Alright. So let's cover a few things:

1) King Torquil is a right bastard, and he will only get more disagreeable as the story continues. I wrote him that way. In my opinion not every Monarch of the Silver Allegiance is going to be as sweet as a parfait. They are all flawed as the human we are now. So you will see that not every one will be picture perfect. k?

2) When are we going to see some more Serenity/Endy moments? Well this story has taken on a life of its own. I think about different plot twists and conections very frequently, so all I can say is we will see them when appropriate. There is a lot to cover (though we are about half way through) in the back story of the scouts and the generals. Once most of that is done, I can start concentrating on our star couople.

Thank you for your reviews and reading thus far. Continue to let me know if this story is good, any flaws, or suggestions. I am open.

Marina-

Chapter 6

Where the hell was it?

The sound of heels against marble flooring could be heard as a pair of boot-clad feet wandered around. Wavy brown hair flowed past her shoulders as Lita went down another corridor that led her to be even more lost. All these doors look the same! She was trying to find the hall that led her to the dining room. She didn't have this problem before because she was usually escorted by the generals. Lita slowed her pace as she thought about one general in particular.

To say she had been surprised to find the human was able to feel would be ridiculous. More so, he had completely unhinged her with the intensity he felt for her. She couldn't have stayed near him if she wanted to. That a man could feel something, anything, for her let alone that strongly did not compute with her scarred warrior mind. She had merely peeked into his feelings and she was slammed with the weight of them. What would the full weight of his emotions be like? Then when he had been about to act on his impulse, she had to remember Torquil.

Damn him.

The bastard had even succeeded in scarring her mind. The princess of Jupiter, heir to the throne of the warrior race had one weakness: her father. Her tyrant, unkind, cruel man of a father. From him stemmed her insecurities when it came to men. Her father had on more than one occasion implied that Lita would never marry. She was more man that woman, and less man than a man. She had made herself into something not of either worlds. The women of her race were held of importance for procreation. 'Only Jovian women birthed real warriors,' were his words. According to King Torquil, she was no woman. Not even a daughter. Her empathic abilities allowed her to feel that once from her father. She shuddered at the memory. Never again did she Sense him after that.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard guttural sounds. Lita furrowed her brows as she neared a door that had been left ajar. As she opened it, she noted the room to be one for physical training. She took a hiding spot behind one of the massive training equipments as she saw a familiar head of auburn hair. The stoic general in the room was sparring with a mannequin…shirtless.

Jupiter's green eyes stayed on the fighting general. She had of course seen men without shirts as the men of her race trained with her in combat. Never before had she been attracted to one though. Jupiter followed the general's movements thoroughly. Her hungry eyes took in the indentations and creases of his muscles, the shine of his skin due to the light sheen of perspiration. He was flawless. His auburn bangs were matted to his forehead, which he moved aside with his hand.

Jupiter frowned.

When had he stopped training? The general stood still as she clenched his hands and set his jaw. What is he thinking? She may not be psychic like Mars, but she could Sense him again. Lita closed her eyes and let her Sense stretch out. Instantly she was bombarded with emotions again.

Confusion, frustration, and self-doubt being the main ones. Lita opened her eyes and took in the man standing at the center of the room. To anyone else he just looked stoic. No expression was on his face. No one would or could ever guess the complexity of the inner workings of this man. Lita frowned as she felt another strong wave of confusion hit her. Like the kind you get when trying to decipher a tricky puzzle.

What confuses you so?

As if hearing her silent question, Nephrite let one word slip. A word that made Lita gasp and stare in incredulity.

"Lita," he had uttered with frustration.

The princess of Jupiter felt her heart quicken and her breath hitch. He was still thinking of her! Outside the clouds began to stir, darkening the sky. Claps of thunder could be heard catching the curiosity of the Terran general. Nephrite looked through the window at the darkening sky. Odd… Weather did not change on a whim here on Earth. Something or someone was manipulating it.

As he made his choice to investigate, the vision of the green clad princess halted him. Green startled eyes looked back at him with an unwavering gaze. Nephrite furrowed his brows in inquiry; the woman before him was not only startled, but it seemed that because of her current state, her powers were unhinged. There were light sparks of electricity around her. The majestic symbol of Jupiter was alight on her forehead above the gem of her tiara. She looked wild and powerful.

Her eyes merely stayed on him as he walked closer. Lita was rooted to her spot. She did not move and he did not stop until he was mere inches from her face. His breath was hot on her face as the feelings of desire overtook him. The sparks of electricity touched his skin, but more in welcome than hostility. Nephrite, without warning, shot his hands up and gripped Jupiter by her upper arms. The effect of the abrupt physical contact was instantaneous.

