UPDATED 2016

Title: Conquest

Genre: Romance/Drama

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon yet do own this storyline and Fergal, the awesome Sun King

Authors Note:

NEW NOTE: So if you haven't noticed the last few chapters and all the rest coming are going to have significant story changes.

I apparently love a good angst scene and this is proof of it. It has taken years to polish it perfectly but I am content to give it to you now.

Enjoy. It's tragic and beautiful.

So... here it is. This chapter is super painful. Gird your loins.

Serenity sighed contently as she entered into their war room. True it was nothing likes her parent's war room, in fact it wasn't even the right name but she had one for her warriors and her nonetheless. It was a giant library that Venus and Lunar had placed a massive marble and metal table in and she had spent many hours planning conquests and looking over plots in this room. Her mother detested when they called it the war room though. Venus called it there calculating room because they were always plotting their next adventure there and doing so in a very 'calculating' manner as Artemis would say.

"Ah good morning General Zoicite," Serenity said softly as she entered, her bright blue eyes spying Endymion's second in command. Zoicite stood with a regal bow.

"My lady," he smiled and she nodded her head, her frame heading towards the windows for a little peace and quiet. Her guests had been leaving all morning and she had a lull in between the next wave to depart. "Amazing is it not?" Zoicite said suddenly and Serenity glanced over her shoulder at him and smiled. She sucked in a deep breath. It was a bit amazing. In less than two weeks time she had gone from a woman who never wished to marry, let alone for love… and was suddenly now very eager to do so. Her sudden change from perhaps a more feministic view did not bother her in the least. Aside from falling helplessly in love with him she was accomplishing the impossible. She had struck a treaty with Neutral Earth. She would be a Queen to her father's people and have a life filled with love. It was a complete win-win situation and she pinched herself. She grinned at the small prick of pain that assured her she was not living a dream. She pulled herself from her thoughts and let out a breath turning back to the General. What he thought was amazing though might not be what she was dwelling on…

"What do you find amazing General?" She questioned jovially and he grinned at her.

"That all of this had already been foretold. Like we are following a grand manuscript. I am humbled by my minute part," he said with a bow of his head and Serenity's humor was peaked. She had heard from Amille that Zoicite was a bit eccentric but this was a bit extravagant.

"What? This grand scheme of peace throughout the galaxy?" She smiled at the thought and for once she actually felt it might be within her grasp. Plus… something else she never thought would. A love like her parents. Her stomach did a flip at that thought with excitement.

"Of course. Everything. His highness and you… it was almost perfect how it came together and it had to have been," he said closing his book as he moved to leave. Serenity quirked an eyebrow and she moved towards him. What a romantic Zoycite was… Amille deserved as much. Though her twin Alexander was a bit of a romance killer Amille was delicate and gentle… and deserved the world.

"What do you mean?" She said with a grin and he looked at her a moment.

"The prophecy. Gold shall streak across the sky beginning the turn of motions for the Earth's dominance. A red string will extend from the Rabbit to wrap around the Earth," Zoicite said softly and he let out a satisfied breath. When he turned to gaze upon the Princess his eyes widened a bit at the horror that was splashed across her angelic features.

"What?" She stuttered out suddenly as those words hit her. She gulped. "Where is that written?" She demanded suddenly and Zoicite felt his mouth go dry and he shook his head.

"It's just an old wives tale your highness. I was just commenting on how similar…" He trailed off as he saw her composed exterior start to crumble as a myriad of emotions rushed through her.

"Your people are very superstitious. Where is this written? Why have I never heard of it?" She breathed heatedly and Zoicite gulped and looked at her a bit sadly. "Is this just some nonsense your people have fabricated?"

"But it came from the Sun your majesty," he whispered and Serenity took a giant step back from him as if something had just stabbed into her gut. She spun on her heel and rushed to the wall of books before her. "Your Highness. This is not of importance. Please believe me," he begged following after her and she held up her hand, shooting him with a glare of pure anger that he actually took a step backwards. He watched as she helplessly searched the shelves until she came across a worn golden book. She pulled at its bindings and moved to the table pulling it open.

"Show me where it is," she demanded and he stepped towards her cautiously.

"Maybe there is a reason you did not know your highness," he breathed and she spun on him, her body shaking.

"How dare you! Show me!" She screamed and he bent over the book and began flipping through it.

"You do not want to do this. It could change everything," he said with almost a plea but she ignored him, the thoughts and anger flowing through her mind almost making her light-headed.

