The Return of the Negaverse

by The Lady Silver

It has been several years since the last of Earth's enemies were defeated by the Sailor Scouts. A new threat has pulled them together again and challenged what they thought they knew about their past lives with the re-emergence of the Shitennou. Can they remain a team and defeat their new enemies? Part 2 focuses on the Silver Millennium. Reviews appreciated.

40. Chapter 40

Part II: Chapter 10

King Endymion

"Brother?" Femi asked as she cast a puzzled glance at Rhea who looked just as shocked as she did. "We have been a team for eight years and during that time neither of you mentioned having another brother."

Nikko and Fabian were silent for several moments as they stared at each other. Nikko finally turned to Femi and Rhea after a long, frustrated sigh. "Barrick is our half brother." He explained as he pushed back his hair. "Our father had many... girlfriends after our mother died. His mother was the part of the royal family of Titan. She kept him with her there, she didn't want him with us, especially once dad refused to marry her."

"We rarely saw Barrick but he did train on Earth at the same time we did." Fabian said with a shrug. "Father told us about him before we left to train. He told us to stay clear of him because of his mother. When we did see him he was just some skinny kid from Titan, unremarkable and forgettable. He didn't even acknowledge us... so we did the same."

"Wait a minute…this just doesn't make sense to me." Rhea said as she stepped forward, shaking her head. "He seems interested now. Why is he after the princess from Venus? Just how dangerous is he?"

"He harbors a lot of resentment for us. The only thing he ever directly told us was that he should be prince of Charon, not us. He made a point to get under our skin after that. Everything he did on Earth was in attempt to prove he was better than us. He always had to do more. He tried too hard." Nikko said as he folded his arms across his chest. "It appears he noticed how close Fabian was becoming to Mina. He saw a chance and he took it."

"It's seems like there's more to this." Rhea replied dryly. "Look at what he's done. He's been hanging out with the moon princess, discreetly, for years. He wants something and a think resentment isn't his motivation. What are you two not telling us?"

"He's a little sh—" Nikko began but Fabian cut him off.

"He doesn't resent us, he hates us. He hates that he was illegitimate and would never be in line to Charon or Titan's throne." Fabian spat as he slowly got to his feet. "He knows that taking Mina would hurt me deeper than anything else. He might have our father's blood but he is not our brother. He is not our family."

"Wait… Titan…" Femi's hands went to cover her mouth. "Was he part of the royal family that was... wiped out?"

"Yes." Nikko admitted as his hands went to his hips. He sighed deeply as if what he was about to say he wasn't particularly proud of. His expression only darkened as he glanced at his team. "They were corrupt. Barrick's grandfather, the King of Titan, was taxing his people endlessly and gambling away the profits on ridiculous endeavors. His people were living in poverty. They revolted and swarmed the palace. Barrick was on Earth when it happened. He came to Charon, asking for help for his family."

Fabian's expression, if possible, darkened as he watched Rhea and Femi's faces change. "Father told him no. He would only protect him. He kept Barrick under house arrest until the revolution ended…"

"And his entire family was eradicated." Nikko finished for him with a sigh. "But that decision was fathers, not ours. Why he has directed his anger towards us is unclear. Fabian and I had just started the Shadow Warriors when this happened. We didn't even know what father did until we came home a year later. By then Barrick had escaped and disappeared."

"Everyone thought that he was murdered when he left. There were rumors he went to Titan and tried to avenge his family by taking out those that replaced him. We never heard from him again." Fabian remarked. "Though to be honest, we never looked for him."

"No one has heard from him until now." Nikko added as he shook his head. "He's up to something big. If his goal is to make us suffer like he did, then we know what his next step is. If he came for Mina then he'll come for Serena."

"We need to warn them." Femi said quietly as she glanced out of the window of Nikko's room. She could see the scouts outside, moving towards the gardens in their sailor scout uniforms. Endymion and his generals followed, dressed and ready to train with the rest of the team.

