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.

50. Chapter 50

Part II: Chapter 20

Verdict

Serena inhaled deeply as Darien spun her around the ballroom. She could feel her cheeks grow warm, blushing as his lips caught the nape of her neck, the edge of her ear and the bottom of her chin. His right hand rested just above her hip, guiding her while the other clutched her hand, leading her around the floor. He spun her out, following the beat of the music as her long skirts swirled around her ankles, her feet moving gracefully with each step. His hand brought her back against his chest, closer than many others around them, as their bodies pressed against each other. "Darien, you're making a scene." She whispered as he stole another kiss. She could feel all eyes on them as they danced, following their movements.

"I can't help it, you're so beautiful." e whispered to her as he brought her in close again.

"Easy you two, you're making the elders blush." The prince of Europa, a satellite of Jupiter said to them as he and his wife twirled by them. He gave Darien a wink as they disappeared amongst the other spinning couples, most of which were watching Serena and Darien intently.

"See!" Serena felt her cheeks flush again as Darien shrugged and stole yet another kiss.

"Let them watch all they want." He said to her as his hand went to the small of her back. "I don't care."

Serena shivered as she felt his hand against her, pulling her closer still as she pressed against him. The music changed, a softer and slower song floated down to the dance floor as all the couples closed in. She put her hands on his shoulders as their lips met again. She closed her eyes blissfully, enjoying these moments with the man she loved. They had seen little of each other since his crowning and she knew that trend would likely continue, at least until the fighting started… and perhaps now would be all the time they'd have. "I love you." She whispered to him as their hips swayed gently to the music.

His deep blue eyes twinkled as he stared at her, taking her in. "I love you." He replied as his left hand trickled up her back. "And no matter what, I'm not leaving your side again." He promised.

"Darien, you can't say things like that." She said as she shook her head. "You have the Earth—"

"You're more important to me." He whispered back to her as he pressed his forehead against hers. "Everything else comes second."

She sighed as she felt his hands slip back to her hips. His grasp was warm but protective. If anything, he had become overly protective since the attack on the Moon. He slept in her bed with her, attended every meal at her side, kept his hand on her back as they walked around the island and kept his hand on her knee at every meeting. Part of her loved the attention, relishing each small moment with the man she loved but deep down, she knew it couldn't last. Every second his attention was on her, he was not attending to his duties as king and his people were suffering. The council meetings had just begun and would last nearly a week then it would be back to their lives on Earth and the Moon. How would things be then? Would he be at the palace all the time or would he expect her on Earth?

"Something troubles you." Darien said as he watched her wrestle with her thoughts.

She hesitated as his eyes bore into hers, searching for the words she didn't want to say. "Darien, I… I think we—"

"King Endymion, Princess Serenity—" A guard interrupted.

Serena jumped, breaking contact with Darien who emitted a deep sigh.

"King Theodore and Queen Lenora would like you to join them in their private dining room." The guard continued as he bowed to them.

"Now?" Darien asked with a huff, but Serena laid her hand on his forearm, giving him a stern look.

"Of course, show us the way." Serena said with a sharp glare at Darien.

"Yes, your majesty." The guard said with another bow as he gestured towards the open doors on the opposite end of the ballroom. "Please follow me."

Serena's lips pursed together as Darien took her arm and they followed the guard off the dance floor. She could feel all eyes on them as they left, following their every move until they disappeared into the other room. She smoothed out her ruffled skirts as they approached the king and queen of Neptune who were standing quietly beside a sprawling banquet table. The table was covered with an array of food, each tray overflowing with decadent treats, succulent meats and fresh fruit. The two of them rose as they approached, acknowledging Darien first and then Serena with a polite inclination of their heads.

"King Endymion and Princess Serena, please sit, fill your plate and your glass. We have much to discuss." King Theodore said as he gestured to the table before them. "And my apologies for tearing you from the ball, but as you know, we are here first for business."

Serena cast Darien a concerned look but she followed the king to the table and selected a few items. "Thank you."

"Business." Darien repeated as his eyes locked onto King Theodore's. "And what business do we have at this hour?"