"Yes, finding out your whole life has been planned for you and you have been manipulated into decisions causing every thing you thought was real to be a lie will indeed change everything," she hissed over his shoulder and Zoicite closed his eyes painfully as he came to the page. She glanced down on it, her cerulean eyes taking in the words when suddenly she felt the whole world seem to stop. She had been called bunny her whole life. It was the emblem she had put on Endymion. She was feeling sick. Yet though the string shall conquer Earth the Earth shall tame the bunny claiming her as his everlasting duty, his conquest… Duty… she was someone's duty, there burden forced upon them… Conquest… she couldn't read anymore.

"Forgive me. I did not know," Zoicite said, emotion tearing at his voice and Serenity ran her finger down the words and her whole body began to shake.

"When was it given?" She breathed, her voice failing her.

"The same year you were born," he replied and he turned her to him and her eyes wouldn't face him but he saw it… the haunted look of discovering almost everything in your life… had been a lie.

"Everyone knew?" She breathed and he shook his head.

"Princess you cannot dwell on this," he tried and she pushed him off of her violently. He felt the spark of her magic and he took a hesitant step back.

"Everyone knew!?" She screamed at him again and he shook his head.

"I do not know," he confessed and suddenly she felt her heart break into a million pieces.

"Did he know? Did he know it was me?" She breathed vulnerably, her hand covering her mouth as the images of the last nine months came to her mind. Images she had grown fond of, the man… the only one who had ever made it in her heart. Her eyes suddenly stared down at her ring and she felt on the verge of shattering. Her beloved…

"Yes," Zoicite breathed and she sucked in a shattering breath and glanced up at him and Zoicite immediately felt the world seem to die. Tears glistened in her eyes.

"It was all a lie," she choked and slammed the book shut and he watched helplessly as she strode from the room. He had to tell Endymion.

She charged towards his chambers. No, what they had was more than a prophecy… perhaps for him it had started out that way but... She shook her head forcefully as she rounded a corner. He loved her… he loved her… She stared at the ring on her finger and a small tear trickled down her cheek and she shook her head. This could all be explained, he would be honest… She stilled at his door when suddenly she heard yelling. She gulped as she recognized the voice of Earth's advisor Osric. She stepped back from the slightly ajar door and as the words flowed out a part of her began to die.

"Sire, an urgent call from Earth," Kunzite suddenly hissed and Endymion suddenly turned as he spied a giant viewscreen already on and displaying Osric's odious form.

"What?" Endymion snapped approaching it as he tugged at his neck cloth.

"I am surprised you did not expect this call sooner young Prince," Osric smirked and Endymion furrowed his brow annoyed.
"I assure you I care not what you say or will obey it," he said, straight to the point and Osric shook his head.

"We are onto your little fling with Princess Serenity," Osric said suddenly and Endymion stilled, his muscles tightening a bit. "We just grow tired of waiting and wondered if you finally sealed the deal," he finished a bit with boredom and Endymion squeezed his hand into a fist to keep it from hitting something.

"I have no idea what you are speaking of."
"Please… you must have her or you wouldn't have canceled your betrothal to

Beryl," Osric continued and Endymion wondered if all of his father's court was as delusional as him.

"I canceled that betrothal as it was my father's and not my own. As for the Princess I assure you I have no plans with her whatsoever," Endymion hissed angrily.

"Did you not read the prophecy? She is being handed to you on a silver platter and you still cannot seal the deal? How your father is always right about you… you are a waste."

"I will NOT be ruled by that stupid piece of paper," Endymion roared and Osric leaned forward, his look of boredom growing annoyed.

"You will do your duty and claim that spoiled brat. She is the key to ruling this entire galaxy and the only reason you have been kept alive!" He spat and Endymion faltered a bit. That news shocked him. He was kept alive just so he could fulfill the prophecy of conquering Serenity? He felt a bitter taste in his mouth and anger go through him. "You think us fools Endymion? You think we did not allow you to chase her around the galaxy or keep her people safe on our own soil?" He spat and Endymion fell into a chair as that news hit him. His father knew about the Sun people? "If you do not come back from that conference with her hand there is no point for their protection any longer," he spat evilly and Endymion glared up at him with rage.

"I know my duty," Endymion growled up at the screen. "Yet, I also know the prophecy… and know my father will die very soon and the minute he does do you think I will keep you around?" He hissed at him and Osric suddenly looked pale. "I will soon be King and my choice of Bride is mine and mine alone. And the people on Earth are mine as well… if you dare touch them life as you know it will end. I promise you that is my duty," he growled angrily and Kunzite punched the end transmission button.

