Author's Note: Hello readers!

Yes, we've been gone a while. It's the same song and dance. Life gets in the way.

BUT in recompense...

Here comes a Marvel spin!

Disclaimer: We do not own The Avengers or Sailor Moon, nor the Greek gods mentioned and used in this fanfic. We lay claim only to the idea.

Transcend

Chapter Four

By:serena-tsukino66, Shrugs

- MarvelSilver -

The ballroom. So many memories were made here. From youth onward, dancing on a guardian's toes to dancing with eligible suitors, it was the celebrations here that marked their growth.

As ever, the room was arrayed to the nines in finery and splendor, and each planet within the Silver Alliance was represented. It never ceased to amaze how each gathering grew in grandeur, shaming the previous.

"You're still wearing that thing?"

"It's tradition, friend."

"Serena, this is a party. We don't have to wear them here." Mina frowned at her.

The Moon Princess shrugged, her smile concealed by her veil.

Mina and Serena linked arms, the way they had done since childhood, before entering. Where the other princesses had escorts, the two had taken up becoming each other's companion…at least on the way in. This eliminated any squabbles between the young men of their kingdoms over who would accompany them.

"Hmm, I don't see Seiya, Yaten, or Taiki." Serena scanned the crowd, stepping up upon the nearby stair to get a better look.

"Kakyuu is not here either. Figures, I guess. They have the farthest to travel." Taking in the sight, the princess of Venus stopped short.

"Will you look at that." Mina's eyes were trained on one spot. An overview of the dance floor in her particular line of vision revealed the Venusian Queen and Martian King partnered together, moving as lovers would; which many would claim they were.

Most unladylike, Mina pretended to gag. Serena, having followed her gaze, laughed at her friend's reaction.

"Not fond of your future stepfather?" She asked, awaiting possible strangulation; instead, receiving a death glare.

"He will never be my father." Mina replied with unwavering vehemence. Serena's eyebrows shot up, and her face was overtaken by an inquisitive look.

"Who is your father?"

"I don't know," Mina ground out through clenched teeth at such a question, "but with that for a brother I hardly need one." She nodded to her right before rolling her eyes. Sure enough, Big Brother Eros, surrounded by women vying for his attention, was ever aware of his sister's activities - like a hawk.

"I see what you mean." Serena attempted to suppress her laughter. Eros acted like a brother for her, as well, but never to the extent he did for Mina. They were actually blood related, he had no real obligation to act in such a way for her. He was a cunning archer and a distinguished prince. This being said, it should also be noted that the Moon Kingdom and the Venusian Empire were only two of the planetoids whose rule was female dominated. Eros was indeed born first, but Mina, being the first female, would become queen.

Serena turned her gaze to where her mother sat, catching her attention immediately. Smiling, she looked to Mina.

"Into the fray?" She laughed, as if they really had a choice.

"Here we go." Mina giggled in return. No sooner had she uttered those words did a handsome youth from Venus take up Mina's hand in invitation to a dance. Slipping away from her preoccupied friend, Serena glided to her mother's side, gracing the seat beside her.

"You seem in high spirits, Serenity." Queen Serenity looked at her sidelong, a smile on her face as well. Apparently it showed even in the way she walked.

"You know I love these parties. It brings people together." Serena viewed the dance floor, ecstatic at the sight of the Jovian princess dancing with Fandral. She knew Princess Lita very well, and though she'd met the Asgardian warrior only days ago, she'd gleaned from many handmaidens alike that he was lacking in the commitment department. However, Serena believed that if any woman could hold him down it would be Lita - quite literally and figuratively. Although Lita herself had a vague list of past suitors Serena had only heard of - never seen.

While many would ask for her to dance throughout the night, it was customary for her and her mother to greet their guests. It was simpler to stay at the throne and allow them to come their way. However, necessary as it may be, it was not the most exhilarating experience. Thankfully, her mother had amended the rule, and they could both mingle about after a couple of hours of their stationary welcoming.

Nodding in acknowledgment, smiles and waves - forced and genuine; she sat up straight, exactly as a princess should. Yet time was certainly dragging, and forgetting herself, Serena heaved a sigh.

Letting her eyes drop to the floor for a moment in thought, ignoring the drollness of this part of the ball, she brought her hand up to rest on her chest. Her fingers wrapped absentmindedly before closing on air. Frowning momentarily, she was reminded of the loss of her necklace. Glancing at her feet, as if it would suddenly appear before her, she was caught off guard at the pair of shoes that faced her.

Eyes flitting up, blue met green.

"Would you care to dance, my lady?" Loki's charm was of a different sort than his brother's. Rather than built around self-confidence, he chose his speech to match who he was with, attention focused on them but in the way that they wanted.

