Endymion cuddled closer to the warm body, never wanting to return to reality again. If given a choice, he would sleep the remainder of his life, always in this same bed. Her short dress had moved in the night, Serenity's bare thigh draped between his legs. He growled, fighting the urge to pin her to the bed and take her. The last thing he wanted was to act like a savage.

Serenity turned over, moving back until she was firmly pressed against every curved inch of his body. Endymion's eyes flew open, wide awake and well aware of the woman his arms held. "Damn, Serenity! Are you trying to kill me?"

She smiled in her sleep, pulling his arm tighter around her stomach as if it were a blanket. He had to leave! Endymion, tried to pull free, but Serenity would protest in her sleep, moving until once again her legs were intertwined with his own. "Stop moving, pillow..." she said sleepily.

"I am not a pillow, Serenity!" Endymion hadn't intended to yell it out, but he didn't know how much more he could take. No sane male would be able to refuse this kind of temptation for long.

"Endymion..." she whispered against his throat. His name was the breaking point, Endymion tilting her head back. Serenity was instantly awake, feeling his hands in her hair, pulling it free of the golden circlet. She attempted to touch his mind and withdrew, staring at Endymion in shock. He couldn't possibly want her to do everything he was thinking.

His mouth was pure seduction, teasing and manipulating his Lunarian. Endymion knew she was trying to put up her barriers, and dammit, he was so tired of walls between them. Just one time in his life he would like to have something and not have to hide who he was, nor his feelings. He refused to allow Serenity to do the same, not when he knew she felt the same.

Endymion had helped raise this woman from the first breath she took. She had been too young four years ago; not any longer and they both were aware that he wanted her as a woman. Serenity saw no thoughts of her being a Queen or a Princess, Endymion could only think of her as the little girl he had protected all his life. He wished to continue protecting her, to keep every nightmare she ever had away.

"Serenity..." he growled between breaths, nipping her throat. Endymion worked himself lower, tugging at the ties on her shoulders. Serenity gasped, feeling one fall free as he moved towards the other.

"We can't..." she weakly protested, whimpering as his hands moved beneath the hem of her dress. To her horror, the crystals had forgotten to give either of them undergarments. Endymion, realizing this also, gave a lazy smile, his hands resting on her hips.

"Give me one good reason to stop, Serenity," he whispered, pulling the material away from her shoulders, and dropping it at the edge of her breasts. He placed searing kisses on her exposed flesh, shifting all of his weight until she was completely beneath him. Her mind was screaming for them to stop, but her body had a different mind to allow Endymion anything he wanted.

"You're too old for me..."

"I don't think that stopped your mother when she married Saturn."

"That doesn't count!" Serenity cried out, feeling his teeth scrape against the swell of her breasts. He nipped her through the material, feeling her shudder beneath him. "Saturn... is..."

"You're as immortal as they are, Serenity. Strike one... I hope you have better reasons than age to stop me."

"If you weren't distracting me, I could think of one!" Serenity struggled to think, his hands electrifying every nerve in her body. They had stopped moving, but not his all too experienced mouth. "You're an impossible flirt!"

"You've noticed," he chuckled, tugging the material another inch. "If you're expecting me to lie, then you'll be waiting awhile. Sainthood is hardly my best quality, but I can quickly divert all my attention to one; she happens to be blond, blue eyed, and possesses a nasty temper. She's attractive, sexy too a fault and far too beautiful for her own good."

"I'm not experienced enough." It was a weak excuse and they both knew it.

"Serenity, if I wanted experience, I would have gone to the local tavern!" He met her gaze, letting her see how much she affected him. "This isn't just a one time fling for me, not when I can think of so many ways to drive you completely senseless. There were times when I thought of you on Earth in the past four years, and the idea of you choosing another man to marry you, infuriated me for some reason. I'm glad you thought of them as idiots!"

He tugged on her hips, moving her into a more desirable position. "If you'd stop trying to find reasons to avoid me, Serenity, you'd realize you feel the same. Why were you really trying to avoid me? Why didn't you tell me from the start that you were Serenity instead of a servant that couldn't even serve a cup of coffee?" Serenity started to look away; "Don't you dare, Serenity! If you're not going to answer, then I'll do it for you."

"The nightmares you were having; they were because of the shadow I started fighting four years ago. You sensed it, and after I left, it stayed connected to you. Serenity, you're not avoiding me because you hate me, but because you're afraid. I'm not letting you go so easily, Lunarian." Endymion knew he had her, watching all the fight drain from her tense muscles. "As for the experienced part, I'm more than willing to teach you anything and everything you wish to know. Haven't you figured that out after all the sword lessons?"

His hands moved up to her hips, pausing as he watched her expressions. "Did you really want me to stop?" he whispered, knowing his voice would send her over the edge. Serenity's whimper was all the answer he needed, his arms shredding the light material. He hadn't even moved his hands. Serenity stared at him in slight fear, but Endymion quickly gave her other things to think about.

Endymion lowered his head, claiming a swollen nipple that begged for attention. Serenity jerked, but the High Prince simply pinned her with his hips. Raising her hands above her head, he held them in a tight grip, continuing to suckle on her breasts. Using his free hand, he pinched the other, not wanting it neglected.

He sent her images of what he wanted to do to her, watching her eyes glaze over. Each breast, each nipple received equal attention, every bite making her whimper. "Endymion..."

Endymion gave her a devious smile, his grip impossible to break as he took the pieces of her dress and tied her wrists together. Securing it to the bed rail, he sent her an image of where he was headed. Serenity bucked, crying out as his hands made a path down her sides. "Open them," he commanded, his voice soft velvet.