"Sire," Jedite breathed, his Prince fuming before him as his anger bounced off the walls. "The Sun people are protected. I can head down there myself to assure it but we have placed our magic around them," he began, trying to reassure his Prince.

"They know about Serenity," Endymion hissed, trying to get his heart rate under control.

"Sire, they do not know everything. They only know what is written. She is safe sire," Nephlite breathed and Endymion nodded, trying to convince himself of that. His chamber doors burst open and immediately all the men were alert, Endymion spinning to spy the intrusion.

"Sire," Zoicite said quickly as he entered and Endymion raised an eyebrow at him. Panic was radiating off of him and Kunzite walked towards him with purpose.

"What did you do?" He questioned and Zoicite shook his head sadly.

"I did not know," he breathed with a bit of panic and Endymion glanced at his other generals and Kunzite glanced back at Endymion.

"What did you not know?" Endymion questioned and Zoicite looked away, loathe for himself flowing through him.

"I did not know she was unaware of the prophecy sire," he mumbled quickly and the words bounced across the room causing doom to settle in its wake. Zoicite watched as his Prince's eyes widened than narrowed as his glass flew angrily across the room, his form immediately stalking towards his second in command.

"My Serenity?" He questioned and Zoicite looked up at him and Endymion immediately froze at the look of regret in the man's eyes.

"Sire, not only that. After I told her she came here but I do not think she ever came inside… she just listened at the door," Zoicite breathed and Endymion felt all of the air leave his lungs.

"Oh this is not good," Nephlite breathed and Zoicite shook his head miserably.

"She left when I rounded the corner. I am so sorry sire," he breathed and immediately Endymion pushed past him out of the door. He had to find her before she did anything foolish.

"You fool," Kunzite hissed grabbing onto the general's arm and Zoicite hung his head in resignation. "This will ruin everything. Everything he wants!" Kunzite said horrified and Nephlite and Jedite were immediately heading towards the door, aware of the domino affect that was about to take place.

"I did not know. It is all my fault sir," Zoicite confessed and Kunzite released him and rushed from the room after his master. Zoicite shook his head miserably and quickly turned to follow after them. This was a disaster… yet it was just beginning.

She charged into her chambers, the door slamming behind her, as anger seemed to radiate off of her. She had heard enough… after hearing him scream to Osric that he knew his duty she could hear no more. She suddenly let out a frustrated scream as she moved into her bedchambers. She had to remain calm… calm… it was all a lie. They must have all known… She stilled as memories began to play out in her mind. Her mother's subtle encouragement, her father's approving glance at the negotiation tower… Lunar… Venus. She sucked in a breath feeling like she was going to hyperventilate. Venus. Minet. Her cousin, her family. Her fingers curled into her palm and she suddenly felt water drip down her cheeks. She was crying. They had used her… used her to get a treaty. But more than that the cosmos had used her as a pawn. All of her decisions… Endymion. She was nothing more than a foretold conquest like the outcome of a war… She stilled and felt the floor come out beneath her as she fell upon her chaise near the bed. Endymion…

"No…" She breathed and shook her head violently, the tears not ceasing in their trek down her cheeks. "NO!" The word ripped from her throat painfully as her frame slipped to the floor helplessly. Sobs started to heave through her chest and she shook her head again. He had taken to her little game. He loved her. She saw it in him… she knew it. Didn't he? She returned his affections. She had even promised herself to him… she glanced at the ring on her finger and felt as if it was suddenly burning her flesh. She put a horrified hand to her mouth as she closed her eyes painfully. He was forced to be with her. Everything had been a lie. She was his duty. They had all just been playing their part. He did not love her… He never loved her. She was an obligation to him.

Her chamber doors were thrown open and she tried to crawl to her feet but the pain that was radiating through her body kept her on the floor. Everything she had come to love and desperately need wasn't real… it wasn't really hers. He wasn't hers and that thought nearly snapped her.

She heard the doors to her outer chambers open and her face scrunched in annoyance. She cursed herself for being so out of control… she had unconsciously broadcasted her distress across the palace. As quickly as her embarrassment came anger soon replaced it. Good… let them come and see their handiwork.

"Your highness!" Lunar screamed rushing into the room, Venus and Mercury on her heels.