Perhaps that was where her infatuation with the young prince had come from. While she loved Endymion, there was something in the way that Loki spoke to her as if he understood how she felt and what she wanted from life. She had longed for someone to see who she was beyond the intricate fabric and the kingdom she would inherit.

Before she could consent, a booming voice cut into their conversation as the elder Odinson approached. "Brother! I see you've pulled yourself away from your corner and have finally come to join the party!"

Loki's returning smile was tight-lipped as he turned towards Thor, a moment of silence passing before he answered with a calm, smooth response. "Indeed, your loud boasting was ringing throughout the ballroom, and I couldn't help but come closer so I could hear of your victories once again."

While the words held condescension, Thor's laugh rumbled around them once more, and it was clear to Serena that even with sharp remarks passed between them, this was the common way the brothers jested with each other.

"What are you doing over here, anyway, dear brother? Surely, you have left your flock in waiting to feel the solid mass of your upper arms." Loki said, referring to the group of women still sighing over the golden god.

"Why I had come to rescue our little Moon princess from a dull evening with an invitation to dance." Thor smiled in her direction.

Serena nodded politely toward the hovering prince. "You honor me, but your brother has already rescued me with his own request to dance."

Looking out towards the dancing couples, however, she spotted something disturbing. The one now holding Mina in his arms was Enyalios, an attendant of Ares.

"Though I do have a small request." Serena stood upon her tip toes, still not tall enough to reach the god's ear, causing him to bend down. She whispered her plea over the noise of the room, observing his reaction. She sunk back down, feet flat. "I simply do not like him."

That, Loki heard. He felt the cold stab of jealousy rise within him.

With a nod and a grin, Thor strode off.

Grateful, Serena returned to Loki's side. "Forgive me, there are few people I dislike, and that Martian is one of them."

Loki felt all bitter thoughts melt away as he took her hand, leading her towards the mass of dancing couples.

Mina's evening had been going pleasantly for the first hour or so. She had had her share of the dance floor and partners, some old friends that she was catching up with, others that she gave flirtatious smiles to at the end, inviting them to ask her to dance again later in the evening. It was after her dance with Adonis, a member of her brother's personal guard when things took a turn for the worst. One of the Martian king's men, Enyalios, had approached her for a dance. She had had poor dance partners before, but never had she felt the urge to decline one, and therefore wasn't prepared to come up with a delicate way to turn him away before he had snagged her hands and dragged her into the latest number the band was playing.

Doing her best not to look completely miserable, unaware that she was completely failing, she felt a huge sigh of relief as they were stopped mid spin by a large hand on Enyalios' shoulder. The sigh was followed by one of enchantment as she raised her eyes to the man who had cut in and saved her from the rest of her torture to see the God of Thunder.

"My apologies, good sir. If I may cut in, I have a private matter to discuss with the lovely princess here."

Enyalios may be under the God of War, but the sight of the imposing Asgardian was enough to make him shake his head sharply before turning away without even a parting word.

"A thousand times you have my gratitude," Mina gushed, her mood thoroughly improving.

Thor grinned. "Your friend seemed to think you needed a hero."

Thank you Serena.

"Are they all subject to your contempt, Martians?" He asked, sightly amused-his emotions cooling down.

"Not all, but-." A sigh escaped her as she caught sight of Raye, the fire princess' eyes narrowed upon her. "Let's just say, we don't get along."

"Should I be pleased then that I am not the target of your ire?"

Serena allowed herself to giggle, although having chastised Mina's portrayal of her doing so. "You should, even after you and your brother so kindly broke into our hideaway."

"That was not my doing. Thor's insistence was unyielding; I could not reason with him."

"Is that so? The way I understood, it was you who figured out the passcode."

"If I hadn't you would have been in need of a new door."

At this, Serena truly laughed. A sound so wonderful, an unforced smile lit Loki's face. That smile quickly faded, noticing the way her hand absently went to her neck; reaching for an item not in her possession. Gently taking her hand from where it rested, seeing her body tense, he smirked.

"There is no need for this, we're no longer strangers." Carefully, he removed the veil from her head. Serena looked down, unexplainably embarrassed. Softly, Loki cupped her chin to make her look at him. Blue met green, unobstructed. With a small smile, Serena turned her head free of his hold and took up the hand he now proffered. She stepped up to him, allowing him to place his hand at her waist, and they began dance.

"Serenity." Aphrodite walked up with her enchanting smile.

"Aphrodite." Serenity smiled, "You've been quiet these past few days. Come to think of it, our children haven't been up to their usual antics either." She narrowed her eyes in mock suspicion.

