Author's Notes: This chapter reveals alot about Kori's past in the Moon Kingdom. Hope you likey! Flashbacks are in italics.

Disclaimer: Alright, alright. I don't own Sailor Moon and it's respective copyrights. I do however, own the two leading characters and the story itself. No stealing!

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Episode 2: Recollections

Chapter 6 - Dreamland

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Luke delicately picked up Kori and managed to get her on his back. He gave a brief goodbye to the others and made is way to Kori's house, which was eight blocks away. Luke sighed, this was going to be a long walk. He turned his head slightly so he could see her face. It was resting on his shoulder, and her arms were draped over his shoulders as well. Her face was dead, her eyes shut, peacefully sleeping. Luke turned to look at the road ahead of him. Although the clouds had cleared after Citrine vanished, it was still dark. Luke thought it must have been past 6:00 pm by now. He shuffled his feet as he walked, kicking up the golden leaves on the road. He really hoped that Kori would be okay. The last thing he ever wanted was her dieing or leaving him. He had just found her, he wasn't about to lose her so quickly.

Eventually he arrived at Kori's small two-story house. The lights inside were off. He kicked at the door in place of knocking, his hands were to busy holding Kori up on his back. When no one answered, he rattled the doorknob. It was locked. Luke sighed and turned slightly to fish his hand into Kori's pocket for a key. He pulled out all of it's contents, and looked at them in his hands. He came up with two cents, a five dollar bill, some pocket lint, and a small wallet-sized picture of himself and Kori.

Luke thought back to when the picture was taken. The photo booth had been a tad too small, and Kori had to end up sitting on his lap. Luke didn't complain, he had liked it. They took many goofy pictures, and some nice romantic ones as well where they had cuddled. The one he held in his hand now had been the best one. She had her head rested on his shoulder, and they had both gotten so occupied with staring into each others eyes that they had forgotten the flash went off. Luke chuckled and stuffed the picture into his pocket for safe keeping.

Luke turned around again and fished in Kori's other pocket for her key, desperately hoping that she had one. He found it quickly and let out a sigh of relief. He hurried to open the door with the silver key, and shuffled inside with Kori still on his back. Without bothering to take off his shoes, he carefully carried her upstairs into her bedroom. He placed her on her bed and covered her with the blankets.

Leaving her there for just a moment, he ran downstairs to search for her mother. He entered the kitchen and found a note sitting on the kitchen table with a pile of money beside it. He picked it up and read it,
"Kori,

Sorry hon, but my boss called me up and I have to go on an urgent business trip. I left some money on

the table for you for groceries. I'll see you in two weeks.

Love,

Mom.

P.S. No parties!"

Luke set the note down with a sigh. At least he wouldn't have to explain to Ms. Onedia why her daughter was unconscious. It took a heavy weight off his shoulders.

He walked back up the stairs slowly and sat on the cushioned chair next to it. He looked down at her worriedly. She was sleeping soundlessly, not making any movements whatsoever. He touched her face with his hand and was surprised to find it so cold. He pulled another blanket over her from the end of her bed, hoping it would keep her warm enough.

He delicately reached across her bed, and picked up the cordless phone sitting on the bed table. He dialled his home number precisely to tell his mother that he was going to stay over at a friends overnight. There was no way eh was going to leave Kori alone, not like this.

* * *

Kori ran down the hallways of the palace. "I'm going to be late! I'm going to be late! Oooh, Hanako is going to kill me if I'm late!" she cried silently to herself. Whenever she met someone in the hallway, she slowed to a graceful walk and gave them a curt nod, and as soon as they weren't looking, she bolted off down the hallway once more. She was raised to be polite, and she always was told to be as graceful as possible. Her mother always said, 'You must set an example for others. After all you are going to be the Queen one day.' Kori sighed as she jogged down the palace hallways. She never listened to her mother. She would do what she wanted, when she wanted. And she walk walk how she wanted to. She may be the Princess, and they gave her the right to do whatever she wanted. Or so she thought, anyways.

