August 2002

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters (except my originals..
Martin, Cashrawk, Annette, Charles etc...) the story however is mine.


Chapter 30


"Are you working for Martin?"

The question brought the woman's head up. The calm, commanding
voice of the girl who'd been made Queen by the death of her father
sounded nothing like the angry child of last night. She sounded bent
on revenge.

Annette swallowed her fear and tilted her head at a defiant angle
before she spat at the young woman's feet. "I will tell you nothing."

Selenity stepped forward to stand in front of the woman, circling
in front of her slowly. Annette had been brought to her house and was
being kept in the basement. The room she was being kept in had no
windows and a lock on the outside of the door. Selenity secretly
thought of it as a prison or punishment room and the sparse furnishings
seemed to reinforce that image. Annette had been tied to the wall by
two chains that gave her enough movement to sit on the cot and eat her
food. She was afforded very little else in the way of comforts.

Selenity's expression was foreboding, "You will tell me everything
I need to know, or I will tear it from your mind. Cashrawk killed my
father, and you let him do it."

Annette's smile was cold, "Revenge is very sweet, Princess. You
had Martin exiled and I will not allow that to go unpunished. You
should have died in that cave."

Selenity stepped away from the glowering young woman. "Striking
out at my father was a mistake, Annette, regardless of your motive.
Earth's very survival may be hanging in the balance and you are trying
to avenge what you see as a wrong. Did you know that Martin took
advantage of me? Did you know that he brutally savaged my body? What
are you trying to avenge? Or is this quest so that you can sleep well
at night? You have accomplished nothing beyond taking away my father.
As much as that loss hurts, I will not fold to it."

"You will fold, Princess. By taking your father away from you, you
do not have the support web to hold onto your throne. There will be
challenges, due to your choice of future husband, and you will lose."

Selenity laughed softly, "You poor deluded woman. No one can take
what is rightfully mine. You said it yourself; I have powers inside me.
I tapped into those last night and with the powers of the Earth at my
fingertips I can lay my claim and no one will be able to unseat me. Not
even you. You will spend the rest of your days in this room, forgotten.
Because of your reaction I do not believe Martin is behind this. But
your friend, whoever he is, will pay."

She turned to leave, and paused to look back before she closed the
door.

Annette's smile was cold. "Watch your back, Princess, he's closer
than you think."

Selenity closed the door with a firm tug. Near or not, she was the
rightful heir to the Terran throne and no one could take that from her.


Darien looked up as Selenity stepped out of the basement, tossing
the key to the cell on a nearby table. "Anything?"

She shook her head, "She won't break, not with me. I don't know
how to get her to talk."

The senshi were seated in the living room, listening to the
conversation, and exchanged looks. "Selenity."

Lita looked at her fellow senshi, having drawn the attention of the
royal couple, "We can help get inside her mind. With Raye's powers she
can tap ours to help expel demons, read minds, and cleanse the soul."

"But?"

Lita winced, "It sometimes kills the victim."

"Oh?"

Lita shifted uncomfortably under Selenity's gaze, "We tried it once
about three years ago when we couldn't get the information we needed out
of someone who'd been possessed. We didn't have access to the Crystal's
healing powers so we had to improvise. I think we channelled too much
power through Raye's thoughts and overloaded the guy's brain. It melted
into a puddle of grey ooze. It wasn't pretty."

"Last ditch only then," Selenity looked at Darien, "I know Luna
doesn't want you using the crystal, but I need to know if Annette and
her companion are going to be trouble. We have to learn to use our
powers by the end of today, so we're going to have to wait until
tomorrow."

Luna jumped down from the back of one of the couches, "Nova is very
powerful, Selenity, are you sure you want to try to use her powers in
your state of mind?"

Selenity grimaced, "No. I do not have a choice, though."

Luna nodded, sitting back on her haunches, "Darien? The crystal's
powers aren't all going to be at your disposal and understanding those
powers is going to be difficult, are you up to the task after last
night?"

He nodded, "I can do this."

Luna nodded again, "Good. Now, before we do anything, Selenity, we
need to know how you were finally able to tap into your powers. It's
part of the ritual. Darien has to explain his too."

Selenity scooped the cat up in her arms and rubbed her behind the
ears, "Yes, Luna," she sat on a loveseat, Darien next to her and stroked
Luna until her eyes closed with pleasure. Talking cat or not, she still
loved to be stroked. Selenity's eyes unfocused as she thought back to
the night before.

She swallowed hard and then began to speak, her voice soft, almost
dreamlike, "I woke in a pure black surrounding after being taken last
night and something inside me felt different. I do not know what
exactly Luna did to me to help me access my powers, but it helped. I
could almost feel something flowing through my body. Then Cashrawk came
in." she swallowed hard, her mind replying the events of the previous
night.

"He told me that my father had powers he'd never been shown how to
use. I guess all pure Terran bloods have some magic inside them to use
mother Earth's magic. He surrounded my father with his wings and seemed
to fade. I screamed, daddy screamed, and then there was a brilliant
flash. I knew he was dead. I felt something snap inside myself,
breaking free, and all I wanted to do was make that creature pay for
killing my father. I hit him with both palms, and unthinkingly called
upon the Earth to avenge me. She responded."

Selenity's gaze focused back on Luna, "It was amazing, having the
very power of the Earth at my disposal. It terrified me as much as it
thrilled me. I didn't say any words, I didn't have to; my mind knew
what I was supposed to do. Two roses appeared in my hands, one silver
the other red, and I crossed them over my chest. The next thing I
remember is bursting out of a cocoon of rock and walking into the middle
of the fight. Daddy's death released my powers," she closed her eyes
briefly, blinking back her tears, "I only wish I could have been strong
enough to save him."

Luna licked her hand and nuzzled it, "You did well, Selenity. You
made do with what was at your disposal. I'm proud of you for fighting
on after such a great loss."

"We all are, Selene," Mina's voice was soft, sympathetic, "and your
powers are amazing."

Selene nodded her thanks to her friend and then looked at Darien,
"Annette told me that you were one of Cashrawk's targets last night.
After they killed my father, I knew they would try and kill me. I could
not let them do that, not when your life might next hang in the balance.
I could not let you or the scouts down."

He squeezed her shoulders, "You didn't. We're all proud of you, as
Mina said. My turn, I suppose?"

Selenity managed a smile for him, nodding, "It's only fair."

Darien thought back to the night when he'd been given the crystal.
"From what I remember, all I could think about was not letting Cashrawk
hurt you. He'd grabbed you from the park and took off. I thought, for
a moment, I'd lost you for good until Mina threw the crystal at me."

Luna looked at Mina sharply, an unspoken question in her eyes, but
wisely held her tongue. Questions could wait until after he was done
speaking.

Darien continued. "I remember feeling this incredible searing pain
as I caught the crystal, and then the feeling of completeness I'd not
felt in a long time. A feeling like a part of me I hadn't known was
missing was suddenly back. It was incredible. I don't remember using
the crystal to shoot down Cashrawk and make him release Selenity. I
honestly don't remember much of that night, but I do remember my first
transformation. The power was... addicting like a drug. I tasted it
and I wanted more, even if it frightened me, and even though I didn't
really want the responsibility that came along with it."

Selenity laughed softly, "Or the outfit."

Darien grinned, squeezing her shoulders, "Or the outfit. Talk
about a crazy idea. Yours is sure sharp, though."

Selenity blushed. "It does the job. I don't get the half mask
though. Why cover the lower half of my face?"

Luna managed a grin, "Tradition. The Lunarian ladies never covered
their faces, even at masked balls, where as the men always had some kind
of mask. Lunar is a Lunarian Prince and his costume reveals the more
pleasant aspects of the line. As for Terran warriors, they never went
into battle without having part of their faces covered. It makes sense
that, as his protector, funny as that sounds, you're dressed as a
warrior. Or at least, partly."