"Serenity won't be pleased." Rhea added as she crossed her arms. "She'll banish all of us… again."

"True." Femi admitted. "She's politely tolerated us until this point but your stunt in the hallway with Endymion will probably get us banished anyway."

"Looks like it might be time to return to Charon." Nikko stated as he grabbed his royal blue cloak, swinging it over his shoulders. "They're on their own."

"No." Fabian said sharply as he turned to face his brother. "You're going to help me get Mina back."

"Now why would I do that?" Nikko asked as he crossed his arms. His lavender eyes grew cold as he regarded his brother. "You made a choice when you left. You wanted to be the prince that swept Mina off her feet. You chose to go to the light and be good. Look where it's gotten you. You're alone. You've lost Mina and now you are begging for help."

"I'm not begging you, I'm asking you." Fabian said firmly as he stood up a little straighter. His dark green eyes bore into his brother's cold, lavender ones. The two had always been a team but they had finally reached a breaking point. Fabian was done being a follower. If Nikko was only going to chase a dream then he needed a wakeup call. "I've never asked you for anything Nikko. I've followed you and done your bidding on every mission and task you've set before me. I've helped you capture your precious moon princess, even when I knew it was a fool's errand. You owe me this."

"You're the fool brother, you've fallen in love with her." Nikko muttered as he shook his head. "I warned you not to fall in love with her."

"Nikko—" Fabian began but his brother cut him off.

"Stop. I'll help you, you're still my blood… but you must promise me something." Nikko said as he took a step towards him, his gaze intensifying. "Once she's safe, you say your goodbyes. We both know how this is going to end. You've seen me tormented three times now, I won't watch you go down that same path. We belong to the darkness. Love…" He trailed off as he broke eye contact, instead glancing outside to where Serena was visible, happily laughing on Endymion's arm. "It's not for us."

"How can you ask me that?" Fabian scoffed as he threw up his hands in frustration. "After all I've done for YOU!"

"He's right Fabian." Femi interjected as she bit her lip, carefully avoiding his gaze. "Has she even told you that she loves you back?"

Fabian hesitated. No, Mina hadn't. He had confessed his feelings to her in the fire temple on Mars but she had never responded. Perhaps it was true. It wasn't only Nikko that was chasing a woman who didn't love him, it was him too.

"To hell with it." Nikko growled as he grabbed his armor from a nearby chair. "Serena has the sailor scouts and the generals. They'll protect her… let's go get Mina."

"By ourselves?" Rhea scoffed as she stood and grabbed her staff.

"We were pretty formidable, just the four of us." Femi admitted as she nodded at Nikko. "I'm in as long as we stay a team."

"We are formidable." Nikko corrected as he turned to face his brother. "What do you say brother? One last good deed before we return to our true calling?"

"Are you doing this for me or are you just trying to protect Serena?" Fabian asked as he regarded his brother carefully. Nikko wasn't known for being selfless.

"She's not my girl just as Mina isn't yours… and like you, I still love her." Nikko commented as he strapped on the armor. "So if we're going to die, might as well make it worth it."

"Go." Rhea stated as she took a step back towards the door, her fingers still curled tightly around her staff. "I didn't sign up for this. I could care less if these princesses die or if your bastard half brother takes over the galaxy. I need to find my sister and Raven has promised—"

"Rhea, I've seen Idra." Fabian admitted as he turned to her, solemnly. "She was on Mars during the fire ceremony."

"You're just telling me this now?!" Rhea snapped back as she swung her staff at Fabian who dodged it just in time.

"Stop!" He growled as he caught her staff in his hands, stopping it from whacking him in the head. "She doesn't want to be found. She wants to keep you out of whatever it is she's doing."

"Why would she want that? She knows I've been looking for her!" Rhea protested as her dark eyes narrowed.

