From Betrayal to Redemption

by Selene Grace

LAST CHAPTER IS UP FINALLY! Set after SD break: the scouts and Darien have betrayed Serena leaving her alone to defend for herself she flees to America. Read inside for summary and q&a. Involves scouts&generals pairings

31. Chapter 26

Hello Hello Hello! It is so wonderful to be back with my last installment of From Betrayal to Redemption. Are you guys excited? I know I sure am!! I worked long and hard on this chapter because like before I didn't want it all to be dialog, I wanted descriptive action too. So I do hope I have given that to each of my readers and you enjoy each part of this chapter. It's the end so you have the big battle and the confrontations and the big questions: Are the couples going to form? Will Serena and Darien hook up? Will they even win this war? Whose going to die? Questions Questions!! But as you read you will find out each one. Again I hope that you enjoy it and please do send reviews and private messages. This may be my first and last story written so it'll be nice to get some pointers and thumbs up. Or down if you really hated it. But you should tell me why you didn't like it. Not just say it sucked. Like always the key is below. Or yeah we left off with the girls having invoked the gods and Serena had sent each of them on missions. Lita was charged with going to enemy camps and finding out information, Mina was given the task of using her seductive wiles to get information, Amy and Raye were told to strategize and think of a battle plan while the Serena and the guys did their own thing.

KEY:

Italics: Conversation in links

Bold Italics: Flashbacks

There is a break for every scene change.

NOTE: You may want to grab some food and a pillow. This is long! ENJOY

---

Dark. Cold, distant, unfeeling numbness of the dark is all that Lita could feel while walking through the halls of the palace. She had never felt such detachment from nature before until she walked down those halls. Everything she felt and saw appeared dead and useless to the outside world. How anyone could survive in such a state was quite questionable to her, but she had a mission to complete and would do so without fail. Earlier she had disguised herself as a solider from the battlefields so that she could get in and out of the grounds quicker but she had no idea the energy it would require for her to suppress her magic and hold on to her disguise charm. She was scanning each hall she passed before venturing further until she heard voices coming from up ahead. Quickly she turned down a corner, melded herself to the walls and listened closely.

"Did you see them?" the guard asked.

"Of course I saw them! The question is if THEY saw them!" the other guard snapped. He had been waiting outside the double doors for the past half hour debating on when to enter. They did not want to disturb their leaders nor end up like their fellow comrades before them. The situation presented was a grave one and had to be handled carefully.

"With that power? I'd be surprised if the next galaxy didn't know. What are you waiting for? Go in," the first urged.

"I'm not going in there. You go in there."

"We came up here to tell them about what we saw. Now go."

"Why do I have to go in first?"

"Probably the same reason you're trying to get me to go in first."

"I'm not going in there."

"I'm not going in there either."

"Then we wasted all this time for nothing. Someone has to tell them-"

"Tell them what?" a man asked from behind.

Turning around they saw a man adorned with buttons and pins that showed his ranking and station within the war. They had never seen him before but that made no difference when you were fighting in a war that took place amongst an entire galaxy. Bowing their heads the first guard said, "Oh General. We didn't see you there. Our apologies."

"What is it that you have to tell the prince?" the general asked.

"Just of the arrival we saw moments ago. It was like nothing we've ever seen General," the second informed.

"I'm sure. Move aside."

"But we have-"

"Return to your posts."

"Yes sir," the both uttered and stalked off to their previous positions. Neither one turned back to see how the General smirked in satisfaction and how his armor shimmered and changed back into that of a warrior on the battlefield. She leaned against the door and pushed it open softly as to not bring any attention to herself. From her angle she could see Diamond, Beryl and an unidentified figure in the corner hovering with a crystal ball. She wondered if he could be the Wiseman they had been hearing about but pushed that aside as her ears perked when they mentioned the gods.

"Rules be damned! They summoned them regardless of consequences," Prince Diamond seethed slamming his hand on the marble table.

"Serenity wouldn't do that," Beryl drawled relaxing back in her chair. This consistent talk of that abysmal Moon brat was exhausting. Why they couldn't just kill her off and be done with it she couldn't fathom. If she had it her way she'd already be dead. "To hell with that moon brat."

"Don't you speak of my Queen in that tone."

"The same tone you use to speak of my King? Back off Diamond. My patience is not to be tried."

"Will you two shut it! You act like squabbling children. Someone has arrived," Wiseman stated.

"Where?"

"Here your highness" Lita said stepping from the doorway way in her charm.

"Who are you?"

"General Jadeite's chief of the far east. He sent me to retrieve orders."

"Why didn't he just send himself?" Beryl questioned.

"He's finding a way into Crystal Palace. He recognized Sailor Mars signature and believes he can infiltrate the palace through her."

"Imbecile. That Martian is no fool."

"Love is a foolish thing. He believes he can use it to his advantage. It worked on the Princess."

"Perhaps. Where did you say you were from?"

"Far east my lady."

"No, where? I don't recall seeing you before."

"I just arrived my liege. I knew not the vile things the so-called Earth Queen did to other people. Such treachery should not go unpunished. When Commanding General Jadeite opened my eyes to the truths hidden I knew what had to be done."

"Which is?"

"Righting a great evil," she replied smirking. Unbeknownst to Diamond, Beryl or Wiseman, Jadeite- the real one- as well as the other Kings had opened all their eyes to everything going on in the future and they would do whatever needed to be done to destroy the evil infecting it.

"Tell Jadeite to follow his plan. But if he fails me...he remembers his icy abode."

"Very well Queen Beryl. Prince did you notice the arrival earlier?"

"Of course we did," Beryl snapped. Her patience with this pawn was wearing thin.

"I mean not to question his Highness, simply to inquire. What would you have us do?"

"What exactly happened out there?" Diamond asked leaning closer.

"We were winning. Pushing them back at every turn. We weren't near the palace but their numbers were quickly dwindling."

"And?"

"Then as if the heavens had opened a bright light came down. From what is heard each planet saw it. I was on the outskirts near Mars and I saw when it glowed straight from its core and then shot out to the skies towards Earth. When everything faded we couldn't believe what was to be seen. The gods had been brought before us. The true gods of the Millennium: Aries, Hermes, Selene, and Athena. You could feel their energies as they plowed through our warriors. The strange thing though was that Hermes and Aries were women. Beautiful women to the likes which I have never seen. The female Aries carried a trident blazing with fire while the female Hermes had an icy caduceus."

"You seem quite enamored with those gods. Care to tell why?" Beryl intercepted.

"I'm a Jovian sire. When I saw Athena I couldn't believe she had actually come to our aid. She was going to defeat those murderers with us! But then she didn't come to us. She went with them and barricaded herself in the Crystal Palace. They tricked her and turned her against us! As a pure and true Jovian I won't let that happen. That so-called Earth

Queen has taken my Jovian Queen and I won't let them have the core of Jupiter too!"

"Well said General. Well said," Diamond approved.

"Well rehearsed is more like it," Beryl fumed.

"You don't believe the man Beryl?"

"Do you?"

"There is something odd about him but I suppose it is due to his Jovian nature. They always were passionate about their rulers and planet's nexus."

"What did the Earth Queen think of this?"

"I did not see her or the others. They have hid behind their walls while their people die. Cowards," Lita murmured.

"What do you suggest we do Wiseman?" Diamond asked.

"Nothing. They will destroy themselves. The power Aries has over the Martian girl with come to a fold and prove to be too much. The wisdom channeled through the Jovian will overload her. The icy caduceus is a gift yet a curse if not handled carefully which I doubt the Mercurian will achieve. The lustful gaze of the Venetian will quickly be her demise," he explained looking into his crystal ball.

"And for the fifth?"

"That remains to be seen. For much is in store the moon goddess."

"If you excuse me Your Highnesses, I must return to my post. There is much I need to refer to Commanding General Jadeite as well continue our fight towards the palace," Lita said bowing and turning to leave.

"What did you say your name was again?" Beryl asked when Lita got to the door.

"I didn't, Queen Beryl," she replied and closed the door before any other questions could be asked. Breathing a sigh of relief she rushed down the next hall to find out more information.

---

"What exactly are we supposed to be doing? I feel like a sitting duck," Jadeite snipped. After the girls had dispersed to their duties the rest had convened in the main hall. The Queens were near the window discussing private matters while Serena, Darien, the generals, and the Kings were seated around a long rectangular table.

"Better than a dead duck," Artemis replied.

"We will be dead if they don't hurry up," he countered pushing his chair out agitatedly as he stood.

"If you will excuse us, we need to check on the others," Amelia said nodding to the other Queens.

"What others?" Nephrite asked. "Aren't all the warriors on the battlefield?"

"Not the soldiers, the other children in the palace. Persephone and Micah are well-behaved teenagers but their patience runs pretty thin after Melinda, Victoria, and Lilliana."

"Is Victoria the same as Tori?" Jadeite asked. "Whose child is she?"

"Considering that she is the one who transport Lily to the 20th century who would you perceive?" Raechal asked eyeing him.

"We have a daughter?"

"In a sense yes, but I cannot deem what your future may now be. She's exquisite though."

"Would you like to join us Luna?" Serenity asked.

"I will stay with my charge, your Majesty," Luna replied bowing her head. She had recently transfigured to her human form and was seated next to Serena looking at charts.

"Very well. Ladies."

At Serenity's statement they all followed her out to their next destination. The look on Jadeite's face was priceless to say the least. He couldn't believe that he and Raye had been twice blessed by the heavens. He imagined what she would look like- if she had had his hair and Raye's eyes or if she favored Micah's coloring. It really didn't matter to him afterall- she was his daughter. His.

"There has to be something else we can do. Our people are dying out there!" Zoicite said.

"Things of such nature cannot be rushed Zoi. We have much at stake here and it must be handled with the utmost care. Our futures are hanging in the balance," Serena said looking down into her hands.

"Was she also channeling Luna up there?" Jadeite whispered to Nephrite.

"It will take everything that we have to beat this force once and for all. Endymion, I need to speak with you. Privately."

Surprised but quickly recovering, King Endymion stood and said, "Of course we can use my of-"

"My apologies King Endymion," she interrupted. "I was referring to your younger self. But we will gladly take advantage of the privacy offered within your office," she finished walking out of the hall as if she knew the exact route.

"Are we sure she hasn't gone cuckoo like Raye and Mina?" Jadeite asked.

"Jadeite!" Luna snapped.

"What? It's a rational deduction."

"The fact that you joke on such a matter shows that you aren't taking this seriously at all."

"I'm taking this quite seriously Malachite. If you've forgotten my Phoenix has her father's energy in her right now. An energy that has driven her to the mindset of a ruthless killer. If she kills one person, one person unjustly, she'll never forgive herself. And I don't know how the hell to bring her back from that. Don't you dare stand that acting like you're some almighty with nothing invested in this. You are just involved as the rest of us. Or have you forgotten your Venetian Aphrodite?"

"Watch your tongue, Jadeite," Malachite said drawing his sword.

"I guess he isn't so cold-hearted after all. Her kisses wake you up a bit?"

"Jadeite," Nephrite cautioned.

"No damnit! Why can't you guys see what is happening here? You heard what the Queen said they could die! Die! This battling with each other doesn't mean shit compared to if I lose her or if he loses Mina or you lose Lita. They are channeling the most powerful magic in the universe. No one's body can hold on to two souls without either losing themselves completely or ending up in a body bag."

"Jadeite," Malachite began dropping his sword. "I am just as worried as you are. If not more- you forget that Mina was charged with the task of finding my clone and getting information."

"The amount of pheromones she was projecting was enough to drive any sane man to the brink of insanity but one with Malachite's will- could prove dangerous to her," Artemis explained.

"I'm on the brink just like you are- we all are. But we have to be strong for them and for this planet. They made their decisions and as their protectors we will stand by it."

"What do we do?" Jadeite asked.

"Generals and advisors, if you please. The kings and I would like you to participate in our discussion," KM stated before beginning his speech.

---

"Seduce him? What does she think I am a nymph?" Mina asked as she paced outside Magellan Castle. She was not at all happy about the situation Serena had put her in. Goddess she may be but miracle worker was in a completely different category. How exactly she was supposed to follow through with this she did not know and was quickly reaching a point of not caring. She at least had her moments of peace being back on her home planet.

'Mina. Mina? Mina? Mina, I know you hear me. Amina!' Serena yelled.

"Damnit Serenity! Can't a girl have a moment of peace without being bugged by her cousin?"

'You have work to do. Have you found him yet?'

"If I had do you think I would be talking with you?"

'The attitude is unnecessary I assure you.'

"I find it quite necessary thank you. You give me this task of finding my lover's clone and doing Selene knows what! I have every right to be upset."

'Upset you may be but realize the ramifications at stake if you don't. He's there on the planet as I'm sure you can tell. He followed your signature as I'm beginning to think the others will be doing also. I have the utmost faith in you Amina. You can do this.'

"He's still Malachite."

'Which gives you the advantage rather than him. I'll be in touch.'

"It's quite fine if I lose myself to that bastard but she won't even acknowledge the rollercoaster she's on with Endymion," she mumbled as she walked into the palace doors. As soon as she entered, the palace itself appeared to take a breath again. It was a remarkable sight to say the least. It was as if Magellan knew that her Goddess had returned home once more.

"Show yourself Venetian!"

Catching her breath in her chest Mina closed her eyes and regained control of herself. She continued to remind herself that though he sounded and looked like her Malachite, her Matthew that he was not. Turning around she came face to face with the leader of Beryl's Army dressed in his gray suit and vest. His platinum hair shown brightly in the light of the castle but his eyes were as dark and menacing as the battle brewing before them.

"I knew you'd find me. You always could," Mina, said sultry walking up to him.

"I'm not sure if you're stupid or simple insane to show your face here," he said.

"Insanely in love perhaps."

"You can't play your games with me witch. I defeated you before and I will do so again."

"And I do believe in recent history I defeated you. Let's call it even, huh?"

Pulling out his sword he placed it at her throat and said, "Nothing will be even until I have you lying dead on this floor."

"How about just lying on the floor?" she countered placing her touch on the blade. When he looked down he saw that it had melted away into a dust of gold. "Why fight me Mal? Why fight this?"

Wrapping his hand around her throat, he dragged her closer to him and seethed, "I don't know what game it is that you are playing but you are on foolish grounds. I could kill you right here."

"But you won't," she said trying to breath. "You couldn't."

Tightening his grip he said, "You think just because the other of me was trapped by your Venetian magic that I will be too?"

"It wasn't a trap. He loved me just as you do," she said pulling his grip away from her.

"I love Zoicite."

"You love Zoicite," she mocked laughing.

"You dare laugh?"

"I find it quite amusing that you have fallen for such a man- I mean woman."

"You defy-"

"Come now Mal. You don't really love him-her do you? She's such a measly excuse for a replacement."

"Replacement?"

"Follow me," she said coaxing him down the hall. "Magellan Castle is more than just bricks and stone. It is more than just some structure upon a foundation. History is melded into these walls. History of triumphs, defeats, conquests…"

"And love?"

