Authors Note: Deepest apologies... been crazy distracted lately.

Here is a big chunk and after this... comes all my favorite favorite parts. I mean this is ok... but keep hanging on folks. Dessert is coming.

Enjoy and please leave a review! I know I am guilty of it all the time... not reviewing but it really means a lot to us to know you liked it so much (or didn't) to give us your time in a review. All love!

"This is completely unnecessary," his voice was full of annoyance as he took in the bustling ballroom before him littered with brightly colored costumes, insane amount of laughter and music that was far above the decent decibel for enjoyment.

"How exactly can we present the good face of Earth when… they cannot see your face sire?" Nephlite questioned beside him and Kunzite let out a tolerating breath taking in his master and brother, half of their faces hidden by different colored masks.

"I feel the need to remind you again that Uranus is a strange planet with different customs that are both unique and special," Kunzite repeated faithfully and Endymion's dark ocean eyes turned with frustration to his head General.

"Really? I had not noticed," he snapped at him when suddenly slender digits grabbed onto the lapels of his coat and drug the young Prince onto the dance floor. Kunzite and Nephlite immediately moved to stop the young lady than stilled, unsure who she was exactly and if it would start an intergalactic incident.

"I think I will stand down at the next Uranus function sir," Nephlite hissed and Kunzite nodded, his eyes scanning the room for some sign of the Moon Court's presence. Serenity at least better be here if his Prince was going to have to suffer all the unwanted touching of random women.

…..…..

Endymion sucked in a deep breath and ducked towards an alcove. It soon registered on him that this was not an ordinary ball full of ladies and gentlemen… instead it was a semi-love fest fueled by much drink. He felt his skin crawl as he remembered the last three ladies he had to disentangle himself from. This time… he seriously would kill Serenity. She wasn't worth this…

"Oh she might be," a voice suddenly teased beside him and Endymion straightened, removing his mask and the woman before him removed hers as well revealing sea green eyes surrounded by similar curls that framed her flawless face. "Forgive my intrusion young Prince. Sometimes it is hard to turn off…" she breathed gently holding out her hand and Endymion dutifully took it, kissing the knuckles softly.

"Lady Neptune," he whispered and she smirked glancing out towards the ruckus happening on the dance floor.

"Not your kind of party?" She questioned and Endymion let out a breath.

"I imagine it would have been three or four years ago when I was perhaps more naive to the worlds around me…" he mumbled thoughtfully and her laughter floated around them almost like a musical instrument. It was quite enchanting.

"How old you sound," she teased. "But also how wise. I must admit these parties do grow old… unless you find the right person to disappear with," she mumbled sweetly and Endymion glanced out at the couples littering the room.

"Who do you disappear with?" he inquired, his voice deepened by a tease and her cheeks blushed a sweet crimson.

"That would be me," a voice said from behind him and Endymion turned to encounter the Lady of Uranus herself. "I do throw quite an inappropriate bash don't I?" She confessed with a bit of a frown, her eyes alive with merriment.

"Depends on your definition of inappropriate," Endymion responded and the young woman let out a deep laugh.

"Spoken like a true politician Prince Endymion," she teased. "I am Haru, sworn protector of Uranus and our fair Princess. Mara my Mistress," Haru smiled motioning to the Lady of Neptune and she winked playfully at the young man.

"A true pleasure," he breathed taking both of their hands and kissing each one in turn.

"Not yet," Haru chuckled and Endymion smirked a bit at her. "I hear you are to blame for the protection of Mercury… Mara is quite fond of her sister planet and was most thankful," Haru smiled and Endymion let out a breath.

"I am afraid I just happened to be at the right place at the right time for the Princess to shoot a comet through me," Endymion admitted and Mara gently linked her arm through his.

"You hide so much young Prince… you must know that your true talents are written all over your face," she smiled and Endymion looked at her a bit taken aback.

