Here is a super long chapter for you. I almost broke it up into two but I really felt it all needed to be together. Since you all have been so good and sent me so many reviews, I am posting this chapter now. So you guys have a lot of reading to do! Have fun!

The Truth About Tragedy

Ch. 16

"Even hundredfold grief is divisible by love." - Terri Guillemet

Familiar laughter rang out in the distance. She steady herself on her feet and crept over to the sound. Sitting around a large fountain was Makoto, Ami, Rei, and Minako in beautiful gowns that fell past their feet. They were talking and giggling without a care in the world. This is how it was suppose to be. Five friends having fun with no monsters after them. Minako spotted her before she could hide.

"Serenity? Are you trying to sneak off to Earth again."

Serenity. That was her name. She was Serenity. Princess Serenity of the Moon. That must be where she is now. The girls stood at her presences as she joined them by the fountain. They looked worried until she smiled an splashed them with the cool water in the fountain.

"Nope. I'm here to play with you guys!"

Slightly soaked, the girls headed up to a giant castle. It had a reflecting pool that stretched in front of it and tall pillars towered above it. A large stair case led up to wide open doors and a veranda that hung around the castle's edges. It was made of the purest white marble she had ever seen and glowed in the light. Before she entered the castle, Makoto stopped her and let the others get ahead of them.

"You know that going to Earth is dangerous right Serenity?"

"Dangerous?"

"You know the rules! It is forbidden for a reason. But...I understand your desire to go. So I will help you but we have to go now and be quick!"

Makoto took her hand before she could let out a word of protest. She led her to a small room that shimmered with energy. Makoto left her in the middle and walked over to a wall, pushing in certain stones that stuck out obviously. After she had finished, she stood in front of her and handed her a dark cloak.

"Be careful Princess."

And she was gone. In her place stood a large tree. The colors looked more like what she was use to. She was surrounded by thick forest and birds called out around her. The sun filtered through the trees and warmed her flesh. She headed towards it, figuring she would hit something eventually. The trees began to clear and she could just make out a town. Something told her it was best not to be recognized so she put on the cloak and made she her hair was hidden the most. It had turned a silver color which she knew was not natural on Earth. If her hairstyle wasn't weird enough her hair color would be sure to draw attention if spotted. She emerged from the forest and walked into the town.

It was old. All of it. It reminded her of the picture books she read as a child of knights and fairy tale kingdoms. Everyone wore cloth that was either a dark blue or burgundy or they wore whites and off whites. A few other colors mixed in but nothing bright. The people were all rushing around and yelling out items for sell. Some stood still while others gathered to buy precious foods or metals. A man jumped in front of her carrying a jeweled necklace.

"Oh, such a beautiful lady. This necklace would only pale your true beauty. I will sell it to you for cheap?"

"Oh, um no thank you."

"How about I give it to you for free? You ware this and you will make it shine. Others will want one. Please, you would be doing me a favor."

"Oh, well, Sir, I couldn't possibly take something for free. But thank you very much."

She managed to push past the man and continue down the center of the town. She couldn't remember what she came here for. She knew it was important but she just couldn't remember. The town soon ended and she found herself on a winding road that led up a large hill. It took a bit out of her, wearing heels and with the cloak heating her up, but she made it to the top to see another castle rise in front of her. It was a little smaller than the one on the moon and it was made out of a gray granite. But it had silver flecks in it that sparkled in the sun and flowers bloomed brightly all around it. She was a Princess, maybe this is were she was suppose to go? It seemed a bit foolish to head into a castle on a planet that was "forbidden" to her. But the front gate was wide open and the guards didn't even give her a second glance. She found many other people there. Hundreds really. They were dressed nicer than the people in the town with reds, purples, and golds made of silk and velvet. The way she was dressed, she would actually fit in here. As she contemplated the idea of revealing herself, a hand wrapped around her mouth and pulled her away from the crowd. The mixture of wine she could smell in the air and the heated conversations told her that no one noticed her abduction. She struggled against the arms that wrapped around her waist as she was dragged to a secluded but beautiful rose garden. As soon as they out of sight she was released and spun around to face her abductor. She was met with dark blue eyes that were filled with anger.

