Disclaimer: I own Sailor Moon. NOT.

Title: Love Isn't Always Deadly

Author: baby bunnie

Rated: PG-13

Genre: Romance

Episode 6: Startling Facts

Serenity threw back the covers and sprang out of bed. Pulling her usual cotton dress over her sleeping clothes, she grabbed her cloak and wrapped it around herself. Quietly pulling the door open, she looked around. The entire farmhouse was silent. She shuffled silently out her room and tiptoed towards the stables, cloak flowing out behind her. She had decided she needed a horse and therefore has decided to ride to the Clearing, which would save her time in getting there and back.

Unlocking the stable door, she whistled softly for Kei. A soft snort, one of a horse waking from its sleep, sounded from somewhere inside and a steady trotting neared the blonde girl. Serenity grinned as the white mare came into view. Kei, for a horse, is beautiful, but the wan moonlight that pooled around the horse's form enhanced that beauty and wove it into a soft mystery of an animal. Her soft, silvery mane and tail often made Serenity wonder if Kei was really a unicorn who had hidden her horn in fear of greedy humans.

Serenity reached out to Kei, and she kneeled down, low enough for Serenity to climb on. She loved the smoothness of Kei's fur and the warmth of the mare's life beneath her as she climbed on stealthily, tapping her heels against the horse's side. Slowly but gracefully, Kei righted herself and trotted on, gradually gaining speed as Serenity adjusted to her bodily rhythm, two movements merging into one. The mare quickened her speed and consciously paced her steps, merging in and out of the shadows amongst the many trees and plants on either side of them. Serenity leaned forward and entwined her hands in Kei's mane, sighing softly as the wind whistled past her figure, making her shiver lightly.

Kei was slowing now, and the Clearing came into view. Serenity relaxed a bit and twisted to the left, toward the willow tree where Endymion indicated. There was no one there. She looked up through the gap between the trees. It was a cloudless night; the moon was full. Serenity sighed exasperatedly. If he still weren't here when the moon passes the willow tree, she would leave. Why was she even here anyway? She didn't know. Do I really like him? she mused. How pathetic. How can anyone fall for a man like he?

A shadow fell in front of her and she looked up. She sucked in a frightened breath and got ready to scream. However, the scream never made its way out of her throat when soft lips covered her own. She recognized the scent of roses as she melted involuntarily under the man's soft touches. A calloused hand made its way from her waist to her breast and she gasped, jerking back away from him.

Endymion's blue eyes were sparkling, and his breath was smooth while Serenity was panting, in the meantime scooting away from him. He chuckled as she leaned against a tree's rough trunk. Endymion's amused expression changed into that of seriousness. "I came here to speak to you," He paused, "Serenity."

Serenity shivered at the sound of her name. He made her name sound… lovely? Exquisite? She couldn't explain.

Endymion couldn't resist the thrill that went through him when she shivered, or those soft lips that tasted so sweet. This had never happened before. It had always been a lure-and-change plan for Morphers. Just because this girl was strong in telepathy didn't mean that she could make him feel this way. He was, as unbelievable as it sounds, nervous to try this one. Pushing those thoughts aside, Endymion put on his "luring" face and tried to look as good as possible, meanwhile studying the girl's face. Her expression hadn't changed, yet, it was genuine. She wasn't affected by his looks. Interesting… He gave up on the act and reached for her, watching the figure shift and edge back an inch at a time, until she couldn't go any farther. Endymion could not stop the laugh that came out of his throat, and he laughed out loud. "Do you really think I will hurt you?" he asked.

She shook her head no, then nodded, then shook her head again. Confusion clouded her eyes and she froze, not daring to make another move.

Endymion laughed again. He couldn't help it. "You know… that's why I love you." he stopped short. Where did that come from? He wasn't… he didn't… I… lo- … He couldn't finish the thought. He was the Lord, for God's sake, the Lord of Darkness, demons, vampires, and all things in between… all things that were meant to destroy pureness… He grunted angrily and sank to the ground, running a hand through his hair, being dimly aware that Serenity had stood up and was coming towards him. He was hardly aware when smooth arms encircled his neck and pulled him towards the figure whom those arms belonged to. And he didn't even notice when his eyes closed and he fell into his dream state.

