So... many... royals... It's difficult keeping up with them 8D I think I'm going cross eyed, what with the original sailor Senshi names and the names of the kings and queens... either way, enjoy – this be an important chapter :D Still no Makoto, but we have a Serenity/Endymion scene :)

Thanks once again to wonderful reviewers:

Wonderbee31

IsadoraKayStone

Crystal Saturn

idfcv

"World Shaking!"

"You can go," Vanelia shouted as she leapt up to meet the fight, "I can take over now."

"You've barely been gone an hour," Haruka panted, "I've still got some fight left."

"No, Uranus," she dodged a stream of crackling purple energy, "You've been fighting alone for almost twelve straight hours." Haruka started. She was used to not feeling the passing of time, but this was something else. Her whole body seemed primed for the fight, ready to resist whatever Metallia could throw at her. "Uranus, we need you," Vanelia panted, "go and get some rest."

"Alright," Haruka said reluctantly, jumping up to allow the Solar Winds to catch her. There was a great roar of displeasure from the entity they had called Metallia, but this was not uncommon. Whenever either of them tried to leave she would launch anything she could. Uranus felt her blood begin to boil. This time, unlike the previous times she had left the fight, she felt strong and ready for anything Metallia could throw at her. She didn't know what this feeling was or where it had come from, but she sure as hell knew she was going to take advantage of it. "Space Sword Blaster!" she shouted, feeling something heavy materialise in her hand. As she swung it through the air that should have been naught but a vacuum she realised it was a sword. Great arcs of power flew towards Metallia who jerked backwards, visibly wounded for the first time in this long fight.

"Uranus!" she heard Vanelia's shout just too late. She was thrown back by a great wave of sparkling energy. As she hung, buffeted by the unnatural winds, she knew that she was going to die, that she had been still too long. Only she didn't. Instead there was a scream from somewhere a short distance below her. She hauled herself painfully into what counted as standing in this place and forced the winds to propel her towards Vanelia. "Haruka," she coughed, black lightening crackling across her pale skin.

"Vanelia we need you," Haruka said firmly, "don't let this beat you."

"No," she shook her head, "you need the scout who will replace me. They're all coming now Haruka. I came to tell you – Sailor Mercury. When I die, surely... surely Sailor Neptune," she coughed once more and Haruka kicked them up with the power she held over the wind to avoid one of Metallia's shots.

"Don't be stupid Vanelia," Haruka snapped, "you're stronger than this."

"Maybe," Vanelia shrugged, coughing slightly, "but we need someone even stronger than me now." Her henshin was broken. Pale green ribbons flittered in the breeze as Vanelia whispered her last request, "Haruka... let me go." Haruka nodded and, with an extreme amount of effort, allowed the winds to take Vanelia, carrying her form towards Neptune, the nearest planet of the alliance.

"I think I've got it," Ami said, frowning as she concentrated hard, "Shine Aqua Illusion!" This one was different in that she began by tracing the rune with her feet. As she finished the attack a jet of water span away from her. Minako braced herself as she was splashed a little despite being stood a good six metres away.

"Thanks Ami," she said dryly, squeezing the ends of her hair.

"Sorry," Ami blushed a little as Minako scowled.

"Nah, it's alright," Minako grinned, "But now I owe you some form of revenge."

"What do you-"

"Minako," she turned to see Makoto peering around the door, "Queen Serenity wants to see you."

"I'm coming," Minako nodded.

"That gives us time to work on some of your more complex attacks Ami," Saraswati said as Minako ran after Makoto, "Now, the Aqua Illusion again please."

"Do you know what Queen Serenity wants?" Minako asked, still trying to squeeze water from her skirt as she hurried after Makoto, "and am I alright to drop my henshin? I'm a little wet..."

"I think she wants you to come as Sailor Venus," Makoto said firmly, "There's... well it's causing a bit of a stir actually."

"What happened?" Minako's heart sank.

"It's Sailor Vanelia," Makoto said as they turned up the stairs, "She's dead."

"Crap," Minako swore, "And this is public knowledge.

"Yeah," Makoto nodded, "You've known about the fight at the edge of the Sol, haven't you?"

"Of course I have," Minako said, "But we were trying to keep it from the inner planets to prevent unnecessary panic."

"No chance of that now," Makoto sighed, "The rulers of all the planets are coming."

"All?"

"Yeah, even the Terran Royalty and those from Saturn... Saturnian?" she asked, shaking her head, "but they'll be here within hours." They had reached the door to Serenity's chamber and Minako was about to knock when it was opened to reveal the Queen and her daughter, talking rapidly.