"You're catching on quickly."

"What do you think you're playing at?"

"Whatever you want Malachite," she said smiling as she cast a quick spell into the air.

"You're not it."

"Really?" she questioned turning around. "How about now? No? Does this make it better?"

With each question she asked part of her appearance changed to where she no longer had long golden blonde hair with cornflower blue eyes but strawberry blonde hair with green eyes.

"Zoi?"

"I'm here Mal," she whispered touching his chest.

"No. What happened to the Venetian?"

"What Venetian Malachite? I'm the only one here- we've been talking."

"No…"

Clone Malachite couldn't figure out what had happened but he knew something had. His senses were never wrong and yet his mind was telling him two different things. He felt as if he was walking through an orange haze of confusion. He knew he had been talking with the Venetain only moments before and yet it felt like days before. Zoicite was before him now looking concerned but his instincts were telling him something was indeed off beam.

"Yes. You were telling me about the soldiers and what you wanted me to do."

"Beryl already instructed you."

"And since the arrival of the Goddesses, I've come to you. What do you have them doing?"

"We're sending everyone to Earth to fight them off. The power of a Goddess is formidable if fully unleashed."

"So then we need to call them back. Re-strategize."

"That's already been handled. The men are at their battle stations and when those pathetic scouts come out they will obliterate them."

"But they aren't the scouts now."

"They still are. You can't change one's structure. The men on the east will draw them out one by one with the distress calls of their people. Being infused with these new powers now will only add to their worriment."

"And then we will attack them when they are vulnerable. Perfect. We should go and send out signals to-"

"Damn you!" he screamed slamming his hand into a wall. Glaring at her he wrapped his arms around her biceps roughly and snarled, "You think you can trick me? I am Beryl's head general!"

"Malachite calm down," she said trying to shake him from her.

"Stop it! You're not Zoicite. Where is she?"

"Get control of yourself Malachite and think! You wanted her to be me. Long blonde hair, colorful sparkling eyes, keen sense of duty but forgetting when you're around and standing just below your heart. You found the closest thing you could to fill the void in your heart. You've been trying to substitute her for me! I'm the one you really want."

"And what would you do if I said yes? Would you leave him? Leave your princess and precious Earth life."

"We can make a future here for us. You and me ruling this world."

"A future…yes."

"Don't you see Mal? You are the man I've been in love with. The other of you is nothing but a cheap imitation. HE is the clone, not you! You are everything a man should be and more. Strong in body, mind, soul, strategic, cunning, and savaging with little conscious. Leave those meddlesome thoughts of right and wrong to the women. You, my King, are all about power because the rise to right or wrong is only achieved by power. You are the man I need by my side to rule my kingdom. Rule with me, be with me," she said kissing him passionately.

When she felt his arms wrap around her waist she knew she had him right where she wanted him. Lifting herself by her own strength she wrapped her legs around his waist and urged him to carry her elsewhere. She felt herself being carried down a set of stairs and entering another part of the castle that was dark and cold. Leaning against a wall she felt his hand caress her thigh and she sighed in ecstasy. Snatching his mouth away from her lips he smirked and said, "I have a surprise for you."

"I don't need anything or anyone but you."

"You must have a death wish."

"I have only one wish. That the man I love returns my feelings and helps me to be whole again."

"You should have taken my advice then and returned to him," he said throwing her off of him and into a cell. Slamming the door shut he locked it and seal it with negative energy.

"Malachite, what are you doing?"

"You tried to seduce me with your magic. You tried to get me to turn against my pledge. You used… what are you doing to me?" he demanded holding his head. He could feel himself falling back into that same haze.

"You can't keep me locked in here forever," Mina said holding out her hands. She focused her energy and began to pour her magic into the air. She could feel Aphrodite calling strong inside of her and she forced more of her powers out of her. "My powers are beyond your petty skills. You have no idea who you're dealing with."

"We'll see about that," he stated sending a wave of dark energy into her cell. Knocking into the wall she fell over to the ground unconscious and was left alone in the dungeon.

---

"It appears that they have yet to infiltrate the outer planets too," Amy said looking up from her screen. "Endymion said that Jupiter and Mercury were still safe from harm. Why is that? Mars is known for its weaponry and knowledge of foresight. Mercury had the technology available to prepare for such a tragedy and Jupiter has the strongest Amazons and Warrior Kings seen this side of the galaxy. Out of all five of us we three should have been the last standing to defend Crystal Tokyo."

"You rather quickly threw Venus aside," Raye replied dragging pawns across the board. She was setting up a battle strategy for them when they went back to the fields.

"Did I? Enemies always attack Mercury and Venus first due to lack of knowledge. They believe since Mercurians are the intelligence of the Alliance and Venetians are lovey-dovey fools they can be taken out the quickest."

"They would have needed someone from the inside to execute such a takeover."

"Not exactly. From the information I've gathered, the Alliance had banished a rather large amount of people from the planet some time ago to Nemesis."

"The dark side of the Moon? That's inhabitable. No one has lived there since before the century of Queen Serenity III."

"Serena's great grandmother, yes. My information is not wrong, they were sent there to live out the rest of their days. There was a time during the beginning of the century that some people became infected with a tainted light. They literally become evil before people's eyes as the days progressed. Serenity was able to cure some of them with the crystal but many refused. Once captured they had two choices, to accept the crystal's cleansing or be banished forever and here we now stand with Nemesis," Amy explained.

"She should have just killed them all. If she had we wouldn't have this problem."

"Now Raye you must know that there is no such thing as Utopia. There will always be the fight of good versus evil. It's etched into history and will forever be so. Peace will only reign for so long before something tries to break the order achieved. I would think you'd be supported of such a thing. Without evil and war, there'd be no use for Aries in life."

"I don't support Aries or anything he stands for!" she said standing up in defense.

"You surely sound that way. You've been speaking of killing and ravaging lands all day. If I didn't know better I'd think that you were this way all along and Aries just gave you the push in the right direction."

"Take that back!" she yelled picking up her trident.

"Put that fork down. You won't be attacking me and you know it. I am simply pointing out the obvious."

"And what of you, Hermes? Taking the messages given to you a bit too seriously?"

"My caduceus delivers knowledge without fail. Everything it tells me is beneficial to the battle ahead."

"Did the caduceus tell you that too?"

"You should be so lucky!" Amy yelled back stamping her staff as ice spread from beneath.

"You think a bit of ice is going to scare me?" Raye countered placing the tips of her trident on the floor to allow the fire brewing to keep the ice at bay.

The combined powers of Aries and Hermes combating with each other caused the wing of the castle to shake and quiver though neither paid attention.

"What are you two doing!" Micah screamed. "Are you trying to kill us all?"

"Mom, put that away!" Persephone commanded. "You can't use your powers against each other."

"She should watch what she says," Raye snapped.

"You should get control of your anger. Aries lost his life that way if you have forgotten. In more than one lifetime if I might add. Anger is not the force to drive you. Passion is. The passion you have for everything is what stokes that fire. It is what will bring the Horsemen to your side. If you cannot control yourself then all this work will have been for nothing," Micah explained.

"Horsemen?" Amy questioned. "The Four Horsemen?"

"They belonged to Aries himself. You have his power now, why wouldn't you be able to call upon them?"

"I want nothing to do with them!" Raye said. "They bring nothing but destruction and death to those around them. They are merciless killers with no conscious for the outside world."

Picking up a book next to her Amy leafed through a few pages before asking, "Have they already been chosen?"

"Horsemen change every generation an Aries is revived I believe. Father would know more. Why do you ask?" Persephone answered.

"I think I have a plan," she said snapping the book closed. "We have a plan."

---

Closing the door behind Darien, Serena took a look around the office. She couldn't believe how reminiscent it was to his office during the Silver Millennium. The same oak furnishings with cedar touches in the corners and his window gazed directly out to the rose garden circling a gazebo. He had books lining the walls on shelves with framed photos on the wall. He even had some littered around his desk. Turning her observant nature off she looked to Darien and sighed.

"What? What did you want to talk about?" Darien asked her leaning against the wall. He could sense something was off about her but he knew it was because she was now channeling the Moon Goddess. She looked so ethereal before him that he had to close and open his eyes again to make sure she was real and not a figment of his imagination.

"You," she replied walking around to Endymion's desk and sitting in the chair.

"Care to be more specific?" he asked a bit miffed she had taken his chair.

"Not the you before me, you Prince of Terra."

"I am Prince of Terra."

"You'd like to think so, but you're not."

"What the hell are you talking about Serena? I'm the son of Gaia- Mother Nature herself. I am Terra's Prince," he said leaning over the desk to corner her.

"Only there you are," she said pointing to his head. "You must be Terra here first," she added placing her hand above his heart. "And then there."

"I am. If not I wouldn't be connected to the Earth as I am," he confessed. He couldn't gather what she was trying to get him to see. She was talking in circles and it was quickly pissing him off.

"You are connected? If you mean your simple magical tricks with my gardens and roses then we have much work ahead of us. Sit."

"I'd rather-"

"You will sit Endymion and listen to what I have to say. Whether you realize it or not, this war cannot be won without the Prince of Terra- the true Prince. And if it takes me all night, I will bring him forth from you."

"How many times do I have to tell you that I am here! I am Prince of Terra."

"The true Prince of Terra has control of all elements. Your out of control emotions are enough to cause havoc to nature and yet nothing happens. The water in this glass should have reacted to you and yet it remains still. Why is that? The only conclusion I have deduced is because you have yet to channel Terra."

"Channel?"

"The girls and I invoked gods and goddesses that used to be our parents or ancestors. Each of them is known and connected with our planet throughout history. As does the Earth."

"Gaia?"

"Before she became Mother Nature as we know of her, she was a Titan. If not for her Earth never would have been created nor the Titans and Gods. As her son, her true son you should have been with us to invoke her."

"That's crazy."

"To invoke your mother? Not as crazy as Raye invoking her father I'm sure. But unlike the rest of us, you need not return to any planet of rock to retrieve her. She lives in you and will thrive if you stop suppressing her."

"I'm not suppressing-"

"There goes those emotions again and with no counteraction from his domain. Why do you continue to deny her Darien? What did she ever do to you to cause such hate?"

"I don't hate her."

"Perhaps but there is animosity residing in you."

"I loved her then and I love her now. I forgot who she was yes, but I never will again. She is everything and yet nothing. She's a part of me that I never realized I had until recently. Watching over me as my guardian angel even when I didn't deserve her. She accepted me back into her arms without a second thought when anyone else would have shunned me."

"She's your mother Darien. She loves you more than anything in this world."

"Then what you say must not be true. Maybe I'm not the true Prince."

"But you are, Darien," she said coming around to him. "Don't you see? All you have to do is open yourself up to her completely. She's already here in you, you just have to take a breath, shed a tear, light the fire, and feel the earth."

"What does that mean?"

"As Terra's Prince you should know. Think Darien. Think- take a breath, shed a tear, light the fire and feel the earth," she said placing her hand on his cheek. "It's right here Darien. Right there. Just take it."

Listening to her words Darien closed his eyes and repeated the phrase over in his mind. 'Take a breath, shed a tear, light the fire and feel the earth. What the hell does that mean?' He knew he had heard something similar before but he couldn't think of where. The words were right on the tip of his tongue and the image right on his eyelids but he couldn't bring them to formation. He took another deep breath and exhaled calmly as he thought of his mother's face.

Gasping Serena stepped out of the way as a gust of wind came from the open window and circled around Darien starting from his feet to his head and went back out the window. She knew immediately that he was connecting with the elements even if he himself did not know it. But the fact that the wind didn't remain showed that he wasn't pushing hard enough- he had tapped into something but not all of it. She could only pray that he could find it again.

In Darien's mind he saw himself as a young man speaking with his mother inside the gazebo that was directly under his window. They had spent many nights there from his childhood talking about everything under the moon and sun. He knew he was destined for great things but he still couldn't figure out what yet, but he knew whatever it was he was ready for it. He was going to be a great king one day. A king the people of Earth could be proud of- like his father- and he would unite all the planets in the galaxy.

The wood in the fireplace sparked to life on its own before Serena's eyes and took shape. Peering closer she thought she could see the outline of the Earth. 'His truest desire.'

Images of finding himself alone in a hospital bed with no memory of his previous life met his eyes. He remembered the fear and loneliness he felt when he heard the doctors say he had no one to take care of him. He remembered the tears that welled up in his eyes when he was sent to the orphanage and when none of the kids would play with him. The heart wrenching emotions when he lost his first friend and decided from that moment that he would never let anyone hurt him again. He would close himself off to all emotions for they were only the bringer of pain.

Serena watched a single tear rolled down his cheek and splashed to the floor. She wondered what he saw that could make him cry. She had never seen Darien evoke true emotions other than when he saw her dying but even then he never shed a tear. Her thoughts were cut short as Darien's body literally was thrust backwards and crashed into the floor as if something had hurdled into him. Rushing to his side she knelt down to help him up. From his groaning she realized he was at least still alive if not slightly injured. Opening his eyes he looked at Serena's face and couldn't help but smile. She had been the one to knock him back to Earth, back to feeling again. And once again here she was knocking him back to his destiny- his hearth.

Standing up he said, "I understand now."

"Understand what? Nothing happened and I sense no change in you," she replied.

"Patience is a virtue, Serenity," he said kneeling down on one knee. "Wind blows, water falls, fire burns…"

As Darien spoke these words Serean watched as the wind came back through the window, circled Darien again and entered his mouth, the fire that still burned blazed brightly and shot from the fireplace into Darien's heart. The tear that had puddle on the floor remained still but the glass on the desk fell over spilling water across it and dripping on the floor. The droplets propelled themselves towards Darien and melded themselves to his skin. Placing his hand on the floor Serena could feel the room start to trimmer and even saw a detailed crack appear when Darien removed his hand. When he stood back up his tuxedo and top hat vanished and turned into his armor complete with cape and sword. However his cape now was graced with the Earth insignia.

"Prince of Terra. Or should I say God of Terra."

"Thank you Serenity. Thank you," he replied.

"Anytime," she said stepping closer. "Anytime."

"We need to return to the others quickly. I feel the men on the field are not fairing as well as we would hope."

"Wait, Darien. I need you to do one more favor for me. I know I have no right to ask this but I must. As God of Terra, you need your kings by your side. I need for you to call for them."

"They belong to you now Serena. They made their decision."

"But it was the wrong one to make. They know in their hearts where they are meant to be. They are the Kings of Earth with you as their ruler. The connection they have will never be forgotten no matter who or what tries to change it. They need those powers you bestowed upon or this war will never be won. Please Darien."

"If I give them back their rightful powers, they must return to me Serena. Do you understand that?"

"I do."

"Do they?"

"The women they love are where you reside. They will have no objection."

"And the princess that they love?"

"Will remain in their hearts. Will you do it?"