She rounded a corner by the library slowly, and saw the person she was meeting. She smiled as she saw the slender young woman with white flowing hair. In Kori's eyes, she was jealous of her beauty. Her snow-white hair ended just before her knees, and it was perfectly straight. To prevent it from dragging on the ground, she tied it back in a low ponytail. Her bangs were cropped and cascaded down the side of her face, framing her pale green eyes. She wore a strapless white gown, which was an odd length. The skirt cut off just below her knees. On her feet she wore sandals which had laces weaving and crossing up her legs. Kori approached the girl and tapped her on her shoulder.

She turned around and grinned, bowing down and curtsying. "You grace..." said the girl softly while trying to stifle a laugh that had erupted from the back of her throat.

Kori put her hand on her hip and pulled her friend up with the other. "Oh get up, Hanako! You know that pesters me," she complained with a small smile tugging at her lips.

Hanako's laughter erupted, as she could no longer hold it in. Kori joined with her fit of giggles. The last time someone had bowed and said that to her who wasn't a stranger, ended up with a swift kick in the rear and a threat to be tossed behind bars. 'Poor Lucas...' thought Hanako to herself.

Kori recalled the look of grief and regret he had given her as well. She had been somewhat harsh...but he had known better and now he knew not to do it again. He was as equal to her as anyone, thus they did not need to bow. Kori's face softened as she thought of her love.

Hanako shoved her lightly with a joking smile. "Come on, let's go for a walk in the Gardens."

The princess nodded joyfully and walked towards the gardens arm in arm with her friend. They had been best friends ever since Kori could remember. She was the niece of the Army General, so she had quarters within the palace grounds with her family. She thought of the General. He was rude and uptight, she did not like him at all. He tried to boss her around but he always failed, Kori never listened to him. Her thoughts were interrupted by Hana.

"Soo...when are you going to marry Sir Lucas, Kori?" asked Hana with a sly smile. She looked to the princess with the corner of her eye to see her reaction. She was blushing madly. Hanako giggled at her reaction.

Kori bent down to smell the flowers in the magnificent outdoors gardens. The one she held in her hand was an Oriental Lily, her favourite kind. She sighed and stood back up, looking to Hanako. "I don't know when we'll marry. He hasn't proposed to me yet," she replied somewhat downheartedly.

Before Hanako could reply to Kori, she let out a gasp as she saw someone approach from behind her friend. "Uh...I gotta get going, Princess. Sorry I can't stay any longer," she stammered quickly, and rushed off in the opposite direction.

Kori was left standing dumbfounded. 'That was odd,' she thought. She scratched her chin and didn't think any more of it. She went to turn around, but felt warm hands wrap around her waist. She turned to see her visitor, and grinned when she saw it was Lucas. The two stood in each other's arms, simply gazing into each other's arms. Even his look made Kori's heart beat fast. He smiled to her sweetly and Kori looked to the ground, trying to hide the enormous blush taking over her face.

* * *

Luke woke up startled and looked at the digital clock sitting on Kori's bedside table. "Oh shit!" he yelped, standing up quickly, "I gotta get to school it's 10:00am!" Luke started to dash for his shoes, but felt stupid and stopped when he realized it was Sunday.

He went back to the chair he had occupied for the night and watched Kori. She looked so peaceful when she slept. He reached out and touched her pale cheek. Her skin was so soft and smooth, not an abrasion to be seen. However, her skin was deathly cold. He pulled his hand away harshly, for Kori had jerked in her sleep. She started to toss and turn, and Luke bent over to wrap his arms around her and she stopped, unconsciously feeling the comfort she was given. Whatever she had been dreaming about, it must have been important.

Suddenly the phone rang, making Luke jump out of his skin. He reached over and hesitated before picking it up to answer it "Hello..?" he answered.

"Luke? This is Makoto," came a voice from the other end.

"Oh, hey Mako. How's it going?" he replied.

"I'm alright, but is Kori awake yet?"

"No," he said, "she's still out of it. She's as cold as Death though Mako. I'm starting to worry."

"Well do you mind if we stop by then? Luna wants to check up on her. She said she might be able to come up with some answers."

"I don't mind at all. Come on over," he said while checking back at the clock.

"Thanks, we'll be over soon."

Luke was about to hang up the phone, but heard fussing from the other end and decided against it.

"Rei! Give the pho-"

"No! I need to tell h-"

"Tell him later!"

"NO!" Luke recognized Rei's voice and chuckled to himself as she and Mako fought over the receiver.