Serenity looked at the sleeping man in her arms, now acting and looking like a little boy. She giggled to herself. Thinking back to the first days that she met him, she frowned inwardly at herself. She had to admit, she had definitely changed since Endymion came into her life. She had softened towards men, especially Endymion, and had felt pity for him when he collapsed like the helpless. She had sneaked out of her house without her parents' permission and in the middle of the night! Serenity sighed and looked back at Kei. The horse was peacefully chewing on short stumps of grass. She wiggled her left leg and little sharp needles shot their way up her leg. She winced. Well, that leg had gone to sleep. She stretched both legs out and laid Endymion on the ground, herself getting up to stretch. Taking off her cloak, she covered his body and laid down beside him, arms beneath her head, eyes focused on the stars above her. It was a warm night and a soft breeze was blowing. Serenity smiled and closed her eyes. She had already sneaked out, what's a night's staying out going to hurt? Things couldn't possibly get any worse. Gentle dreams enveloped her mind.

Serenity blinked as rays of sunlight shone through the trees. She shot up and spun around, looking for a certain man. Ending up face to face with Endymion, she screamed- or at least that was her plan. She was roughly pushed to the ground as the dark-haired man loomed over her. She sucked in a breath and waited. "I… love you…" he said hollowly. Serenity melted. She missed the glimmer in his eyes as she relented, letting Endymion kiss her softly.

Endymion felt a strange pang inside when he told Serenity that he loved her. It was strange, abnormal, but yet, the usual plan. He didn't know it, but his subconscious was planning something dangerous, something that could and would be his death. But, consciously, he was going through the same phases as usual, to lure and change. He would claim her trust first, then work the girl into a state of willingness. When a Morpher agrees to the Contract, they're changed then. He smirked inwardly as he bent down to kiss the girl. Yep, the usual.

~

Darien jerked back as the warm and intoxicating liquid pierced his throat, making him gasp for air. He barely noticed Serena staring at him in horror, as if she had suddenly awakened to a nightmare and had fallen back in again. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU?!" The Lord had surfaced. Darien fought to keep control of his body, but he was no match to the more experienced. "You…" Serena was scrambling away from him. Darien felt as if someone had stabbed him in the throat with an Ash Wood Stick. Gathering as much power as he could, he forced the Lord away and spoke, "You're not human… When? When did you become one…" The pain in his lungs was too much as the world edged away.

Serenity sighed for the hundredth time that day as she looked up into the night sky. She had been meeting with Endymion for two weeks now, always the same time, same place, he would say the same things, kiss her the same way… Her parents had long lost control of their daughter's behavior, and somewhere inside Serenity, she knew, and felt guilty. But tonight was the night. Endymion had talked her into coming with him, to see his County, and where he came from. He would also tell her what he has wanted to tell her since the day they met. At least that's what he told her. She was happy, and her eyes just wouldn't stay shut. Exasperated, she flung her hands up in the air and marched down to the stables. Jumping on the white mare, she leaned against her neck and closed her eyes, knowing that Kei will get her there as usual.

Endymion banged her fists on the table, breaking the thin legs that supported it. A high-pitched giggle came from within the shadows in the room. Endymion sighed. As if things couldn't get any worse. A young woman's face came into the light, her dark hair flowing behind her back and sharp brown eyes eyeing the Lord seductively. "My Lord… don't tell me you're still thinking about that stupid Morpher." she scoffed.

Endymion smiled coldly and retorted, "Morphers… aren't they all the same? And then, of course, there are the inevitable." He stood up and grabbed her by the shoulders, pulling her close. "My dear, you're getting to be a nuisance…" He chuckled softly then and kissed the Code Zero vampire, biting her hard on the lips. Marine yelped and glared at Endymion. Swishing her cape, she turned and disformed, merging into the air. "By the way, love, go find someone else to bitch on." Endymion turned and walked out the room, ignoring the angry hiss that hung in the air.