Selenity nodded thoughtfully, "That makes sense. In a strange
twisted kind of way." She took a deep breath, "You want us to change
now?"

Luna hopped off her lap and went over to sit on the floor next to
Amy's feet. "Yes. Perhaps together you can help one another explore
your powers."

Selenity glanced at the heavy drapes blocking the room from the
outside world. "Well, Darien, let's do it then."

Darien stood, "Lunarian Conversion!"

Selenity smiled faintly as he began to change and then, closing her
eyes, willed the two flowers into her hands. She bowed her head,
crossing them over her chest, and lights flared, the image of rock
encasing her visible for a half second. Seconds later, Terra Nova stood
where Selenity had been, her arms crossed.

Lunar struck his gentleman's pose and then looked around. He
reached up and removed his mask, tossing it on the coffee table. "Mask
or no mask, I'm still Lunar."

"The mask is not needed for you either, Nova, unless you are more
comfortable with it."

Nova shook her head, "I will leave it on."

Luna nodded once. "Very well. Join hands."

Lunar raised an eyebrow but extended his hands, palms facing Nova,
as she slid her hands against his. Their fingers slid together easily,
as if from long practice. They turned to look at Luna, awaiting
instructions.

Luna looked over her shoulder at the silent girls on the couch.
"Amy, please open your computer and take their scans. I'd like you to
monitor their readings while they do this."

Amy nodded, pulling out her computer and, flicking it on, focused
it on the couple. Their bio-information quickly began to scroll down
her screen. "All ready."

"Good. Now, Nova, Lunar, close your eyes and concentrate. I'm
going to try and give you back some of your memories from your past
lives. I warn you, they might be a little strange seeing as how the
bloodlines hold certain memories."

Their grip on each other's hands tightened as they closed their
eyes. Taking a deep breath, the each let it out as Luna's mind began
slipping into each of theirs, pulling memories from long dormant
sources. Knowing what to expect, neither of them fought her.

Nova saw a beautiful princess, calling out across a battlefield
searching for her love. Lunar saw a handsome prince, sword in hand,
battling a dozen foes. Through their minds passed flashes of their past
lives, of powers used, commands spoken, and how their energies
complimented each other. Slowly, after a collage of images and a
bombardment of information, they drifted back into the real world.

Luna opened her eyes first, watching her charge and Nova. They
were slow to return, their memories of the last time they'd seen each
other on the Moon, slow to fade. Nova opened her eyes, meeting Lunar's
gaze. "Cashrawk killed Endymion."

He nodded, "And Serenity killed herself to be with him."

They turned to look at the cat and the silent senshi. Amy's
fingers were flying over her computer keys. Luna's eyes were sad, "Now
you know. Did you see the destructive powers you wield?"

They both nodded, sobered by the revelation.

Luna sighed, stretching, and then began to pace back and forth
across the room, "Your powers will not be identical to theirs. As
demonstrated by Lunar, his transformation and use of the crystal is
defined, alot, by his gender. Nova is the same. Endymion had the
powers of the rose, which she now wields, along with his strength.
These powers will combine, in about three weeks time, to send the world
into a slumber for the next thousand years."

"I don't understand why the world has to sleep."

"It's simple, Lunar," Amy spoke, not looking up from her computer,
"Evil is starting to awaken and, even with the power of the crystal, we
can't protect everyone. By sending the world to sleep, we eliminate the
evil and set in motion the foundation for a society that is lawful and
good. You and Nova will be its rulers."

Lunar frowned, "How do we clear the evil if the world is sleeping?
Don't we sleep with it?"

Raye, who'd heard Amy's reasons a million time or more already,
spoke up, "The evil is in the human soul, Lunar. Corruption is taking
hold. Martin is only one example. Leaders cheat their subjects,
governments lie, and no one wishes to help their fellow man anymore and
that is the evil we're speaking about. It's the evil that threatens
everything that is good in this world and we can't stop it. By putting
everyone to sleep and unifying them under a ruler who cares about their
subjects, we can eliminate that. War is coming and the world will be
destroyed if we don't do something now."

He nodded, understanding what she meant. "Why us?"

Raye's smile was faint, "Why not us? We have the power to affect
change. Or more correctly, you and Nova do when you combine your
powers. The Crystal can only be used for good but it can't affect the
entire world by itself. With Nova's connection to the very soul of the
world you can bring about the change that needs to happen."

"Nova?"

She looked at him, nodding, "Raye's right. I have been involved in
politics since I was little. Corruption abounds, politicians are in it
for themselves and not the people they are supposed to be representing
and helping. World leaders are trading the lives of their constituents
for favors on a global scale. Something needs to be done, and something
needs to be done soon. A month from now the world leaders are meeting
to discuss treaties. I fear if that happens, more of the world will be
pushed under the poverty line."

"It's that serious?"

Nova nodded, "Worse. The World's existence depends on us. We
cannot afford to fail."




The next several hours were spent in intensive self-control
exercises. Nova had to learn to harness her anger, to channel it into
her rapport with the Earth. She learned to find the exact centre of her
being, to focus her energy, and how to bring it to life in a
manifestation she chose. Lunar worked on building his connection with
the crystal. Through Luna's guidance, he walked the silver halls of the
crystal and examined its memories. He secretly began to believe that
Amy was wrong. The crystal was, indeed, alive, and was in a symbiotic
relationship with him. They each drew from each other to maintain their
existence.

When they finally called it quits it was well after midnight. The
senshi had long since gone home, leaving Luna to direct the efforts of
their leaders.

Nova collapsed on the couch, exhausted, but thrilled. She'd had
alot of success in her training with her powers. Hers were more
internal, drawing on the source beneath her feet. It hadn't been hard
to place both hands on the ground and feel her connection to the Earth.
She smiled tiredly. It had felt good to be working for the greater good
again.

Lunar collapsed next to her, exhaling a long sigh. "I'm exhausted.
Who knew exploring the working of a rock would be so trying."

Nova laughed softly, "I know what you mean."

They were silent for several minutes before she spoke again, "Do
you think Charles has already buried daddy?"

Lunar pulled her into the curve of his body, an arm around her
shoulders. He removed her hat and placed it with his mask before he
spoke. "I don't know, love. He left this morning before we brought
Annette here. I don't think they'll burry him until to tomorrow."

She sighed, resting her head against his shoulder, "I thought I was
supposed to be your protector. Why is it you are always rescuing me?"

He kissed the top of her head before resting his head against hers.
"I think it's because we're a team. You save me; I save you. I'd
rather not have to have either of us need to be saved. I'd rather work
with you."

"Me too." She sighed, closing her eyes. Softly she inhaled again
and then willed herself, as Luna has told her to do, back into her
street clothes.

When she opened her eyes, Darien had also taken the chance to
change. His smile was faint, "Great minds think alike. Come on,
Princess, it's time for you to head to bed."

She smothered a yawn, "Are you going to stay with me tonight?"

"Would you like me to?"

She nodded, but he could see the glimmer of fear hiding in her
eyes. His smile was sad, "You've unlocked your powers, Selene, but
you're not ready for that yet. I'll sleep beside you, but no funny
business."

She nodded, allowing him to lead her from the room and upstairs.
Luna followed them, a silent shadow, determined to keep watch through
the night should anyone come for either of them. She would not be
caught napping again.


Mina threw her bag onto her bed in the senshi's hideout beneath
Raye's temple. "I can't believe we're not still over there, shouldn't
we be helping them with something?"

Raye shrugged, "Luna can handle them. It's so weird knowing she
can talk."

Lita was lowering a basket of food down into the hideaway, her
voice slightly distorted from above, "Well, she was the Queen's advisor,
I remember that much. Didn't she have a partner or something?"

Amy, seated at the main computer terminal, answered her question
without looking up, "His name was Artemis. Another cat, I think. I
don't remember completely, a lot of the things about the Queen are still
fuzzy. Probably because her daughter is now a son."

Raye laughed, "Oh, a cross-dresser."

