Author: Kenora Hazel Saul

Title: Fade to Black

Rating: PG-13

Characters: as stated in Chapter 1, minus the Twins and the Agents.

Disclaimer: I own none of the Matrix.

A/N: Sorry for the long hiatus.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Neo walked out of the Principal's office. His mind was frozen, after what he'd just been told, and then he'd been told not to tell anyone, not even Trinity. Which would be the hardest, because he didn't keep secrets from her. But her survival depended on this particular secret being kept.

Lunch

"My beautiful peach, you are as……………." Mero compared Persephone's beauty to many things.

Persephone smiled and tuned him out. She watched Neo stride through the cafeteria. Now there's a man that I could sink my teeth into and never let go. It's too bad he's with G.I. Jane…… Persephone wrinkled her nose and smiled coquettishly at Mero.

Niobe sat at her usual table with her same old lunch. Jason sat a few tables away gazing adoringly at her.

Morpheus scowled darkly at the pair and wished them both into a sandpit that would suck them into another life, so he wouldn't have to think about them or his loss. Damn it, why would Niobe pick that doofus over him? The question plagued his mind for the rest of the lunch hour.

Afternoon Classes

"Neo, what did Principal Hammon say to you?" Trinity asked quietly as they 'studied' in study hall.

"I can't tell you Trin, it's a secret, but I promise to tell you after the Fall Ball." Neo looked into her beautiful cerulean eyes. "Please don't be mad at me." Neo took her hands in his and kissed them softly.

"I'm not mad, do what you have too," Trinity smiled sweetly at him. Meanwhile, her mind was working, thinking why would Neo have to keep it a secret from her? Unless, it has something to do with his vision, about someone dying……………..her mind pondered that idea, as she smiled at Neo.

**

"I'm so excited about tonight," Niobe said to Morpheus as they sat in Home Ec.

Morpheus furrowed his brow and pretended to concentrate all his attention on the cookies they were baking.

"Morpheus, you're not mad at me are you?" Niobe looked at him. When he refused to look at her, she touched his shoulder and turned him around.

"Niobe, what you do is your business. I wish you all the best in your future with Jason." Bowing slightly, he walked over to another group of people to admire their cookies.

Niobe felt something inside of her break………………it wouldn't be until later, that she realized a piece of her heart had shattered at what Morpheus said to her.

**

Niobe donned her burgundy gown and shoes. Part of her wondered if she would be more excited if she said yes to Morpheus instead of Jason.

Slowly she descended the stairs, as she heard the doorbell ring. Her father opened the door, there stood Jason, looking handsome in his black suit. Carrying a posy of roses.

Niobe smiled, but her heart wasn't in her eyes, and she knew then that she liked Morpheus. That's all she was willing to acknowledge for now. She didn't have room for developing feelings.

**

Trinity descended the stairs as regally as a queen. Neo stood at the bottom, looking adorably edible in a tuxedo.

She ran the last few steps into his arms. Neo's arms engulfed her. A lone tear streamed down her cheek and landed on his velvet clad shoulder.

"Neo I love you." Burying her head in the crease of his neck, she inhaled his scent. Part cologne, but mostly pure Neo.

Tipping her head up, Neo looked deep into her eyes. "I love you and nothing will ever change that." Kissing her was like devouring sexy chocolate. His need began escalate, clouding his rational voice, reminding him that getting Trinity out of her dress wasn't the right thing to do now. Definitely later………….after the dance…………we'll celebrate our love………….but tonight is for us…………..and nothing will take her away from me……..Neo vowed fiercely. He would give his life for her to spare her a moment of pain.

**

Fall Ball

Music was pumping through the gym, drinks were flowing freely, people were lasciviously dancing. Teachers were floating around like eagles, separating those that danced too close.

Everyone arrived with their respectable dates. Niobe with Jason. Neo with Trinity. Mero with Persephone. Morpheus with a girl from his Art class named Chiara.

As the night passed, slowly, people danced and laughed.

"Attention students, it is time for the announcement of the King and Queen of the Fall Ball." The announcer looked in one of the envelopes.

"Drum roll please." Drawing breath for anticipative emphasis. "Our Fall King is Neo."

The spotlight flew to Neo and surrounded with its bright light. Lifting a hand to deflect the light. Neo smiled at Trinity and walked towards the stage.

After receiving his scepter and crown, Neo bowed out of the spotlight and into the shadows, where he would await his queen.

"And the queen is……………….."


**

Who could the Queen be? Persephone or Trin?

R/R to find out!! LYL!!