Trembling, she slowly did as he asked, curious and afraid. Endymion spread them further, using his shoulders to keep them apart. His arms circled around her thighs like bands, securing her in place as he lowered his head. Serenity moaned, feeling his fingers spread her nether lips open. "Endy..." All thought was erased from her mind, his tongue licking her in the most sensitive place on her body.

She never knew such pleasure existed, warm liquid dripping on the bed. Endymion growled, wanting her with a fierce desire. He wanted her completely under his spell, but how did he continue to feed her sexual arousal into a frenzy. The crystal around his neck flared, sending a golden light through and over her body.

Serenity shrieked, her body arching several inches off the bed. A wave of pleasure slammed into her so hard, that Endymion had to pull back, watching her gush onto the bed. Again the golden light washed over her, the reaction the same. Endymion was speechless, watching the crystal fully amplify every sexual need she had.

Her blood burned, every nerve on her body being stroked by the strange light possessed by Endymion. Serenity's nipples tightened almost painfully, a tear of pleasure escaping to hit the pillow. Endymion renewed his attack on her clit, his tongue wrenching a shattering scream from her. His arms held her down, his teeth nipping at the swollen flesh, his lips sucking.

The crystal was far from finished, deciding Endymion needed to be helped along. The High Prince roared in pleasure, close to exploding before he ever had a chance to take her. The crystal kept him painfully hard, but didn't allow him to release. Endymion shredded his clothes, no longer in control of his thoughts.

He slowly entered her, testing her before he moved further. Serenity thrashed her head back and forth, feeling another wave wash over her. Endymion surged forward, the crystal immediately taking her pain away. He snapped her restraints, burying his face against her neck, holding her as he drove into her.

Endymion cried out in frustration, needing to go off, but the crystal was holding it back intentionally. With Serenity, it was just the opposite, the crystal keeping her body so aroused that she never knew when one orgasm started and the other ended. He was going insane! Pulling out of her, Endymion flipped the blond onto her stomach, ignoring her loud protest.

Serenity bucked, cried and begged for him to re-enter her, and with a savage growl he plunged all the way in. Neither of them could think, driven by a primal need as old as the stars. Endymion whimpered, pounding harder into her, wanting and needing to release. Serenity's nails clawed at the sheets, leaving deep marks that drove Endymion deeper into his sexual haze.

He felt it build, the crystal not allowing it to fully release until they both started to scream, Endymion pouring his seed into her for several minutes. Serenity's body continued to shake with the after shocks, too weak to move. Endymion couldn't pull out, rolling over to keep his weight off of her.

Their hair was soaked in sweat, the sheets drenched. Endymion was so exhausted, but heaven help him, he wanted her again. 'Later...' he barely recognized the voice of the crystal, a golden light sending them both into oblivion.

As they slept, the golden crystal pulsed, it's warmth dancing across Endymion's skin. Its light grew brighter and brighter until it bathed the entire room, escaping the windows to wash over all of Olympus. It was his sign that he would soon awaken, the crystal merging completely with Endymion's soul, the two becoming one. 'Soon, you and I will be of one mind...'

Endymion's grip on the Lunarian tightened, never wanting to let her go. She was his, and damn anyone that would be stupid enough to take her. The crystal had fed this desire, knowing the High Prince could never find another after tonight. 'Protect her...' Endymion heard this again and again until it had become a natural instinct.

Hera was growing impatient, wanting to speak with Serenity more. "Are they ever going to come out? They've been in there for two weeks!"

Zeus and Hyperion laughed, knowing all to well why the two had been unable to leave their room. They had all felt the power of Apollo. He was close to awakening, but none of them knew when or where. A few hours later, they saw Endymion and Serenity approach, an arm wrapped possessively around her waist. She didn't seem to mind, her long hair flowing at her ankles. Endymion had tossed the golden circlet someplace, liking her hair free. "Are we late?" He asked, a lazy grin on his face.

Zeus lifted a brow, watching Serenity blush. Endymion was still tempted to take her again, but he was hungry and wanted to explore. As if reading his mind, "You may stay for a few more days, time having no affect. When you return, only a day will have passed in your mortal world."

"Does that mean everything we did here won't..." Serenity bit her lip, afraid to ask the rest. Everyone laughed, Hera walking over to take Serenity's hands. "Come, I have much to show you here. The others will take care of Endymion."

Endymion reluctantly released her, but was content as long as it was Hera with Serenity and not one of the other males. He was all too aware of their reputations with women. Zeus and Hyperion led him through a maze of gardens, coming to a pasture with several horses. Raising a horn to his lips, Hyperion released a blast, the horses parting for one that flew towards them. He was so fast, that his hooves caught the blades of grass a fire, long golden wings stretching out to their full length.

He didn't know why, but tears formed at the edge of his eyes, as if he knew this magnificent animal from a dream. "His name is Helios, a Pegasus of the sun. He has agreed to join you on Earth, to help battle your enemy."

'It has been awhile,' the Pegasus greeted, brushing his muzzle against Endymion's neck in affection.

"I may not make it out of this alive," he warned, stroking the soft coat. Strangely, it did not burn his hands.

"Your war with this shadow is only the beginning. Everything has been set into motion; the rest is up to the chosen eight, Serenity and yourself. If you are successful, one day you will return here to never fight among the mortals again. All we ask is that you be patient, for the final battle will not occur for a long time. The creator of this shadow and others like it are slowly approaching. You must be ready to face it when the time comes."

Endymion didn't understand the future Zeus described, but knew that he had no choice but to follow what fate had in store for them. "Thank you."

Hera helped dress Serenity into a silver gown, a slit moving up to her thigh. It was so revealing, but the Goddess didn't seem to care as Hera continued to decorate her hair with lilies. A few words, and her hair was a mass of wavy curls, cascading down her back to her feet. Serenity truly felt happy here. Sensing a change in her aura, Hera called for the animals, several deer and rabbits approaching. To Serenity's surprise, they came to her, each wanting to be held or stroked.

