Title: Crescent Mirror

Author: aaeris17

Author's Notes:

I am so sorry guys! Between leaving Oxford and coming back to the States, having a mini vacation and then moving back to school, classes starting, not being able to use my computer and connect to the internet, I am a wee bit stressed! I hope you guys can all forgive me for not updating sooner. I am really excited with where the story is going and this chapter is TWICE as long as the last chapter! HAHA! So I hope you guys all enjoy it and as always READ AND REVIEW!

CHAPTER TWENTY

"Princess," an all too familiar voice hissed and I looked up to see the dancing violet eyes of Rei dancing happily with Jadeite. I bit back a smile because I knew she would get me for it later.

"Yes?" I asked nodding briefly at Jadeite. Rei cleared her throat and nodded her head at me in a somewhat meaningful way.

I must have looked utterly baffled because Rei gave a sigh of exasperation before curly nodding at Jadeite who released Rei and bowed deeply to me. He took my elbow before I could return to salutation.

"Rei was trying to imply you were blocking the dance floor," Jade whispered, laughing quietly as Rei's gaze bore into our backs. I flushed; embarrassed that I was so caught up in my own dreams I had let everyone move around me.

"And we are?" I motioned. Jade laughed once more, a clear peal that made Rei send me a thought of BACK OFF. I scoffed and happily Jade seemed to understand it was not at him and that lightened his mood further. We stopped in front of the dais.

"To allow you to sit and regain composure," Jade explained significantly and handed me a glass of spiced wine, "Drink and regain your color," he bowed again and was gone by the time I was fully seated.

How silly I must be. I drank my wine softly, swirling it and watching the couples dance around me. I found Ami and Zoi talking to their parents. Lord Hermes caught my gaze and lifted his glass to me. I returned the gesture and blushing slightly noticed Nephrite steal a quick kiss from Lita's outstretched hand during the dance. She playfully shoved him off, forcing the graceful man, for he was becoming a man now, to falter two steps in the dance before catching up with Lita. Lovely Lita, finally getting her life's happiness. I moved on. I saw Rei's grandfather dancing happily with Mina's mother and Rei in a polite conversation with her…father? I stared at the stoic Lord Ares and wondered in amazement he came tonight. Was it the light? Or did I just see Rei and her father exchange a smile? Rei felt my presence and blocked me out. Meanie. Now…for Mina…Ah. In the center of a dozen or so adoring male fans she was laughing hotly and batting eyelashes. Where had Kunz gone off to? Suddenly the male crowd vanished and I saw Kunzite reappear with two glasses of champagne. Mina faked a pout at the loss of her admirers to which Kunzite made some gesture as to leaving and Mina grabbed his cloak. Even he was finally learning to let go and accept his love for her... Love

What do any of us really know of love? I fanned myself gently. The marble of the throne was cooling my hot skin. All this excitement was really getting to me—either that or I'm getting ANOTHER winter cold. Ha-ha, I wish. I fanned harder and the stupid ivory laced thing flew out of my hand and cluttered down the three steps of the dais. My eyes rounded and braced for the silence that would follow the clutter—but none came. Relaxing, I wondered if it would be a breach of protocol to lean over and get it myself. Either way I would look way dumb: leaving the fan or being seen retrieving it. I took a few sideways glances. Nada, Mother laughed happily with Lita's father and it seemed the men folk had disappeared with Endy.

Taking a deep breath, I slipped off my seat and down to the floor and crouched down. I felt as if I was in one of Artemis's and Luna's training sessions. Attempting to move as stealthily as I could I was inches away from the fan when a white gloved hand deftly snatched it up, flashed it open, and snapped it shut in a flick of a well trained wrist.

"I believe you are missing something, my Princess?" A deep male voice teased. I followed the white silk glove up a white cashmere jacket, to a silvery white cape, and then I finally recognized the devilishly handsome face with the pale grey eyes. The eyes that held no sparkle but simple arrogance.

"Diamond," I muttered trying to contain my fear and hatred. Diamond bowed deeply, remaining on the steps of the dais.