Reaching out his hand he summoned the four orbs of powers he had confiscated a few days prior. With no command needed they flew out of his hand and returned to their proper owner. "We must hurry."

---

"That had to be the worst feat I have ever gone through. I can still feel death on my neck," Lita said walking into the main hall shaking her charm away from her. She returned back to the toga she was wearing earlier that day adorned with lightening rods. She pulled her hair from the ponytail atop her head and shook her hair loose. "If I ever have to do that it'll be too soon. Where's Serena?"

"I have a plan! You won't believe what I found. Where's Serena?" Amy asked simultaneously rushing into the main hall.

"We have a plan, Hermes! Where is that moon fairy?" Raye questioned coming in behind Amy.

"If I knew my time was so coveted I would have stayed away longer," Serena replied. She had walked into the hall shortly after them her hand clasped in Darien's. The action did not go unnoticed by any of those present but they knew they'd talk about it after they returned home. Luna and Artemis simply exchanged glances and smiled knowingly.

All at once the women came at Serena trying to tell her what they had discovered and what they thought needed to be done. Feeling quite claustrophobic, she held up her hand and asked for silence. "I will get to each of you I promise. But I first must know what was discovered from our enemies. Where is Mina?"

"She's not back yet," Luna replied glancing in Malachite's direction.

"We've been away for hours, she should have returned first," Lita deducted.

"Well she hasn't so I suggest we continue with your report and pick up with hers when she does," Malachite said.

"I'm sure she's fine. Lita, please" Serena asked.

"Well, they definitely know we are here and are not happy about. They personally have no idea what to do about our arrival but think it will play out in their favor."

"How is that possible?"

"Wiseman, who is about as dark and treacherous as they come said something while I was there. Once Beryl and Diamond bought my story of working for Jadeite they asked about us. Wiseman said that while these powers are gifts and may hold them off for a moment, it will end in our demise first. The same traits we are channeling and tapping into will end up being our downfall one by one. It's evitable."

"That's ludicrous!" Raye shouted. "What kind of poppy cock is that?"

"It's not 'poppycock' Raye. The Queen said the same thing today. These powers are dangerous and if not handled carefully they will kill us. But that's why we were chosen because we can handle this. We wouldn't have been brought this far to die now. Not like this."

"Lita's right. Which means that we have to watch out for each other. Generals and Prince, if you please take charge over one of them and stay by their side on the fields. We can't let what happened to our ancestors happen to us," Luna explained.

"I don't need any babysitter!" Raye exclaimed.

"Think of it as a healthy precaution. Out of all us the warriors will gun for you first. You bring quite a number of attentions to yourself. Look to Jadeite as a welcomed bodyguard."

"He better know how to guard himself."

"They also are planning to use the clones against us. I heard one of the guards talking in the dungeons about them being our key weakness. It worked before and they have utter it will again," Lita explained.

"Amy, what did you and Raye come up with?"

"We actually have Micah and Persephone to thank for it," she began.

"But need myself to execute it," Raye added.

"There goes that pride again," Jadeite muttered.

"Amy," Serena ordered.

"Yes, well after we gathered all the information on what had happened prior and thought of every battle strategy we could take this. Nurturing mother, lustful lover, straight out battler, serene debater, it won't work. Raye ran every battle strategy that had ever been used in a war or known to man. It's hopeless."

"That's the good news you bring? You walked in here excited and you come to tell us we came here for nothing? We're just going to die?" Nephrite questioned.

"We would if we hadn't received a tidbit of information. We have to call forth the Horsemen of the Apocalypse."

"You have to be kidding me. Those four are ruthless. Death, Famine, Pestilence, and War cannot be controlled. They'd sooner fight for the other side than fight for us," Jadeite snapped.

"My father controlled them perfectly as will I. The things they did were on his orders and it only occurred in order. Yes, they may have been extreme but you must realize that everything they do is apart of life and it simply tests us. That's why the end of the world never occurred as foretold because there is always good in the world. It offers us a reprieve and they return once more to the holdings."

"And what happens if no reprieve comes?"

"How can it not with the purest hearts right in this room?"

"She's right. We've all sacrificed our lives for one another or for the greater good. It should work," Lita commented.

"Should is what I don't like," King Endymion said standing up. "I can't take that chance."

"He's right. There has to be another way. We can't risk releasing them and they not following your orders," KJ agreed.

"It's too dangerous," KM finished.

"Dangerous? So it's quite fine that we risk our lives and souls for you and this but only as long as it stays within your neat little box?" Lita asked stepping forward. "If Mina were here she'd have your head. King or no king."

"As Venus' King I forbid it."

"They're descendants of Martian magic. You have no call."

"We're going with their plan," Darien stated.

"No, we're not," Endymion countered. "I won't let my people die just to win a war."

"They're already dying! There breaths are raggedly leaving their bodies as their tears wet the earth below. You are already losing this battle and will continue to do so unless we take action. You brought us here for this. Let us handle it."

"With the horsemen we have a stronger chance," Nephrite said.

"More stronger than you would think," Amy added. "The horsemen were chosen by Aries himself. Sometimes regular men from his planet, sometimes ones across the galaxy but always handpicked by him. If Raye chooses the clones as the Horsemen, then we'll have a greater advantage on our side. No war can be won without generals- leaders. The soldiers will fall back immediately or fall to their death trying to best a man better."

"Three of us in one room? This is getting more complicated by the minute," Jadeite muttered.

"Once charged with the task of being a Horsemen, its final and will remain until Raye chooses to let them go either by death or free will."

"So even once we gain our reprieve, they will still remain in existence just not active?" Serena asked.

"Yes."

"Do it," Endymion said.

"You say it like you're opinion mattered," Raye said. "How do I call for them?"

"You should already know," Artemis offered. "Or at least Aries should."

Closing her eyes Raye took a deep breath. She could see Aries standing outside the castle looking up to the skies as he chanted the calling. Concentrating harder she brought the chant to her own lips: "Bis zum letzten Atemzug des vierten Winde (By the last breath of the fourth winds blow), Pestilence, Por lo que usted ha tenido que soportar (For what you have had to endure), Y lo que han hecho los demás a través de (And what you have put others through), Famine, Seu corpo que tem dilacerado através (Your body it has torn through), Withered em cada lugar (Withered in every place), War, A fait payer un lourd tribut sur vous (Has taken its toll on you), Les lignes qui fissure votre visage(The lines that crack your face), Death, Liberazione per voi per certo (Deliverance for you for sure), Non vi è nulla si può fare (There is nothing you can do), Bis zum letzten Atemzug des vierten Winde (By the last breath of the fourth winds blow)

"Is she speaking five different languages?" Zoicite asked Amy when she repeated the chant again.

"Six," she replied smirking at him. "Did you miss the Portuguese?"

"Don't be cocky."

"They're coming…look," she said pointing to the energy circling Raye. In the distance they could hear hooves galloping towards them. After she chanted it one last time, a whirlwind came through the door in the announcement of four men on horseback in distinct colors. Riding atop a white horse was CZ carrying a bow with no arrows. She did not appear happy about her predicament at all but knew she could not break what she had been called to do. Following her was a black horse as dark as his rider was light. CJ rode atop him carrying scales in his hand representing the corruption and inequality in the world. You could see him trying to jerk himself away from the horse but to no avail. Coming up quickly behind him was a crimson horse with a mane a long as it's rider- CN carrying a greatsword. Last was a pale horse following in the wake of the other three riders with CM atop. A dark shadow was also present behind him with no shape or mass, but everyone knew it represented the spirit that carried souls to the afterlife.

"Which one of you witches did this?" CN shouted. "Beryl will kill you."

"Oh shut up, you sound like a baby missing his mother's tit," Raye snapped. "I called for you and I'm sure you know why."

"You can't force us to change sides," CZoicite said. "Like how that Venetian bitch forced herself on Malachite."

"I think you're confusing me with yourself," Mina replied appearing in the room.

Serena could instantly feel a different energy surrounding her and knew immediately that danger was ahead. She recognized the signature and feared that Aphrodite was truly taking Mina over- if she hadn't already. She appeared no worse for the wear other than her eyes were now sparkling brighter than before but the power beaming off of her would jeopardize more than this battle. Mina had managed to escape from the dungeon in Magellan Castle no more than seconds after the Horseman had been called. With CM energy being converted towards the power of a Horseman, the magic he had placed on her and the cell waned. Once she found her energy again she was able to return back to the palace. And happy she was not. Not because she had been outsmarted in her plans but that the mere mortal of a man had the nerve to attack a Goddess as she. She may be the Goddess of Love but her wrath was not to be tested.

"Mina!" Serena called rushing to her aide.

"Which one of you came up with this bright idea?"

"It was mutual. Are you alright?"

"Now you're concerned for my safety and well being after sending me off to do dirty work?"

"Mina-"

"I'm fine, no worse for the wear," she said moving to stand next to Malachite.

"Just like a Venetian- selfish. The brat's concerned and you care for no one but your play toy. You had to have both of them? Can't just be with your goody two shoes? He not spicing it up for you enough?"

"Zoicite!" CM seethed. "Stop it."

"Stop what? You slept with that Venetian whore and I'm supposed to accept it because she touched something in your heart?"

"This conversation is over."

"The hell it is! Admit it, you slept with her."

"I said it's over!" he bellowed causing her to shrink back.

"Well now that that is over, let's get down to business," Raye smiled. "You four are now charged with the duties of the Four Horsemen. Pestilence, Famine, War and Death," she said going from CZ to CJ to CN and finally CM. "Your first duty is to bring your abilities forth to the side we're fighting. And by we, I do mean those present in this room. You no longer work for Beryl, Diamond, Wiseman, their generals and soldiers, you work for us. If they can be saved try to do so, if not well Death will always be there to clean up War's mess."

"When I get out of these clutches I am going to rip you limb from limb," CJ threatened.

"Oh did you not learn of that trivia in history class? Once charged with the task, you are forever bond. There is no way out for you, unless she chooses so," Lita explained pointing to Raye.

"Don't look so browbeaten gentlemen and lady. Think of it as coming full circle back to where you were always meant to be," Amy added.

"They know," Darien whispered to Serena. "Beryl and Diamond are coming this way. We need to move now."

"Go, go!" she urged.

"Generals follow me! Jadeite I need you to cloak us with an illusion so we can get past the front lines."

"You think it's funny to throw that in face now? You can be a real jack-"

"JUST DO IT!" Serena yelled. "Raye, take the Horsemen to the east of the battle. Amy I need you to stay center and coordinate. Lita, infiltrate with Nephrite on the west. Mina-"

"I know, north."

"Mina…"

"I'm a Goddess for a reason. I'm in control," Mina finished clasping Malachite's hand and disappearing.

"Micah, Persephone!"

"We're heading with Mom! I mean Raye!" Micah called as he passed by in a puff of smoke.

"No! I need you on the south side blocking more warriors from coming. Darien will help you."

"I need to get the others. I told them I'd bring them once we began," Persephone said pulling away from Micah.

"What others?"

"Our brothers and sisters of course. You thought we were the only teenagers?" she said taking a glass of water off the table, pouring it into her hands and thrusting it outward down the halls. "I told them to meet us there, we don't have time to wait.

"Artemis, I need you on two legs not four," Serena said waving her hand before him as he materialized into his former self. The white fur that adorned his body became his hair that trailed down his back. His frame rose to tower at six feet on his lanky structure. When he opened his eyes the baby blues that were his alone sparkled to life. "Serena…thank you."

"My Kings, it may be better if you stay in the palace with the Queens. It's their energy alone that is holding the palaces together. If they fall, we won't have much to work with. Luna and Artemis, with the Queens gone I need you to watch the younger children. Go!" Serena shouted as they all dissipated from the room.

Pushing his energy outward Jadeite could barely hold in his surprise when the images his mind created were projected before him. He cloaked the ones in the room to decipher between the illusions and reality and followed after his Prince. He saw Zoicite's crystal sword materialize before him as he wrapped his arms around Amy and disappeared in a swirl of petals.

'The Four Heavenly Kings,' he linked to his fellow generals.

'You just realized that?' Nephrite linked back laughing.

---

"What have they done?!" Beryl screeched. "She has stolen everything from me."

"Your Moon Queen had nothing to do with this," Wiseman explained. "The Martian Goddess is the problem."

He had noticed the immediate disappearance of the generals and notified Beryl and Diamond. The air was tense with the Martian magic used to call for the generals and could be clearly seen to the trained eye heading straight to Crystal Palace. Wiseman was not at all happy about this new detail of information and a new strategy was in requirement.

"That girl wouldn't have done anything if the brat hadn't ordered her too."

"You need to channel your anger to more resourceful outlets."

"Excuse me?"

"She needs to be eliminated."

"Garnet handle it," Diamond ordered as he bowed and disappeared. "Beryl, stay with Wiseman. I have matters to attend to."

"Where do you think you're going?" she demanded. "Diamond. Diamond!"

"You could end all this yourself Beryl. Finish off the traitors, kill the Moon Queen of both times, and secure your place as Earth's Queen," Wiseman manipulated.

"How?"

"The dark crystal."

"Metalia feeds off the dark crystal. Nothing is more important than bringing her back to full strength."

"Yes, Metalia."

"Without her this war will be nothing. Once she unlocks the dark gate nothing can stop us."

"Much is to be achieved through the opening of the dark gate."

"What do you see?"

"Triumphs for the dark side."

"What do you see for me?"

"You will be the beginning of the end."

"You should be lucky she joined with you," Beryl said leaving his presence.

"Stupid woman…you will soon learn that I control this," Wiseman snickered as his body melded to the floor and landed in the chamber where Metalia essence was being held.

"Wiseman."

"Our plans have changed Metalia. The clones are gone as is the energy they would have provided for us."

"We still have the youmas created."

"Those manifested by Nephrite and Jadeite are gone. Emerald's toys don't stand a chance."

"We need that energy."

"I propose using another."

"Beryl."

"She's clouded by her prideful revenge and lust."

"She is a loyal servant."

"One that can be used and disposed."

"Yes. The dark crystal."

"The crystal," he finalized and disappeared as Beryl opened the chamber door and fell to her knees before the enclosure holding Metalia.

"My mistress," Beryl began.

"Where is my energy Beryl?"

"The Moon brat has gotten in my way again. She's taken my generals and-"

"You have no one to blame but yourself. You foolishly trusted them with a task that should have been yours."

"I know Mistress but you must-"

"I did not bring you back for a repeat. You have failed me again."

"No, I can get them back. All of them. I just need-"

"More power? Before you did this and we were both destroyed."

"It won't happen this time. I will annihilate her and those pesky scouts. I will reign as Earth's Queen as I was meant to."

"The dark crystal."

If she had been in the right mindset she would have questioned what she was being told to do but all she could see was finally accomplishing her goal- ridding the world of Lunarians. They had taken everything from her for as long as she could remember and it was time to take it back. Prince Endymion would have been hers had he not been seduced by the Moon Princess and her innocent gazes. He would have loved her if she had never came into the picture. They would have a family now and be unstoppable, but that's not what the cards dealt her. She knew now that she would have to prove herself to him and take want she deserved. Once the moon princess Endymion would love her like he was always meant to.

