Author’s Note: I know I’ve taken my sweet time with adding the next chapter to this story, but here it is and I do apologize for the delay. I hope you guys enjoy what I have.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon, but I do take ownership for the concepts and ideas that went into the making of this story.

She dreamt of him that night.

It had been years since she had dreamt of him, had seen him haunting her dreams with the exceptionally, brutally handsome face he’d always had. In the first months after his death she had been unable to help the visions that came to her, some memories of the times they had shared, others of the future she had hoped for them to have. But after months of constant heartache and pain, she had sworn to herself she would no longer remain in the past, therefore entrapping her heart to grow bitter and devoid of all emotion.

But this dream was different then any of the others had ever been. This was no memory, no hope for the future, but almost a direct vision to her, showing her what could be in this present time.

He was still as savagely handsome as she remembered, the eyes a glittering blue reflected off the waters of a planet she didn’t recognize. She sensed something different in him here, sensed an emptiness that had not been there before. She felt emotions spiraling through him, felt bitter rage and fury, suspicions and lust, envy and a loathing so strong she was amazed at it.

His surroundings seemed to be a blur to her, an image she strained to see, but was unable to through the thick curtain of fog veiling her dreams. She only had a quick glimpse of an ocean, dark and powerful, of him standing alone staring up at the moon, his hands tucked deeply into the pockets of his trousers. His hair was longer then she remembered, wild and unruly, nearly reaching his shoulders, his eyes blazing beneath the moon’s soft glow. His jaw was tensed, clenched almost brutally, his body held rigid with a restraint she recognized as anger.

She imagined her dreams showed her what he would have looked like if he had lived, what he would have appeared as in this present time. The sight of him, so familiar, yet not, sent a fierce wave of sorrow piercing through her heart. She accepted that even after four years it could still hurt her to remember and wish. It could still cause her pain and heartache.

The next instant she was shocked when he suddenly let out a distinctive roar, bellowing to the gleaming moon above, the rage he had been withholding pouring forth in one moment. His head was thrown back, his fists clenched tightly at his sides, the muscles in his neck straining at the force of his shout.

It was then she felt it, the slap of warning, the distinct rage of another coursing through her mind to ripple like silent waves along her body. It was his fury she felt, and the whisper of his deep baritone snarling inside her heart.

You are mine, now and forever…….soon you will remember this……..

Filled with terror and gasping for breath, Selene shot out of bed, clutching her racing heart, her chest heaving in her desperation. The silk sheets of the coverlet fell from her naked chest, her hands digging fiercely into the bed sheets.

Her eyes snapped to the open balcony doors, sought and locked onto her home planet, the moon. She saw the almost eerie glow it cast, shadows sliding beneath its presence. Casting one quick glance at her slumbering husband, Selenity slid carefully from the bed, wrapped herself in her robes, and walked outside.

The night was cool, a welcoming breeze whispering over her warm skin and easing her racing heart. Coming to a stop at the stone railing of the balcony, she brought her hands up and rested them there, studying the moon and distance beacons of other planets blinking across the vast skies.

It worried her, to have dreamt of him so vividly, but more importantly on her wedding night. This was the first night she and Ares had spent together as man and wife, and after falling into a deep sleep from his arduous love making, she had dreamt of his brother, her first love.

She wouldn’t worry over it. She wouldn’t consider what this could mean. She was a married woman now, was in love with Ares. He was the man she was with, he was the only man she would ever be with again.

With a heavy sigh, she turned and walked back into the room, going to her side of their bed, removing her robe, and settling back. Once she had relaxed back into place, she felt Ares shift beside her, felt him move slightly and was not at all surprised when his large frame roused to roll and blanket hers. Smiling and running her hands along his powerful arms, she closed her eyes in pure ecstasy as his lips descended to a taut nipple and began gently sucking.

His mouth was hot and moist, suckling her patiently, his tongue toying with the nipple in his mouth. Groaning and arching her back, she opened for him and welcomed him when he slid smoothly inside of her.

He moved against her slowly, thrusting back and forth, the muscles of his back and arms straining with the need to plunge. She saw his head lift from her breast, saw his eyes slide up from them to her own, and watched him as he stared down at her. His hips continued to move with deliberate slowness, the blue of his eyes turning a sudden fierce black. Dropping back to her other breast, he took her peak into his mouth once again and suckled her inside.

She shifted restlessly beneath him, wound her thighs about his plunging hips, shuddering with pleasure when one of his hands cupped her free breast and flicked the nipple, squeezing and molding her to fit into his palm.

It seemed to last an eternity, the erotic feel of his hands and mouth, of his body straining into hers. When the rush took over them both she floated on it, seemed to drift away and dreamily took moments to come back to herself.