Lita let a small whimper leave her lips and reach the general's ears. The voltage of the electricity encasing them, augmented. The storm brewing in the heavens outside thundered forcefully. Innately, Nephrite thought of calmness. Peace sprang up in him like a fountain. For some inexplicable reason-intuition- he just knew implicitly that this would work. He knew because he had done it before. She would Sense him and calm herself.

Lita felt his peace wash over her. Waves of comfort and serenity took root within her. The storm outside dissipated. The electricity around her rescinded. The imperial symbol of Jupiter ebbed away. All she felt was harmony and something familiar. Intrinsic.

Nephrite rested his forehead against hers as he felt her calm down. His grip on her arms remained unchanged. He opened his eyes and drown himself in emerald. A content sigh escaped the lips of the Amazon in front of him; her hands coming to rest on the bare panes of his chest. She didn't want to come back to reality. She just wanted to stay in these arms. These strong arms that promised her safety.

"H-how did you…?" Lita's breathy question trailed off. She did not need to finish for Nephrite to comprehend her query.

"Truly, I do not know," he answered huskily. Lita nodded and pulled away from his embrace, her body and soul protesting vehemently. The feeling of completion gone. She regarded him one last time before leaving the way she came.

Outside, the sky was clear.

Dinner that night passed without event. Polite conversation was made; topics of mutual interest were discussed. Beneath the conversations and pleasantries however, there were glances. Glances that were stolen between the respective couples. Some were full of meaning, others methodical, and ones that were full of purpose. As the royals and generals departed respectfully for the night, paws set out through the Terran palace with purpose. Intent was evident on the furred face of the Moon Queen's advisor. Luna stalked through the corridors until she finally met the outside. Next to the palace was a building. One meant for reverence. Luna padded her way there hoping she would be successful tonight. Her feline eyes adjusted to the darkness of the building until she neared the center. The building itself was immaculate. Styled after traditional Gothic-like cathedrals, there were torches on the stone columns of the structure and beautiful color stained windows. Luna halted when she happened upon two stone guardians blocking a closed door.

"Let me pass," she said with a light tone. The eyes of the stone guardians lit up with white light; the cleavers blocking the door not budging.

"Only those of worthy writ are permitted beyond these blades. What deems you worthy?" rumbled the inhuman voice of the stone guardians. Luna merely closed her eyes and let her Lunarian symbol appear on her forehead for the guardians to see.

"You may pass, Wise One," the stone guardians said lifting the cleavers.

"Thank you. As you were gentlemen," Luna said walking passed them.

The room that she entered now was not truly a room. It was more like another world. There was light here like the sun. All around grass and all sorts of flora could be seen. Animals moved and thrived in harmony here. Elysian. Luna walked forward until she reached a pedestal with a warm light coming from its top.

"The Gold Crystal," Luna breathed.

Her awe was short lived when a male wary voice interrupted her thoughts. "Who goes there?"

Luna looked to her left with an expectant smile on her face. "Helios? Is that you my friend?" she called out.

The male figure finally came into view. Luna instantly recognized the white robes and crystal blue eyes of the priest. The man smiled with familiarity as his gaze fell upon the feline.

"Ah old friend!" Helios said kneeling before Luna and taking her paw in greeting. "How do you fare, Wise One?"

"Helios its been a long time," Luna said taking her paw back and sitting. "I am well for the moment. And you?"

"As satisfactory as one can be when the balance of their planet's future is precarious," he said with a sigh as if this thought had been weighing heavily on his mind lately. "To what do I owe your visit, Wise One?"

"You actually just said it. I wanted to know how your planet was doing with the change of events."

Helios regarded the Gold Crystal. "The planet is unsatisfied with its king because he is incomplete. He should not have taken the crown without his other half."

Luna nodded suspecting as much. Like her, Helios was the only other being in the solar system that knew what had occurred in the past, and what was to happen in the future. Needless to say, they both knew that none of this was going according to plan.

"It's the Crystal's doing," Luna said irritated, "Foolish thing made Serenity queen without having its counter balance."

Helios eyes brows rose with surprise. "The princess took the throne without the prince?"

"Yes, though not entirely on her own whim. And what's worse is that the crystal did away with all the memories of her relationship with the prince. As well as the rest of the girls. It's almost as if it's…angry?"

Helios furrowed his brow and paced lightly in concern and thought. "No wonder Elysian has been stunted. My world is not at its zenith. There is still much growth to be had, but progress has been halted due to this, "Helios said. He looked at Luna with intent.

"Wise One…Why do suppose we are unaffected by this?"

"Because we are keepers of the crown," Luna explained, "You preserve the essence of the Terran Crown and I the Lunarian."