Kneeling, she accepted their love. "Serenity," Hera whispered, holding a small fawn. "You have to believe in your own strength and love for those you care about. To loose hope, then everything will die the way you've seen it. Yes, you may loose this one battle, but there will be others and Endymion will need your courage and strength."

Hera placed a ring of roses around the woman's neck. "Serenity, child, you will not be alone. The time is soon approaching when all of us will throw in our power to the guardians that have chosen to protect you. Still, the ultimate victory will fall upon Endymion and yourself. The nightmare plagues you, because you allow it power over your heart. Face it head on, and its grip will loosen."

"This shadow grows on the fear and pain of others, needing the negative energy to thrive. Like these animals, you have the gift to change the hearts of all mortals. If you truly believe, then nothing will be strong enough to stop you."

"Is it true that I'm the re-incarnation of Selene? I've heard people whisper about it."

"What do you believe?" Hera asked.

"I have dreams that aren't my own and sometimes I'm sad for no reason."

"Selene lost hope..." Hera sighed. "You must find the strength to believe in yourself. This is a battle you must fight on your own."

"What was she like?"

"Everyone loved her," Hera said. "She was the daughter of Hyperion, one of the ancient Gods. You saw him earlier with Zeus."

"What about my father, Saturn? He's never mentioned Olympus."

"His story is a difficult one to tell. His wife, Rheia, was a mortal and mother to the Olympian Gods; Zeus (Jupiter), Hades (Pluto, the God of Time and the Underworld), Hera, and Poseidon (Neptune). Saturn's true name is Kronos, one of the two Titan Gods. Hyperion was the other."

"What happened to Rheia?" Her silence frightened Serenity, hugging a small fox cub close. "She died..." She nodded, unable to fully tell Serenity of that horrible day. "Please, you must tell me what happened. Why does father never speak of her or this place?"

"Saturn left Olympus after Rheia's death. The shadow you fought took control of the Terran planets, changing normally kind and gentle people into killing machines. Saturn was forced to destroy them all, using a power he's always regretted to this very day. He's aware of the threat on Earth, and has recently discovered its true nature."

"Will he... If anything happens to us..."

"Saturn will not hesitate to drop the glaive of destruction. Nothing will be spared from his judgment, but in doing so everything will be reborn to start again."

"That would include the shadow."

"Hai."

"How do I stop it?"

"We don't know if it can be stopped," Hera admitted.

Endymion watched the stars, enjoying how clear the sky was. It was calm at night, giving him time to think. There was so much depending on Serenity and himself, that at times he thought it would be too overwhelming. Hyperion had told him the story behind the crystals, the eight that protected the Silver and Golden ones.

Selene had been one of the last still fighting against the shadow, each God or Goddess that had fought alongside her, giving Selene their power in the shape of a crystal. Exhausted and badly injured, she had hidden in the caves of Lunaria, chanting an ancient spell taught to her by her father, Hyperion. She had no knowledge of Apollo disappearing, to be re-incarnated in the distant future. Selene was lying on the cavern floor, the eight crystals circling above her. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered the last words of the spell.

She began to fade in a silver light, fusing her soul into a single Silver Crystal. Her spell was designed to release the Gods from the crystals, but only when Selene had re-awakened in her re-incarnation and separated them from those that were destined to protect her.

The crystals, with the exception of the silver and golden one, were the Gods themselves, still weakened from their war with the shadow that he now fought. Would it never end? Gentle fingers stroked his hair, bringing him back to reality. Her eyes were so blue, no longer filled with the fear of the future. Tilting his head back, he claimed her waiting mouth, holding the hand on his cheek. He could never love her enough.

"We have to return," she whispered, letting him pull her into his embrace. Everything was so uncertain, but for the moment, she was the happiest she had ever been.

"I know. Let me hold you for a moment longer; we may not get another chance."

"There will always be another chance, Endymion."

Throughout the night, they sat, enjoying the summer breeze together. At the first signs of morning, they stood, looking behind them to where the golden structure stood. One day they would return, and that more than anything was a promise enough to never give up hope for what lied ahead.

Saturn leaned over the balcony, needing to rest. He heard the sound of music shimmering behind him, a golden and silver light returning the two he had an entire system looking for. Serenity smiled, moving towards her father, brushing her fingers against his strong back. Startled, he whirled, blinking in surprise. "Serenity..." Endymion was already disappearing down the hall, having his own battle to plan.

The dark circles under her eyes were gone, replaced by a soft expression that was calm and accepting. "Sorry if we worried you. It seems the crystals have a mind of their own."

He studied her closer, noticing her style of clothing and the silver streamers mixed in with her golden hair. "Were you..."

"Why didn't you tell me about Olympus?" she asked, her eyes laughing at him. "I thought only mortals feared your power, but apparently I was wrong."

"You were on Olympus?"

"Hai. Endymion and I learned a few things that makes things harder and easier."

She told him everything, about the nightmares, about the future still yet to come. Serenity hated to see the fear grow in his lavender eyes, and gave him a gentle smile. "I need you to promise something," she asked him.

"If you're asking me to accept your death," Saturn snarled, his aura reaching out for her, "don't bother. I can't and I won't!"

"I'm not asking you for such a request; I would have no right. Mother has the Silver Crystal, and it has the power to keep us alive. If things get as bad as I know they will, then I want her to use it. Please, send us to a time long after you have dropped the glaive of destruction. We can't fight this shadow as strong as it is now."

Saturn swore, pacing back and forth in the empty hall. "Do you have any idea of what you ask, Serenity?"