When she finally did he was gazing down at her, one of his hands cupping her cheek, the other still holding possessively to her breast. The immense love she saw there melted her own heart, a sigh escaping when he bent and kissed her deeply.

”I love you Selene.” He whispered this to her, nuzzling her neck and curling his massive frame about her smaller one.

She held him to her, stroking his dark hair in the aftermath of their love. “I love you too Ares.” And she did. She could feel her love for him warming her insides and shining through her to him.

She felt his body relax against her, felt his breathing calm and even out after some time. She suspected he had fallen asleep, until she felt one of his hands slide along her flat belly. “Do you think we’ve made a child?” his tone was quiet, almost reverent as he stroked her smooth stomach.

She smiled, laying one of her hands over his. “I don’t know. Would you like a baby?”

”Only with you.” He let his palm rest there, one of his thighs wrapping about her own and drawing her more firmly to him. “I would protect you both with my life.”

”I know you would Ares.”

She grew drowsy, her eyes heavy and drooping after a time, her arms holding him comfortably to her. He was nuzzling her breast, one hand holding her close, the other remaining at her belly, moving in a soothing caress. Feeling sleep beckoning to her, she slid away from him and into the mists that were her dreams.

And saw him again, except this time he was coming for her.

The next morning she awoke around noon, Ares already gone from their bed. Forcing her pleasantly sore body to rise, she washed and dressed, coming down the stairs in search of her senshi.

She found them in the gardens, Mina and Raye sparring furiously against one another, Lita relaxing in the shade of the tress, Amy sitting next to her reading a book. The moment she stepped into the gardens they all turned to her, and she was a little taken back by the mingle of curiosity and concern etched into each of their beautiful faces.

She realized then, quite suddenly, that each of them had a simple, but strong mind shield up, blocking each of their thoughts from being read. Normally they were able to push into one another’s minds, but this block prevented Selene from being able to see what they could be hiding from her.

She didn’t want to push the subject, as her marriage to Ares had only just taken place and the protest it had issued among them wouldn’t do well in the present situation. Deciding she would press the matter later, she smoothed her gown and went forward to greet them.

”Good morning.” Her voice was pleasant, her smile soft and radiant. All of them noted at once the slight shadows darkening her ivory complexion, showing she’d had a restless night. “I’m sorry I woke so late.”

”We suspected you would.” Mina spoke dryly, still panting from her sparring with Raye. She wiped the sweat trickling from her brow. “And you’re husband?”

”I suppose he left to see to other matters.” She couldn’t quite prevent the sadness from tainting her voice. It was only the second day of their marriage and already he had disappeared.

”Shouldn’t a new husband remain with his wife so soon after their marriage?” Raye spoke casually, but the intention of her words was clear.

”I’m sure the King had pressing matters to attend too.” Amy quickly interjected, shooting both Mina and Raye hostile glares. “Did you sleep well, Selene?”

The question brought back the memory of her dreams, and she realized she needed to speak with someone over them. The guilt at dreaming of her husband’s brother was twisting her insides painfully. “I slept fine. Amy, Lita, would you care to walk with me through the gardens?”

”Of course, Selene.” Lita and Amy both rose, walking to her and following her as she led them away from the other indifferent senshi, who promptly continued their sparring.

She led them as far as she could from Mina and Raye, making sure to keep one eye trained on them when she stopped to face them. “My dreams were restless.” She stated this simply, not bothering to circle the issue.

Amy frowned. “Why is that?”

”I’m not sure.” She met both their concerned gazes. “I dreamt of Endymion last night.”

Lita relaxed visibly, but Amy’s stare grew more intense. “What did you see?”

”I saw him as clearly as I see you two now. I saw him as he would have been if he had lived.” Her eyes grew clouded with sorrow. “I saw him and felt my heart break once again.”

Lita placed a supportive arm about Selene’s shoulders. “It’s normal to feel this way. You’ve only just married, and to you’re ex-finance’s brother. It’s natural to feel this guilt and-“

”It’s not guilt!” Selene spoke fiercely, but subsided at Lita’s wide eyed stare. “Well, I don’t think it is. It’s more then that. The dream seemed so real, so vivid. As if I truly was seeing him!”

Lita shook her head. “No Selene, Endymion is dead. He’s been dead for four years.”

”But there was no body.” Amy reminded her, her brow creasing in a deep frown. “There wasn’t even a sign of the space craft he took. No remains, no wreckage. We never knew if he truly did die, or if he simply………well, disappeared.”

”Amy, you never spoke to me of this.” Selene reached out and gripped her hands, holding tight. “Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

”Because you knew. Everyone knew about it, it was just something that was never fully looked into or considered.”

”No.” Lita cut in sharply. “No, we searched for months, both the earth and the moon and nothing was ever found. Eight months Amy, and nothing was found. He’s dead. Don’t give Selene these false hopes.”