The voices became unmuffled and Luke heard a voice speak to him, "Luke? This is Rei."

"Hi R-"

"Is Kori's mother there?"

"N-"

"Okay, bye then!"

"By-" Luke finished speaking to a dial tone. He shrugged and set the phone down. He wondered how many people would be coming. After all, Mako had said "we", and there were alot of Sailor Soldiers...

Ten minutes passed by and eventually he heard a knocking at the door. He ran down the stairs to the front door and pulled it open. There in front of him stood a small group of people, waiting to come in. He made out the group as Usa, Chibi-Usa, Rei, Makoto, Ami, Ken, and Luna. Luke sighed as he let them all in.

"So where's Kori?" were the first words out of Usagi's mouth.

"She's probably in her bedroom, duh!" replied Rei smartly as she headed upstairs to Kori's bedroom.

The rest of the girls followed like a herd of buffalo, leaving Luke and Ken standing in the hallway.

"Nice to see you too!" he said sarcastically with a small wave.

Ken looked to him and chuckled. "Girls eh? They never change," he commented.

Luke nodded with agreement and headed to Kori's bedroom. When he stepped in the doorway he was surprised to see the girls hovering and smothering the sleeping Kori. Chibi-Usa was sitting on the bed next to Kori's face, which he didn't really mind because she was so small. The other girls on the other hand, were leaning right over her and weren't giving her any room to breathe.

Luke ran over and started to pull them off, "Hey, give her some room to breathe!" he commented.

The girls looked at him annoyingly. They backed off anyhow.

"Alright, let's get down to business," said Ami.

Ken looked to Luna, "So how do we know what Citrine took from Kori?"

Ami nodded her head curtly and answered his question, "I heard her say something about a Pure Energy Crystal. Luna, do you know anything about what it is?"

Everyone's gaze was on the petite cat in the centre of the circle around the bed. "Well, I've heard of them, "she replied. "They say that five Pure Energy Crystals were imbedded into five different people. If all five were collected, then the holder of them would be granted the powers of a god. It seems that Kori was the first holder," she finished, looking at Kori.

"Any idea how long she'll be asleep?" asked Makoto anxiously.

Ami took out her mini computer and entered data into it. She shook her head silently. "It says here that she'll wake up when she reveals herself, whatever that means. However, when she does she might not remember anything about who she is. The crystal was a big part of her. Only a certain thing will be able to make her remember."

Luke felt like as if he was going to break. What if she never woke up? And what if she did...and she didn't remember who he was? He felt the tears start to swell up in his eyes, but shook them off to save himself the embarrassment.

* * *

Princess Kori looked to the sky of her planet quietly. The sky had no moons, just stars. Stars that twinkled from every corner of her eye. The sky was very clear that night, which was slightly unusual because the asteroid field often covered it completely. It was so clear she could even make out other planets in the distance. There was the kingdom of Mars, the bright glowing red in the sky. And there was Jupiter, sitting solitary by itself. She looked to her left and caught a glimpse of Venus, known to be the planet of love.

She sighed sadly to herself. Love...why hadn't Sir Lucas proposed to her yet? She had been waiting for so long, and was starting to get restless. She was sure he could tell, but why didn't he do anything about it? Was he afraid?

She recalled the night she had first met him. They had been at a magnificent ball like the one she was at now. She looked back through the large archway that led to the overhanging balcony she stood on. She looked back at the night sky, which soothed her and thought about when she had first met him.

The ball had been magnificent. It was for the commemoration of the arrival of new soldiers. Lucas had been one of them, unaware that he would someday be guarding the princess of the planet he loved so much. He had been bold enough to ask her to dance, not knowing she was the princess because she wore a mask to hide her face. She gratefully accepted, and they danced all night long.

Kori starred out a the star filled sky and tried to reveal all its secrets. Krypton was a lonely planet situated by itself, away from the others. The asteroid field surrounded it completely, it was a good defence mechanism. Because it was so solitary, it was very peaceful. Her people hated to fight, but when it was their last resort, they fought bravely.

She sighed and looked at her hands, clutching the balcony. She heard a song beginning to be played in the ballroom. It was her favourite song. She swayed back and forth to the music, humming the words softly to herself.

