A/N: I wrote this tale back in 2000, when I was but a young Moonie (translation: Sailor Moon fanatic.) While I HAVE changed some things, I've tried to keep the tale as accurate as possible to Takeuchi's splendid story of the old Silver Millennium. The guardians, as you will find out more about them in the story, were added by me and my friends who really, really, really wanted to be Sailor Senshi.... ^_^ On a somewhat sad note, whatever I post here, is it. Finished, finite, complete. I have zero interest right now in writing fanfiction...I can barely keep up with college essays and my own original story ideas as it is! But still......this was my first story, so do send me your reviews. I'd like to know your thoughts! Enjoy!

Act I- An Approaching Darkness - as told by the Eclectic Mermaid

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Earthlight poured in from the crystal rock windows of Selene Aurora Palace, washing the regal chamber with brilliant bluish light. It was night on the moon, peaceful and quiet. Outside, Mare Serenitatis, the Sea of Serenity ebbed and pulsed against the silvery black crags, splashing in crystalline clouds of dew upon the walls of the highest tower...

Hidden beneath layers of petal thin silk sheets lay a young slim girl, of about sixteen years. Her pale skin glimmered with a silvery sheen, lustrous golden hair pooled about her, spilling over the bed in silken strands. Shivering slightly, she wrapped the sheets closer around her body, whispering inaudibly.

A knock sounded on the door. "Splendor?"

Her large eyes opened, their soft cerulean hue bluer than the depths of Neptune. Rearranging her body, the girl quietly sighed. "Surely it's not time to get up yet?"

Hesitantly the door swung open, revealing young Lunarian maid. Bowing deeply, she murmured, "Princess Serenity, your mother has called for you, there is a galactic emergency at hand. Your presence is requested immediately in the royal audience chamber."

Making no sound, the princess swiftly leapt out of bed. Rushing to her wardrobe, she began pulling her long hair up into odango, the mark of a noble Lunarian lady. "Tell them I will be there shortly."

The royal audience chamber was in uproar. Royals from all eight planets of the alliance were present via holograph, tired and irritable. The Empress of Mars stood firm, her raven hair billowing. "Why have you called us? What is the emergency?"

Tall and majestic, the Empress of Venus nodded sadly, her dark golden hair swaying with movement. "Indeed, sister. Tell them."

Pearly white odango flowing down her pale shoulders, the Queen glanced at the tense expressions of her companions. Even the royalty from the Outer planets had shown up to this midnight meeting, sensing urgency. Their loyalty touched the Moon Empress. She held up a slender hand, calling for silence. The hubbub lessened, all eyes on the ruler of the Moon Kingdom.

"A tragedy has occurred in our peaceful time. Invaders from the outer systems have penetrated our defenses."

Here Queen Serenity's glance rested on the Empresses of the Outer Solar System. Empress of Uranus stood proudly, easily the tallest in the room, her self-assuredness matched only by her watchful daughter. Swaying slightly, the elegant Empress of Neptune looked down in uncharacteristic shame. Her beautiful daughter smiled at her mother, trying to console her.

Serious dark garnet eyes remained tranquil. The Empress of Pluto tightly grasped her daughter's hand, their pine black hair merging. Her daughter, the crown princess.heir to all of Pluto. Her heir. And fellow failure...

Of all the rulers present, the unperturbed Empress of Saturn was the most calm. The diminutive Queen Dosei only came up to Queen Neptune's shoulders, her night black hair gleaming. Like most of the other planetary leaders, her daughter stood behind her, observing through cold calculating eyes.

"Like a thief in the night, they have infiltrated two of our kingdom's strongest planets. Venus is now overrun by a terrorist group known simply as the Black Diamond. Her distant sister, Jupiter, is ransacked with the legendary Kisenian blossom.I need not explain this plant's ability to drain energy. Fortunately all of their royalty have been evacuated in time." here she glanced worriedly at Empress Mokusei of Jupiter and her sister, Kinsei of Venus.
"Except.for their princesses, the Lady Makoto and Minako."

Audible gasps of static shock filled the air. Delving into battle plans, the world leader's diplomatic reflexes kicked in.

"I've studied this Kisenian, all we need to do is expose its blossom to intense magical exposure!"

"Perfect! My Rei's power will burn it to a crisp!"