"Children usually have their own agenda." Aphrodite feigned innocence, waving a hand toward the crowd. Looking out, Serenity watched her daughter for a moment; seeing her completely at ease with Loki, having witnessed the brothers' exchange.

"Yes, this is most unexpected." The Lunarian replied, her smile turning into laughter. She glanced in the direction of the Venusian Queen, noting the mysterious smile upon her lips and sparkle in her eyes. It would be her way of doing things.

"I've never seen my son smile that way." Frigga said, stepping up beside the friend she'd made long ago on one of her travels; the other stood to embrace her. The Asgardian Queen's eyes glittered. "Her father's charm seems to have passed to Serenity."

"Indeed it has." Odin came up from behind his queen, bowing and receiving a bow in return.

"Serenity certainly can befriend anyone, just as he had." The Lunar Monarch smiled.

All at once, he halted their movements, taking a step back. Turning his hands, he pulled an object from the ether.

"Yours, I presume?"

A light came to her face, recognizing the object in his hand. She'd searched high and low, through every branch and bramble, where she and Mina had been that day and never found it. Yet, here it was, glittering in the Asgardian prince's hold.

"Oh yes! It is!" Serena began to reach for the necklace, but she found herself lightly pressed against Loki's chest instead. Just as she'd moved forward, he'd stepped in close, brought the chain around her neck, and clasped it; watching in amusement as goosebumps danced across her skin.

Trying to ignore her shivers, still feeling the warmth of his breath, she breathed in deep; unintentionally taking in his scent. Unlike anything she'd smelled before, it was rather intoxicating. If propriety could have been tossed aside, she would have stayed there, breathing in this wonder. Her cheeks reddened as the thought arose.

"You should be more careful." He whispered.

Serena lightly pushed away, stepping back. Praying her blushing face had returned to normal, she nodded in a half-bow. "Thank you."

Offering his hand once more, she accepted with a smile as they began to dance again. The group of mindful monarchs saw everything.

"Now that was bold." Frigga smiled, glancing sidelong at her husband, not missing the touch of amusement in his ever watchful eye.

Loki's attention was solely on her. He couldn't care less about any regards he'd gained from other women on this planet. He'd noticed, yes, and it certainly was something different compared to his home. This Lunarian princess, who could pass for Asgardian with her golden hair and sapphire eyes, however, was the only one he wanted.

"May I cut in?" A hand touched his shoulder, effectively stopping them, and it was all Loki could do not to shove away. It wouldn't do well to be harsh with this so-called prince in front of Serena. Looking over Endymion, he made his choice.

"Of course." Loki stepped back with a nod. Having never let go, he kissed the back of Serena's hand. "Serenity."

Moving seamlessly through the crowd, a smirk played upon his lips, looking at the dazed princess in his wake. No magic needed but the feel of his lips on her skin. 'Nothing you do, Earth Prince, will keep her from thinking of me.'

Staggering in step, Serena allowed Endymion to twirl her amongst the other dancers. She had danced with him before - several times, in fact -, but there seemed to be a rift between them. Despite having known him for years, in this moment he felt as much a stranger as he had the day they'd met. Serena shook her head. No, this feeling was only caused by their separation. Everything would be as it was by the end of the night.

Distinct laughter silenced all in the room, stopping everyone in their tracks.

The crowd parted as she slowly made her way up to the Queen's daïs. No manner of distance seemed enough for most to be far from her, but Beryl ignored them all.

Queen Serenity was the first to break the silence, "Beryl, you look of good health. I am delighted you could attend."

Her words were forced, her shoulders tense. Truth be told, the sorceress was of anything but good health. She had become gloomy; her skin a sickened pale shade and the whites of her eyes were jaundiced. What once was vibrant was now darkened. Even her hair, which had shined magnificently in the sunlight despite its dark as night shade, had lost its radiance and taken on the texture of straw; once a jetty black, now a deep red - a blood red.

It seemed as if some force had overtaken her.

"The invite was much appreciated." Beryl responded in the same frigid tone. Whether an invitation had been truly given was unknown, but it stood that she was there now if she was welcome or not.

"How fortunate that so many from lands so far could be present, as well." She continued. Turning her attention from the Lunar Queen, she sidled up to Hades' side. The king, having not tried to garner attention to himself all night, would have sighed if his pride would let him.

"Hades, how is the little one?" Beryl asked, drawing her finger down the length of his arm.

The Saturnian King, as unreadable as he was usually, visibly tensed. The baby girl, already given the nickname Firefly, was born only seven months ago. Clearly, he wished never to allow the sorceress to even gaze upon his daughter let alone speak of her.

"Fine." He replied stiffly.

"Good, good." Beryl said, taking another sip from the glass in her hand.