"I want you to wait at the agreed location for the Terran prince," Serenity was saying, "as he and his guard are using the Elysian portal they could be here any minute, but the others will take some time." She saw Makoto and went on, "Makoto I want you to be ready to show everyone through into the dining room. Luna's already having it set up for a conference so you just have to make sure everyone knows where they're going."

"Yes, highness," Makoto bowed low and hurried off with Sere. Queen Serenity was so distracted she didn't even make a comment on Makoto's formality.

"Minako, Cerridwen is in charge of security once more and I've already contacted her. She's going to speak with Sailor Mercury so they can work out some form of perimeter."

"And me?"

"You're coming with me." She hurried away down the corridor, holding her skirt as she practically ran down the corridor, "Hurry up Minako," she called back as Minako stood, a little dumbfounded, by the door. She shook her head and ran after the Queen who actually was running by the time she reached her. They stopped outside an ornate door Minako had never noticed before; even though she was sure she had walked along this corridor many times. Serenity laid a hand upon the silver metal and it creaked open. "Pluto," she called through the fog as they stepped inside.

"I am here," the voice echoed around Minako who jumped, not quite sure from which direction it was coming. A path seemed to clear before them, leading to the sentinel like Pluto, standing unmoving, "Sailor Vanelia has passed," Pluto said, "And you seek Sailor Neptune."

"Is it she who will come next?" Serenity asked.

"See," Pluto intoned, bringing the garnet rod crashing down as she had on the other occasions Serenity had visited her to ask about the Senshi.

"Submarine Violon* Tide!" There was a crying note from somewhere behind Minako and she turned to see Princess Michiru in a sailor fuku, her eyes flashing in rage as she launched her attack beyond them.

"And the others?" Serenity asked as the image faded, "Four of the planetary princesses are now Sailor Senshi. Are the others to follow them?"

"Five," Pluto said softly.

"Five?"

"Five of the planetary princesses are sailor Senshi, although I am far older than any of my comrades."

"You were a planetary princess?" Minako asked, eyes wide, "But... Pluto isn't a plent anymore. "

"Pluto will always be a planet, no matter it's absence of life. The same will one day be said of the other planets of our glorius alliance."

Serenity shuddered and changed the topic, "So will all the other planetary Senshi be princesses?"

"Yes," Pluto nodded, "the royal blood provides the strong link required between the Senshi and their planet.

"So Rei, Makoto and Hotaru are all Senshi?"

"Rei and Makoto - not yet. Their powers are as of yet unawakened, their positions in your court taken by others."

"So if Sailor Agni is in place of Sailor Mars and Sailor Persephone in place of Sailor Jupiter, does that mean Sailor Cerridwen is in place of Sailor Saturn?" Minako asked

"No," Pluto shook her head, the only movement she had made since creating the vision of Sailor Neptune, "the heritage of Sailor Saturn is more complicated than that."

"What do you mean?"

"Sailor Saturn, Senshi of death and rebirth, lives in a cycle of life and death, living only to die once again. The eternal Soldier of Ruin."

"Soldier of Ruin?" Serenity seemed to sway a little, "Sailor Saturn?"

"One and the same. She must be awakened soon."

"Come, Minako," Serenity said, "We have been gone too long already." She took Minako's arm and then hesitated, "Pluto," she said hesitantly, "the brooch?"

"I cannot say highness. The time for the brooch's user to fight will come, but not for many years yet."

"I understand. Thank you, Sailor Pluto." This time Serenity really did leave, shutting the door behind her.

"Queen Serenity," Minako began, "What's the soldier of ruin?"

"It's a tale," she said after taking a deep, shuddering breath, "Of a soldier granted enough power to destroy a planet, perhaps more."

"But... someone with that sort of power!" Minako was horrified, "What would keep them in check?"

"The warrior... Sailor Saturn... is said to wield a double sided glaive. In order to use the great power she is given, she must destroy herself. Minako," she turned and looked her in the eye, "You must not tell the princesses about their heritage or their powers."

"Won't they guess?"

"Probably," Serenity shrugged, "But that doesn't mean we will confirm their suspicions. They will come into their powers only when the time is right and need not worry until that happens." Serenity lead Minako back upstairs and told her to let her henshin drop at some point before the guests arrived so that she could be dry. She did it as soon as the queen had gone, retransforming straight away, her hair and fuku now mercifully dry.