"Very logical," Helios said clasping his hands behind his back. "In what way do you advise we preserve it now?"

"I have already helped things along a bit," Luna said with a smile. "In two months' time is Serena's birthday. She will need to procreate by then. I have suggested Endymion to the council as the male of choice," Luna said standing and stalking towards Helios. "I have a plan to help the girls along with their memories, but it would require you help."

"Anything, Wise One."

"You have the sacred touch for manipulating your planet. Serena will be leaving for the Moon tomorrow, but the girls will be staying. All the inners. They need stay to calibrate the planet so that Serena can tap into its power with the Silver Crystal, "she turned to regard the white haired priest, "I need you to allow your planet to share all of its memories with the girls. As they commune with the planet through the generals, Earth will open herself up and allow the girls to heal."

Helios followed her logic. "That could work. I could even help in being specific with the memories that the Earth can offer. Memories of them. What about the King and Queen?"

"As the girls remember and calibrate the planet, Serena will begin to remember. Endymion is linked with the Gold Crystal and it to Earth. Whatever the Earth offers up as memories to the generals and scouts, she will also do the same to her king."

"This will take some time, Wise One. It will not be a one day or one week occurrence," Helios warned lightly.

"Not a problem. Proximity will be on our side then," Luna said swaying her tail side to side in excitement, "Thank you my friend. I would not be able to do this without you."

"You gratitude, though appreciated, is not necessary," Helios said with a bow. He then looked at Luna and cocked his head to this side as if suddenly realizing something.

"Where is Master Artemis? I would have figured you both to visit me," Helios inquired.

Luna visibly stiffened, "Artemis…He was….affected," Luna said quickly as she turned and left speedily. Helios looked after the wise advisor sadly. He knew that when it came to Master Artemis, remembering may not be possible.

Being around her was suffocating him. A life before of not having to be subject to her radiant presence was a misguided blessing. For now being in the same room as her made him realize how weak his resolve really was. The need to touch her, possess her was burning within his chest and spreading like a ravenous storm inside him. Dinner was complete and utter torture. Watching her eat daintily and then licking her lips after a couple of bites had made him inwardly groan.

Why her? Why now? I have had other women before, some noble. What makes her so damn special? Endymion slammed a fist down on his oaken desk. He had to be ensnared or bewitched somehow. He was not one to believe in curses and spells, but nothing else could explain the sudden rapture that consumed him for the Moon Queen in one day. One day… It felt more like he had known her a lifetime. That angered him even more. He felt he had a right her. It wasn't a question. It wasn't something someone could debate. Serenity is his. But I don't know her…I just met her!

Deep in his mind there was a traitorous thought. 'Did you really? You're memories are not intact. You could have known her… She was maybe even yours.'Endymion closed his eyes and knit his brows together trying to dispute this generous thought. Could it be remotely possible that Serenity did in fact know him? Could the Fates really be that merciful? Generous? For now, I must stay aloof. Keep it in your mind that she is forbidden.

His thoughts were broken as he heard a knock at the door.

"Come in," he said gruffly.

"Is now a bad time, Endymion?" came a sweet voice that poured over Endymion like warm water.

He fixed his composure. "No Serenity. Now is a good time." It will always be a good time for you.

Serenity entered the room and noted right away the dim atmosphere enhanced by the fire in the hearth. She spotted Endymion behind his oaken desk looking at her with a smile, but his jaw clenched. She entered the room, but kept her gaze on the fire. She felt the air thicken around her with tension, but she could not say what kind. She sent a timid smile his way and then looked right back into the fire. She knew now beyond a doubt that she wanted him. For what she was not sure yet. She had never been instructed on the dynamics of peer-bonding. Way to sound clinical Sere… The mere sight of him conquered her and flooded her with want. This would be the last time she would see him alone before she left for her planet tomorrow. She would no longer need to be traveling here herself. A fact that instead of quelling her desire, fueled it.

Endymion clenched his fist behind his desk out of sight of Serenity. He needed to be distracted. If he stayed alone in this room with her he would just end up letting his primitive desires win over his self-control. And he wanted his self-control to lose.

"What follows for you after this?" came Endymion's voice, "I mean, there have been no signs of Beryl as of yet. The galaxy must continue to be ruled correct? A job's never done…" he trailed off lamely.

Serenity inhaled deeply savoring the deep timbre of his voice. "How true that is…Aside from the everyday dealings of the galaxy, there is a happy event to occur in two months' time. You can even say in correlates indirectly with the future battle."

"Oh?"

Serenity let a light blush stain her cheeks. Endymion took note. "An heir of Lunarian royal blood is needed should I perish," Serenity stated not looking at Endymion. The king stiffened at her revelation. He knew now of course that the Moon Queen would have to produce an heir at some point, but so soon?