"Serenity, what are you doing here?"

His face, his voice, they were so familiar to her...the fear that had clutched her heart instantly melted away as her knees weakened at the sight of him. He was beautiful. His dark hair fell gently into his dark blue eyes. His blue tunic pulled tight against his muscular form and fell loose over his black slacks. A belt held tight against his waist and carried his sheathed sword. Her temperature began to rise at the closeness to him. No one else was around and clearly this man knew who she was so she released herself from the stuffy cloak. She watched with pleasure as his eyes softened at the sight of her but he quickly regained his composure.

"You walked right into all those nobles. If any of them had seen you..."

He pulled her into a hug. He smelled of roses and pine. He pulled away from her and a finger traced her face causing her to blush. She wanted to say something, anything but her mind was blank. She knew she knew this man but her memory was struggling to open up to her. She forced her brain to function a little too hard and it felt as though it would split in two. She pulled out of his embrace, turning from him and clutched her burning forehead. She could feel a strange shape in her skin. It felt like a crescent moon. She was spun around to face him again and she could see the concern and worry on his face.

"Don't worry, it's just a little head ache. It will pass."

Almost like her words willed it, her head ache stopped. He held her head in his hands and looked though her to her soul. She felt as if she couldn't move, like he had a hold on her, forcing her still.

"Is that better?" He whispered.

Her voice had disappeared but she gave him a nod. Her eyes wide from his care, she had never experienced this before, had she? He smiled a loving smile and lowered his lips to hers. Fireworks went off in her head as all her memories came crashing in like a title wave. Growing up on the moon, meeting the other Princesses and them swearing to protect her, her mother reading stories to her before bed, sneaking down to Earth and bumping into him, Endymion.

She didn't come here to fall in love, she just wanted to see Earth, the beautiful blue marble that hung over her window at night. He had found her the first time she came down here, knowing who she was he could have gotten her into a lot of trouble. But he didn't. She kept returning but this time it was to see him.

They fell in love. Neither of them could stop it even if they wanted to. His lips burned into hers as his hands gripped her gown pulling her into him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and dug her fingers into his soft, silky mane. A soft moan escaped her lips as his tongue split her lips apart and played with her tongue. She wanted to take off both their clothes and let him take her, but he soon pulled away. He laid a trail of hot kisses down her throat and she secretly prayed he would continue on down.

To her disappointment, he stopped at her collar bone and released her from his grasp. They had not seen each other for days and she didn't want it to end, but she knew it must. She should not have come down here today. He took her hand and gently led her to a less populated entrance of the castle. Before they entered, he stopped and pulled her cloak around her again. Lingering fingers caressed her exposed flesh before returning to their journey. He led her around, passing by several rooms and large pieces of art work. If he had not been pulling her along, she would have stopped and drank in the sights but he was in a hurry.

"Where are we going?"

"I'm taking you to the teleport room. You need to go back to the moon."

This saddened her, "I have to leave already? When will I see you again?"

They had entered a deserted stairwell that wound up to an un-foreseeable exit when he pinned her against the wall. She was a step above his, making them the same height, as he crushed his lips against hers. The kiss was hot with passion but it was also short.

"I don't want you to go either Serenity, but it is not safe right now. I will come to you tonight, I promise."

She smiled at his promise, he never broke his promises. They made it up the stairs and into a room that looked very similar to the one on the moon. He put her in the center and twist his fingers into a strand of hair.

"I hate to see you leave. It breaks my heart every time."

"Me too my love. But we will see each other again soon, right?"

"Yes."

He kissed her chastely and began pushing in the stones. Soon she was back on the moon. Her heart sunk at the sight of the Earth now hanging in the distance again. Turning, she faced Rei and Minako who were not pleased at all.