"I remember the nights I watched as you lay sleeping
Your body gripped by some far away dream,"

She was cut off by heavy footsteps behind her. She felt a hand rest on her shoulder and she turned to see Lucas gazing down at her.

He held out his hand to her bravely, just as he had the first night they met, "Care to dance m'lady?"

She smiled warmly and placed her hand in his own, letting her body be pulled close to his. His touch was so warm and inviting. One she could feel even through the satin gloves she wore on her hands. She closed her eyes and let her head rest on his shoulder as they swayed back and forth to the calm music.

"Deep in the hollow of earthly desires
But if in some dream there was brightness
If in some memory some sort of sign
And flesh be revived in the shadows
Blessed our bodies would lay so entwined,"

Her mother had hummed this tune to her at night when she couldn't sleep as a child. Back then it had just been music, but someone had written lyrics to it and it first the music perfectly. She made a mental note to herself to remember those lyrics so she could one day sing them to her children.

She looked over her Knight's shoulder to see others gliding around in the ballroom. She occasionally saw the other Princess' pass by, dancing with their own Knights as well.

Her attention came back to herself and Lucas dancing on the balcony as the song came to an end. Kori looked up at Lucas and smiled as he gazed down at her lovingly. "Lucas..." she muttered quietly.

He hushed her by placing a finger over her lips. He tilted her chin up to his face and he leaned in, lightly pressing his lips against hers. His stomach tingled as he massaged her lips with his tongue. He felt her press her body against him tightly, and he wrapped his arms around her as if he'd never let her go.

Eventually the kiss ended, and Kori gasped for air as a small smile played on her moist lips. They continued dancing slowly, even though the music had changed to something more upbeat. The wind stirred up their hair, mixing it together.

Kori opened her mouth to say something to her beloved, but Lucas stopped her instantly by pulling a small ring from his pocket. She gasped with delight.

Lucas bent down on one knee with his hand slightly holding the curvature of her lower half. he held the ring to her with twinkling eyes, "Princess, would you do the honour of being mine forever by being my wife?"

Kori's eyes filled with happy tears, but they did not spill over. She was speechless. She simply nodded in reply with a grin stretching across her face.

Lucas grinned happily and pulled her into another kiss, placing the finger on her left ring finger as he did so.

When they parted, Kori turned away from him for a moment to notice that the ballroom was starting to empty.

Before she could say much more to him, Lucas pulled her to him and whispered in her ear, "I will never stop loving you, my beloved. No matter what happens." Giving her a quick kiss to the cheek, he left her on the balcony breathless and unable to find words.

* * *

Sailor Pluto looked into the huge mirror in front of her solemnly, watching the memory of Princess Krypton's engagement night flicker before her eyes. Hopefully the girl would wake up soon. Sailor Pluto only hoped that her help would quicken the pace of Kori's recovery. The other Sailor Soldiers were going to need Sailor Krypton's help in the future battle approaching them. They also needed to get their hands on the other four Pure Energy Crystals before Varisite did...Sailor Pluto scratched her chin thoughtfully. What the other senshi did not know that once all five crystals were collected and merged, their original holders would die, including Kori.

"But until then..." muttered the tall woman. She gave her Garnet Staff a quick twist, giving Kori another memory from her past.

* * *

It had now been two days since Kori had fallen into her coma. Luke was going out of his mind. He wanted to caress her soft hair, listen to her soft voice, and gaze into her grey eyes again. Without her he felt like a ghost, almost as if part of him was missing. He just needed to know if she was going to be alright!

He kicked at the pebbles on the road angrily as he walked to Kori's house. The faster he got there, the better. Even if she didn't talk back to him, he needed to speak to her. Sure she was unconscious and probably didn't even hear him, but talking to her made him feel a little better.

He picked up his pace as he neared Kori's house. Makoto had done him the favour and had stayed with Kori throughout the day, even though she was supposed to be at school. He would've done so himself, but Mako insisted that he go. He had after all, been there all day and night watching over her. His parents never even noticed he had been gone so often. Conveniently, they had gone out of town for a few days to visit his sick aunt.

"Finally," he muttered to himself as he walked up the steps of Kori's house and through her front door. He took off his shoes and went up the stairs to Kori's room. When he walked in he saw Makoto sitting on the floor leaning against the bed, watching the small television on top of Kori's dresser.

