AN: Thanks to those who commented on my last chapter. I truly appreciate each of your reviews.
There were a lot of times I didn't think I would actually finish this story. Well, over a year later I've proved myself wrong. For those who have been here since the beginning, thank you for your encouragement along the way.
Stay tuned for a chapter immediately following this one with thank yous, and even more author notes.
I do not own the characters.
Dénouement
"Say, my love, I came to you
With best intentions
You laid down and gave to me just what
I'm seeking
Love, you drive me to distraction
Hey my love do you believe that we
Might last a thousand years
Or more if not for this?
Our flesh and blood it ties
You and me right up
Tie me down
Celebrate we will
Because life is short but sweet for certain
We're climbing two by two
To be sure these days continue,
These things we cannot change
Hey, my love, you came to me like
Wine comes to this mouth
Grown tired of water all the time
You quench my heart and you
Quench my mind
Celebrate we will
Because life is short but sweet for certain
We're climbing two by two
To be sure these days continue,
The things we cannot change."
- Dave Matthews Band, Two Step
Front page, New York Times: WAR OVER! In an unexpected turn of events, Adolf Hitler, commander of German forces, has been killed. Inside sources believe the same mystery group who has been responsible for assasinating other high ranking officials in the Nazi army, might also be behind this successful attempt. With the death of Adolf Hitler, and the destruction of many of the countries resources and factories over the past year, HRH Queen Serena I and King Darien I of Ginzuberg have invited global leaders to their country to ensure a peaceful cease fire, and restoration of peace in conflicted areas. Around the world, upon hearing the news of the death of the Nazi party leader, spontaneous celebrations have broken out.
This most recent political involvement of Ginzuberg's reigning royal couple comes nearly two months after the birth of the couple's first child, Crown Princess Rini, and almost exactly one month before the upcoming coronation of the regents and official christening of their daughter.
Three-month-old Crown Princess "Small Lady Rini" Serenity I, gurgled happily as she looked into the happy faces that beamed down at her. Serena and Darien shared a smile over her bassinet. Their daughter was a delight to all those around her. The young Princess was almost a carbon copy of Queen Serenity at that age – with the exception of her trademark pink hair. A pastel rose in color, Serena privately believed it to be the result of all the excitement that had surrounded her daughter in utero.
Serena took Darien's hand, "Do you think everyone will make it?"
Darien nodded, "I'm sure of it."
Jonathan and Eleanor were enjoying a cup of tea and watching the domestic scene in the morning room of the Palace. Following the news that their son and daughter-in-law were safe, they had booked the first boat to cross the Atlantic. Still taking their duties seriously, the four guradians had followed, and the parents had brought baby Hotaru along for the journey. Serena had been delighted that Saturn had been reborn, and the dark haired baby was baby Rini's constant companion.
On this day, the formal christening of Rini and official coronation of the couple, celebrations were happening throughout the country. Warm wishes and greetings poured in from around the world, and the majority of the world's leaders were on hand at the Palace at this most special of days.
Luna walked in the room carrying a large bouquet of roses. She had gladly taken the role of Nanny to the future regent of the country. Trilling with laughter, Luna said, "These just arrived from America. Apparently, our little girl is special enough to have a new species of rose named after her."
The roses, sweet in fragrance, were the exact same color as the baby's hair. Luna's husband, Artemis, also joined the group, carrying, with as much formality as possible, the christening gown, sparkling white and beaded with crystals. Serena held it up, hugging it to herself, "I can't believe they were able to take my old dress and turn it into this!"
Completely at ease in his formal suite of armor and cape, Darien looked at a clock in the room, then said to his beloved wife, "We'd better go – don't want to keep our people waiting."
"Yes, your highness," answered Artemis.
Darien raked a hand through his ebony hair, "I told you, please don't call me that."
Eleanor pulled her gloves on and fussed with her son's lapels, "Dear, it's what you are and you should be very proud of yourself. Your father and I are."
King of Ginzuberg notwithstanding, King Darien the First replied, "Mom!"
Jonathan clapped a hand on his son's shoulder, "It's the truth son, and there's few people that will actually know and understand the enormity of what you all did. You overcame not only otherwordly evil, but also sinister forces from this planet."
Serena, beautiful in a luminous white dress, balanced the baby in her arms and said, "We are grateful for this day - everyone has been safely reunited, and the world is once again at peace."