"At your pleasure and service," Diamond bowed his head and the fan stayed hovering over his palm, pointed at my lap. I made no move to retrieve it and gripped the arms of my chair.

"What do you want form me?" I hissed trying to keep a smile on my face for all that were watching the little scene. I sent mad, urgent messages to Lita, Rei, Mina, and Ami. Anyone I could get on our common wavelength. All of a sudden a fury I have never felt pushed me backwards and I struggled to keep my composure even. It must have been one of the girls. Help was on the way.

"Merely friendship, my princess," Diamond emphasized the possessive pronoun. The leer on his lips barely hid his lechery and I found myself lurching at him in an angry passion. I slapped my right hand down on the fan, pushing it into his soft glove, and hopefully, burning it into his palm. To his defense, he did not falter as I smelled the cloth burning with my power. I grinned secretly inside as I saw tiny drops of perspiration begin to bead on his forehead.

"I want nothing from you! Get thee out of my sight!" I spit out and released my grip on the fan.

Diamond clutched the fan and took a controlled breath, before leaning forward on one knee and crossing his arm over it to balance himself. His head was almost in my lap and I barely heard his words.

"I am here at thy parents' honor, not yours, Princess. I am a guest in a kingdom that is not even yours yet. So, you might want to think twice before refusing a helping hand," Diamond leaned even closer, "My Princess," he sweetly hissed placing my fan on one of the stools beside my throne.

I shook with contempt, "Get thee gone," I crossed my legs so he fell backwards slightly.

He stood to his full height and did not bow again—much to my annoyance and realization he was doing it on purpose.

"Do not refuse me, Princess," Diamond threatened in a low voice, "I am being quite…friendly," He cocked one eyebrow suggestively. I could have thrown up.

"Time to take that attitude outside, Diamond," Mina warned as she deftly took his left arm and twisted it behind his back.

Diamond merely yawned. People were beginning to notice that something was going on, "I tired of these games," With a flick of his right wrist, Diamond had hurtled Mina away from him and onto the nearest pillar. The crowd was beginning to quiet down and I heard murmurs of protest and scurrying of feet. I stood tall and an instant I put my Cutie Moon Rod against his chest, hard.

"Do not even think of moving, Diamond. One step and I swear as I am my parents' daughter, I will hurt you," I whispered under the shouts around me. I could hear the voices in the back of my head. The Princess! The Princess Mina! Her Majesty! Princess Serenity is in danger! She has a Moon Rod! I couldn't transform and I itched to Moon Frisbee his head and have it over with.

I firmly placed my feet and swung my right arm upwards and brought my left over to at least use my attack. I didn't know if this would work without transforming.

It all happened in slow motion, I raised my arm, brought the left over and as I tried to steady myself Diamond was quicker than I and he grabbed my left arm and started to pull.

"That was a mean trick, Princess, or should I call you," He pulled me close enough to stare into the empty depths of his eyes, "Sailor Moon?" Then I saw it. The Third Eye that opened like a vicious green and yellow demon from the depths of hell. I tried not to look into it and realized that eyes shut or eyes closed, I was in a sorry position. Moon Rod firmly in hand, I gripped it like a sword and brought it down into the back of Diamond's legs. He released my arm and lurched forward swearing. Out of the corners of my eyes I saw the other three girls running forward at full speed accompanied by the boys. I didn't even have seconds to make a decision. Diamond was already getting back up. I braced my feet and put my arms loosely on the Moon Rod, ready to fight him one on one.

"Treacherous villain!" A male voice roared and suddenly my view was blocked by a tall man clad in blue and black armor.

Endy…

"How dare you enter this Palace again!" Endy roared and at the end of sword was Diamond's throat. Diamond tried to raise his chin away from Endy's sword point but this forced Endy to stick it closer and a tiny trickle of black blood began to fall.

"Dearest coz, good to see you alive," Diamond croaked leering.

Endy must have scowled, but I couldn't see, "I will not spill any more of your blood on my Princess' Ascension Night. For her do I spare your life on this holy night, though you are the worst of the foulest creatures of hell. If I see you again, Prince, you will not live," Endy threatened in a voice I had not heard since the last time he and Diamond faced down.