"If Earth should fall, the other planets will be next. By then the shadow will be far too powerful. You are the God of Death and Re-birth. The people you kill will be re-born in another time and place. Only those you choose to spare will be spared from the glaive. The Crystal, if you don't interfere at the right moment, will kill mother. At the right moment, drop the glaive and keep death from taking her. We will have already been sent to where you decide."

"Is there no chance," he asked her.

"All the Gods, especially Hyperion know you alone can with stand the influence of this shadow. A person is faced with two options when faced with it; join or die. Elysion is the last city standing on Earth and Endymion knows this. He is preparing to return to Earth as we speak; I will be joining him when the time is right."

Saturn almost told her no, but knew she would defy anything he said. "Who are the others?"

"You will know."

"Serenity..."

"Father, I need you to do this. Please, you alone will remember the events that will take place. I will need you in the future; we all will."

Saturn said nothing, watching his daughter leave him. He closed his eyes, preparing himself. Why was fate so bent on taking everything away from him? Saturn would grant Serenity's request.

Endymion couldn't breathe past his four personal guards slamming him against a wall, demanding a thousand questions and lecturing him at the same time. He didn't know who was angrier, the strict and always in control Kunzite, or the gentle natured Jedite who loved to play practical jokes.

"What the hell are you wearing?" Nephrite growled, one of the first to calm.

"If you give me a chance to move, I'd gladly change out of it."

His guards glared at him, refusing to allow Endymion out of their sight again. "Do you four mind?" Endymion growled, still unable to move an inch since entering the room.

"We're still deciding," Zoicite challenged back. "Kunzite came up with a great idea on how to keep you out of trouble for the remainder of our time on Lunaria."

Endymion crossed his arms, daring his lead General to try it. To his horror, Kunzite cracked his knuckles, disappeared into his room and returned with several inches of rope. "No!" He tried to fight them off, but the four of them had the upper hand and had him tied to a chair in two minutes. "Dammit! If you don't untie..." Jedite stuffed a sock in his mouth, unaffected by Endymion's threats.

He knew his guards would be angry about his disappearances, but did they have to restrain and gag him. Nephrite leaned over, "We're not untying you until after the ball tomorrow night. Ignoring his furious protests, the generals took turns in guarding their prince, each getting the rest they all needed.

Several hours later, he managed to work himself free, tossing Zoicite flat on his back. "If either of you try something that stupid again..." Zoicite tried to flip Endymion, but he had never been very good in unarmed combat. "I'm heading for the shuttle in about five minutes and I'm ordering that the four of you guard the inner princesses."

"You're returning to Earth..."

"That's exactly what I'm doing and no, none of you are to follow!"

"We're your personal guards!"

"You're my best friends and I won't see any of you killed!" Endymion roared. "To make sure you don't alert the others," slamming Zoicite into the same chair he had been sitting in, "You're going to sit right here until the others wake up or return." Zoicite yelped at the ropes biting into his skin, Endymion doing a far better job than they had done. Running into his room, he quickly changed into his black armor, belting on his sword before he escaped out his window. It was starting to become a bad habit.

Endymion tracked down his father, finding Saturn instead. "She will follow in your father's ships," Saturn said. The High Prince nodded, knowing this wasn't easy for Saturn. He met the Death God's gaze, "Don't hurt her," was his only warning, giving his full permission to proceed.

Saturn found his wife in the throne room, making final decisions with King Stephon and Queen Terra. She was deathly pale, confirming Serenity's vision of the future. "Endymion's returning to Earth."

"He's here?" Stephon asked.

"What he's about to face should be our main concern." Saturn commanded, taking charge. Selinity stared at her husband in shock, rarely seeing him so serious and determined. "This Shadow has grown so powerful that anything you do now will be pointless. Why have you never asked for help?"

"We can fight our own battles," Stephon replied stubbornly. "Elysion will win."

"Elysion will fall, as will the Alliance!" Saturn growled. Selinity paled, praying he was wrong. "You're wife has tried to warn you, but you're too arrogant to see the truth. We've lost too many of the immortals to allow Terra to die now!"

"Where is my son?"

"Endymion has chosen to fight this battle alone, and is returning to Earth as we speak."

"He can't possible win on his own," Terra gasped. "Please, you must stop him," she begged.

"The hand of fate has already been spun. Whether he fights the battle on Earth or here on Lunaria's very doorstep, will make no difference. Stephon, you're son will not be made to suffer this burden alone. Prepare his guards and get ready to leave. If Elysion should fall, Earth will no longer be an ally."

Kunzite swung his sword, working out his frustration. A day had passed since Endymion had left for Earth and they were just now finishing the repairs to the other shuttles. 'Damn him! "You worry about him," came a soft voice. Lowering his sword, he glanced at the princess standing a few feet away.

"He's going to die," Kunzite growled.

"Perhaps," she said, picking up a sword from the wall. "Need a sparring partner?"

Kunzite raised a brow, but said nothing as he saluted with his sword and began the attack. She was good, blocking each strike with expert precision. 'She's good.' Time seemed to slip by, Kunzite working himself up into a sweat. She was starting to tire, but he didn't let up. Her eyes sparked at the challenge, pushing herself despite the screaming of her muscles. With a sweep of his feet, she was knocked flat to her back, a sword pressed against her throat.

"I thought Endymion was good," she gasped, trying to catch her breath.

"He's the best actually. Alone, none of us can defeat him in sword or unarmed combat."

"Endymion will return," she whispered, accepting his hand to help her back up.

"I'd prefer it if he were alive," he growled, worry in his silver-gray eyes. They were captivating and Minako thought she could loose herself in them forever."

"Serenity says he's still alive, and I believe her. She's different somehow, but I can't figure out how or why?"

"Will you escort me to the ball tonight, before you have to leave for Earth?"