”I don’t mean to give her false hopes, but the possibilities are there.” Amy insisted, calm despite the fury taking over Lita’s features. “What if her dreams are giving her warnings of what could be coming?” suddenly enlightened, Amy turned back to Selene. “What did you feel in this dream? Did he speak?”

”I felt his anger, his rage.” Selene gazed at the distant shadow of the moon, remembering how he had been watching the skies. “So much fury, it frightened me. He was different then how he had once been. I felt this void inside of him, this emptiness, yet also a desire for something he gave up, something he lost.” She turned and met Amy’s eyes. “And he said he would be coming……..for me.”

Amy studied her queen’s troubled eyes, and saw both fear and hope. “And what does you’re heart tell you?”

Selene frowned, recalled the dream, and felt her heart constrict. “I can’t be sure.”

Just as Lita was opening her mouth to respond, the sound of the King’s arrival came to them and they all turned to watched Ares stride into the gardens followed by his Generals. He stopped for a split second, quickly scanned his surroundings, spotted his wife and made his way over to her.

”We must keep this between ourselves.” Selene spoke desperately, not willing to allow her husband to hear of her dreams. She refused to let him know and be hurt by it. “Ares must not know.”

”I agree.” Amy nodded, Lita reluctantly complying. The two women took single steps back as Ares crossed the distance and came to his wife.

”I thought you would have slept longer.” His dark eyes skimmed over the senshi in distrust, the dislike he held for them evident. “Did one of you wake her?” he shot the question at them, his tone edged with quiet fury.

Amy and Lita met his rage calmly, Amy quietly replying, “She only just awoke moments ago, your majesty. We wouldn’t intrude on her rest the following day of her wedding.”

Selene was a little taken back at the words Amy had delivered with the most calm, but also the most precision in hitting their target. She had deliberately pointed out he had left his wife on the morning of their first day as man and wife.

Ares’ dark eyes went carefully blank, all emotion wiped from his features. His gaze cut over Amy in a quick accession, one hand suddenly reaching out and drawing his wife firmly to him.

”I wish to speak with the Queen alone.” His declaration was delivered in a tone as hard as steel, his eyes sweeping from the two senshi before him to the other two who had halted their sparring to now approach the group. “Malachite, escort these women from my gardens.” He felt Selene stiffen beside him, but tightened his grip in a warning to remain silent.

Malachite nodded and turned to the four women, his eyes drinking in the glorious sight of Mina, still panting and sweating from her fight. “Come, follow me please.”

Mina and Raye looked as if they would protest, but Amy and Lita gripped them both by the arms and dragged them from the silent couple.

Selene didn’t know what too feel. The dislike Ares felt for her senshi was obvious, and an emotion she would prefer he didn’t feel. The fact that none of them trusted one another was unbearable for her, and she realized suddenly that the warring emotions would eventually split her in two.

But she then remembered Raye’s words to her earlier, and Amy’s as well. Why had Ares left her on the morning of their first day together? What could have been important enough for him to do such a thing?

Twisting out of his hold, she paced away from him to the outer edge’s of the garden, rubbing her arms against the sudden blast of chilly air. “Ares, where did you go this morning?” she made sure to ask the question calmly.

He approached her, touched her arm in a gentle caress, and clenched his teeth when she drew slightly away. “Have your senshi been filling you’re head with lies?”

She whirled to face him. “My senshi have pointed out what a love sick wife was too blind to even see.”

He felt rage at her interfering guardians pulsing through him, but pushed the anger aside and focused on his wife instead. Her face was pale, her eyes wide and fixed on him, but he saw beyond the anger, and saw finally hurt. She felt he had abandoned her, felt he had taken what the body desire’s and deserted her to return to his planet.

The love, the immense love he felt for her, poured forth and calmed the deep fury boiling through him. Stepping forward, he drew her into the warmth of his body, wrapping his arms tightly about her.

”I apologize for the pain I caused you, little one, but I had……..pressing matters to attend too.” He couldn’t tell her, just yet, the rise of power he had discovered, and the threat of war that could be coming swiftly to them. “Please accept my apology and know that I would never have left you alone unless the matter was of the utmost importance.”

She couldn’t remain angry with him. Clinging to him, she burrowed closer to his warmth, her cheek pressed to his chest. “You hurt me.” The confession came out in a soft whisper.

He bent his dark head over hers, brushing a gentle kiss over her silvery hair. “I’m sorry. I love you, you know that.” He kissed her temple, her cheeks, nuzzling her neck. “You mean everything to me.”

”Yes, I do know.” She angled her neck, giving him better access as he skimmed his lips over her tingling flesh. “Ares, I want to ask you something.”

He pulled back to look down on her, studying her suddenly grave expression. “What is it?”

”What is it you don’t like about my senshi?” she blurted it out before she could lose the confidence to ask.