Endy! I let down my Moon Rod and let it disappear to where it came from. I felt weak as the girls and boys surrounded Diamond. The boys with swords drawn and the girls ready to pounce like cats.

Diamond let out a croak of a laugh as he pushed Endy's sword away, "Foolish Prince Endymion, you think I would give you that chance?" He paused for a second, "I will have you," he whispered to me and my eyes rounded at his open dishonor. He snapped his fingers and was gone!

Endy whirled around, sword still drawn; his face red with anger and body shaking with passion, "Find him! He cannot get far! The palace is protected against such dark magic! Spread out!" He ordered and not only did the boys go but so did Artemis and the Luster Guard.

I felt weak, "Endy," I softly held out a hand to me as my knees begin to give, and in one deft move Endy had sheathed his sword and caught me by the waist.

I let myself be held in a reclining position as I gazed at his cobalt eyes and remembered the long nights when I wondered if I would ever see them again, and now for him to come when I need him the most.

'"Endy, I," I tried to speak but Endy just pulled me into an embrace and swept me off my feet upwards to my throne again.

"No words, no words," Endy hoarsely answered. I didn't need to be told twice. I closed my eyes and let the sweetness that comes from overexerting my power come over me. I thought satisfactory to myself that this was the first time I had used my power without transforming…

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She looked so happy! I couldn't get over the irony of the situation. The first threat on her life that she faces and she is smiling as I carry her back to her room. My lord Apollo is running alongside me yelling at the cold snow that is sticking to our hair and Sere's long eyelashes. She looks sweeter and more precious than any Sleeping Beauty fairy tale right now. Artemis has run ahead of us with Luna and my aunt flanks my left side. She seems too silent with fury. Mina runs beside her and Ami has run ahead with Luna. Rei and Lita left with the boys to find Diamond or secure a perimeter.

The guards already had the doors open and we all took the steps two or three at a time. Artemis was standing guard outside Serenity's apartments and he threw open the doors to show a slightly crying Luna who was in a lavender blur building up the fire and using magic to warm the bed and call all necessary treatments to Serenity's bedside tables. The entire bustle stopped as I paused and slowly brought Serenity to rest on her bed. Luna shooed me, Artemis, and her father out of the door as my Aunt, Luna, and Mina undressed Serenity out of her binding dress and into night clothes.

Mina had the sense to let us back in. Her eyes were dry but red, from fury or tears I couldn't tell. I took the distance separating me from the Princess in three strides. My aunt sat on the bed, propped up next to a peaceful Serenity. Her smile was slightly faded and Luna continued to rub Sere's temples and wrists: all her important pulse points. Aunt looked up at me with large eyes that reminded me so much of Serenity's I could have cried had it not been for my Uncle's sharp intake of breath at the sight of his dearest daughter, pale in bed. He went to my Aunt and they said quick words and no words at the same time. I looked at the two of them, desperate to hear some information. Mina tugged on my sleeve and motioned for me to follow her in Serenity's day rooms. Mina looked out the window onto the Labyrinth.

"She used her power without transforming," Mina whispered hoarsely. Her voice was thick with unshed tears. Absently I wondered where Kunzite was. She turned back to me, "Endy, she…she," the tears began to leak out and I reached out to embrace the girl I had known all my life and was truly a younger sister.

"Is she?" I asked in the softest of whispers. Mina nodded.

"She should be fine, but it is as if she is in another world, and enjoying the easiness of it…I fear the worst…" Mina said in a dreamy voice that eerily reminded me of Rei's prophecy…

I released Mina, "The worst?" My mind raced back to countless hours spent in the library and a certain book of Ami's…Magical Maladies and Miracles. The phrase coma of tranquility screamed in my head. I held Mina at an arm's length and she did not meet my gaze.

I raced back to the bedroom. Apollo sat thoughtfully in an arm chair, Artemis was gone, and Luna was in discussion with Aunt. They stopped talking when I came in.