"What talent is that?" he inquired and Haru smiled lifting her goblet of wine to her lips.

"That you will be a very great King," Mara finished, her eyes twinkling up at him and Endymion felt his mouth go dry at such a compliment.

"Yes, if only we could kill your father," Haru chuckled once more and Mara shushed her love.

"In time," she called then slowly pulled away from the young Prince to float gracefully into her love's embrace. "We hope you enjoy the party Prince Endymion…"

"Yes, I hope something piques your interest… or I'll have to try much harder next time," Haru winked and Endymion watched the two float away into the barrage of overly touchy couples.

"Care to dance?" a voice breathed beside him and Endymion turned his gaze to a small brunette and he pressed his lips together. She had pulled him onto the dance floor much easier than he would have liked. Quickly his eyes scanned for an exit as her frame pressed against his own. She would be difficult to shake… where was his bloody men?

"Sorry lady… but this big boy is with me," a familiar voice hissed when he felt small hands curl around him and yank him from the grasp of the unidentified lecherous woman. Endymion blinked spying blue curls and a flowing blue gown as a pale blue mask covered half of her face. She yanked him into her arms and he stumbled after her as she took off through a tapestry and into a deserted hall. They were silent for a moment and he finally cleared his throat, her fingers still holding onto his hand as she pulled him along the corridor.

"Nice to see you again Amille," he greeted and she giggled turning playful eyes towards him.

"The same to you young Prince. I hope I didn't wait too long to rescue you," she smiled and he let out a deep breath. "I just couldn't bare to see those lusty inebriated girls keep grabbing at you all night like you were some piece of meat," she hissed effortlessly as she pulled him down a small flight of stairs and than knocked upon a darkened door.

"Where are we going Amille? Do my guards know where I am?" He questioned and the Senshi turned to him, her eyes bright and alive.

"Sire, do you think I cannot take care of you myself? I am greatly offended…" She snapped and he pressed his lips together, guilt washing over his face at his misconstrued words.

"I did not mean that at all," he tried quickly and she smiled as the door opened.

"I would hope not. I am in your debt sire… you should know that means quite a lot on my planet," she informed and he glanced into the brightly lit room to spy his generals and three other ladies sitting around a table.

"There you are," her soft voice hit his ears and his shoulders relaxed as he was escorted inside. "I really should have told Lunar to exclude you from one of these things but… I felt if I had to suffer, you should as well," Serenity taunted than smirked laying down her cards upon the table. Litelle growled throwing down her hand as she pushed her chips towards Serenity.

Suddenly her frame was turned and her bright blue eyes met dark blue.
"I am going to go as far to say that at least four women tried to leave their DNA

imprint on me… a warning would have been so kind," his eyes were narrowed in annoyance and Serenity laughed merrily at his distress. Gently her fingers took his face into her hands and he frowned disapprovingly at her.

"How about I give you a big fat treaty… would that make up for your distress?" she inquired and his eyes rolled skyward.

"Shall I deal you in sire?" Reilie asked with a small smile as she shuffled the deck and Endymion pulled his cravet loose and slumped into the chair beside the Moon Princess.

"Fine but I must warn you I will feel no guilt whatsoever when I beat you all," he snapped at them and Serenity laughed once more.

…..…..

He had quickly determined that Uranus would be the place to go if one needed to forget their worries and dance the night away… it was only confirmed the next morning when fruit and a strong beverage was delivered to his room the next morning with instructions that the next meal would be much later in the day to provide the 'proper' recovery.

When that meal did come he was a bit surprised at the formality of it. Until the wine started flowing freely…

"So, how are my people?" Her sweet voice inquired beside him and Endymion glanced at the moon goddess patiently.

"You just saw them last week," he snapped and her lips curled upwards.

"A lot can happen in a week," she returned and he had to smile a bit at her devotion to them, though it was clear he had still not forgiven her from the party the previous evening. Her eyes took in his frame thoughtfully than let out a breath.