After hours of fighting and yelling she had escaped to her room. She knew it was forbidden she wasn't a fool. Why didn't they ever stop to think that maybe it was so important to her that she didn't care that it was forbidden? She soaked her pillows with tears and exhausted herself. Soon she had drifted to sleep hiccuping softly.

When she woke, it was dark and she laid on top of her covers still in her gown. She sat up and let her eyes adjust to her room. Squirming out of her dress, she found her night gown in her closet. It was a sheer white cotton that stopped at her knees. White lace held it up on her shoulders in thin straps as it clung to her curves. A few lit candles stood next to a tray of food that had been left for her. She surveyed it, but did not feel up for eating and left it untouched.

The night air was cool on her skin as she stood out on her balcony but she didn't care, her thoughts were else where. They were on Earth and her Prince. Maybe it was selfish and childish to act this way but she couldn't help it. The rules between the Moon and Earth were old and ridiculous anyways. Why couldn't they get along? Why couldn't her and Endymion be together. The Earth's fear of the Lunarians was ridiculous. Their old tales of our beauty driving men crazy was just a story yet all of Earth seemed to believe it. It was the Venusians they should really worry about, like her cousin Minako.

Goose flesh rose on her skin, forcing her to return to bed. Endymion had said he would come tonight but she could tell by the sky that it was late. Had she slept through his visit? The thought of missing him brought fresh tears to her eyes and although she bid them not to fall, they came streaming down her face. A wind picked up and blew out her candles, she was now alone in complete darkness and it felt as though it would swallow her up. A hand brushed her face, startling her. She whipped over in her bed but it was too dark to see. All she could make out was a silhouette on her bed.

"Please don't cry my love."

Recognizing the voice she launched herself into his arms.

"Oh Endymion."

He held her tightly and rocked them both gently. She felt as if her heart would burst out of her chest with happiness. He pulled away and wiped the remaining tears from her face kissing them away. She giggled at his soft touch and found his lips with hers. She held him tightly, afraid that he would disappear at any moment and she would awake from this dream. He gently broke the kiss and brushed her hair with his fingers.

"I got caught coming back today."

"Oh Serenity. You really must be more careful."

"I know. But none of it matters as long as I can be with you."

"Some day soon we will never be apart."

She held him tight to her again, not wanting to ever let go. She poised her mouth next to his ear and whispered as if anyone but him were to hear it would crush the dream.

"Stay with me tonight."

He had come to see her at night many times but he had always left before she went to sleep. Now more than ever she wanted him to stay as if her life depended on it. He rose as if to leave but to her delight he began to remove his shoes and sword. Soon he was only in his pants and sliding under the covers with her.

Her hands soaked in every inch of his exposed flesh as his did the same. His lips left hers and began to explore as well and she thought she would burst into flames any moment now. She raked her fingers through his thick locks and tried to control herself. She felt him smile against her skin. He was driving her crazy and he was enjoying it. Well two can play at that game. She let out a slow and soft deep moan and arched her back so that her chest pushed against his. He quickly pulled away from her and returned to her lips. They spent most of the night enjoying this rare moment in each others' arms. No hiding or rushing. She fell asleep with her head resting on his chest, listening to his heart beat.

In the morning, she found herself alone with a red rose on the pillow next to her. He had removed the thorns as always so it was safe for her to pick up and twirl in her fingers. Pressing it to her nose, she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. The scent reminded her of him and she savored the feeling for as long as she could.

She was startled to find that when she opened her eyes, she was no longer in her room. She stood at the top of grands staircase that stood at the entrance of the ballroom. It had been decorated with beautiful white moon flowers and candles everywhere. The smell of the flowers' scent mixed with the vast array of perfumes and wine that filled the air from the crowd below creating a pungent wave that crashed over her senses.

She could see from there that it was night outside. It took her a few minutes to realize that she was at a ball. It had been a week since she last saw Endymion, which hurt her heart. For now she had to focus on the task at hand though. No matter how many times she walked down these stairs, she always felt a bit apprehensive. The other Princesses, her guard, were already at the bottom, descending before her. From the looks of the crowd she could already tell that she was going to have dance after dance with boring dictators and Lord.

