A/N: I'm back! No, I didn't die, contrary to popular belief. I am still alive and kicking! ~. ^ Now, I have to say that if you want someone to thank, thank Authoress*Crest because she reminded me that I have to update… only in a much nicer way. And OMG! I just realised what a complete CCS fan I am! I only remember 32 card captures! I feel so bad! BUT, I didn't have to look up any of the scenes! Hehe, I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Of Sun, Moon, And Cards
Book One
The Guardians and The New Arrival.

Since that day when the Clow Cards had been completed, everything had been perfect at the Reed mansion. Tasks that were seemingly impossible before were now every day occurrences. The Clow Cards made life easier, and that was that.

When the weather was cool, Serenity loved nothing more than to be out in the garden, admiring the variety of Terran flowers that blossomed in the early spring months. It never ceased to amaze her of how the flowers could be unsymmetrical and yet still be so amazing to look at. Her new favourite flower was the Sakura blossoms that grew so wonderfully in Clow's yard. If the weather permitted, Serenity would curl up beside a trunk and read the ancient Lunarian that Setsuna had saved. She had even begun to teach Clow her native tongue.

Yes, you could say that the mansion in the secluded part of England was a perfect utopia for everyone who dwelled there, but that would be a lie. Things were not as perfect as they seemed, and both Clow and Setsuna knew it was because of Serenity's guilt and pain.

If you were to walk down the hallway on the night of the full moon, you might just hear the sounds of someone crying coming from one particular bedroom. If you were to look into said bedroom, you would see a petit form lying in the moonbeams, crying herself to sleep. Taking a second look, you would realize that this was a woman... a woman who didn't look entirely human.

The other two that lived in the house knew that Serenity did this every full moon. They knew that it still hurt to think of the homeland that she had accidentally destroyed. Setsuna had tried to reason with her more than once, but the young queen continued to believe that the destruction of the Silver Millennium was her fault.

Tonight was the night of the full moon.

As previously said, Serenity was in the moonbeams, gazing longingly at the bright white orb that seemed to taunt her from it's position in the sky. Serenity was a sight that would make your heart break. Her long silver hair was undone and flowed down her back before pooling at her ankles. Along her cheeks were tear streaks. Blue eyes so full of hurt and guilt, you'd wonder how this poor woman could survive.

She herself was thinking these same thoughts. Why should she keep living? Why should she live when so many others had died? What made her so special as to avoid death? But then again, who said she actually had to avoid death? Why not take her life? End all the pain? What was stopping her?

Clow. The man she loved.

Just thinking of the sorcerer made Serenity's heart flutter. She loved him with all her being. Nothing would ever make her want to hurt him… except this horrible pain that didn't seem to end. It trapped her in an endless cycle of darkness.

As if in a trance, Serenity pulled a jewel-incrusted dagger from her sub-space pocket. It was a marvellous weapon, given to her by Haruka, princess of Uranus, for her last birthday, much to her lover's displeasure. Haruka insisted that it would be useful one day. Oh, how right she had been.

Lifting the dagger and pointing the edge to her abdomen, Serenity sent a silent good-bye to Clow and Setsuna. She brought the blade down.

Or at least she would have if Clow hadn't grabbed it with the Move.

The silver-haired royal winced, and turned away, frightened to see the anger, betrayal and hurt in Clow's eyes. She hadn't meant to hurt anyone, she just didn't want to live with the guilt anymore.

It was to her surprise then, when two strong arms wrapped themselves around her, and she felt herself being pulled against his chest. A soft kiss was placed on the top of her head. "My Serenity. If you need to cry, just cry. I'm here. I know what it's like to lose everything."

The Lunarian's tears poured like they had never before. "I-I just want to forget, at least for one night. Is that so much to ask? Just one night." The last part came out in a whisper. Suddenly, she lifted her sad gaze to Clow.

Clow gazed down at the woman for a second before bending down and capturing her lips in a fiercely passionate kiss. It took Serenity a moment, before she started to respond. He pulled her closer as she undid the tie that held his hair back and got her fingers lost in it.

His lips moved to her neck and she moaned. Serenity's breathing became laboured as all previous thoughts were swept from her mind. Stopping the kissing, Clow looked up to see a flushed lover. Looking into her eyes questioningly, she gave her nod of approval. The sorcerer picked her up bridal style and walked over to the bed.

In the next few minutes, both people's clothes were discarded and the two got lost in the passion...

* * *

Serenity opened her eyes. The first things she noticed were that, one: it really hurt between her legs, and two: Clow was sleeping next to her, his arm around her waist. He was in a deep, peaceful slumber.

Smiling softly, she carefully removed his arm and got out of bed. It was then that she noticed a third thing: she was completely naked. The realization brought back her memories of the previous night and a blush to her usually pale cheeks. And she thought she would wait until she was married!

Deciding there was nothing better to do, Serenity headed towards her bureau to choose something to wear. She chose an everyday gown of pale green satin that felt good on her sore body. It had a high neckline and three-quarter sleeves that flared out with lace at the elbow until it reached her wrist.