A child's laughter, accompanied by the flutter of wings, sounded before quickly rushing past. With little time to register, the young Hermes flew by. Still in his flight training, the youth collided with the dark queen, sending her to the ground and the contents of her glass all over her.

Many snickered behind their hands or drinks, some females buried their faces in their companion's shoulder to hide their laughter, but most laughed outright.

Bitterness, twisted and ugly, raged inside her. This was her breaking point-to be humiliated in front of all who 'secretly' scorned her existence.

"You all think me a snake; each of you from atop your pedestals, only sticking with your own kind. Well there is a snake amongst you."

Her eyes were darting about the room, drinking in the expressions on each and every face, until she spotted the Moon's young princess. The girl had seen the small boy crash into Beryl. She, too, had laughed, more so at Hermes's reaction than at Beryl's predicament. Serena watched the boy scramble to hide behind the princess of Jupiter. She found looking back to the disheveled woman to be a grave mistake.

Those eyes which were previously scanning every which way, were stuck on her with intense, heated hatred. Beryl picked herself up from the ground, ignoring her now stained attire, eyes not leaving their target.

"Ah, little Princess Serena, the chosen one. All will one day bow to you. Oh no, not you. Cosmos. Yes, all will bow before her power. Even you," Beryl pointed a bony finger in the Earth prince's direction. "You will never be as powerful as she."

Now she started to laugh.

"I would look again at the man you cling to, Princess." There was something in the witch's eyes that said there was more between the prince and herself than being inhabitants of Earth.

Fear and doubt instilled within Serena's heart, taking a quick glance at the man in her embrace. Was she insinuating he was unfaithful - a traitor?

Serena hadn't taken her eyes off the queen for very long, not wishing to accuse anyone, but it seemed the tiny look had done just enough.

"You believe her?" She heard from her side.

"I-" Serena couldn't form words.

"Don't bother. " His words were hateful, but he hadn't moved from his position beside her, not even to look her direction.

"Endymion." She was clinging to anything that came to mind.

"She's right. Not good enough, never your equal-just the man who stands behind, but then, who can live up to the great Cosmos?" Reaching inside his lapel he brought forth a rose, a sign most common with him. He placed the flower in her hand, softly squeezing the thorns into her palm, blood trickling down the front of her dress. "To think, you never even told your mother about us." He bent low to whisper in her ear, smiling as she noticed the red rose turning black. "For you. For your death."

A shockwave from the darkened prince threw the Moon princess and many bystanders back several feet. Serena had been fortunately caught by Loki, who hadn't strayed far since their dance had been interrupted. It may never have played out on his face, but the truth was, the Asgardian prince didn't think too highly of the Prince of Earth. He had kept the pair in his sights, even ignored his brother walking up to him to prattle on about this or that. It seemed he'd been right to be wary.

"Well, well, it seems she's replaced me already." Endymion sneered. Loki scowled, one arm protectively tucked Serena to his side while his free hand glowed a savage hue. He didn't care about consequences as he prepared to attack.

The clamor of heavy footfalls and familiar battle cry made him pause. Endymion was sent sprawling as Thor's fist made contact.

"Move her away from here, Loki!" Thor shouted as the Four Generals flanked him, forming a barricade between him and their prince.

"Standing behind your brother, hmm? Must be easy when someone fights your battles for you." Endymion mocked while attempting to rub the pain from his jaw.

"Your weapon of choice is quite fearsome." Loki jibed. "Hard to imagine I'm not quivering in my boots."

"Bold words from a man who sends his underlings to serve as a shield." Thor shot back mid-punch, before successfully felling the white-haired general.

As if a trigger had been pulled, the ballroom turned into chaos. An onslaught of Negaverse soldiers flooded the room, as if summoned out of thin air by their queen.

"Prince Loki!"

In the madness two ladies managed to struggle through the crowd, arriving one on each of Serena's sides.

"Please let us look after her, she will be safe with us," the one with long, teal hair assured him.

Loki prepared to assert his claim to the princess' care, not willing to leave her with others in a precarious situation.

"We intend her no harm, Odinson," the taller, short-haired blonde cut him off. "We are the 7th and 8th of her guard, and in charge of her protection. No one shall touch her in your stead, now go. Stand by your family and fight for Asgard as well as the Silver Alliance."

Loki nodded his assent, though still reluctant, turning to face the Earth prince with a seething fire in his eyes.

"How touching; caring for someone you've just met. She does have that certain charm on people, though, I'll give her that much," Endymion goaded, a smirk in place.

"She certainly does."

The practice room was no comparison to what was going on in the ballroom and in no way prepared Mina for how ruthless battle was. Never had she had to attack and follow through with a kill. It always ended with a bow, helping ones opponent to their feet.