Kunzite sighed, knowing he couldn't refuse. "As long as I get the first and last dance."

Minako laughed, already heading for her rooms. "As far as I'm concerned, you can have them all."

She didn't see the hidden smirk, a male arrogance that his friends would recognize. 'I had planned on it anyway, Minako.' He liked the Princess of Venus, more than just a casual interest. If things weren't so bad on Earth, he might have pursued his interest.

"You're crying," Zoicite whispered, brushing away her tears. He had been sitting with Ami in the library, happy to spend a little time with her before he left for Earth. It had taken awhile for the other Generals to free him after Endymion had left, giving the High Prince enough time to sabotage everything.

"It's silly..." she whispered.

Setting aside his book, he moved in front of her, kneeling until they were eye level. "You're much prettier when you smile, princess. Please, for my sake, smile until I leave."

Crying, she threw her arms around his neck, wanting to keep all their conversations engraved in her thoughts. "Did you have to be so nice?" She whispered. "I..."

Zoicite gently cupped her chin, taking her lips in a shy kiss. Ami had often read about love in books, but this is the first time she had ever been kissed. Knowing this might be their last moment together before he left, she opened her mouth, hearing his gasp of surprise. Hazel eyes shook with emotion, his hands stroking her tear stained cheeks. "Don't cry," he whispered, kissing away every tear that fell.

She laughed sadly, "Give me a reason not to," she challenged him. Zoicite, uncaring of the books that fell to the floor, pushed her back against the comfortable chair and took her lips with a fierce longing. He would not return to Elysion, die, and not have at least kissed this beautiful princess senseless first.

Long into the night he held her, watching a shooting star fall. Silently he made a wish, that if they were granted a second life, they would meet and be able to finish what they started in this library. "Ami, one day we'll meet again, and I won't let you go."

"Promise," she whispered, curling closer to his warmth. They had managed to climb into the small couch together, Zoicite cradling her smaller body close. In a short amount of time, he had fallen fast and hard, wishing he could tell her everything that he felt.

"Always," he vowed. Ami fell asleep in his arms, a smile on her innocent face. More than anything, Zoicite wanted to wake every morning, just to see that same smile. "I love you, Ami."

'Protect her,' a male voice echoed in his mind. 'Prevent the future in the next life, and she will be yours.'

"Who are you?" Zoicite asked. Silence was his only answer, the voice already having slipped back into it's dark oblivion.

Ignoring Saturn's warning, Rei continued her fire readings, ever mindful of the shadow that had tried to attack her a couple of days ago. Not expecting anyone to disturb her, she gasped when she heard a man speak close beside her. "Can you really see the future?"

"No one's allowed in here," she hissed.

"It looks so..." Jedite reached to touch it, but Rei quickly knocked him out of the way, finding herself on the floor with him on top.

"Never touch the sacred fires of Mars; I'll never be able to fix the damage."

His gaze glanced back at the fire, "You sit so close and it has such a powerful pull. I couldn't help but walk in when I saw the fire burning. I never thought..."

His blue eyes were wide, torn between the Raven Haired girl beneath him and the sacred fire that called to him. "What?" she growled, afraid to move.

"I never thought to see a goddess. You're hair, it fans out like the wings of a raven, and your face looked serene and peaceful. Rei flushed, trying to make the General budge. She might as well have been trying to move a granite wall. "You're trying to run, aren't you," he teased. "I apologize if I frightened you."

Rei gave him a secretive smile, leaning up to capture his lips. Forgetting that she was pinned beneath him, Jedite relaxed his grip, suddenly to find himself in the reverse position. "I run from no one," she whispered, already disappearing down the halls.

Jedite jumped to his feet, searching the castle for her. Finally, after hours with no results, he could hear the sound of heavy shouting from the training rooms. In the center of the room, standing on a large mat, were Rei and Makoto, each going all out as Haruka watched them. He had been aware they knew martial arts, and couldn't take away his eyes as she watched the fire priestess move. She was perfect.

Rei's body twisted and curved around Makoto's attacks, her feet barely brushing against the floor. Jedite couldn't resist, moving towards the pair in powerful strides. Haruka started to protest, but one shake of his head held back her command. She was curious to what the Earth general would want, his gaze never leaving Rei. Haruka smirked. She had seen this man fight, and Rei was in for a rare lesson.

Jedite always got what he wanted, and at the moment it was a certain woman that had caught his eye. Sweat ran down Rei's brow in concentration, her attention completely focused on the woman in front of her. For weeks she had studied every one of Makoto's moves, moving in for the final attack when Makoto stumbled back in surprise. Makoto never dropped her guard, and thinking Haruka was trying to sneak up on her again, she swung her foot around to have it caught in an iron grip.

The General laughed in amusement, tucking the leg beneath his arm. "Jedite! What... are you doing here?" she gasped between ragged breaths.

"Spar with me," he demanded. Jedite would not be denied, and everyone present backed off, leaving the two alone.

"I have classes..."

Jedite backed up, forcing her to do the same. She had excellent balance, but for how long? Rei was exhausted with her match with Makoto. "I'm not backing off."

"Let go!"

"Make me."

Rei swung her other foot up, hoping to catch him off guard, but to her dismay and discomfort, she had no choice but to hold herself up with both hands, her legs trapped against each side of Jedite's ribs. There was no one to plead for help, Rei in a vulnerable position. "What do you want?" she growled in annoyance.

"A dance partner tonight!"

"What?" she choked. Rei was straining to hold her balance, but her arms were starting to hurt and she slowly sank to the floor.

"Princess of Mars, please dance with me at the ball tonight."

"If this is a joke, I don't think it's funny!" Jedite wrapped his arms around her before she could flee, his breath whispering against her ear.

"Am I laughing?"

"I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression earlier, but I don't want or need anyone!"

