Hardly one could see trough this dark rain curtain. It is an unusual one for sure. This falling water does not come from clouds like the rain on Earth, but it's released by the mob of dark shadows spread above what is left of Moon Kingdom. And the drops feel heavier, lightly acid, stinging Demando's skin. A blast from Wiseman hits the Nemesis Prince's chest, ripping of his coat. Demando falls hard on the ground. For seconds his eyes become hazed for even if he is not discouraged by fear he is seriously hurt; streams of blood ebbing away from wounds across his body. And the cuts are deeper then he would admit to himself. Prince Demando is not about remain in defeat, fire burning in his indigo eyes. No emotions can be read on his white face, as if he has no heart; strangely though it is the one thing that motivates him to go on; that and most importantly his pride. He turns on one knee blocking his enemy thunders with a strong energy ray. And slowly he stands again confronting Wiseman with all power left inside him.

Each are strong opponents, both using different types of black magic and one could never decide which has the advantage over the other at present. Attack after attack, bolts of energy and lightning… Neither seems to be less willing to continue fighting. Evan when blasted to the ground each stands up with pride and power to go on. With frazzled cape and bruised bony arms, Wiseman appears to be poorly harmed in comparison to the prince, but this could not be more far from the truth. His heavy breath and slow movements are prove enough. But there is more… Something in his growing weakness makes him look abandoned and insecure.

The duel continues as Demando releases yet one of his most destructive attacks "howl of Death"; a form of dark energy that can only be heard by the opponent in cause, drawing his life down to the last breath. Strong wizards can't easily escape such blast but they can reduce its power. Wiseman puts his best shield for protection and he remains alive but not intact. His flesh is ripped; there is no bleeding and every cut slowly gets covered by ice. The sorcerer is knowingly perishing; still he will stand till the end. At some point both are admiring the other; proud to stand in such fight, proud to confront a worthy opponent.

All survivors were sheltered inside the palace. Some are watching the dark forces duel by the window. Queen Selene and Luna decided to attend the injured ones. Most worried of all seems, prince Safire; with narrowed eyebrows, not taking his eyes from the fight; mentally he communicates with his brother, asking him to let him help. After all, Wiseman is assisted by his shadows, but he knows Demando would never approve. 'What am I going to do in all this chaos?' Safire thought to himself while pressing his curled fingers on the window. 'If my brother dies am I capable to lead one army? Am I capable to protect what is left of this world?' He sighs.

In all this nightmare the blue haired prince forgot all about prince Jadeite still being out there. Unfortunately, Jadeite has a plan of his own…

I have become accustomed to be, as I call it, trapped inside the Crystal Palace. Being with my best friend and allot of new acquaintances; indeed I never would have guessed that the Nemesis Prince would have such pleasant people as personnel. Well all except a certain cousin of his, named Emerald, who apparently cannot stand my presence, nor Mina's. But we could care less. Emerald reminds us of Reye's jealousy, giving stinging looks and trying to show a level of superiority when we are around. Her attitude is most amusing. And in all this, I put matters of the war aside, not for I have forgotten but there is no one to tell me more. Well… I only hope prince Demando will bring good news and when he returns he will answer my questions. Maybe then I will be fit to know. Oh! Who am I kidding? In truth I only hope prince Demando will bring home himself! I never realized how much I could miss his eyes, his smile, his cool frown on his face, which shows no emotions, the way he makes my body shiver and his grin that awakes butterflies in my stomach and makes me melt and my knees to go week… When did I fell so strong for him I wonder? He was my first crush. And I… Well… I was his first crash… I think… I might have been at least the most unusual his ever met before that day when as a ditzy, uncontrolled, blonde childe of thirteen, I bumped into him while running on the main corridor of the Moon Palace, trying to hide a huge chocolate cookies jar from Luna. I did adore his presence so much that I was stunned in place and got caught. I'm sure our feelings were not mutual since he left with his white clothes covered in chocolate… After that I saw him again just once, at Mina's birthday party. For some reason I could not stop staring at him and hoping I will be the only one luck enough to dance with his majesty. But childishly I've found a way to distract myself in playing with Mina and making princess Reye boil in jealousy. Apparently with such attitude my chance was lost. I heard later he asked for me but I was no where to be found. How can I even convince myself? I know I need him… Was it love at first sight? Is it? I sigh again. Why is this feeling so complicated? It confuses me while capturing all my senses and when it hurts I enjoy it yet when it feels good I'm afraid.

"Him again?" – Mina asks, putting a hand on my shoulder

"Huh?" I answer distracted. I turn to her. "I guess…" I let my lips curve in a fading smile. "I am confused, Mina… How does one comprehend the feelings she has for a person she met three times in her life? How could I be sure?"

"Oh you're making me laugh Rena. Seriously how could one comprehend feelings?" She mocks a little. I knew it was obvious. "You need to stop thinking about everything and listen to your heart. It is the only way you'll know what you feel. And trust me you have feelings for him."

"How can you be sure? How would I know how to listen?" Oh I want so much to believe her; to trust and not fear.

"I told you – she presses on the words – Stop thinking! If your souls are connected you must feel it."

Did I just? I'm sure my thoughts did not stop but for a brief second and I founded myself somewhere else… I saw him hurt just then… Bleeding and covered by wounds. I saw him fall to the wet ground with his face scratched, one broken arm… I gasp awaking from trance. Mina looks worried. My face has become paler and I am breathing heavily.