Luke walked up to her meekly and looked to Kori's sleeping face. "Any change?" he asked hopefully.

Mako shook her head sadly with a sigh. "Well I got to get to a senshi meeting now," she said as she stood up.

"Alright, thanks Makoto. I really appreciate it," replied Luke.

Mako turned and flashed him a weak smile as she went out the door, "No problem."

* * *

Varisite looked into the portal, his companion standing to his side. Unlike Citrine, this woman had gained enough respect from Varisite to actually stand with him, not behind him.

"Hmm...I wonder who our next volunteer is," he said quietly, giving a glance to the woman who stared into the portal emotionless. When he looked away from her, her white eyes flickered over his body, taking it in. He wasn't scrawny like most of the others she knew. He was well built, and it was well shown by the tight shirt he wore and sleeveless trench coat. On his legs he simply wore a pair of baggy black pants. She glanced at his face and hair quickly. His hair was dark black, and his eyes were dark purple. They were so dark you could barely see his pupils.

Varisite failed to notice the woman looking him up and down and took his small black ouch from his pocket. Taking a small pinchful of the crystalline dust, he tossed it into the dark portal. "Who will be the next holder of a Pure Energy Crystal?" he shouted. The image of a small girl, maybe only 5 or so, with blonde pigtails formed in the swirling mass of purple smoke. Varisite looked to his companion and they laughed in unison.

* * *

Kori dashed down the hallway while holding up her dress so she wouldn't trip. She looked back to the shadow gaining on her, and she ran as hard as she could, trying to outrun the beast. The shadow had no form, it was simply a shadow with glowing yellow eyes. Kori didn't want to look into those eyes.

Kori yelped out as she tripped over her dress, landing on the floor with a thud. The breath was knocked out of her as she tried to get up. She was stunned to see the shadow right behind her. She scrambled back to her feet and took off down the hallway with the thing on her tail.

The frantic princess rounded a corner and went catapulting through something. She looked behind her from the floor. She had passed right through another shadow! She screamed as the two crawled up to her. She backed against the wall and there was no longer anything else she could do. The shadows raised their 'arms' above them and prepared to strike Kori down.

"Hey! It's not her you want! Come and get me!"

Kori opened her eyes that she had closed in fear. She looked to the voice and gasped as the two shadows hurtled towards Hanako. 'NO!' her mind shouted. The princess stumbled to her feet. "No! Hanako!" she screamed as the shadows grabbed her friend. One of them turned to Kori and shot her backwards with a force she couldn't explain. Kori shot backwards and hit a marble statue, falling to the floor.

Hana screamed as the monsters pulled her into another dimension.

Kori shot her head up in alarm. They would not take her best friend from her. However, by the time she had gotten back on her feet, her friend and the shadows were gone. Kori ran to where they had been standing seconds before. There was no trace that they had even been there.

Tears streamed down the princess' cheeks. "Hana...I'm so sorry," she said. She stared down at the floor, her eyes filled with tears. She wiped her face and noticed something sitting on the floor. It was a Lily.

* * *

Makoto and Minako walked down the sidewalk downtown towards the arcade. The two were having an in depth conversation...

"So, who do you think's better? Sailor V or Wonder Woman?" asked Mina, looking to her friend expecting an answer.

Mako rolled her eyes and changed the subject. She didn't want to talk about this right now. The two had just come back from the "scout" meeting and the thoughts of the Negaverse and Kori still lingered on her mind. "I'm making BBQ Port Spare Ribs tonight for Ken and I. Do you think he'll like it?" she asked her blonde friend.

Minako laughed. Did she seriously thin he wouldn't? Mako was an awesome cook! "Of course he'll like it! He likes an-"

Mina was cut off by a scream coming from the alley beside them. Makoto looked to Mina with alarm, and the two bolted into the alleyway, hiding behind a dumpster. The two peered around the dumpster. They gasped at what they saw. A woman in white was holding up a little girl by her throat, with her other hand to her chest. A white light was starting to emerge from it. Mina and Mako looked to each other and nodded.

"Venus Star Power!"

"Jupiter Star Power!"

The two transformed in their fighting forms. They jumped out from behind the dumpster.

"Venus Love-Me-Chain!" shouted Sailor Venus, shooting the heart-filled chain at the woman.

