was willing to follow, despite the animosity of our husbands and fathers.' Venus didn't mind, because she was doing what her heart said to do.

Fera, Marlene, Haruka and Michuru found themselves before a woman smiling at them with friendship. "Greetings inner and outer Queens and princesses. Even though you're separated by tribial things, don't allow it to stop the bond from forming with Queen Selinity. A dark future is drawing closer, making it vital that you give her the support she needs. The path ahead, especialy for the outer women, will be a long and lonely one. When you feel like there's nothing left to fight for, look to the light for it will always show you the way."

When she faded and they awoke, every woman found themselves pulled towards a cave that had six crystals remaining in the center of it. Red flames engulfed Fera, a wave of thunder and lightning melding with Marlene. Haruka felt the ground tremble beneath her, while Michuru was swallowed by thirty feet of water.

"What does this mean?" Fera asked, awed at the red crystal pulsating in her palms.

Returning back to the castle, they waited for Tasmir, Jasmine and Selinity to join them for breakfast. Haruka was the first to speak; "We've come to a decision and hope that Selinity will agree."

"What is it?"

"Four of us have managed to pick up crystals that contain a vast amount of power. Do you three carry one as well?"

"We do," Selinity whispered.

"We've agreed to help. The crystals wouldn't have accepted us if we were against you. Through fate, we are connected together and must remain so at any cost. Selinity, you are the center and I vow to protect you."

Laying her hand out, Haruka's eyes traveled around the room to every woman present. "Who's with the voice of Uranus?"

"Neptune!"

"Pluto!"

"Jupiter!"

"Mars!"

"Mercury!"

"Venus!"

Selinity, seeing the seven women in front her, knew they had accepted her for the role she stood for. Placing her hand on top of theirs, she could feel the power of the crystals combined as they cried out in unison. "Planetary power!"

Seven lights, flashed from the castle, bathing the entire universe with its brillance. All wondered what the future held for them, hoping that the light did not bring evil with it. If any wondered who had the purple crystal, their question was answered when Setsuna left the room, returning to her home world with the other outer women.

Fera and Marlene were seven months pregnant, expecting their children soon. when they discovered that Tasmir and Jasmine were as well, they promised to have a celebration after th birth of the last child."