"Is that what you tell yourself?"

"This conversation is finished!" Jedite tightened his grip, trapping the fire priestess against his body. "Is it?" Rei blushed, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. The harder she resisted, the closer he molded himself against her womanly curves.

"How old are you?"

"Twenty!"

"How can one so beautiful, be so alone?" Jedite touched her tender neck with his lips, knowing the havoc he was causing to her senses. "Your mind says one thing; your body another."

"No...," Rei moaned, tilting her head back for more. She had never felt anything like this before and she gulped for air.

"Please..."

Capturing her lips, Jedite silenced her weak protest, his hands slowly caressing her stomach. Ending the kiss, he nuzzled her neck, "I'll see you at the ball, unless you want to finish what we started?"

Rei was trying to regain control of her senses, but something about Jedite threw her psychic abilities off. 'Why can't I read him?'

Jedite sensed her confusion and smirked, not willing to give his secret away until after... Bowing, he gave the princess one last soul searing kiss before he left, a hidden promise in the depths of his blue eyes.

Nephrite thought he had died and gone to heaven, reaching for another without thinking. A light tap on his hand, made him pull back, the young princess smiling at him. "You can't expect me to stop with only one!" he protested.

"These are for the ball tonight," she laughed, taking the tray of cookies before Nephrite ate them all. "Here, if you're so hungry, I'll fix you some lunch."

At the mention of food, Nephrite's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree, his muscular frame sitting in a chair. He was impressed at how easily she moved within the large kitchen, knowing every ingredient and how much to use. In minutes his stomach started to growl, demanding to be fed. Makoto looked at him with wide eyes, her mouth hanging open before she remembered to close it. "Sorry," he apologized, a big grin on his face. Could Nephrite help it if he forgot to eat in the past two days?

"Maybe I should I have given you the cookies," she whispered.

"Really, I can have them?" Nephrite was already heading for the pantry when he found her in front of him, a wooden spoon ready for the strike. "But..."

"It was a figure of speech. Touch those cookies and you'll be heading to the medical room."

"I'm hungry!" he whined, hoping to pray on her feminine instincts. Makoto was having a difficult time remaining firm, hating to see anyone needing food. "How can I fight a war if I'm too weak from starvation?"

Makoto's brown eyes softened, her lethal spoon lowering. That was all the opening he needed, Nephrite taking it away and running around the kitchen as she chased him. "Give that back!"

Grabbing a bag of flour, she tossed it, finding her target with ease. Nephrite yelped, trying to shake the white powder from his red hair. As the cloud cleared, Makoto covered her mouth, trying without success not to laugh. "You're as bad as Jedite," Nephrite growled, launching himself over the counter. Makoto shrieked, trying to avoid being captured, but he was quicker.

She scissored his feet, but Nephrite countered her move while still on the ground. If it was one thing Makoto couldn't pass up, it was a good fight. Nephrite saw the spark of fire in her eyes, catching her fists before they landed against his chest. "Unless you like it rough," he taunted, his voice a low whisper, "Don't play with the big boys."

"Rough is my favorite style," she snarled back, meeting his gaze. Makoto was used to the opposite sex backing down because she was a girl; Nephrite apparently wasn't of the same mind set.

"I play for keeps, little princess." What did he mean by that? Food forgotten, Makoto accepted the challenge, throwing her head forward. With skilled practice and years on the battle field, Nephrite easily dodged the attack, yanking her foot and flipping her over. "Let's make a wager. If I win, I get the cookies and a kiss from the looser."

"You're not getting my cookies!" Makoto threw out her foot, surprised to see it connect and toss him through the table. She rolled to her feet, finding that Nephrite had done the same. Most men would have called off by now, but Nephrite was far from finished and through playing around. If she wanted a fight, he wasn't about to disappoint her.

Nephrite was aware the people of Jupiter were strong warriors, females included. He had always wanted to fight one, and wasn't about to argue because she was a woman. "If you win, I'll go without another meal."

"But..." Makoto knew the man was hungry, forgetting for a second too long that she was supposed to be fighting him. She barely had time to block his fist, unaware of the other arm coming around to snag her waist. Whirling her around, he laughed at her attempts to break free, her sharp nails digging into his wrist.

"You're a little hell cat."

"Dammit, let go and fight!"

"Fighting isn't always fair." Nephrite was shocked at her strength, Makoto almost pulling free. Strangely, he found himself liking their little game, the princess growling in rage. She hated loosing, and this would be the first time to a man other than Endymion or Saturn.

Twisting her entire body, Makoto finally managed to loosen his grip, but Nephrite shoved her against the counter and readjusted his body until she was pinned. Grabbing each hand separately, he placed them on the counter, weaving their fingers together and held them down.

"Sorry little princess, but I never did play fair."

Makoto knew it was pointless to continue, and slowly started to relax. There was flower all over her dress and face, "I'm not giving you my cookies."

"Then you'll have to distract me until lunch is ready," he whispered.

Releasing her hands, Nephrite turned Makoto around and grabbed her hips, lifting her to the counter. "Stay," he commanded, moving towards the door to lock it. Makoto wondered if she should try and run, but Nephrite was already back before she could make up her mind. Her hair was a fallen wave of curls, brown bangs hiding her eyes. Gently he brushed them aside, tucking a strand behind her ear. "Perhaps I'll fight you in the training room next time?" he promised, his lips a breath away from her own.

"The food?" she weakly protested.

"I'll eat it." Suddenly food was the last thing on his mind. A hand cupped the back of her neck, pulling her to meet his starving hunger. He couldn't remember the last time he had been with a woman, apparently long enough when he felt like he would drown and still not get enough.