The four girls shared a laugh, settling themselves in for the
night. Their leaders weren't the only ones who had things to do. They
talked as they worked, Amy doing research on the world as it was, Raye
helping Lita with her cooking, and Mina limbering up for a night of
practice. They wouldn't be idle while Selenity and Darien practiced.
Each of them would play a part in lending their energy to the Prince so
he and the Princess could complete their mission: a unified world, a
unified people and a slumber to last for a thousand years.

Amy frowned as the thought of the thousand years of sleep ran
through her mind. She'd been off about her prediction for how long the
Princess would have to unlock her powers, could she have been off about
the length of time the world would sleep? She'd have to ask Luna.

They worked easily together, long years of practice showing in
their almost casual disregard for each other, yet, each suggestion and
comment was given the respect it needed. They talked, sparred in the
corner, cooked their meals, and researched until the clock on the wall
read midnight. Finally, feeling as if they had accomplished something,
the four senshi settled in for the night.


Somewhere beyond the city limits, a man slipped a black mask over
his face, black gloves on his hands and set out from his home. Part of
his mission had been completed, it was time for him to fullfill his
final purpose.



The sound of something knocking on the door awakened Selenity. She
groaned, rolling over. She didn't want to get up yet, hadn't she just
closed her eyes? It sounded again, causing Darien to stir. Her eyes
flew open and she looked at him. She breathed a soft sigh of relief.
He still wore his pants. A frown followed on that thought but the
sound of the doorbell ringing again drew her from the bed. She
smothered a yawn and walked to the door. A part of her wondered why
they were sleeping in a room close enough to hear a knock on the door,
but that thought vanished as the events of the last few days came
rushing back to her. They'd slept in the gust room, her room being too
far for them to walk. Her father was dead, and Charles had gone to see
that he was buried with the respect and honor he deserved.

Selenity picked up the skirt of her black nightgown and ran for the
door. It might be someone important. She didn't check the peephole as
she undid the locks and threw the door open. A hand shot out and
covered her mouth as the black-clad figure from the night before
appeared in the pre-dawn darkness.

Selenity's mind barely registered the fact that the sun wasn't up
yet as she struggled against the man's hold. He was strong, stronger
than Martin or Darien, and he pinned her arms to her side.

"Do not struggle."

She froze. His voice was soft, holding a non-threatening note. "I
do not wish to harm you Princess, and I have no wish to greet the Prince
while I hold you captive. I want to remove my hand but you must not
scream. Nod if you understand."

She nodded, her eyes wide. His hands were gentle as they placed
her back on her feet and slowly released the grip on her mouth. She
spun away, putting some distance between them. "Who are you?"

His chuckle was soft. "Someone who was enlisted to help you gain
access to your powers, Princess. I am sorry about your father. Without
him gone, you never would have been able to use your Terran abilities.
He was the block you couldn't get past."

She blinked. "Pardon me?"

The man sighed, "If I remove my mask, will you promise not to
scream?"

She nodded, and his hands reached up. Before he could remove the
mask, Luna's voice came from atop the stairs. She'd fallen asleep
despite her vow and Selenity's actions downstairs had alerted her to
possible trouble. "Selenity? Are you alright?"

She glanced at the man in black as he began to melt into the
shadows. "I'm fine Luna," she called, making a split second decision.
"I'm just getting a glass of water."

"Very well Princess."

Selenity glanced at the figure and motioned for him to follow her.
He stuck to the deep shadows as she locked the door again and then led
the way into the kitchen. She left the lights off but did as she'd told
Luna, pouring herself a glass of water.

The man stayed by the door, almost looking as if he was going to
bolt.

"Can I get you a drink?"

He shook his head, "No, Thank you. Why didn't you tell her the
truth?"

Selenity shrugged. "You don't seem like you're here to threaten
me. I want to know why you came to see me," her eyes hardened, "and if
I should be making you or Annette pay for killing my father."

"His killer is dead, Princess, you saw to that. I confess I had a
part in it, but you could never have gained access to your powers if
your father was still alive."

"Why?"

He sighed, coming a little closer to her, "Because he had the
potential to wield the Terran crystal," he opened his palm to her, a
golden crystal glittering in the faint light.

Selenity sucked in a breath, "That was my mother's!"

"Actually it belonged to your father, and it was her engagement
present. He was unaware of the powers it could help him wield, of the
good he could do if it was joined with the Moon crystal. Your father,
if he'd learned to heed the signs, could have wielded the powers you've
now inherited. He was chosen before you were, and while he was alive
you could never have tapped into those powers. I am sorry for your
loss, Princess, but the greater good had to be considered. I respected
your father very much."

"Remove your hood, sir, let me see your face."

He glanced around and then, placing the crystal on the table before
opening his palm, and creating a softly glowing orb. He removed his
mask slowly and let it fall to the floor. Selenity gasped. She was
staring at a very young man with a brilliant shock of white hair that
lay in a tousled mess about his face. She examined him closer. He
looked very feline in nature with his slanted eyes and narrow face, and
she could have sworn she'd seen him before.

"What is your name?"

His smile was faint, "I am Artemis. Luna, the Prince's guardian,
was my mate. When Queen Serenity sent us to Earth she told me I would
be your guardian, but something went wrong and I was born in a human
body. I have been watching your family for years, Selenity, traveling
to keep an eye on your father and yourself. I am sorry I failed to keep
Martin from you."

She saw the anguish of failure in his eyes and placed a gentle hand
on his, "You could not have known what he was going to do. I cannot
forgive you for playing a part in my father's death, Artemis, but
knowing what I know now, I can accept that it was what you had to do.
You did your duty, by ensuring the powers would not be wasted. I do not
understand how Cashrawk didn't absorb them though."

"That is the easy part. When a true blooded Terran or Lunarian
noble die, if they have an heir, their powers somehow shut down
completely. When Cashrawk killed your father, the blue flash you saw
was his power shutting down, going back into the Earth and acknowledging
you as their rightful heir. With no heir, a creature like Cashrawk will
absorb the powers because there is no one to pass them on to. Yes, they
manage to steal some of that power, but only a drop. That drop,
however, is very potent."

"I see."

"Well that explains a lot I had been wondering about until now.
Hello Artemis."

They both spun, seeing Luna sitting by the door. Artemis looked
guilty. "Luna."

Luna looked at Selenity, "You shouldn't lie to me, Princess, how
did you know he wasn't here to kill you."

"Call it a hunch. He did not threaten me."

Luna hopped onto the table and looked from one to the other, "I
have been listening to your conversation and find only one flaw. Where
does Annette fit into this picture?"

Artemis shrugged, "She was convenient. Martin's exile made her
easy to sway and I had to work with Cashrawk to capture both the King
and the Princess. Annette provided me with the means to sneak into
Darien's apartment. Here, I walked up to the gate and told the King
that I'd taken Selenity and if he came along peacefully no harm would
come to her. I kept my word in that regard."

"From a twisted point of view, yes." Luna watched his face,
"Nervous Artemis?"

He glanced at the Princess, "Only because I'm seeing you again
Luna. I feel strange around you now."

"I understand," came her soft reply.

Selenity ducked out of the kitchen, leaving the two of them to
talk. She now had her answers about Annette. Not all of them, but
enough to tide her over until Artemis could be properly questioned.
With the golden crystal safely nestled in her hand, she snuck back into
the room she'd shared with Darien and curled up beside him. More
answers could wait until morning.



Luna sat on the table as Artemis took a seat, watching her warily.

"How have you been?"

"A cherished pet," Her smile was warm though, "Darien has always
treated me as one of the family."

"I'm glad." Artemis ran a hand through his hair, "How am I supposed
to act around you? I have the memories of our former lives but..." he
trailed off, motioning to his body.

Luna laughed softly, "I remember as well, Artemis. The fact that
you are now stuck in a human body... It can't be helped. I held out
hope you would someday appear."

"Just not in this form."