Watching her family and friends be rounded up as the enemy attacked, however, was enough to set her mind straight. She willed her chain to her hand, lashing it out at those around her, whether they had made an attack on her or another of the Silver Alliance. With a flick of her wrist, she wrapped the chain tightly around a Negaverse soldier's neck.

She wasn't prepared for the sudden crack that followed, deafening her to everything else around her. The man's body fell into a heap, unable to carry itself anymore.

Bile rose in her throat as she stared at the body, unable to turn away.

A large hand tightened around her upper arm, startling her out of her stupor as she was pulled face to face with another of Beryl's men. Panicked, she drew back her arm, her fist connecting with his face. His head had snapped to the side, however, quickly righted again in a bizarre display.

"My princess!"

Mina could practically hear a chorus of minstrels singing at the look in the soldier's eyes, and it terrified her. She pulled uselessly against his hold on her arm, but he gripped tighter.

"My lady, forgive me, but I do ask you quit fighting me lest you injure yourself."

"Excuse me?" she spluttered out.

Any reply was cut off as an arrow flew between the pair, deftly hitting a charging enemy in the chest.

Mina would know that arrow anywhere.

"Eros!" she cried out, turning to her brother who hardly spared her a fleeting glance as he approached the large brute that held her in his clutches.

"My arrow did not seek you out so you could fawn over her. Get her out of here if you want to continue breathing."

"Of course, my prince."

"Wait, what?" Mina's protests were lost as the man easily lifted her up, tossing her onto his shoulder. "Put me down! Eros! I need to know she's safe! EROS!"

Her words fell on deaf ears as her brother returned to the fray. Over her heated ranting and wild flailing, her gargantuan protector not slowed, Mina heard her mother's voice. She looked to Aphrodite who was in the same predicament as she was. Despite the enchantment, the queen managed to take out two soldiers with a mere snap of her fingers just as her guard placed her gently on the ground.

"Your brother can be so dramatic."

In the midst of the mayhem, over the roar, a flash of flair and exuberant laughter could be heard, a trademark for the Asgardian.

"My lady, please fear not. Seek shelter behind me, and no harm shall befall you." Lita was forced back before she could protest.

With a flick of his wrist, Fandral darted forwards, engaging a foe with his sword.

The princess of Jupiter was far from being content as the docile lady in distress, hiding behind the swordsman while he took the brunt of all the attacks. Stepping back, away from the shadow of his frame, she extended her arms up, pulling to her the energy of the sky. Casting her arms towards Beryl's men, bolts of lightning found their targets as they dropped to the ground.

Fandral turned back towards his dance partner of the evening, clearly impressed at her display.

"However more fascinating you become, Princess. You possess the very power of Thor. Why have you not sought out a companionship for your match in power?"

"Oh, to be certain Sir Fandral, it is not the power of Thor, but the power of Jupiter I hold." The dark haired Jovian's arm shot out, sending another enemy flying back. "What match is there between kin, when one could spend an evening in the company of a man of such impeccable charm?"

A grin formed across his lips, a wink aimed towards Lita. "Charming, am I?"

"It suits you."

Loki released the mass of energy radiating in his palm, searing the steel-tipped rose aimed at his chest.

Unexpectedly, the magic he'd used was not his own. He stared down at his hand, a warm tingle now dissipating from his fingers. He'd unconsciously used Lunarian magic, a mishap he could use to his advantage.

"Look here!" Endymion had drawn his sword in Loki's momentary distraction, bearing down on him with a warrior's yell, surprise evident on his face when he fell through the Asgardian.

"Where?"

Loki's tone was mocking, smirk in place. Though no less skilled with this new magic, he decided it best to use his own.

"Going to dance with me all night, Asgardian?" Endymion spat out scathingly as he righted himself before crashing into the floor.

"You're not really my type." Loki wasn't one to accept being looked down upon for his use of magic, however. Instead he willed his daggers to his hands, brandishing them to keep on par with Endymion's sword.

The Four Generals of Elysium. They were skilled indeed, definitely fit to be called generals, but that hadn't stopped Thor from cutting down two of them with one strike minutes after the battle began. Another one followed not too shortly after. This one had been attacking him wildly; every one of his emotions shone clearly through his intense eyes, - even as the light left them.

This man could not have been any older than he was and, quite possibly, just as proud. Thor paused a moment, catching his breath. Similar or not, in the end, he was the victor.

He heard the roar behind him, rounding to take on this new challenger, but not swift enough. A sword caught just enough of him to draw blood, and in means to back away, he stumbled over the warrior's foot. He raised his sword just quick enough to save his head from being cloven in two.