He remained silent, making sure his expression remained carefully neutral. He couldn’t tell her he saw them as nuisances, as threats to their union. He was well aware they had protested her joining with him, well aware they wished to take her from him at the first opportunity. He would never allow such a thing, but just the threat of them so nearby sent a fierce rage coursing through him.

He stroked his hands along her arms, soothing her fears with his touch. “I have nothing against you’re senshi. They are excellent warriors and I actually feel I owe them for protecting you these many years before you came to me.”

She studied him carefully, unsure. “Then why is it I feel such a hatred for them coming from you?”

He would have to remember she was no ordinary woman, that she was the Queen of the Moon and had her own power. “It is not hatred, merely jealousy.” It wasn’t a lie. He was a possessive man, and he didn’t wish to share her with anyone, even her senshi. “Just the sight of you laughing with others makes me angry with jealousy.”

Selene chewed on her bottom lip, worried. She knew he was a jealous man, but jealousy could easily lead to much stronger emotions and actions. “I can’t help my relationship with them Ares.”

He immediately enveloped her into his arms, stroking her back and kissing her gently. “It isn’t you’re fault. It’s my own. What I feel is something I will have to work on, not you. Never believe for one moment that my anger is you’re fault.”

She glanced up at him, and relaxed when she saw the tender love in his eyes. Smiling, she hugged him close. “I do love you.”

He felt his heart swell at her words, as it always did. He would never deserve her, but always fight fiercely to keep her at his side. “I know you do.” His hand came up and cupped her cheek, his thumb feathering beneath her eye at the shadows there. “Perhaps you should take a nap. You’re still tired.”

She had to admit that she was. Ares had exhausted her the night before, carrying her body to the ultimate heights of passion, loving her well into the night and the next morning.

She leaned into him, allowed him to lead her from the gardens back toward their rooms. “It’s sweet of you to worry for me Ares.”

”And what else could I do? You’re safety and happiness mean more to me then anything else does.” He took her into the coolness of their rooms, leading her to the bed and placing her down upon it. “Now I want you to rest for another hour. I’ll make sure to not let anyone disturb you.”

She reached out and took his hand tightly in hers, smiling at him. “Will you be here when I awaken?” her eyes were growing weary, drooping with sleep.

He bent and kissed her gently. “I’ll always remain with you Selene, no matter where you go.”

Sighing softly, she drifted into a deep sleep with her hand held securely in his.

He watched her for a time, brushing a silvery strand of hair back from her cheek, skimming his hand along the softness of her body. She was the most exquisite thing that had ever belonged solely to him, and he would cherish and protect her for the rest of his life.

He recalled that morning briefly, the surge of power that had engulfed him, the strength of the hatred that had come with it. He had never felt such strong powers from anything, had never thought to feel a threat such as this one coming to them. Why had he been unable to detect it? Why had he been unable to see ahead of time what could be coming to them?

He sighed deeply, and gently ran his thumb along Selene’s smooth cheek. In sleep she suddenly moaned, twisting away from his touch onto her side. He suspected she was tired and wished merely for rest and no contact. Bending to brush one tender kiss across her forehead, he rose and left her to sleep.

He stalked down the vast halls of his palace, toward the battlements where he knew Malachite had escorted her senshi too. Emerging from the cool shade of the palace and into the warm glow of the earth’s sun, he found the group of warriors standing some feet away from one another, eyeing each other tensely.

When Raye and Mina spotted him they straightened, Lita and Amy remaining still and calm. He strode to them and faced them, not needing to turn to know his four Generals had followed and stood just behind him.

”It’s time I told each of you how things will be here.” He spoke harshly, his tone as sharp as the edge of a blade. “This is my planet, my home. Selene is my wife now, and belongs solely to me. She will not be needing any of you any longer.”

He watched the impact of his words, watched Mina and Raye’s expression’s darken with fury, Lita and Amy both glancing quickly at one another. He sensed the shock of his own Generals, but would not relent. This was his decision and he would see it followed through.

”And how does Selene feel about this?” Mina asked it carefully, already poised for attack against him.

His gaze cut over to her, and she felt the direct impact of those cold, bleak eyes. “She will agree with my wish’s.”

”Oh she will, will she?” Raye whispered furiously. “You’re not even planning on telling her, just on kicking us out of here before she realizes what’s going on.”

”She will see the sense in my decision.” He stared at them another moment, then spoke with utter command. “Malachite, escort them to the waiting shuttle I had prepared for their departure. And do not return until they are off of my planet.”

”You can’t do this!” Amy gasped, watching with horror as several soldiers emerged from the palace and surrounded them.

His smile was thin. “Yes, I can.” He watched them form a tight circle, watched them begin their own formation for a retaliation against them. And before any of them understood what could be occurring, he shoved into each of their minds and took immediate control, snatching their own powers from their hands and leaving them with nothing to defend themselves with.