"Serenity!" Fergal yelled rushing up behind them and they stilled in her bedchamber doorways. Her form was rumpled on the ground and she glanced over her shoulder at them, her face scrunched with tears, redness around her features as she gripped to the chair before her.

"How could you?" Her voice was hoarse and Venus rushed to her side, Queen Selenity rushing into the room. Her husband's arm suddenly stopped her as they stared at the broken form of their daughter.

"Sere what is it? Did he hurt you? What is wrong?" Venus cried trying to grab her face and Serenity violently pushed her away from her as if her touch had burned her.

"How could you!" She wept suddenly and the whole room vibrated with her anger. The ripples of emotion coming from her left them in shock. It felt as if she was dying yet she looked well.

"Serenity, my darling what has happened?" Fergal demanded as his face creased with worry at her appearance. More feet entered into the room as Jupiter and Mars pushed their way in. Her distress had called them all… she could not even suffer her embarrassment alone. Her eyes closed painfully, wishing they would all vanish but they deserved to see her like this… deserved to see what consequences their meddling produced.

"Princess!" Mars cried than she gasped horrified seeing Venus and Serenity on the floor, the pain radiating from the small bright form stabbed her straight into her heart.

"Sere what are you talking about?" Venus questioned, when just as Serenity's distress had disturbed them their minds were suddenly assaulted with her conversation with Zoycite. Venus winced pulling back, seeing Lunar and the King and Queen doing the same. Her memories were invasive and slapped across them painfully. Realization began to dawn on them as now her waves of distress were starting to make sense.

"Serenity…" Venus whispered, ready to prove her wrong.

"I seem to be ruled by prophecies…" Serenity baited, her eyes narrowing as she now suddenly hated every worn book in her parent's library that was lined with golden thread. "A prophecy about my power… about my death… about the burden I would be to the man I loved…" Her voice choked and gave out.

"My darling," Queen Selenity cooed, desperate to comfort her but Serenity spun on them, grabbing her bedpost and pulling herself to her feet with struggle.

"How many of you knew?" She bellowed and Mars covered her mouth in horror as tears began to build within Mercury's eyes. "How many of you helped this prophecy come true!?" She screamed, her voice hitching at them and Lunar gulped, Artemis appearing behind her.

"Baby…" Fergal said approaching her and she launched at him pushing him back.

"Your people did this!" She shrieked and Fergal froze, pain slamming into his heart at her words.

"Our people," he corrected quietly and she felt more tears escape her eyes.

"Am I nothing but a tool?" She began, her fingers trying to push away at her tears.

"Why? Why did you push him at me?" She yelled and beat against his chest and he wrapped his arms around her, her form collapsing painfully in his arms. "Now I'll never know if it is real… I am my own person!" Serenity screamed into his chest and Fergal felt tears fill his eyes as he tightened his arms around her.

"I know baby," he breathed and she shook her head painfully, not believing his words for a second. Queen Selenity took a step forward than stopped, pain etching across her features at her daughter's agony. Venus shook her head unbelievingly as she looked at her guardians. They had no answers upon their faces. They were all too shocked at the situation before them. They could have never imagined Serenity would react this way to the prophecy.

Many prophecies had been made about Serenity when she had been born. That she would bring peace to the galaxies. That she would fight a great war, be left alone yet would be victorious… That she would be tamed by one man. The last seemed the most invasive, which is why they had kept it from her. Secretly, Venus knew she wouldn't take it well… but this… this she should have been prepared for and looking around the room… no one was prepared for this.

"Seren!" A new voice echoed into the room cautiously and Serenity's frame froze and she pushed out of her father's arms.

"Your highness," Artemis said suddenly trying to cut him off. This was not going to end well.

"Get off of me," Endymion bellowed pushing past him and into the room. He felt her anguish… her anger… her rage and it hit him like a meteorite. "Seren!" He called coming in the room than he stilled, his jaw setting at her appearance. Her reddened eyes shot to his and the tears smeared down her face and his heart broke a bit at her vulnerability. He had never seen her so raw. "Seren…" He whispered and she shook her head, her body visibly shaking.

"Did you know about it?" She growled and he pressed his lips together tightly and looked down a bit. "This prophecy… did you know about it!?" She yelled and Endymion held her gaze.

"Yes. We have it in our book of prophecy. It is how I know of my father's demise. How I knew… knew I could win you," he confessed with a slight gulp and she put a hand to her mouth and shook her head turning away from him.