"She's not our friend and she's not an ally." Fabian commented as he cast a dark look at Femi and Nikko. "She came to me, seeking my help. She wanted me to join her on Jupiter. She said … if I went… those that I love could be saved. I didn't know what she meant. I brushed her off. The Shadow Warriors fear no one. She never said she was working with Barrick. Now it all makes sense."

"Fabian, why didn't you say anything?" Femi whispered as she shook her head.

"He was distracted by Mina." Nikko commented as he finished strapping on his armor. "And he's right. The Shadow Warriors fear no one. We've never been defeated, at least not as a team."

"I can't fight my own sister." Rhea replied with a shake of her head. Her dark eyes were rimmed with red as she dropped her staff. "Don't ask it of me."

"No one is asking you to fight Idra." Fabian said as he bent down and picked up her staff. "But you know where she is. Come with us. You want to find her, we'll take you to her."

Rhea was quiet for several moments as her gaze shifted from Nikko to Femi to a silent Fabian. All of them were watching her intensely. They were her second family, she had been with the Shadow Warriors for years. Could she leave them now when they needed her most? "I'll go, but I won't fight my sister and I won't let any of you harm her."

"Deal." Nikko said as he extended his hand to her, which she promptly shook. "Let's go, I think I might know where they are."

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"Queen Raven." King Albert announced as he regard Earth's queen from his chair. He wore a tunic of black velvet, bearing the insignia of Saturn. His gray hair was short, revealing a balding scalp that was covered with scars. The king had seen many wars in his life and despite his age, was in perfect health. His broad shoulders still held the strength of his youth but his dark black eyes gave away his true age. He rose, bowing politely to Raven as the doors of his study closed behind her.

"King Albert." Raven replied politely with a curtsy. She was dressed in a dazzling gown of black silk, covered with black lace and white pearls. Her long ebony tresses were up beneath her golden crown, partially spilling down her back in a silky waterfall. Her red lips popped as they curled into a graceful smile.

"Our borders have been closed to outsiders for a month but still, you insisted on this meeting. I must admit I'm intrigued, what does the Queen of Earth want so desperately that she risked open warfare by bypassing our rings." Albert asked as he leaned against his desk, his arms crossed.

"You're a smart man Albert." Raven said simply as she sat in a plush red chair before his desk. Her eyes caught his. "Why do you think I'm here?"

"What weapons does Earth need so urgently?" Albert asked. "King Arthur has said nothing. In fact, usually it would be he who has come to seek out what the planet needs, not the queen."

"The King is ill. We had visited the moon on a ... diplomatic mission but he had to return home unfortunately." Raven said simply as she leaned back against her chair. "He could not come today, naturally. I am here in his place. As you may remember, I am just as powerful as my husband only my skills are in magic, not the power of a blade."

"True." Albert replied with half a smile. "I recall your gifts Raven…your son seems to lack them, but rather inherited his father's skills with a blade. Arthur already ordered a new sword for the prince. It should be ready within the month but I imagine that's not why you're here."

"Albert, you must have heard by now the rumors of a growing darkness outside of this galaxy." Raven said as she gestured to the window behind Albert where the night sky was aglow with thousands of bright stars. "Earth needs a strong weapon, insurance, just in case those rumors are in fact true."

"What exactly are you looking for?" He questioned as he uncrossed his arms and rested his palms on the sharp edges of his desk.

"Weapons… specifically made for dark energy... and of course, something just for me." Raven said as she rose from her chair. She wandered over the side of King Albert's study where a wall of full bookshelves stood. She ran her fingers over the aged spines.

"Earth doesn't use dark energy." Albert replied as he watched her, one brow perked. "It's far too dangerous, even if harnessed with a weapon."

"No, Earth doesn't but like all things in this universe, it must evolve. Dark energy is much stronger, more intense and powerful." Raven said as she picked one book out from the rest. It had an aged red leather cover. Black letters, nearly entirely rubbed off with use, were the only visible décor on the cover. "Earth will soon lose its king and my son, while strong and valiant, cannot stop the events that are due to unfold within our galaxy in the coming months."