The only thing that spiced up this evening was that it was a masquerade ball. Bright and festive masks danced around the dance floor. As soon as her gown touched the floor at the end of the stairs, she was bombarded with men asking for a dance. Being polite, she promised she would later as she made her way to her seat next to her mother.

Her mother wore a tight sleeveless dress with a silver bow in front. In the middle of her bow was a gold crescent moon, the family crest. Her silver hair matched her daughter's as it fell to the floor from her twin buns. Her mask sat at the end of a slender stick which she held firmly in her right hand. Sitting down next to her, she was already bored. She shifted the folds of her white silk dress so that they wouldn't crease.

Catching her reflection in a mirror, she saw what she was wearing for the first time. The bodice was tight and the neckline dipped low showing off her developed body. Fabric followed loosely from the bodice in waves of pure white silk ending at her ankles. Small pearls adorned her hair in the royal hair style that was piled on top of her hair. A silver and white mask swirled around her eyes and stuck close to her skin, but it didn't hide her crescent moon. She was uncertain to the point of her or her mother wearing a mask, everyone would know who they were regardless.

Dancing most of the night, her feet ached and her skin burned. She also had a small headache from the constant babbling her partners put her through which was no different with her current partner as he whirled her around the dance floor talking about her beauty, talking of a "merger" between their two kingdoms. When the song ended, she pulled away quickly but covered it with a polite bow. She had hoped to escape to the balcony but she was swept up again before she could even get close.

She was so tired of dancing and with these masks, they all started to look a like. She didn't even bother looking at her partners anymore, it didn't matter, they were never the partner she wanted. She was embarrassed to find that this partner pulled her in rather close. Closer than what was considered polite, however he was quiet which she enjoyed. Knowing he was bound to, she waited for him to break their silence. When he didn't, she was actually a bit offended. Sure she had wanted quiet but with him holding her so close it was only polite for him to explain himself or at least break the tension.

"Are you not going to explain yourself Sir?"

She was being rude but if he was going to be rude then she was going to give it right back.

"Well the Princess looked so bored with talk, I thought I would give you a reprieve."

She recognized the voice instantly. She would never forget it. Looking towards his face she was met with dark blue eyes and she let out a small squeal of joy before pushing herself further into his embrace. She didn't care if her other suitors saw, maybe it would get them off her back. The looks around the ballroom expressed interest in the stranger whose arms she was now in.

"What are you doing here?"

"I had to see you. I also need to see the Queen it is very important."

His face twisted in pain and grief making her worry.

"Endy, what's wrong?"

"War. War broke out on Earth, that is why I have not come to you. Some evil creature has corrupted the minds of my people and taken over. They wanted to wage war against the Moon but when my family refused they attacked us. I...I am the only one left."

"Oh Endymion!"

"I have no time to mourn. I must protect you and the moon kingdom. Can you get me an audience with your mother?"

"I can try. Come."

Her mother was easily convinced at first. She probably thought the two wanted to discuss a marriage proposal. She desperately wished that that was the case. Once they were in the private courtiers, Endymion revealed himself to the Queen and the energy in the room shifted.

"Young Prince Endymion. What is the prince of Earth doing here? Does your family know that you are here?"

"My family is dead your majesty."

The shock was obvious on my mother's face, but she allowed him to continue.

"An uprising has occurred on Earth and they are on their way to the moon. They wish...they wish to kill the princess."

A gasp escaped her lips but the seriousness on his face didn't lie. They were after her. What had she done to deserve this?

"Why my daughter? She has committed no crime."

"I'm afraid it is my crime that she will suffer for. I am in love with your daughter your majesty and she is in love with me. I broke the law and now the people of Earth blame her for bewitching me."

Her mother looked right at her, fear in her eyes she asked the question that she had been fearing for a while now.

"Is this true Serenity? Are you in love with this boy?"

"Yes mother. I love him more than life itself. I will answer for my crime as you see fit."