The man who pressed all of his weight into his blade jerked, and his last breath faded on his lips. Thor was shocked, the bloodied arrowhead mere inches from his eye. The Negaverse servant dropped dead at his feet, revealing the one who shot him down.

"This changes nothing, Odinson."

Eros turned his back to the prince of Asgard, finding now his new target. She looked upon him as well.

"Shrinking behind your legions of fodder will not spare you from me." Eros' voice carried over the multitudes of soldiers, drawing back on his bowstring.

"Will you strike me down with your arrows, love-archer?" Beryl's venom was thickly laden in her words.

"Yes, and I will aim at your head to silence your tongue, witch."

The arrow flew, precise and lethal; no doubt in trajectory. The queen breathed in, sending her own dark energy toward the Venusian. Time seemingly slowed, both attacks hurling in the other's direction. The last seconds came, and before the blast should have collided, Beryl saw the corner of Eros' lips twitch before he side-stepped the attack.

She prepared for the arrow to tear into her, the light from the overhead chandelier glinting off the razor-edged tip. Slicing through the air, whistling past her ear, it made contact.

In blind rage, charging the warrior prince, she deflected a second arrow. The weapon's course had never been her but the Prince of Earth in the place where he'd stood at an impasse with Loki. Endymion howled in pain; gripping his bleeding shoulder where the arrow bore through his flesh, coupled by the sting of the Asgardian's daggers which he couldn't dodge.

Hearing his cry, and angered by the smug expression Eros wore, Beryl withdrew. She let out a furious shriek, and signaled to her followers.

"To me!"

Calling the dark warriors to her, the invading force dispersed in black billows of smoke.

"Well that was exciting." The dashing warrior of Asgard, Fandral, quipped, receiving a slap from Sif.

Throughout all skirmishes, Serena had not moved. Her body had stiffened; eyes wide and unblinking yet staring at nothing. She could hear everything around her, despite a pounding rhythm in her ears. Heat had started to bubble up from the tips of her toes, moving past her knees, and rising.

"Princess, are you alright?" Amara inquired, reaching out a hand to steady her shoulder.

Just as quickly as she made contact, her hand flew back to her chest, an agonizing scream escaping her lips as she brought her other hand to assess her wounds. Her flesh was burned, blistering already set in, the skin red and puckered, peeling up in places nearly to her elbow.

"Amara!" Michelle called out, rushing to the side of her lover. She was thrown back as some unseen entity struck the side of her face. The force of her back hitting the marble floor was enough to momentarily blind her, an array of stars in her vision. As her head cleared, she brought her fingers up to her face, only to find them stained with blood, a searing pain shooting from her left ear to the bridge of her nose.

Looking around wildly with her right eye, unable to open the left, she searched the surrounding area for Amara, needing to know she was safe. Instead what she saw chilled her coursing blood, her heart fighting to free itself from her chest.

"Princess Serenity!"

An invisible force pushed the Moon princess' body up against the might of gravity. The familiar feel of the power of the Uranians revolved in her hands. Immediately, growing from a soft breeze, it escalated to full howling winds.

Gusts battered the occupants of the ballroom; swirling around her, Serena was the eye of the storm. Various sized sparks of lightning crackled around her body. Her hair whipped about in the wind, and her body rose from the ground, levitating only two feet above.

"Serena, no!" She heard over the roar but couldn't be sure who had said it. She could do nothing.

Mina watched on in horror. Her best friend couldn't hear her, and she had no way to reach her with the strength of the wind and terrified partygoers. Serena's eyes which had become glazed over just as she was lifted from the ground blazed a brilliant silver. Her mouth opened as if to scream, but no sound came out. Her arms rose at her sides, pushing against an invisible force.

The ground began to rumble and stone began to crack. Several columns gave way to the tremors, rubble splayed across the floor. Screams of those ducking the falling rock arose over the din.

Dodging a fallen pillar, weeding her way through hands desperately clinging to her in fear for themselves and for her safety, the Lunar Queen prepared to fire upon her own daughter. The spell collided with its target. Queen Serenity held steadfast, pouring out her magic.

So much magic, too much magic.

She was tapping into her own life-force. Eros, being the nearest, took hold of her shoulders as her knees gave out.

"My lady, stop now." He spoke gently, turning his gaze from her to Serena. "She is calming."

The princess's body had returned to the ground, and the winds had died. The crowd had settled; many still in shock, looking over each other to be sure of their loved ones' well-being.

Serena's eyes returned to their natural hue, and moving to look at the destruction around her, she caught her mother's saddened gaze. The queen's eyes closed with a pained expression. What had happened precisely, she wasn't sure - she couldn't remember -, but she could only surmise that she was the cause of it.