"King Endymion, we mean you no harm." Queen Lenora said as she noticed his hesitation. "We are not your enemies. We merely wish to discuss some items that we were unable to get to during today's meeting."

"I appreciate your willingness to address matters of business during your ball." Darien said as he grabbed a wine glass. "I'd rather get down to it, I don't need these pleasantries."

"I respect that." King Theodore said as he settled onto his chair at the table. "Straight to the point, your father was the same way. I for one, am glad you have taken after him."

"That makes two of us." Darien said as he sat beside Serena, taking her hand in his. "Now, what is truly on your mind?"

"Your marriage." Queen Lenora answered for him as she sat across from Darien and Serena. "The Council is against it, for reasons I am sure you are aware of."

Serena felt her blood run cold as her eyes met the queen's. There was no malice in her gaze, only pity. "I am not queen, I am not in control of the Moon. There is no law against us being together—"

"Given the rumors that your mother has passed, we must assume that you are or soon will be, in control of the Moon Kingdom." King Theodore replied gruffly. "As stated in the council's agreement, no person can control two planets, in your case a planet and a satellite, the Moon. If you had a sibling to take over the Moon this would be another matter entirely, but you do not. Even if your mother lives, she will eventually perish and leave you the kingdom. Princess, there is no way around this…"

"I love him." Serena whispered as she felt tears stinging her eyes. His hand gripped hers tightly as she felt her body quiver. "We have to be together, we've been through too much to be ripped apart now!"

"You're young." Queen Lenora said as she sighed. "What trials you two have faced are …forgive my language… insignificant. This relationship must end, you must part." Her voice was soft but firm as her dark eyes barreled into Serena's. "You both know this was a relationship that should have never been. Neither of your mothers approved for this very reason. Now that they are gone that fact does not change. You cannot be together in any official capacity."

Serena felt tears stinging her eyes as she shook her head refusing to admit defeat so easily, not after all she and Darien had endured. Lenora and Theodore had no idea all the ups and downs they had faced. She could feel all those memories come rushing back as the Neptunian queen spoke. Losing Darien and watching him die in her arms during the last Silver Millennium, fighting together against the Negaverse, losing him again on Earth, fighting for a brainwashed Darien to remember her, sacrificing herself… It was all too much. They had been fighting to be together through three lifetimes now, would they ever achieve their desires? Would they ever truly be together?

"Forgive me Lenora… but don't speak of our relationship as if you know everything about us." Darien said. His voice was barely above a whisper, but it was tinged with rage. He stood, bringing Serena up with him. "I will not be ordered to leave the woman I love, not by you or the council or anyone. I have fought too hard for her to give up now."

A vein snaked across King Theodore's forehead as Darien spoke, his eyes narrowing with each word he uttered. "Endymion, it is forbidden—"

"I give up my claim to the Moon." Serena said suddenly, casting the room into complete silence.

"Serena? No!" Darien said as he whipped around to face her, his dark eyes wide in alarm. "You can't do that."

"I will." Serena said softly as she clutched his hands. "I love you too much to let you give up the Earth. You love your planet. Your people need you. I have never ruled the Moon and I don't intend to. If my mother has indeed passed and the crown is to pass to me, I will defer and instead wish that it be granted to someone else."

"Princess, once this is done, it cannot be undone." Queen Lenora said as she met Serena's tearful eyes. "There's no going back."

Serena could see the concern in her eyes and feel the emotion behind her words. She sympathized with her but the uncertainty in her voice was clear just as it was in her husband's. "I understand that. I also know that I have no living family members and so can decree the inheritor of my kingdom, at least once I the throne falls to me." Serena said as she glanced from Darien to the two sovereigns before her. "And I already know the perfect person."

"Who?" Queen Lenora asked as she crossed her arms.

"Mina…" Serena uttered as she glanced at Darien.

King Theodore shook his head. "The princess from Venus is ineligible, she is in line for her own throne—"

"No she's not, she's abdicated." Darien corrected as he directed his attention back to the king. "She has been staying on the moon as a guest. She can certainly be next in line as long as Serena decrees it."

"Very well." King Theodore said as he took several steps towards them, his attention shifting to an incredibly pale Serena. "Do you understand what must happen princess?"