As Queen Serenity had predicted, the delegation from Earth arrived far sooner than any of the others. Sere was stood waiting when three people shimmered into existence beside her. "Princess Serenity," Endymion bowed low and she did the same as he introduced his guard, "I don't believe you have met Kunzite, leader of the Shitennou."

"I have not had the pleasure," Sere bowed to him as he did the same, "But I do remember your other companion. Welcome back to the Moon, Nephrite."

"Thank you, Princess," he smiled.

"Why don't we head to the dining room," Sere suggested, "I believe mother and Princess Makoto may be there already," she winked at Nephrite who shifted a little uncomfortably at the look his superior gave him. Sere lead them down a few corridors, past Luna and Artemis who stopped only to bow to the Prince and Princess before hurrying on. Endymion glanced behind him and saw nothing but two cats round the corner. He shook his head and turned, following Sere through into a bright room with great windows looking out into the gardens.

"Prince Endymion," Queen Serenity smiled warmly, but her eyes were tired, "please take a seat – we have prepared room for your guard as well."

"With all due respect, Queen Serenity," Kunzite bowed, "I think we would be better served working with the Senshi to ensure security, especially given the current climate."

"Of course," Serenity inclined her head, "You must speak with Sailor Venus."

"Nephrite will remain close to Endymion, but please tell me where I may find the Senshi."

"Sailor Venus will be patrolling the gardens," Serenity replied and Kunzite bowed once more before heading out to speak with her. The gardens of the moon palace were extensive, but Kunzite could tell with a simple glance that they had also been designed with security in mind – they were practically a maze.

"If you're looking for Venus she's over there," he turned to see a girl with long, decidedly blue hair, her fingers flying across a small, light blue box. She glanced up and saw him staring at it. "It's a computer," she explained, "A really advanced one. Don't worry, our technology will be shared with the Earth when the alliance is officially signed, so you'll get to know them then," she turned her attention back to the box. "I'd go now if I were you. Venus has a tendency to keep her patrols erratic and it could take me a while to find her again if she moves."

"Thank you," he nodded his head and moved swiftly into the garden. He found Venus when he walked into her. The both of them, trained to move as silently as possible, rounded a corner at the same time. She was more than a little smaller than he, but instead of allowing herself to be knocked down, she used her momentum to throw herself over, landing on her feet and raising her hands in the air, "Venus Love Me-"

"I mean you no harm, Sailor Venus," he said loudly. She stopped her hands unmoving as the glowing skeleton of a chain flickered in and out of existence in her hands. "I am Kunzite, leader of the Shitennou and I am here to aid you with your defence of the palace."

"What proof can you offer?"

"I have no proof, but if it would make you easier, you may hold my sword as we talk."

"I will do that," she replied, still not letting the glowing chain fall. He held out the weapon, hilt first, and she finally let it glimmer from existence. She took the sword and held it for a few moments, before passing it back to him. "You won't be much use on protection without it," she shrugged, smiling.

"I would like to think I would still be of some use," he shrugged, sliding it back into its sheath.

"Of course," her smile widened into a grin, "Well if you are here to help us with the Security you can go help Cerridwen at the barrier – she was a little stretched to maintain it alone, but we needed to watch the gardens and keep someone by the conference."

"I shall do as you ask," he bowed, "But you may need to show me the way, these gardens are a bit of a-"

"Maze?" she interrupted, "Yeah, Sere had to fish me out of them more than once when I first came to the moon."

"Well then it serves its purpose well."

"Of course," she made as if to move past him and as she did so he turned, meaning that the bare skin of her arm above her glove brushed against his hand. She jumped back as though she had received an electric shock.

"I'm sorry," Kunzite took a step backwards, "I didn't mean..."

"It's alright," Minako shook her head, frowning a little before looking curiously up at him, "I just wasn't expecting... well never mind. I'll get you to Ami and she'll take you to the perimeter."

"This doesn't stop the fact that you lied to us Serenity," Reizo said, his eyes narrowed, "Concealing the truth about the battle with... what was it?"

"Metallia," Serenity said calmly, "And I have already given my reasons for not revealing that. It was a fight that concerned only the outermost planets and as such it is their duty to keep Metallia at bay whilst our own soldiers take care of matters closer to home. The balance has now shifted with the death of Sailor Vanelia."

"And how will that affect us?" Renjiro asked.

"I am not quite sure yet. Quite possibly not at all, for we have reason to believe the fight with Metallia may soon be over."

"Where does this come from?" Queen Laraine asked, frowning a little.

"Sailor Neptune, whom I spoke to prior to the meeting. She has agreed to take up the mantle and join Sailor Uranus in the fight against Metallia."