Empress Kai'ou of Neptune pondered aloud, "What of the Black Diamond force? We only know that they came from Nemesis...which isn't much to go on."

Ten'ou of Uranus snorted. " All the people on the tenth hidden planet of Nemesis were sent there because of criminal convictions...they are all prisoners. They must have found some sort of power source to enable them to escape. And as for why they would infiltrate Venus...think about it. Vengeance against the Moon Kingdom would be sweet to the taste, especially if they could reign terror across our civilization and even bring down a leading planet, such as Venus. Those scum..."

The Empress of Mercury cleared her throat quietly. "Think of the princesses, sisters. They could be holding them hostage."

"Impossible, Suisei!"

"My Minako would never allow herself to be captured!"

"That is absurd, my dear!"

The assembly jumped, looking at the Empress of Jupiter, who had just slammed her fists audibly against her holographic table. Electric emerald eyes danced with rage. "Stop it this instant! Cease this silly prattle! It is not a question of what our daughters will do, but what we will do. That is my Makoto we're talking about!"

Rearranging herself gracefully, Mokusei cleared her throat. "Suisei, dear friend, I believe you have a solution. Please enlighten these fools."

Bowing in acquiescence, Queen Serenity's tactician took the floor. "As we very well know," she began. "The Celebration of Unity is held tomorrow, the commemoration of the Galactic War, in which so many have fought and died. It celebrates the union of outer planets with inner planets, all together in the alliance of worlds...fighting against the once great Dark Kingdom. Unfortunately." The Empress's sapphire eyes turned to cold steel.

"We could not allow Earth into our alliance. They are far too dangerous; rejecting magic, with a lust for blood and battle that is in itself barbaric. Their arctic circle was also that fated place where the seal of evil was placed...the world itself is now contaminated by darkness. We must also take into consideration the prophecy of our future, given to us by the court psychic and seer Empress Kasei of Mars."

A discernable tension filled the air. Kasei stood, neither acknowledging nor denying the fact that she had seen the future.something that had not happened in the royal house of Mars for millennia. Her daughter Rei worriedly studied her mother. The Empress of Mercury shook her head, deep blue hair glinting with the silver threads of age. "Until the Celebration comes to a close, we do nothing. It will take at least a day to gather our armies, and another to come up with a suitable attack plan. I suggest we keep this confidential."

Cutting off protests with a sweep of her scepter, Queen Serenity nodded to Suisei. "Thank you, my capable sister. What you say is quite true. The princesses of Venus and Jupiter are more than able to care for themselves for a while. We must wait. This meeting is dismissed...now let us all get what sleep we may for the days to come. For they will not be leisurely."

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Princess Serenity was in disgrace. Her mother stood, calm mother-of- pearl eyes clouded with anger. "You were late, Usako. I was counting on you being there to support me. We want to keep relations with the Outer Planets as smooth as possible, which includes having your heirs there as a token of respect.I don't want another war!"

Her daughter played with a strand of hair, looking down at her reflection in the marble floors. "I did not mean to be late, mother. What was the emergency? And why does everyone here look so afraid?"

Sighing, the Moon Empress sat down on her throne. "Sit with me child, and I will explain. You already know that the Outers have a different mission from us, the Inner planets. Their main assignment is to protect our kingdom from outside invaders. They have failed."

Gasping in shock, Serenity trembled. "But, how? They are among our strongest planets. What did they do wrong?"

Smiling grimly, the Queen shook her head. "They let their guard down. The Outer royals, in place of the ancient warriors we once had, are in charge of repelling invaders in this solar system. We've had peace in this kingdom for hundreds, nay thousands of years...and no one would have guessed that this sort of thing would happen. After hiding in the asteroid fields for who knows how long, the enemies have infiltrated two planets. Jupiter and Venus. Oh, Usako, I am worried for them." The Empress bowed her head in grief.

"My sister, Kinsei from Venus, barely escaped, with Mokusei of Jupiter. But their poor daughters.are trapped on those planets, which are swiftly dying."

"Then we must do something, mother! We cannot let this go unpunished. They must pay! When do we attack?"

"Tomorrow night."

"What? But that will be too late! Makoto and Minako might be killed before then!"
Empress Serenity shook her silvery head, pearly odango swaying. "I am sorry, my child. It will take at least two days to muster our troops and attack. Please, Serenity.enjoy the ball tonight. This may be the last time."

