|Chapter Eight|

Violin music drifted through the halls echoing and bringing more people towards the event filled with food, light drink, and dancing. The town seemed to rejoiced at the idea that the crown prince was going to chose his wife. They hadn't met the princess yet and this would be her debut into their society. Spinning around the dance floor in pure happiness, Serenity felt everything was falling into place. She was with the man that had stolen her heart along with made her mother proud by completing the Alliance. Thanks to her helpful team of women, she wasn't found out too soon and found they were also happy as well. Was it Fate? Feeling as if things would be peaceful, Serenity had no worries as she rejoiced.

The night was peaceful but Minako and Makoto kept their guard up, especially looking for anyone that looked like Beryl coming to the party. That power…it sent chills down Makoto's spine at the thought that some dark energy like that existed. Minako was the first to do an inside check while Makoto stuck to the perimeter. Her long yellow gown swished around her with each graceful movement of her legs. Feeling as if she was being followed, Minako kept her head high and disappeared into what seemed like a dark corner watching with a grin as Kunzite leaned against the pillar with a smirk.

"You look as beautiful as ever, your highness," he said in a husky voice sending chills down her spine. Reaching soft fingers around, her fingers tickled the back of his hand and brought him into the darkness with her.

"Not too bad yourself, kind sir," said Minako, grinning as he pulled her into his arms. The magic was flowing and she couldn't help but let herself be swept off her feet into a tender kiss before whisked to the dance floor.

Ami found it hard not to sneak away to finish the project; sure she had a lifetime to create much more but it was almost finished. Just a few more pieces and it would be ready for a test run. Sneaking out of the ballroom, she moved gracefully towards the lab while peeking behind her to be sure no one was following. Her brilliant sapphire gown flowed around her tiny figure and gave her more of a twinkle since she was finally her gowns once more. She hadn't been known for liking her gowns, but it was something she grew used to and at times missed.

Following the stairwell, she found herself pausing before slowly opening the door with the swipe of a special key card. To her surprise, their project was covered with a cloth and she frowned at the thought Zoicite had locked her from it. Although she hadn't promised, she didn't say she wouldn't take a small peak in to check on it. As she went in for the touch to pull the cloth off, arms encircled her waist and pulled her away from the product.

"No work tonight, your highness," whispered Zoicite and Ami blushed being so close in his arms. She had dreamed of it, many times of kissing him but due to how shy she was she kept her distance. She couldn't help but let out a nervous giggle and lean back into him.

"There are a few things to be completed and our work will be finished," she said softly. Feeling his warm hands touch and turn her to face him, she blushed again and smiled up at him sweetly. Zoicite was not to be swayed this time; he wanted her to join the party and to get them out of this room for once. They had spent their entire time here and now it was time to join the others. He couldn't help but grin at her persuasion but decided he would use persuasion of his own.

"I need you up there tonight," he purred, and followed her steps back against the table. Locking her in with his arms leaning on both sides of the table, Ami bowed her head to try and hide her blush. It was the first time she had ever seen him in this mode but he was a man after all, and surely an experienced man in the ways of women. Moving in, he unlocked an arm to tilt her chin up to him seeing how she followed his movement and locked him to her soft blue gems. Moving in for the kiss, he was surprised when she pushed herself onto her toes and ignited the passion burning inside him.

Rei was burning was joy and knew it was going to be a very hard evening for Jedite due to her curvaceous gown that left more than enough to the imagination of every man. The deep red garment touched her in placed Jedite only wished he could be. Although they had kissed a lot, he made sure to be a gentleman and leave her breathlessly bothered. Now, it was her turn to shine as he leaned against a pillar watching the woman enjoy herself. As she moved towards a secluded hall way, and peeked over her shoulder at him, he knew it was his time to follow. Moving through the movements and watching the happy couple dance with the others, he moved towards the hall quickly and straightened himself before moving in. The soft light from the candles set the mood as he followed the princess down the halls into somewhere more private for their affairs. Peeking around a large statue in a secluded small personal garden on the inside of the palace, Jedite acted like he was taking a walk.

Giving a giggle, Rei pulled at his hand and dragged him into the darkness with her. Wanting to play coy, Jedite gave an innocent grin.

"Why milady, have we met before?" he asked curiously. Rei couldn't help but rest herself against the wall in a flirtatious way.

"I'm sure you could get to know me quickly," she replied, watching him lean in and take her lips gently like so many times before. Each time they touched was magical, spending fireworks in her brain and all over her body. She knew she belonged to him, and no one else for the rest of eternity.