The woman looked up from the little girl and brushed off the attack with a gust of wind. Sailor Venus' mouthed dropped.

Sailor Jupiter slammed her fist into her other palm and cracked her fingers. She scowled and charged at the woman.

The woman laughed and stepped out of the way, watching Sailor Jupiter crash into the wall behind her.

Sailor Jupiter rubbed her neck painfully. The wind had been knocked right out of her. She rolled over and held her stomach as she tried to catch her breath.

The woman thrust her hand into the little girls chest. The girl screamed as the woman wrapped her fingers around the Pure Energy Crystal inside of her. She pulled the crystal from her harshly, dropping the little girl as she went unconscious.

"Supreme Thunder Dragon!" shouted Sailor Jupiter as she unleashed her attack.

Before the dragon could reach the white-haired woman, she disappeared in a swirl of wind.

The scouts ran over to the little girl and demorphed. Mina picked up the little girl and held her in her arms, brushing the blonde hair from her tiny face. "Now what?" she asked.

Makoto shrugged. Sure as hell beat her. She had no idea what they could do.

Minako stood and started to walk off with the girl in her arms.

"Where are you going!?" cried Makoto as she stood and followed Mina, ignoring the strange looks they got from passing people.

"I'm going to the hospital," replied Minako determinedly.

"Yeah, and what are you going to tell the Doctors and Nurses? That you heard a scream in the alley, and found a little girl lying there in a coma?"

Mina looked to her friend with concerned eyes and nodded. She just wanted to help the girl. What else could they do? "Do you have a better idea?" she asked.

Makoto shook her head shamefully.

They rushed into the nearest hospital, being careful not to drop the small girl in Mina's arms. They ran over to the nearest Doctor, telling him their story. He seemed to buy it, at least for now. He took the girl from Mina's arms. "Do you know her name or who her mother is?" he asked with raised eyebrows.

The blonde and brunette looked to each other and shrugged. They knew nothing.

The doctor shook his head and dismissed them, walking away with the child and handing her to a nurse.

Makoto and Mina left the hospital in a hurry. They didn't want to stand around long enough for someone to catch their names. As they left, Makoto took out her communicator and called Luna.

* * *

Princess Kori ducked behind a pile of rubble as a blast of debris flew over her head. However, the impact would be too strong and Kori braced herself for impact. Before the debris reached her fragile frame a cape swept over her and she saw Prince Endymion kneeling over her. After the debris had passed, she stood.

"Thank you," she said politely, bowing her head to the future King.

"No thanks needed Your Highness," he replied as he started to walk away.

"Wait!"

Endymion stopped and turned to the distressed maiden behind him.

"...Where's Lucas?" she asked with dread. She hadn't seen him since they had arrived at the Moon Kingdom. She prayed that he wasn't dead.

Endymion looked at the ground painfully. Where he as he was better off dead. "He's...he's on the battlefield fighting to protect you. It's by his own will. I'm sorry, Kori."

Kori fought back a sob. Why? Why did he have to leave of all things to do that? How was he supposed to protect her if he died? Worse yet, the endless hole in her heart would never be filled by anyone but him...She wouldn't let him lead himself to suicide. She just wouldn't.

In a fit of anger and tears the princess pushed past Endymion towards the battlefield.

"You Highness! Stop! Kori!" yelled Endymion. But it was too late. She had already run out of earshot. For someone in high heeled shoes and a dress she sure could run fast.

Kori ran to the edge of the battlefield. She jumped back as something whizzed by her ear. Her eyes scanned over the bloody field. Bodies were everywhere. Most of them were human...Kori tried to keep back her sobs, but ended up choking on them. This wasn't right...What would happen if their side lost? Kori didn't want to think of it.

Her head jerked up when she saw a platinum head dash through the field. Her eyes lit up as she saw her Knight clash swords with another being. She ran into the field foolishly, letting her heart and not her mind, guide the way. She stopped behind Lucas and started to drag him out of the battle fearlessly.

Lucas turned around abruptly, ready to strike whoever pulled him from behind. He let out a sigh of relief when he saw it was only his princess.

When they reached a safe place however, Lucas started a fit of anger. "What the hell did you think you were doing?! You could've gotten killed doing that Kori! It was very foolish," he started.