"What do you speak of? What do you know Raven?" Albert asked. His voice had changed. It had dropped to a low whisper edged with fear.

"I know many things." Raven replied as she tossed the book to Albert. Her smile had vanished. Instead her expression was solemn and serious. "Before I go further, I must know, can I count on Saturn to be discreet?"

Albert glanced down at the book. The worn red leather cover felt like coarse sand beneath his fingers. He knew the book well. It was a history book of the galaxy, nearly everyone with an established library owned one. Why did Raven select this book? "Tell me what you know, only then will I promise silence."

"I know that before this year is over, all of us will be dead and darkness will have invaded our homes. You planet will become an empty ball of gas, every structure, every person, every plant will have been obliterated without so much of a trace left. Every planet and moon will face this same fate. All but Earth…" Raven spoke softly as her eyes bore into his. "But together, we can stop it. We can preserve our homes and stop the extermination and eradication of our way of life."

"How do you know this?" He asked as he dropped the book. It landed onto the floor with a deafening thud.

"Because… I have lived through it once. I saw what the evil did to our homes and the millions of people that lived here. Then, after the carnage I was reborn with my son and others from our time. I saw that evil once again destroy the last planet left in our galaxy. Albert, I can't defeat this evil on my own. I need Saturn's weapons and I need your alliance. I have brought many of my own men to train. When the darkness comes we must be ready." Raven said as she watched Albert's expression change.

"An alliance? It has been a decade since Saturn last saw war…" Albert said as he turned from her, sighing deeply as he looked out the window at the night sky. Jupiter, a speck of light, much brighter than the other stars around it, shone brilliantly. He took several moments, considering his words carefully. "You can count on Saturn. I will have my forges reopened. We must begin immediately. Your men can train with mine. I will make sure they have proper lodging."

"I will let them know." Raven smiled at last as Albert turned back to face her.

"Queen Raven, we must alert the grand council. If what you say is true, all of our planets must unite." Albert said sternly.

"In time." Raven assured him. "But I must ask one favor first…"

"What is it?" Albert asked as his brow furrowed. He watched as Raven's expression transformed from grave to sinister.

"Serenity will come to you soon, seeking a weapon for her own means. This weapon will be instrumental in the downfall of our galaxy, almost as instrumental as Serenity herself, who is already corrupted by the darkness." Raven said as her eyes glinted maliciously.

Albert's eyebrows lifted in surprise as he shook his head twice. "Queen Serenity? I can't believe that. She is a pillar of this galaxy. She is a just leader—"

"I have seen it Albert! Our galaxy was defeated because we trusted the wrong people and did not unite. Together we can unite to defeat the darkness but we must be weary of those that will attempt to lead us astray." Raven insisted as she crossed the room and laid her hand on Albert's forearm. "Promise me, that when she comes you will keep her from wreaking havoc on our alliance."

Albert hesitated as he studied Raven's features. Her jaw was set firm, her eyes wide with anticipation. Could he trust her? Earth was the Moon's closest neighbor. If anyone knew what the Moon was up to, it would be Earth. "Very well, when she arrives we will apprehend her… but no harm will befall her."

"Good." Raven agreed with a nod. "Let's get to work then."

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"You're faster than this!" Amara yelled as the scouts, one by one, ran by her up a steep hill. "MOVE!"

"The drill … sergeant is… back." Raye groaned as she pushed herself to keep moving up the hill. Her long black hair was in one braid that was flapping behind her. She was running in her sailor scout uniform, which meant she was in heels. She suddenly missed her Nike sneakers. They had trained comfortably on Earth but in the Silver Millennium all she owned were heels, slippers and one pair of boots.

"It's not … so bad." Amy panted beside her. Her cheeks were a vibrant red and streaks of sweat trailed down her temples. "We… need the… training."