"Yes." Serena whispered, fighting the nerves that had built up in the pit of her stomach. "If my mother is deceased… I may forfeit my claim to the Moon and decree that Mina Aino be the inheritor. It is by these actions I will be free to marry whom I wish— Endymion." She squeezed Darien's hand as she spoke, feeling her legs turning to jelly beneath her.

"If Serenity is not found or is alive, nothing can be done." Queen Lenora said as she approached. "If these orders are not followed, by the decree of the council, you will be released from the Grand Council and not recognized by the galaxy. The Earth and the Moon will be alone."

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"Pluto!" Raye screamed as she burst into the rooms reserved for Pluto's delegation. She was still dressed in her skirt and corset, her hair saturated with rain from the run across the fields to the dwelling that housed Pluto's people. The bottom of her skirt was caked with mud and her feet were bare, covered with wet grass and mud. "PLUTO!" She screeched again.

"I'm here." Trista said calmly as she emerged from a nearby room. She was dressed in a long flowing gown of deep green silk. Her long hair was loose and hung around her shoulders but her garnet rod was firmly in her hands. Her dark eyes regarded Raye as she crossed the open space towards her.

"You knew! You knew it!" Raye cried as tears of rage filled her eyes. "How could you stand there and do nothing?! You knew Nikko and Fabian would be too late! You knew I'd lose him! You knew how much I loved him and how much we wanted to be together!"

Trista watched her quietly, allowing her to speak before replying as she remained before her. "Raye, you know I cannot interfere. We are here, living out this scenario now because of my actions. I cannot interfere again… not even for a friend."

"But you knew! You could've warned me! I would've spent every last moment with him!" Raye screamed as she collapsed onto the floor, falling to her knees before an immobile Trista.

"You took advantage of this time together. You spent as much time together as you could. You should be happy with that." Trista replied as she got down to her knees beside Raye. "No one will ever doubt your love for him, and despite what you may think, he isn't completely lost to you. Jadeite remains, somewhere, lurking beneath the surface. If anyone can bring that man back, it's you." She said quietly.

Raye lifted her head to meet Trista's eyes. Her own were bloodshot, weary from the tears that had been shed. "Nikko said —"

"Despite what Prince Nikko thinks, he doesn't know everything." Trista smiled as she laid a hand on Raye's shoulder. "Your future is not over yet." She promised.

Raye wiped her tears as she took a moment, regarding her. "Are you saying I'll get him back?"

Trista gave her a comforting smile as she got back to her feet, holding out her hand to Raye. "I'm saying that you have it within you to bring him back." Her smile slowly faded as the building shook with a loud crash of thunder. "But you need to hurry."

"What?" Raye stood, her brow furrowing. She had never heard thunder on Neptune.

"Lita's arrived." Trista said as her expression turned grim. "And she needs our help."

Raye stood and gathered her long skirts in her hands, running from the room and back down the stairs with Trista on her heels. She burst through the doors back into the wild storm that was raging even more savagely than before. The rain was falling so hard now that it felt like icicles were stabbing her face as her feet pattered against the muddy field. She could see Sailor Jupiter and Nephrite in the middle of the field, surrounded by a ring of guards, all dressed in the uniform of Jupiter. Though the night was dark, lit only by the energy escaping from Lita's fingertips, she could see the eyes of the guards, glowing a brilliant red, as if they were possessed.

Sailor Jupiter's hands were electric, sizzling with energy that pulsed from her, targeting the guards around her. Raye watched in horror as they crumbled before her only to be replaced by another group, swords drawn.

Nephrite quickly rushed from her side, locking swords with the closest guard with a bestial yell. She could see his long auburn hair saturated with rainwater, sticking to the sides of his face as his brow was bent in concentration. He cut through the guards easily as Sailor Jupiter powered up for another attack.

"She needs our help!" Trista urged as she ran beside Raye. "We need to transform."

"Mars Crystal Power—"

"Pluto Crystal Power—"

"MAKE UP!"

"Jupiter!" Raye screamed as she ran into the fight, pushing past two guards who had already fallen victim to Nephrite's blade. "What's going on?!"