Luna nodded, "I wonder what went wrong."

"Probably the same thing that happened to put the Prince and
Princess in each other's bloodlines. We will make do. Do you have
access to your powers?"

He nodded, "In a different way, yes." He closed his eyes and light
flared briefly, dimming to reveal a crescent Moon in the middle of his
forehead. "I could pass for royalty like this."

Luna nodded, looking at him critically, "You could pass as a
younger brother. The Moon still lends you its power?"

Artemis nodded, "Why do you think I move mostly at night? If I use
my powers in daylight, especially in this body, it drains me to almost
exhaustion. The upside is they're more potent, even if I can't use them
for as long."

"That's something." Luna stood and padded across the table top,
looking into his eyes, "I'm glad you're alright, even if we can't be
together as we once were."

Artemis reached out and gently stroked a finger over the top of her
head, his eyes sad, "I wish they could be. I have to leave now, Luna,
I've accomplished my task this night. Perhaps, when the world sleeps
and humanity is reborn it will take me with it, and I can be brought
back to you as I was meant to be."

Luna nuzzled his hand, "You have three weeks until the final stage
must be completed. Will I see you again before then?"

He shook his head, "Sadly, I have one last mission that must be
accomplished. Martin must be dealt with, and disposed of, before the
world begins to sleep. His Lunarian blood may cause complications," his
eyes glittered dangerously, "this is one assignment I will enjoy."

A shiver passed through Luna's frame, "Be careful."

He ran a loving hand down her back and then stood, scooping his
mask off the floor and putting it back on. "I'll return to you, and,
the powers willing, it will be in the right form this time!"

Luna watched as the light he'd lit disappeared and then, saluting
her once, he disappeared into the shadows of the house and melted away.
She jumped from the table, softly padding her way through the room and
back to the staircase. Perching on the bottom step, her gaze went to
the window in the front hall. There she stayed, watching the sunrise
light the landscape, her thoughts her own. She sat in silence until her
charge began to stir and it was necessary for her to begin a new day.


*Two Weeks Later*


Luna sighed wearily as she stepped down to the sidewalk in front of
Darien and Selenity. They'd spent the day in the house, communing with
their crystals, continuing to learn their secrets, and Luna, exhausted
as she was, couldn't help but be impressed by their progress. The two
had almost complete control of their crystals and, with extensive
research and help from the senshi, could slowly combine their powers to
do greater good. Or harm.

Luna frowned. If they ever took it into their minds to destroy the
world, though she couldn't honestly see them doing that, as it would
annihilate Selenity's power base, they wouldn't have a problem doing it.
She shook her head, her gaze going to the sky. She'd been reunited with
Artemis briefly, and hadn't seen him since the night he'd explained why
it had be necessary for Francis to die. Amy had discovered the fact
almost a week later, confirming without being told of the meeting, that
his information was correct. Luna fought a bittersweet smile. She
hated when he was right. She hated that he was human and most of all
she hated being separated from him now that he was supposed to be back
in her life.

Behind her, Selenity walked casually down the steps of her house on
Darien's arm. She'd spent the better part of the last couple of weeks
inside her house with him, but nothing ever happened. A part of her was
relieved. Another part of her found that she wanted more. With Luna as
a chaperone, she wasn't sure how to go about doing that.

Luna hurried on ahead, leaving them alone together. They were
fairly safe in public and with each other.

"Keep making that face and it'll stick that way."

She looked up at his teasing remark, "What?"

He reached up and carefully smoothed the creases in her forehead,
"It's something mom used to tell me when I looked to serious. It's
clichéd but it fits the situation. What's on your mind?"

She sighed, then forced a smile, "I love you."

"It's more than that Selene. But yes, Princess, I love you too.
Something's been on your mind the last few days, and being so close to
you and your crystal while training for this sleeping of the world thing
hasn't given you much place to hide. I know something's bugging you, I
just don't know what."

She looked at her feet, allowing him to guide her out the personnel
entrance at the gate. He was careful in examining for the press, though
the last couple of weeks seemed to have encouraged them to stay away.
After one brief press conference announcing her father's death, Selenity
had locked herself in the house, seeing only her friends and her
fiancée.

Not surprisingly, they'd lost interest in getting her story after
Charles had flown back and volunteered to tell the complete story for as
many papers and talk shows as they wanted. Selenity felt she'd never be
able to repay that debt. By putting all of the light on Charles and his
relationship with the King, they'd almost completely forgotten about
Selenity and, for that, she was grateful.

"I was thinking that we should have gotten out of the house more
often."

"Liar."

Her eyebrow's rose as she looked at him, fighting the laugh that
threatened. He knew her so well! "Liar?"

"It's in your tone, Princess. You think we haven't spent enough
time in the house," he searched her eyes briefly before grinning,
knowing he was right, "though doing what I can only imagine."

Her blush was bright against her fair skin as he led her down the
street and across intersections. Selenity had cut her hair so it hung
in a simple ponytail down her back. Wearing black jeans and white t
-shirts, they matched as if twins, save for Selenity's black denim jacket
and Darien's lack of coat. Their pace was swift, for they had no time
to idle, but they continued to talk as they walked.

"You can only imagine? Darien, what do you take me for?"

"My fiancée." He grinned, escorting her down the street and into
the park, "And I wouldn't have you any other way. As for the taking
bit..." he slanted a glance at her, "you're not ready for that."

She flushed a deeper crimson, "Brat."

He laughed, "Brat?"

She nodded, "Or should I call you a beastly man for making light of
what I'm trying to say?"

He grinned, "You may call me anything you wish, Princess, so long
as we're not late. The senshi are a trifle put out by our lack of
manners of late."

"Let them wait, Darien, I need you to listen to me."

He stopped walking next to a bench. They were on a pathway that
cut through the middle of the park, but this bench was partially
secluded, embraced in the drooping boughs of a weeping willow. His
expression turned serious as he searched her eyes, "You can't tell me
you're ready Selenity, I can see it in your eyes no matter how much you
want to think otherwise." He gently cupped her face in his palms, "I
treasure you, Princess, I don't want to hurt you when the time comes."

"Don't you get it?" she asked, imploring him to understand, "I
don't think I'll ever -be- ready. Not more ready than I am now. If you
don't do something, I fear I will never understand why I can't love you
the way you want me too. I may never be able to do something if you
don't take the first step and assure me that what I do with my body,
what I do with you, is right." Her face was red as she spoke,
uncomfortable about speaking to him of such matters.

His smile was tender as he placed a gentle kiss on her lips,
drawing a sigh from her, "You will know, Selenity, and I will encourage
you, but not now. Your connection to me has never been stronger. If we
put it in danger, if we chance breaking that, all our work the last
couple of weeks will have been for nothing. We have only five days
until you and I must put the world to sleep. Would you have me put the
whole of mankind's future in such a precarious position?"

She shook her head, her smile small but genuine, "Of course not.
As the ruling noble my subjects always come first. Promise me
something?"

He nodded, "Anything."

She covered his hands with hers, "When this is done, and we wake
from our thousand year slumber to rule the Earth, will you love me
then?"

He nodded, his eyes darkening with desire, "You'll have a thousand
years to deal with your fears, love, and a man has an end of patience.
If not then, then never."

"Promise me, Darien. I wish to know that when we wake you will
make me your wife in everyway possible."

He leaned down, placing another gentle kiss on her lips, "I
promise, Selenity. By the Moon and stars, I promise."

She threw her arms around his neck but he pulled away, leaving her
on her feet as he hugged her briefly.

She frowned, "Kiss me properly, already!"

He laughed. She sounded like a petulant child. He swept her off
her feet, dipping her back over his arm and smiled, "Your wish is my
command, Princess."

