A/N Well I'm back thank you for all those who are following my story. Okay so 1… 2…. 3… here we go.
The sight before her had shaken her to the very core; broken glass, flipped over tables, and screaming people only urged Serena to fight harder. Though most of the crowd had left Serenity still had the difficult and unpleasant duty to deal with the evil Queen. Screams were heard from all parts of the building most though were fleeting no doubt they were out of harm's way. Blocking the gray smoke with her own shield of white light Serenity gritted her teeth while the other scouts and Endymion struggled against the grey smoke. On the other hand the royal guard had ventured outside to lead the rest of the party goers outside and forget all they had seen. With the help of a simple mind manipulation that would save them a lot of trouble they erased memories before escorting them out.
"You're resistance is useless, cute even" teased Beryl though a sheen of sweat had started to cover her forehead. Noticing that the rest of the sailor scouts had recovered consciousness as well as Endymion she summoned her henchmen.
"Rise my children" she cooed. Emerging from the Earth came out five, three headed wolves fangs exposed, saliva dripping from their mouth no doubt hungry and ready to devour whatever was in their way.
Throwing a golden chain around one of the wolves, Venus had restrained the animal for a second before being thrown backwards by the same animal. Maneuvering in the air she landed exactly on top of the animal though one of the heads began to snap at her biting her shoulder for a quick second before it was electrified by Jupiter.
"Thanks Jupiter, the mutt almost bit my head off." she choked out before jumping out of the way of another beast. At the same time Mercury was having a hard time keeping the wolf down her powers were still settling and while she was a scout, she was more of an analyzer than a fighter.
Aiming fireballs at the animals who managed to dodge her efforts Mars grew frustrated and in a moment of weakness was ambushed and thrown to the floor. She held the wolf at arm's length on top of her while it continued to salivate above her. Growing more and more anxious she kicked what she could find before the animal went limp above her. Rolling the large dog next to her she was met by Jadeite's devious smirk the wolf's heart in his fist. Tossing the heart to the side he extended his hand towards Raye.
"Well that was exhilarating how I went years without any type of battle is beyond me." rolling her eyes at her lover's statement, Mars took his hand while Jadeite wrapped an arm around her waist molding his body to hers.
"Now is not the time for fuck's sake." she said flustered and aroused by the blonde.
"We just regained our memories and you scold me for having some nostalgic feelings? I'm hurt my fiery little Mars." teased Jadeite staring down at the raven haired beauty. Lost in the memories that flooded the two the moment was shattered when Jupiter yelled out, "A little help if you could I'm up to my arms in three headed animals." while weaving in and out of two wolves. Throwing a coy smile at Mars, Jadeite let her go and shot an energy beam through the dog's chest immobilizing it. Still more flustered than she liked to admit Mars shook her head and signaled for them to help Mercury.
Decapitating the middle head Mercury shrieked in victory before settling back down, "I got it guys don't worry," At that moment Zoicite flanked to her right and the rest to her left.
Serenity felt her chest tighten, she felt weaker as the seconds went by but she couldn't stop she wouldn't stop no matter what. If she had to die for her friends, her true love, and Earth she would. Her planet's defeat would not be in vain. She hoped Endymion would move on, Darien she thought it was so strange to think of everything they had gone through all the different version of them that had fallen for each other. Crouching down to the floor she knew it was time. Whispering to herself she said, "I love you all please be okay, have happy wonderful lives even if it's without me"
Enveloped by the love in the room she was ready she took a deep breath and summoned her crystal out of her chest. A grip on her shoulder stopped her dead in her tracks.
"Serena I know what you're doing, Stop right this second," he nearly yelled at her, the desperation evident in his voice as he looked visibly shaken. His armor had been torn from the back and nasty gash was evident through the holes.
"If I live the rest of you won't survive." she rasped out "Have you learned nothing from the moon kingdom? I have to give everything up to defeat her, every last drop of my essence." Caressing his face Serena continued saying the words she never wanted to admit not even to herself, "Our love is a great one but it's a tragedy in every life that's all it's ever been. I'm not giving up I'm halting to the inevitable. It's selfish of us, of me to drag our friends into this because of some duty place on them. They can still be happy you can still be happy." Turning back she saw her friends fighting giving all they could to keep their prince and princess safe, such loyalty killed her but at the same time filled her with heart-warming appreciation.
"I won't let you Serena" he urged. With tears forming in her eyes she shot an energy beam at him, "Goodbye Endymion" Falling softly to the floor she kissed him one last time before him whispering against his skin," I love you Darien."
"Well well this is quite the development. Tragic. Sad. But nonetheless useless," coaxed Beryl.
Wiping the tears of her face, Serena threw a stoic stare at Beryl and continued her process the crystal once again reemerging. More and more energy seeped out of Serenity until a force field covered her stretching out to about a circumference of ten feet.
Beryl doubled her efforts but was feeling the effects of moon princess, "No this can't be, nonetheless the dark crystal will not let me down," Releasing all her feelings of hatred and darkness her energy became thicker, pungent even.