"Barrick!" Lita said in between heavy breaths as she stumbled backwards, her strength quickly leaving her. "He's sent my own guards after me! He tried to imprison me on my own planet! Now he's trying to keep me from getting inside to warn the others!"

Raye watched in horror as one of the fallen guards sank his dagger into her calf, causing Lita to emit a blood curling scream. Nephrite worked fast, slicing off the guard's hand and sinking the blade into his chest but the damage had been done. Lita crumbled to the ground as a fresh wave of guards raced across the field towards them.

"Get her out of here!" Raye said to Nephrite as she finally reached her friend. "Get inside, we'll take care of them!"

"There's too many of them!" Nephrite said as he gathered a panting Lita in his arms, lifting her up off the muddy ground. "You'll need help."

"We'll be fine." Raye said as she pushed him away. "GO!"

Nephrite nodded once to her and took off, running towards the buildings behind them.

"I hope you're ready for this. We're out of practice." Trista said as she twirled her garnet rod. "Don't kill them… they're brainwashed, just knock them out."

Raye nodded as she saw the guards quickly closing the gap between them. The rain was still pouring over them, creating a river of mud that rushed past her legs, coating her heels and threatening to sweep her away.

"Dead Scream!" Trista said as soon as she could see their eyes.

The first row of guards fell before her but another was quickly approaching, their boots kicking up a cloud of mud and water.

"Burning Mandala!" Raye screamed, taking down many of them but there were still more.

"Fight!" Trista urged as she swung her garnet rod, smacking one guard as Raye dodged the arms of another, falling to the ground in a pool of mud. She screamed as she felt someone's arms around her waist, lifting her off the ground. She thrashed against the red-eyed guard as he held her, she could see Pluto's rod out of the corner of her eye, making quick work of the guards around her. "Where is everyone?!" She shouted as she continued to thrash and squirm.

"The ball!" Trista replied as she powered up for another attack. "Remember your training!"

Raye elbowed the guard holding her, causing him to release her and she screamed as she fell to the muddy ground. She rolled onto her back, wiping the mud from her face as the rain only continued to pour over them. She could see the next wave of guards coming but the one that had dropped her wasn't finished yet. She could see him crawling through the mud to her, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. Before he reached her she saw his body turn a brilliant green and he rose into the air, flying across the field towards the wave of approaching guards, knocking several of them down.

She whipped around, straining to see through the darkness. There were three shadows standing just beyond them on a nearby hill. One of the shadow's hands were glowing the same brilliant green that had encased the guard before her. His eyes were right on her as his hands went back to his sides. As she peered closer at him, her heart knowing that even without seeing the features of his face, the perfect short shape of his hair and the slim build of his body, who he was...

"Moon healing escalation!" Sailor Moon's voice shouted as she rose her Crescent Staff into the air. A bright white light beamed forward, trickling over the field and settling over everyone below.

Raye cringed as a brilliant flash of light cross over the field, thrusting forward towards the waves of guards who all fell before them. Her eyes struggled to adjust to the light that was radiating from the hill, revealing the shadows faces at last. She could see Darien next to Serena, his sword in his hand beside the original three people on the hill…Nikko, Fabian and Jadeite. All of them had their swords drawn, ready to fight but Serena had stopped the attack, at least for now.

Beyond the rows of guards one lone figure stood still, immune to the pulsating white light that was slowly retreating back within the staff. Barrick inclined his head towards Serena gave her a bow and disappeared.

Raye didn't waste a moment. She turned back towards the hill.

"Stay here." Trista advised her but Raye didn't listen. She took off running, her eyes set on Jadeite.

Fabian moved to block her, his eyes wide. "Raye no—"

She ignored him, pushing past him, her eyes set on her husband. "Jed..." Raye said as she came to a stop before him. The rain had stopped but his shirt was still wet, his golden hair was damp but the gentleness that had once been in his eyes was gone. She could feel the coldness in his glance.

"You look like a drowned rat." He said coldly to her as he pushed her aside and walked down the hill. "Clean yourself up, you're a princess aren't you?" He said over his shoulder as he sauntered down the hill, walking back to the main building.