"Wiseman knows what he speaks. Use the dark crystal. It will help you to achieve your greatest desire. Our greatest."

"Yes. Yes, I accept what it has to offer."

Walking closer to where the crystals were housed she reached her hand out and grabbed apiece. Focusing her energy she felt the dark crystal pulsing energy inside of her- making her stronger.

"More. Take all that the crystal has to offer," Metalia said.

Like something out of a horror movie, Beryl's body constricted and construed into a monstrosity unknown to all those that saw. Her body took on another form than she had in any lifetime with grotesque features. However, one could still recognize the energy and hatred belonging on the Beryl. Not even caring what she now possessed Beryl turn on her heels and left the room to seek her revenge.

---

Turning to the east Jadeite moved swiftly through the warriors towards Raye's energy and saw her welding her trident with pride. She ordered the Horsemen to take up the four corners surrounding her and they moved speedily through the battle. Almost as if on cue, the soldiers looked to whom they were fighting and couldn't understand the predicament. Their Generals- their leaders had taken to the other side and were being commanded by the Martian Goddess. It made no sense, but they had to believe their eyes. A few who were loyal to their general and general alone followed after them but others either backed away or wagered their life in battle.

Calling upon her powers Raye looked to the skies as a large bird's song could be heard. Holding in her smile she watched as it soared above and landed directly in front of her batting its wings to create a blazing inferno around the enemy.

"Great way to round 'em up," Jadeite said coming to her side.

"You could actually do some work," she said aiming her trident to attack.

"I am. Protecting your stubborn ass," he replied projecting the attack heading their way back to the sender.

"Hmm. Now which one of you wants to die here in all my flaming glory and which ones of you want to live to see another sunrise?" she asked the men in front of her.

"Beryl is our Queen. We serve only her!" a man shouted.

"Wrong answer," she snapped and increased the flames before walking away.

"Raye!"

"What!"

"You can't do that. We need to give them a fighting chance. A choice to make the right decision."

"I gave them a chance. You heard them- Beryl is their Queen."

"So you just kill them!"

"What do you care? If it helps us win this war and return things to the way they are meant to be then the ends justify the means. Now do something useful for a change! Those men over there need our help."

"Raye what is happening to you?"

"I'm accepting my destiny. As you should," she said. "Horsemen, CHARGE!"

---

Arriving at the front of the castle Mina examined what was before her. She analyzed the possibilities of a clean get away if she attacked from a direct line versus blending into the crowds. Taking a chance, she left Malachite's side and moved towards the first group of soldiers she saw attacking a group of Mercurians. Blocking their attack on them she called forth an ancient power and unleashed havoc on those before her. Many people thought that being the Goddess of Love her power was passive and could do no true harm. Unbeknownst to them was that the most powerful magic in the universe was love and when manipulated and twisted could dark and menacing. Looking to her left she saw Raye doing as much damage as she was and enjoying just as much. Signaling her to join in she came swiftly to her side and joined their powers together.

"Mina what are you doing?" Malachite demanded finding her. He had caught sight of her and Raye torturing soldiers on the battlefield. The were taking a deep pride and pleasure in hurting these people- whether they be innocent or not.

"What I'm supposed to be doing. Winning this war as I know how," she curtly replied.

"Your letting her take control of you. You both are."

"Don't start that holier than thou crap with me. You've made quite a number of mistakes too in my book."

"I wasn't infused with the kind of power you are though."

"We knew of our actions," Jadeite added. He could feel every emotion coming from Raye and there weren't hers at all. Ares had taken over and he feared it was already too late to save her.

"Your actions? Like when you left me alone on eons ago? When you refused to think rationally and realize that Earth was already gone," Raye snapped.

"There was nothing left to save," Mina added.

"You yet you still gave and gave."

"You two never cared then. Why should we care now?"

"You guys have to listen to us. That is not what happened," Jadeite pleaded.

"Really? "

"We care to differ."

"Aphrodite?"

"Yes, Aries?"

"I believe I feel the need to utilize my gifts."

"That sounds like a glorious idea. I think it's time for me to spread my wings."

"Raye don't-" Jadeite started.

"DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!" Raye yelled sparking flames from her fingers.

"Tsk tsk Jason love. You should know better than to order a Goddess around. Nothing to say, Mal? Should have figured. You always were the more silent type."

Before another word could be said they were off and away. No sight could be seen of them near of far. Jadeite could even feel Raye anymore or trace a link to her.

"How do we stop this? We can't let them go off like this," Jadeite said.

"There's nothing we can do but continue to help those people," Malachite answered.

"What the hell are talking Matt? You're just giving up?"

"I have a duty."

"Fuck your duty!"

"She made her choice. She chose to let Aphrodite win. She chose- not me. This is the life she wants. This is what Raye wants," he said and pushed forward back into the battle scene.

---

"This isn't working Zoicite!" Amy shouted as she dodged another attack. They had followed Serena's orders and were located directly in the center of all the fighting coordinating with the others. Between the link shared with the Goddesses, Micah's link with his parents and Persephone, and the links Serena had with the generals, it was proving to be useful until more soldiers appeared. It was like they were an infectious disease that continued to spread.

"I'll watch out for you. Just keep working," Zoicite said.

"I can't work like this!" she screamed turning away. She looked up to the skies and contemplated an idea but knew the dangers too. Zoicite looked to her when he felt her energy change slightly.

"Amy…Amy, don't do this."

"I have to help them. My eyes can't see beyond forefronts."

"You're going to get yourself killed."

"Do you trust me?"

"With my life."

"Stay on the ground and communicate with me. I'm going above to scout."

Lifting her body in the air she felt small wings emerge from her sandals. Smiling she silently thanked her father and floated above the battle to get a better viewpoint. The entire grounds of Crystal Tokyo were covered with fighting and fallen warriors. She couldn't fathom the amount of deaths that were on their hands. Hoping for the best she continued moving over the crowd looking for Nephrite and Lita. She saw Serena near the front with her chariot charging through the scene shooting her arrows. Running a quick scan on her visor she was informed that each arrow carried the healing light of the Silver Crystal. Every mark that was hit would bring about one or the other result: healing from the brainwashing or 'moondusted'.

On the west of her she caught a glimpse of Lita weaving through the crowds using some form of a weapon to attack her enemies. The thing that caught her attention the most was the fact that Lita wasn't wearing a toga but pants and off the shoulder T-shirt. Shrugging it off to Lita simply changing into more comfortable clothing she looked for Nephrite and nearly lost the concentration holding her in air when she caught sight. Turning back to the previous girl she had seen she couldn't believe the vision before her. She looked exactly like Lita. Running a scan on her she laughed when the results came back that the girl was half Jovian and half Earthling- Jovian being her dominant heritage. The weapon she weaved in and out of her hand was a staff craved into a lightning bolt. She handled it gracefully and efficiently. Amy immediately noticed someone sneaking up from behind the young girl and rushed to warn her. Before she could reach her, a guy had appeared in his path in a shower of stars and attacked him first. He looked exactly like Zeus but with honey colored hair like how Athena once possessed. Another boy who possessed features similar to Nephrite who kept yelling obscenities at people for daring to touch his sister shortly joined him.

'An Io Dynasty.'

---

Deciding against attacking the Martian, Garnet took note of how the Mercurian was navigating and communicating with everyone on the ground below. She was coordinating the entire battle. He knew what he had to do to please Diamond and secure his place in the kingdom.

Swooping down on her like an eagle catching his prey he knocked her once to the side of the head. Caught off guard Amy had no time to protect her self from the onslaught. She wasn't the combative type in battles that was left to Raye and Lita but she knew she had something in her or she wouldn't be Sailor Mercury. She recognized him as Garnet- Rubeus' brother and a general of the black moon family. Righting herself in the air she hovered a few feet away from her assailant and sized him up. Aside from being twice her size her scans told her that he had thrice her amount of powers but if she triggered Hermes power source then she could take him on. Not given time to strategize Garnet lunged at her with all his might and engaged her in hand-to-hand combat. Successfully blocking his attack she was able to counter him until he unleashed a devastating wave of energy towards her that sent her flying out of the sky. Feeling her breath catch in her throat she did the only thing possible she pulled from her last source: Hermes.

"Back off!" Aidan yelled as he came up behind Garnet kicking him forward. He had seen what happened with Amy and rushed up when he saw Garnet going in for the kill.

Turning around Garnet smiled when he noticed the symbol blazing on the boy's head. "I caught a Martian afterall."

"And a Lunarian!" Caleb yelled.

"No bother. I'll dispose of you just as easily."

"I don't think so. Earth Bomber!" He yelled as the ground fifty feet below him exploded in a contained factor and shot upwards, knocking Garnet out.

Before he had time to recover Aidan yelled, "Terran Flames Ignite!" that surrounded him in a massive amount of flames that pulsed blue.

Coming out of the fray injured and badly bruised Garnet looked over to see Amy shining brightly as she hovered close. Calling upon a deep magic within her she said, "Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!" Garnet's body was incased in ice and he fell down to the ground with a dismayed look upon his face.

"How's that for disposing?" Caleb smirked.

"You two would be?" Amy asked. Both boys were remarkably handsome and yet young. One had blond hair and purple eyes while the other had blonde-silver hair and sapphire blue eyes.

"Aidan and Caleb."

"Thank you."

"No problem Aunt Ames." Aidan replied.

No longer sensing any danger Amy continued over towards the south to check on her daughter, Micah and Darien. Right away she saw Micah and Persephone battling a youma and soldier. To look at them fight one would think they were one person. Similar to how Raye and Jason used to be when they would practice combat against Mina and Matt eons ago. They moved smoothly together like they were dancers in a choreographed piece. Each attack they sent out was a combined effort of fire and ice if they weren't blocking attacks on their own. (A.N. Think of that scene in Spider-Man 3 near the end when Harry and Pete are fighting Venom and Sandman together. The back and forth between them had such precision- amazing). Trailing not too far behind was Darien in battle with Diamond. He seemed to fairing quite well but nothing he threw at Diamond hit target. While Darien had strength and determination, Diamond had speed and agility. Both were equally matched in combat and being the ruler of their planets they were able to channel the most energy. Amy could only hope that Darien kept clear mind on a focused goal and let Diamond become further obsessed and overcome with winning to cloud his judgment.

Not willing to be beat by a man he viewed as unworthy and less than him Diamond took a cheap swipe at Darien with his sword slicing through his sleeve and drawing blood. Wincing slightly Darien quickly blocked the next move set to take him out completely and side swiped Diamond with his sword. Feeding off of his adrenaline he charged back towards him and blocked each attack Diamond sent his way. Diamond took on the offensive and slammed Darien into the structure behind him. Grinding him into the building until he heard Darien groan in pain he let him loose to fall to the ground. Seeing an opening Diamond let loose another wave of dark energy at Darien. Not having time to react Darien prepared for the onslaught but one never came. Standing before him was a girl with long pink hair and Serena's face shape but with dark blue eyes like the ocean at night. Diamond and Darien both starred at the girl in shock, one wondering and the other realizing who she was.

"You're her daughter," Diamond whispered.

"Wow aren't you clever," the girl replied sending a way of white energy at him. "Leave my father alone."

"No, this isn't your fight. I'll handle it- go back to the palace," Darien said recovering from his blow. His arm was bleeding profusely but he had to remain strong. He couldn't let this girl who proclaimed to be his own to fight his battle.

"Everyone needs help sometimes Dad. Even Earth's King."

"I won't let you get hurt."

"We can argue about this all day and let him get away or you can suck it up and let me help you. I'm Earth's heir too- plus the Moon's. Think of it as an advantage. A strategical one."

"She's good Darien. Real good," Micah said.

"The name's Selenity. Don't even think about changing it."

Confident that Darien was going to prevail with the help of his daughter Amy went in search of her fellow sister. Examining the terrain she saw a head of blonde hair being whipped back and forth between a group of men. They were jeering and mocking the man in the middle as they kicked him while he was still down. Gazing closer she saw that the man was Jadeite. She couldn't understand how he had gotten in the middle of them without Raye. Serena had been clear that they were supposed to stick together as partners to protect the other. In fact Raye was nowhere in sight, she wasn't even on the same side of the field as Jadeite but she knew someone who was closer. "Zoicite, can you hear me? Zoi!"

"Yeah, loud and clear."

"Jadeite needs help. He's on the far east on the grounds."

"Ice, I can't get there. I'm barely fighting off these guys here."

"Maybe, I can help," a boy standing next to him. Zoicite almost choked on air when he saw the kid before him. He has short blue hair cut in a rock star style spiked all over his head. He even had some different shading added to the tips. What surprised him the most were the kid's eyes- green eyes. His eyes. "Don't ask questions it'll only confuse you."

"Amy, I still won't get to him in time. Where's Raye?"

"I don't know. He's not feigning well down there. I can give him some cover though. Mercury Bubbles Blast!"

'Amy what the hell are you doing? Trying to kill us all?' Raye shouted through their link. Amy's fog had almost cost her a limb when it came out of nowhere. She had been running through warriors one by one killing all that came in her and attacked. She welded her trident and used her celestial fire to shield and counter anything thrown her way. She had let Mina's side some ago and had not thought once to where Jadeite was. She didn't want or need him hovering her cramping her style. For once in her life she finally felt good about something. Like she was finally getting back at everyone who had done her wrong. In her mind, she was saving mankind.

'Raye, Jadeite needs your help.'

'He's fine. He's doing his job.'

'What is wrong with you? Can't you feel his pain? Use Aries' powers, don't let him use yours.'

'Jason.'

All at once Raye felt an onslaught of emotions crash into her. She could feel every breath Jadeite tried to get in gasps but was always cut off by someone knocking him down again. They were taking delight in conquering one of the future Kings. She could feel his heart breaking as he tried reaching for her but she was too overwrought with Aries' power. She almost fell down on the ground in pain and tears when she realized what he was going through and feeling. She never wanted him to get hurt but she knew that it was her fault for this predicament. She didn't want to lose him like this. Knowing she had to do something she called out to him and begged him to hold on. Just as before she looked to the skies and peacefully heard the song of the Phoenix as it came closer to the battle. She signaled it to go to Jadeite and attack with all its might but to save whom it could.

Amy watched in awe as the Phoenix came forward and landed above the group surrounding Jadeite. Circling them three times it let loose flames and that licked and burned at every individual leaving them in a hysteria of painful cries and groans. Not one of them could be saved. Once the smoke had cleared Raye kneeled next to Jadeite's fallen body and tried not to break down. She tried to wake him up but nothing worked and she couldn't get him to open even one of his eyes. She could barely feel him through their link. Looking at her guardian and friend she begged the Phoenix for help. Wrapping Raye and Jadeite in its flames the Phoenix burned brightly before falling to a pile of ashes. When Amy scanned the area she read Jadeite's vitals as perfect and up to par. It was like nothing had even happened to him. Raye was just as lucky- the power struggle with Aries was over and she was now in control.