"Now wait just one second," King Maren of Neptune's voice was startled and beside him Laraine's fists visibly whitened, "Sailor Uranus has awakened?"

"Haruka accepted her henshin a few weeks ago now," King Aquilo of Uranus said, acknowledging Maren's question.

"This is most certainly something you should have told us," Renjiro looked towards the queen, "although I think I understand why you did not. Princess Michiru," he turned to the aqua haired girl sitting demurely beside her father, "You are Sailor Neptune?"

"Yes."

"Really Serenity!" Laraine's voice was strained now, "you should have consulted us before speaking with Michiru."

"And why is that?" Serenity asked sharply, "The decision was Michiru's alone to make, not you or her fathers." Queen Indira shifted a little uneasily in her seat.

"Queen Serenity," all eyes swung to the raven haired princess of Mars, "I can't help but notice that all these planetary Senshi are the princesses of their corresponding planets. Given that so many have now awakened – leaving only myself, Princess Makoto and Princess Hotaru – is there a way of knowing if we are the same?"

"I'm sorry Rei, we cannot know."

"Then ask Sailor Pluto," Reizo demanded.

"Reizo I ask that you control your temper," Serenity snapped. "I spoke with Sailor Pluto only hours ago to receive confirmation of Sailor Vanelia's successor. She has also revealed to me the identity of another Senshi who must, or so I am told, join our ranks soon."

"And who is that?" Reizo asked through gritted teeth.

"Sailor Saturn." There was a ripple through the assembled royals as heads turned towards Queen Tacita who had, until that moment, refrained from speaking.

"But Hotaru is barely eight years old – were she much older she would be here today." Her voice soft and yet somehow heard by all, "She is not old enough to be a sailor Senshi."

"I'm afraid we have no choice. Pluto is very rarely explicit in details about the future, but she told me that Sailor Saturn, Hotaru, must be awakened. She possesses... great power." Endymion's eyes narrowed, but it seemed that he was the only one who noticed the hesitation in the Queen's words. "We also have hopes that Persephone and Agni may return soon. The rebellion on Earth is nearly under control," Serenity continued, "Which is why the Terran King and Queen are not here today."

"They send their apologies for their absence," Endymion said, "But having finally arranged a temporary cease to the combat it seemed unwise for them to miss the treaty discussion."

"Please send our regards and wishes that the meeting went well," Serenity bowed her head, "We hope to finalise the alliance soon. I have talked this through with Sailor Cerridwen," she went on, "And we have decided it would be best if you, Rei, were to remain here on the Moon."

"Why should she stay if you still do not know if she is a Senshi?"

"This has little or nothing to do with that," Serenity turned to Rei's father, "The planetary Princesses are the future of our kingdom and as such should stay where they may be best defended."

"Then why are so many of them fighting on the front line?" Maren asked.

"Because, for now, the future of the alliance depends upon them." There was only silence for a little while after Serenity had spoken as everyone digested this piece of information.

"Queen Serenity," Makoto spoke at last, "I can't help but notice that Senshi for eight of the nine planets have been mentioned, yet there is no mention of a Sailor Earth, or Sailor Terra."

"The girl raises a good point," Maren's voice boomed through the hall, "Why should the Earth not share the burden of protection if they wish to be a part of the alliance so much?"

"We have no henshin pen for a Sailor Earth," she drummed her fingers on the table top, "I wonder..." her mind flitted to the small golden brooch.

"Serenity?"

"It is nothing," she shook her head, remembering Pluto's words.

"There have never been Senshi from Earth," Endymion said calmly, "But we do have something," his brow creased, "The Golden Crystal."

"Golden Crystal?" Renjiro's brow had knitted together.

"Yes," Endymion nodded, "It is, I believe, similar to the silver crystal, if not as powerful. My father holds it."

"You're father?" Indira seemed genuinely surprised.

"Is that unusual?"

"It is quite," Serenity nodded, "We have found in the past that the most powerful crystals tend to find their home within the hearts of women. Perhaps this Golden Crystal shall be the exception that proves the rule," her eyes sparkled with interest, lingering on Endymion even after the others had begun to talk again. The remainder of the meeting passed without anything really being resolved. Even as the Kings, Queens and Princesses headed to their chambers, the threat of disaster was palpable in the air. The departure of Princess Michiru clad in a green and blue sailor fuku that very night did little to assuage any fears or doubts.

"Please stay until morning," Queen Serenity said as she walked down the corridor with Endymion, "We have plenty of space to accommodate both you and your guard, and it could be seen as a snub to the leaders of the other planets were you to refuse to stay here when they do the same."