I knew this would happen. Now it is only a matter of time.
Swirling smoke wreathed its spell around the Gates of Time. Tall and forbidding, they were built of a dark hard stone, eternally polished and cold. Many doors, all varying in size and material, were arranged in a semicircle around the gates. A figure walked out of the mist, grasping a tall staff. Sailor Pluto, the only awakened Senshi, surveyed her realm. Cool dark garnet eyes were restless, mist blowing her dark pine black hair, loosening its messy bun. The Guardian of Time sighed.

The end is drawing nigh; I have failed to protect my kingdom from the invaders. However, I will not disappoint my Queen again. I will tell her of our new mission.
We must find the other legendary Sailor Senshi, and their respective Guardians.
I am here, Queen Serenity. Your tactics are correct. Often the best solution is to wait.
And if we are fortunate, time will be on our side.

Brilliant light fell through crystalline windows, showering the ballroom with brightness. Delegates from all nine planets and more talked, laughed, and argued. Long marble tables were festooned with delicacies; the finest sashimi from Neptune, sliced into cold thin strips, steaming flaky cherry pastries from Jupiter, and other dishes too numerous to name.

The ambassador from Earth walked briskly, approaching the main doorway. Tall, dark, and handsome, his messy raven hair fell in strands over his dark ocean blue eyes. Silvery black armor, breastplate, and greaves made slight metallic sounds as we walked. A herald cleared his throat, his voice a pompous squeak. "The ambassador from Earth, the High Prince Endymion Lord Darien!"

Heads turned and gossipers whispered excitedly. Most of these courtiers had never seen Earth, much less an Earthian. Young ladies giggled as their eyes took in his roguish handsome figure. Darien walked on, unaware of all the attention he was getting. I cannot believe I have to spend an entire day on the Moon, when I could have been hunting or dueling with my Generals. It is not fair of mother to force this upon me. Earth never was part of the alliance; I don't see why she bothers. They never liked us anyways. Prince Darien strode forward, intent on delivering his goodwill, then leaving this strange place. He didn't want to spend more time than necessary on the Moon; something about it gave him the chills. It was too pristine, too quiet. Everything here was very pale, with a translucent silver sheen. Even the air hummed with magic. He walked faster.

A gong was struck, its tones reverberating through the ballroom. An expectant hush silenced the throng as the herald strutted officiously to a pedestal. "All bow to the Empress Tsukino Serenity Lady Selene, ruler of the Moon Kingdom, leader of the Planetary Alliance, Mistress of the Selene Aurora Palace!" he bellowed.

Gowns rustled and armor clanked as everyone present bowed deeply. The Queen entered, gliding across the floor noiselessly. Creamy pearls adorned her odango, were wrapped around her wrists and neck, and spilled from her silken snowy gown. Her gentle features were set into a polite mask, head bowed modestly. She reclined gracefully on her throne, wrought of pure silver.

"Her daughter, Heir to all planets, the Princess Tsukino Usagi Lady Serenity!" the herald's veins were popping out from his forehead with the effort. A low murmur of admiration greeted the princess. Silk of the purest white floated around her, thinner than rose petals, lighter than air. Wide innocent eyes were trained from practice on her throne, their deep azure almost glowing with light. Some later swore that faerie dust trailed behind her.

Prince Endymion stopped in his tracks.

Here, right before him, was the most beautiful female creature he had ever seen. She was small, delicately formed, soft and vaguely childlike. The prince had seen many lovely women in his time, and courted more than he could count. But there was something different about this one.
He drew closer, peering over heads as he strained to catch another glimpse of her.

Serenity sat quietly down in her throne, inwardly happy that nobody was staring at her anymore. Without fail, it always made her uncomfortable. Her mother slyly winked, then whispered, "You're early, Usako. And you didn't trip. Are you sure you're feeling well?"

The heir to all planets suppressed a snort, her attention turned to the scene in front of her. The herald was puffing heavily, wiping his forehead with a velvet handkerchief.

"Introducing the Royalty from the Inner Planets," he cried. "Empress Mizuno Suisei of Mercury, Mistress of Mariner Palace...and her daughter, the Princess Mizuno Ami!"

Walking sedately, the Queen bowed low. Her deep blue hair was long and lustrous, threaded with silver and plaited into a convoluted braid. Her daughter's cerulean hair was cut to her chin, softly waving with motion. Both wore icecap blue gowns and drop necklaces, marks of their station. They took their seats near the throne.