"Good morning," said Clow softly, hugging her from behind (how he got out of bed without her detecting, she had no idea). It made Serenity blush even harder to feel that he too was naked. Her chuckled at her flushed cheeks. "How are you feeling?"

"A bit sore," admitted Serenity softly, turning to put her hand on Clow's chest and to look into his eyes. She smiled. "But I wouldn't undo it for anything. Thank you." The Lunarian stood on her tiptoes and kissed him gently. She grinned as she pulled away. "Does this mean that I can sleep in your room now?"

That earned a laugh from Clow. "If you'd like. I know I certainly wouldn't mind, although we might have some explaining to do to Setsuna. I just hope she won't use Dead Scream on me for sleeping with her queen."

"I don't think she'd dare. The Clow Cards might get angry," joked Serenity. "That would probably not be a good thing for Setsuna." She got a funny mental image of Sailor Pluto running down the lane, Time Staff in hand, being chased by the physical forms of the Clow Cards.

Clow smiled. "I suppose you're right." He paused for a second before saying, "I think you had the right idea. It's about time for breakfast." He lifted his hand and it glowed red. As Serenity looked down, she found that she had been magically placed in her clothes, as had Clow. "Shall we?" asked Clow, offering his arm.

"We shall," answered Serenity, accepting the given arm.

The two made their way down to the dinning room, Serenity a little more stiffly than usual. Clow squeezed her hand reassuringly before entering with her. Inside, they found Setsuna calmly eating her breakfast. When the Plutonian looked at them, they could see the amusement in her eyes.

"You know, don't you?" asked Serenity, looking suspiciously at the Gate Guardian. Setsuna grinned widely and nodded, quite unusual for the normally reserved woman to do.

"Well, that saves us the trouble of discussing it with you then," said Clow, pulling out a chair for Serenity, in which she occupied rather quickly. As he sat down, Clow turned to his old friend. "So you won't use Dead Scream on me? I hope not. I'd rather not die at the hands of a purple blast shaped like a planet."

Rolling her eyes, Setsuna answered, "No, I will not be using my Dead Scream attack on you. Why would I ruin a perfectly good friend just because he happened to steal the innocence from my queen?"

It was at this time that Serenity decided to choke on her juice for reasons unknown. As the other two looked at her, she looked down sheepishly and began to nibble on a crumpet. How embarrassing!

Just at that moment, Fate decided to take matters into her own hands. Serenity started to feel dizzy. The whole room was rotating. She dumbly heard her named called before the visions the deity had sent over took her.

FLASH!

A young girl with short auburn hair and breathtaking emerald eyes picked up a book. Immediately, the seal on the book snapped open. The girl jumped in shock. After recovering, she picked the up the first card that of the deck that was found in the book. Her lips moved and there was suddenly a great wind. All the cards flew from the book.

FLASH!

The same girl as before stood on what appeared to be a clock tower. She was wearing a strange looking costume, complete with cat ears. She looked to the side and noticed a boy of about the same age standing there, wearing some kind of robes. She suddenly started to jump about, but the boy remained impassive.

FLASH!

It was near a body of water. The girl stood there wearing another strange costume. In front of her appeared a being that didn't appear to be human. The being crouched into a fighting position when suddenly, another girl appeared. This girl was again about the same age, with ruby eyes and black hair pulled into odangoes. She faced the being and crouched into a similar martial arts position. Without hesitation, the two started to fight while the others watched in awe.

FLASH!

The emerald-eyed girl stood on top of a building. There was what looked to be a small flying bear beside her. She clutched her abnormal looking staff while the cards from the book fluttered about her. In the distance stood a man with long white angel wings. He had seemingly gold eyes and long hair that danced in the wind.

FLASH!

The girl and the serious boy sat in class. The man at the front told them something and called out to someone in the hall. A boy with hair so black it appeared blue walked into the class. He bowed and it seemed that he introduced himself. The serious boy stiffened. The black-haired boy smiled mysteriously and walked up to the girl's desk. He said something before taking his seat.

FLASH!

Groaning, Serenity opened her eyes. Things were fuzzy before they came into focus. She was laying down in what she could only guess was Clow's room considering he was sitting on the bed, looking at her worriedly.

"What happened?" she whispered hoarsely. Her head pounded.

"You passed out at the table," said Clow, worry evident in his voice. "Are you alright? Setsuna said you were having a vision." Taking her by surprise, he pulled her into his arms. "I feared the worse. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you."

"Clow?"

"Yes Serenity?"

"I think I'm going to be sick."

With that, Serenity practically leapt from Clow's arms and threw up in the nearest chamber pot. She felt horrible and wondered if this happened every time someone got a vision. Silently, she called upon the Erase and deleted her stomach's previous comments.

"I think I need to lie down," mumbled Serenity as she passed out again, barely noticing that the Windy caught her before she hit the floor.

* * *

"So you're telling me that my visions were the future? And those cards were the Clow Cards?" asked Serenity, dumbfounded. Wow, who would have thought?

Setsuna nodded. "It was the future, a few hundred years to be precise. The girl you saw was Kinomoto Sakura, the future mistress of the Clow Cards, or, as they will be known as after she becomes the true mistress, the Sakura Cards. In her time, you two have already been dead for at least a hundred years."