"Here I always thought you were just hopeful he would die… It never crossed my mind you had a date," she growled remembering their conversations about when they could marry. Another thought suddenly struck her. "Am I the prophecy you said you hated?" She inquired quietly, reminding him of their talk on Venus and he gulped a bit, the answer obvious in his eyes. She almost choked but instead sucked in a deep breath, fighting hard to regain her strength.

"Seren…" He tried again and she held up a hand stopping him and he could see a sob tearing through her as her strength began to fail her.

"So… you knew it was me? I was some duty to you… some crown," she hissed at him and he pressed his lips together and shook his head.

"It wasn't like that. I loathed the prophecy, I wanted my own life. The thought of having my own bride chosen for me… but you, all you wanted was a treaty from me. I was some prize to add to your collection," he yelled back at her and Venus put a hand over her mouth as she felt Serenity's pain wash over her. She sauntered up to him and Endymion wanted more than anything to pull her into his arms.

"You're right. You were. The impossible treaty," her words stung into him and his eyes narrowed. "So, just to be clear… all you were to me was a piece of paper and all I was to you was a foreseen duty," she hissed at him, a few tears streaming down her cheeks and Endymion sucked in a painful breath. He had never seen her like this. His brave Serenity… she did love him. "Well, you promised me my paper… so here is your duty," she stepped towards him, resigned and his jaw locked.

"Not this way Seren," he breathed and she pushed at him and he stumbled back a bit in shock.

"You knew and you still played my game!" She said throwing her hands up backing away from him. She placed a hand on her stomach and felt like the contents were going to come up.

"Was it ever really a game?" He breathed glancing at her and her nostrils flared as another wave of anger passed over her.

"No, it apparently never was! It was some orchestrated plot just to gain a damn peace treaty!" She screamed, her chest heaving, trying to get air into her thirsty lungs.

"That is what all of your games are Seren… why are you suddenly upset that this one had some cosmic prophecy behind it?" Endymion breathed back at her and she sniffed turning towards him.

"Because you are supposed to be different!" She retaliated and Endymion felt his heart start to hurt. "We were supposed to be different…" she felt a loss suddenly as that image seemed to evaporate from her mind. She had unknowingly put him on a pedestal as the one true thing she had ever encountered… and as it crumbled it fell upon her and she felt as if she couldn't breath. Selenity sucked in a deep breath and Venus could only stare, unable to remove her gaze even though she wanted to so badly. "This was supposed to be my choice. My one… I gave everything for peace, will give it all but I needed this one thing to be real, to be more than a crown…" She suddenly sucked in a deep breath and regained a bit of herself. She would not give him the satisfaction. Her eyes turned to them with anger once more. "Why did you keep this prophecy from me? Did you think I could not handle it? Did you think me fragile?" She spat at the others in the room.

"We wanted you to have your own choice," Fergal breathed guiltily and Serenity let out a scream of frustration.

"I did not get a choice! He obviously did not get a choice!" She screamed pointing towards Endymion and the young Prince charged forward, enveloping her in his arms. She melted into him against her better judgment as his warmth flooded her. Her body was so trained to want him… she still wanted him and that made her feel weak. "Is that why you went along with my peace committee so easily? It was a foolish idea wasn't it?" She wept and Endymion tightened his arms around her. "Why did you befriend me? To make your sentence with me more bearable?" Her words spat at him and he immediately let her go.

"You act like this was easy for me! It was never a game to me Serenity!" He spat and she took a step back and felt as if he had punched her in the gut.

"My deepest apologies for inconveniencing you Prince," she breathed and he shook his head, this was getting out of control. "I think we can safely say our betrothment is off… I'd hate to inconvenience you further. Plus I was not bred to be a trophy wife no matter what that damn prophecy says," she spat angrily, her eyes narrowing and Endymion shook his head as anger flashed through him. She was dissolving their union in front of her entire court… did she not even care about his feelings? His side of things?

"No one ever doubted you would not be an amazing Queen. Your peace committee proved once and for all how supremely qualified you are. If anything I am sure they were happy I came on the scene so you would stop your psycho treaty hunt that threatened to ruin your propriety," he spat angrily at her and her shoulders buckled at his biting words. Her eyes glanced to her parents and watched the guilt slowly build upon their faces at his words. She had been embarrassing them? His hand grabbed her arm swinging her back to him, their eyes meeting. "The treaty was never about marriage. You came to me in distress and I gave a solution. I asked, you accepted. The prophecy was about peace… I did not have to marry you to get any of this. I would not have even tried so hard with you if I had not known about it," he hissed and Jupiter's eyes narrowed and she moved forward to pummel him into the ground. Serenity stilled as the words slammed into her heart and she felt like she was going to choke. So he forced himself to like her. It had been a lie. He did it. Just to break her heart… She was nothing to him. He winced hearing her thought and looked away, his fingers falling away from her arm and she stumbled a step. Artemis stepped in front of Jupiter restraining her and Mercury curled her hands into fists at her side as she looked away from the situation, tears streaming down her cheek as anger seemed to hit at him from all sides.