"Empress Hino Kasei of Mars, Mistress of the Phobos-Deimos Palace, and Princess Hino Rei!"
Both mother and daughter wore their raven black hair loose, falling heavily to their hips. Their dark eyes flashing with inner embers, they strode to their places, crimson silk swishing. Ruby cut drop earrings dangled from their ears. As they nodded to Queen Serenity, Rei winked at Princess Serenity.

"Empress Aino Kinsei of Venus, Elder Sister of Empress Serenity, Mistress of Magellan Palace!"

There was something melancholy in the way she carried herself. Thick streaming hair of bright gold was pulled back into a topaz clip, strands falling around her sad deep azure eyes. She wore the gown of Venusian royalty, a golden silk lined with shimmering tulle. When she moved, beams of light danced across its surface like liquid gold. Quietly she took her place at the Queen's second-right throne, her hand clasping Serenity's.

"And finally, Empress Kino Mokusei of Jupiter, Mistress of Io Palace!"

The second tallest Queen strode forward, trailing her whispering gown of dark forest green silk. Her thick chestnut hair, like liquid dark chocolate, fell in tendrils around her pale shoulders. Wide stern eyes of a brilliant emerald hue gleamed under the chandelier; fragrant roses adorned her ears and hair, the mark of her nobility on Jupiter. With the last inner queen came the release from silence. As Mokusei sat unperturbed, the hubbub increased, and the Moon Empress motioned to the musicians to start playing once again.

As he walked closer to the thrones, Endymion overheard a few ladies whispering. A tall woman of striking beauty smiled unpleasantly. "I've heard the reason the two princesses are not here is because of.shall we say.internal problems. Though they seem hardly 'internal' to me, the whole thing reeks of intrigue, I say."

One of the duller and stupider ladies sniffed. "Hmph! Venus and Jupiter are strong planets. T'would take much to conquer them, I think!"

The tall woman shrugged, tossing her flaming hair which nearly smacked Endymion in the face. "I'm thinking that mayhap other planets are plotting against the Queen. I already know that Diamond, that prince from Nemesis has.the fool.been gathering forces about him since last solstice. But I'm talking about a few planets a tad closer to the sun.namely." here she smiled, baring glistening filed teeth.

"The outer planets? Impossible!"

"Relations are strained between inner and outer worlds as it is."

"Don't make trouble! Even on the Celebration of Unity, the nerve of her."

Endymion had heard enough. His cloak swirling around him, the heir to Earth walked slowly away from those prattling girls and that.that woman. Beryl. There was a person he wouldn't forget for a long time. It had started long ago on Earth; they were preteens.so long ago. She begged him to give her a tour of his palace. He had to oblige the wench, she was a guest. Even as a young girl, Beryl had been inclined to the dark arts. Rumors had been spread around his court that she practiced witchcraft, ancient torture, and other fields too gruesome to give mind to. He didn't put it beyond her. Beryl was constantly asking for dances, almost to the point of fawning on him. Her syrupy sweet smile barely concealed the lechery in her gaze...his unusually innate sense of perception warned him time and time again, stay away from her... He shook his head slightly to clear his mind, then strode through the crowds of aliens, noticing Beryl give him a seemingly careless glance. Something in him.some odd attraction was pulling him in a completely different direction from the one he had intended to take.

Endymion shrugged it off, telling himself not to worry. Magic spells and webs were woven so thickly in Selene Aurora Palace that newcomers often got confused and disoriented. Even his generals, when paying homage to the Queen of the Planetary Alliance, became clumsy and forgetful.hardly their persona. He smiled at the memory, then became aware of movement behind him.

A tiny hesitant hand tapped his shoulder, breaking Darien out of his reverie. "I do not believe we have met, sir knight."

Hardly daring to breathe, the prince inhaled in the eddies of air a slight spray of rose oil. Turning around, he stepped backwards, shocked to see Princess Serenity in her full glory.
"Uh, hi.um."

She walked closer, rose-petal white silk trailing behind her pearled slippers. "I noticed you coming in, but I never heard the herald say who you were. May I ask your name?"

"Guhh....." he muttered. What is wrong with me? Why can't I talk?