Raye felt a shudder tear through her as he walked by, disregarding her like he meant nothing to her.

As the light faded from Serena's staff she felt Trista's hands on her shoulders, attempting to soothe her. "Remain strong Raye, the good news is he hasn't joined the Negaverse or Barrick."

"He's with us." Nikko said as he crossed his arms and glanced at Fabian. "We'll watch out for him."

"You're not evil." Raye said questioningly as she fought the tremor in her voice. "Why would he be with you?"

"You don't need to be evil to use dark magic." Fabian said simply as he walked towards Raye. "The Shadow Warriors have always used dark magic, it's attractive to Jadeite, at least for now."

"And we have an opening." Nikko said bitterly as he thought of their fallen comrade. "Jadeite has agreed to stay with us."

"I don't know if that's a comfort." Serena said as she glanced from Nikko to Fabian.

"No more assassinations." Fabian promised as he nodded back to the buildings across the field. "But Barrick, he's on a rampage… we don't know where he'll strike next but he desperately wanted Lita to stay away. We need to find her before he does."

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Mina stared at the ceiling of her room, watching the early morning sun trickle through her windows and catch the glint of the crystal chandelier. A sea of rainbows danced across the ceiling, taunting her.

She wanted to scream. She wanted to cry. She wanted… she wanted… What did she want? She had given up her life as a princess to be with Kunzite. A man that, despite everything that had happened between them, she loved. She couldn't believe she had finally told him. She confessed her feelings to him before her father… and it had cost her everything.

She hadn't felt the full brunt of her decision until that night as she saw her father and the entire delegation from Venus depart without her. She had spent hours reflecting on those few minutes in the garden instead of sleeping that night.

Had she made the right choice? She realized that she had acted rashly. She should've spoken to her father and explained before things got out of hand. She also should have spoken to Fabian and formally ended things with him. Wherever he was, he thought they were still courting. What would she say to him when he returns to the moon? How would he act? Fabian had always danced along the line of good and evil. Her actions would certainly push him over that edge, or was he stronger now?

She felt guilt grip her as she rolled over onto her side. Kunzite was beside her, shirtless with the blankets of the bed stopped at his waist. One arm snaked around her and stopped at her waist, holding her against him. She tucked her head beneath his chin, resting against his chest which rose and fell steadily as he slept. His long white hair was down and loose, draped over the pillow away from her for the moment.

Her worries vanished as she felt his grip tighten on her as he shifted, still asleep. He muttered something inaudible as he pulled her closer to his broad chest. A smile slowly crossed her features as she lifted one hand and dragged a finger along his firm chest, down the length of his torso. He shifted again as her fingers skipped along his skin, this time he smiled.

"Mina, it's early." He murmured. "Sleep."

"How can I sleep?" She asked as she rested her hand against his chest.

"What's done is done." Kunzite replied as his eyes slowly opened. "You're mine now, like it or not." His tone was somber but a smile crossed his features as he spoke, as if he was more than a little pleased with himself.

Mina rolled her eyes as she lifted her head, staring him straight into the eyes. "And what now? I can never return to Venus. My father won't speak to me. Will Serena even allow me to remain Sailor Venus if I've been disinherited?" She asked as her dark blue eyes caught his.

"It matters naught." Kunzite said as he idly ran his hand along her bare back. "Princess Mina didn't fight against the darkness, it was Sailor Venus. You're still her and more importantly, you remain Mina Aino."

"I know that, I know these little details don't matter in the end but Kunzite, what if we don't get sent back? I mean, technically, this is our home and our way of life. Earth was just a backup." She whispered worriedly.

"All of you were happy there, happier with your lives on Earth than you ever were here in the Silver Millennium." Kunzite said as he lifted himself up against the pillows. "You'll return there one day."

"And will you?" Mina asked as she watched him. "The darkness is what brought you back, you aren't dark now…"

"It's not about me." Kunzite said simply. "Trust that Serenity will do what's best for all of us." He said without meeting her gaze. "That is, once they find her."

"Kunzite, if she's gone… then there's no rebirth…" Mina said as the realization hit her. "We will be stuck here."

