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Silver Milennium: Forever

Serenity closed her eyes and prepared for the fatal strike. Tears fell down her cheeks. She could hear the evil laughter of the woman who had slaughtered her people and destroyed her peaceful home. Endymion had been killed by his own sword as he tried to protect her. She didn't know where her mother was. She hoped the Sailor Senshi, her friends and protectors were still safe. But with a dark army of such a huge size, all blindly following Beryl, she didn't know how long the Senshi could hold out, even with their supernatural powers.

Still, she hoped they were okay. She hoped Mars was okay. A soft smile graced Serenity's pale face as she thought of the person she loved more than anything. Her mother may have forbidden them to see each other and she may have grown fond of Endymion since she had been informed of their engagement, but her love for the fire wielder had never wavered. If anything it had gotten stronger.

Serenity silently apologized to the people of her kingdom for not being able to save them. She thought once more of the smiling faces of her friends. She recalled her mother's gentle smile. And, with the face of Sailor Mars clearly in her mind, the Princess of the Moon braced herself for death's blow.

"Fire Soul!"

With a sharp intake of breath, Serenity's eyes shot open. Standing protectively in front of her was Sailor Mars. Looking even further ahead, she could see that Beryl's hair was on fire. She grinned, stepping toward Mars, already saying a silent prayer of thanks for the girl's safety.

Then, she noticed that Mars was no longer standing. She was kneeling and seemed to be struggling to do even that. Fresh tears sprang to her eyes. Mars had been able to hit Beryl, but only after taking the blow that had been meant for her.

"Don't be such a crybaby."

"Stop talking. Just rest. I'll find Mother and she'll use the ginzuishou and you'll be fine," Serenity cried, ignoring Mars' insult and taking the red-suited soldier into her arms.

"Serenity, you know it's too late for that."

"It's not," she protested, applying pressure to her love's wound, like Mercury had said to do in the case of heavy bleeding.

Mars trailed her fingers down Serenity's face. She smiled sadly. "I'm sorry I can't protect you anymore. You know I love you, right?"

"I love you, too," Serenity sniffled. "But, please don't leave me. I need you. We're supposed to be together forever, remember?"

"In our next life; we'll definitely have forever then," Mars mumbled before her eyes closed.

"No! No, no, this can't be happening. Come back!" Serenity cried, hugging Mars tightly to her body.

She never noticed Beryl aim an attack at her back.