"I'm not enjoying this." Lita added as she pushed herself to reach the top of the hill. "This is day two … and… all I know… is all of … you… are out… of your…damn minds!" She gasped in between breaths.

"I officially… hate them." Serena panted as she reached the top of the hill and slowed to a walk. Jadeite, Zoisite and Kunzite were already at the top with Darien, all four of them lounging comfortably beneath the shade of a tree. A table full of water glasses sat behind them. Trista and Michelle were walking slowly around them, having reached the top before the rest of the girls but also well after the men.

"Ladies, nice of you to join us." Jadeite grinned as he leaned back on his elbows.

"Were none of you training at all?" Amara barked as she jogged over to the girls that were slowly falling to their knees beneath the tree, all of them breathing heavily. "We don't have a lot of time before the fighting is to start and almost none of you are in shape!"

"Go easy on them." Kunzite interjected as he looked at Amara. "They're princesses, not soldiers."

"Oh, they're soldiers." Zoisite said as he took a big gulp of water. "They just don't fight with swords like we do."

"Yeah, they use their words." Jadeite teased.

Kunzite, Zoisite and Darien burst into laughter while the girls glared at them.

Raye's eyes narrowed as she stomped over to Jadeite and snatched a glass, splashing him in the process.

"HEY!" Jadeite jumped just in time for Raye to splash him with the rest of the water in her glass.

Raye's glare intensified as she grabbed another glass and attempted to splash him again but he dodged the spray and instead showered her with water from his own glass.

Raye screamed as she was doused but before she could react Jadeite jogged over to her and lifted her easily, throwing her over his shoulder with a laugh.

"How long have they been together?" Lita asked Serena as she sipped her water.

"Umm… well…" Serena struggled to respond. Raye and Jadeite were never official, not in this life or the last. "They're… just friends."

"Doesn't seem like it." Lita commented as she wiped her sweaty brow. "In fact, it seems all of you have paired off besides Kunzite."

"Something like that." Serena replied as she watched Raye beat on Jadeite's back with her fists. His laughter carried over to them as he spun her around, causing her to shriek. She had never seen them so playful before. She hoped they would finally find happiness. "We've been through a lot together. We all share a bond that cannot be explained… one day Lita, all of it will come back to you."

"That's hard to believe." She remarked as she dusted off her boots. "I've never been in love." She nodded towards Raye and Jadeite. "I see it with those two, I see it in the way Zoisite looks at Amy and I see it in Endymion's eyes every time he looks at you. I don't see it in Kunzite nor do I see it in myself."

"Lita…" Serena bit her lip, struggling to respond without sharing too much about Lita's past. How would she react? Should she even tell her about Nephrite or her marriage? "You have loved before. You love a man named Nephrite. The real Nephrite, not the man who was imprisoned with you."

"How can I love someone I don't even know?" Lita questioned as she drew her knees up to her chest and hugged them. "I don't feel like I belong. If I'm being truly honest, I never have, not even on Jupiter."

"You belong. You're part of this team." Serena said gently as she watched her. "And you and Nephrite… your bond is strong. You miss him even though you don't know it… "

Lita emitted a sharp chuckle as she pushed back her sweaty hair and took another gulp of her water. "How can you know that?"

"When I woke up after we were reborn, I didn't remember Endymion. I was happy with Nikko but still, it felt as if something was missing. Then on Mars… I saw him for the first time and it felt like I was punched in the stomach. All of these emotions and memories came flooding back to me only I didn't understand them. It wasn't until Endymion kissed me that those memories came back fully and I realized I had missed him all along. There was an emptiness inside of me that I could never quite fight or fill until then. Now that feeling is gone. I'm complete. I'm happy." Serena explained as her weary expression changed to a brilliant smile.