Makoto started to push him away, but couldn't when her stomach was doing little flips. Her fingers clutched at his black uniform, shocked at how easily she responded. She had hated the men trying to court her in the past, but Nephrite was the not the type to treat her like a porcelain doll or an inferior. Makoto still couldn't believe that he had won; did it really matter that he had held back.

Nephrite, if he had wanted, could have easily hurt her. She could feel that as an arm curved around her back and pulled her against a strong chest, forcing her to wrap her legs around his waist. Makoto would have willingly done anything he wanted, but the smell of a burning pot broke them from their daze, the princess shrieking in horror as she tried to save what was left of lunch.

With a heavy sigh, she gave Nephrite the cookies, devastated that her meal had been destroyed. Not liking the tears that threatened to fall, Nephrite refused to touch them, moving to the pantries to help her clean up the mess and start again. She stared at him in shock, watching him chop up the vegetables and throw them in a fresh pot. "You can cook," she whispered.

He gave her a sneaky smile, handing her some cheese to shred. "Is it anymore shocking than a princess cooking?"

"I love to cook," she replied defensively.

"I'm not disagreeing, Makoto. All I'm saying is that rarely do I find a Princess that isn't helpless. Women on Earth are far too dependent on their men, especially pampered ones. They can't do a thing without their servants and the idea of getting their hands dirty is unheard of."

Nephrite continued to tell her his life on Earth, impressing Makoto as he made fresh pasta from the flour that was still useable. "Endymion and the others respect the fact that I can cook. We're always on the road, and rarely have time to stop in a village for food. They hunt and clean the food, I cook it."

"You'd be surprised at how good warm blood can make a steamed rabbit." Makoto paled, and he simply smiled. "We're soldiers, and did what was necessary to survive. The five of us have been like brothers, each of us coming from destroyed kingdoms."

"You're a prince?" Makoto gasped.

"Few know of our lineage, and we love it in Elysion. Terra and Stephon took us in as if we were their own sons."

Makoto added in the seasoning, wanting the food as bad as Nephrite. It was rare for Makoto to like someone else's food unless she prepared it herself, but Nephrite knew what he was doing. Preparing and eating lunch, the time quickly passed before they both realized that they had barely an hour to prepare for the ball.

Standing up, Makoto cleared away the dishes and headed for the door. As she was walking towards her room, a gentle tug pulled her back. "Will you do the honor of allowing myself to escort you to tonight's ball?"

Makoto blushed, nodding before Nephrite released and watched her disappear. He had so little time left to enjoy, that this one moment of happiness would be cherished forever into his memories.

Endymion ran a hand through his ruffled hair, his gaze drifting towards the object in the sky. He wanted to go back, but his obligation to Elysion and Earth held him firm. Endymion knew his friends and Serenity would follow eventually, and hopefully he would have a plan to destroy the enemy before it was too late. Upon arriving home, he was able to forget his loneliness, throwing himself into the work that had stacked up.

There were reports of strange creatures killing or possessing humans. As promised, Helios had joined him a few hours after he had landed on Earth, the sun Pegasus finding the people in his city already under the influence of the Negaverse. Endymion hated the death he was forced to sentence on once good people, but he couldn't afford to loose those that were still loyal to him.

Only one percent of the Earth still remained before the Negaverse took complete control, leaving Endymion sitting alone in a room, surrounded in darkness. His head was in his hands, tears shining brightly in his eyes. Everything he had worked so hard for, it had all meant nothing. Endymion knew he had to remain strong, but how could he when he watched the people he had known all his life, be carried back lifeless or possessed?

"Your highness?" A messenger walked into the library and bowed, "Princess Beryl is here to see you from the northern kingdom."

Endymion snarled, but immediately calmed when he saw how edgy the servant was. "Send her in," he commanded softly. The northern kingdom was one of the first to fall to the negaverse and he had nothing good to say or smile about when the red haired princess entered his throne room. She wore an ugly purple dress, showing way more cleavage than he cared to see. "Your highness?"

Beryl curtsied, bending too far forward. Endymion bit back a vicious snarl, sparks of hatred in his expression. She seemed not to notice as she smiled at him with jagged and rotten teeth. "Your highness, I've come to double the offer of my proposal."

"Beryl, I may be outnumbered, but I am not a coward or traitor to the people of Elysion. You and I will never be, so forget an alliance and leave. Money means nothing to me; I have more than I'll ever need or want. And for your information, I already have a wife."

"What?" She screamed in fury. "You wouldn't have dared! No one's even seen you with a woman."

"My marriage was witnessed by the very Gods of Olympus themselves! Beryl, I grow weary of this same conversation. Why would I want something so cheap and used? My title and power will never be yours."

"You'll regret this, Endymion!" She shrieked, fleeing from his throne room and into the night.

"Helios!" Endymion called, the golden animal appearing before him. Shimmering, he became a young man, almost appearing to be of about sixteen or seventeen. "Keep your ears and eyes open. If there are people loyal to Beryl, I want them thrown out of Elysion."

"Hai, your majesty. Endymion, the evil runs deep within your planet. Earth cannot be saved," Helios told him.

"I know," Endymion agreed, heading for his balcony. "I made a promise a long time ago, Helios. As long as I'm still able to fight, I will not stop until the negaverse or myself is dead on the battlefield."

Left alone in the silence of the night, Endymion covered his eyes and leaned back against the wall. "God Serenity, give me strength. What is one man to do against so many? If you only knew how much I need you with me."

The cool breeze brushed back his hair, the moon flickering in response to his despair. It was strange, but the golden crystal even seemed to be depressed without her near. Unaware, a shadow hovered in the shadows, smiling evilly. Silently, it withdrew, reporting back to the cloaked figure at the edge of Elysion forest. "He calls for a Serenity," it hissed. "She is the one you speak of, your path to obtaining the final victory over Earth."