"You do know your Advisor Osric sent over a proposal of marriage for you correct?" Serenity suddenly stated as she began to work on the food before her. Endymion's eyes widened horrified and he dropped his fork with a thunk, almost choking on the wine in his mouth. "Do not worry… I declined it politely," she smiled and he cursed angrily under his breath.

"Has no one any respect for what I may want?" He snapped, suddenly not in the mood to eat. His eyes turned to the young Princess and he huffed. "How did you not know it was from me?" he questioned and she smirked at him, winking at him playfully.

"I am afraid they spelled your name wrong…" she confessed and immediately he chuckled at the absurdity. "Plus they demanded quite a lot for you… I mean usually people offer me things for my hand, you demanded my Kingdom as well as at least three male heirs," she huffed with a shake of her head and Endymion shook his head than stilled.

"You are lying to me aren't you?" he accused and Serenity let out a soft giggle.

"Of course. But at least you don't look upset with me anymore… I rather your anger be towards someone other than me," she smiled casting a glance at him and Endymion let out a deep breath.

"I just do not see how attending such a gala has helped me gain esteem in the other galaxy's eyes… it seemed none of them were in attendance." He breathed and Serenity gently curled her fingers around a few of his, his gaze turning to meet hers.

"Sometimes we do things to support others just to support them… it doesn't always make sense or have to be something we like but just them knowing we are there for them can make all the difference in the world," she breathed and he squeezed her fingers back. "Although you probably did not need to make out with so many women… I mean they probably do think poorly of Earth," she teased lifting her glass of wine to her lips when suddenly she cried out with a bit of a small whine, yanking her fingers away from him.

"I had to make it look believable darling. Forgive me for making you jealous…" he taunted and her eyes widened in shock.

"Serenity," a voice called down the table and the Princess let her gaze with the Prince hold a moment longer than she tore away. What a pompass…

…..…..

Lunar waited patiently at the transport and Serenity smirked a bit as she and her father neared.

"Must be a Neptune Concert," Fergal confirmed and Serenity slid her arm through her father's contently. "I am afraid she only gets that look from one other thing and I do not see him near," he hissed to his daughter and Lunar motioned towards the transport as she cleared her throat.

"It is ungentlemanly to discuss a woman's heart so openely that he does not own," Lunar warned and Fergal bowed his head in apology.

"Indeed it is Lady Lunar, but I have not always had the most gentlemanly reputation have I?" He questioned and Lunar let out a soft sigh as Mars and Jupiter followed the King and Princess inside.

"So my darling, how goes your conquest?" Fergal asked curiously as she settled beside him.

"What conquest?" Serenity inquired with a small smile and Fergal glanced at her amused.

"You are not still pursuing the Prince of Earth? I thought that was what this whole Peace Committee was about," he mused and Serenity shrugged gracefully.

"Perhaps in the beginning yet I am afraid when he gained our people the need to display his good character took on a brand new meaning," Serenity mused softly and Fergal let out a deep breath, a silence falling over him as his people came to his mind.

Gently Serenity laid her head upon his shoulder, offering him comfort through their bond.

"He has taken great care of them…" She whispered and he gently kissed her head.

"I am forever in his debt," Fergal whispered and she nodded, lacing her fingers with his. "What do you think of him?" He inquired and Serenity pressed her lips together thoughtfully.

"I have not really met another quite like him and I am still trying to determine what that means…" She mused honestly and Fergal chuckled.

"Yet, you do still sleep with him?" He inquired and Serenity smirked.

"Of course, the man has skill," she hissed and Fergal pushed her away a bit horrified.

"Daughter!" He chastised and she giggled helplessly.

"Father!" She responded and Mars giggled a bit from their left.

"She is in love with one of their generals," Serenity accused and Mars narrowed her eyes playfully.

"I have admitted no such thing," she responded sweetly and Fergal shot the Martian a look.