"Phoenixes have healing powers. Looks like Serena has some help after all," Amy told Zoicite.

"We have a son."

"What?!"

"Yeah, see the kid next to me fighting- blue hair? Your side of the family."

"There all over. I thought I saw Lita in two places, I could have sworn I saw Zeus again, but…they're the children of the millennium. I've seen two with Moon marks, one with Mars insignia and a boy who looked like Nephrite with-"

"Nice revelation, Ice. Can we talk about this later and get back to work?"

"Oh right of course."

Getting back to the task at hand her line of vision was brought to a golden haired maiden on the far fields surrounded by a number of warriors. Before jumping to conclusions she observed what was before her. She knew Mina wouldn't take too kindly to being helped out in situations she didn't need help in.

"The Goddess of Love? You have to be joking," a soldier laughed.

"You don't believe in fighting. Why don't you just step aside so we don't hurt you?" another jeered.

"Be my guest. If you can," Mina countered.

"You're going to actually fight us?"

"More than that," she said whipping out her chain and knocking them to their backs. Blowing a breeze across her palm, orange smoke swirled around them. Inducing the pheromones with sweet delicious dreams of love she quickly turned around to her next victims. Sliding between fighting warriors she was barely able to keep upright when she bumped into a rather large figure. Looking upward she saw a man who look like nothing human she had ever seen. He was seven if not eight feet tall with burly arms with veins to match the crimson color of his eyes. Without having time to react she was lifted off the ground and brought to eye level with the beast. Choking and scratching at his hand she kicked her feet trying to find ground but with no avail. As her vision became blurry she saw Malachite's sword come down from the air to stab the creature in his neck. As if sensing the attack he reached his other arm around, snatched the sword and threw it down to Malachite laughing manically. He stumbled for a moment and as if refocusing on his task he brought his other hand to Mina's throat and moved to squeeze harder when he growled in pain and dropped her to the ground. Coughing and wheezing she crawled to Malachite who was awestruck by the vision before him: a boy with blonde hair and gray eyes was advancing towards. Wrenching his ax out of the creature's back he watched as it burst into flames and died. Mina shakily rose to her feet and couldn't believe her own eyes. The boy was a Venetian.

"I'm Melinda's brother Kiran. Persephone said you would need my help."

"Kiran?" Malachite questioned.

"We need to keep moving," he said turning around and charging back into battle.

---

Arriving on the scene Beryl took in what was before her. When she saw her generals working with the Martian it took all of her control not to kill them all right then. But she knew first and foremost she would take her revenge on Serenity. She would make her pay for feeling second best. Throwing precaution to the wind she clouded the skies in darkness and proceeded towards Serena. Those below took immediate notice of the situation but none could see her. Amy tried to scan through the area to figure out what was going on but all she got was static and snow across her screens. She feared the worst and turned to find Serena. On the west above the battlefield Serena was in her chariot trying to form an explanation for the sudden darkness. Lighting the torch on her chariot she barely missed the entity that hurdled into her knocking her off. Grabbing quickly to the reins on the chariot she pulled herself up to only being kicked down again. Sensing the energy around her she recognized Beryl before she even saw her face. "I would have thought you'd want a fair fight."

"Fairness gets you nowhere."

"I will defeat you just like I did before and my mother before me. And this time you won't have anyone to bring you back."

"Heavy words for a dead woman walking."

"You will never rule this planet or the universe as long as I live."

"You don't know what you're up against. Goodbye Serenity!"

Screaming in anger and frustration Beryl hurled energy at her from three different directions encompassing her within a sphere. Her powers were magnetic and electrified so it grabbed at everything around them. When it cleared Beryl was confidant that she had destroyed the Moon Princess. No one could within stand that much energy targeting them. To her dismay, Serena still stood with not a mark on her body or chariot. Livid with this outcome she gathered up more energy and sent it towards Serena. Placing her hands before her, Serena used the Silver Crystal's Cosmic Moon Power to counteract the energy. All that anyone around them could see was the energy sources that were combating with each other- light and dark. Serena's energy had created a shape of the full moon while Beryl's struggle to conquer took the shape of a waxing moon. It soon became apparent that it wasn't their powers battling but their will to survive.

Diamond who had taken a time out from Darien noticed Beryl battling Serena and zoomed over snatching her away. The force of the abrupt intrusion caused Serena to scarcely escape a blow to the chest.

"Are you alright?" Diamond asked Serena. "She was ordered not to harm you."

"Saving the pleasure for yourself?"

"I never wanted to hurt you Serenity. I just wanted you."

"I'm not an object to be had. I'm a person with my own thoughts and feelings that you tried to change."

"Is it wrong to fight for what you want?"

"It's wrong to take away another's free will. You can't make someone care for you. It has to grow from something deeper."

"That's so sweet, I'm getting cavities!" Beryl hawked. Calling more power from the dark crystal she launched another attack on the unsuspecting Serena. She knew that this was it and she would finally get her long awaited revenge.

Seeing what was happening, Darien tried to get Serena's attention but to no avail. "Serena!" Jumping into the air he landed on the ground with an enormous reverb causing the entire Earth to quake and send vibrations through the air. The destructive energy being sent towards Serena was interrupted in stream and sent crashing into Diamond.

"NO!" Serena cried out. Rushing to Diamond's side she cradled him in her arms and told him how sorry she was that this happened to him. Even though he had hurt her she didn't want him to die. She had hoped that she would have been able to heal him and restore Nemesis to a peaceful and fruitful society. Silent tears trailed down her cheeks as the breath quietly left Diamond's body. Feeling a renewed anger towards Beryl Serena stood up and stalked closer to her. Each defining step that she took she could feel Selene pulsing more in her veins. She could feel the connection and unity creating between them.

"Is the princess ready to fight me?" Beryl sneered.

"I will not let you win this. This future is counting on me," Serena stated pulling more power from Selene's source and using it to attack Beryl. She herself knew that unlike the other girls Selene's power was simply pure and true of heart. She couldn't lose herself to anything as long as her heart remained true and she kept a focused mind. She was the balance between all of them and she would destroy Beryl if it meant maintaining that balance. Finally Serena summoned powers from her Silver Crystal causing Beryl's energy field to rapidly crumble leaving her vulnerable for damage. Using the last bit she had Serena pushed forward and heaved an assault at Beryl that engulfed her fully in defeat.

"You haven't seen the last of me Serenity," she bellowed before disappearing and arriving back to Metalia's chamber where Wiseman was waiting for her. Stumbling into the room she tried to catch her breath and figure out what to tell her master. Unbeknownst to her Metelia already knew and had given orders for her to be handled accordingly.

"You've failed me once again Beryl," Wiseman droned.

"Wiseman what are you doing here? Where's Metalia?" Beryl demanded.

"I am she and she is me."

"She gave herself-"

"We now have the power needed to destroy this time and future ones. We no longer need you Beryl. You took care of Diamond for me. Garnet and Emerald died by their own stupidity and your pathetic excuse for generals are traitors. What use could you be?"

"I can help you destroy them."

"I don't need you. Your energy though- will be valued greatly."

"No. No!" she screamed as the energy the dark crystal had given her seeped out of her body leaving her an empty shell crumbing into ashes.

"This planet is mine," he bellowed as teleported from the chamber to the battlefield. He saw that the goddesses and their peons had managed to heal those brainwashed and destroy his best warriors and youmas. They were quickly making a cleaning spree of what should have been their demise. He spotted a group of children moving toward the front of the palace. Zoning in closer he recognized them to be the young princes and princesses. Never wanting to leave anything to chance he decided to take out the children too just in case one of the scouts past selves managed to survive. If nothing else it would draw out the goddesses for easy pickings.

"Is everybody ok? Nity? Lang? Benny?" a young male asked walking between everyone at the palace. One could immediately see that he was the leader of the gang and looked out for each of them. He stood taller than most of the other males and held strong features similar to Darien with cinnamon colored eyes.

"Yeah, we're cool Dominic," Ben replied. "Did you see what Aunt Raye did with the Phoenix? Man, that was hot!"

"We should get inside before we're targeted."

"Dom…Umm Dom…Dom…DOMINIC!" Lily shrieked to her brother.

"What?!"

"That!" she yelled pointing to the dark cloud coming towards them at an alarming speed.

"Wiseman," the girl who resembled Lita whispered.

"Metalia's more like it Sage," Graham countered stepping forward. He had short platinum hair cut around his ears and remarkably held one gray eye and one blue eye.

"And they're coming straight for us!" Keegan-Aidan's twin yelled. "Lang can you shield us?" he asked the boy who resembled Nephrite.

"No way man. I don't even have that kind of power," Lang replied. "That's what Nity is for."

"You think I can block that?! I'm a Lunarian not a defensive lineman," Selenity shouted back.

"Run. RUN!" Dominic yelled trying to usher his siblings and friends into the palace but they were frozen in fear.

Thinking quickly, Caleb looked to the skies and called out to his future mother. Feeling him more than hearing him Serena looked in his direction and saw the immediate doom before them. Rushing down in her chariot she made it just in time to use her shield and block the assault meant for the children.

"Ah, the Moon Goddess herself," Wiseman sneered.

"Leave them alone Wiseman. You're fight is with me."

"But your fight should be with others. They've never cared for you, Serena. Look what they made you do. They forced you to take on this form knowing the dangers it would cause. They knew you weren't strong enough to handle Selene and yet they still told you to do it."

"That's not true Wiseman."

"Isn't it?"

All around her Serena saw flashes of the night she left. She saw herself arriving to the fight late and how the girls wouldn't even listen to what she had to say. She heard their voices over and over again in her head. "Haven't you helped enough? Look what happened to Venus and Mercury. No less Mars and Tuxedo Mask! What's the use talking to you? Just go home Sailor Moon. We don't need you now."

"They don't need me."

"That's right they don't need you."

"SAVE IT MOON! HOW DARE YOU COME HERE LATE, WAVE THAT SCEPTOR AROUND AND THEN THINK YOU CAN GIVE US SOME LAME EXCUSE AS TO WHY YOU'RE LATE! FORGET IT! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!"

"They don't want me."

"Look what they did to you."

"The Princess is dead! Serena's just a cheap imitation."

"I'm sorry. You are not the Serenity I swore to protect. The Serenity I knew wouldn't have let her friends almost die in a battle which she could have stopped."

"My Princess died a thousand years ago."

"Nobody loves you, remember? That's why you left to begin with."

"How do you know that?"

"Mom! Mom, don't listen to him!" Caleb screamed.

"Jadeite! Can you counteract what he's doing to her?" Amy asked. They had all hurried over to where Serena was when they saw what happened. They could barely see Serena now since she was wrapped inside of a cocoon of dark energy with Wiseman.

Nodding his head Jadeite closed his eyes and focused his link to Serena. Almost immediately he fell to the ground in pain and broke out in a sweat trying to catch his breath.

Rushing to his side Aidan took his hand in his and used his powers to keep him from falling over the edge. He knew from his studies that if one died in a battle on a psychic plane, then on the other plane they'd be brain dead forever if not dead completely.

"Your friends betrayed you remember? They hurt you when you needed them the most! And your prince charming…look at him."

Serena saw images of Darien and Beryl together. They were outside Crystal Palace laughing at the futile antics of the Earth warriors. He had taken the powers he had been given was using them against the people who still dared to fight him.

He turned to Beryl's embrace and kissed her passionately. When he pulled away he said, "How could I have ever fallen for that Lunarian. She's nothing compared to you- a true Earth Queen."

"No, that's not true. Darien's out there fighting for our world. He wouldn't…he couldn't."

"But he has. He never loved you. Neither did his guardians they only bided their time."

"Serena, don't do this! He's lying to you," Lita called out.

"Am I? Don't you trust what you see?"

"I trust what I see."

"They threw you away then and they are doing so now. They're all going on with their lives happy without you. They don't need you. They never did. They never wanted you."

"They never wanted me. They never wanted me."

"Dammit, Serenity no!" Mina called stepping up towards her.

"Mina, what are you doing?" Malachite questioned grabbing hold of her arm. If she let herself go out of control again, Aphrodite could take over and she'd never find her way back.

"He's not taking my cousin! Venus Love Me Chain Encircle!" whipping out her chain she tried to grab Serena but was thrown back by Wiseman's energy.

"Try again using Aphrodite's powers too!" Raye screamed creating a barrier around palace with her trident and Amy's assistance.

"Venus Love and Beauty Shock!" she screamed holding out her hands. The force of energy she created thrust her towards Serena and she was able to grab hold. "Serena look at me! Serena!"

"Mina?"

"Yeah it's me. Listen to me please. He's lying to you. We do love you. I love you."

"You don't hurt those you love," she said shaking her head.

"I know and we are so sorry, you have to believe that. We never meant to hurt you the way we did, we didn't know about Emerald or anything. We should have given you a chance to explain but we were hurt and angry. We wanted you to shape up so badly that we couldn't see when you were putting forth an effort."

"All lies! They never wanted you to begin with! You were never supposed to be a Sailor Scout- history shows that. Why lie to yourself like they are lying to you now?" Wiseman voiced rang out.

"He's right. You never loved me. You don't know a damn thing about family!" she shouted sending her energy towards Mina.

"Serena, no!" Mina screamed blocking her powers with her own. She anticipated her next move and knocked Serena off her feet.

"You left me alone. They're going to leave me alone! None of you care!" she cried out holding her head.

"Serena, we do care! Why do you think we're all here? Jason is dying trying to keep what he's poisoned into your mind at bay. Wiseman knows that without you, everything falls. You're our center- you and Darien. Remember the good times Sere. All the good times. Remember the pentagram!"

Flashes of the girls and her laughing in the temple or walking the streets in bliss on the way to the mall came to her mind. She saw Mina dragging her along with her to the different stores just to see which guys they'd see in passing, Lita showing her how to boil water without burning it and cooking curry, Amy trying to get her to study and understand the components of sentence structure, while Raye and her had their priceless tongue wars. She remembered the pentagram Lita had given her the day she met her again in the restaurant and the battles they had fought together. From the time she was alone with only Tuxedo Mask and Luna as encouragement and all the way till the night Mina joined them near the warehouses. She felt the love shared between all of them and even what she shared with Darien. She found solace in that and began to realize the truth.

"You lied to me! You tried to make me hurt them," she said standing back up.

"You're stronger than I thought Princess. But I am the Doom Phantom and I will vaporize you!"

"He's taken in Metalia- he's capable of anything," Amy stated.

"We've gotta destroy this wacko before he destroys us," Mina said.

"I'll stop him," Serena answered.

"We will. Together," Mina said grabbing her hand.

"All of five of us," Lita said stepping up.

"Yeah, we're gonna kick his ass," Raye said coming over.

"You beat me?" Wiseman said.

"That's right. We've had it with you and your attitude. You've hurt innocent people, our friends and this planet. Well it's not going to continue," Amy shouted coming closer.