Turning every which way, staring into the frightened eyes of friends, subjects, and visitors of distant lands, she felt cold. Somehow…she felt alone in the sea of their penetrating stares.

The pressure built, seeing the range of shock, confusion, even anger. Finding the smallest tinge of fear in the eyes of even her newest friends from Asgard was the most disturbing thing in this moment, and she wished she was invisible to everyone and everything.

It wasn't until she saw the trail of blood on the floor that her eyes found Amara's, a trail of tears escaping as she held Michelle close to her chest. Michelle's face…

Serena finally understood the looks of accusation, of horror. She did this; caused so much destruction and harmed her friends.

Slamming her hands to the ground, pushing herself to stand, Serena fled. A gap formed in front of her by the still frightened crowd. Their stunned silence was only offset by the echo of her footsteps down the hall.

Mina made to go after her, to console her, but a booming voice stopped her mid-step.

"Leave her be." Ares spoke, breaking the silence, turning his smoldering gaze to the Moon Queen still being supported by Eros. "My dear Queen Serenity, I do believe it's time."

The proud figure tenderly caressed her cheek as it always had, brushing away the tears running down. She hoped that not only his coloration had passed from him to her. She admired the way he held himself and the way he commanded his subordinates with strength and fairness.

"You knew all along, Father." Serena spoke to the projection. "You knew this would happen." Sometimes, she could have sworn there was another expression on his face underneath his infallible smile. It was as if he was hiding a secret. Truth be told, the day it was announced she would bear the weight of Cosmos's power a sadness had grown in her father's eyes. Serena's life would not be easy - with great power comes great responsibility.

His image disappeared as she felt someone approach - a presence she could not mistake.

"Are you here to scold me, Mina?" Serena asked, not turning her way.

Mina knew she would find Serena at her father's memorial. If she had had the chance to know her father, she would have wanted the loving relationship Serena shared with her father - even after his death. When she saw her in this place she was nearly always brought to tears.

"No." Mina paused for but a moment before truly speaking her mind. "But you know you shouldn't push yourself so far. The headaches were the first sign."

"You said you weren't here to scold." Serena cut in, trying to hold back her bitterness. She wasn't angry with Mina. Why should she direct her anger at her?

Sighing deeply, Mina presented her reason for following her. "Your mother has called for you…a council has been gathered…Ares commanded it."

Serena gave a derisive snort, "I knew his daughter hated me, but to be hated by our very own God of War himself." She feigned astonishment before rolling her eyes. In truth the Martian and Moon princesses could be friends, but misconceptions of one another, mainly perpetuated by Ares, hindered any chance of their bonding. "Tell me, Mina. Did I hurt anyone - anyone else?"

She could still see Amara's eyes staring back at her; the swirl of terror and pain didn't hide the sight of anger.

"Come." Mina said, her tone full of reluctance, almost knowing this would be the last of their 'normal' lives.

Serena didn't miss that Mina refused to meet her eyes.

The walk down the halls was full of thick silence. The girls' usual bubbly banter even in tense moments was just not presenting itself. Somehow it didn't seem appropriate, as much as it would lighten their hearts.

The two neared the entrance of where the council had convened - far from the destruction of the ballroom - raised voices could be heard from inside, each member trying to be heard over the others.

The princesses stood listening for a moment, acknowledging the presence of those they knew as The Warriors Three and the Lady Sif but without sharing any eye contact. All they would see if they'd looked into their eyes was pity, knowing they could do nothing to help. The standard for one to get into the assembly must have been set high for the deciding of her fate - royalty only, perhaps?

Familiar voices now came through the doors more clearly as some order had taken hold of the chaos.

"She has begun her training. With time, she will be able-" Queen Serenity tried to reason.

"There is no time!" Ares had quite literally jumped out of his seat, a shade of red taking over his features. "Cosmos has already taken hold of her. She is a danger to herself and the entire Alliance. No amount of training will prepare her now. She must be sent away!"

"And endanger other worlds?" Epiphron, the Mercurian King, wise and thoughtful, questioned.

"We have sufficient means of containment on Asgard." Odin stood, making himself heard. The congregation fell silent again, not expecting this kind of proposal from anyone - nor someone outside of the Silver Alliance. "If safety is what you seek, for you and your princess, we shall provide it. We shall take her."

"What, pray tell, would warrant such an act of generosity from the All-Father?" Ares, the ever so confrontational one, eyed Odin from where he stood.

Physical discontent could be seen on the faces of the other Asgardian royalty in the room, one brother holding down the clenched fist of the other and a mother sternly watching both of them, as the large ivory doors opened with a resounding echo.

Silence.