Mina smiled lazily at the Code Zero. Pathetic. Them being the highest class of Vampires, not one Code Zero understands the Rules that has been set by the Dark Lord and the Elders of the Council. Pushing open the door to the room where Endymion was just in, she called for Marine, knowing that her disformed state was still floating around amongst the air. "Marine… it's obvious that Endymion doesn't like you, in fact, I think he fancies Raye more than you." She chuckled at the angry hiss that came beside her. "It's too bad isn't it? You being a Code Zero but too much of a bitch."

"You don't know anything Minako." she mocked.

Mina bit back the wince and kept her cool act. "Look who's talking." she smirked.

Marine reformed in front of her. "You," she poked Mina in the shoulders. "Need to learn some manners. Obey not only the Elders, the Dark Lord, but also those of higher class than you." she sneered.

Mina feigned a gasp. "Oh GODDESS! I did not know that M'lady. Please pardon my horrible behavior." She bowed then, slapping Marine in the face.

"Mina!" The door smashed open. "Get my horse ready. I'm going for a ride. Marine, get the hell out of here." Endymion frowned and added, "You girls come along too." Mina watched as Marine moved forward, a smooth smile on her face but hissing at Mina as she passed.

Endymion lifted an eyebrow. "And where are you going Marine?"

Marine gave a start. "M'Lord, you asked for me to come along."

Endymion had an amused expression on his face. "Not you." He nodded towards the dark corners of the room. "You girls. Reform and get out here. We're leaving now."

Marine's jaws dropped and she whirled around, coming face to face with Lita, who glared at the vampire.

Amy shook her head at the two and nodded towards a guard outside the door. "Saddle the horses." she said. The guard obeyed and left towards the Stables. "Endymion. It would be better if we left now."

Raye laughed softly and headed out the room, followed by Lita, and Amy, along with Endymion and Mina, leaving a flouncing High Class vampire behind.

"DARIEN!" Raye ran towards the choking man, trying to get him to calm down.

"Raye…" he was sputtering, pointing at a stricken Serena, who had no idea what was going on.

"I know, I know." She soothed. "You should have known that a Mortal couldn't been reborn so quickly…" Raye closed her eyes and sighed, hearing Darien's surprised gasp.

"You knew? All this time…"

"All of us do, we meant to tell you, but…" She looked at Serena. "The timing just wasn't right."

Raye watched as Darien got up and stumbled towards Serena. "Do you know…" He croaked, a strained smile on his face. "That you are a vampire?"

Shock was evident on the young girl's face as Darien collapsed at her feet. Turning, she stared stiffly into the scene of the group riding across the meadow, resolving to silence.

Amy coughed softly as Endymion turned around to look at her, knowing that she had something to say. "Endymion, have you really fallen for that girl? Serenity?"

"No." He snapped.

"I say he has." Amy turned around and looked at Mina, who was grinning like a little girl. "I say he has." she repeated, flinging back her blonde hair.

"Oh?" Endymion spoke. "Well then, you said wrong."

"Endymion, it's obvious that you have. You haven't acted this way towards either Marine or any Morpher like this before. Do you honestly expect the four of us to believe you don't love her?" Amy lifted an eyebrow.

"If I have to go through such measures, I will." he replied.

"Endymion… Mina is the Leader of Code Orange High Class. Don't tell me you didn't know that they were the Side descendants of the Goddess Aphrodite herself." Raye chimed in and Amy watched as Lita gave her a thumbs up.

Endymion scoffed. "That's none of my business."

"Ah… and I supposed you didn't know that Aphrodite was the Goddess of Love either?"

"And why should I bother myself with useless things like these?"

"Because I can tell that you're so crazy about that girl you don't even know it." Mina concluded and Amy laughed.

Endymion smirked and Amy sucked in a breath. This promises to get interesting. "Well… in that case, you four will be assigned to protect her, considering you're so interested in our relationship."