"You guys aren't strong enough to go against him," Nephrite reasoned.

"You won't survive," Darien said.

"Please, don't do this!" Sage begged.

"Mom, no!" Aidan pleaded.

"You're going to get yourselves killed!" Selenity yelled.

"Your Goddess power can't rival mine!" Wiseman laughed sending energy down towards them.

They were all sucked into a dark tornado of energy as they combated with Wiseman. Even with the five of them it Wiseman still matched them evenly. A thought went through all of their minds as they contemplated going completely over the edge and letting the god in them take over. If they themselves couldn't beat him five to one, then they may not have a chance otherwise. Feeling a deep calling within themselves each girl pulled a deeper being from within and brought forth the god they had invoked. This time however they knew that they were in control and their ancestor was simply giving them a needed boost.

"Now that the dark gate is open. Those powers of yours are nothing."

"Don't give up! It's working!" Keegan encouraged.

"You guys are beating him!" Chance added.

"I have to help her," Jason said moving forward.

"You're not strong enough yet. You just went one on one with Wiseman in Serena's mind. You need to rest," Zoicite advised.

"If you think I'm gonna let Mal and Neph take all the glory you're insane."

"Serena gave us guardianship for a reason," Nephrite said.

"Golden Crystal, give us the strength to protect this world," Darien said using his powers to raise them up in the air next to their partners.

"Please! Don't waste my time," Wiseman bellowed sending out more energy.

"We can help them too," Lily whispered to her brother.

"Guys, focus your energy to your parents," Dominic called out.

"MERCURY STAR POWER!"

"METIS POWER!"

"VENUS CRYSTAL POWER!"

"EARTH VENETIAN POWER!"

"MARS CRYSTAL POWER!"

"MARTIAN EARTH POWER!"

"HESTIAN FIRE POWER!"

"JUPITER STAR POWER"

"JOVIAN EARTH POWER!"

"ZEUS POWER!"

"MOON POWER!"

"EARTH CRYSTAL POWER!"

"MOON CRYSTAL POWER!"

"SERENE COSMIC POWER!"

"What? NO! This isn't possible!" Wiseman called. He could feel energy surrounding him on all sides. Such enormous range of powers that he had not foreseen from them.

"SELENE"

"ATHENA"

"ARIES"

"HERMES"

"APHRODITE"

"GODDESS POWER!!"

"No, this can't be happening. No one is as strong as the Doom Phantom!" Wiseman bellowed out before he exploded on himself into tiny bits of particulars.

"Yeah! They did it! Ha! They did it!" Lily screamed jumping up and down. She felt exhausted but the Doom Phantom was gone and she could see the darkness from the skies fading away. She could feel the Earth responding to the change of energy too.

"Mom! Dad!" Persephone yelled running towards them as they came crashing to the ground.

"Catch them!" Lang yelled as cloud formations zoomed in and wrapped themselves around each of their future parents.

"Clouds, Ben? Clouds?"

"What, it stopped their fall," Ben said crossing his arms.

"Are they ok?" Melinda asked coming from behind the pillar where she had been hiding.

"Yeah, just worn out. Lily, take them to the infirmaries. We gotta check on our parents," Micah said rushing off with Persephone.

"They will be ok won't they?"

"Yeah, squirt. I'm sure they will. Come on, Mom's dying to see you probably," Kiran stated picking her up.

"Kiran, look!" she called out as she saw each of the girl's goddess attire melt away to leave them in their Sailor Scout form.

"Mom, was Sailor Venus? That's so cool! Oh my gosh!"

"Come on, Mel!"

"Lily did you see that? Did you see that?!" she called out as her brother rushed down the hall.

---

"Sere? Serena where are you?" Mina called out.

"Where are we?" Lita asked.

"It appears that we are on some sort of macrocosmic plane between worlds residing. The astral plane below and the higher spiritual realms of existence above," Amy explained.

"Can someone say that in lamen's terms?"

"It's a place made up of purely thoughts. A place of peace," Serena said.

"Serena!" Raye exclaimed. "Are you alright?"

"I guess so. Any idea how to get out of this Amy?"

"So we're not dead?" Mina asked.

"I don't believe so."

"But the astral plane- spiritual realms are for spirits moving on. We have to be dead."

"You're not dead."

"Who said that?" Raye called out. "You guys heard that didn't you?"

"Yeah Raye we heard it. Whose there?" Lita demanded.

"Do you guys feel that?" Serena asked. "It's so…peaceful…so serene."

"She's going to the light. She's moving on," Mina rambled.

"Will you all stop it! She's not moving on, she's feeling another energy. Look!" Amy informed pointing the opposite direction. She could see figures walking towards them and could barely make out their features. She could tell that it was more than five of them that could present a problem.

"There's no need to worry yourself Amy, we mean you no harm."

"Aries?"

"Don't come any closer!" Raye called moving in front of her friends. "You just stay where you are."

"Still defensive I see. Understandable, but I thought you would have rethought yourself after taking me in," Aries replied.

"Let her think what she wants. She's a woman of the age- with wisdom beyond her years," Athena responded.

"This is not possible," Serena said. She glanced from face to face and couldn't believe the people she was seeing. Aries, Athena, Zeus, Hermes, Selene and Aphrodite were standing before them. They looked just as history books described them to be but with such tranquility about them. "What are you all doing here?"

"To speak to you of course. All ten of you," Selene explained.

"Ten?"

"We came across this lot on the way," Athena said nodding in the direction that Darien, Jason, Matt, Nate, Zach and another woman were coming from.

"Nate!" Lita exclaimed rushing to his arms. "I thought…"

"I know. Me too," he replied hugging her close. You won't believe who we found. I never thought I'd see her again."

"Queen Gaia," Serena said stepping forward.

"Serenity…thank you for helping my Endy. Thank you for loving him," she said.

"Please, I don't deserve your thanks. He's the one who did everything- he found his power source and used it to its full potential."

"You all did," Hermes said. "And speaking as a father-"

"And mother," Aphrodite interjected.

"And sister," Athena added.

"I am proud. We are proud. You found your inner strength, your inner truth and with that created something that will last forever."

"A future of hope and love," Aphrodite replied looking at Mina. "We came not only to praise what our children have done, but to give you some lasting parental advice."

"Which would be?" Lita asked looking to Zeus. "No offense, but I've done quite well without the parental factor in my life. I don't need you jumping in to fill a forgotten role."

"Spoken like a true Jovian," Athena said. "We want not to lecture you little sister but simply to give words of wisdom that were denied to us for reasons not our own."

"What kind of advice?" Jason asked placing his hands on Raye's shoulders. He could sense her apprehension in believing what Aries was here for and wanted to sooth her worries.

"Strange how history repeats itself," Hermes observed.

"It's not history Hermes, but love. They have such strong bonds with one another. That's why Serenity was able to send them to the future long ago because she knew they would find each other again. From the friendships formed to the love blossoming this very moment. It is fate that their love survived and will continue to thrive and nourish this world. It is fate of such love that they were able to redeem themselves after past betrayals. That is what you all must hold on to. Never doubt what you feel- trust the instincts of the heart. Mina, my beautiful, beautiful Amina- don't let your duty to this life distract you from love of futures."

"You are Earth's true Prince End-Darien. I will always be with you no matter where you go in life. I love each of you and thank you for protecting him Malachite. I can forever rest knowing that my son is well protected by you four. And loved deeply by the woman of his choosing. Be strong and wise. Let Terra guide you as only she can- for she is an open book for you."

"What can I tell you that you don't already know," Hermes asked Amy.

"I still have much to learn Hermes, one's learning should never be concluded just because of achievements," she replied holding his hand.

"And you certainly have achieved such. But life is not always about the significance in books and theories. Sometimes we have to look beyond the realism and practicality of the world and trust that the messages delivered will see us through."

"I suppose if I told you that he's not right for-"

"I'd walk away from you right now. You cannot control my life Aries; it's mine for that reason. I wish I could say thank you and speak loving words to you like the others but I feel nothing for you. I don't even feel enough to hate you. You lost Enyo when she was just in her prime and you never took the time out to cherish what you still had. You would rather have bent me to your will rather than try to understand the differences that made me a warrior too."

"Well I guess you said it all didn't you?" he replied turning his back to her.

"Still walking away when things don't suit you. Perhaps the advice is needed for you rather than myself. Love is unconditional Aries or at least in your case it's supposed to be. There are no boundaries or barriers especially when it comes to your children. So for that I do thank you. For showing me the way not to love my child- for showing me the damage that can be caused to a child who is under nourished- not physically but emotionally. I don't need you. Nor do I want you. I am finally free of you and I couldn't be happier. You have no hold on me, my life, or my future."

"My legacy," Selene smiled as she caressed Serena's face. "Eons ago a prophecy had been made. A prophecy that told of a divine being who would be born under the light of the Moon and Earth and she would bring peace to our world that had never been foreseen. She would restore what once was and provide hope for future generations. I'm so overjoyed I was able to meet such a being."

"I'm no divine being, Selene. I'm just a person fighting for a better future. One that my mother wanted and that my friends can live peacefully in."

"And so you shall."

"You must all go now," Gaia urged. "You have to return to your world."

"When will we see you again?" Lita asked cuddled between Athena and Zeus.

"We will always be with you. Take care my darlings," Aphrodite said as they faded away before their eyes leaving them once again in their dreamless state with only the noises of the palace men to rouse them to consciousness.

---

"Thank you so much for coming," Serenity said. "You have no idea what this means to us."

The children had each returned to their home planet and retrieved their parents. They were welcomed back by the guards and citizens as they walked through the halls and palace grounds. On Mars everything was once again in forethought and at peace on each spiritual plane. The world was finally right and better than Micah, Keegan, Aidan and Victoria could have hoped for.

Sage, Lang and Chance had been joyous to see their people striving again. It was like nothing of the past few weeks had happened. The women were on the grounds training the other in combat or speaking with them on Nature.

Selenity, Dominic, Caleb and Lily were not at all surprised to find their parents healing any lasting wounds from warriors. The crystalline structures had reformed themselves as if a war had not occurred moments before and people were buzzing throughout the city.

Persephone and Ben had found their parents in one of the laboratories speaking to chemists. They couldn't help but laugh at them for their antics when it came to work.

Venus was as bright as the love that burned in everyone's hearts. The flowers were blooming beautiful and the people were smiling, as they never had before. Kiran, Graham and Melinda's parents had been waiting for them at the gates of the palace with open arms and praise.

When the ten had awoken in the infirmary, they were met by Lily's smiling face. They remembered everything that had happened with their parents and couldn't help but feel joyous and sad at the same time. Joy for being able to see them again and finally able to say goodbye and set things right within themselves and yet sadden because they had to be parted from them once again. As soon as everyone was sure they were okay, they exited the room and made their way back to the main hall where all the royalty had reconvened. They were quickly introduced to all the children present if they had not met them previously. Queen Serenity and Queen Raechal had contacted Sailor Pluto to confirm that the Wiseman was indeed destroyed and were given even more surprising news than expected. Not only was Wiseman gone, but also was Metalia, the entire Black Moon Family and Nemesis had been restored to the peaceful society it once was before Wiseman took control. There were no hidden pockets or secretions of negativity- all was at peace again.

"I think I do, since I am you. Thank you for helping me to find my way," Moon replied hugging her. "And thank you for having the courage to come and get us," she said looking at Lily.

"You're a brave kid, Lily. You should be proud of yourself," Jadeite said.

"Thanks Uncle Jason. I mean…Jadeite," Lily said grinning.

"You should come back to visit us sometime. You too, Smokescreen."

"No! There will be no time traveling or transporting. Understood? Don't you think you can hide behind my legs Victoria," Raechal said when she saw Tori scurrying behind Mars.

"Come on Tori, they gotta go now," Keegan said.

"It's not fair! I didn't get to spend any time with them," Tori whined as Keegan took her hand.

"Life isn't fair kiddo."

"You always say that."

"Come here Tori," Jadeite said bending down. "Come here. I know that it's scary what's going on inside you right now. The power you feel and not knowing how to control it can be overwhelming."

"Yeah."

"Yeah. But your dad over there- me- we've handled it and survived. There's gonna be times you're going to hate it and want to be rid of everything surrounding it, but it is a blessing."

"And there's gonna be times you're going to want to play games on people," Zoicite added.

"Hey, can I talk to my kid?"

"I just sometimes feel that he doesn't understand. That he wants me to be like Mom, but I'm not. I'm like him and he hates me for it."

"He doesn't hate you Tori. He couldn't because I don't. He's just scared that you're going to make the same mistakes we did. This power is a special one but if not handled carefully can be harmful- mainly to you."

"Will you help me?"

"He will. Your brothers will too, if you give them the chance. But no more transporting or swapping, ya hear?"

"I hear."

"Alright, gimme a hug. I love you."

"You haven't even had me yet."

"Someone with your kind of abilities shouldn't be saying things like that."

"Bye."

"Take care of each other," Mars whispered to Micah.

"Take care of yourself Mom," he replied nodding towards her stomach.

"How did you-"

"Shhh," he said placing his fingers to his lips. "You should probably tell him first."

"Why Sage?" Jupiter asked her daughter.

"It's a shade of green, duh," she replied laughing. "Don't let Daddy name me Magenta or Rose or any shade of pink."

"I'll remember that."

"Do you feel bad you never saw your future self?" Caleb asked Luna.

"No, child. I have much more to look forward than what I appear as in the 30th century. I know in my heart where I will be, I need no future revelations to tell me so," she replied transforming back into a feline.

"Benjamin, huh?" Zoicite asked.

"Son of the right," Ben replied smirking. "You and Ma know how to pick 'em."

"Son of the right hand, idiot," Persephone threw in. "The right hand. As in Christianity for son of the Heavenly Father."

"Don't listen to her. It's son of the right- you and Ma are the most intelligent people in the galaxy."

"Well, he's right on that."

"Will I ever see you again?" Melinda asked.

"Someday sweetie. And you and I will be closer than anything else in this world," Venus replied.

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"You are so handsome," she whispered to Kiran. "You both are," she added nodding to Graham.

"It's the Venetian charm," Graham said leaning against his brother.

"If you don't sound like Eros."

"Mom says that all the time- well that's you too."

"What happens to the Horsemen?" Mars asked.

"Feeling sentimental?" Raechel smirked.

"They will always be Horsemen so where will they go? I mean they can't walk around town for they may be mistaken as-?"

"Our husbands- yes. Well, Mars they are yours to command. I would suggest though that you return them to their pillars."

Glancing at the Horsemen she walked over and said, "Thank you for all you've done. I know you didn't want to but thank you all the same."

"Are you kidding me?" Pestilence asked.

"She really is weak. How did my clone fall for her?" Famine wondered.

"You two have much to see," War stated. "This will be a time we will never forget."

"And one we will not see for quite some time," Death finished.

"From ancient time, this power came, for all to have, but none to reign. Take it now, show no mercy. For this power can no longer be," Mars said as each horseman became the color of their horse and shot out the window returning to Mars.