He heard her gasp as his lips covered her in a fiercely possessive
kiss. There was no tenderness, no hesitation, simply passion and raw
need. Selenity opened her mouth to the bold sweep of his tongue,
sliding her own across his as he tasted her mouth. She was like honey,
a life giving nectar that would sustain him forever. She moaned into
his kiss, her hands plunging into his hair and holding him for her own
exploration. He almost dropped her when her tongue slipped into his
mouth and began to explore. He pulled away reluctantly, but knew he had
to end it there. If he continued he wouldn't stop.

She was breathless, as was he, when he placed her back on her feet.
She paused for a few moments, catching her breath, before fanning
herself with one hand. He smiled at her, taking her hand and lacing his
fingers through hers, "Come on, Princess, we're late for our
appointment."

She said nothing as he led out of the garden and into the busy
streets. They were late for their temple meeting and Raye was going to
pitch a fit.



"Aren't you two ever able to be on time?!" demanded the fuming
priestess when Darien and Selenity finally climbed the steps to the
temple.

Selenity flashed the young woman a smile, "Only when he drives. We
decided to walk. It's been a while since we've been out of the house
you know."

Darien looked around, "Are they here?"

Raye nodded, "Andrew and Rita picked them up and they're all in the
main room. Are you two sure you want to go through with this?"

Darien nodded, "Yes. It's only fair for us to tell them why we
haven't been around much the last month or so. I know it will shock
them, but they have a right to know what's going on. I feel sorry for
Rita and Drew. With the time limit we've got left, they won't have time
to get married and go on their honeymoon."

Selenity slipped under his arm, "I hadn't thought of that." She
sighed, "There's a bright side. Once everyone wakes up, they can get
married and we can send them anywhere they want on a honeymoon. We are
going to be the rulers, after all."

Darien squeezed her as Raye rolled her eyes. She loved seeing them
happy, but honestly, enough was enough! "Okay you two love birds, at
this rate you'll never tell them. Come on, let's get this over with
since you're so keen on it. Just don't do anything rash, alright?"

They nodded their acquiescence as they followed her inside.

Darien's face broke into a wide smile as his parents, Drew and Rita
came into view. Amy and Mina were entertaining them while Lita managed
the snacks. "Mom, Dad."

Bill and Mae looked to the door, their own faces smiling. "Darien!
Good to see you son. Selenity, it's a pleasure as always."

She blushed at the compliment Bill tossed out easily. His manners
never ceased to amaze her. Mae was somewhat more subdued and simply
smiled her welcome to them both. To Darien's eyes, she seemed alot
older than before.

"Mom, dad," he looked at Rita and Andrew, smiling at them both.
"Drew, Rita, Selenity and I have something to tell you. It's a little
unorthodox, and strange, but it's the truth. We feel you need to
understand before anything happens. We feel we owe you an explanation."

The senshi discreetly left the room as Mae and Bill exchanged
confused glances, Rita and Andrew doing the same. What was going on?

Selenity spoke up first, thankful her friends had some sense. This
was not going to be easy. "As you all know I am nobility." They nodded,
"What I don't think any of you know is just how old my blood line really
is. In fact, it goes back so far, our historians have put most of it
down to myth and legend." She swallowed hard, feeling Darien's hand
squeeze hers for support, "I am part of a bloodline that goes back
thousands of years to when there was life on the Moon. Lunarians."

Bill laughed. "Lunarians? Those are bedtime tales, Selenity."

Her face was serious, "No, Bill, they're not. Lunarians did exist
and your son here," she squeezed Darien, "is part of that ancient line."

Chaos erupted, Bill and Mae speaking with Rita and Andrew in
confusion, each denouncing it as preposterous in one breath then
wondering if it couldn't be true in the next. Darien finally lifted his
voice, "Enough!"

The four turned startled eyes to him, "That's enough. I know you
don't believe me, and I know you probably want proof. Unfortunately the
only proof I can give you is this," he pulled out the crystal, "this is
a family heirloom, something that can only be touched and wielded by a
pure blooded Lunarian. It will either harm or kill anyone without a
little of that blood in them. This crystal allows me to change my form
into a warrior for the kingdom."

Mae brought a hand to her chest, pressing it to her heart, "Darien,
darling, are you sure?"

He nodded, his eyes softening as he looked at his mother. "I know
it sounds crazy, mom, but it's true. There's more, you have to hear it
but you can't tell anyone. I become Lunar when I change. Selenity has
the powers of the Earth at her call and becomes Terra Nova when she
changes to fight. In less than five days we will be called upon to put
the world to sleep for a thousand years. Corruption and greed rule our
world and their hold on it is increasing. This slumber will wipe out
that which is evil and replace it with a united people that can live
in peace and harmony. When the time comes, I don't want any of you to
be afraid."

"You're mad, Darien."

Selenity and Darien turned their gaze to Andrew. "No, Drew, we're
deadly serious," Selenity's voice was soft but lethally calm.

Andrew recoiled, shocked by the sincerity in her eyes. They really
believed what they were saying! "How can you become someone else,
anyway? Magic? It's child's stuff, Darien, I can't believe you bought
into it."

Darien's chuckle was rueful, "You asked for it Drew. Lunarian
Conversion!"

White light flashed and four jaws dropped as Darien's
transformation into Lunar took place in front of their eyes. Selenity's
was quietly done, but the effects were so shocking, they were noticed.
Finally Lunar stood in front of his adoptive parents and friends. He
looked from one to the other and then pulled off his mask. Terra Nova
stepped to his side and calmly watched each of their reactions.

None of the four moved. They were too stunned by what they just
witnessed to voice a word. Lunar met each of their gazes. Andrew
finally found his voice, "Holy... you weren't kidding!"

Lunar's laugh was mirthless, "No, I wasn't. Not about any of it,
Drew. You have to understand that we're talking the human race's very
survival. The survival that's not physical but spiritual. Our leaders
have been lacking something and corruption is abundant. It needs to
change or we'll be plunged into a hell from which there will be no
escape. Terra Nova and I showed you this today because we trust you.
We want you to know that we are aware of what we're getting ourselves
into."

Mae found her voice, "Are you sure, honey?"

Lunar met her gaze, nodding, "Yes. I once wanted to shoulder the
responsibilities of a physician. I wanted to help people in any way I
could. I am simply trying to help them now on a broader scale. I want
to help heal the world, mom, can you understand?"

Her smile was watery, "Yes, son, I can. I'm so proud of you."

Lunar went to her and leaned down, wrapping her in a firm hug, "I
love you mom."

Her hug was fierce but she said nothing else as he let her go.
They watched as Nova and Lunar disappeared to reveal Selenity and Darien
again. They clasped hands, watching for any other reactions. "Drew and
I never will be able to get married."

"Oh Rita!" Selenity ran to her friend and hugged her, "You will get
married, I promise you! Darien and I aren't married yet either! You
know, we could have Raye do it, we have witnesses!"

Rita blinked, "Pardon me?"

Selenity blushed, "Well, now that we know we'll all be sleeping in
five days or so, and when we wake the world won't be as we remember it,
why shouldn't we elope and do a double wedding like you said? My
marriage to Darien with all its rituals are kind of a moot point when
most of those people enforcing them will be having a change of heart."

Rita's eyes welled with tears, "Do you mean that?"

Selenity glanced at Darien. She'd kind of sprung it as a surprise
on him, she supposed. His smiling face assured her that was all he
wanted. She looked back to Andrew, "Drew? This is up to you. I know
it's not going to be a huge wedding, but when you wake you can go
anywhere you want for a honeymoon."

Andrew hugged Rita as Selenity stepped back from her, "Anything to
make my lovely red head happy, Selene. Anything."

Rita lunged at him, kissing him happily.

Bill and Mae laughed softly. Both of their children would be
getting married it seemed. And in their jeans no less! Chuckling, they
stood and walked over to where the four young people were now standing.
"Well, if this is going to be a wedding, let's get it going!"

Selenity grinned at Bill and then detached herself from Darien.
"I'll go grab Raye and the others."

He nodded, his gaze following her out of the room before he looked
back to his family. "Well, it looks like we're going to have a wedding.
If I may?"