"Well what the fuck were you doing!? How are you supposed to protect me when you're dead!" she replied with frustration, tears ready to topple over her eyelids.

Lucas calmed when he saw Kori ready to cry. His hands reached to her face and wiped the tears away, holding his face close to hers so that their noses touched. He stroked her cheek as she sniffled, looking into her eyes. "I would never leave you princess, you know that."

Unbeknownst to the couple, the Knight's opponent had followed him off the field and was now watching them carefully from a yard away. He was shocked to see the woman in his arms was none other than the Krypton Princess herself. The being chuckled softly to himself and raised its sword above his head. The sword plunged into the princess' back and he laughed as he pulled it out, watching blood pour from the wound.

Kori's mouth dropped and the air was released from her lungs as she felt something slide through her stomach. The pain! It was tremendous. She put her hands to her stomach and lifted her now bloody hands to eye level. Her knees buckled and she felt herself fall to the ground.

Lucas growled at the being behind Kori and charged at him with all the anger he never knew he could possess. No one touched her! No one! He swung his sword at the being but it simply laughed at him and vanished into a purple smoke.

"You'll pay for this! I promise you!" screamed Lucas into the air. He ran back to Kori, who now lay on the ground holding her stomach.

"I..." she muttered to herself, "It hurts so much..."

"Don't worry, I'll get you some help..." he said softly to her as he fought back the tears. He picked her up gently, and ran off to find her immediate medical attention.

* * *

Minako and Makoto trudged miserably into the temple. They sat at the table and watched as their friends walked into also, looking depressed.

"So they got another crystal, huh babe?" said Antonio to Mina, wrapping his arm around her shoulder for comfort.

Mina nodded and looked to her boyfriend, giving a weak attempt to smile.

"We couldn't stop her. She was way too strong," said Makoto grimly.

"Who's she?" asked Ami.

Mako and Minako shrugged in reply. How were they supposed to know?

"She had creepy white eyes. Her hair was about down to her waist and tied in a ponytail at the bottom. It was white too. She was just creepy looking in general," said Minako, looking to her brunette friend for agreement.

"Yeah," said Mako with a nod, "and she stopped all of our attacks with wind. It was amazing."

Luna pondered to herself. She looked to Artemis, who sat beside her silently. He knew something, just as she did. Well, felt it anyways. That description of the woman was so familiar, but she couldn't think of who she was. Never mind why she was working with Varisite.

Artemis on the other hand could think of who the two soldiers spoke of. But there was no way, no way it could be her. If only Kori...Artemis pushed it aside and decided not to think about it.

"Hey Artemis! What're you thinking about?" asked Usagi.

"Oh...nothing, Usa. Don't worry about it," he replied.

* * *

Lucas held onto Kori's bloody hand. It was cold and trembling. He held her close, not wanting to lose her. They couldn't find any paramedics, they had all been killed. So in result, the princess' wounds had to be left unattended.

He looked down at Kori's face. Her eyes were closed tight, and she was breathing in short raspy breaths. No doubt had blood gotten into her lungs. It looked as of she was sleeping, but a smile spread across her face.

"Lucas...it's my song...my song is playing. Can't you hear it?" she said weakly.

Lucas listened but heard nothing but gunshots, metal clashing, and explosions. "No," he said sadly," I don't hear anything. You're hearing things, Kori."

"But I hear it, Lucas, I really do!" she cried. She tried to sit up, but moaned with pain and laid back down after her attempt failed. She rested her head in Lucas' lap. Kori closed her eyes again and a tear escaped, rolling down her pale cheek. "But I do...I really do..." she muttered quietly.

"You can hear and do anything you want to," replied Lucas gingerly.

"Really?"

"...Yes," he replied as a tear fell down his cheek. It wasn't supposed to be like this. They were supposed to get married and live happily ever after. But of course, this was reality. Nothing happened like you wanted it to.

Kori smiled and wiped away his tear. She knew what he was thinking. He must've thought she was crazy for thinking she heard her song. But she really did hear it...maybe it was just in her head.

Lucas shifted so he was holding Kori in his arms with her back resting upon his chest. He was still holding her hand. He unravelled their sticky fingers and held her hand gently. He brought it up to his face to inspect it. On her left ring finger was their engagement ring. He stared at it breathlessly. It was silver, with a large pearl inset into the middle.