"She's not gone." He insisted as he pulled her back against his side. "She's a tough woman, you and I both know that."

"And if she is?" Mina asked softly as she shut her eyes. "What then?"

"Darien hasn't tired of me yet. I have some power as one of his generals. Earth will be your home again, just in the Silver Millennium. I have a home there." He looked down at her as his hand caught her chin, bringing her gaze back to his. "I'll take care of you Mina."

She shifted uncomfortably in his grasp at his words. Princess Mina had relied on others to care for her but not Mina Aino and certainly not Sailor Venus. Princess Mina no longer existed, and the independence modern day Tokyo had given her had been a welcome change she desperately wanted to have again. "Kunzite, not to be rude or ungrateful, but what am I to do on Earth?" She asked, her voice laced with disdain.

"Be with me." He said as he sat up, carefully selecting his words as he noticed her change in expression. "Mina, you can do as you please. I don't expect you to put on an apron and keep house or anything. Do whatever makes you happy—"

"That's not what I thought you meant." Mina said softly as she sat up, pulling the blanket on the bed up with her. "I mean, what skills do I have as a princess that can be useful outside of a palace?" She asked as she ran a hand through her long blond hair. "I was a news reporter on Earth, there's nothing like that here."

"Hey." Kunzite cupped her cheeks with his hands and brought her to his waiting lips. "You don't need to figure this out today. All that matters is that I have you again…"

She met his lips, giving in to the kiss but her mind was still racing endlessly.

"And..." he continued, noting her hesitation. "You're still a sailor scout. Our focus right now is defeating our enemies, I think that'll give you plenty to do."

She felt a smile cross her face as she leaned back against his chest. "You're right—" She said. "I have to ask a favor though."

"Anything." Kunzite replied as he wrapped his arms back around her.

"I need to go to Charon. I need to see Fabian." She said firmly.

Kunzite immediately pulled from her, looking into her eyes as if his ears hadn't heard her right. "You what?"

"I need to talk to him Kunzite, he deserves that much." She said softly as she reluctantly met his eyes.

"Mina, I can't go to Charon." Kunzite said slowly.

"Goodness Kunzite, I'm not going to stay with him. Technically we are still courting, and we need to formally end things. I know he won't be happy, he'll be furious actually, but I owe him an apology." She said softly. "And I don't trust myself to go alone, he's very convincing. I need you with me, I need your support—"

"Mina, I'm banned from Charon." Kunzite said with a sigh. "My entire family is. If you go over there, I can't follow you."

"Banned?" Mina asked unsurely. "For what? Why?"

It was Kunzite's turn to look uncomfortable as a flicker of annoyance crossed his face. He turned his gaze from her and stared at the window, watching the morning sun make it's daily climb into the sky. "Look, it doesn't matter. It has nothing to do with me and everything to do with the actions of my grandfather. We're… distant cousins."

Mina's brows perked curiously as he spoke. She could see the resemblance between Kunzite and Nikko now that he mentioned it, how had she never seen it before? No wonder there was so much animosity between the princes and Kunzite. "You're just telling me this now?"

"Like I said, we're banned, we're not on good terms." Kunzite said as he sat up and grabbed his shirt, pulling it over his head. "I can't get you to Charon, but I can get you to Neptune."

"The meeting…" Mina said as she thought of all the royals visiting the planet. Nikko and Fabian would certainly be there… and so would her father.

"It's our only option right now." Kunzite said as he grabbed her hand. "Are you okay?"

"Yes." Mina admitted as she met his lips. "I just have one request before we leave the Moon."

"Anything." Kunzite said as a grin crossed his features.

Mina's eyes met his. She could feel so much love radiating from his lavender eyes. His grasp was warm and gentle, his touch was soothing and even the way he spoke to her sent a shiver down her spine. Kunzite had always been the one she was meant to be with. She knew that now. They had overcome so many obstacles together and apart...and yet here they were, together at last. She lifted one hand and put it against his cheek as her smile grew to match his. "Marry me."

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"She's okay." Nephrite said as the scouts, remaining generals, Fabian and Nikko, entered Jupiter's official rooms on Neptune. The suite wasn't as large as Earth's, but it was cozy and held a large living area where Nephrite had greeted them.

