Darien stirred, his nose twitching with moon dust working its way past them. Pushing himself up he leaned on his elbow, surveying the Moon through squinting eyes. He could feel the soft fabric of Serenity's dress from underneath his hand, could feel her shivering. Suddenly he felt a strong pain sear through his heart he rolled over and looked to the Earth, feeling his strong ,concrete connection brake, his mouth dropped The Earth was covered in Ice. Something had gone wrong when Serena had tried to cleanse Earth. He gently shook Serenity, she groaned. How long had they been out cold for? She pushed herself up, rubbing her sleepy eyes, heavily breathing as if she had been winded.
"Serena, something has gone wrong." He whispered , pointing to the source of his pain. He didn't know whether to call her Serena or Serenity now.
Serena's cerulean blue eyes flashed open, Darien recognised the familiar glint, he waved his hand in front of her eyes; grasping that she was in a trance. The Silver crystal appeared between Serenity's hands, Darien looked on in pain as he clutched his chest. Serenity stood, Darien watched her, his face started to scrunch up, a golden light surrounded his vision for a split second and he felt something detach and rip from inside of him.
He looked up feeling no pain. He was shocked and speechless when he seen the Earth's Golden Crystal floating before his own eyes He quickly stood, and slowly reached out his hands to grasp the object ,glowing brilliantly, matching the Silver Crystal . Serenity smiled and laid her hands out flat in front of him, offering her crystal, returned the gesture and did the same.
The crystals joined together, the encompassing glow over came the Moon, and slowly spread to the Earth making it look like the sun was rising in space, Serenity and Darien's energy had turned into a stage of cleansing, Serenity and Darien watched but there were people who The Queen had predicted, from past experience, would rebel and refuse to keep the peace The Cleansing was about to secure. She faced their demons fully, and banished them to the Darker side of the Universe, if seen on Earth or the Moon the penalty would be harsher, Death.
The Sailor Scouts awakened from their slumber, seeing they were still in the Hospital room, they looked out the window to see Serenity and Darien's cleansing sweep across the land. "Guys! How long have we been out for?", asked Rai.
Mina observed the beams of light turning the town into crystal, "I'd say around about A Thousand Years, Rai."
Crystal Tokyo was born.
Darien awoke Serenity, her blonde hair flooding the bed, he kissed her cheek gently. She sighed and snuggled under the covers, "Darien! Go away! Don't wake me up now! Just another few minutes!" She moaned.
"Darien laughed, "Sere, you have had like 1000 years! I don't think you will miss a few minutes!" He through back the covers, exposing her to the cold.
"I'm going for a massively hot bath after what you just did Darien!" she pouted.
He smiled and watched his partner sulk off into the bathroom, he jumped out of bed and pulled his robe on and walked over to the porch doors, looking out over everything they had created, surveying the land and reached into his pocket and fiddled with the small ,velvet, blue box . Hearing the bath water run ,he opened the box; the large and bright pink sapphire reflected in his eyes, diamonds sparkled like Serenity's eyes and gold that glittered like her hair, he smiled to himself and crossed the room to Serenity's vanity and carefully set the box down admiring the gem's beauty. He quickly got dressed and wandered down the crystal hallways to his breakfast.
"DARIEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNN!"
"You screamed ,my dear?" he smirked as he looked up from his paper and chewed on his toast.
She lunged for him, hugging him as he fell back into the floor while still in his chair." Oh Darien!"!
"You-found-it-then?" he choked as she hugged him tightly around his neck. "Will you marry me, Serenity?"
"Of course!" She exclaimed and kissed him.
Later that evening, they had announced their , predictable, engagement to the world standing on the crystal porch of royalty, looking out over the city meeting the eyes of the crowds. The scouts looked at each other with secret smiles, wedding plans were soon to be arranged, and the scouts could read Mina and Lita's faces easily. their eyes lit with excitement at the thought of decorations and the food!
4 months later...
Mina stood, decorating Serenity's hair with pearls and settling her wedding tiara on top of her golden head. Rai stood, her eyes watering at the sight of Serenity glowing on her wedding day. She remembered the times they had fought and never thought they would end up here.
