A/N: Ok folks, lots of things happening here! Oh, and, FYI, I know nothing on how to describe cool ice-skating moves…so please bear with me, ok? Thanks! I do hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: Nope, still not the proud owner of Sailor Moon. Sorry.

No End in Sight

Chapter 7: The End of the Silver Millennium

"Alright everybody, it's time for the final skating event. Would all the pairs please line up at the entrance of the rink?" Queen Serenity requested diplomatically as the final skater slipped off of the ice.

Obligingly several couples settled in to form a line at the entrance to the ice. Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune were first in line, followed by Sailor Jupiter and King Dymos of Neptune. After them were Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion; behind them were the King and Queen of Mercury. Rounding out the line-up were two of the civilians whom Serenity had befriended years ago at the old ice-rink.

"Sailors Uranus and Neptune," Queen Serenity called once the line was formed. "Please begin."

With the briefest of nods to their Queen, the two Outers joined hands and skated onto the ice to begin their routine.


Serenity and Endymion offered each other small smiles as they skated onto the ice for their turn and the crowd fell silent. Together they skated around the ice, in perfect synchronicity. Taking hold of Serenity's hand, Endymion spun her effortlessly towards the center of the ice. She was truly a sight to behold, spinning in perfect circles, arms straight above her head and hair flying around her dramatically.

As she began to come out of it, he took hold of her hand and skated in circles while she leaned out gracefully. Pulling her back in a moment later, he secured his hands on her hips and hoisted her easily into the air. When he set her down again, he spun her out and she jumped cleanly into the air as she twirled, before landing gracefully on the opposite side of the ice, one leg fully extended behind her.

Endymion skated around the ice and came up behind her, lifting her flawlessly into the air again. She curled her legs beneath her as he held her directly above his head for a full ten seconds before she pushed herself forward slightly and dropped, spinning to face him and catching his hands in hers.

As they prepared their final move, Endymion was struck by an impulse that was too strong to ignore. Suddenly spinning himself around behind her, he scooped her effortlessly into his arms, bringing her once more off the ice. She looked up at him as they spun towards the center and he smiled reassuringly. Then he leaned down slightly and captured her lips with his.

Serenity immediately wrapped her arms around his neck as she felt them stop spinning. A rush of air and soft thud indicated that Endymion had gone down to one knee a moment before he pulled away and grinned down at her.

He set her feet gently back onto the ice before pulling them both to a standing position. As they stood, the crowd erupted into applause and cheers.


"I think that was cheating," Jupiter teased as Serenity and Endymion stepped off of the ice, making room for the rulers of Mercury.

"There are no rules against kissing on the ice," Serenity replied with a soft shrug.

"Very subtle, by the way, Endymion," Mars added as she joined them at the side-wall.

"Subtlety has never been one of my strong suits," Endymion admitted.

Wrapping her arms around his, Serenity said, "I thought it was very sweet."

Endymion looked down at her and smiled before they all turned their attention to the remaining skaters.


When the last pair had stepped off of the ice, Queen Serenity slid gracefully into the center of the rink. The crowd silenced and she smiled at all of them. "Thank you, competitors, for a beautiful show. Now, how about we reveal the results? I have convened with my advisors and several anonymous citizens for our decision. The Prince and Princess of the Skate Rink are King Dymos and Sailor Jupiter."

Applause broke out as the pair skated up to Queen Serenity and accepted their figurine trophies. They skated once around the rink to show them off before slipping off of the ice.

"And now, the Queen and King of the Skate Rink…Serenity and Endymion."

Again everyone applauded and cheered as they returned to the ice, hand in hand. Together they knelt before Queen Serenity, who placed ice-blue crowns on both of their heads and stepped back.

"Congratulations," Queen Serenity declared happily.

Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion stood and looked into each other's eyes for a long moment, before Serenity smiled softly and slid into his embrace, resting her head against his strong chest and letting her eyes drift shut.


The day passed pleasantly after the skating event, and all-too-soon, it was over. Princess Serenity ran a brush through her long, golden hair as she sat on the ledge of her window, staring out at the Earth, but not really seeing it. In her mind, she saw Endymion's smiling face; heard his deep, masculine voice; felt his warm touch. She missed him, and it had only been a couple of hours since she'd talked with him after dinner. Her lips still tingled from the brief goodnight kiss he'd placed there before they'd parted ways for the night.

Closing her eyes, she replayed their piece in the pairs competition from earlier that day. She still couldn't believe he'd kissed her. They had agreed it would be best to keep their relationship secret for a while…but that he'd so willingly announced them as a couple in front of everyone…it gave her hope. Hope that, someday, they could be together without fear of being torn apart. Is it possible?

