"ABOUT FACE!"

The fifty men turned around, a few swayed from imbalance while some nearly toppled over. Darien swallowed the chuckle tickling his throat as he recalled the memories of his own clumsiness when he had first learned face movements. Granted he had been twelve years old at the time. Awkward jerky movements were expected. Still… it took more than a morning to fine tune the body to respond accurately and quickly to commands, especially when they were being screamed at you.

"RIGHT FACE!"

His blue eyes scanned the men… no… boys around him. No swaying this time, but they weren't sequential either. He inwardly sighed. Most were the same age as he. 'I bet none of them have had to see bloodshed before,' he thought bitterly and pushed the thought away before it consumed his attention.

"RIGHT FACE! LEFT FACE! ABOUT FACE!"

Malachite called out order after order as the rest walked through the squads.

"AT EASE!"

"Your training has only begun. Squad 1, you will start with General Zoisite. He will be educating you on military history and first aid. Squad 2 you go with General Jadeite for your first sword lesson. Squad 3 will begin training with General Nephrite for hand-to-hand combat, and Squad 4 and 5 will follow me for physical training." Malachite announced, "Prince Endymion will be overseeing this platoon. Do not be surprised of his presence. And I advise you to try and out-perform his majesty. Those of you who take my advice, I bid you good luck. Those of you who do not," he paused glancing over the group and smiled, "You have made a very bad life choice. Now, for your first marching lesson… ATTENHUT! …LEFT FACE! FORWARD MARCH!"

~*~

After only a few days of recon, Metaria soon discovered that Earth had become ignorant to her existence. Using it to her advantage, she did not come blowing in from the skies like she had on the others. This planet has more life and more energy to feed off of than any other she had ever been on. What a best kept secret! And the absence of the knowledge of her power would make them easier to deal with. Yes, soon she would have an army. She would be able to find the precious princess much easier with an entire army of human slaves! Once more, they were expendable—wonderfully expendable and much easier to replace. This planet had hundreds of thousands of people compared to other planets—many whose population topped at twenty thousand.

Now… where should she start?

~*~

"Queen Emi of Venus ruled with courage and strength. Following the death of her King, Emi ensured her people and her planet would continue to thrive. She is at peace and undoubtedly watching over us during this arduous time beside King Adonis. The honorable Queen Emi of Venus," Serenity announced and orange flameflowers began to fall above those attending her funeral, "you will remain in our hearts."

The Venus anthem began to play as four men hoisted the casket made of topaz. The Venus Secretary of Defense still had a broken arm in a sling and the Attorney General had patches on his face from wounds that were still healing. Even though wounded, the men refused to give the honor of tending to their Queen to a non-Venus soldier. Another man was the family practitioner, and the last an old friend of her father's. Emi would be held temporarily on the Moon until it was safe to burry her back home.

Mina sobbed harder at the sound of the music. Artemis attempted to soothe the young princess, his own tears staining his fur. Mina welcomed the familiar face and hugged the white cat tightly.

~*~

"Bye Andrew," Mara dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief, "You have made me so proud!" she sobbed bringing her son in for a death grip.

Serena giggled, she was sure her brother's face was turning blue.

Mara released him and Tony brought him in for a pat on the back, "Write okay? We want to know how you're doing."

Andrew nodded, "I promise pops."

His eyes fell to Serena, who was beaming. She was so proud of her big brother. He was following his dream of becoming a knight.

"Stay out of trouble Sere," he teased and hugged her, "Stay in school."

Serena squeezed her arms that were around his waist, "I promise."

"Try to get good marks? Study?" he half suggested half pleaded.

She nodded against his chest, "Promise."

"And if you can manage it… try to be on time?"

Serena laughed, "That might be asking too much mister."

Andrew pulled away and shifted his bag while turning to make his walk into town. A carriage would pick him up and take him to the training arenas near the palace. He paused a few strides away and looked back at his family. His mother crying, his sister waving her arm goodbye, and his father's knowing expression. He grinned and continued on his way.

~*~

Andrew's squad fallowed Nephrite for his first lesson in hand-to-hand combat. Andrew mentally sized him up. The man couldn't have been over thirty, but the techniques he was going over were ones he had learned from his father when he was just a kid. Blocking, right hook, kicks, more punches. Andrew found he was dozing in and out of Nephrite's commands and mentally scolded himself. 'Quit acting like Serena and pay attention!'

He watched the nine others around him. They looked like they were all his age, but one of them was catching on as quickly as he was.

"Alright, we're going to pair you off now. You'll be taking on your partner. When you've fallen on your back for longer than three seconds, you're done." Nephrite advised, "Start out slow and work your way up. Do. Not. Hold. Back."

Andrew was happy to see he had been paired with the other recruit who had shown some previous skill. The same age just a few inches shorter than himself, he was a brunette with long hair covering his eyes.