She blinked, obviously not comprehending the struggle he was going through. "I am quite doubtful your name is Sir Guh, as it is not a common name on any of the worlds I know. Are you sly on purpose?"
Serenity had the most strikingly beautiful eyes he had ever seen. Their brilliant depth of azure blue drew him into her gaze, a spell within a spell. Compliment.think of a compliment, idiot.

"Uh, Princess Usagi, your hair.it..um."

"My hair?" She halted abruptly, putting a slender hand to one odango bun. Smiling disarmingly, she twirled a strand between her fingers. "What about my hair? And oh, you don't have to call me Usagi, just Sere."
"Your hair looks like meatballs!"

She blinked, not quite comprehending what he had said. "What?"

He felt his old cocky self-assurance flood back into his core. "Your hair, its styled like golden meatballs. You sure you don't belong on that table over there?" he gestured to the platters of food.
"How.how dare you!" she sputtered, anger tinged her cheeks with pink. "Who are you!"

He smirked, widening his dark cerulean eyes. "Why on earth should I tell you.meatball head!"

"Oooh!" Her face was flushed with irritation. "You.you impertinent cocky."

The young man smiled broadly, flashing white teeth. He had pushed enough buttons today, to press harder would ruin any chances in the future. "Thank you for your time princess. You inspire such thoughtful conversation. A thousand years to your rule, milady."

With that, he turned on his heel and stalked out of the room, all bravado and confidence.

The moon heir's blood boiled. Taking deep breaths, she stomped around the food tables, taking out her rage on a bowl of peppermint ice cream. That man! What I would give to wipe that smirk off his face! Still. She watched him walk, the muscles of his arms rippling beneath his dark cape.
..He sure is handsome.

A new herald had been assigned to take his predecessor's place. He straightened his cravat, then announced in a painfully shrill voice, "Introducing the Empresses of the Outer Planets!"

"Finally, their transport arrived. I thought it would be another week at the least." Muttered Empress Kasei of Mars.

"Patience, sister. They have come a great distance to be here." Admonished Kinsei, her brilliant lake-blue eyes trained on the ramp unrolling from the ship.

"Introducing the Empress Ten'ou Haruka of Uranus, Mistress of Miranda Palace, and her daughter, Princess Heir Ten'ou Haruka!"

Easily the two tallest women in the room, they strode forth confidently. The Empress had long ash blonde hair, which she wore in plaits to her ankles. Murmurs of surprise greeted her daughter. Haruka favored short, windblown hair, the midnight blue gown of royalty outlining her lean frame. The Uranian Princess was known for their boyish sense of style; it was the first time many had seen her wear a gown. Both ladies wore coils of polished amber twined about their necks and wrists. Bowing abruptly in the manner of the Wind Folk, they took their seats. Princess Haruka fidgeted miserably with a frill on her dress.

"The Empress Kai'ou Michiru of Neptune, Mistress of Triton Palace, and her daughter Princess Heir Kai'ou Michiru!"

Elegant and refined, the tall figures glided silently across the assembly. The Empress of all Oceans' pale teal hair fell in luxurious waves to her slippers; her daughters' hair was much darker, cascading in a bluish green waterfall to her pale shoulders. Both women wore silken gowns of sea green, which smelt faintly of seawater from their planet. Lustrous pearls adorned the hems of their gloves, also worn in loops around their necks and waists. The royals calmly looked back, scrutinizing the gaping crowd with their serene deep blue eyes.

"Hailing from Pluto, the Mistress of Charon Palace, Empress Mei'ou Setsuna!"

As usual, she walked alone. Her dark liquid cinnamon skin set off her deep garnet eyes, which peered critically at the observers. Clad in a jet- black triple strapped silken gown, her pine dark hair swished against it, twisted up into a plaited messy bun. Bowing deeply, the Timeless One took her seat at Serenity's left.

"Empress Dosei Pandora of Saturn, Mistress of Titan Palace, and her daughter Princess Heir Tomoe Hotaru!"

All present bowed deeply as the last and most deadly royals entered. Dosei's diminutive form was swathed in deep violet silk, with twin straps on her pale shoulders; her daughter clad in the same. The Saturnine Royals wore their night black hair long and loose, falling in a sheet to their ankles. Sharp piercing eyes of vivid purple glowed, their ethereal sheen brighter than the amethysts draped around their waists and necks. The princess Hotaru's eyes darted briefly out to the audience, then resumed roving over the bowed assembly. Smiling coolly at the other royals, they took their seats.