In the end, she knew that only time could answer that question. Pluto certainly won't tell me. Shaking her head, Serenity put down her brush and headed for her bed after blowing out her lone candle.


The Outer Sailor Soldiers knelt respectfully before their Queen. Pluto and Saturn had set their staffs on the ground beside them as each bowed her head and rested her fingertips on the cool marble floor.

"What is it you needed to discuss?" Queen Serenity asked as she took her seat on the throne. Her worry seeped into her tone, and for good reason. They practically never called her for a meeting, especially so early in the day. It was still a good hour before breakfast.

"We have sensed an unusual presence at the edge of the solar system," Sailor Pluto declared somberly.

Queen Serenity frowned. "What sort of presence?"

"That we don't know, my Queen," Sailor Saturn replied quietly.

"Whatever it is, it's dangerous." Sailor Uranus added bluntly.

"I see," Queen Serenity said slowly. "What do you want to do about this?"

"We would like your permission to investigate this presence, and hopefully remove it peacefully from our solar system." Sailor Pluto explained.

Queen Serenity sighed. It was unrealistic to expect peace to last unchallenged. "Very well, then. You have my permission to investigate this presence. But please use good judgment; if it is hostile and reveals itself to be too powerful for you alone, return to me to retrieve additional assistance. I don't want to lose you. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Queen Serenity," the Outers declared simultaneously before standing in one fluid motion.

"We shall return as soon as we are able," Sailor Pluto promised before the four of them turned and walked purposefully out of the room.

"Good luck, Sailor Soldiers," Queen Serenity whispered after they had vanished from sight. In her heart, she knew something horrible was approaching. Something they may not make it through.


Over the next two days, people slowly began to notice the absence of the Outer Sailor Soldiers. Queen Serenity said nothing of their mission, assuring those who asked that it was nothing more than a scouting mission and that they should return in the next couple of days.

Soon, the final day of the week of celebration was upon them. All day people were buzzing about that night's ball. Decorations were going up in the Grand Hall and as the hours wore on the excitement built.

Princess Serenity was walking down the hall when she heard Jupiter's familiar voice just around the corner. Instinctively, she pressed herself against the wall and stayed silent, somehow knowing that they would change topics the moment they saw her.

"…got a bad feeling about this." Jupiter declared firmly.

"You and me both," Mars said.

"What do you mean?" Mercury asked.

Mars's voice was hesitant when she answered. "I had a vision last night…a horrible vision."

"What happened?" Venus asked gently.

Sailor Mars turned and rested her elbows on the railing that lined the outer edge of the hallway. Her voice was low, making it hard for Serenity to hear. "I don't think the Outers are on a scouting mission. There's an evil presence out there…somewhere. In my vision…whatever it is, it possesses and corrupts the minds and souls of hundreds of people, and then…it comes for us. For the moon. They're led by some sort of witch, but I couldn't get a face or a name…after that, all I saw was…destruction. Everywhere. I heard screams, I'm pretty sure we were fighting back, and then…black. And just before I woke up, I swear I saw a spark of light. Pure, white, light."

Silence reigned for a long moment after Mars finished her tale. Finally, Venus said, "That's just a little disconcerting…."

Jupiter punched her palm determinedly. "One vision doesn't mean we're all going to die; it just means something is going to happen. We can handle it."

"Yes," Mercury said confidently. "It's possible the vision ended that way simply because it was incomplete. After all, you've told us before that they often come in scattered pieces that aren't even in order, correct?"

"Yeah," Mars said slowly, "but this felt…different."

"Well, whatever it is, we'll keep it to ourselves. There's no sense worrying anyone else about it. When Pluto and the others come back, we'll talk it over with them and see what they think." Venus declared decisively. The girls made sounds of agreement before turning and walking away.


Princess Serenity ran straight for her room, not stopping until she was standing on her balcony. As she looked out over her beloved kingdom, tears pooled up in her eyes and she sniffled. Something in Mars's story had shaken her deep inside and she was worried. Terrified that something horrible was going to happen and that they'd be powerless to stop it.

"Please…no," Serenity sobbed, sliding down to her knees and leaning her forehead against the cool steel of the railing as the tears broke free and fell down her face. She wrapped her hands around the rails, clutching tightly, desperate for something solid to hold on to.