They realized it immediately, the source of their power suddenly dormant, their bodies free of the strength’s that came so naturally to them. “What have you done you bastard?!” Mina shouted it at him, enraged because they had no means of defense now.

”You’re powers will return to you the moment you are off of my planet. If you ever attempt to return with the hopes of taking Selene from me, I will take them again.” He motioned to the soldiers around them, to his own Generals who had stepped before each woman. “Now will you go peacefully?”

Raye and Mina attempted to lunge forward, but were each caught by Malachite and Jedeite. “Bastard! Do you think Selene will live here in a cage, away from her home and us, for long? Do you think she will be able to last for long without the essence that gives her happiness and life?” Raye screamed at him, struggling against Jedeite.

His face darkened, his eyes narrowing. “She will because I will give her everything she needs.” He turned to his Generals. “Take them to the shuttles and make sure they leave my planet.” He turned his back on them.

”This isn’t the last you’ll see of us Ares!” Mina screeched at him. “We will come back, and when we do we’ll take Selene with us!”

His fury mounted, his seething rage rising so quickly and with such force he was unable to stop the force of the attack that was launched from him and toward Mina. But Malachite sensed it and with Mina in his arms, whirled her away from the oncoming blow, taking the blazing heat of it into his back.

His soldiers were clearly horrified, all of them pausing momentarily, each of their eyes staring at him. His Generals turned to Malachite immediately, who grunted at the pain, faltered a moment, but kept his arms tight around Mina.

He couldn’t remain there any longer or else his own actions would take on a life of their own. With one last contemptuous glance at the senshi, he turned and stalked away, disappearing back into the shadowed interior of the palace.

He went up to their rooms, glanced briefly at Selene to make sure she was in a deep sleep, then outside to the balcony in their rooms. He kept his gaze locked to the sight below, watching the women taken against their wills from the palace and vanishing toward the port where the space crafts were kept.

He felt no remorse in his heart, no guilt at having her companions taken from her and forced back to the Moon. He would always eliminate any threats to their marriage without the least bit of concern, and would always fight fiercely to keep her as his.

They had carriages brought to the front of the palace, hoping to give the senshi this convenience before having them taken from the planet. In immense pain, Malachite climbed into the waiting carriage with Mina held securely in his arms. He made sure to watch as the Generals each disappeared inside a carriage with the senshi they held, before closing the doors and allowing them to lurch forward.

Mina had stopped her struggles the moment she had realized that Ares had sent a blast of mortal peril meant for her, but Malachite had taken it. Confused with what to say or do, she remained silent for long moments, until she felt Malachite’s arms tense against her.

”Let me see.” She whispered, breaking out of his arms to sit back and force him to lean forward and show her the wound.

”I didn’t know you cared.” He said quietly, but obeyed, sighing when the burden of having to lean back with her in his arms eased the searing pain.

She saw the wound, ugly and raw, leaving a large portion of his back burned and scorched. Ares had done this. Ares had the power to do much more should he try. The horror that she was leaving her queen to such a man was more then she could bear.

In silence, she covered her face with her hands, the sorrow and terror of what was occurring finally hitting her full force. Ares was having them thrown from his planet, and with them gone Selene would have no one left with her to protect her from such a man. But what could they do? Even now she knew she was powerless to retaliate against him. He had taken each of their powers from them.

Malachite studied her as she remained away from him, her beautiful face covered. He knew she wasn’t weeping. She wasn’t a woman to weep or throw fits of tantrums like most he had known. The emotions that would come from her at a time like this would be guilt, fear, fury, and revenge. He knew because it was exactly how he would be feeling.

Favoring his back, he reached out and touched her hair gently, relieved when she didn’t jerk away from him. He offered the only words he knew to offer. “I’m sorry Mina.”

She wanted to throw his hand off, wanted to shrug the understanding she heard in his voice away, but couldn’t. He was her last hope at a time like this, until she was able to contact the senshi of the outer system and tell them what had happened to their queen.

She lifted her eyes to his, met his gaze, and realized she wouldn’t be seeing him anymore for some time. She didn’t know how long it would take them to be able to return to save Selene, she didn’t know how long it would take for them to find the other senshi. Her life seemed to be rapidly falling apart around her.

Pride and need warred against one another, until she finally launched herself into his arms, where he enveloped her close, his lips meeting hers in a kiss of desperate pain that she would be taken from him so soon after finding her.

”I can’t.” he spoke quietly, his mouth roving impatiently over her face, his arms holding her so tight she could barely breath. “I can’t let you go.”

”You don’t have the power to go against him.” She clung to him, and felt her heart waver with sorrow at the touch of the raw wounds on his back. “You have to promise me something.”