Serena, Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom, walked slowly, head up high, a steeled and defiant look in her eyes. She would give no one the satisfaction of knowing how scared she was inside. She would embrace her fate as the council would deem fit, and she would comply to every rule if just to spite those who despised her.

Mina had slipped in silently behind Serena, taking her place beside her mother and brother. The latter, leaned casually against a column, watching all events intently. Yet, without turning her direction, he placed a hand upon his sister's shoulder in reassurance. They watched as Serena, at an agonizingly slow pace, made her way to her mother's side. She held her mother's hand and, in turn, took her own seat. All eyes were upon her, waiting…waiting.

Still bearing her strong façade, Serena stared at the two men who had been speaking their piece. A hint of loathing sent in Ares' direction, she spoke with much restraint of her contempt, "Continue."

Mina let out a breath as Eros looked amused. The little Moon Princess would never change.

Athena, Queen of Mercury, stepped forward. "The king, Odin, has offered indemnity within his realm. This is a noble offer, and it seems the wisest choice."

"Wisest choice? It is the only choice!" Ares shouted, seeming to forget the quarrel he had begun to drudge up with the Asgardian king previously; trading it for a fight with his long-standing rival. Athena narrowed her eyes upon the boisterous god for his interruption.

"Your quest for power has made you small-minded."

"How dare you! I will not suffer insult from a Mercurian!"

King Epiphron used all his strength to restrain his fuming wife. Both were deities of war; where Ares represented violence, Athena was a soldier of strategy. With aid from Aeolus, the Uranian king, the two were kept at safe distance, but fire and ice danced within their eyes.

"I will go." Her voice, while not being excessively loud, was heard by all. Everything stopped in that moment; all fell silent.

Queen Serenity spoke first.

"My child, is this what you truly wish?" She stared at her daughter; the young girl, void of emotion. She knew that her daughter wore the façade because there were many emotions running through her, battling for dominance.

Serena closed her eyes, she breathed in deeply, conveying what she meant to say. Her mother sighed.

"Then it shall be." Her declaration was short and straight to the point. There seemed no changing Serena's mind, and if she tried to make her stay, there would be discontent between the kingdoms of the Alliance. However, there was already discontent.

Each princess showed some form of disapproval with the decision. Though they were royalty themselves, they were her guard, as well.

"Queen Serenity, please reconsider." Princess Amy, as wise as her mother and father, begged.

"The princess cannot be allowed outside the Alliance borders. We cannot protect her there." Neptunian Princess, Michelle added. The Uranian Princess stepped in line with her, nodding in agreement.

A wave of guilt washed over her anew at their declarations. Serena couldn't take her eyes away from the remains of scarring slicing across the oceanic princess' face nor the singed trails running up Amara's arm. They still wished to defend her, but why?

"My Queen allow me to go." Mina stepped forward. Of all the guardian princesses, Mina knew Serena best and was the most logical choice if any of them were to accompany her.

"There is no cause for worry, young Princess of Venus." Odin's voice was sincere. "Asgard has the resources to contain her power, she will be kept safe."

Mina turned to face the Asgardian King, all fears of stepping out of line forgotten when it came to the wellbeing of her friend. "Forgive me, my lord, but my mind won't be at ease if I let her go alone."

Her statement was straightforward, and she meant no disrespect.

"You dare defy a god? Do you question my father's troth?" Thor rose up, coming closer to her. Mina was taken aback at his accusation, words in her defense lost at her lips.

"You dare threaten my sister, daughter of Goddess Aphrodite?" Eros moved between Mina and Thor, an arrow nocked and ready.

The warrior royal daringly pressed into the arrow, challenging the Venusian's resolve. The arrow ground into Thor's armor.

A hand reached out, planting firmly on Thor's chest above the arrow before shoving him back from harm's way, strong and insistent. Thor cast his father a rebellious look, but Odin shook his head firmly, silencing him with one glance. A look which was all too familiar to him and his brother.

"Show some respect," the All-Father's words were without room for argument, and Thor relented.

WIth a look from Aphrodite, Eros eased off on his bowstring, but not before getting in one last 'shot'.

"I wouldn't waste my arrows on someone like you." He said with loathing. The arrows he referred to now were not the ones used for battle - the one he would have used to fatally pierce the prince - but his sacred arrows, which had moved many a man to infatuation and desire.

He strode off to the opposite wall of the chamber, glowering at the Asgardian who returned his glare.

Serena stood, abruptly, gaining everyone's attention. With all finality, she said.

"I am prepared to journey to Asgard."

AN: There you have chapter four. Thank you so much for reading. Please review. We love to hear from you! ^^

Bonus Question: What feature of Asgard are you most looking forward to the girls' seeing?