"Mina, I think he's hurt!" I cry

"You can't be sure…" She tries to reason

"I feel I am…" What did I saw? Is it real. Oh please let it be just a bad day dream! Please be safe my dark prince… please be safe…

Unable to block or parry Wiseman's "sphere's explosion attack" Demando thrown with maximum force and smashed into the palace surrounding wall. This one attack made the dark sorcerer feared in all galaxies. He would gather a great amount of energy from evil souls and create a sphere that within seconds could reach the opponent and explode, crashing every bit of bones in his body. The Nemesis Prince is down. The wall is destroyed underneath him, sharp pieces pressing on his wounds. His breath hardens as he struggles to return on his feet. He upholds on both hands trying to push himself up.

"Aaahhh!" A sharp pain invades his body as he falls back down. 'I can't be this weak!' – he curses under his breath.

"Still want to fight me, boy?" Wiseman cries emphasizing every word. He is hurt to the bones, clearly swinging between life and death. He did hit his opponent with great force but he knows and fears that if Demando rises after such a blast he would have no chance to win. That's it: Wiseman gave his best shot and now hopes it was enough.

"Are you praying for my retreat old man?" The prince mutters between his teeth trying again to rise from the ground.

"I won't let you destroy him!" Safire cried from behind, holding his sword. He wanted so much to help his brother.

Hearing his voice made Demando to force himself of the grown. He is injured, his body quivering on pain. With all effort he straightens himself. He will not let the enemy see him straggle. He is to proud for it.

"Safire" – he says after his hard breath settles a bit – "you should not be here! Go back at the palace… The queen…"

"Aaaaaaaaaa!" He is interrupted by screams coming from inside the palace. All three turn their looks that direction. Wiseman finds a moment to grin. Safire rushes back, while the two dark warriors get ready to continue their duel.

"I see prince Jadeite made a smart move." The sorcerer is clearly satisfied by what might have happened inside the Moon Palace. "You should

consider giving up. I mean you look minutes away from death and besides, you have nothing worth fighting for…"

"Enough!" At the dark prince's demand Wiseman becomes petrified. Demando stares firmly at his opponent wile purple energy force gathers around him. He clenches his fists and in less then seconds he releases a ray of light so strong that outshines the White Palace. All enemies are bound to their knees, unable to move, being hold to the ground by an immense power. Wiseman feels the ray ripping his flash apart. A grave howl escapes him as he slowly transforms to dust. Prince Demando falls on his knees and the light disappears from all around, but all enemies are still hold to the ground. All shadows above vanished into the ray of light.

"I have everything worth fighting for!" He states trying to catch his breath. He rises slowly. Blood is still dripping from his wounds, but with all the strength left in him, he starts walking towards the palace.

Prince Safire returned to the Moon Palace before the ray of light. Earthlings were everywhere and in horror he could see Jadeite standing next to Queen Selene's body. All were having swords to their necks. After Demando's attack everybody is freed from the enemies hold.

"This is all my fault…" Safire holds his head down and puts his right hand on his forehead.

"No." Says Lord Artemis touching the prince's shoulder. "You went to save your brother, that is not something to be blamed for!"

"What happened?" Prince Demando asks stepping inside. All looks turn to him.

"We could not save her, my lord… They came from everywhere…" Lady Luna is crying. Demando stares at the queen's body. He could not save her parents. This is by far the deepest cut he got during the fight. He clenches his fists in anger. Lady Luna sinks her face into Artemis shoulder as he tries to comfort her. The white haired prince walks towards prince Jadeite, who has his knees glued to the floor due to the last energy blast. Demando pulls Jadeite's hair back so he would look at him.

"Tell me… How valuable exactly is your life?" Prince Demando asks clenching his teeth. He is disgusted by the young Earth prince.

"Couldn't control your anger ey?" He cringes while Demando pulls his hair harder. "Kill me if you will, but I won't tell you what other planet is involved! Aaaahhh!" He lets out a scream when the Nemesis prince pushes him up front. Jadeite hits his head on the palace floor. Demando turns him around using his left foot which he places after on the earthling prince neck. It is Jadeite's turn to breath heavily, not being able even to gulp.

"I would not kill you, worm, you don't deserve to die…" – Demando says disgusted – "You shall rot in my dungeons." – Jadeite is feeling more uncomfortable and pressured. He is visibly sweating. "But I have another question… Where Is The Doom Phantom?" He presses harder with his foot after asking the question. He knew Doom Phantom left Wiseman's side, but even so it had to find a new host to protect. Was this new host connected to the other planet involved? That's what Dark Moon's monarch wanted to know. And that is what Jadeite would not tell him and it seemed useless to try finding out from him. In his thoughts Demando knows he will get to the bottom of this. One way he is going to destroy all that threaten her life, all that would even dare wish to harm his sweet Serenity.

To dream is all I want at the moment. This day I could not shake of the images I saw of my prince getting hurt. 'Oh, Serena, you have such a weird imagination! It must be it!' I try to convince myself. But I mustn't think anymore. Mina hopes he is alright. Mina has such a kind heart. Hope? What is it exactly? I hope… I hope all are well… and… But I cannot finish my thought as I hear great noise coming from downstairs. Many voices. Servants running through corridors. Mina comes bursting into my bedroom.

"Rena, they have returned!" – she is agitated – "He's hurt!"…