"Andrew."

"Chad."

The two men shook hands and began slowly.

Andrew threw a punch, Chad blocked.

Andrew kicked, Chad jumped.

Chad punched.

Andrew ducked.

It wasn't long before the two picked up speed, using moves Nephrite hadn't taught yet. This caught the general's attention. He watched the two until finally Chad was the victor. The rest of the squad cheered and Nephrite made a mental note to see how the two did in the other rotations.

~*~

Darien rolled his eyes at the parchment, "Thank you. Tell my mother I will be there as soon as possible."

The messenger bowed, mounted his horse and left.

Darien scowled as he crumbled the paper and turned to Malachite, "I'll be heading back to the palace. I have a luncheon with my parents tomorrow and will be back by nightfall."

Malachite raised an eyebrow, "You're displeased because?"

"They've invited Beryl and her family."

The next morning, Darien woke groggily. The sun shining into his chambers seemed to be trying to blind him and the birds chirping kept him from rolling over and going back to sleep. He sighed remembering why he was waking in his bed at the palace rather than a cot in a cabin.

Getting out of bed, he put on his robe and stretched. He looked out his window taking in the view of the rose gardens. Staff was setting out up a table and chairs for the lunch. Darien waved to a gardener before entering his bathroom, where he saw his bath already drawn and still hot. He slipped into the grayed marble tub and mentally counted over a dozen times when Beryl and her family had dined with his parents without his presence.

'I know Beryl wants me to marry her. That has to be what this lunch is all about.'

He groaned and sunk into the water so he was completely submerged. After five minutes of holding his breath, he resurfaced. Water sloshed, some spilling on the black tile floor.

'That family is only concerned with power and money.'

Memories entered his mind of Beryl's father manipulating trades between other countries. At the age of fifteen, Darien went with Beryl's father—a Lord assisting the royal family in trades with countries overseas—and helped him count inventory. The King believed Darien was at the appropriate age to become more politically involved in the kingdom, and gave him simple tasks in addition to his training and studies.

"Coal is three silver coins per sack, brandy ten gold coins per barrel, and the linens will be seven copper coins," his father's voice filled Darien's head.

Darien remembered how he had counted all inventory for Lord Calvin, and reported the numbers eagerly. Fifteen year-old Darien watched the exchange before him. The Lord counted the money and smiled shaking the captain's hand, then signed off on the delivery paperwork. Darien knew that Calvin had easily paid twenty percent lower than what should have been charged from the prices his father had told him.

The young prince had snuck into the accounting clerk's desk, to find the correct figure written in the books. Feeling guilty for doubting the man who was like a second father to him, he shrugged it off. But when the next shipment arrived, it happened again. Darien checked the books and slammed them shut in frustration. He saw the Lord collect nearly half less than what Darien knew he should have and now knew it wasn't a one-time accident. The delivery captain for the last shipment was different. Calvin had been over-charging his father for the imports and the extra had ended up in Calvin's pocket.

"But dad—"

"No Darien! Calvin is one of our most respected leaders, and one of the royal family's longest allies. He has boosted trade with oversea countries by thirty percent since he took this responsibility."

"I know what I saw!"

"I have checked on the trades Calvin has supervised, and the numbers check out. You should not jump to such accusations Darien. It is not how a King should rule his country nor judge his people."

Since then, Calvin was more careful around the young prince but soon his training had moved on to analyzing crime rates and proposing reduction strategies.

Darien frowned at the memory as he dressed.

'There's no way I'm letting that immoral man become my father-in-law.'

~*~

"Faster Mina!"

It was well past 3 in the morning. Everyone else sound asleep minus The Seven guarding the palace, herself, and Artemis. Her attire in running wear she had only seen Princess Amara in. First embarrassed at the amount of her body that would be exposed, it subsided as she discovered the shorts and flat shoes really were easier to run in compared to her long skirts and heels. The sleeveless shirt keeping her cool during the workout.

"Come on, you can do it! Pick it up!" Daniel encouraged as he watched the princess run laps.

"I *heave* hate *heave* running *heave*!" she gasped out in between breaths.

Daniel smiled, his eyes following the princess around the running track, her blonde hair flying behind her as her legs stretched into long strides, her chest moving up and down from her heavy breathing. This was much more entertaining than keeping watch at night.

FLASH

"Daniel, can I please see you for a moment?"

The blonde man looked up from his reading. Seeing the Queen, he nodded and closed the book, keeping his thumb in the pages to save his place. She entered The Seven's study and closed the door firmly behind her.

"Yes your highness?"

"I have a mission for you Daniel. I have a warrior who needs training. She has never been exposed to war, but has seen her fair share of death."

"She? And only one?"