Once Mina was finished Serenity stood slowly with grace, and smoothed her pure snow white wedding gown out. A traditional a- lined gown trimmed with pearls along the top and a simple scatter of pure Sapphires about her waist that followed down the back into her train. Her veil was lowered down in front of her face, her pale skin and blue eyes shimmering through. Rai noted that her gown was simple but made her just look all the more beautiful.
She was led by her farther down to the oversized Church doors in the Crystal Palace, she had demanded a chapel be built onto the palace so she could continue her belief in her faith. "This is it, Daddy" She breathed deeply and exhaled slowly.
Mr. Tusinko looked at his daughter, observed her biting her lip like she did when she was nervous, "You have nothing to worry about dear. Yes, you have been clumsy but I'm sure you wont fall!" He laughed, nervously scratching the back of hid head. She pouted and whacked him around the head with her arrangement of white and blue roses.
He kissed her from the side of her head and held his arm out to her in reassurance. She took it and looked up at him, seeing a father's tears in his eyes, "Daddy-Giving me away is not me saying good bye forever."
He nodded and patted her hand gently, "Darien will be besotted." he whispered into her ear, making her blush crimson as the doors opened.
The congregation watched her walk down to her future, gliding down the isle without a trip or a stumble, they hoped. Everyone held their breath. Serenity's eyes were fixed on Darien, in his black tuxedo and blue corvette and silver waistcoat. He is good. She smiled to herself as he watched his eyes shine and become bewitched by the mysterious person behind the veil who he had known his entire life, suddenly she seemed like a new person to discover.
The girls stood opposite Darien on the Bride's side, all crying. But as Serenity stood , her father ready to give her to Darien, the church doors burst open and a little girl with pink hair stood , her arms folded and her foot tapping impatiently, "You aren't going to get married without me now are you meatball head?" The girl said, amusement in her voice.
Serenity balled her fists up, "How many times do I have to tell you, brat! These are odongos, not meatballs!".
The whole church burst into laughter as Rini picked up her blue dress and ran to stand behind Serena and hugged Darien's legs, "Hey Darien!" Serenity gave her a look of warning and Rini poked her tongue out and stood with the girls.
"I pronounce you, Queen Serenity and King Endymion, husband and wife." The words echoed throughout the church.
They were married in grand procession that day, as they said their vows before God , as they made their way out of the church and to the day of games and festivities Serenity stopped and bent down, facing Rini, leaned forward and kissed her on the forhead before ruffling her hair, she smiled as Rini playfully pouted and then hugged Serenity's skirts, "You look so pretty , Mom!" serenity and Rini's eyes both watered as Rini pulled out her Time Key.
"Rini! Don't go yet!" Serenity cried, Endymion's arm came around Serenity holding her close as they watched Rini wave and disappear.
Darien and Serenity sat in the Crystal Hall at the head of the table where all were feasting, Serenity stood and tapped her glass with her fork . Gaining attention she summoned her maid to come to her, her made walked over holding a red pillow with a piece of purple cloth hiding something.
Darien watched Serenity pull back the purple cloth to present the Crown of The Earth, adorned with it's moon stones and raving red rubies encased in Celtic gold patterns, "I, Neo Queen Serenity, crowned Prince Darien King of the Earth, King Endymion." She set the crown around his head.
Andrew and Molly stood, raising their glasses, "To The King and Queen!"
"Serenity and Endymion!"
"Long Live the King and Queen!"
As the hall grew stuffy and men started talking in their cups Serenity shifted wearily as she looked at Endymion his cheeks becoming flushed with the effects of the unwatered wine. She stood, catching the eyes of the women in the hall she whispered to Endymion and he nodded and Serenity led the woman into the hall. She parted with them but the fellow Sailor Scouts escorted her through the fire lit halls.
Serenity noticed as she walked into her chambers that it must be well past midnight. Mina and the girls remained quiet as they rushed around to get Serenity ready. Serenity had shared a bed with Darien before, but was nervous about sharing a marriage bed and what would be expected of her.
Serenity once dressed in appropriate nightwear and her hair let down, crossed her bedroom over to the silver door , opened it and peaked in. Endymion was not there in their room yet. She nervously played with the moon necklace hanging around her throat. " Maybe you should get to bed. Its late."