They looked at him confused and he held out the crystal in his
palms, closing his eyes. A gasp a moment later told him he'd succeeded.
He opened his eyes and found his mother and father in their best
clothes. Bill in a tuxedo, Mae in a lovely dark rose colored gown that
accentuated her figure.

Rita's gown was pure white, hugging her body like a second skin
from her shoulders down to her hips before flaring softly and falling
straight to the floor. A veil was on her head, shielding her eyes from
his gaze. Drew was dressed in a white tuxedo, matching his bride.
Their eyes were wide as they stared at each other, Rita's hands sliding
down the silk that encased her from shoulder to shin.

Darien smiled, knowing what he looked like already. His mind may
share some strange memories from his Princess, but his armor was not one
that could be transferred. Black with silver trim, it covered him from
shoulder to the tips of his toes. Form fitting, it moved easily with
him as he walked. A sword hung on one hip, his cape pouring from his
shoulders. The only addition he could see was the Lunar crest
emblazoned on the front of his breastplate, the crystal joining the two
point at the top.

The door opened to reveal the Princess and her friends. They
stopped dead, seeing the fancy clothes now in abundance, "I feel
underdressed," Selenity told Mina, her eyes drinking in the sight of her
love. He looked incredibly handsome and sexy in all that metal.

Mina grinned, "Well, change into your gown."

Selenity smiled and then, willing herself to, felt the air slide
across suddenly bare shoulders. She looked down to make sure she was
clothed and almost blushed. Her top hugged her form to her waist before
flaring out and around, the cloth almost sheer, revealing nothing but
layers and layers of lighter than air fabric. The gown was white, save
for the black trim around the hem and the black emblazoned design of a
rose on the front of her bodice. She wore a string of pearls around her
head, a red rose shaped gem in the centre of her forehead. The tiny
bracelet of pearls around her right wrist completed the outfit.

She turned, about to offer her friends a chance to change, but
they'd already taken care of it. Each was dressed in a down of pure
white, her planet symbol stitched into the fabric of the bodice.
Selenity smiled at each of them. This was something she hadn't known
they could do.

Raye moved to the front of the room by the sacred fire, motioning
for the witnesses to stand to one side, the couples to another. The
fire crackled in the background as she spoke, "Vows of love are easily
given and broken, yet through adversity yours have always stood strong.
It is tradition for the man and the woman to offer their own vows before
the sacred fire so that it may judge the worthiness of your words.
Andrew, please, you first."

Andrew stepped forward with Rita and glanced at his brother. He
was nervous, and his shaking hands betrayed him. He didn't care.
Spontaneous or not, this wedding would be perfect. He loved Rita; she
knew it, he knew it and nothing, not even this coming slumber, would
tear them apart. He cleared his throat before he spoke. "Rita, my
darling, I know our life hasn't always been easy. I have tried my best
to be the loving man you need in your life and, bless you, you chose me.
I do not know how long we will have together, but with all we've been
through, I can't think of not spending the rest of my days with you. I
love you. Your laughter, your smile, and your life. I vow before this
sacred flame, to love honor and cherish you above all others, no matter
what life throws at us. I love you."

Flames crackled and hissed as he finished his vows. Without
waiting Rita spoke, blinking back tears at his words, "Andrew, you've
always been there for me. I know that, and I cherish that. Through all
of the ups and downs you've been my confidant, my shoulder and my
whipping post. Your generosity and kindness has always drawn me to you.
Your love for me, and my love for you, has helped us grow in all our
years together. We were friends first, and from that friendship has
blossomed a wonderful romance. I will love you, cherish you and honor
you above all other for as long as I live and beyond. In front of this
sacred flame that is my pledge to you."

The fire continued to crackle, Raye saying a few soft words and
getting a flare in response. "The sacred flame accepts your words and
your vows, blessing this union. Love one another, as long as you both
shall live."

She turned to Darien and Selenity, "The sacred flame wishes to hear
the sincerity of your vows. Make them now, a pledge for all eternity."

Darien clasped Selenity's hands in his, looking down into her
angelic face. He had so many things he wanted to say, so many things he
should say, that he found himself at a loss for words. He opened his
mouth several times before finding his voice. "Selenity. Daughter of
the Earth, ruler of my heart and soul, you are everything to me. Your
goodness, your light, your kindness and your spirit all drew me to you,
made me admire you for who you are and not the title you wear." He bowed
his head, searching for the right words. Slowly, he began to speak
again, "We have been through a lot in our lives thus far. You have been
forced to deal with circumstances beyond your control and conquered them
as a knight vanquishes an enemy on the battlefield. I have loved you
from the moment I laid my eyes on you. Selenity. My Angel. My love.
I vow to you now, before our friends and family, that I will always love
you. I swear to you no matter what the future holds, I will be true to
you, no matter what comes our way. I love you."

Selenity's smile was gentle. "Endymion, son of the Moon, giver of
light, how could I not love you? You saw me for who I was when no one
knew how to look past my title. You saw me for what I could be and
helped me grow into the woman you see before you today. My best friend,
confidant and avenging Angel. You saved me when I did not know I needed
saving. You snatched me from the well of despair when I thought I would
fall. You have always been there for me no matter what the challenge,
and for that I thank you." She placed a gentle hand upon his face, "My
vow to you is a simple one. I will love you forever. When the Earth
ceases to exist and the sun goes Nova, I will still love you. From now
until eternity, in front of this sacred flame, I pledge my heart, body
and soul to you. I love you."

The fire continued to crackle, Raye saying a few soft words and
getting a flare in response. "The sacred flame accepts your words and
your vows, blessing this union. Love one another, as long as you both
shall live."

A sniffle could be heard as Raye repeated the sacred incantation,
Mae wiping her eyes as her children spoke what was in their hearts. The
other girls quietly dabbed at their eyes with handkerchiefs, Bill
looking decidedly too smug in his Tuxedo.

Raye smiled finally, "Not traditional, but you may kiss your
brides, gentleman, you are now husband and wife."

Rita felt Andrew lift her veil and tilted her head to receive his
kiss as Darien ducked his head and dropped a chaste kiss on Selenity's
lips. Both couples pulled away as the applause of their friends and
family filled the room. Raye filled out two pieces of official looking
paper and handed one to each of the couples, "Your marriage
certificates, my friends. All nice and legal."

The men took the certificates and, folding them, placed them in
pockets so not to lose them. There were hugs and tears all around for
several minutes, Darien barely able to take his arm away from Selenity's
shoulders, and when he looked at Andrew, found that his brother was
having the same problem with his wife. Finally, everyone found a seat
and Bill stood, raising a glass of juice Lita had brought from the
kitchen before the ceremony.

"To my children, blood and not, my boys who have done an incredible
feat and captured the hearts of two amazingly talented young women. I
know we're all going to be sleeping in the next few days, and I just
wanted you to know I'm proud of both of you. You've accomplished so
much in your lives, have so much more to do and are now attached. My
only question is when do I get grandchildren?"

There was good-natured laughter at his question as Mae swatted him,
smiling. "When the thaw happens, darling, naturally. I think our sons
want to be alone with their brides, they can hardly keep their hands to
themselves."

Bill chuckled as Darien and Andrew's hands suddenly stilled on the
waists of their wives. They'd each been playing with a different
section of tummy. Amy stood, "Before everyone clears out, I just wanted
to say that I'm sorry the freeze has to come so soon. Enjoy what time
you have left; spend it how you always wanted, for when the freeze
comes, the world will change drastically. Enjoy yourselves and want for
nothing."

Amy left quietly, followed by the other senshi. They still had
several things to do before their powers would be called upon to help
put the world to sleep. Unlike their leaders, they'd had other
responsibilities. Luna was one of them.