His face was buried against her neck, his eyes tightly shut. “Anything.” He knew they were drawing closer to the port, and knew that soon she would be gone.

”You must protect Selene for me.” She skimmed her lips over his cheek, running her hands soothingly down his back. “I won’t be here to see to her and she won’t understand as easily as Ares believes. Please promise me you’ll look out for her.”

He was Ares’ head General, commander to the armies of the earth, his allegiance sworn to his sovereign. A request such as this was one he would never make, would never comply too. But even he knew that love had never been a part of his life before, and that in losing Mina, many things would change.

Lifting his head, he covered her mouth with his, sinking into her for a moment before drawing back to whisper, “I swear to you that I will protect her with my life.”

She hadn’t wept when she had been torn from her queen, hadn’t wept when her powers had been snatched from inside of her. But she couldn’t stop the single tear that escaped and traveled silently down her cheek, shimmering in the quiet shade of the carriage.

Malachite was openly stunned. His thumb touched the tear reverently, and his eyes met hers. “You’re crying for me.” His voice was quiet with awe and disbelief.

She managed a smile through the pain flooding her heart. “And it will be the last time.” She told him, allowing herself to be drawn to him, where he held her close even as the carriage came to a quiet halt.

His hold tightened suddenly, his voice desperate. “Let me come with you.” It was madness, it was a betrayal of his king, but he couldn’t let her go. He would turn his back on everything he’d ever held dear if it meant remaining with her.

Despite the temptation of the request, she shook her head firmly. “No. You must remain here and watch my queen. She’ll be alone now and she won’t have anyone until were able to return.” She muffled his protest with her lips, and felt more tears burning at the back of her eyes. Determined to see this through, she tore herself away and emerged from the carriage.

Her senshi were already each waiting at the open shuttle doors, the three Generals standing close to them with heavy looks of remorse and pain. She realized that in a matter of days they had each found the men they were destined to be with, and that in a matter of minutes they would each be losing them already.

She slid her arm around Malachite’s waist, aiding him to walk carefully to the waiting shuttle. His back was burning more with each passing moment, and he knew that if he didn’t have a medical physician look at it soon, it could become mortal.

Mina studied each of her senshi carefully, than nodded once to them before turning back to Malachite. He was gazing at her, his dark eyes filled with pain not merely from the wound to his back.

”We will return.” She spoke clearly to him, not at all concerned if the other Generals heard their exchange. “And when we do, Selene will come with us. I won’t leave her to a man who could attack his own Generals and feel no guilt.”

Malachite held her steady gaze a moment, than nodded abruptly. “I will protect her, I promise you that.” His eyes softened suddenly, his hand coming up to gently cup her cheek. “Now you must promise me you’ll return to me as well, my beautiful warrior.”

The glow that came over Mina’s face was a shock to her senshi, and they watched as she went willingly into Malachite’s tight embrace. “I promise I will come back to you.” She murmured it against his lips, before he silenced them both with his mouth.

Lita forced her from him after some time, and she followed her senshi into the waiting shuttle, turning back once to meet Malachite’s dark gaze. She swore to herself she would return for her queen, and that she would also return to him. No matter what she had to do, no matter how long it took. She would never allow either of them to be taken definitively from her life.

Boarding the shuttle, the doors slid silently shut behind her.

He was touching her, running his hands in a gentle caress over her naked form, his mouth clinging hungrily to her breast. His touch was erotic, forbidden, but she couldn’t bring herself to push him away, to tell him to stop even when she knew she should.

She felt his massive frame crowding hers, felt him pressing intimately against her, and arched her back when his tongue stroked her tender nipples. One of his knees came between her thighs, gently inserting itself to give him access, allowing him to probe at her slick entrance.

For one tense moment she struggled, she protested, but he lifted his head and her eyes met his, the savage desire and fiercely possessive love overshadowing her own denial. In one swift move, he entered her willing body, shoving inside to where she pulsed with life, and she shut her eyes with the excruciating pleasure that coursed through her.

His mouth was once again at her breast, one hand slipping beneath her bottom to lift her to meet his thrusts, his hips frenzied in their taking of her. She welcomed him, welcomed the feel of his powerful body sliding in and out of hers, welcomed the rise of passion that pulsed and throbbed, that drove all rational thought from her.

Her mouth was suckling his rock hard shoulder, her nails digging deeply into his taut back. She could hear his panting breath, could feel it warming her aching breasts, his hips plunging desperately against her. Dimly she saw his savage face rigid with his efforts, the tight muscles of his arms quivering with his powerful thrusts, his large, dominant body completely covering hers. She could see nothing but him, could taste nothing but him, as he enveloped her into a web of carnal lust and deceitful desire’s. He took her with him above the stars, took her with him beyond reason and into madness, and destroyed her with the ruthless force of the orgasm that tore through her.

