"Get up! Get up!"

The guards' rough voices crashed into Serena's dreams, which for once were good dreams. They were old dreams and memories of her other life, her real life. She had no time to think about those glorious dreams though as she lined up in front of her bunks. Her friends got up as fast as she did, and they all regretted it. Serena had never felt so stiff before in her life.

All of the other prisoners filed out to be counted, then sent off to work, but the girls stayed there. Serena's mother looked at them with sad eyes as she filed out. Serena could see how much this was hurting her, but could do nothing to help it.

Commander Olyn came in after everyone was gone and had each of them shackled. He then led them out to start their march. He marched with them for awhile, up by Serena. She looked over at him, scrutinizing his every feature. He made the mistake of meeting her eyes, and then she could pick through his soul.

He felt vulnerable as those blue eyes searched him. She found his weak points, his strong points, all his dreams and nightmares. She found his loved ones, and his enemies. She then turned away, staring straight ahead, always marching. He stopped and let them pass. Not only had she searched him, but she'd told him something. She was leaving the camp that very day, and taking everyone with her.

Serena continued marching, every once in a great while she spied her family. Her father was drenched in sweat and his hands were bleeding. Her mother told her blisters had formed on his hand where he'd held the shovel. His job was to dig graves. Serena shivered. Many were dying of sickness and fever. She could feel disease around her every moment.

Not only was disease devouring the people, but the guards were as well. If you faltered, even for a short time, they would take you away. Since they marched the perimeter of the camp Serena had seen what they did once they took you away. A hot tear slipped down her cheek. They would stab you, or set you in front of an archer. And then your body was hauled away to the grave. The grave her father was digging. Sammy dug as well.

Her mother had a little bit easier work. She made bandages for the soldiers and would repair any torn uniform. But her mother was never particularly skilled in sewing, and without a thimble her fingers were dotted with blood. Her hands grew tired, and so did her soul.

Serena marched on, ignoring the screams from her left. They witnessed another murder. She'd never forget this, she decided. And she'd never let anything like this happen again.

============================

Darien's troops were marching through Crescent. Some people spat at him from their upper windows, or threw rotted fruits. His generals itched to run those people through, but Darien stayed calm. Not many were angry with them for the war had effect on even the Moonrisen faith. It was their sons and husbands and fathers and brothers who were fighting and dying on the battle field. The war was losing support rapidly, and the Earth was gaining it.

They made it through Crescent without any major problems and from there it was a guessing game. They traveled all day long, from before dawn to after dusk. Finally they saw lights in the distance. Floating flames or so it seemed. They found that it was the camp, and Darien's heart started beating faster.

They came to the gates, swords drawn, arrows nocked, and demanded that it be surrendered. A Commander met them, and a hundred or so troops. But they were sorely out numbered. Darien's troops numbered in the thousands.

"Commander surrender your camp and we'll negotiate terms."

"I'm afraid I cannot do that."

"There is no reason to shed blood here, now surrender your camp!"

The Commander got a weird twinkle in his eye. "She called you, didn't she?"

Darien was taken by surprise. "Yes, the Princess did."

"Princess?" the Commander said. "Don't you mean Queen?"

Both sides of the battle lines whispered and mumbled. The Prince and the Commander didn't stop to notice.

"I will give her to you if you let me keep my camp."

Darien had seen how the Moon Princess or Queen had grown tired so quickly, how she'd grown more thin within just three days at this camp. He'd heard all the terrible reports of walking skeletons. He made his decision quickly.

"The entire camp is liberated tonight."

Commander Olyn shook his head. "I can't allow you to do that."

"Then prepare for battle."

============================

Serena heard the troops gather and the guard left her bunker. She called to her friends and they hurried to the door. They watched as the Prince and Commander Olyn talked. They couldn't hear the words, but the expressions on the Prince's face were enough.

They saw the Earthen army raise their swords into charge position and Serena looked at her friends wide-eyed.

"Come on! We must help!"

They ran out as fast as their sore legs could carry them. They lined up behind the camp guards and raised their powers. When the soldiers felt rain on their heads and heard the thunder, fear poisoned their hearts. The Earthen army saw silver, blue, gold, red, and green glows coming from behind the camp guards and were afraid there was sorcery invovled.

"Olyn!" Serena yelled, her voice boomed like the thunder above. He turned to face her and her friends. His troops were surrounded, great power on one side, and sharp swords on the other. "Surrender the camp!"

Olyn sighed. It would be a waste of blood and man to fight a skirmish, but he was not fond of becoming a prisoner either.

Serena, sensing the reason for his hesitation, called out on the behalf of the Earthen army. "We will grant your guards freedom to return to their families, and let them keep their swords. Just free the camp."

The commander thought the terms over and drew his sword. He turned to Darien, and held his sword out, handle first. Darien took the sword and raised it over his head. Yells of triumph came from all around, and the rain stopped. Serena and her friends' auras disappeared.

Part of the Earthen army, a small part, filed in and started procedures to take over. Darien rode through the crowd and dismounted his horse in front of Serena.

"Princess," he said. "I meet you at last." He noted her hair in the Earthlight. "Your hair is golden."

"I am no such Princess," Serena said. "And my hair has always been gold."

Darien furrowed his brow, certain that her hair had been silver every time she had appeared to him. The crescent moon that had always adorned her forehead was gone as well. He almost doubted who the girl was.

"But we need formal introductions," Serena said. "I am Serenity Tsukino, Serena for short." She held out her hand.

Darien took it and kissed it like a gentleman. "I am Prince Darien Shields of Earth. Commander and Chief of the Earthen Army." He pointed behind him. "Malchite, Jedite, Zoicite, Nephlite."

Serena introduced each of her friends in turn. "Mina, Raye, Amy, Lita."

"Serena!" her mother's call came. Her family, each looking battered and tired, came running to her. She hugged her mother and kissed her father's cheek. Even Sammy was willing to share in the reunion, hugging his sister.

"This is my family." Serena said. "Mom and Dad and Sammy." She paused. "Mother, Father, this is Prince Darien of Earth."

Her mother blushed as Darien kissed her hand, and her father and brother puffed up their chests. The entire camp was filing out of the bunks, hugging and kissing their liberators. Fires were lit in great rejoicing and the whole came was lit up. People fell to their knees and praised the gods. Raye's grandfather helped lead in prayer.

Serena stopped for a moment to look around and take in her surroundings. She looked at the families hugging each other, the tears of joy, the ones praying. She heard singing, prayers, and yells of happiness. She looked at the Earth and was surprised to find the comfort that she usually got from it was not there. She looked at Darien's strong face and firelit eyes and realized why.

Her comfort was here.

Author's Note: Once again it took me awhile and it's short. But it was like I couldn't write for days and then suddenly I couldn't stop. There should be two or three more chapters. I'm not sure yet. Please review!

Until the next time,

Ai No Senshi