Andrew and Rita left shortly thereafter, taking Bill and Mae home
after tearful goodbyes. Darien hugged Selenity, having let the glamour
drop and putting him back in his street clothes. She did the same, and
he instantly regretted it. He'd been enjoying the view of her creamy
shoulders. "That went better than I had thought it would."

Her laughter was soft, "More happened than I thought would.
Married, can you believe it?"

He hugged her, chuckling, "Just saves us the time of doing it in a
thousand years. Besides, it was your idea."

She smiled, "I felt bad for Rita and Drew. They've been waiting so
long, saving so long, and weren't going to be able to do anything about
it. It seemed like the right thing to do. Do you mind?"

"Mind?" he bent down, nuzzling her ear before he thought better of
it, "No, I don't mine Selene. I've wanted nothing more than to be
married to you for a long time."

She leaned into his embrace, returning it contentedly, "Me too.
Let's go home, I know we're supposed to train to find out how the senshi
will transfer their powers to you, but I want to have you to myself for
a while. Luna seems to have disappeared."

He sighed, "That's a bad idea, Selene. You're not ready, not yet."

She grimaced, "Fine, then we'll just sit and talk, or train with
each other, alright?"

He hugged her, wishing things could have been different. "We'll
take things one step at a time, my lovely wife," he dropped a kiss on
her forehead, "one step at a time." Her smile was genuine when he led
her out of the temple and back towards her house.


"Are you sure he's not going to make it?"

"Positive. I scanned everything I could think of, he's not
mortally wounded, but he doesn't have a will to live."

"This is going to break her."

"I know. I wish there was something I could do."

A quiet voice intruded on the low conversation, "Perhaps it's for
the best. They could never be happy like that."

Four sets of eyes watched as the young man slowly, inch by inch,
let go of his life.


Luna sat in Raye's bedroom, wanting to go to the ceremony but
dreading the thought. She remembered her mate too clearly, his
features, his texture. She closed her eyes, curling up on Raye's bed as
she let her mind wander in the past. Several hours passed before she
was roused from the bed by a small noise. Her eyes opened, gleaming red
in the fading sunlight.

Her gaze went to the window, displaying the sun beginning to set in
all its fiery glory, before turning back to the doorway.

Raye stood silently, watching the black cat. "Luna."

"Is something the matter Raye?"

Raye nodded, going to sit on the bed next to the cat. She lifted a
hand and stroked the black, silky fur. "Artemis came back."

Luna sat bolt upright, "Why didn't you say something? Where is he
now?"

"He was hurt Luna."

Luna's eyes widened, "Is he alright?"

Raye shook her head, unable to speak. In the short time she'd made
the acquaintance of the young terran guardian, she'd liked him. Amy
stepped into the room then, her eyes slightly swollen from crying, "I
couldn't do anything for him, he just... slipped away."

"No!"

Amy knelt next to the bed, gently scratching Luna behind the ears,
"I'm sorry Luna, he didn't want to live as a human, his purpose was
fulfilled. He killed Martin, we know that much. He just didn't want to
live without you."

Luna's eyes closed and she bowed her head. She felt Amy scoop her
up in her arms as tears welled in her eyes. Her husband, her mate was
gone. She was alone once again. Burrowing into Amy's arms, Luna hid
her face and wept.

Lita and Mina came into the room as Raye offered silent support to
the grieving feline. Lita and Mina added theirs and as the sun set in
the distant sky, a shooting star slid across the heavens. The five were
a long time finding sleep that night.



Luna spoke to no one the next day; she simply asked to be left
alone with Artemis' body. Quietly, her paws softly kneading his cold
chest, she spoke to him of their past. She spoke of her mission, of her
quest, and finally of her love for him, regardless of his form. Her
words, softly spoken, fell on deaf ears, but once they were said a sense
of peace filled her. She licked his face, pulling back slowly. "I love
you."

While Luna said her goodbyes, the senshi, Prince and Princess
practiced moulding their powers together, drawing on one another for
strength and support, tapping into the powers to enhance or simply
control the forces within themselves and their crystals. By the night
of the last day, the senshi were ready, the Prince was ready and the
Princess was at the end of her rope.



*The night before freeze day*

Selenity tossed and turned for most of the night, her mind showing
pictures and places she'd long since forgotten. The burning of a city,
the birth of a baby and the death of a woman who wasn't familiar. A
white cat, jumping in front of a shard, saving someone from certain
death; a black cat mourning over the white one. Her eyes flew open and
she tossed back the sheet. She was alone in her bed, Darien having
refused her invitation to share again. She sighed. She'd never sleep
if these thoughts continued. She tiptoed softly from her room, the
house quiet, the stars and Moon illuminating the halls with soft,
silvery light.

She froze, seeing a dark shadow at the end of the hall, a shiver of
fear racing up her spine. "Darien?"

He stepped into the moonlight, his features shadowed and she
relaxed. "You were expecting someone else?"

"Well no, I..."

He stepped up to her, cupping her face in his hands, "Yes you did,
you expected me to be someone coming to attack you. I can see the fear
in your eyes Princess."

She shook her head, trying to deny it. Once she'd learned who he
was, she wasn't afraid anymore. He dipped his head, his eyes glittering
like polished onyx in the moonlight, "Regardless of what you think once
you know who I am, Selene," he told her, reading her thoughts on her
face, "the point is that you feel threatened, even here in your own home
knowing no one is here but me."

"And Annette."

"A Technicality. She's been locked away for a while now, the only
person here who is capable of anything is me."

"It's not you I don't trust."

"I know."

She stepped into his arms, tilting her face to his, "We're married
Darien, will you not sleep with me this night? Tomorrow we will be
sleeping for a long, long time."

He held her against him, her body moulding to his easily. She was
more than willing in his arms as he looked down at her upturned face,
her eyes darkening with desire. He could see the uncertainty she was
determined to hide from him. He bent his head, his mouth hovering over
hers, "I want you, Selene, more than I've ever wanted any woman in my
life."

Her breathing quickened and she licked her lips, tasting the
sweetness of his breath on her tongue, "Then why do refuse me?"

Her lips moved sweetly under his as she spoke, barely touching his,
and he felt his knees weaken, his resolve beginning to dissolve. Why
was he doing this when it was what she obviously wanted? Why was he
torturing them both by waiting? His mouth slanted across hers, claiming
her with seeking lips as she melted into his embrace. Her hands swept
into his hair, tangling in his overly long locks.

Darien kissed her fiercely, his passion for this young woman over
coming his good sense as he was caught up in the heat of her kiss.
Their tongues slid along each other, duelling, tasting, exploring as
they clung together under the light of the Moon. Selenity's gasp of
pleasure as he nipped at her bottom lip almost drove him to his knees.
He wanted to give her pleasure, to make her writhe from it. His hands
slid up her back, one holding her to him, the other sliding down around
her waist and over her hip.

His hands froze on their exploration as her mouth stilled under
his, her breath catching. Sanity returned and he dropped his hands from
her as if burned, stepping back quickly. He closed his eyes, turning
his back on her. He'd felt the tension return to her body, the
uncertainty and fear suddenly on her lips. He couldn't do this, not
yet.

A gentle, hesitant hand slid onto his forearm, "Darien?"

He opened his eyes, fighting for control. Her kiss had matched his
own in intensity, driving him wild and claiming him even as he claimed
her. He took a deep, shuddering breath and turned to look at her. Her
mouth was slightly swollen from his kiss, her eyes luminescent as they
implored him for an answer.

"I'm sorry, Selene. You aren't ready. Your reaction to my touch
just now proves you still aren't ready to take the next step, no matter
what your heart may want." His smile was self mocking and he took her
hand and reverently kissed the back of it, "I want you to come to me
when you're really ready Selene, not tonight, because of the
consequences for tomorrow but when we wake, I will fulfill my promise to
you."

Her eyes glittered with unshed tears but she nodded, "Will you hold
me this night?" she asked softly, yearning to be held by him if nothing
else.

"I don't think..."