Endymion's knees gave way, his hand clasping the stair rail behind for support. He could almost swear that when Hotaru's eyes glanced his way...

Those strange dark eyes of hers had flashed blood red.

Hours later, Serenity walked towards the goblets of ice cold water. I never knew dancing could do this to a person, I'm so tired! She dabbed rose oil behind each ear and on her wrists, inhaling deeply. She would never get tired of this particular scent. It was imported from Earth...she remembered her maid had told her that it took thousands of barrels of rose petals to make a single small bottle of oil, the size of her fingertip. Expensive, to be sure, but it was a price Serenity was quite able to pay. Earthian roses...what she wouldn't give to hold a blooming one...

Pouring herself a glass of water she gulped it down quickly, the chilled liquid freezing her dry throat, then moved to refill her goblet. A hand stopped her, gently taking her glass. Majically conjuring ice and water, it filled the cup from a pinky finger, like a faucet. Serenity gaped as the owner of the hand walked from behind her into full view.

He was tall and slender, with a handsome elegance about him. His lank hair, a luminous white, fell over dark stormy blue eyes, hiding a down turned black moon. He wore a formal suit of iceberg white silk, the tabard embedded with a dynasty's fortune of small glittering diamonds. The only thing, in fact, that held color were his strange eyes...so like anothers...

Serenity blinked. How long had she stood there, daydreaming like a mindless dolt? What did he think of her? Where were her manners?

Bowing low, she dropped an elaborate curtsey, berating herself. She had to stop her mind from wandering all the time, thinking of Earth... "That was an amazing bit of magic you performed. Thank you. I am Princess Tsukino Usagi....Lady Serenity." Upon further reflection she added, "But you can call me just Serenity."

An enamored smile tugging at his lips, he bowed just as formally. "And I, Milady, am Prince Diamond, of a rather unknown planet. May I?" He offered his arm.

Serenity dipped her head, putting her small hand in his gloved one. Together they strolled out onto the floor. The Moon Princess tapped her slippered foot as her favorite waltz began to play. Without warning, Diamond's hands were tilting her chin upward. "Shall we dance, my white rose?" his voice was low.

Too surprised to react, she nodded dumbly. Quite genteel...though he's so formal it almost hurts... Quickly placing her hand on his shoulder, he rested his other hand on her blossoming hips. His touch was cold, burning through her thin silk gown. He was a good dancer, performing the complicated steps without fault...Serenity tried desperately to keep up, swearing inwardly that she would beg her mother for dancing lessons after this!

They moved farther and farther away from the main throng of people. He was leading her somewhere, she realized. Cold unreasonable fear, chilling as ice, seeped through to her skin. She shivered uncontrollably. As the dance ended, Diamond halted abruptly, tensing as she ran clumsily into him. He held her up by her arms, gazing into her eyes, searching. The Heir Princess recoiled slightly. Those eyes..."Princess, you're trembling. Why?"

"I...I'm afraid I do not know. Pardon me, I must return to the ball..." Wrenching herself from his grip, Serenity turned away. He grabbed her hand in mock gallantry, holding it up to his lips. She shuddered. "What's wrong, Serenity? Are you afraid of me?"

He had forced her to look up at him, their blue eyes locking...both so different in shade and hue. "No, Diamond." She pushed him away, convulsing in unrealized horror. It made him uncomfortable the way he was looking at her...she winced as he seized her arms, then dragged her close to him. His voice was raspy, and low. Deep toned with what Serenity now recognized too late as lust. "You have no reason to fear me...well," he chuckled darkly. "Not yet." Tilting her head forcibly back by clenching his fingers in the nape of her neck, his mouth closed over hers, stifling her gasp of shock.

Enfolding her in his arms, he kissed harder, bruising her slack lips. Serenity was totally unaware of what he was doing...she was still numb from the shock. Cold...colder than a midwinter gale on Mercury was his mouth, seeking hers...trailing icy kisses down her neck. She swallowed as his breathing quickened. This can't be happening to me...

"Diamond you bastard, unhand her!"

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He broke off the kiss, looking up. Serenity was breathing raggedly, finally struggling feebly in his strong grip. The diamond hard Prince laughed without mirth. "Ah, Darien. How nice to see you...but why have you come? Surely you remember that Earth is not a part of the alliance? Oh, how silly of me...you're an ambassador."