"If you want us to go just say, Meatball Head!" Rai snickered.
Serenity shot Rai a warning glance and they all filed out. When Serenity realised she was on her own she walked into their room, the grand bed furnished with white and sky blue silk sheets, covered with white furs and fluffed up pillows. Blue curtains hanging from the bed posts shielded them from the world. A jug of fresh lemon water sat on the beside table, and the fire laughed in its grate as it burned slowly. Closing the door behind her she walked over to the bed slowly. Slipping off her satin moon robe she climbed into the high sleigh bed and watched the light bounce on the ceiling.
Serenity awoke to large hands cupping her face and soft lips kissed her own, her eyes flickered open and she found two , dark as night eyes staring back into hers, startling her Endymion retreated back giving her room to breath. He laughed and poured her a glass of lemon water, "Here. Sorry I startled you Sere."
He traced her jaw and neck with his fingers , lightly. Her adoring and yet nervous eyes never left his face. Her breathing game quicker as his fingers traced down over her chest, she gladly gulped the water down feeling her throat dry up. "You know Sere, we don't have to do this tonight. I waited centuries for you, I can wait another one thousand years if I have to." He smiled, winked and began to draw away.
"No , I want to!" It burst from her, and her cheeks flushed pink. He grinned and pulled back slipping his bed robe off, he took her hand and placed it over his heart, her had felt the warmth of his bare chest and his strong heart beat, again her breathing quickened and she continued to flush red. "The-whole -Kingdom is expecting it to -happen, Endymion." she stuttered.
A shadow moved behind his eyes and he suddenly threw back the sheets , his eyes gliding over his bride. "All it takes is just a speck of blood."
She stopped him before he could draw his own blood, "No. Endymion, My King, My husband, My lover. Take me." she whispered, kneeling against him, suddenly feeling a rush with the heat in the room. She lightly kissed him, feeling her need increased he kissed her back with passion . He felt her body relent and melt into him. "Suddenly-I'm not afraid anymore." She sighed, smiling against his lips.
He grinned and slowly pushed her back into the bed, "And now, you are the fire awaiting that single spark to ignite."
"Bare in mind, you may be such a force for life but too much wind can blow this fire out."
He laughed and found the fire of their need upon them.
3 MONTHS LATER...
Serenity looking pale laid down on the bed after spending an hour hugging the toilet seat, Endymion had observed this for a full weak and sent for Sailor Mercury. Sailor Mercury was greeted outside the Chambers by Endymion, "I think she is pregnant."
"From what you've described I think she is." Ami told him, she walked in and smiled at Serenity. "Hello Serenity!"
"Ami, I love you and all but please don't be perky when I can't be perky." Serenity grumbled.
"Now, now Serenity. I'm just going to put this gel on your tummy. "Ami said gently
.
"That's cold! Ami!" Serenity complained. Endymion frowned, if she was pregnant how was he going to put up with THIS for 9 months!
The gel tingled and started to change from pink to blue, "Congratulations Serenity, You are pregnant by 2 months!"
The realisation hit Serenity she suddenly burst into happy tears as Endymion ran over and hugged her in delight.
One month later...
Serenity was into her third month and had started to get used to her small round tummy, she could not easily hide her bump has the material of her moon white dresses clung to her bump. The Palace had been abuzz ever since she announced her pregnancy. Endymion had stepped up security around Serenity and the palace to an extreme length. Serenity could not go 2 feet in the palace without an army at her back.
Serenity slipped into her room where a sick Endymion lay in bed, he looked pale but tinged green. The door opened interrupting her thoughts, Ami slipped in." Excuse me your Majesty, but the servants said I'd find you here. I took some blood samples from Endymion , they matched the chemical found in Rai, Mina and Lita. Rat Poison H309(made that up). Frequent small doses can kill slowly. I managed to cure everyone. But You Majesty, we have-"
"A big issue. Someone from within the Palace is poisoning the ones close to me. But why?"
"I think you have made an enemy, Serenity." Ami finished.
As if being pregnant wasn't enough to worry about.