It was odd that the Queen would ask such a request—train an individual versus a platoon.

Serenity nodded, "Her training is one of the Moon's highest priorities. Her identity must remain confidential, only known to The Seven, her advisor, and me. She will begin with you tonight at two thirty."

"Isn't that a little late your majesty?"

"Or early Daniel. However you choose to look at it."

FLASH

"H-hi…"

The sheepish Princess approached the guard.

"Your highness," he bowed, the first time seeing the Venus Princess this close. 'She is just as beautiful as they said.'

"Are you," she hesitated, "Are you Daniel?"

His heart seemed to skip a beat as she said his name, "Yes Princess Mina."

"One of The Seven?"

He nodded, "Could you not sleep Princess?"

She fidgeted with her skirts, the orange fabric soft and warm on her fingertips.

"Would you like me to accompany you back to your bed chambers?" He blushed at the subconscious implication, "Uh, I mean, would you like me to walk you to your room?"

She giggled relieving the tension.

'Music…' Daniel thought to himself.

"Actually, I'm here to meet someone."

"This late?" he questioned, somehow a little disappointed the young Princess could be meeting an admirer.

"Or early. Depends on how you look at it."

He met her blue eyes with his green ones in silent understanding.

FLASH

"Hustle Venus!"

"Venus?" Mina breathed out, holding her side, and met his eyes as she rounded the corner of the track.

"Sailor Venus," Daniel called to her, "Do you like it?"

Mina beamed.

She threw her V-sign to Daniel as she passed him picking up her pace.

"Yes. This is much more entertaining." Daniel murmured as he watched her make another lap.

~*~

"Has anyone seen Mina?" Raye questioned at breakfast.

Amy shook her head and sat down next to Raye, "I haven't seen much of her these past two weeks."

"I'm sure she's just tired," Lita offered, "She's gone through so much."

Raye nodded, still feeling unsettled. The only time anyone saw Mina was at dinner. Throughout the day she would remain in her room, Artemis saying she was sleeping and wore out from the loss of her mother.

"Amy, would you like to join me for a swim?" Michelle asked.

"Sure! I'd love to."

"Great, we can go a little while after breakfast."

Amara entered the dining hall, snatched an orange from a fruit basket then headed out.

"Light eater," Lita commented and dug into her French toast.

Michelle nodded sipping her tea, "Amara is never one to each much in the morning, but I bet she'll run ten miles before the afternoon."

"Where are our parents?" Raye questioned.

"Another meeting with Serenity," Amy answered.

"I can't wait to get back home!" Lita smiled, "The Moon is beautiful, don't get me wrong, but it'll nice to see a thunderstorm. It's been what? Almost three weeks we've been here?"

"I wonder what they're talking about…" Raye asked aloud.

She and Lita shared a smile. Amy let out a groan, and Michelle a giggle.

~*~

"We can't keep doing this you guys, what if we get caught?"

"Oh lighten up Amy." Lita pushed her toward the library computer. "Serenity is still holding the meeting in the dining room. If she knew we were listening in on her, don't you think she'd change where the meetings would take place?"

"I have to meet Michelle for our swim."

Raye rolled her eyes, "Not for another hour."

Amy sighed and started typing. She knew it was wrong, but she couldn't deny that she was curious as well. After all the Alliance had talked about them last time… didn't they have a right to know what was being said about them?

Suddenly, Luna's voice came through the speakers.

"No sign of Materia yet Serenity."

"How are we on supplies Luna?"

"We should be fine for at least another three months, Serenity. After that… it's too hard to tell."

Silence.

"Juno, Lita, and I will return to Jupiter first thing tomorrow. We can start rebuilding to get our people off of the Moon. We have no intention of taking advantage of your hospitality Serenity."

"You are not taking advantage Jovian."

The girls could hear Serenity smile.

"Raye and I will return to Mars."

"Neptune."

"Uranus."

"What of Mina?" Lita heard her mother ask.

"She and Artemis will stay here."

"Serenity… what of Venus? How will it be rebuilt without Emi?" Janus asked.

Silence.

More silence.

"AHG! I wish we could SEE something!" Raye huffed.

"Mina and Venus' people will remain here. I volunteer to oversee that Venus is rebuilt with the help of Venus' Secretary of Defense and prepare Mina to become Queen. I'm sure we will be fine hosting Venusians until she is ready. Luna?"

"I'm certain we will be able to make the proper adjustments."

"Those in favor?" Serenity questioned.

Silence.

"The Alliance has spoken. Princess Mina shall begin her coronation to be crowned Queen."

The three princesses shared a look. Was Mina ready to become Queen?

~*~

"Darien! You're late!" his mother scolded playfully as he entered the garden.

"My apologies. Mother, father. Calvin, Laura… Lady Beryl," he kissed the redhead's hand out of courtesy.