"You're in love." Lita finished for her as she watched Raye and Jadeite continue to play with each other. Jadeite leaned over and kissed Raye's cheek only to receive another shower of water, starting their fight over again. "None of this makes any sense. I don't know any of you, I don't Endymion or his generals. I don't know the stories all of you keep reflecting on… but I do know that something feels different. I sometimes dream of a different land. A place full of glass buildings and paved roads. I can hear the strangest sounds, like trumpets of passing horseless carriages. I can feel the warmth of a sun that is brighter than the one on Jupiter. I can taste foods I've never had before."

"Memories." Serena whispered as she looked at Lita. Her dark green eyes had become glossy as her eyes were full of tears. "They're there, lingering beneath the surface."

"If that's true, how do I get them back? How do I fill this void that I feel within me?" Lita asked as her voice cracked, tinged with pain.

"We'll help you. We're a team." Serena assured her as she reached over and put a hand on Lita's trembling shoulder. "Stay with us, train and learn. We will get Mina back and find Nephrite."

"Nephrite." Lita whispered as she shut her eyes sending a trickle of tears down her cheeks. "Everyone keeps telling me about him, their memories of him... things he's done or said. I don't know him, I've never seen him, I've never heard his voice or felt his touch… but… somehow I know he's out there." She paused as her emerald green eyes settled on her empty glass. Her eyes began to sting as they fluttered closed. "I know the feel of his hair between my fingers. I know the deep rumble of his voice. I know his smell… his embrace…I don't know how I do, I don't even know for sure what he looks like. I just ... miss him, this stranger I've never met."

"We'll find him." Serena promised as she wrapped her arms around Lita who finally broke and sobbed onto her shoulder. "The two of you belong together just like Raye and Jed and Amy and Zoisite and Darien and I."

"Prince Endymion!" A voice called, jolting everyone on top of the hill.

Darien scrambled to his feet as a soldier, dressed in Earth's military uniform, climbed the hill. He fell to both knees before his prince and handed him a letter, bearing the official seal of Earth.

Serena and the others clambered to their feet as Darien ripped open the letter. His hands trembled as his eyes scanned the letter until finally it dropped from his hands, floating to the soft grass beneath his feet.

Silence fell over the hill, broken only by the soft cries of a passing flock of birds.

"Darien?" Serena asked as she took several steps towards him.

Darien's shoulders trembled as he turned to face the scouts and generals, all of whom were watching him, concerned.

"I thought I'd be better prepared for this." He whispered. "My father… he's… he's dead." He stammered as his eyes filled with tears.

"Long live the king." The solider behind him commented as he placed a fist over his heart. "And long live King Endymion."

"King Endymion." Zoisite, Kunzite and Jadeite said in unison as they fell to one knee, also placing their fists over their heart.

"Darien…what about Queen Raven?" Serena gasped as she shook her head. Darien's father had died in their previous time during the Silver Millennium at about the same time but Raven had taken over the royal duties of Earth, not Endymion. If he was now king that meant Raven was gone.

"Gone… vanished. The council said that when father took ill yesterday she gave up her claim. She's left the planet, they don't know where she's gone." Darien whispered as he glanced down at the letter at his feet. "I'm king… Earth is now relying on me. This... this wasn't supposed to happen."

"Time has indeed been altered." Trista remarked as her expression grew grave. "We cannot trust that any events will happen as they did last time. We must be extra cautious."

"I need to go." Darien said as he nodded to his generals who quickly got to their feet. "Kunzite, Zoisite, Jadeite, ready your things. We leave tonight." His haze flickered to the other sailor scouts. "Can all of you give us a minute?"

All three men nodded to their king as they rose to their feet. Behind them the scouts and the generals journeyed back down the hill to the Moon palace, leaving Serena and Darien alone in the fading light of day.

"Darien, you just got here!" Serena protested as she took Darien's hands in her own. She could feel everyone's pitiful gaze fall on her as they passed. She didn't want their pity. She wanted the man she had fought so desperately to be with. "The Negaverse is coming!"