"You mean that we actually die?! Only a measly hundred years of living?!" exclaimed Serenity, shocked beyond belief. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Clow looking at her strangely. Sighing, she explained. "Lunarians have a lifespan of a thousand years. Compared to that, a hundred doesn't seem like a lot." Clow nodded.

"So, this girl is the future of our creations... We will need to make something to guard them for the years that we aren't alive. They need to be in balance, so I'm thinking one that draws power from the sun and one that draws power from the moon?" suggested Clow.

"That sounds about right," smiled Serenity. She must be rubbing off on him! "I think we're taking this pretty well considering we die and someone else gets our cards, don't you think? There's just one thing that bugs me… who was that brown-haired boy I kept seeing? And why did that other girl have my hairstyle?"

Setsuna smiled mysteriously. "Well, that's a simple question to answer! They are your descendants!"

There was shocked silence before Clow spoke up. "And how exactly is this possible Setsuna?" If what was coming was what he thought was coming... he couldn't even grasp the fact.

Smile turning into a grin, Setsuna replied casually, "That too is simple. Serenity, you're pregnant."

(A/N: I was going to end it here, but due to the fact that it's been so long since my last update, I think I'll give you free bonus length! Happy reading!)

* * *

8 ½ months later

"Don't lie to me Clow! You know it does!"

"No, honest Serenity, it doesn't! You look beautiful!"

"No! You're lying! This gown makes me look fat!" wailed Serenity.

Clow sighed. Damn women and their hormones. Why couldn't she just read his mind, see he wasn't lying and get it over with? "Serenity, darling, don't you think we'd better make these guardians? Time may soon run out."

Looking up from her spot on the floor, Serenity's mood brightened. "You're right! Let us go!" She practically jumped up and dragged Clow down to the ballroom. Setsuna watched from her safe spot, chuckling at the two.

"So, let's do this just as we planned," said Clow. Serenity nodded and both of them called out their staffs. Clow focused on sun power, while Serenity focused on moon power. The man immediately began to glow red, but Serenity only barely glowed. "Serenity," said Clow. "you aren't concentrating."

"Hey! You try being a watermelon with legs and we'll see how you feel!" snapped Serenity. Seeming to cool off, she added, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap." Clow just nodded and they both continued. This time both of them glowed their respected colours and power erupted from their staffs.

In the middle of the ballroom, to forms began to take shape; one made out of fire and the other of ice. The one of fire blended into an impressive mane less lion, with armour and white wings coming out of his back. The one of ice changed into that of a man. He had silver hair and sliver eyes. He wore white robes and from his back protruded angel wings.

They both opened their eyes and peered around the room, before their gazes stopped on Serenity and Clow.

"Welcome," said Clow, smiling at them. "We are your new masters. I am Clow Reed and this is Serenity Lunaria. Your names are Cerberus - " He pointed to the lion. " - and..."

"Yue!" squealed Serenity. Clow looked at her questioningly as that wasn't the name they had decided on, but she ignored him and instead walked up to the new guardians. "Hi both of you! Wow, we are certainly going to have a houseful of new arrivals!" She smiled at them. Cerberus smiled back but Yue remained impassive. "Okay, well I'll take you up to your new rooms!" She motioned for them to follow her and left the room, them close behind.

Over the next few days, the guardians became acquainted with their masters, though Serenity asked to be called just that, Serenity. Some things were quickly noticed. For one, Cerberus loved to eat anything, but especially sweets. Another was that Yue didn't show much emotion, but Serenity didn't care. She would be extremely kind to him, reading him the books he wanted to know about and so on.

Then one night, Serenity woke up to an almost unbearable pain. "Clow! It's time!" she whispered loudly at her bed companion. In an instant Clow was up and alert. "Go get Setsuna!" Without thinking twice, Clow did as he was told while leaving Serenity to bear the pain alone.

Thirty minutes later, Setsuna was getting reading for the baby, muttering things about stupid fast Lunarian labours. "Push Serenity!" ordered Setsuna. Serenity compiled, trying to ignore the pain that was growing. "Ok Serenity, I can see the head! Just give me one last big push!" Again Serenity compiled. In the next few seconds, there was a yell of pain from Serenity, and the sound of a baby crying. "Congratulations! You have a new baby girl!"

Tears of happiness coursing down her face, Serenity impatiently held out her arms to accept her baby, Clow at her side, while Setsuna cut the umbilical cord and cleaned the baby off. The Plutonian wrapped the baby in a blanket and handed it over to her queen.

Clow placed a kiss on her forehead as Serenity peeked into the blankets. From inside was the cute little face, and Serenity looked upon it in shock. It wasn't the fact that it was her baby, but that the features seemed strangely familiar. Then, all at once, it made sense. Serenity recognized that hair and those eyes. The name rolled off her tongue.

"Hotaru!"


A/N: Big shocker hey? ^_^ I hope you liked the chapter! Until next time!

P.S. Hint: If you really want to know why Hotaru is here, go back to the last chapter and figure out what it was about. ~.^