"I shall admit I am far gone," Jupiter admitted honestly and Serenity shook her head helplessly.

"They all are," she admitted and Fergal blinked.

"What if you do not get a treaty from him?" Fergal inquired honestly, suddenly seeing the gravity of Serenity's situation now… the Prince possessed her people and held the hearts of all of her warriors. Warriors he had always assumed would not fall in love… perhaps that was a terrible assumption. They were people behind their powers much like his beloved daughter was.

"Guess I will have to marry him then," she admitted a bit sadly and Fergal sucked in a deep breath.

"Marriage my darling is not the end of the world. It could be quite the grand adventure," he informed when suddenly the transport began to dock.

"I doubt it but I thank you for your sweet encouragement," Serenity smiled kissing her father's nose lovingly.

…..…..

Three months. He glanced at the invitation before him and let out a breath. Thankfully his father never cared about where he was or what he was doing so the fact that he had been visiting other worlds for the last three months was lost on the fool completely. Not on Osric though…

"Are you trying to marry one of those aliens?" His nasal voice cut through the solitude of his study and Endymion felt his shoulders tense.

"If I was it would be none of your concern," Endymion spat and the sniveling excuse for a man stormed closer, his shoes clicking on the old mahogany floor.

"You are lucky I do not tell your father," he began when suddenly Endymion was on his feet facing him.

"What will my father do? He has already tried to kill me numerous times… but those four pesky gods that follow me keep getting in his way don't they?" Endymion spat a bit calmly and Osric gulped a bit. "I have resolved to not kill that odious man since I don't want his death to be on my conscience… you on the other hand…" Endymion mumbled tilting his head to the side and measuring the man up. It would be simple to snap his neck where he stood…

"Why do you not just marry that Moon brat and get this over with?" Osric yelled at him and a small smirk curved on Endymion's lips.

"And give you the satisfaction? I'm afraid the Moon will always be out of my father's reach Osric…" He hissed when suddenly a forceful hand was laid on Osric's shoulder.

"Osric, how nice of you to stop by for a chat. I was just going for a walk… join me?" Jedite's voice hissed over Osric's shoulder and Endymion watched the panic flitter to his dull brown eyes as Jedite dragged him from the room.

"What do you think your father would do with the Moon if you married her?" Kunzite's voice questioned suddenly in the air and Endymion grinned turning back to his desk to pick up the discarded invitation. He was amused Kunzite had been in the room the entire time yet at no point made an effort to stop him from threatening Osric…

"My father is darkness… he means to infect everything he touches with darkness," Endymion began as he turned towards the vast windows and he could see a small outline of the moon in the afternoon sky. "No need to subject innocent people to the horrors he has subjected me too."

Kunzite glanced at his Prince as he bounced the invitation in his hand.

"A bachelor party for the Prince of Jupiter," Endymion offered and he could see the confusion flitter across his face at being invited to such an intimate affair. "How long will I be able to ride this "hero" moniker they have attached to me since the Sun Imploded? Until my father trains weapons on one of them again?" He questioned and Kunzite drew in a breath knowing the worry his Prince was putting on himself.

"I do not think it was lightly that the Princess started this… peace committee," Kunzite began walking towards him. "I don't think the other planets were exactly willing to let you into their lives, saving a kingdom or not… she has opened this door for you sire. She wants you to walk through it… I think you should and see what may come. Whether this ends the way we think it might or not, she is giving you a chance to make peace with the galaxy in preparation of your reign," he finished and Endymion nodded.

"Sometimes I am in awe of her selflessness," Endymion confessed and Kunzite nodded taking the invitation from his fingers. "She makes me want to be a better King," he breathed and Kunzite's tiers slowly rose into a smirk. "Makes me hope she will indeed rule the universe one day… because what a great universe that would be," he finished and Kunzite nodded.

"Indeed sire," he said moving to answer the invitation with its appropriate RSVP.