"What happens now?" Nephrite asked. "I mean how do we get home?"

"What I wouldn't do for Dorothy's ruby slippers," Artemis muttered.

"I think we can do something about that, can't we?" KJ said glancing at Tori. Kneeling down next to her he whispered in her ear telling her exactly what to do. She stepped forward held out her hands and whispered, "A time for everything and everything in place, Return what has been moved from time and space." Lights started to form around them shimmering them in the darkness as the chant took formation and their bodies glowed. When they opened their eyes again they were back in Cherry Hill Temple.

"Look…it's nightfall. We're back," Darien observed. Everyone's transformations had melted away to leave them in civilian form when they touched ground.

"We returned right back to when we left. It's like time just stopped," Artemis added.

"Like none of it ever happened," Serena said.

"But it did. It did," Zach corrected.

"Yeah. WOOO!" Lita shouted.

"Can you believe that? Can you believe it?" Mina laughed.

"Who'd of thought Meatball Head had in her to be the calm one?" Raye joked.

"You're one to talk Pyro!" Serena responded.

"You guys don't fight! We just conquered a great evil and saved the universe. We should celebrate!" Amy intervened.

"I'm all for that," Nate agreed.

"Um…I don't think so," Serena declined.

"Sere, wait don't. Come on, just give it a chance huh?" Mina pleaded.

"Please," Amy added.

"Pentagrams," Lita whispered.

"Okay, okay. Let's celebrate," she relented.

"I don't know about you guys but I need sleep. Can we celebrate later?" Zach volunteered.

"Tomorrow night! Dinner at Lightning Rose," Lita exclaimed.

"You know good and well you can't be at the restaurant with us and not be expected to cook," Nate reminded.

"He's right. So we'll do it at our house," Serena announced.

"You sure Sere?" Matt questioned.

"Yes, I'm sure."

"You should all get home and sleep for now. We are so proud of you," Artemis said.

"We? You and Luna an item now?" Mina inquired.

"I don't believe what Artemis and I do is any of your business, Amina," Luna scolded.

"Ooh feisty. Well if those two can get back together then anything is possible, right Darien? Serena?"

"Yeah, I mean if they can talk things out then anyone can right Raye? All issues of large portions and small tiny baby portions," Lita teased.

"I think we should all take Luna's advice. Staying out of people's business and getting the rest we need. I'll see you all at Serena's house," she said walking out of the room.

"What are you two hiding?" Mina asked.

"Don't look at me. I have to get home. Nate, wanna lift?"

"I love a woman who can take charge," Nate smiled. "Jason, you coming?"

"Yeah, I just…I…brought my car. I'll follow you."

"You need a ride Serena?" Darien asked.

"No, I'm going to ride with Jason. Save you a trip."

"Don't worry. You'll see her tonight. Everything will be as it should be," Amy said kissing his cheek before catching up to Zach.

---

That night Lita and Nate arrived at Serena's house with trays and dishes galore. They had managed to cook up a favorite dish of each person whether it was a desert, appetizer, side dish or entrée. They had planned a feast to remember for their prince, princess and fellow comrades. Everyone had mostly spent the night and day catching up on sleep and mulling over how they would get through the dinner. Lita had decided to cook in her own kitchens because she didn't want to chance Serena not having what she needed. Plus she wanted everything to be a surprise. Matt and Jason were already at the house sparring with each other, Lita surmised it was to relieve some stress. She couldn't wait till they got back together with Mina and Raye so that she could get some rest. But she knew that that might be a far dream in between.

Once everyone had arrived and sat down to eat the meal was silent and stiff. Darien and Serena were both at the heads of the table with the girls sitting across from their past lovers. This was not at all how Serena wanted this night to go. If it weren't for the two couples at the table then no conversation would be had. Finally having enough of the childish antics Serena stood and said, "Get out."

"Oh god, she's lost it," Jason muttered.

"I'm serious. It's obvious you guys other than Jupiter and Mercury cannot get along. What's the point of having this dinner if we can't communicate and actually have a decent conversation? This was supposed to be for all of us."

"You're one to talk. You haven't said two words to Darien," Raye remarked.

"I have no problems with him. You four are the ones with problems. How about we solve it now?"

"There's nothing to solve."

"We just have nothing to say right now," Mina added.

"I have something to say," Matt announced.

"Hmm he can speak," Mina snapped.

"I take care to use my mouth for purposeful things. Do you?"

"Okay, on with the announcement," Zach intervened. "The four of us gentlemen have something to say. Something that has been long overdue."

"Not to insult you Sere because I'd choose you over him any day," Jason added.

"What are you guys trying to say?" Serena asked.

"We make a vow as we stand here tonight. We pledge our life and loyalty to the apparent heir Endymion Prince of Earth as we stand before him. We vow to protect him until the last breath leaves our body. We faithfully swear to place his life, and the life of his heirs and successors before our very own. So help us God almighty!" Nate stated as each man stood up and placed their hand to their heart before bending down to one knee with head bent.

"Please stand," Darien said rising out of his chair. "Thank you. Thank you for saying that."

"We don't have to do that too do we?" Raye asked Mina.

"Lets!" Lita said jumping up.

"Don't you dare. You know good and well that that pledge is not needed. You didn't pledge when we found out I was princess and I don't expect you to do so now," Serena said.

"Maybe that's why we strayed because we hadn't re-pledged ourselves to you," Amy rationalized.

"Which we will be doing right now," Mina answered. "I, Mina Aino, Princess and Heir of Venus, swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Highness Princess Serenity the Fourth, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will, as in duty bound, honestly and faithfully defend Her Majesty, Her Heirs and Successors, in Person, Crown and Dignity against all enemies, and will observe and obey all orders of Her Majesty, Her Heirs and Successors set over me. So help me Selene."

Following her example, each girl stood up and repeated the same pledge with their name and rank.

"Well that was surprising," Serena breathed. "I don't expect anything from you guys. All that I ask is that you live your lives and fulfill your dreams."

"You're leaving aren't you?" Mina asked.

"You certainly don't waste time do you?"

"Serena you can't leave."

"Let's not make this into an argument. I'm going back to America at the end of the week."

"Then we're going with you," Amy declared.

"The hell you are!" Zach said.

"This isn't your decision to make. We made a vow- we go where she goes."

"No, you aren't. I told you that I want you all to enjoy your lives and accomplish your dreams- each and every one. With your powers being restored and growing again, you guys can reach me in the blink of an eye."

"Don't you mean bolt?" Nate joked.

"Please don't make me place an order upon you. I will if I have to but I don't want that type of tension between us. Do we have an understanding?"

"No, we don't. I'm not letting you leave without one of us with you," Mina said.

"You should go then."

"Excuse me?"

"Gun-shy? You weren't before," Matt said.

"What is that supposed to mean? Tell me Matthew does the issue of your impotence bother you? Or perhaps the complex over penile dysfunctions?"

"Okay, I think certain people need to take a break and have some private conversations, don't you?" Serena snapped.

"You guys are turning a pleasant evening into World War III," Darien added.

"Didn't we just have that in the 30th century?" Lita joked.

"I've had my fill for tonight," Matt said excusing himself from the table sending a cold stare to Mina.

"What just happened here?" Nate asked.

"I'm going to clear the dishes," Raye announced.

"That's a first. Someone's running," Lita commented as Jason and Mina trailed after Raye and Matt.

"Is there something you wanna tell me?" Jason asked following Raye into the kitchen.

"What would make you say that?" she countered.

"Your spirit's been inquisitive all night. Trying to decipher my reaction on something that you'd rather not have to tell me, I'd assume."

"Well then if you already know that I don't want to tell you, why ask?"

"Call it my jackass nature."

Laughing Raye moved past him saying that she had to finish clearing the table. Grabbing her arm he told her that that could wait but this conversation he feared couldn't. "What's going on Raye?"

Trying to catch her breath she held on tight to the counter sink and closed her eyes. All she could see was the dream she had earlier that week and how he had reacted to the news. She didn't know if she'd be able to handle his rejection. No, she knew she could handle him rejecting her- she'd been rejected by men all her life, but to reject this creation inside her would be too cruel to bear. Choking back a sob she shook her head trying to get control of her emotions.

"Hey, you know you can tell me anything right? You know that don't you? I won't be upset, I promise," Jason reassured.

"That's what you say now."

"That's what I'll always say. There's nothing short of you working for the Dark Kingdom that could make me stop caring for you. Hell, even then I'd probably just change sides so I could be with you."

"Please don't joke Jason."

"Okay, then tell me what's this about."

"You know that Raechel and Jadeite were a lot closer than you and I right?"

"Considering the fact that they were married, yeah."

"No, no not that."

"Oh well, they had four kids to prove it."

"No, the Raechel and Jadeite of the past."

"Their relationship started off differently than ours. What does that have to do with anything?"

"And it grew into something more than what we have now."

"They had time to grow together and get to know each other."

"Right! And we haven't really had that much time but it doesn't mean that we don't feel remnants of what they did or had."

"Raye, if you're worried that I'm going to expect us to pick up where they left off your wrong."

"We may not have a choice."

"Raye, you're not making any sense."

"This wasn't supposed to be this complicated."

"What's complicated?"

"Gods man, she's pregnant! And you call yourself the spirit bearer," Lita said slamming dishes on the counter.

"LITA!"

"I'm sorry Raye, but you were beating around the mulberry bush. 'Relationship…complications…feelings...I mean how hard is it to say, 'I'm pregnant'?"

"Hard or easy, it was meant for her to tell not you," Amy scolded. "What did Luna say yesterday? Stay out of people's business."

"You two get out!" Jason yelled. "Just get out."

"Look, I'm just saying that she should have told you-"

"OUT!"

"Don't you yell at them! This has nothing to do with them," Raye snapped.

"You're right it's between you and me. You and me and…and…"

"It's called a baby Jason. A baby."

"Yeah that."

"It's not a that! Why do I even bother talking to you intelligently?"

"Wait a minute. Just wait one damn minute. Come back here Raye."

"Go to hell Specter!"

"I'm dating its keeper!"

"You and I are not dating!" she huffed turning around to face him. She couldn't believe he had the audacity to suggest such a thing. "You are the most insufferable incorrigible jackass I have ever-"

"Let father your child?"

"Who says you're my child's father?"

"You do realize that when your emotions are high, you drop your guard. I can read every part of you like a book. And that creation- as you kindly put it- growing inside you is half mine. Why didn't you tell me?"

"What was I supposed to say? Hey Jason, you remember those long nights Raechel and Jadeite spent alone in her bedchambers on Mars? Well, she actually got pregnant with his child right before he left to go off to Earth. She died fighting off his clone and was reborn here on Earth as me. And because Serenity sent everything to be reborn that meant Raechel and Jadeite's child too"

"That would have been a start."

"Oh come on Jason- even I know that sounds insane."

"More insane than talking to burning embers?"

"This is a mess."

"But one we're going to stick out together. What happened between Raechel and Jadeite is the past- whatever mistakes made for whatever reasons are to remain there. We've been giving another chance that was stolen from us and this time we're going to make the right choices."

"I hope you don't think I'm going to marry you."

"Phoenix-"

"Don't you Phoenix me p-" she started before being wrapped in Jason's arms and sinking into a passionate embrace.

Outside leaning against the porch Mina found Matt with his head down in deep thought. Not caring if she was interrupting his moment of solitude she walked up and punched him in the arm. "I'm about sick and tired of your smart ass comments."

"Not my problem."

"It is if you continue to imply untrue things."

"Untrue to whom?"

"What do you want me to say to you Matt?"

"The truth for starters."

"Forget it. Just leave me alone."

"You came out here, remember?"

"All you've done since we returned is accuse me something you think I did. Not know, but think. You glare at me every chance you get and have nothing but snide comments towards me. Why should I give a damn what you want?"

"You're right. You shouldn't," he stated and turned to walk back in the house.

"You are not walking away from me Matthew!"

"Then what do you want from me?"

"I don't blame you anymore! Is that what you want to hear? I know that it wasn't you that night or them and I'm sorry for making it look as so."

"You think I didn't already know that?"

"I can't do this with you anymore. You look at me as if I've betrayed you and I have done nothing to receive such action. How the hell can you betray someone who doesn't want you?"

"I never said that."

"Well your actions are singing a different tale pal."

"Tune, Mina. Tune."

"That's what I said," she screeched throwing her hands up in the air. There was so much she wanted to say but she couldn't' seem to form the words or her head was too crowded to process everything. Closing her eyes she remembered her mother's words and wished that she could take that leap again but she feared Matt's dismissal. Laughing at herself she turned back to him and spoke from her heart. "I don't know where to go from here. I don't know what to do. My mind is telling me to be strong and move forward because I don't need you. I've lived my life just fine these past years without you and will continue to do so because I am the child of great warriors and queens. But then I realize that I am Aphrodite's child and I can't live without you. I can feel your heart beating right now even though we're so far apart. I fall asleep at night and you're the only face in my thoughts, I carry you in my spirit and no matter how hard I try, it won't go away. And I hate myself for it. I hate you."

"Mina-"

"Please don't. You have a duty to fulfill right? And we all know how Malachite is about his duties- nothing is more important. Head of Security for not just a kingdom but also a planet- that's big and I respect that. Malachite must do as he's commanded."

"I'm not Malachite. My name is Matthew- Matt for short. And I happen to find duty not as pressing as Malachite did."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning…I love you Mina Aino."

"You sure about that?"

"As sure as you are that you love me," he declared caressing her face.

"Matt."

"Yeah."

"Nothing happened. I don't know if I would have or wouldn't but noth-"

"Stop. I trust you and that's all that matters. We are one," he said showing her the bracelet upon his wrist.

"One."

---

The next few days went by in a blur with Serena packing up her belongings, saying goodbye to Molly, Andrew and her family and doing her best to avoid Darien. In her mind she felt it was for the best. She didn't want to have to have another confrontation with him over her choices nor did she want to have to be tempted to stay. She had spent some well-needed time in Lita's kitchen watching her bake goodies and decadent courses, sparred with Malachite, shopped the strips with Mina and even took some time to listen in on a molecular fusion conversation held between Amy and Zach. What she didn't expect was the difficulty she would feel in having to leave Jason. They had become extremely close in the time over in America and he had become her confidant more so than anyone else. He was her best friend, her big brother, a kindred spirit and Serena wasn't sure if she would be able to make it without him around. But she couldn't dare ask him to leave knowing how excited he was over his expectant child and budding relationship with Raye.

Raye. In some weird way they had reformed a bond- an understanding between each other and yet no words had been spoken. And there was still much hanging in the air. It had got to her last day in town and she knew that she had to face the music now or never. Deciding to enjoy the last moments of what Tokyo had to offer she took the opportunity to walk to Cherry Hill Temple. When she arrived she noticed Jason's car out front and couldn't help but smile. She had barely seen him in the past few days since he was spending more and more time with Raye. At least she could kill two birds with one stone. Sliding open the screen she found Raye kneeling in front of the Great Fire and Jason leaning against the wall watching her. No matter the time or planet things would never change, or at least she hoped they wouldn't.