Makoto circled the perimeter cautiously, and found herself jumping from location to location quickly while her hand held the bottom of her long gown pulled up to her knees. She was thankful that she had enough practice in heels that it didn't bother her anymore to jump from place to place. Once that was finished, she found herself straightening herself out. Everyone was occupied but herself but it didn't put her down; things were going to be at peace which would make her already easy job easier. Letting out a long sigh, Makoto found a secluded balcony to occupy herself on while she looked up into the night sky seeing Jupiter shining in the distance. Oh, it was more than beautiful as she stared up and felt a ping in her heart. She missed her home land, her family, and most of all the rain. It rained all the time but she was able to spend time in it without getting sick. Most of the time she tended to the gardens and used her powers to help bring food to every different town. Once in a while there would be trouble but she would sort it out. It had been extra hard to leave due to leaving her father alone, especially after the death of her mother. The toll still seemed to weigh on her from time to time when she looked up and thought of them both. One day, they would all be together but until then she would live to her fullest.

Moving back inside, she couldn't help but wonder why everyone was gathering around the stage. Pushing forward, she saw Queen Serenity entering the room standing tall while everyone seemed to be in a silence awe. Following towards her group of friends that stood looking onward at the Queen, a smile seemed to grace them.

"As a gift to the people of Earth, I have brought a portal that will go into every Kingdom as a connection to the Alliance. Entering the portal, you will have a choice of which planet to visit freely. Our worlds are all connected in the name of peace," she said strongly. Cheers erupted as the people of Earth seemed happy to be able to travel to their liking. The Queen took a spot on a guest throne provided for the occasion and watched the happiness commence.

`*`

The wedding date had been set and the place was on the Moon Kingdom where everyone seemed to move around peacefully completing their assigned projects. It was a blissful time as the woman found time to spend with the ones they loved and were thankful that the Queen blessed their unions with the idea of some day being wed. Traveling wasn't out of the question as the most important people were brought to stay at the Moon Kingdom and witness the union on this day. To the public, a ball was setup in the town square along with it decorated beautifully in order to give the new couple time alone. Minako was the first to hear about it as her communicator rang loudly and next to follow was Makoto's, Rei's, and then Ami's. Alerted of a situation forming at the edge of the galaxy, the quickly made their way to the Queen's chambers to get ready for war.

"They have already destroyed the outer planets," said Queen Serenity, guards moving around to protect the newlyweds. The ball was still going while they moved into action in hopes of keeping everyone calm.

"We will get ready for battle," said Minako, pulling out her transformation. Was this going to be the end of it? Would there be more to come? The soldier suited woman ran to the appointed locations and watched the swirling black cloud head on its way towards them. How could such an evil exist? Bracing for impact, the shadow demons attacked in masses slaughtering everything in sight while they made their way to the palace. Backing into what seemed like a corner, the magic flashed around as the Generals felt helpless just protecting the prince and princess. There were too many…Ami was the first to fall being surprise attacked from behind while focusing too much on calculating what to do with the enemy. Slowly, distress sounded as Rei fell and then Makoto. Minako was trying to cover her companions but was attacked and the last to fall. This sent everything directly towards the Generals. Fighting as best as they could they felt their pain coming out through their swords as they fought as best as they could for their fallen loves.

Tragedy seemed to strike when Endyiom was down, a scream echoing through the palace as Serenity fell next to him with the flicks of blood splattered against her white dress. Pulling up the crystal sword as all hope for herself fell with Endyiom's life, Serenity thrust it into her chest and fell next to her husband. Queen Serenity watched as the Generals slowly began to fall one by one; the sadness in her chest as she moved into the chamber and pulled out the crystal. It glowed brightly against the darkness while the words she enchanted sealed the fate of the demons attacking. Running down the steps towards her daughter, Queen Serenity cried as she knew there was one thing left to do.

Her trusted advisor Luna and Artemis stood next to her, feeling the pain for their Queen and glad they could stop it before it went to destroy Earth. That was the only planet left and there was little time before the seal would be broken and the Moon Kingdom would no longer exist. Those that could escape were doing so now to make it to Earth where the last of their pure races would end and magic would no longer exist.

"Luna, Artemis, thank you for all your work but I believe your servitude has not yet come to an end," said Queen Serenity, watching them nod and understanding what it was they would have to do. Lifting the crystal up, Queen Serenity gave a soft smile as she thought of her daughter having a life in the future where peace would finally come and she could be happy. "Cosmic Moon Power!"

The light flashed as time bubbles wrapped around the souls of the women and men as it traveled towards Earth to one day be released. Soon, Luna and Artemis were surrounded in a bubble as well and placed in a deep sleep until the time would come when they would need to be awaken to serve Princess Serenity and show her and the soldiers the ways of old.

AN: I apologize for the long wait and thank you for those that have continued to read this. I'm working on a series that corresponds with this having to do with the senshi being able to finally have their Generals in the future. Look forward to the prologue being posted of "Hollow".