In a beautiful pale yellow gown and a handsome soldier at her side, Serena immediately recognized Duchess Mia in the small room behind the coronation hall where the festivities were going to take place. Mia already had tears in her eyes, "I can't believe you asked us to be Rini's godparents."
Malcolm pulled a handkerchief out of his crisply pressed uniform and passed it to his wife, "We are deeply honored."
Darien clapped Malcolm on the back, "No worries – Duke Malcolm!"
Mia smiled brightly, "This is such a happy occasion."
Serena winked slyly at her husband, "We know."
Mia, from the scabbard Malcolm had given her, produced the Sword of the Moon, and asked her regents, "I brought this as you requested, but I'm not sure what exactly the reason is."
Darien answered vaguely, "You'll see."
The combined ceremony was taking place on the Palace grounds, in the Coronation Hall which had been restored to its former glory in these past nine months. People around the world were calling it Crystal Ginzuberg. As Mia helped sprinkle water on little Rini's head, she locked eyes with Malcolm and smiled, wondering what their own children would one day look like.
If it's a boy, I hope he has platinum hair like his father…if it's a girl…
As she placed little Rini safely with her grandparents, Serena addressed the crowd, "Thank you all for joining us on this most special of days. However, I'd like to beg a little more of your time and patience, for there are others we would like to recognize today."
Serena nodded and Setsuna, Haruka, and Michiru came forth, a bundle wrapped in violet in Setsuna's arms.
The Queen looked down at little Hotaru and said, "I dub thee Duchess Hotaru, and protector of young Serenity. One day soon, you will join Ceres, Vesta, Juno, and Pallas in looking after my daughter, the future Queen of this country. Loyal duchesses Haruka, Michiru, and Setsuna, raise her well and be welcome at this Palace any time.""
Little Hotaru wiggled in Setsuna's arms and grasped at the Queen's scepter.
The collected audience applauded. Darien joined Serena, "At this moment, there are four others we would like to publicly honor. Formerly soldiers in the American army, they each had a small part in helping return this nation and all the countries of Europe, to freedom. Please come forward, Malcolm, Zachary, Jacob, and Nathan."
The former Shittenou, each very handsome in his uniform joined their regents. Serena grasped the Sword and gently tapped the broad shoulders of each man. From the audience Amy, Rae, and Lita smiled proudly at their husbands.
"I dub thee, Sir Malcolm, rise as a Knight of this realm."
"I dub thee, Sir Jacob, rise as a Knight of this realm."
"I dub thee, Sir Zachary, rise as a Knight of this realm."
"I dub thee, Sir Nicholas, rise as a Knight of this realm."
At the party following the formalities, the reunion was a happy one. Serena and Darien watched their friends from a balcony above the dance floor. Tall Seiya was twirling Setsuna around festively. Haruka and Michiru held hands while speaking with Yaten and Taiki. The senshi and their shittenou, together happily in this life, whirled around the ballroom.
Malcolm excused himself, winking at his wife, and Mia smoothed her gown and watched her radiant friends. Someone tapped her shoulder and Mia looked around, locking eyes with a tall blonde man who seemed so familiar. She looked him over and recognized his RAF insignia. Smiling, she asked, "Dan Burite?"
He grinned sheepishly, "Yes m'am. May I have this dance?"
Mia curtseyed gracefully, "I don't think my husband will mind. After all, you're the one responsible for our introduction."
After the dance ended, Mia smiled kindly at the younger soldier, "You're welcome any time at my estate."
"Th-thank you," Dan continued, bowing deeply, "Queen."
Serena said, "Mia?"
Mia followed her Queen to where Serena had gathered her Inner senshi. Tears in her eyes, she told them honestly, "Girls, I don't think I ever got a chance to really, truly thank you for everything. I don't know how I can ever repay your kindness and sacrifice."
Rae, Lita, Amy, and Mia all looked at one another. Mia wrapped an arm around her friend and replied, "Serena, every day you live and rule is payment enough."
Malcolm joined the group, "May I borrow my wife, ladies?"
The girls giggled, and Serena nodded, "Please go ahead, Sir Knight."
The band struck up a familiar tune, the one, a millennia ago that they had danced together for the first time, and Mia's eyes brightened, "But how did you…?"
Malcolm pulled her in close to his broad chest, "Never question a Shitennou, my love."
AN: A happy ending finally! They earned it. Please review...even if you read this long after I wrote it.