"You bastard," Mars hissed out and Endymion moved to touch his future bride again. He didn't want a scene with his emotions shown out in front of the entire Lunarian Royal Family. This was between him and Serenity. She had to understand… had to know… She spun around and he stopped when he felt a searing pain cross his cheek. She had slapped him. She had struck him. He stared at her in shock. Queen Selenity gasped and Lunar hid behind Artemis as the Princess stood her ground. She could hear more footsteps enter as Endymion's royal guard piled into the room. Good. They were all here. They would all know… they were all in on it after all weren't they?

Serenity it was not like that. Please my daughter believe us.

Her mother's voice echoed in her head as she felt others try to sooth her. Immediately she shut out the voices of her guard and she shot a look at her Mother and Selenity pressed her lips together tightly, holding her resolve. Do not do this. Her mother breathed in her mind and Serenity's head shook and she turned her gaze once more to the man before her. The only one who had ever made her melt… damn him. Kunzite felt the tension in the room and blinked as he saw Venus on the floor, tears streaming down her face as she stared helplessly at her Princess. Immediately his hand went to his sword and his eyes flung to his master.

"Sire," he breathed in a question and Endymion ignored him, his gaze only on the Princess before them. Kunzite held up a hand holding back his Generals as they took in the scene before them. This was not going to be good. Serenity sucked in a deep breath, regaining her resolve.

"Peace. Fine. I want the treaty with a guarantee for my people and I want you to never come near me or this palace ever again," she hissed angrily and everyone in the room seemed to stop breathing. Endymion could hear his own heart beating in his chest and he shook his head stepping towards her.

"You know I cannot do that," he tried and she laughed incredulously, her eyes rolling upwards at his audacity than she stared at him heatedly as her finger pointed at him dangerously.

"Yes you can! Everyone knows it. It has been foretold. You could have given it to me months ago yet you wanted to play a game with me, to see how far you could take it. See how much you could conquer me… that's what the prophecy said didn't it? The Earth shall tame the Bunny making her his everlasting duty… his conquest," she spat the words with disdain. "Well, now you know, everyone knows," she hissed mockingly motioning to the vast audience that now was watching her break down and Endymion grabbed her hand and pulled it down, pulling her body into his embrace as he brought his face close to hers, his other hand cupping her cheek, his eyes bearing into her own.

"I meant that I cannot stay away from you Serenity," he whispered heatedly and she felt her resolve break as he touched her. Her face shifted into pain and he released her hand and wrapped his arm around her almost forcing her to fall in his arms. Her eyes closed tightly as just the feel of his warmth beside her made her heart shatter.

I love you. You are it for me… I am yours… Except none of it was real was it? I was your duty… You've won. You broke my heart.

The broken sound of her voice echoed in his mind and his eyes shut painfully as his fingers gripped to her, in hopes that this wasn't happening. He felt her hand press against his chest as she tried to pull out of his arms.
"Allow me to make it easier for you to stay away," her voice rasped and he felt heat begin to pool in his chest and he pulled back in time to see the hatred spring to her eyes before his form vaulted away from her to across the room. He slammed into the wall, her power surging through him like a lightning bolt as unconsciousness tried to take him. He tried to keep his eyes open and watched helplessly as she yanked the ring off of her finger and threw it at him. It clanked as it slid across the floor and he felt his heart shatter. He ground his teeth trying to move his body to get it but it didn't respond. Lunar and Artemis rushed quickly to his side, as the sound of a sword being unsheathed cut through the room. Venus was immediately on her feet, her sword drawn as she stepped in front of Serenity, Kunzite before her.

"Stop this!" Fergal commanded quickly yet Venus stood her ground, her eyes blazing into her loves, as information seemed to pass between them. He knew she would kill him if he dared attack her princess and he nodded as his fingers gripped to his sword, never lowering it as it pointed towards her.

"We are not declaring war on Earth. Lower your weapons now," Queen Selenity ordered forcefully and Venus slowly lowered her sword, Kunzite following suite.