Beryl beamed at Darien as he sat next to her.

"I'm sure you would like to know why we called you away from training," King Endymion started, "You are to marry within a year and will take over the kingdom shortly after."

Darien nodded as beverages were brought to the table along with appetizers.

"You're suggesting I court Lady Beryl."

King Endymion smiled, "Yes son."

"No father."

"And why not?"

"I was led to believe that my bride was my choice."

"I did not choose Lady Beryl to be your bride."

"Then my decline should not be taken personally."

"I will not have you be so rude to our guests."

"Then you shouldn't have forced the issue."

Endymion's eyes narrowed on his son, "We have invited old friends to join us today, shall we change the topic to a more pleasurable one? I would rather not sour this beautiful day with Darien's stubbornness."

Darien glared at his father, and shoved a wrap into his mouth to prevent him from saying something he would regret.

"I know," his mother smiled, "Calvin, how are negotiations with Spain?"

Darien's stomach lurched, "If you'll excuse me. I've lost my appetite."

"Darien."

He ignored his father's warning tone and stood from the table. He bowed his respects for the women at the table and left.

"I'll go talk to him your highness," Beryl smiled.

Calvin and Endymion stood as she left the table.

"Darien!"

He groaned but stopped at her voice, "Lady Beryl."

"Just Beryl, Darien."

"Beryl," he turned to face her, "I apologize for my behavior, but the topic at the table was not one that I am fond of."

"That's alright Darien," Beryl stepped forward and linked her arm with his, "I know you want to choose your own bride."

She rested her head on his arm and laid her free hand on his chest.

'I was talking more about your father,' he thought bitterly.

She started to move her hand up to his neck to bring his head in closer to hers. It took a second for her actions to sink in, then he wretched away.

"Look Beryl, I'm not interested."

She looked at him her green eyes brimmed with tears.

"They say that if you love someone to set them free, and if it's true love they'll come back to you." She looked down at her feet, "Why won't you come back to me Darien? I've set you free haven't I?"

Darien sighed, he wanted to scream 'NO!' to her at the top of his lungs. If anything the girl suffocated his time whenever they were in the same location. She would sniff him out like a dog and then cling to him like a leech. If he weren't so irritated by it, he would have asked her how she did it.

"I'm not in love with you Beryl. I'm sorry."

Her bottom lip quivered and she turned and ran.

~*~

Out of breath, Beryl found herself at the water fountain. She collapsed to her knees and let out a cry. She hugged herself with both arms and looked at her reflection in the water.

"I love you Darien, why won't you love me back? I'm nothing without you. If you knew how much I loved you, you would have to love me back. I'd do anything for you to see how much I love you."

Suddenly a black mist appeared in the reflection. Beryl snapped her head to see behind her. Nothing. She looked back into the water. The mist was there. She stood and looked around.

"Wh-who's there?"

"Have no fear my dear. My name is Metaria. I know how Prince Darien could love you."

Her eyes widened in joy and she smiled, "You do?"

"Yes my Lady. I can help you. I can make Prince Darien see how much you love him, so he will love you back."

"Really? How?"

"We must connect spiritually my Lady."

"What do you mean?"

"Let me give myself to you my Lady… it will give you my powers. Then you'll be able to show Darien how much you love him."

Beryl became wary. Let this …misty fog enter her body? It was for Darien…

"How do I know I should trust you?"

"I know what its like to lose someone you love my Lady."

Beryl continued to watch the mist in the fountain.

"Have you ever heard of the Moon Kingdom Lady?"

"A society living on Earth's moon. It's a myth." Beryl hoffed and started to walk away from the fountain.

"It is no myth. Would you please hear my story? I already know yours."

Beryl stopped and turned back to the fountain. What harm could it do?

"There are more kingdoms throughout our solar system."

"Solar system?" she walked back to the fountain.

"There are other planets just like Earth. These planets could help make Earth prosperous. But an evil woman named Serenity stole my kingdom and my love. She brainwashed him because of her jealousy of me, I was exiled to Earth and she forbid any contact with this planet."

Beryl gasped as the water changed showing the different kingdoms in strange environments. Kings, Queens, Princesses… palaces more grand than Earth's.

"The only way to rid of this evil is with my Silver Crystal."

The water changed to show Beryl the crescent moon wand, crystal intact.

"You help me rid my kingdom and the universe of Serenity's evil… and I will help you show Prince Darien how much you love him."

Beryl mutely nodded and Metaria wasted no time. She exited the water and entered Beryl through any body opening—eyes, ears, nose…

'This power… I feel strength…'

Instead of being a mere smoke or fog, for the first time, Metaria was able to take a tangible form—and the most useful form yet—the form of a human.

Beryl's eyes started to glow a deep crimson red.