Her cry of completion was muffled by the muscles of his shoulder, her arms holding him tightly as he shuddered above her, as his broad, powerful back tightened, then strained toward that final obliterating release. She could feel his muscles go taut beneath her wandering hands, could feel his mouth leave her breast to move slowly along her throat, moving lazily against her jaw. His lips were just beside her ear, and she sighed contentedly as her body relaxed in the after math of their mating.

In the silence that followed he spoke, his voice rough and slightly quivering, edged with possessive passion as his heart hammered like a jack rabbit against his ribs. “He diminishes the protection to you even as I show what I will give you. Because of his arrogance and stupidity, the taking of you only becomes more easily accomplished for me.”

Drowsy, drifting in a hazy, erotic fantasy, she turned her head and brushed her lips over his, one of her hands tangled in his dark hair. She sighed softly when he dipped his tongue between her parted lips, when he stroked a rough, callused hand against the inside of her thigh. Opening to him, she felt a shudder tremble through him when his fingers dipped inside her moist offering. “Do you still love me?” she asked it quietly, her hand sifting gently through his dark, wild hair, the other roaming down the taut, sweat dampened muscles of his back.

She felt him stiffen, felt him go utterly still, and waited as the silence ticked by. The only movement was the hand nestled deep inside her body, stroking at a steady rhythm designed to drive her mad. When he spoke at last, his tone had not changed. “You belong to me. You will always belong to me Selene.”

She heard the fury coating his tone, and would have soothed him had his lips not covered hers in a kiss tasting of hunger and raw fury. His hands caged her slim hips between his hands, and she welcomed his hungry mouth even as she welcomed him slipping quietly inside of her.

She awoke to the night, to when the stars swam as brightly as shining beacons overhead, to when the moon glowed like a steady promise above the darkened sky. A small breeze swept through the open balcony doors of her room and she stretched languidly, rested and content.

But almost immediately she felt a strange sense of loss gripping her heart, a wrenching of something that was of absolute importance in her life. Rising quickly, she padded on bare feet to the balcony, and out into the cool, quiet night.

Her eyes surveyed the land surrounding her husbands palace, taking in the sight of the village of people that lived closely by their king. As she studied the shifting shadows before her, she realized her senshi had gone.

Even as she felt the loss, the immense pain to her heart at their leaving of her, her body suddenly tired, fatigue crowding her mind. She was sore, almost everywhere, but the throbbing between her thighs was what horrified her the most.

Her dreams……..dear God……..she remembered them now, remembered them with a vividness that astounded her. They had been real.

Her breasts were sore and pulsing from his suckling mouth, her thighs aching from his endless possession. She still remembered how she had welcomed him, how she had allowed him to take her, how she had begged him for more as he laughed quietly, teasing her expertly with his marauding tongue.

She faltered, her hands reaching forward to grip the stone balcony as she struggled to steady her racing heart. She began to tremble, violently, as the horror of what she had willingly done hit her like a cold slap to the face.

She had given herself to Endymion.

He was alive……..he had been alive all these years. But he was different now, the gentle nature he had once possessed gone. She could remember the anger in him, the fury, and the words he had whispered to her as she struggled to recover from the heights his body had brought to hers.

”He diminishes the protection to you even as I show what I will give you. Because of his arrogance and stupidity, the taking of you only becomes more easily accomplished for me.”

Horribly ashamed, she wrapped her arms tightly about herself, closing her eyes briefly at her betrayal of her husband. In silence she stood, until she felt the ripple of a touch, of a hand gently stroking her hair.

Whirling about, she was met with quiet, with nothingness. Panting with fear, her eyes lingered on the darkening shadows, hoping to find some sign of an intruder and not what she suspected had truly touched her.

She heard it then, faint at first, growing louder and more taunting. It was his laughter, soft and sensuous, sending currents of desire racing through her blood. Even as she attempted to block it out, block him out, she felt his mouth against hers, warm and pressing as if he were truly standing before her, and his hand roughly cupping what he had taken several times in her dreams.

She whimpered, unable to pull away. She felt his whisper slide like cool water over her quivering flesh.

”Close you’re eyes.”

She wanted to disobey, she wanted to tell him no, but found she could not. Her own weakness where he was concerned drowned out any protest, and she found her eyes drifting closed before she realized what was happening.

She saw him then, saw the room he had lured her too, saw the emptiness and bleak existence he lived by. It was a dark place, filled with evil and pain, with sorrow and bitterness. She wondered what could have trapped him in such a place.

He stood before her, and she saw him as she had seen him before. He had matured from boy to man, leaving the gentle youth he’d once had in the past. He represented a warrior now, a leader of men, with the black unruly hair, the dark brows that rested over opaque eyes. His cheekbones were as sharp as a dagger, hollowed out, his jaw roughed by the dark growth of beard. His lips were thinned into a straight line, but as she had assessed had curved slowly, bringing a ruthless smile to his incredibly savage face. She could see that he and Ares had both grown into the physical perfection that most men never met in their lifetimes.