"My people are without a leader." Darien said to her as he took her into his arms. He held her tightly against his chest as she trembled. "I have to return home and prepare them for battle. This time Earth will be ready."

"What about us?" Serena asked in a whisper as she felt tears filling her eyes. "I just got you back."

"I promised I would return to you and I have." Darien said to her as he pressed his forehead against hers. "I must go home but I will return as soon as I can."

"That's not enough." She cried as she clung to him as a child would. "We have only months, what if we aren't reborn? What if there is no Crystal Tokyo? What if this is it? What if all the time we have left is dwindling before us?"

"There is time still." Darien assured her as he cupped her cheeks with his hands and brought her lips to his. "I'm not abandoning you. We still have much to do. Mina and Nephrite must be saved, we have to continue to train, and together, you and I… and everyone else… will finally triumph."

"How can you say that?" Serena asked as she fought against the tears that threatened to fall. "We don't know the future anymore."

"No, we don't." Darien admitted as he ran his thumbs along her cheeks, brushing away the tears that were building in the corners of her eyes. "But I know that the love I have for you has lasted through three lifetimes… it will last through many more." He pressed his cheek against hers as he held her even tighter against his chest.

"Darien… don't leave me." Serena pleaded as she held onto him, her fingers curling around his broad shoulders. "You promised."

"I did." He replied as he pulled from her just far enough to look into her eyes. He could see her beautiful blue eyes were brimmed with red, still wet with tears. "I think this time, we may just have time for that royal wedding."

"Truly?" Serena asked, her eyes lighting up. "You're not just saying that to make me feel better?"

"No... father gave us his blessing before he fell ill. Serenity did as well. That's all we need." He took her hands in his and kissed her knuckles.

Serena shivered as she felt his lips, gently brush the back of her hand. She shut her eyes as the breeze picked up, drying her tears. She could feel the heat of Darien's body, radiating into her as if they were one. Before she could speak she felt something warm slip onto her finger. Her eyes popped open to see a dazzling diamond sitting on her left hand, glittering brilliantly even in the fading daylight. "Darien..."

"I wanted this to be more romantic. I thought of the coming balls and how I could publicly and quite embarrassingly profess my love for you ... but nothing felt right." He emitted a deep sigh as he squeezed her hand. His dark blue eyes met hers as his right hand went to her waist, drawing her closer to him. "I realized that the bond we have can be understood by no one else. There are no words to describe it just as there are no words that can adequately describe how much... I love you." He felt her tremble against him as he spoke, but never did their eyes leave each other's. "Crystal Tokyo, Earth in the twenty-first century, those moments may never come to us again. The only constant in our unpredictable lives is me and you. No matter what Serena, that won't change. I have fought and died for you and in a heartbeat, I'd do it again. Whatever fate has in store for us, we always manage to find each other. I can be a prince or a high school student, tuxedo mask or a doctor and now, a king... but whatever I am, in the end I'm still a man that loves Serena Tsukino and Princess Serenity and Sailor Moon. You are the only person that matters."

"Darien..." Serena whispered as fresh tears rapidly trickled down her cheeks.

He grinned at her, the familiar twinkle she had grown to admire, once again shined through his eyes. "I'm not going to wait to see what fate has planned for us this time. Time has cut us short twice. We belong together, it's time we took control of our own story." He brought her hands to his lips again, his gaze never once leaving hers as he continued. "Serena, will you marry me?"

Serena exhaled deeply as her hands shook. She could feel the sun sinking behind her, knowing that with the darkness Darien would return to Earth. His words rang through her head. Who knew what was ahead of them? Would they be reborn a fourth time or were all these deviations within the Silver Mullennium setting them on a new path? What were they waiting for? For her, there was no one else. "Yes... yes... yes." Serena replied as Darien laughed and gathered her in his arms, meeting her waiting lips just as the last rays of sunlight vanished.