"Are you happy now?" Venus felt the words breathed across her shoulder and she cringed turning towards her Princess, horror etching across her face at the hatred that displayed there towards her.

"Serenity…" Venus shook out and Serenity's power crackled out towards her pushing her back as more tears flowed down her cheeks. Venus stumbled backwards and Kunzite rushed forward, catching her effortlessly as she tried to replant her feet. Fergal and Selenity watched horrified as their daughter pushed her power down, pulling it back inside her before she turned on her cousin.

"Are you happy now? You were right… you have always been right. You knew everything. Now I know why… Was any of our life together real?" Serenity cried and Venus felt all of the air leave her lungs and her eyes narrowed.

"How dare you," she breathed, a sob tearing through her. "I was doing my duty!" Venus yelled and Serenity closed her eyes painfully, balling her hands into a fists.

"I am more than a duty! I am a person! A woman who devoted everything to everyone else only to find out she is some obligation to everyone around her. Something they have to put up with," she screamed and the words slammed like daggers into the four warriors. Kunzite felt Venus loose all of her strength as he supported her. Mercury sucked in a shattering breath as she fell onto Jupiter, Mars hitting the floor as failure flashed throughout them. They had betrayed her.

"Serenity! You know that is not true. And this is not there fault. Do not punish them for something none of us had control of," Fergal hissed rushing towards his daughter. His hands gripped her shoulders and she looked up at him sadly. Her father. Her favorite person in the whole universe. "We did not want to do this to you."

"Than why did you?" She whispered, her eyes imploring him for a reason for there lies, for their pushing. "Was this supposed to be my great adventure? Falling helplessly for a man who was just forced to do his duty?" She breathed between sobs and Fergal felt his heart break and his fingers released her. She stumbled back and shook her head, swatting at the tears that had ceased to stop falling. "I will no longer be your pawn," she cried, her eyes turning away from all of them. "I fought my whole life to be something different… to be my own and it was not my own was it? I can see all of the manipulation… all of the lies to get me here. I have failed at being myself. A prophecy is a word that will happen on it's own… you all pushed me to this point! You knew and would not tell me. Did you like the idea of a connection with the Neutral Planet? Is that why you pushed it? You were all playing with destiny. Playing with me," she breathed and shook her head, her hands gripping onto her bedpost for strength.

Endymion lifted his head, consciousness knocking on his head as Artemis and Lunar tried to assess the damage done by Serenity's power. Lunar was a bit fearful as she ran her fingers across the Prince's chest looking for blood. She had never seen Serenity use her power in anger. She was never supposed to. It was too strong and if it got out of her control she would not be able to reel it back in. He groaned in pain and than sat up with Artemis' help and immediately his eyes shot angrily towards his Princess as his voice came back to him.

"Did you not come after me on your own accord?" He ground out hoarsely at her, his eyes blazing with anger towards her as Artemis tried to help him to his feet. Immediately his generals were at his side. Zoicite grabbed his arm trying to help him up when Endymion shot him a look that froze him to his core. He pushed at his hands and Zoicite released him. He gulped painfully stepping away as Endymion accepted the help from others to get to his feet. Serenity glanced at him disdainfully.

"It was planted in my head… baited at me… The uncatchable catch," she snapped and Endymion shook his head.

"No one made you continue the affair… I had already given peace and alluded to alliance affinity at the Negotiation tower… your affair should have ended!" He growled. Mercury covered her eyes and shook her head not wishing this to be happening. They loved each other. They loved each other and because of this damn prophecy they were doomed.

"But you know why it didn't," she hiccupped painfully. Endymion pushed away from the help to walk slowly and painfully towards her. He shook his head angrily.

"You wanted me for me because I was the first person who wanted you for you and not your damn beauty or crown," he growled at her and she felt the tears well in her eyes once more as she looked at him.

"Still such a terrible liar Prince? Did I not hear you tell your advisor what I was to you? You are nothing to me but a conquest," she breathed emotionlessly and Endymion felt the pain of those words slam into his heart and it pissed him off more.

"Why are you letting this piece of paper ruin everything?" He hissed at her and slowly, with sorrow he watched her resolve return and any chance of reconciliation fly out of the window as she shut him out of her life completely. His heart broke. He loved her and now he would never have her. He heard her footsteps towards him before his gaze met her, her form coming an inch before his own. Her eyes were dull and lifeless, her mischievous nature gone, her love for him… gone.