"DO you?" I could not bring myself to even suggest that Sere was slipping into another world.

Luna gasped in a sob at what I was implying and my Aunt took me into her arms. She barely came up to my chin. The woman who had been my second mother was calming me as her daughter lay between worlds.

"My dearest lad," she smiled at me, "tis still too early to even look at this as more than an exhaustion of power," my Aunt kissed my forehead, "I will not begrudge you your vigil at her bedside, but be prepared to be scolded quite fiercely when she awakens to see you in her bedroom," She turned to her husband and Luna, "Come, let us leave her alone for the moment, there is no more to learn right now," she masterfully took Mina by the waist and left me standing, looking down on the sleeping girl.

If I said that words cannot express how I felt when I looked at her I would not be lying but I would be completely clichéd. Her hair was spread out like a golden cloud over the pillows. The carefully done hair and tiara were gone into the innocence of sleep. Her face was slightly pale and her jewelry was missing. She looked younger and younger. Suddenly I saw her as I did the last time before this night. She was twelve, thirteen? And I was suddenly an unsure lad of maybe sixteen. And, I love her. Oh yes, I love her and there is nothing more I want to do at this moment than take her into my arms or shake her back into sense. Part of me is her childhood companion and the larger half is the man in love with her. I took a seat on her bed. How many years had gone by since that one birthday when she unknowingly gifted me with my four best friends? How much time had passed since she was chasing after me with Mina, ripping her dress, and ruining her hair? I brushed her bangs back from her forehead and her eyelashes rippled underneath my touch. My heart leapt. I took left hand into my two hands. Something heavy was dangling from her wrist. I smiled sadly, unwilling to unwrap it from her. I put her hand back onto her duvet and held her, my, locket. I don't know how much time passed as I watched her eyelids flutter in deep sleep. My mother and aunt were prone to this, the deep tranquility of the sweet coma. All too bitterly my mother is said to have fallen fatally to it. My hand fell on her hands again as I recalled the last time I had set foot in that tower. I would not let another loved one fall prey to the dangers of the jewels they controlled.

I reached for her brooch. Inside the dangerous jewel beckoned me softly and I stared at it. This jewel had the power to give life and take it away. I glanced down at Sere, my hand still over her clasped hands. Carefully I put the jewel back on her bedside table and doing so I saw something shine against the pale moonlight. Curious, I felt around and picked up a long delicate filigree platinum white chain from which held the tiny pendant I had gifted to Sere all those years ago. I should have kissed her was the first thought that ran into my head before I realized that the tiny jewel was responding to my thoughts. I inhaled sharply. I had not played with the powers of the jewel since Father had given it to me all those years ago. Was I getting old? All these mentions of years and time passing and here we were in the blush of our first youth? I shook my head clear of all thoughts.

The crystal grew warmer and warmer in my hands and then I knew what to do. I wrapped the necklace around my left wrist and let the crystal sit between my palms as I took Serenity's slightly cool hands between my own. Apprehension had gripped my heart as I felt the temperature of her hands. Trying to displace all my worry I concentrated all my energy, all of my being onto one thought: Let Sere awake, let her be well, give her strength to carry on, and do not ever take me from her side… I closed my eyes, and prayed, meditating on my soul's desires.

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Selenity couldn't hear what the men were arguing about. She stood up abruptly, only the girls really noticed though Rei's bow was cut short by a flare in her temper and an angry comment to the boys. Selenity walked back to Sere's rooms with Luna at her heels. Her heart quickened as she began a quick trot towards the closed doors. A sense of dread filled her as she flung open the doors.

"Oh no," Luna whispered softly as Selenity ran towards a slumped Endy. Selenity quickly felt for a pulse from him, it was faint almost non existent. His hands were tight on Sere's and they were cold almost clammy. With a sense of panic she felt her daughter's surprisingly warm hands and forehead. Sere fluttered her eyes open at the activity.

"Mama?" she whispered and her eyes closed briefly in a sweet sleep. Luna was pulling at Endy.