Kori looked at what he was inspecting. She then looked to him and tried to smile. Instead, she ended up with half of one. She raised her shaky hand, tracing her finger around his face.

Lucas grabbed her hand and held it to his face. This was it, he had made up his mind. "Let's go get married. Right now."

Kori looked shocked. But...? "How? all the priests are dead. Besides love, I can't even stand up..." she said, trying to keep a smile on her face as she fought to keep back tears.

"Well I'll find one. If we can't, I'll ask Queen Serenity to do it. You don't need to walk. I'll carry you."

Kori smiled without effort. Just hearing his words made her feel better. "Alright then, Hero."

Lucas chuckled softly and picked her up, cradling her in his arms.

He jogged down the crumbling halls of the great palace, looking for anyone. He watched as Prince Endymion entered a room. He followed him slowly, with the princess in his arms. He peeked around the corner of the room and saw Queen Serenity, her daughter, Prince Endymion, Luna, and Artemis sitting around a table wearily. He walked in as Queen Serenity looked up.

She ran over to the blood covered couple. "Sir Lucas, what has happened here?" she cried.

"One of the Nega demons impaled her with a sword. We have a favour to ask you," replied Lucas.

"Alright, first things first. Bring her over here so Luna can tend to her wounds," replied the Queen, pointing over in the raven-haired woman's direction.

Lucas set Kori on the table and Luna cared to her wounds, bandaging them carefully. He turned to the Queen once more, "Would you marry Kori and myself?"

Queen Serenity placed her hand over her heart, slightly shocked. At a time like this? "Well, uh, I'm not sure, Sir. I mean I -"

Queen Serenity was cut off by a small voice coming from Kori, "Please, help us Serenity. Please..."

"Well I guess I could do it," said Artemis suddenly.

"Good," nodded Lucas.

Luna helped Princess Kori stand, and led her over to her Knight in shining armor. Lucas took over when Kori approached and supported her by holding her in his arms. The couple looked to Artemis, who stood there grimly with his hands clasped in front of him.

"Sir Lucas, do you?"

Lucas nodded, his messy platinum coloured hair bouncing around him.

"Princess Kori, do you?"

Kori looked to Lucas and nodded, a weak smile spreading across her cracked lips.

Artemis nodded happily. "By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and - aagh!"

Everyone in the room toppled over as the wall next to them fell. The debris floating around them cleared and Queen Serenity gasped as she saw Queen Beryl herself standing where the wall once was.

"wife..." finished Artemis carefully.

Queen Serenity held the Ginzuishou closely in her hand. There was no way she was getting her hand on it.

Princess Serenity looked to Prince Endymion, as if she was ready to start crying. Why was this happening?

"How...sweet. A marriage! A short termed one at that!" snickered Queen Beryl, holding her hand above her head. "Hand over the Ginzuishou, Serenity!" she shouted.

"Quick, everyone outside! Run!" yelled Prince Endymion.

The group got up and made their attempt to flee from the scene. Endymion held his princess' hand, dragging her down the hallways with Luna, Artemis, Lucas and Kori in his arms following. Kori looked behind them to see a bright light flash and Queen Serenity hobbled out of the room, chasing behind them.

* * *

Lucas looked at Kori's sleeping face solemnly. It had been too long...When was she going to awaken? He missed her cheery laughter and her beaming smile. Most of all he missed her corny jokes. 'Please, let her wake up!' he thought to himself.

He reached his hand to Kori's face and brushed the silver and black hair out of her face. "Damnit!" he shouted, "Isn't there anything I can do?" He slammed his fist into the floor angrily, regretting that he had done so as soon as his fingers made contact with the carpet. He sighed and lifted his head. He jumped back in surprise. Kori was sitting up, staring at the wall with a hand on her forehead with half-shut eyes.

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Sorry for such the wait, by the way. ^.^' I guess I made up for it with a long chapter. In case you didn't get it, Planet Krypton is situated inside the asteroid field separating the inner planets from the outer planets. Hence, the whole "stone" thing...Heh heh...The song that was also mentioned in this chapter, was I Will Not Forget You by Sarah McLachlan. That song will also be used in following chapters. If you leave me a yummy review, I'll give you a sandwich...^.~