"Not enough, moon brat" yelled Beryl, releasing a cackle when she noticed her energy encompassing Serenity's white light.
"We have to do something" yelled out frustrated Mercury, a concerned Zoicite standing next to her. He could faintly sense his Prince's energy but clearly Endymion was unconscious.
"She's blocking us out, I can't even get a message through to her" said Venus with closed eyes trying to wield a message forward.
"Damn it Serena, why are you so stubborn" screamed out Mars before firing out at the force field Serena had established no doubt trying to keep them out of the battle. Three shots then four Mars collapsed to the floor while the fireballs disintegrated upon contact.
Tears falling down her face Mars looked at the floor before a hand stroked her back "Don't touch me" she flinched before looking up at Jadeite's uncommon and somber facade. Softening she sighed and allowed him to keep conforming her, his touch enough to soothe the senshi of fire.
With a feeling of dread in the pit of their stomachs the four couples stared out in pain at the scene before them. Bruised and battered yet the greatest pain was how helpless they felt in the situation. Flashes of energy and power were both felt and seen but for now both opponents were evenly matched. The building began to shake walls crumbled at the same time the couples struggled to stay while dodging flying debris. A yellow light erupted from one of the entrances attracting the attention of the guards and senshi.
"What is that?" questioned Mercury while the rest took a defensive stance. Narrowing her eyes the doorway a familiar silhouette was drawn.
"Luna!" she exclaimed. The dark cat ran towards the bluenette her crescent moon glowing brightly before she stopped in the middle. A piercing scream carried throughout the ballroom. From the small cat another surge of energy was emitted blinding all of those in close proximity before revealing a woman in her place. Donning a purple dress the woman rose on wobbly legs. Pale with long curly black hair, violet eyes that matched the dress she was wearing.
"Luna you're human! How could this be?" exclaimed Venus. Struggling but releasing a small chuckle Luna said, "Child I was human before I was given this form."
"Yes, of course, I'm sorry the memories are still a little fuzzy" answered Venus embarrassed a bit by her lack of recall. The girls had moved in to embrace her while the men greeted her, a few seconds later Luna was regaining her strength and got up abruptly, " As pleasant as this, I came here for a purpose."
"You have a way for her to end this and survive." exclaimed Mercury.
"Always perceptive, Mercury. Yes, I believe I have something that can give Serena the edge over that heinous woman."
Manifesting a golden scepter a heart at the top covered in jewels Luna held up the scepter for the royal guard to see, "This is the Spiral Heart Moon Rod, entrusted to me by Queen Serenity. And if there was ever a moment to use it the moment is now" explained Luna.
"Problem is that force field, I don't know how you're going to get to her with that in the way" said Lita, "Everything we try either bounces back or disintegrates upon contact."
"Leave it to me"
Turning to the familiar voice nine pairs of eyes landed on the young man before them.
"What the hell do you want?" snarled Mars manifesting fiery daggers in her palm.
"Mars I'm hardly a threat plus I know how to get the Spiral Heart to her without hurting her or ourselves." said the dark haired man in burgundy armor.
"Why should we trust you? After that display you're hardly trustworthy. "retorted Kunzite.
"I wasn't really myself to be honest." came his cool reply, his eyes placed directly on the battle between Serenity and Beryl.
"Forgive me if that doesn't dismiss the fact that you almost killed me." said a sarcastic Zoicite a murderous stare in his eyes.
"Despite my less than noble actions you know who I am and while I might not have so much authority over you, you will respect me." said the arrogant man. Ready to throw an energy ray at him Zoicite stopped as Mercury blocked the way.
"What is your plan? If it sounds plausible then maybe we'll work with you." she said calmly "But if you try to pull anything, I will not even hesitate to kill you right where you stand."
"Or if you just piss me off, by I don't know mumbling the wrong thing, I'll incinerate you:" added Mars the seriousness evident in her tone.
A small voice interrupted the escalating confrontation, "He won't hurt her. He loves her too much" said Venus causing the rest of the senshi and guards to stare at the blonde, perplexed expressions on their faces.
Frustrated Mars countered, "Mina I know you're the senshi of Love but not now. Plus his heart doesn't know what love is look at it, darkness." Rolling her eyes at her overdramatic friend Venus continued, "I know love when I see it."
"Do you want my help or not? Or do you ladies want to continue your gossip while she dies before our eyes?" reprimanded the frustrated man. Motioning for him to continue Mercury said "Okay you have our attention."
"First thing we attack Beryl distracting her if only momentarily, breaking the connection between the two. While you nine cut off her attack on Serenity I'll jump in through the force field. Which will be broken because when Beryl stops she will also be distracted and halt her attack along with the force field. The rest is up to her."
"Why should you be the one to give her the Spiral Heart?" challenged Mars
"Beryl won't suspect me to still be around or will Serenity, plus it's not like I can use the Spiral Heart." he countered
"Fine let's do this we can't waste any more time." said Venus
Giving the scepter to the young man the rest went around the building until they felt the evilness of Beryl's energy.