Please Goddess no! Endy was breathing, thankfully, but his strength was wiped. Selenity swore much to the surprise of Luna and Sere who had deemed it appropriate to wake up at this moment and scuttle upwards in her bed in almost horror at the sight of a pale Endy.

"He's fine child, he," Selenity kissed her daughter's forehead briefly, "He used his power to revive yours," Selenity whispered in awe that she lived to see Endy succumb to the same powers that…destroyed Gaia. "Sleep daughter, he will awaken shortly,"

Serenity just stared in wide eyed astonishment at the man who was sprawled across her bed.

"Milady," Luna grunted at the foot of the bed, both women looked down, "I cannot move him,"

Before Selenity could answer, Sere relaxed into her pillows, "No my dear nurse, he can stay…let him stay here," she whispered holding one of his large hands in between her own.

Luna bit her lip and looked at Selenity for final decision. Selenity looked back and forth between Endy and Sere, who herself was falling asleep again.

"Let them be," she whispered and noticed for the first time that her two darlings were no longer the children who had fought to tears in the dirt of her gardens. She looked away, biting her lips to hold back tears. Luna saw this and gently escorted her out of the room, "Sleep peacefully, my loves,"

"Amen," Luna added not wanting to voice her own inner fears that mingled between amazement her charges were more than children and the realization that she must be getting old if she was feeling that Sere and Endy should not be left alone for other reasons than them fighting…

Shame, Luna! Shame! They are just children!

Ah! But children do grow up too quickly! Said the other little voice in Luna's head.

Shaking her head again, she followed her lady out of the room.

Closing the door quietly behind them, Luna turned to Selenity who was biting her lower lip as she leaned against the banister looking over the private Main Hall.

"Majesty, I think it would be best if you went to sleep," Luna gently interrupted. Selenity did not turn or move to acknowledge the words.

Feeling helpless, Luna just stepped forward, kindly touched Selenity's shoulder and left her mistress standing staring over the Main Hall.

Selenity took a deep slow breath as she heard Luna's steps slowly fade away. Concentrating she felt three waves of energy before she opened her eyes.

"At your service, Your Majesty," a husky feminine voice announced the arrival of the Outer Scouts.

Selenity turned to see Sailor Uranus, Sailor Neptune, and Sailor Pluto in full regalia. She relaxed and raised them with both arms from their kneeling position.

"Ah, my dears," she whispered not knowing where to begin. Sailor Uranus stepped forward and bowed again.

"With your leave, Majesty, we would like to give our report in the privacy of thy Office," Uranus nodded. Selenity agreed and they were immediately within Selenity's private sitting quarters.

"Allow me, Majesty," Neptune helped Selenity sit into her cozy divan and arranged her feet, draped the dress, and handed her a heavy fur blanket.

Selenity gave the sweet girl a silly smile and laughed, "This is unnecessary child!"

Neptune blushed and joined Sailor Uranus and Pluto who were both still standing.

"We will take no seat tonight, Majesty, there is much to get accomplished," Pluto interrupted Selenity's thoughts as always.

"If I may begin, Majesty, at the time the so called Prince Diamond infiltrated our system, the three of us had our hands full of his half bastard brother Sapphire and these so called droids who burst into dust once their black crescent mark was hit. We were able to destroy all the droids and at the moment, Sapphire is in custody of Sir Lawrence and Artemis. He is a quiet pretentious lad who is convinced his brother and the Wiseman will come for him," Uranus scoffed and stopped when she saw Neptune giving her a reproachful glance.

Pluto cleared her throat, "Once Sapphire realized he was defeated, he said that it was of no consequence that his brother was accomplishing their mission as he spoke. We immediately made haste to the ballroom with Uranus guarding Sapphire and saw we were minutes too late. The other Sailors had already taken care of Diamond but he had disappeared it would seem.

"We set up perimeters all around the Palace grounds and then realized that the Diamond we had seen was merely an astral projection of himself. The real Diamond was safe deep within the confines of the Wraith Kingdom. Speaking to Endymion later we learned that as of the other day, the Princess Beryl was unaware and uncaring that her brother was alive and well. As far as we can ascertain from Sapphire, Beryl is of no importance and we suspect that the Wraith Kingdom is more dimensional than we originally supposed," Pluto paused.