The woman hissed in cold rage; "It wasn't enough he ignored the women of Earth, but he chose that Lunarian trash! She knows nothing of true power or how to rule a kingdom!"

"What is your command?"

"Find and kill her!"

Fading away, the woman threw back the hood of her cape and called upon the darkness around her. "Please, I need more power!"

"You will have your power, but it will come at a price," a voice hissed. Beryl was terrified, feeling the hatred of the creature rising before her.

"What are you, Satan?" Beryl whimpered in terror.

The feminine voice cackled. "I'm not my idiot brother, I am Metallia, ruler of the underworld and death." Beryl backed up, no longer wanting the power she had demanded. Turning to flee, she ran into a wall of shadows that held her before the entity.

Beryl screamed, feeling her body being ripped apart as Metallia entered her body. For several hours, people heard the agonized cries of a soul being destroyed and reconverted. When the princess awoke, any kindness that might have remained, had been driven from her heart, leaving nothing but cold hatred and darkness.

Everyone was clearly enjoying the ball, Serenity standing in the gardens as the music played in the background. All her friends were happily dancing with Endymion's personal guards. Serenity was happy for them, wanting them to enjoy what happiness they could. The end was so close. Soon she would be joining her husband on Earth. She hadn't told her father of the marriage on Olympus, and decided that it would remain a secret unless they somehow survived the inevitable war.

The Earth pulled to her, having the one thing she wanted close to her at nights. She could remember the nights on Olympus, his protective arms wrapped around her as they slept. Those had been the best moments of her life, and she hoped to never forget them.

Her gaze fixed on the Earth, Serenity watched in horror as a flash of darkness engulfed the planet and space around it. "What happened?" Nephrite, getting a drink for Makoto and himself, heard her cry and joined her on edge of the garden.

"Serenity," he asked. Nephrite liked this girl, so different than when they had first arrived several days ago. "What's wrong?"

The darkness was complete, Serenity instinctively reaching for the General's black shirt. "Nephrite!" she whimpered, terror in her voice. "Oh god, it's happening!"

Setting aside his glasses, Nephrite grabbed her shoulders and gently shook her. "Dammit, Serenity, what happened?"

"Earth, it's been completely possessed!"

Nephrite jerked his head to the Earth, growing deathly pale. "It was blue a few hours ago!" He didn't want to leave her alone, but Nephrite couldn't ignore what was happening to his planet.

"Go!" She commanded, shoving him towards the door. "Endymion is there!"

A shadow separated from the darkness of the building, reaching for the frightened Lunarian. "She is the one," it hissed. "Destroy and take her soul."

Serenity screamed, feeling razor sharp claws rip her shoulder. Turning around, she was faced with the ugliest creature she had ever seen, large rows of teeth in its mouth and 5 inch nails dripping with her Lunarian blood. 'Endymion!'

Queen Mercury, Mars, Venus and Jupiter were visiting Selinity when their crystals suddenly flared to life, blinded by the angry color of the Silver one. Mercury's was an ice blue, Mars a fiery red, Venus an orange and Jupiter a deep green.

"What's wrong?"

"I don't know; they haven't acted like this since the silver crystal thought Selinity was in danger."

The silver crystal was furious and Selinity paled, "Serenity, we have to find her! I don't know why or how, but the crystal has always responded to her moods and pain."

Stephon, after recovering from his shock, ordered his generals to find her. Nephrite suddenly regretted leaving the princess alone, but when he made it to the gardens, he was cut off by several monsters that kept them busy.

Serenity was unconscious, her body pinned as the creature continued to slash at her face and back. Rei, smacking Jedite's hand away from her rear, jerked, her eyes flying towards the open terrace. "What's wrong?" Jedite asked, all serious and drawing his sword.

"Serenity, she's dying!"

Her friends seemed to have similar reactions, all racing towards the gardens. Rei didn't even hesitate, flinging her body at the closest monster. "Look out!" Makoto shouted, unable to reach her friend before a tail pierced the fire maiden's stomach.

"Rei!"

Crying, Makoto picked the creature up, a green symbol blazing brightly on her forehead. "I'll kill you for this!"

The other Generals joined her, hacking at limbs and bodies. Jedite was protectively standing over Reid's body, tears streaming down his face. Lunaria was supposed to be safe from the negaverse!

The monster roared in rage and pain when it flew into one if its companions. Ami ran over to Serenity, covering her mouth in horror. "Serenity, why?"

Filled with an icy calm, Princess Ami stood and glared at the youmas attacking her friends. Blue on her forehead, "Spread out and keep them off your backs," Minako commanded, her eyes snapping with murderous outrage.

No longer concerned about the three generals, all attacks were directed at the three remaining girls protecting their princess, the mothers unable to do anything but watch in sickening fear.

When Selinity lost all hope that they could save their daughters, the crystals of the inner planets entered the girls' bodies, healing Rei.

"Mars Power!"

"Mercury Power!"

"Jupiter Power!"

"Venus Power!"

Red flames, blue ice, green lightning and orange stars surrounded the four women, changing their long dresses into white uniforms that matched the planets' colors. Tiaras appeared on their foreheads and white gloves on their hands. When the transformation was finished, everyone stared in open mouthed astonishment.

"Take these freaks out!" Venus shouted.

"Mars Fire Ignite!"

"Jupiter Supreme Thunder Strike!"

"Mercury Blast!"

"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!"

The monster, not expecting any resistance, quickly vanished under the assaults of the planetary power. Kneeling down beside Princess Serenity, Sailor Venus wiped the tear from her eyes. "She's dying..."

"No!"

Crying in unison, "Some please save her!"

Saturn shook in rage and grief, sank down beside his daughter. "Apollo!" he roared, the very stars shaking at his echoing call.