"My twentieth birthday is in two months and that night I am to conceive the next wielder of the Silver Crystal….My daughter," she ended reverently.

Endymion felt his resolve snap. This had never happened. Like Nephrite, he had studied every discipline known on Earth to keep his emotions, thoughts, and actions in check always. No one and nothing had ever caused Endymion to have an upsurge. He had simply never cared profoundly enough to do so. Now though, at the mere whisper of Serenity having another man in her bed sparked an intense ire like he had never had before to blossom within him and pour into every part of him like a warm drink down the gut. Jealousy and possessiveness unlike anything he had ever felt gripped him.

With a clenched jaw and fire in his eyes he strode over to Serenity and gripped her, effectively turning her to him. Her startled blue eyes landed on the man who currently gripped her arm like a vice.

"Endymion let me-"

"Over my decimated planet will another man touch you," Endymion growled angrily. "If an heir is what you are meant to produce, then I will be the one to give her to you."

Serenity let his words sink in and began to blush prettily with embarrassment and indignation. "That is none of your-"

"I am making it my business," he said strongly, "What you intend to do that night is not some robotic act without meaning," his voice grew husky, "especially for one as virtuous as you."

He brought her closer to him, his breath warm on her face. Her eyes clouded with shock and rapture. "There are elements to that wondrous doing that make it a memorable experience. There is desire, want, passion," he said his rough hand trailing up her shoulder to her neck. Serenity shivered at the tickling sensation of his fingers. "It's the culmination of attraction between two people. Be it physical, emotional, or both."

The air he had created around them was pregnant with lust and promises. Serenity wanted to yield to it. Her body ached to obey its primal commands. Serenity wanted a moment of clarity so that she could shake off this spell he was casting around her. Her heart and mind were ensnared. Even so, he did not relent.

"You deserve to feel that Serenity. You deserve to feel the man in front of you wanting to love your body. To know that he'll put your needs before his. That at the end of the experience there is no mistake that you were worshiped, "he said putting more promises before her. One of his hands had moved to hug her waist, the other cupping her cheek not allowing her to move her neck. He rested his forehead against hers.

Why was he doing this to her? Telling her things that she couldn't have. Yes, she could pretend for that night that the man before her was her kindred meant only for her, but the heart break that would follow the morning after was an experience she could do without. She felt his hands grip her possessively; her breathing became erratic. The only sounds in the room were her heart beat and their breaths. What had she done in any lifetime to merit this sweet torture? Serenity was sure that never in this life time would she come close to feeling what this man was making her feel, because he was first. He is the first man to talk to her like this. The first to hold her so confidently. The first to make promises of worshiping her body. It was as if he had the permission to. Like they had already been involved in an intimate relationship where such confidences were expected.

She accepted the fact that another would never inspire the intensity this Adonis in her midst did. And that made her even sadder, and a bit angry. How dare he give her a glimpse of what she could not have. With eyes closed and foreheads still touching, Serenity let the palms of her hands touch the cool surface of Endymion's armor. "Why…" she started breathily, "Why are you telling me these things?"

Endymion summoned all of the courage he had to speak a simple truth that would change everything between them. "Because… I want you," his thumb caressed her waist as he spoke, "I want to be the man that kisses you Serenity. The one that will lay you down on your bed, feel you tremble as you are now with want, and take you somewhere only you and I should be."

What the hell was she supposed to do with that? Serenity clenched her fists in irritation. He didn't know. He couldn't possibly know that she wanted the exact same thing. His words were all the more tortuous because she wanted him. The heavy cloud of sexual tension around them did not leave, but her rationality was coming back to her. What he wanted was so much more than she could give. The weight of her responsibilities coupled with the heaviness of her want for him scared her. She knew if she could, she would pick him. Galaxy be damned. And that is not good. Nothing should deter her from protecting the galaxy. It came first.

"Whether the man be you or some other, the ending will still be the same," Serenity started pulling back from him and pushing his chest lightly, "the morning after you or some other fulfills all the promises you just made, I will still be the Queen of the Silver Allegiance who will be expecting, and you will merely be the nobleman who, how did you phrase it? Who gives her to me? Yes?" she said effectively removing herself from his hold. "So you see? Nothing changes."

Endymion felt as if a bucket of cold water fell over his head. Shock and disbelief snatched his thoughts. He merely stood there as the Moon Queen spoke one last sentence in dismissal.

"Save us both the misery, Endy. Forget this."

Endymion let that statement whirl around in his mind for a bit. Somehow the last part hit a little too close to home. She called me Endy…

Please please please! Review and let me know what you think!