"Shouldn't you be at home packing?" Raye asked still meditating. Aside from hearing the screen open, Raye had felt Serena's presence as soon as she placed her foot on the first step. It was such a peaceful feeling to be one again with her surroundings.

"I'm almost finished. Just got my carryon left."

"Why are you leaving again?" Jason asked. "I mean I still don't get it. We're all here and we love you and Lita's cooking is here, my kid's going to be here soon and plus I can't live without you."

"Jason please don't, " she whispered trying not shed tears but to no avail.

"Hey Sere. Come on, don't cry- I was just joking."

"I know. I know."

"You don't have to go," Raye said.

"I do. I have school to start and a life waiting for me."

"What about your life here?"

"It ended some time ago."

"Sere…Serena, if you're leaving because of me and what happened-"

"Jason, can you excuse for a moment?"

"Sure no problem," he said too hastily.

"Don't even think of eavesdropping- telepathically or physically."

"Ooh touchy," he smirked walking out of the room and closing the door.

"I'm not leaving because you or anyone else in this town. I'm leaving for me." Kneeling down next to her she starred into the fire and contemplated her words before saying them. She had a lot on her heart and wanted to say what she felt before it was too late or she chickened out. "You shouldn't blame yourself for what happened. You made a choice and whether it was right or wrong-"

"It was wrong Serena. I never should have done it. I should have trusted you and listened when you tried to explain."

"Whether it was right or wrong doesn't matter anymore. We were young Raye- and a bit impulsive at times. We all make mistakes, but what's important is that we learn from them. And whether you want to believe it or not, what happened was the best thing for me. I didn't know it but I wasn't achieving all that I could here, I was relying a lot on you guys and Darien. More than I thought actually. I needed the time to be able to grow and stand on my own. Don't get me wrong; it definitely managed to fester a lot of anger and rage towards you guys. I felt that I could and should punish you just like you tried to punish me. I wanted to be your jury, judge and executor."

"And now?"

"I realize that it's over. We've all matured for the better I mean look at you. You've let go of a centuries long anger which helped you to come to peace with the anger you felt towards the father of today. You're having a beautiful baby boy who we have miraculously seen walking around as a spitfire of a teenager and you've come to terms with a betrayal that wasn't justified. Seeing where you started at- I'd say there's been improvement. I am proud to have you apart of my guard. And I am proud to call you my friend. Redemption has been achieved."

"How can you forgive me so easily and not Darien?"

"We are not going there."

"Hey, you just said we were friends right? Friends go there. Talk to me."

"I'm not mad at him anymore either. He thought he was protecting me- as stupid as that sounds. I can't fault him for that."

"So why are you pushing him away?"

"Because he wants things to go back to the way they were and I'm not that person. I've changed Raye."

"I see that. He does too."

"I don't believe that. Just because we have a past and seen an incredible future, doesn't mean the present will reflect. Who's to say that you and Jason will stay together and have three more kids?"

"Don't change the subject."

"Every decision we make in life changes the future. I live for today not tomorrow. You should do the say."

"I think you should turn around."

"Why?" she asked turning towards the door. "Darien."

Standing against the doorframe was Darien still dressed in dress slacks and a button down shirt un-tucked with his bangs still falling into his deep ocean filled eyes. To simply say he looked gorgeous was an understatement- he took her breath away. Everything good and enticing about the Earth resonated in him. He was like a walking aphrodisiac.

"We need to talk," Darien said to Serena walking back outside.

Shocked to say the least she chased after him saying, "I don't think this is the best time."

"Well, since we're already out here, carpe diem huh?"

"What do you want to talk about?"

"Us."

"Dare-"

"I know you still love me because I love you. You helped me find my way back to myself, let me help you."

"You think I need to find myself? I found myself a long time ago Darien. You may have taken on Endymion's traits and welcomed what he has to give you but it didn't work that way for Serenity and I. I was forced to leave the old Serena behind and learn how to take care of myself. Serenity helped me with that and I am now stronger than either of us ever thought. I won't go back."

"You won't have to. You like to deny it, but there's still some of the old Serena in you. I see her every time you smile. Look, whether your Serena, Serenity, Sailor Moon, Queen or a combination of all above- you could be a bum on the streets living in a box, I'd still love you. You're forever in my heart. Just tell me that you still love me."

"I love you Darien. I never stopped," she said as he pulled her in for a kiss. Pushing away from him she placed her hand on his shoulders and took a deep breath. "I do love you, Darien so much that it hurts. And that's why I can't be with you."

"What?"

"I can't do this. This isn't a fairytale or some fanatical dream world. People can't hurt others deeply and then expect to be forgiven on a whim. That's not how life works- at least not mine."

"So what are you saying? That because of what happened back then you're going to make both of us suffer? That I have to live my life without you?"

"I'm saying that I won't be running back to your arms. I have my own life now. One that I plan to return to."

"Without me?"

"My life will always be with you Darien. I am bond to you as Serenity was bond to Endymion. We are one- now and forever and not even all the swords in the universe could break that."

"But you're still leaving."

"I can't live my life the way someone else wants me too. I have to be happy for me first or I'll never be able to be happy with someone else."

"I understand."

"Do you?"

"You're moving back to America when I'm here."

"Why must I be where you are Darien? Why must I follow you everywhere you choose to be? I have to live my life for me not for you. I'm not saying I don't want to be with you and maybe that will happen one day, but I can't stay here just so that it can be easier. There has to be something more."

"Like what?"

"Like the fact if I actually want to be here! I can't uproot my life just to be in Tokyo. Life doesn't end and begin here. Please don't be upset with me. I'm saying goodbye this time."

"Don't joke. I understand, I do. I should get back to the hospital," he said walking to his car.

"Darien!"

"I'll see you," he said and started his car engine. Raye and Jason came outside just as he peeled off down the street.

"Hey, you ok?" Jason asked wrapping his arm around her.

"What happened?" Raye asked moving in front of her.

"Life. I need to get home and finish packing. I'll see you guys at the airport."

---

"Flight 247 to Boston, Massachusetts, America is now boarding. Flight 247 to Boston, Massachusetts, America is now boarding."

"We can't just let her leave!" Lita said. "What if we never see her again?"

"She's not going to the gallows, love. She's just across the ocean. Or for you a bolt away," Nate replied.

"This isn't a joke, Nate! She's leaving us again and she doesn't even care."

"She cares Lita, she just has her own dreams now. We defeated a great evil, saved the present, restored the future, and still live to tell the tale. We have our lives here in Japan and love them greatly. Why shouldn't she be awarded the same?" Mina asked.

"Why can't she live that life in Tokyo?"

"Why should she have to? I thought Zach and Amy were supposed to meet us here?"

"In a rush to get rid of her?" Matt asked.

"More of a rush to get rid of you."

"Not in this lifetime."

"Are you guys sure that you don't want to go with Serena?" Lita asked.

"We love our princess just as you do, but we belong with our Prince unless so ordered," Zach answered as he and Amy walked over to them.

"I'm surprised Darien hasn't ordered you to travel back with her then for protection."

"Probably because he knew she would order us as she had you to remain here and fulfill your dreams," Nate replied.

"This is madness! Serena is supposed to stay here, marry Darien, have Lily and her siblings, and rule over Crystal Tokyo and the Earth till she passes the crown to her own child," Amy groaned.

"That's logic Amy. Love and life have nothing to do with such," Mina replied leaning into Matt's arms. "We cannot force her to choose the life we want her too. That's how we lost her to begin with, remember?"

"We'll choose a month that works in all of our schedules and spend a week or two with her in the States. All of us," Lita stated. "And we'll keep doing that until the time comes that we're all together again."

"I think that's a perfect idea," Serena said. She had arrived with Raye and Jason and listened as Lita came with the solution of them remaining as one. She was going to miss all of them terribly but she knew she would never truly be happy staying in Japan. Even if it was near her friends and family. "You look so sad, I'm not going to the gallows."

Casting a glare at Nate, Lita walked over to Serena saying, "Be safe. Call us as soon as the plane lands. Call us as soon as you get to your house. Call us when you know everything is, as it should be in the house. Call us-"

"Lita, she gets it! She'll call," Mina interrupted.

"Don't mind her she's just a bit touchy since she's losing her cousin," Matt said.

"Oh Mina didn't tell you? She's starting a Love's Beauty chain in America. She'll be out there often," Serena replied.

"Thanks for ruining the surprise, Sere!" Mina seethed.

"Last call for Flight 247 to Boston, Massachusetts, America. Flight 247 to Boston, Massachusetts, America this is your last call."

"We'll talk about that later," Matt whispered. "Call me if you need anything."

"I will," Serena replied turning to hug each of them.

"Hey, where's Darien?" Nate asked.

"He had to finish work. We've already said our goodbyes."

"Are you two ok?" Amy asked.

"Hey, hey, out of her business. She doesn't ask you what you do on your breaks with Zach in the storage closet or what Lita does with Nate after hours in the kitchens so don't butt into her love life. She'll tell us if needed," Raye snapped. "Hurry up before you miss that plane then I'll kill you."

"Bye, Raye," Serena said hugging her one more time.

"I love you too Meatball Head."

"Pyro."

"Oh Serena wait! I baked you some goodies to eat on the plane. Your favorites," Lita said handing her a bag.

"Take care of her for me, huh?" she asked Nate. "Take of each other. All of you."

"Bye Serena!" the girls yelled as they waved to their princess.

"Don't worry we'll see her again," Jason whispered to Raye.

"I know. I know."

---

Thank you all for reading this! I know it was much awaited and I cannot thank you enough for sticking it out with me. It has been my utmost pleasure writing this story for you all and I hope you have cherished it as much as I have. Whether I continue with writing fanfics is still up for grabs but it definitely a task requiring dedication. I immensely enjoyed working with you TigerPrn06 and I hope we can continue to do so. You have no idea how much you helped with this last chapter. From reading through each previous one to take note of what I missed or needed to giving ideas on this last chapter helped to bring this to a whole. Thank you for all the advice and ushering in the right direction. You are a blessing. Yasabo, you definitely kept me on my toes. I always looked forward to yours, serenityrain, IamBattleMaiden, Dertupio, bebe1984 reviews. I appreciated everyone's reviews and comments- you all helped to keep me going and to make From Betrayal to Redemption a magnificent tale.

The chant Raye used to call for the Horsemen I took it from Metallica's song Four Horsemen. And the other cast used to send them back as well the group back to the present was the show Charmed. If you have any questions that you feel were unanswered or still wondering little things, I have one thing to tell you. You should treat this as any story that gives you an ending, if you are left wondering about little things than it is something to be treasured for you can always create your own interpretation of what transpired. I hope I was able to do that for some if not all of you. Thank you again so much!

Oh and if you look down below, you may find a little surprise…..LOVE YOU!

Bless it be!

Selene Grace.

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EPILOGUE

"Raye, I told you I'm fine. I don't know what kind of dreams you've been having lately but give them a rest. Is this pregnancy making you nuts? It was a joke! Hold on, there's someone at my door. No, I'm not lying to you. Will you just hold on? I can't take the phone with I'm not using the cordless. Dammit Raye hold on!" Serena said putting the phone down.

She was finishing up her ARP for class when Raye called. Sure it was a welcomed surprise since Raye usually only called everyday at 9am and 10pm but the woman was driving her crazy.

Serena had returned back to the States and picked back up where her life left off. She was working for a daycare as their ESL teacher and couldn't be happier as she pursued her Master's degree in international affairs and education. She wanted to be prepared and knowledgeable of the world surroundings when she ascended to the throne. The past several months had been good for her.

Raye and Jason we're living at the temple and preparing for the birth of their child. She still held services and continued with her Shinto priestess role while Jason was also working as an associate professor of philosophy at the local college. Jason had asked her to marry him after the baby was born since she continued to deny him the privilege before. Raye's answer…still no. She was happy simply being with him and didn't want anything to change that.

Lita and Nathan were running both restaurants smoothly and think about branching out elsewhere in Japan. They were only dating and it seemed serious but Serena didn't hear wedding bells in the near future. She knew that Lita and Nate were going to enjoy the small moment they had together first. Truly basking in the elements of the kitchen.

Amy and Zach were working out quite nicely. Zach had gotten a job with the government working as a biochemist in his own laboratory and was creating different chemicals and biodegradable properties with ease. Amy was expecting as well, a few months behind Raye and had decided to marry Zach. Their wedding was coming up in less than two weeks.

Mina and Matt were getting ready to be married in a double wedding with Amy and Zach. They still argued like crazy over every single thing known to man, but they were happier with each other than without. Matt had managed to increase Mina's revenue by 4 and they were working on the paper work to merge their companies.

Everything seemed to have been going fine for everyone and even though she hadn't heard from Darien in months she knew he was doing well for himself. She loved the time she had spent in Tokyo and was ecstatic she was able to save the future with her friends, but as she had told Darien months before- this is where her life was, she thought as she opened the door.

"What I get no hello after I traveled half way around the world?"

"What are you doing here?"

"Oh, I live here now."

"Live where? Wait here?"

"In the apartment right below you."

"You brought that apartment? But, why? What about you're job in Tokyo?"

"Can I come in for a minute? I don't think you want to tell the whole floor my business do you?"

"Oh of course. Come in, come in," she said ushering her guest into her home.

"Well isn't this a surprise. I thought we weren't going to ever see your face again," Luna said jumping on the sofa.

"I missed you too Luna."

"What's going on Darien?" Serena asked standing near the front door.

"Well, I've decided to move back to the States and pursue my career."

"You had a career in Japan, remember."

"Yeah, but I felt America was better suited for me."

"Why?"

"Truthfully?"

"That always works best where I'm from."

"You. You asked me once, why should you have to follow me wherever I wanted to go, right? You said that you had to live your life for you first and then for someone else. And that if I really loved and wanted to be with you, I'd have to prove it. Well, my first step in that direction is working in the surgeon department at Boston General Hospital."

"I hope you don't think just because you've made this upstanding gesture that I'm going to fall into your arms. Because-"

"Life isn't a fairytale. Even though we are royalty."

"Royalty we may be, but this isn't a Disney movie."

"Right you are. So, on that note, I will be returning to my apartment to unpack and I will see you around."

"Wait, that's it?"

"Did you want something else?'

"No, I guess not. Good night."

"Good night Serena."

A few moments later, Serena went back to her computer to type away when a message popped up from DocTux. Opening it she read to herself, "This may not be a fairytale, but even in reality dreams do come true. Let me get to know this Serena. Have dinner with tomorrow night."

Moonie: I have plans.

DocTux: Then the next night.

Moonie: I have plans.

DocTux: You're not going to make this easy are you?

Moonie: Why should it be?

DocTux: Love never is and for that I will fight forever.

"And I shall be waiting," she typed in before signing off line and picking up the receiver. "Raye, I'm going to kill you when I see you."