Amy stared, barely hearing Mina's shrill scream and Lita's surprised gasp. She turned to look at Raye, whose jaw had dropped open.

"WHAT?!" Amy winced at the blonde's shriek. "Are you crazy? Endymion, she's a Mortal! You haven't even changed her yet! You haven't even told her who you are!"

Amy watched as Endymion gave a start and giggled. He was becoming so absent-minded lately. Her eyebrows shot up when Endymion kicked into high speed, leaving a trail of dust behind before deforming at the edge of the forest they were about to enter.

Endymion groaned as he rushed towards the agreed place. It took him too long to build the trust Serenity had in him to destroy everything now. And he was late. Very late. He had promised to tell her everything about himself tonight, but if he was late… Shaking distracting thoughts out of his mind, he rode on.

Serenity frowned at the moon. This was ridiculous… she felt a bit angry at the dark haired mystery who was unfashionably late. Nonetheless, she missed the man, which ended up for her sitting down and waiting. It was a warm night, and the blonde fell quickly asleep, leaning against a tree trunk.

Serenity woke up to the sound of galloping. She frowned again and looked up at the moon. It was a quarter past the willow tree. She got up and stomped on the ground, angry at Endymion for being this late. The sounds stopped, and all was quiet. Then, she felt the familiarity of strong arms around her waist and she leaned against the man. "Sorry I'm late…"

Serenity shook her head helplessly, sighing into the warm air. She was spun around and kissed softly, the kisses slowly moving down to her neck. "You said you'll tell me about yourself today." she gasped softly.

"Yes… look. I…" Serenity was gently pushed away from Endymion's inviting warmth. "This'll be hard to believe, but I love you and I'm not suppose to." Serenity frowned. What's that supposed to mean? She didn't know. "Okay. First of all, I need to know if you love me, no matter who I am."

Serenity nodded. "Of course I love you." She pecked him on the lips and giggled. "And I'll always love you no matter who you are." she paused, thinking. "Who are you really?" She giggled again.

Serenity watched as Endymion paused, thinking, before saying, "This will be harder to believe, but I'm not human."

Serenity cocked an eyebrow and laughed. "You're not?"

Endymion stared. She actually believed him? That was a first. "Yes… I'm a vampire."

Serenity was goggling. "You ARE?"

Endymion blinked. "Yes…" He snarled softly and grinned inwardly when he felt his canines sharpening to needle points.

Serenity's jaws dropped.

Endymion retracted his canines and went on with his usual plan. "Serenity, look. In the past, I've gone through many of your type, but you're different. I can't say how, but you are." He stopped, then continued, "Let's start from the beginning. I am the Lord of the World Beyond; it's in another dimension, but we manage to keep track of your time. Only a grown vampire or witch will be able to disform and travel to this dimension.

"There is a Council; they are in charge of passing Laws and basic maintenance of the World Beyond. I am in charge of all maintenance, and making sure that everyone obeys the Laws. Only now, I've broken the most important law of all. I've fallen in love with you." He leaned forward then and brushed his lips against hers. Looks like everything was going according to plan. The girl was under his spell all right. He chuckled softly to himself as she sighed dreamily. Here we go… He leaned in and kissed Serenity softly, trailing kisses down her neck. He felt his canine teeth sharpen, then he attacked, knowing that the girl hadn't felt anything. It had always been like this. They would wake up, surprised to be half-dead, and go to serve in the Castle.

Bright lights ripped his mind apart as he retreated, stunned. What was this girl? Endymion lifted his head slowly only to stare into a pair of blue eyes filled with confusion. How could she repel him like this? It was impossible. Impossible. Endymioin staggered up and looked at Serenity. You learn new things everyday…

Just so everyone knows, shortly after this chapter, I will post a fully detailed notice of this fic. It will be on hiatus at FFN, but will be frequently updated at my site. There will be some updates here though, I just don't have much time to write anymore. I am determined to finish all my stories that I started. More details in my profile, and even more in the fore-coming notice. Please be sure to read it. Thanks to all those who have encouraged me to keep going! I love you all!