Endymion was walking beneath Serenity's room, when something told him to look up. The instant he did, he saw her collapsed on her balcony, shaking. Eyes wide and fear gripping tightly to his heart, he acted without thinking.

Pushing off of the ground, he leapt into the air and landed on her balcony gracefully, dropping to his knees beside her immediately and pulling her into his arms. She clung to him instantly as the tears continued to stream down her cheeks. Endymion held her close for a long moment, saying nothing as she released her emotions.

Finally, Serenity drew in a ragged breath and pulled back to look up at him. Her blue eyes were rimmed with red and it tore at him.

"Serenity, what happened?" He asked softly, not releasing her.

Serenity looked away briefly before she leaned her head against his chest and told him about Mars's vision and her own fears. He held her close and promised to do everything in his power to protect her; he told her that she shouldn't let one simple vision worry her so much. That everything would be fine.

She snuggled against him for a while, letting the warmth and strength of him seep into her; comfort her. She convinced herself that he was right; everything would be ok. Even if something did happen, they had the power to fight it off. They'd all be okay.


The Silver Millennium Ball was bigger than Serenity had remembered. Grander. And she loved it. She had danced with Endymion, Elis, Mars's grandfather, several of the other visiting kings, and Maya. She was a bit surprised that Estes hadn't asked her to dance yet, but she wasn't disappointed.

Endymion approached her as she leaned against a wall and held out one gloved hand. He had donned his tuxedo again for the dance, instead of his armor. This time he still wore his cape, which added a certain flare to the outfit which she found incredibly attractive.

"Excuse me, Princess; might I have another dance?"

Serenity laughed softly and smiled up at him as she placed her hand into his. "Certainly, Prince."

Smiling at her, he pulled her close and spun them away from the wall, towards the center of the room. The crowd parted as they danced, lost in each other's eyes. Soon everyone was watching them.

"Something tells me we'll be seeing quite a lot of each other," King Elis declared as he stood beside Queen Serenity.

The Queen smiled, her eyes sparkling. "I do hope so, Elis. I have never seen Serenity so happy as she is when she's with him."

Elis chuckled. "And I never knew Endymion could smile so much," he added.

"Perhaps the next time we meet, it will be at a wedding." Queen Phoebe suggested hopefully.

"I do hope so," Queen Serenity replied truthfully.


Endymion dipped her easily as their dance ended. Pausing only long enough to create the appropriate effect, he pulled her upright once more and smiled down at her. "Thank you for the dance, Princess," he whispered.

"You may dance with me whenever you wish," Serenity replied almost teasingly. Stepping slightly out of his embrace, she grabbed his hand and tugged, leading him toward the balcony beyond the Grand Hall.

Together they slipped out of the main party, turning to face each other. They were silent for a moment, before she finally looked down and took a deep breath.

"I wish you didn't have to leave tomorrow," Serenity whispered.

Endymion cupped her face lovingly. "So do I, Serenity," he replied truthfully.

"When will I see you again?"

Endymion hesitated. He had no idea when they could be together again. "I wish I had an answer to that, my love."

When Serenity bowed her head to hide her tears, he pulled her against him. "We will be together again, Serenity, I swear it."

Serenity wrapped her arms around his torso and held tightly to him. "I know…but I don't want to be so far apart from you…I want…more."

Holding her tightly, with her head over his heart, Endymion leaned his head down to whisper, "Some day, Serenity, I intend to make you my Queen…if you'll have me. And then we'll never have to be apart again."

Serenity pulled back suddenly, her big, curious, blue eyes searching his. "You want to marry me?"

Endymion chuckled. "More than anything."

Serenity's smile lit up her face and chased away her tears. "Oh, Endymion…I would love nothing more than to be your wife and stay beside you forever."

Endymion smiled, relief flooding him, and leaned down to taste her lips. She leaned into the kiss willingly. Neither of them saw the swirling energy that had begun building up in the air above them.


Screaming tore through the happy, relaxed atmosphere of the fading party. Shocked silence rippled through the crowd as everyone's attention snapped to the doorway, where the echoed scream had come from. The four Sailor Scouts jumped to their feet and quickly raced into the hall to see what was going on.

"Please, everyone, remain calm. It would be best for us all to stay here while they see what has happened." Queen Serenity called to the crowd.

Out on the balcony, Serenity and Endymion started as the scream echoed up at them. In the distance, they could hear other screams. They turned to look out over the courtyard, and found themselves staring at a dark form of evil energy and an army of possessed humans. Serenity's eyes widened in terror and disbelief.

"We should go inside," Endymion stated firmly as he took in the situation. The energy being was busy blasting apart one of the prized statues of the royal family.