He was dressed in complete black, his broad shoulders taut and defined, his arms rippling with strength and power. He lifted one brow, staring steadily at her. She had no idea how he could possibly bring them together when each of them was so far away from the other.

She spoke into the silence, keeping her voice even and calm. “Endymion.”

He nodded once, taking a step closer to her. She could smell him, enticing and male, tempting her delicate senses. “Selenity.” A dark hand reached up, tangling itself into the masses of silvery hair that cascaded down her back, and jerked her forward to him. “Did you enjoy our mating?”

She met his eyes steadily. “Did you enjoy tricking me into it?”

He threw his head back and let out a rich, appreciative laugh. “I did indeed Selene. I did indeed.”

When he said nothing, merely stared at her, she grew restless. “This can’t be happening. You’re dead.”

He lifted a dark brow. “Am I? Are you so sure?” with the hand still tangled in her hair, he brought the other to the small of her back, pressing her intimately to him. “Tell me if a dead person could do this.” His lips took hers in a kiss that spoke of undeniable passion.

His tongue was in her mouth, his lips bruising and hungry, his body shoving itself into hers. He was much larger then he had once been, much stronger and rougher, but still familiar to her. That familiarity melted her heart, bringing her memories of a sweeter, softer time in her life when her love for him had flooded her heart and soul as nothing ever had.

He tore his mouth away, breathing hard, his eyes filled with fury. “Do you understand betrayal Selenity? Do you understand pain and hatred?” he shook her sharply, shocking a gasp out of her. “No you don’t! You haven’t lived what I’ve had to live!”

”I thought you were dead, Endymion.” She said it quietly, despite the rage pouring from him in waves.

”I was.” He smirked when her eyes met his. “I had nothing inside of me. That is, until my brother and my woman betrayed me yet again.”

She gripped his arms desperately. “We thought you were dead!”

”Ares will wish I had been dead when I’m finished with him!” the smirk shifted to cunning in a matter of seconds. “And you……..you will give yourself to me willingly again. Not in dreams, not by tricks, but by opening yourself and allowing me entrance into your body. I will rip his beloved wife from his side and make her mine.” He cupped her heated center, held her shocked gaze steadily. “I will take the earth and you from him!”

She was wrenched away from him, her eyes snapping open, her hands seeking the balcony and holding tightly to steady herself. He had snapped the connection he’d wrought between them, had shoved her back to where she had been before he’d taken her. Confused, heart racing, she realized she had been with him somewhere else in the universe, but what she had truly felt was his closeness. He was nearing them faster then she had thought possible, with an army meant to destroy the kingdom of earth and any others who threatened what he desired.

His power was nearly overwhelming. She had never thought he could possess such strength, enough to invade her dreams and take her body, enough to bring her to him on a planet she knew was several eons away from them.

She stood silently, deeply ashamed with what she had done. It was then she heard a small sound from behind her, and turned to meet the dark eyes of Ares.

He strode forward slowly, emerging from the shadows, to face her under the moons soft light. He spoke softly. “You’re senshi are gone. They didn’t wish to remain here with you any longer.”

It was yet another blow to her already weakening heart and spirit. She needed them most now, their strength and faith, but they were gone. Struggling to withhold the memories of what she had just lived, she nodded numbly. “I know.”

Surprised this had been an easy task to accomplish, Ares moved to take her into his arms, but was stopped by her lifted hand. “What is it?”

”It’s Endymion, Ares.” She watched a frown crease his brow, watched his eyes sharpen. “He’s alive.”

Last Notes: Another confusing chapter. Well, at this time I want to say that I hope not too many of you were offended that Selene was with not only Ares. I’d always planned for this story to be much different from the usual style of writing I stick too.

Lots of things happened in this chapter, I’m not even sure where to begin! I think the only part I will give a small explanation over is the suspicions that Selene, Ares, and Endymion might be related. I didn’t mention any of that in this chapter, obviously there were several other things to write about, but I do want to say that the subject is definitely not closed. Emma, their mother, is still around and will continue playing a significant role also. But anyway, I won’t say if this is a Selene/Endymion fic, because frankly, I can’t say it at this point. It’s a mystery. =)

I think it’s pretty interesting how both Endymion and Ares are somehow evil. Which one is actually good? Which one does she really belong with? How could Endymion have tricked her into sex, and Ares kicked her senshi off the planet? I’ll let you guys wonder over that.

I’ll try to get the next chapter out without waiting nearly six months again. Please leave me a review with you readers’ opinion of this chapter, I would really like to know what you thought. ~SailorP