"On a count of three okay?" said Venus softly, "One….. two… three" she yelled. Combining their powers Beryl shrieked as she was briefly hurt by the royal guard.
" Ants, you dare strike your Queen" she yelled projecting her energy on to them instead of Serenity.
As soon as Beryl's scream was heard, he had jumped past the force field only to meet a pale and sickly looking Serenity.
"Serenity" he gasped. Approaching her with caution he took in her disheveled appearance, his heart aching for the beautiful blonde that was dying, the same one he had fallen in love with all those years ago.
"I know you think you have to die for them, that there is another other way but I offer you a solution," he said calmly " Serenity please don't be a fool" he pleaded.
Her eyes softened as she said, "You're okay you're back. I knew that wasn't you back there"
"Here a gift from your mother, use it and let us be done with this evil woman" he said firmly before placing the scepter in her hands his hand lingering on them.
"Take Endymion please, I'll do my best but we both know Beryl has many tricks up her sleeve."
"Of course" Picking up the man and placing him over his shoulder he said good luck to the blonde and jumped out before she activated the shield once again.
Placing down the older man on his back he heard a soft groan and soon saw Endymion try to sit up.
"Serenity" exclaimed Endymion shooting up faster than his body could handle.
"Calm down she has a more of a chance than you think" said a voice next to Endymion.
Whipping his head to the right Endymion said, "Seiya?" before cradling his head between his hands.
"Hello brother" smirked the younger man.
"It's been a while hasn't it?" teased the younger man.
Still clutching his head he responded to his brother, "A thousand years to be exact"
Rolling his eyes at the older man Seiya continued, "I know how long it's been, it was more of an observation really" circling his brother he took a deep breath before saying, "I was under Beryl's spell, I would never purposely hurt you or your friends. You must know that"
Eyes locked on him, Endymion said "I don't know who you are in this lifetime but I know you don't care for the rest of us. But I know you would never do anything to hurt her on the contrary you're very protective of her. And while I appreciate your attempts to keep her safe, don't take me for a fool."
"Ahh there it is" chuckled Seiya, "You just have to put me in my place don't you big brother"
"Take it as you will" snapped Endymion before turning around, eyes now on his blonde lover.
"Darien!" yelled Venus engulfing him into a tight hug before letting go and laughing awkwardly. "Sorry you're okay we were all so worried"
"Obviously not as much as you Mina" teased Jadeite
At the blonde he responded, "No problem but what about Serena, do you think this scepter will give her the power she needs to defeat Beryl?"
"The Spiral Heart is from Queen Serenity entrusted to Luna for safe keeping until necessary, well as you can see desperate times call for desperate measures" returned Mercury.
"The cat?" said Endymion confusion apparent on his features.
"Actually the Lunarian" came the soft reply of Luna.
"I am happy to see you are better condition than you were a few minutes ago, child"
"Yes, yes we are all up to speed the cat is human" said Seiya with a hand over his face. Scowling at the younger prince, Mars began "Shut up you should consider yourself lucky to even be included"
"Raye don't start" said an agitated Lita, "We have to stay alert and cooperative if Serena grows weaker we will give whatever power we have to her.
"Let's hope it doesn't get to that point and the scepter is enough" added Nephrite clutching his right shoulder, "For now all we can do is wait."
"This feels wrong, sitting around useless when we should be giving that bitch all we have" yelled Raye.
Tired of her theatrics Seiya responded, "This is a war for the cunning and strategic not for hotheaded imbeciles, Serenity has to be patient, tactical, and overall consistent"
"Are you calling me an idiot?" she roared ready to pounce before Jadeite wrapped an arm around her stomach, "Mars let's go check if anyone is stuck in the building, they'll let us know if anything happens." Waning to her lover's request she squirmed against him for a second before giving Seiya her back.
Satisfied with his actions, Seiya smirked before a burst of white light covered the whole hall practically radiating out of the building.
"C'mon Serena I know you can do it" urged Venus surrounded by the rest of the scouts a loud shriek very unlike Serena's was heard.
"She did it! I knew it "yelled Lita embracing Nephrite. Beryl was slumped on the floor her skin a grayish color the texture similar to that of a shedding snake. "No this can't I can't be…" she whispered before clutching her crown at the same time she turned her glance to Endymion and the guards.
Ripping out the red crystal she yelled out once more, "I will not be vanquished you may have your victory but I will have you happiness!"
Head clouded by exhaustion Serena ran to Darien hoping to shield him from Beryl's powers.
"Amplius lava me ire in alteram partem declinent. Fatum vincere tenebras. Frow amodo usque in sempiternum: singula" yelled Beryl with the last ounce of strength she had left. In a mockingly saccharine voice she said, "Till the next time sweet princess."
A/N Merry Christmas, happy holidays in general and to all a good new year. Please review if you can I appreciate the constructive criticism. Ohhh and if anyone would like to beta let me know. Okay done hope you enjoyed this chapter.