Serenity nodded and spun, leading the way back inside.

"Mother!" She cried as she ran into the room. Endymion took the time to pull the double-glass doors closed behind him.

Queen Serenity turned quickly at her daughter's unusually panicked voice. "What is it, darling?"

"There's something outside, destroying everything…people are dying…it's terrible!"

Worried murmurs erupted through the crowd and the Queen frowned. "Alright, it's not safe here. Please, everyone, follow me calmly to the throne room. We'll be safe there."

The Princess looked around the room while her mother spoke. "Mother…where are the Sailor Scouts?"

"They went to investigate," Queen Serenity explained softly.

The Princess's eyes widened. "No…it can't happen!" Impulsively, she ran quickly from the room, the crowd too shocked to reach out and stop her.

"Serenity!" the Queen called, to no avail. Her daughter ignored her.

Endymion made to chase after her, only to have his father pull him to a stop. "Don't be foolish, boy."

Endymion glared at his father and yanked his arm free. "She's not thinking clearly, father. I won't see her hurt."


"This is terrible!" Venus declared as they looked out over the ruins of the stables.

"Who could have done this?" Mercury asked as they turned in tight circles to examine the area.

"Maybe that thing," Jupiter suggested, pointing up at a dark cloud of evil energy as it released an energy attack of some sort and shattered another building.

Mars took in a sharp breath. "This is it…my vision…"

The other three spun back to her, eyes wide. "This is what you saw?" Venus demanded incredulously.

Mars nodded her head as a haunted look passed through her eyes. "Yes…we have to stop it before she gets any stronger. The more people she possesses, the more energy she has to feed from."

Venus gave a sharp nod of her head. "Then let's go, Scouts. We have a kingdom to protect."

"Right." They chorused before spinning and racing toward the evil energy being.


Where are they? Serenity wondered as she searched the corridors for her friends. She had found no signs of them, though she'd passed several destroyed pillars and statues and whole sections of the palace.

Evil, cackling laughter echoed directly behind her and the Princess spun around, eyes going wide as she took in the sight of a tall, lithe, red-headed woman floating before her. She held a staff at her side and her hair stood straight up on her head as she glared maliciously down at the Princess.

"You must be the precious Princess Serenity," she declared with a dangerous smirk.

"Who are you?" Serenity returned as she stared at the woman.

The witch smiled wickedly and replied, "I am Beryl, loyal servant to Queen Metalia of the Negaverse!"

"Negaverse…?" Serenity repeated slowly. She'd never heard the term before; but she had more pressing concerns. Frowning, she called, "What do you want?"

"We are here to destroy your precious little kingdom. And to start, I think I'll scratch out your pretty little face!" Beryl declared, lunging forward.

Serenity threw her hands up in front of her face to protect herself when a red rose slashed across Beryl's path, forcing her back. Both women looked over, surprised to see Endymion standing there, dressed once more in his armor and looking angry. Serenity breathed a sigh of relief as he placed himself between her and Beryl.


"It's horrible…" Luna sobbed as she, Artemis, and Queen Serenity watched as everyone fell around them. The kingdom was in flames and they had been separated from everyone else.

A heartbreaking scream pierced the air suddenly and in her heart Queen Serenity knew whose dying cry it had been. Her eyes widened in terror as her heart stopped. The advisors looked up, too, fear in their eyes.

The evil being in the sky above them cackled triumphantly as Princess Serenity's and Prince Endymion's lifeless bodies floated up into the air. They were sprawled, hanging there; even from her distance, the Queen of the Moon could see the tears that still glistened in her daughter's eyes.

"No…Serenity…my darling," her voice was choked.

"Princess!" Luna cried, her own tears flowing.

Queen Serenity shook her head in defeat. There was no choice, she knew that now. She knew, without being told, that everyone who had mattered to her was dead, except for Luna and Artemis. Her heart heavy, she pulled the Crescent Moon Wand out of the sub-space pocket she kept it in, and placed the Silver Crystal into its proper place.

Luna and Artemis looked back at her and their eyes widened. She didn't hear their pleading as she raised the wand high above her head.

"I will not let you win," she said to the evil energy being that stood before her. And then she spoke the words that would set her daughter's future into motion.

To Be Continued…

A/N: Well, there you have it…the end of the Silver Millennium! I didn't really want to alter it too much from the original (or, at least, the anime) version…hence all the similarities. And, in case you're confused, no, this is not the end of the story. I promise. So, please remember to review and read chapter eight!!