"The energy levels from the kingdom are off the charts, Sailor Mercury confirmed this for us a little while ago. The space is folding upon itself and is highly unstable," Sailor Neptune continued, "We are beginning to fear that the constant manipulations of power in the area by first the late Queen Metallica, then her consort the Lord Pharaoh, Wiseman, and most recently the Princess Beryl. We fear that the continuous disruptions to the space time continuum are causing openings into our world," Neptune bit her lower lip, unsure how to continue.

"What we are trying to say, Your Majesty, is that the space time continuum is being ripped from two ends, beneath the surface as Beryl is trying is resurrect her late Mother, and above the surface as Wiseman and Diamond try to manipulate time and space," Uranus spit out distastefully.

Selenity closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. Her worst fears were being confirmed and what they would say next would be akin to the nail in her coffin for all her hopes of peace for Serenity.

"Milady, there is more," Sailor Neptune took her Queen's hand, "the child Hotaru is beginning to awaken,"

Selenity cringed and accepted the warm tea from Uranus.

"At the time of the so called attack by Diamond on the Princess, Hotaru screamed with the sign of Saturn burning in her forehead…" Neptune trailed off as Selenity lost control of the teacup and it shattered.

"Where are they?" she asked thin lipped. THEY could only mean three people, Sir Lawrence, Artemis, and the King.

Pluto bowed her head, "The King is coming shortly but Artemis bids that we make his excuses until morning. Much has happened this night and we can only hope to begin clearly and fresh in the morrow," she bowed again, "With your blessings I go,"

Selenity raised her hand and allowed no meekness to show as she dismissed the Senshi of Time and Space to find out what exactly Wiseman had done to the fragile stability.

Uranus and Neptune stood around her, "May we attend you until the King arrives?" Neptune asked handing Selenity another cup of tea. This one Selenity accepted more graciously and smiled, touching a warm hand to Neptune's heart shaped face.

"I worry more for the younger girls, dear," she turned to Uranus, putting her tea down for the moment and took Uranus's hand, "They will need you two, the older more experienced soldiers to show them the way. You have seen the Darkness that will now envelop us once more," Selenity paused as Uranus brusquely wiped her eyes, "Take the little Princess of Saturn into your care and hide her. I will have Pluto bind her powers until the absolute last moment," her voice faltered so slightly that the two Senshi were sure they had imagined it, "See to the younger ones and inform them of what you have told me, and the Princess," Selenity stopped. The Princess, nee Sailor Moon the destined leader, the world's Messiah, "Have Artemis and Luna tell the Princess and the Prince Endymion tomorrow," she shook her head ending discussion.

Right hand in fist clenched across their breasts, the Senshi took their leave of their Queen.

Selenity drank her tea in silence as she allowed the events of the night mull over her. The moon was high in the sky and as bright as ever yet the redness foreshadowed the blood that would be spilled in the coming months, maybe years. The night was cold and still as two future lovers slept peacefully in a blissful sleep that only comes when one is reunited with one's other half. Neither could imagine that tomorrow would be more pain and suffering than they ever thought possible.

In the deeper rooms of the palace, six Senshi talked hotly of strategy and knowledge. One Guard roamed aimlessly as One Nurse tried to cajole her charges into bed. A father and mother found no sleep and little peace in each other's arms. A widower slept the sleep of one who has not slept in ten years.

And yet…in another room of the palace, high amongst the top most tower, dreaming of her peaceful future…the so called late Lady Gaia stirred and made one frothy breath upon the crystal that encased her, "Endymion…Serenity…"she called softly.

Ironically…no one heard her calls of calm in that night sky. Except maybe one foul creature in the deeper bowels of the Wraith Kingdom, nay, two foul creatures that shook awake and tried to forget the cold sweat that enveloped them every night. The coldness that comes from never having known a mother's love. The coldness that can never be shaken off or forgotten. Those two, the twins of the Darkness, knew that the path they had decided to tread was now finally set into motion.