"Because unlike you young Prince… I cannot live a lie. I will not be your obligation. I will not be anyone's burden to bear," she muttered painfully and Endymion's face-hardened. "Get off my planet," she hissed and reached up, ripping her seal off of his shoulder angrily before she turned away. Dismissing him as nothing to her.

"You said you were mine," he reminded her, his voice threatening to break. "That you would love me alone for the rest of your days," his voice cracked and Serenity closed her eyes painfully, another tear sliding out.

"I am a woman of my word," she whispered and Endymion sucked in a breath and others around the room felt Serenity's heartbreak once more. "We are done here Prince. Congratulations on winning the heart of a woman who will never let you touch her again," she hissed, her back straightening. His face-hardened and he glanced away from her perfect form.

"So be it Princess," he huffed and turned walking painfully towards the exit, her power still vibrating through him as his generals followed on his heel. No exchanges between warriors were made. No eye contact. They knew what this meant. If Serenity could not have her love, they would not either and they would not want it any other way. Queen Selenity moved towards her daughter than stopped a foot before her.

"Serenity what are you doing? He loves you… everyone can see it. I cannot let you do this. You are betrothed to be married!" She cried and Serenity glanced at her mother and the deep hurt and loathing of the situation slammed into her from those troubled eyes.

"How come everyone can see it but me? Has he ever told me? Why did he not tell me now? Do you not think I would have thrown myself into his arms if he would have just told me he loved me?!" She cried, "But he couldn't… because none of it was real," she breathed painfully. "I could not be his duty when I wanted to be so much more. It had all been a lie…" She whispered and immediately Selenity's arms were around Serenity as her frame lost all of it's strength and fell to the floor. The two monarchs began to sob upon each other as they settled on the ground. Fergal rushed to them as Artemis pulled Lunar into his arms.

"What have we done?" Lunar breathed and Artemis shook his head, a tear sliding from his eye.

"Our duty," he rasped and a sob tore through Lunar. Mars stepped angrily towards him pointing helplessly at her princess.

"So we were meant to hurt her!?" She screamed and Artemis looked at her with no answer.

"We should have told her," Mercury breathed as her frame fell slowly to the floor. "Funny… we did not tell her so she could make her own decision. Yet, she never got that chance either," Mercury mused and Jupiter leaned against the doorframe, pain coursing through her at every sob that tore through her Princess' chest. They had betrayed her without even trying. Now she was broken and none of them knew if she would ever be fixed.

Venus sat quietly outside of her door. She had refused to leave and as such Mars had been in charge making sure servants were bringing their leader food as she took care of watching over the Alliance. Serenity had not talked to anyone in over a week. Her mind was completely shut off from the castle and only her remnants of anger and betrayal lingered. Within three days Endymion had sent over a treaty of peace that was to be put in immediate effect when he took the throne along with his request for Alliance Affiliation. It also stated that Serenity was the only Queen over the Sun Kingdom refugees and therefore owned all of the land they lived upon. Serenity had accomplished the impossible… a treaty with a neutral land and protection for her people and she could not even revel in it.

Slowly an eye opened as a breath escaped her lips. She seemed to live within these sheets and she turned over as if it would free her from the despair she felt. She groaned wanting to escape when she sat up and blinked. There was a sparkle on her floor. With a sigh she slinked out of bed. She had paced her floor endlessly and cursed the skies for the last few days and realized she did not want to oversleep again for the rest of her existence. She sat before the sparkle and grabbed it haphazardly. It was time for her to come out of her room. Looking at the door she knew Venus was sitting before it awaiting her. Awaiting to be forgiven. And she would forgive her… she had to. But nothing would ever be as it was. She couldn't escape destiny. Everything she thought had been her own choice had been a lie… now she was going to do her duty. Bring peace and nothing more. Her fingers clasped around the small ring and she let out a breath. She would marry, produce an heir and that was all. That is what she was born for. She stared at the small piece of jewelry… it shimmered and shined with love yet it was tainted love. Not real. Her fingertip tapped the stone helplessly as it reminded her of what she lost. She turned the ring over to notice an earthen language scribbled inside.

To my Seren. My forever conquest.

Her eyes closed painfully as something that use to be so intimate now turned her stomach to hatred.

"My forever conquest," she breathed and than chucked the ring forcefully across the room. She would show them all. This was her life. She would not choose their destiny. She would prove the prophecy wrong. He may have 'tamed' her but she would never be his… never. Even if that was what she wanted. She would be no one's "duty".