She placed a finger against his lips, "I promise I won't do
anything, or let you do anything, Darien. Please. I just need to be
held by you."

He nodded, folding like a deck chair, and led the way back into his
room. Unwise as it was, it felt right having her in his arms on the
last night before they would change the world forever. Amazingly
enough, tension and exhaustion drained them of their energy and before
long, they were both sound asleep. Morning would come very quickly.



The doorbell awoke the young couple the next morning, drawing them
quickly from their dreams. Selenity threw back her covers, feeling more
energized than she had in a long time. Today was the day she and Darien
would fulfill their destiny. Her smile was wide as she leaned over and
placed a gentle kiss on Darien's cheek and then dashed from the room to
answer the door.

Darien grabbed his robe and threw it over one arm as he crawled out
of bed, going after her. Her nightdress was a little slip of a thing
and she shouldn't be answering the door in it, even if they were
expecting their friends. He caught her at the base of the stairs and
swung her around as the doorbell rang again, grinning, "Wear something
if you're going to get the door, Princess," he teased.

She had the grace to look embarrassed as she shrugged into his robe
and belted it before unlocking the door and throwing it open. The four
senshi piled quickly into the room, stopping short when they saw their
state of undress.

"We didn't interrupt something, did we?" Mina asked, her eyes
sparkling mischievously. From the tone of her voice, she was obviously
hoping they had.

"Sorry to disappoint you, Mina, but no. Is it 10am already?"

Mina nodded, "Almost on the nose. Come on, Luna said we need to be
in place before noon. Are you guys ready for this?"

They both shared a nod as Darien slipped his arm around Selenity's
shoulders, "We've trained for this so much in the last three weeks I
feel we could do it in our sleep. Are you guys ready for this?"

The senshi nodded.

Selenity smiled, gathering each of her friends into a quick, tight
hug, "Well, I guess we should do this then. Darien, if you would?"

He nodded, "Celestial Lunarian Conversion!"

Selenity smiled as he called his new transformation for the first
time. The senshi each raised their pens into the air and called forth
their powers. Selenity clasped the golden crystal between her hands and
whispered her words softly. "Earth Solar Power!"

Light flared around each of them before dropping each of the senshi
to the ground in their poses. Lunar's outfit had changed slightly; now
dressed in all white, his vest absent, he struck a dashing pose.

Terra Nova's outfit became longer, her skirt becoming translucent
as it fell from mid-thigh down to her feet. Dressed all in black, her
half mask now missing but replaced by a string of black pearls that
divided her face in half horizontally.

They landed, each looking the other over before turning to the
senshi. "Destiny awaits. Let's do it."

Nova smiled at Lunar and then took his hand as the senshi led the
way out of the house. Together, the group leapt away from the front
steps of the house and into the morning. Their destination: The cave
system where Cashrawk had killed the King.


It was an hour before noon when they arrived at the sight of the
fair. Or more correctly, where the fair had been. In the last week it
had been packed up and taken away, leaving behind streamers, the
skeletons of booths and the marks of where each structure had stood.
The forlorn looking sight called to them as they walked to the centre of
the area. Luna was waiting for them, the body of the white-haired man
at her side.

Nova ran to her, dropping to her knees beside the body as she
turned tearful eyes to Luna, "Luna?"

Luna shook her head, "He's dead, Nova. He's a part of this
ceremony as much as anyone, I had to bring him."

Nova nodded, standing and brushing a hand across her eyes. Artemis
didn't deserve this. She turned to Lunar, holding her hands out to him,
"The time draws near and mother Earth responds. I can feel her power
building, teeming, willing me to lash out and protect her. We must act
quickly.

Luna watched silently as the senshi formed a circle around the
couple, their hands joined. Nova and Lunar stood close together, their
hands touching, their eyes locked. By unspoken agreement they closed
their eyes, hands slipping down, calling forth their crystals. Silver
light met with golden as they flared in the bright afternoon light.

The senshi began to chant in low voices as Nova reached down inside
herself, touching the power of the crystal, moulding it to the power of
the Earth beneath her feet. Her voice was strong as she began to speak,
feeling Lunar's presence near her, channelling the energy she was about
to release through himself and the Lunar crystal.

"Mother Earth, you have been wronged. The time has come to right
those wrongs. You have granted me the powers of your breast to wield
for good and defence. I implore you now to strengthen those powers so
that I may repay you for all the good you do! Mother Earth!" her head
dropped back, her eyes completely black as the power surged through her
feet and into her body. She shook with the force of it. "Brother
Moon!" her voice was slightly ragged, but she was up to the task of
keeping it steady, "Brother Moon, hear my call! Your sister is in need
of the powers you two share and divide. Bring forth the oceans and the
rains, bring forth the tides, cover the lands in water and freeze them
for a thousand years!"

Wind whipped around them as the Earth and Moon responded to her
call, drawing closer to one another, or so it seemed, the powers of the
tides surging up off the mainland and striking the skies, driving wind
and rain into the costal cities, freezing as it touched, holding all in
place. Lunar threw his hands up into the sky, adding his voice to
Nova's, "Cleanse yourself mother Earth, bring your wrath upon those who
are corrupt and seek injustice! Work through us, through your children,
empower us to do your bidding!"

Light surrounded them, growing brighter as the Moon moved into
eclipse the sun. The senshi raised their voices over the howling of the
wind. "Planets of the solar system, hear our cry! The time has come
for a new beginning, for Peace to reign again, lend us your aid, empower
us with your will so that we may once again have justice!"

Brilliant lights of blue, red, orange and green shot down from the
heavens and encompassed the senshi. They screamed as the powers
enveloped them, the surge so strong it knocked them to their knees.
They rose, as one, determinedly to their feet, speaking again as one,
"To you, mother Earth and brother Moon, we give our powers so that this
solar system may once again know peace!"

The light shot from the buttons at the centre of their bodices and
encompassed Nova and Lunar in blinding light. Beams of power shot
around the two as they raised their joined hands to the sky, the ribbons
twining their way through their bodies and up their arms to their hands.
In a blink of an eye, Selenity and Endymion found themselves dressed in
their royal uniforms as the brilliant beam shot from the two crystals,
joining on its way to the Moon. It struck with a force that sent them
to the ground. The Earth trembled as the beam refracted back, striking
a wide perimeter around them, solidifying in a brilliant wonderland of
ice and snow. It spread across the Earth, freezing people and places in
their last moments, sending them to sleep as the crystals worked their
magic. Corruption died as the magic wormed it way through the souls of
men and women. The wicked died, their wickedness burned from them as
a flame burns gasoline.

In moments the world was covered in ice, save for the area
surrounding the senshi, Endymion and Selenity. Their joined hands
slowly lowered, the ice beginning to encroach on them. Selenity smiled
at Endymion, tears glittering in her eyes. "Mother Earth, your
vengeance is sated. Rest now, for a thousand years, and when you wake,
bring with you goodness and life."

Endymion's eyes met hers, his smile warm, "Build here, in your
time, Brother Moon, a palace to fit in perfect harmony with your sister.
To you we entrust our souls until such time as your sister awakens."

Selenity saw the senshi slowly pass from consciousness, sliding to
the ground in slumber as they were covered in ice. It crept about Luna
and Artemis, glowing brightly. "Mother Earth, bless your guardians and
your children. When we awaken, bring us that which is Peace."

Luna passed from the waking world as Endymion and Selenity allowed
the crystals to glow, their light a beacon in the suddenly frozen
wasteland. Their lips met in a gentle kiss as they passed into slumber,
not to awaken until their kingdom had been forged and Peace would reign
once more. And the world slept.




Author's Note: That's it, except for the epilogue... which should be
posted at the same time... Hope you enjoyed it! Let me know! Oh,
before anyone flames me for the Marriage thing... I improvised, I have
no clue how else it should be done and it just seemed fitting. Anyway,
questions, comments, flames, anything, write me!

Jademax@hotmail.com

Thanks for reading!

Jade_Max