Her mother smiled, "There is no crime in love my child. But we must prepare for this battle. Prince, do you have anyone else who can help us?"

"I'm afraid not your majesty. All of Earth has been lost. I fear that war will be here sooner than we can prepare."

An explosion rang out from some where outside the room. Her blood ran cold as she looked to Endymion and he said the words.

"They are here."

They were taken by surprise. Even with Endymion's attempt to warn them, they were woefully unprepared. Hundreds were dead in an hour as the enraged humans fought their way into the castle. Something wasn't quite right. With a quick nod from the Queen, Endymion grabbed her and ran further into the castle with him. Her Senshi had long fallen and she watched in horror as Endymion stepped over their corpses, taking her outside of the castle. This wasn't right, her Senshi were invincible. They shouldn't have been beaten by humans! He didn't stop until they were in a small garden outside the palace.

"Why is this happening? How are they so strong?"

"Something powerful has taken them over. They are no longer human Serenity."

"Did we do this Endymion? Is this what our love has created? I should have left you alone when you asked me to."

He grabbed her, pulling her into a deep kiss. Pulling away, he looked her in her eyes.

"This is not our fault. Our love would never do this. This is the fault of the evil creature that has possessed them. Our love was just an excuse for it to attack our people. I will never regret loving you. No matter what happens."

"That is because she has bewitched you Prince."

They both turned to the strange voice. It had come from a woman. She had long red hair that fell in waves past her waist. Her dress was a dark purple with smears of dark blood all over it. She looked like the devil herself. Endymion raised his sword towards her. It looked unnatural, him wielding a sword still clad in his tuxedo and mask. It only added to the perverseness of the whole situation.

"Beryl. You are behind this?"

"If you want to place blame, look at the whore behind you. She is the reason for all this death."

Endymion pleaded with the creature, "Beryl, this isn't you. Something has possessed you and our people! You have to stop this."

"That is where you are wrong Endymion. This has always been me, but now I am no longer the weak girl I once was now. Now I have the power to take what I want!"

A wave of dark matter shot towards her. Fear froze her to the spot as she watched it barrel towards her. Closing her eyes to end the moment of her death quickly, she was over taken with soft fabric. Opening her eyes again, she found the pained face of her lover as he stood over her, taking the blow in her place. He began to fall but she caught him in her arms. His weight pulled them both to the ground. Holding him in her arms and wept as she felt his life drain from him.

"I will never regret. You...you brought so much light into my life Serenity. I loved you from the moment I first saw you. I will never regret loving you..."

A sick laugh rang out from the woman across from them as Endymion closed his eyes for good. Her tears blinded her and rage rose from her belly into her chest. She couldn't see much but she could feel her fingers wrap around the handle of his sword. She didn't realize what had happened until she felt the warm blood trickle down her hands. She was looking into the surprised face of the witch that had killed her love. Looking down she saw Endymion's sword still in her hands but the sword itself was plunged into the gut of the woman. In her rage, she had attacked Beryl. Catching her by surprise, she had killed her. She had never killed anyone in her life. Guilt washed over her as the light in Beryl's eyes dimmed.

"You...how could you?" The voice that came out of Beryl's mouth was deep and strange. It was not Beryl's voice that spoke to her. "This is not over moon child!"

Scared, she pushed Beryl's body off the sword but she ceased to move. Dragging the sword behind her, she returned to Endymion. His body was cold in her arms but she couldn't let him go. Her tears fell to his face and mixed with his blood. She couldn't live without him. He was her life, her heart. She lifted her hand to her heart but could feel no heart beat. It was broken, as lifeless as her lover. She was a walking corpse. She didn't want to live this way, with no heart, without him. The sword was still in her hand. Looking at it, covered in blood, she felt that she had never seen something so beautiful before. It was her salvation, her release from this cruel world. This word without love. Without hesitation, she lifted the sword and plunged it into her dead heart. It didn't even hurt, the flesh was already dead. She lowered her dying body to her lover's face, placing one last kiss on his cold lips as everything went black.