Ignoring the jibe, he strode forward, his jaw jutting in defiance. "Leave her alone, Diamond." His voice was barely a whisper, threaded with malice. Laughter shattered the silence. "Darien, Darien. Whatever could you do to me?" Diamond smiled, then looked down at the trembling bundle of silk in his arms. "Since you're so infatuated with this bunny child, why don't you take her!" The prince heaved Serenity at Darien, a faint shadowy mist submerging him. Diamond's laugh echoed in the recesses of the hall as he disappeared, a trace of magic like a mirage shimmered in the air.

The Moon Princess landed atop the black clad knight, and they fell together, a heap of silk and armor. "Aaah!" Serenity gasped as she sprawled cheek to cheek with her enemy. Her gown was caught in his armor in a dozen compromising places, their limbs entangled. "Ack..." Darien spat out a mouthful of golden silky hair. "Meatball head...ugh...get off of me!"

"I can't or else I would, you rusted tin can! My dress is caught! Ouch!"

She was suddenly aware of his chest rising and falling beneath her own. "Urgh...and what am I supposed to do about that, huh? Your hair is in my mouth...it tastes like weeds!"

"Its called herbal hair rinse, baka! On the count of three, roll over! Then we'll both be free from each other! Her lips were now squished against his cheek, making it difficult to count.

"Uhn...Tooh...Fhree!"

They swiftly rolled over, their momentum making Darien land atop of Serenity.

"Yaaagh! You're cwushing me, Dawien!"

"Sorry!" He untangled her legs from his own, blushing furiously. Serenity stood up shakily, taking deep breaths. She glared at Darien, rubbing her bruised arms. "You didn't help. I could have peacefully negotiated my way out of this without you!"

"Negotiate what? His tongue being down your throat?!?"

"That is not a debateable topic, you moron!"

"Steer clear of that man, princess." Darien pulled back and studied her. Her golden odango were disheveled, strands fell over her rose pink lips, angel blue eyes brilliant in anger. By Selene, she's beautiful...I'll give her that... "He will be nothing but trouble for you."

Mt. Serenity was about to blow her top, and soon. "Wow. Who would have guessed?"

"Am I...interrupting something?"

Both jumped in surprise. Serenity looked at the newcomer carefully. The woman had a self assured air about her as she strode forward. Quite a fatal beauty; tall and pale of skin. Her thick coppery hair, like living flame tumbled down her back, pinned with black ebony clips. A form fitting gown of black crushed velvet hugged her womanly curves, accented by coils of polished jet.

Darien inwardly cursed the fate that had allowed Beryl to, somehow, find him. Keeping his features smooth and blank, he bowed courteously. "Princess Tsukino Usagi, may I introduce the Baroness Lady Beryl, hailing from Earth."

A mocking smile twisted at the woman's dark lips. Curtseying formally, she bowed her head, her perfumed tresses smelt of nightshade orchid. "A thousand years to your rule...Majesty."

"And to you....good fortune and long life, Lady Beryl."

Beryl snorted. "Indeed. Now, Darien, you promised me a dance at the end of the ball...won't you oblige me?" Before Beryl marched him out of sight, Serenity heard him cursing darkly under his breath. Stifling giggles despite herself, she began to walk away to; where else, the food tables. She did not notice the venom-laden glance Beryl had given her.

Looking at the twirling couples on the dance floor, Serenity noticed someone familiar. A stunning young woman with long raven hair; Princess Hino Rei of Mars. Rei and the other four princesses of the Inner Worlds had been her best friends and protectors; sworn to defend her as the One since she was born. Rei was escorted by a tall blond general, who wore the garb of an elite military officer. Of what planet Serenity could not think of, as she had never seen the like of it. Taking Rei's hands, he spun her skillfully out on the dance floor, smiling at the delight on her face.

The Moon Princess grinned. Someday, I'll dance like that with someone I love...

But it appears that I will have to trade dancing lessons for aikido...just for now.

Lost in her dreams, Serenity watched the couples as they leapt and twirled in an array of silk and velvet; completely unaware of a figure hidden in the shadows, watching her. Strands of dark greenish black hair blew in an unseen wind, she silently walked away, the sable silk of her gown hissing against her dark cinnamon skin.

...It is only a matter of time...