"Then we shall accept the invitation," Endymion nodded, "Nothing must be done to jeopardize the alliance."

"Indeed," Serenity nodded, "I don't think the other planets realise just how important Earth could become in the coming times." Without explaining her cryptic comments any further, she moved away to talk with Luna. It was not particularly late yet and, unlike the other royal dignitaries, Endymion saw no reason to move straight to his chambers, instead taking the chance to move out onto the balcony surveying the gardens. He took a deep breath, taking in all the unfamiliar scents of the Lunarian plants and was surprised to find that the strongest smell by far was familiar. He looked around carefully, searching for a spot of red down below and found it. Moving down the stairs he walked at a leisurely pace to the rose garden, only to find that he had been beaten there.

"Prince Endymion?" Sere jumped to her feet, looking almost guilty at having been caught sat on the grass.

"Please don't rise on my account, Princess," he smiled, "I'm here only to enjoy the roses." She sank down onto the stone bench; her cheeks still a little pink as he sat a little distance away. "IT is oddly calm here," he spoke at last, breaking the silence, "But then I am used to the clash of battle."

"You do not have such gardens on Earth?"

"We did," he shrugged, "But roses are few and far between now, trodden on by advancing armies, both their and our own. I find them oddly calming."

"I've always come here," she revealed, "When... oh it seems so stupid compared to things you do... but when Luna's badgering me or there's some huge function I don't really want to go to."

"I can see why you would hide if that lot are there," he grinned at her and she giggled, the blush spreading a little across her cheeks.

"They can be a bit much," she conceded, "Although mother would never admit it."

"I think there are many things your mother would prefer were kept a secret from the other rulers of the alliance," he said thoughtfully.

"What do you mean?" her curiosity was piqued.

"It's nothing..."

"You can't just say that and then not go on!" she jumped up, affronted. His eyes sparkled as he looked at her and then he burst out laughing. "What?" he kept laughing, "What is it?" she looked around to see if he could be laughing at anything but her, but there was nothing but the roses.

"You are most refreshing," he said finally, still chuckling.

"Meaning?"

"Your honesty suits you." Sere was silent for a moment and then blushed furiously as she realised this was a complement.

"Thank you," she said stiffly, sitting back down upon the bench. "Where are your guards?"

"Kunzite will be wherever Sailor Venus told him to be," Endymion shrugged, "While Nephrite is reluctantly following my orders and remaining in the dining room with Princess Makoto."

"Reluctantly?"

"He does not feel entirely comfortable leaving me unwatched in the current climate."

"I wouldn't worry about that," she giggled, "Right Ami?"

"Sorry Sere," Sailor Venus leapt down from a nearby tree, "We just switched over."

"I was close though?"

"You're getting better, it was only about ten minutes ago this time," Minako grinned at her.

"It's reassuring to see you're kept so well guarded," Endymion smiled.

"Maybe," Sere pulled a face, "But a moment's peace would be nice."

"I couldn't hear what you were saying," Minako was affronted, "I'm your guard, not some long nosed... nosey person." Sere raised her eyebrows.

"I think you're perfectly capable of being both."

"I'm beyond insulted now," Minako grinned, leaping forwards and tickling Sere's sides.

"Minako!" Sere shouted between laughter, "Minako stop!"

"Not until you apologise!"

"Never!"

"Well then I'll never stop!" Endymion did not move for a moment, slightly stunned by the not particularly dignified demonstration, but finally his face cracked into a smile. He held his hand forward and conjured a rose. It formed almost instantaneously, formed from slight collection of the magical energy present in the air, something Zoisite had been working on for many years. Unlike those he used in battle, this rose had no thorns, but still it whistled through the air with pinpoint accuracy, the petals brushing Minako's nose and giving Sere the chance to throw her off and scramble to her feet.

"There are grass stains on my dress!" she screeched, horrified, "What will people think I've been up to?"

"I think, perhaps, it would be wise if I left you two alone."

"Not a bad idea," Minako's eyes narrowed as Sere bent to pick the Rose from the ground. By the time she had straightened up Endymion had already gone. Her hands tightened around the smooth stem as her heart seemed to calm in her chest. Why had it beaten so fast? Was it because Minako was teasting her? But it couldn;t be that - Minako did that sort of thing all the time and she had never felt so out of breath before.

What she didn't know was that, just around the corner, a dark haired Prince was having similar thoughts.

*Not a typo, for those who haven't read the manga :) Violon is French for Violin.