"Can we see her?" Serena asked as her eyes flickered to the room behind him.

"Yes." Nephrite said as he collapsed onto the sofa. "She wants to speak to you."

Serena nodded and pushed past him followed by Raye and Amy. They entered the large bedroom where Lita was on the bed, dry and dressed in a simple dress of green cotton. Her skirts were hiked up to her knees and her right calf was bandaged, propped up on a few pillows.

"It looks worse than it is." Lita said as her friends entered. "I'll live."

"What happened Lita?" Serena asked as she sat on the edge of the bed. "What happened on Jupiter?"

"Barrick imprisoned us." Lita said with a sigh. "He didn't want us coming here and he certainly wasn't ready to give up control of my planet either. I was a fool to think he didn't already have my guards and soldiers under his control. You saw them out there, they're all brainwashed to do his bidding. It wasn't even a fight on Jupiter…"

"But you made it here." Amy said as she settled onto a chair beside the bed. She carefully inspected the bandage, lifting the edge to inspect Nephrite's stitches. "I bet he wasn't expecting that."

"Clearly, he sent all the guards he had." Lita said as a grin crossed her face. "And we almost won."

"Now you're here, you need to report all the things he's done to the council in the morning." Serena advised, thinking of the next meeting that would take place in just a few hours. "The entire galaxy must be alerted of his presence. They need to be warned. Now we have the proof we didn't have earlier of his existence. "

"Speaking of the council, Serena… what happened earlier?" Amy asked, thinking of when Serena and Darien were pulled out of the ballroom into a private room. She noted the paleness of her friend's face and even the shift in her tone as she spoke of it.

Serena's face, if possible, went even paler as she turned from her friends. "It's not important right now, our focus is defeating Barrick and finding my mom—"

"Serena, something's wrong." Raye said as she watched Serena stand, leaving the bed to peer out the window. It was still dark outside but soon the sun would rise and another day would start. "We don't keep secrets from each other, not anymore."

Serena's shoulders shook as her fingers gripped the window ledge. "I'm…forbidden to marry Darien." She turned back to her friends, her cheeks saturated with fresh tears. "As long as I am the Moon princess or even queen, I cannot marry him. After everything… we can't be together." She fell to her knees, finally giving in to the tears that she had withheld since the news had broke to her.

Amy instantly rose, falling to her knees beside her as she wrapped her arms around her as Lita and Raye went silent.

"What if what Raven said was true? How will we get back? And even if we do, how do we know that we will have our memories and just be able to pick things back up? When has it ever worked that way?" Serena said as she clung to Amy.

The girls all fell into silence, broken only by Serena's quiet sobs. She pushed Amy's hands off her as she rose, walking back to the window as she gaze into the starry sky, her eyes searching for any sign that her mother still lived. "The Negaverse will attack this year, if we still follow the same timeline…"

"More or less." Amy replied as she watched her carefully. "Barrick's presence has disrupted our timeline significantly, we don't know what will happen."

"Don't focus on that Serena, all we can do is live our lives now. I think we need to all stop thinking about those what ifs and just live out these moments as best we can." Lita said softly. "And in the end, this is technically, the time we were meant to live in."

"I just want to be with him…." Serena whispered as she fell back into sobs, her shoulders shaking. "IS it so much to ask that we just be together? Why is it so hard? It was hard on the Moon, it was hard on Earth and now, it is all but forbidden..."

Raye looked quickly at a puzzled Amy who once again went to Serena's side. "Serena, we will help you figure something out." She said. "This isn't over."

"She's right, we can appeal to the council, we can comb through those volumes of old laws and find something that will allow it." Amy agreed as she went to stand beside Raye. "We're still a team."

"Serena, don't give up yet." Lita said as she watched her friend. "It just may take extra time to make things right."

"Time is something we're short on." Serena trembled as she slowly lifted her head. Her deep blue eyes, full to the brim with tears look from Lita to Raye and finally to Amy. Her hands fell to her stomach which she gently laid her left hand over, the dazzling diamond Darien had given her still perched on her finger. She shook as she took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant."