We do not own "Sailor Moon" nor any of the characters.

"SAILOR MOON ETERNAL"

The 6th Season of the Sailor Moon Saga

Chapter 10

"The Wedding of the Millennia"

It was a beautiful summer day on the planet Earth, under a cloudless sky with infinite possibilities—the perfect day for a happy wedding.

Serena couldn't have chosen a more idyllic day, Darien muses to himself as he gazes at to the blue sky outside the open church doors. It was still early in the day, even the most prompt guests wouldn't be arriving for at least another half hour, but still Darien Shields was beginning to feel uncharacteristically a little nervous.

And it wasn't simply the usual pre-wedding jitters of a young man about to take on new responsibilities in the next stage of his life. The Prince of the Earth's future, already preordained and forewarned, forever linked with the Moon Princess' was a tremendous undertaking for any man.

"Where is everyone?" The level-headed college graduate asks himself aloud. Serena and the girls were supposed to have been here already. Darien checks his pocket watch and through it's shattered glass window, he could still clearly see the time in that ever-revolving, golden crescent moon he had been given, long, long ago. Darien rarely carried it around with him, but today he was sure to securely place the precious item in his inside vest pocket, for it symbolized so much to him—the near forgotten past, the rediscovery of the present, and now the promise of the future—a future with Serena, his beloved, his partner in destiny, the girl he was predestined to be forever in love with.

My life before you, my silly "Meatballhead," was so dark, so cold, so empty. Now never again will I feel lonely. I am sure of it. When you're with me, I never feel alone. He thinks wistfully before drolly adding: You don't let me. Darien smiles up at the bright sunlight bathing the sky of this Earth he protected.

And up there somewhere hiding, the incredible Moon was smiling back, as today its chosen Princess would become one with the Earth she so loved.

"Hey, Old Man, just what do you think you're doing traipsing out there, huh?" Andrew's pleasant voice comes from behind Darien in the church's wide doorway.

"What was that, Andrew?" Darien's thoughts slowly come back to the here and now.

"Not getting jitters, are you?" Andrew teases his best friend.

"What do you think?" Darien answers in his all-knowing, confident way.

"I think we should get you inside, before Serena and Lita and the girls see you out here. Bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the actual wedding, you know." Andrew warns good-naturedly, putting aside his own broken heart for his friend's sake.

"Yeah, I've heard that." Hopefully no one else had a peek before I do, though…

A tad still jealous of a certain starry eyed rival who just might fulfill that offer to sweep her away, that wolf still roaming about dangerously near, Darien would not be fully settled until his own wedding band was safely on Serena's finger, Darien shakes his head, smirking at the mundane superstition. He follows Andrew back inside to join the rest of the escorts who'd arrived well ahead of schedule, some of whom seemed more jumpy than the groom himself.

Just in time, for right then, a yellow Ferrari zips into the street at breakneck speed carrying said wandering 'wolf' and lugubrious lioness in the front seats, with a mellisonant mermaid and her fancy fox just parting lips in the rear. Then the limousine holding the brilliantly beautiful bride and her blushing bridesmaids pulls in, with a black sedan making up the rear guard of the bountiful wedding party entering the tenth street church parking lot.

Mr. Hart opens the limo's doors, helping each girl step out. First, steps out Amy Anderson in her jewel-encrusted, soft blue, then Rei Hino in her classical, fiery red. Next, came Mina Arnold in her vibrant flowery orange, and then Lita Mitchell in her appealing summery green.

And finally Serena Hart emerges, sparkling in her shimmering white, long trained dress and veil bunched up in her hand, so as not to drag it on the pavement. A blissful smile was affixed upon her face as Luna proudly hops out from behind her, holding up the trailing behind tulle of her charge's lace petticoat in her caring kitty muzzle.

"Let me help you, dear. Oh, isn't she stunning? Thank you, Luna." Almost in tears of joy, grateful Irene Hart hurries to aid her daughter, taking up the train for her, giving a smile down to helpful Luna, as Serena follows her mother's direction to go into the rectory's back door. Excitedly primping and giggling, the other four young ladies strut behind them in their respectively colored high heels. But before 'Manager Lita' enters, she turns to the rest of the wedding entourage, still loafing by their respective vehicles in the parking lot.

"Come on, everyone!" She bubbles over with a wave, using her blowing away in the breeze bonnet hat. To which a disdainful faced Sammy, just at the right time emerging from the front seat of the limo where he sat between his parents, had caught for her.

Better stuck with the old geezers than those stupid jabbering girls in the limo cab!

"Thanks, Sammy! You're a peach!" Lita playfully pops the cheek of the boy—poor Sammy feeling totally humiliated in front of Tara for his good deed—then she uses her hat to signal for the rest of the wedding party to hurry up, for they were well running late.

Already out of the car after Terry had gentlemanly helped both of them out of the back seat, Rini, Tara and Diana watch as the tall man opens the door for Susan. And without a word—though his eyes never leave hers—Terry scoops a wide eyed and giggling Daria, holding the child with one strong arm while offering lovely Susan his other, which she accepts gladly. Wrapping his arm slowly around her, they walk towards the entrance of the rectory and Rini pulls a sedate Tara ahead, running quickly in, both tripping over a long forgotten Artemis, much to his flattened kitty chin-chin chagrin.

"Did you set my headband back on straight?" Michelle worriedly asks Robin as he helps her out of the car. "Where is my mirror?" She fusses unnecessarily, as Robin was very adept at styling coifs from his own rock star good looks experience.

"It's on perfectly straight, Michelle," Robin assures her, content to be Michelle's mirror, with one final pet to her silky tresses which he had become quite familiar with on the ride here. "You look wonderful," He smiles genuinely at the artwork of her framed face he had just skillfully 'repainted' by the time the Ferrari stopped, with the properly perfect and pleasing lipstick tone on her lips.

That now matched his, too, until Michelle coyly uses her tongue moistened handkerchief to wipe away the pinkish gloss her lips had transferred over Robin's much kissed mouth.

"Why, thank you, kind sir." Michelle smiles gleefully at how well Robin and she looked together in her mirror she finally manages to pop out.

'We make a fine-looking couple, don't we, Michelle?' Robin projects as he gazes into the mirror over her glistening aquamarine gown's elegant shoulder.

'Absolument.' Responding in her native French tongue, Michelle receives both mentally and audibly exactly what she was fishing for as she clings to Robin's svelte arm, leaning her head to his as they follow close behind Susan and Terry.

Seeing the example his two hitting-it-off-and-looking-fine brothers and the scored women they were escorting, Sayer bounds out of the car and dashes around to the driver's side. Sucking in a deep breath, he whisks the door open with a flourish and smiling cloyingly saccharine.

"What do you think you're doing?" Comes Alex's low voice, just bordering on anger she was just itching to vent. His hopeful smile drops like a rock.

"Well, I...I..." Sayer starts to gesture with his arm, but he then decides better of it. "Nothing." He shakes his head innocently, folding his arms with a sad expression overtaking his handsome features.

"Good." Alex gets out of the car by herself, unintentionally (wasn't it?) brushing against Sayer, who was still standing in the doorway as she does. His cologne was so potent, his eyes so inviting, that she couldn't help herself from stopping in her tracks for an ephemeral second.

The long moment passes in slow motion as the two of them just stand there staring at each other at the unintended physical contact that both felt deeply again, reaching all the way down to their souls for this second time.

What the hell are you doing, Alex!? What are you doing? Stop it! Stop it! STOP IT! Just take your eyes away from it. Just...Why is he staring at me like that?

"What are you looking at!?" Alex snaps, desperately trying to hide her raging emotions.

"Nothing…" Sayer repeats vaguely, softly.

In her eyes just then, was that attraction...to me…? In his own prodigiously floored mind, Sayer was in jubilant disbelief that Alex Sokova—the harsh Sailor of Uranus—could ever want him...

But even that brief look sparks a glimmer of unbridled hope.

"Sayer!" Terry's deep voice comes strong across the parking lot. "Let's go!" Sayer glances at him and Robin, then back at Alex.

Maybe I should explain to you what I feel. Maybe I should just come out and say it, right now. Ally, maybe I—

But Robin's voice cuts off his thoughts before Sayer had a chance to act on them.

"Come on, Sayer! We're late and the guests are already arriving!" Robin says, his raspy voice short-tempered with everyone save for Michelle.

Sayer looks back at Alex and the dark expression on her face as the ever-vigilant sailor guardian was scanning the crowd as they entered the chapel.

…Maybe not. He finally decides this highly charged event was not the correct setting.

"All right!" He calls to his pale blue and yellow with grey designer suit Three Lights in matching attire to his red. "See ya later, Ally," Sayer then takes off, dashing after his brothers. But just before he turns the corner, he stops, looking back at her, waving a bit hesitantly. Then the navy ponytail idol takes off, disappearing from sight into the crowd of guests forming around the front of the church.

The wind picks up, blowing Amaralexis' unruly bangs across her face. What is this feeling? I've never felt this before. What is it? So strange, so different than before—exciting and terrifying at the same time. Alex swallows hard, pushing her bangs back and holding her forehead like it hurt.

This can't be happening, not to me. Not with him. Not on this day! I can't let myself give in. I can't be so weak. I can't...can I? Suddenly the wind stops whipping against her face as if trying to whisper something to her. No, I can't! What am I thinking? He's absolutely nothing I want. She decides determinedly, but still Alex's exotic eyes scan the crowd, searching for someone in a grey and red paneled tuxedo, with a long dark ponytail and piercing blue eyes.

Flashes of black-blue PVC sizzle past her mind, with a sleek and slender figure lighting up the night sky of past battles. That shooting star was too full of an arrogant strength and powerful determination—way off the cosmic chart for any gender—but to which Alex could not help but secretly admire…

No, this Star called Fighter has everything I want…Uranus' hidden conscience reflects back at Alex truthfully, always having the sneaking suspicion that underlying attraction for that particular star soldier was what really got under her skin then.

Abruptly shaking the soft breeze blowing through her hair, Alex Sokova does what she does best—lash out in denial at everything and anyone who dares try to alter her neatly compact and controlled world view.

NO! I can't let this happen to me, even now in supposed 'peace times.' I must never let my guard down. I'm a soldier, first and foremost, above everything else. My duty is to protect the Moon Princess and the Outer perimeter of our solar system from alien intruders. And that's that. Alex straightens her shoulders and quickly marches inside to join the rest of the girls.

And whatever false front this Starlight is portraying on this planet, he too is an alien out worlder who should just take himself and his just as annoying, interfering, encroaching friends back across the galaxy where they belong! If only for making me question myself! Defiantly, this spirit of Uranus leaves the wind raging behind her outside, although it still whistled through her heart, even as calming church music begins to play as Alex cautiously enters its holy ambiance...

The spacious tenth street Catholic Church begins to fill to capacity as each of the eight young men dutifully escort every unaccompanied female to their seat. It seemed Serena was sure to invite everyone she ever knew, no matter how distant the family relation, or how new a friendship. And friendships were plentiful for a girl like Serena—the soldier of friendship whose honest kindness was like a beacon of light, the brightness of which couldn't help but draw you in.

Past teachers, old classmates, countless friends she had made along the way, all line the church pews, crowding into the jam-packed cathedral, each of them filled with the day's enthusiasm, the happiness of a dear one always a joyous occasion.

One more unexpected friend who was especially dear had somehow managed to find her way back home just in the nick of time. By special request, Terry escorts this bouncy haired young lady to the back room rectory where the bridesmaids and the bride were waiting anxiously for their cue.

"Did you hear a knock?" Rei queries, exasperated, as she desperately tries to fix the bright red flowers in her hair that persisted in falling down in all her pacing around.

"What!? It'sh not time yet, ish zit?!" Lita's wild eyes quickly scans for a clock of some sort to verify the time, she panicking, with last-minute bobby pins jammed between her on-edge teeth she had been helping Susan skillfully apply to little Daria's unfortunate puffed polka dot dress skirt which had an incident with Serena's supposedly thornless white rose veil headdress.

"AHHHHHH! I just got a run in my pantyhose!" Mina plops down on a chair, her legs sticking straight up in the air, displaying the unsightly tear, smack in the middle of her thigh.

"Oh, poor Mina. Would you like to switch with mine?" Amy offers selflessly sweet, adjusting the floral sequins on her dress. But Mina declines with a wave, not wishing the embarrassment of not fitting in Amy's more slim-line tights and being publicly labeled 'fatter' than their wafer thin genius girl.

"There is someone knocking, guys." Serena says, surprisingly calm, as if in a daze, standing in the middle of the room. Susan, kneeling on the carpeted floor before her Princess, was putting the absolute final last minute touches on Serena's long trained veil to suit the width of the chapel's narrow doors, pins and needles sticking in her mouth now.

"I'll get it!" Rini offers cheerily, bouncing to the door.

"...Get it! Get it!" RiRi chases on the heels of her big sister, nearly tearing off the other side of her little black and white frock, had a spinning Lita not quickly finished securing the bobby pins.

"Tell them we're not ready yet!" Lita barks as she then aids Tara with her dress that somehow gotten buttoned up all wrong.

"Don't let anyone in! I'm taking off my pantyhose!" Mina shouts. "Unless it's a cute guy!" The incorrigible gal calls out her not-so-secret boy-chasing desires.

"And if it's Darien, tell him to go away. He'll be getting what he wants soon enough." Michelle teases with a glint in her adult mood eye. Glancing at Alex, she expects that familiar smirk, but finds her cousin seemingly lost in thought, looking strangely...uncertain and shaken.

Two things the world shaking warrior rarely was.

I wonder what it is. Michelle ponders to herself of her golden-suited partner a bit anxious. She's closed her mind to me again…but it's not about Robin this time…The empathic was sensing another facet to her best friend she had never seen before.

Hearing all the warnings from the girls inside, Rini opens the door only a crack, peeking out. Then looking up, up, up, the Easter egg pink flower girl meets Terry Starr's gentle eyes.

"Oh, Terry-pa—Yes…sir?" The adolescent time traveler catches herself before uttering the familiar nickname yet undisclosed in this period. Terry-papa was always super tall and handsome, wasn't he, Puu? Rini smiles to herself and her beloved teacher, Sailor Pluto, across the room in hero worship mode admiration, seeing how the older woman's serene face was made even more lovely with a magenta rouge blush when this man's name was mentioned.

"Hello. Don't you look lovely, Miss Rini? I have a special visitor for Miss Serena." Terry compliments down at Rini, whose eyes light up even doubly when a girl with shoulder length reddish-brown hair steps out from behind him.

"Molly!" Rini exclaims, knowing how much her presence here would mean to Serena.

"MOLL!" Serena snaps out of her daze, happy shock and surprise coming across her face as she dashes to her long absent best friend, who meets her there halfway. Poor Susan, still holding up Serena's veil, follows behind her quickly so as not to tear the delicate train.

That brought Susan face to face with Terry in the doorway, who smiles that smile of his as he gently and wordlessly brushes back into place a vagrant deep green hair strand of hers that had gone astray in the rush to keep up with the runaway bride.

"Moll, I didn't think you could make it!" Serena exclaims as she hugs her friend warmly.

"Well, I didn't think I could make it, either. Mama and I were still in New York last night, with a big jewelry showing event! But I wouldn't miss your wedding for the world, Serena!" Molly exclaims, smiling broadly with a shake of her curly brown coif, her New York Jewish accent thick and emotive.

"Oh, Moll, I'm so glad you came! It wouldn't be the same without you!" Serena hugs her friend, again, even tighter. Serena, in her saving the world business, had not realized until right now how much she'd missed her very best childhood friend. Molly had been traveling around the world with her mother's jewelry exchange for the past three years, only returning to Japan for a few short visits.

"Oh, my Gawd, Serena, you make a gorgeous bride! Even better than we imagined when were kids!" Molly Baker then stands back to get a better look of her best friend whom she hadn't seen for going on two years, gazing hard as if to soak in all the luminescent glow that was Serena.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" Molly suddenly exclaims after wiping a tear or two with her foreign designer handkerchief. Then she whips something out of her handbag. "My mom wants you to have this. I know it's a little early for opening the wedding gifts, but I think it would look marvelous with your gown, if you'd honor us to wear it on your special day." Molly hands Serena a long rectangular jewel case. Opening it, Serena finds a stunning gold necklace with a flawlessly jeweled half moon fittingly hanging down in the middle of its many gold loops.

"Oh, Molly," Serena whispers, awestruck at the expensive and well-thought gift. "It's so beautiful! This is too much!"

"For the best friend a girl ever had? Nothing's too good for you, Serena!" Molly kisses Serena on the beaming cheek one more time. "For luck! Not that you need it with that hunky Darien you landed, girlfriend!" With a smooching kiss to her friend's sweet cheek, Molly drools on Serena's older and movie star quality groom. "Look, I'd better get going. I think the priest up there looks ready." Molly glances out the door as Father Sullivan nods his head, giving his cue for everyone to begin.

"See ya later, Serena! I've gotta go find Melvin and give the poor mooning sap a surprise heart attack now!" A smiling ear to ear Molly zips out, almost tugging Terry along with her.

The actual movie star leading man was lost once again in an endless gaze with his Susan, throwing a studly smile back at her as he walked away to take his place with the other escorts after quietly acquiescing to escort Molly to her seat. Which Mrs. Hart had managed to scoot everyone over a tit in the pews, so that newcomer Molly could fit in next to a bug-eyed and speechless Melvin, albeit snugly. While her Mom, Mrs. Baker, just flown in to attend, would sit beside she and her husband in the front row as they all breathlessly await the wedding of their ray of moonlight shining brighter than any gemstone.

Springing right into action, Rini quickly hops on a chair, helping once clumsy Serena put on the clasp of the 24 carat golden necklace. Then the little girl jumps down to look up at the bride. Yes, despite all their differences, despite all their quarrels, despite every trouble, Serena was everything Rini ever wanted to be—

Her super hero, her secret idol, her adored mother.

"You're beautiful...Mommy." Rini whispers, feeling the importance of this moment. Serena squeezes her future daughter's hands as she feels the significance, too. Her life was about to change, on the verge of a wondrous new beginning. But suddenly she couldn't help but feel a small little pang in her heart. Gazing at her beloved girls—her Sailor Team—gathered around her, Serena suddenly realizes she was leaving them behind, in a way.

No longer would they all be carefree schoolgirls with their lives still ahead of them. Today, Serena Hart was taking her first steps into womanhood, into that mysterious unknown realm that turned a girl into an adult.

And for a moment Serena is afraid.

But as she meets each of her friend's eyes, the Princess of the White Moon realized that not anything could hold her back now. No more immature quarrels or emotional misunderstandings of her teenage puberty days of childhood. No more battles of life and death filled with doubts of where she was meant to be as soldier or leader in her Sailor Guardian rebirth.

No, in the true light of their treasured friendships she had been blessed by God to have and to hold in her heart, Serena would embrace her sailor scouts close for all time. The generous soul understood that she could not have gotten here to this precious moment without her beloved 'sisters' at her side. The pure Moon Princess' love and justice seeking, virtuous life of destiny—which she was only too glad to share with the ones she cherished—was now about to beautifully unfold for her, with all of Love's glorious miracles, as it should have been, at long last.

And with the man she desperately loved, who was no longer a mirage, right there at her side for eternity, there was nothing to fear.

Believe in love, they're all telling me. I can see it in their eyes. I can feel it in my heart. I believe in love. I believe in all dreams. And now all my dreams are about to come true. She smiles in anticipation of the wondrous events about to take place.

Destined with you…

The stage was set. The audience was seated, escorts in their places, all while the groom—all in a white tuxedo for a change, complete with top hat-was nervously awaiting his bride as his best man tries to calm him down. Father Sullivan stands with Bible in hand, ready to perform this holiest of ceremonies. For in God's eyes, there was almost nothing more sacred than for two people in love to be joined together in Holy Matrimony. As a friend of the family, the holy Father had seen the love between this handsome young couple grow into a bond so strong that it surely must have been blessed from Above.

And for blessings of love such as these two share, we are all made the better, and are truly grateful for, dear Lord. Father Sullivan smiles to himself when he sees the father of the bride stick his head out the door, signaling for the organist to begin her triumphant melody.

The music begins as in all weddings with the 'Wedding March,' and the audience stands, turning to see the long train of bridesmaids as they begin their walk down the aisle. First a cotton candy-haired little girl in a pretty pink party dress scatters her flowers, a sugary expression of utter joy on her face, as if all was now right with the world, for all time, with a small lavender-greyish kitten peeking out from inside the girl's flower basket.

Behind her, specially requested and permitted by the feline-loving clergyman, two more cats make their way down the aisle, side by side—one white, one indigo, both puffed up with the same proud look. A bowtie and a ribbon were respectively around each of their necks.

Close on their heels (paws?) a darling, fuchsia haired child in a similarly frilly little fuchsia frock, jauntily bounces forward. Sheer child-like happiness and goodness emanate from her as the junior flower girl tosses her bunch of flora to and fro, unsteadily skipping forward to catch up with her bigger sister. The toddler nearly trips but catches herself several times, although most of her flowers were not so lucky, being thrown to the ground in an ungainly pile. That made the audience giggle even more at her, especially when the little magenta waif stops still the march in order to scoop her lost flowers up until ushered forward by the first, if not the last, bridesmaid on her pink baby bootie heels.

Her pale skin the color of almonds, a mysterious look behind her purple eyes, the youngest of the bridesmaids silently walks along in her impish indigo light violet dress with a deathly grace that went well beyond her years, a splendor reborn. But when one speaks of grace, when one imagines timeless beauty, the next bridesmaid surpasses all.

In her gown of pale purple perfection, the tall, dark lady with the jade tresses stately strides forward in the satiny gown of utmost sophistication she herself had designed. But the ethereal look on her shapely lavender draped features made her appear as if her alluring spirit was here in this present, but not truly a part of this reality's time stream. Although, those same lovely eyes—which were secretly filled with longing to be part of this idyllic world of true love coming to forbidden fruition—seemed entranced with another's gentle gaze. Eyes that held the same shade as her gleaming satin gown beckon her to come closer to him as she drifts towards the front of the chapel, his fascinating glance making the exquisite lady softly sigh like a rose.

In an alluring aqua gown of almost unbelievable elegance, rippling like waves on the ocean, the third bridesmaid flows in behind our lady in lavender. The high-class incomparable beauty seemed to notice her friend's entrancement and the refined French mermaid giggles, giving her full cheeks a pretty pink glow. Then, as her own coquettish mind wanders to the healing waters of stylishly welcome shores, they suddenly glow even a shade more crimson when she connects with the sensitively admiring, aristocratic view of another's wanting to soak her warm waters in...

A sleek golden goddess confidently strides after her aquamarine partner. Her style of gold-yellow pantsuit clothing was not nearly as feminine or dressy as the outer trio preceding her. But she was every bit as beautiful, every bit as dazzling. She moves forward purposefully, keeping her eyes straight ahead, until inexplicably, her windswept golden head turns. The belligerent stunner suddenly steals a glance at someone in the front pew. The wind was sucked out of his fighting for breath lungs, heart suddenly beating just a little faster than it had yet dared, back in her direction, as he seriously watches the impenetrable fortress quickly avert her eyes and move forward at a more defiant speed.

Following her lead to quicken the wedding march's pace, an ostentatious orange blossom flaunts her stuff. She follows behind, her showy styled, flowery shades of melon and soft mango dress quite charming the crowd with its bright and sunshiny flavor, light and airy ribbons waving at her adoring fans in the audience.

Behind her, the raven-haired temple maiden in the flamboyant rosy red dress then saucily saunters up the aisle. One look in her empathic eyes foretold of the blazing hot soul within that had given up chasing this tuxedoed man herself, once upon a time. It was almost frightening to her burning mandala of a meditative heart to imagine how a certain airhead and she could have had the same taste in anything, men most of all. But this crimson warrior only had good vibes and karma gladness for her on this happiest day for her most beloved friend as the fiery girl passes by the waiting groom at the head of the aisle with a content nod.

Her polar opposite, both in an old-fashioned baby blue gown and cool calm demeanor, the next bridesmaid shyly smiles as she makes her way forward. Remembering in gratitude how this special bride she was sweetly heralding had broken the lonely, isolated ice chill of her own heart which had known nothing but study and learning before. This tender genius of a bridesmaid did not grasp what life was truly about until she was written in this Moon Princess' book of joy.

One final bridesmaid in her girlish green, nature-inspired gown, electrifies the crowd with its summery, tufted flair. Her light green hat was the perfect frame for her naturally sparkling face and bouncing brown ponytail. As the unanimously elected 'maid of honor' for all her above and beyond the call of duty service to manage this wedding for her best friend—takes her place up front at the altar, a shy glance passing between her and the handsome best man.

All the eight bridesmaids assembled to revolve around their cherished bride of the Moon to come, the music flares and the climactic section of the true bridal march piece begins, as everyone looks to the rear of the church expectantly.

In wispy white, the bride begins her destined walk down the aisle on her proud father's arm. Her dress sweeps across the floor with a breathtaking beauty. Her jewels glimmer as the sunlight strikes them just right when its rays stream through the stained glass windows, as if just for her. Her silken veil trails perfectly, flowing long behind in her wispy wake. But despite their beauty and elegance, it was not the dress, nor the veil, nor the jewels alone that so captivate this audience.

It was more that special gleam in her sparkling crystal blue eyes, that certain smile of blissful happiness traced on her lips. That wondrous look on her lovely face conveys the brilliance, the shining, the love existing from now to Eternity in her wondrous soul. Brighter than any moonbeam, she shines. Her radiance increases the nearer she moved to her beloved with every step forward accompanied the leaps and bounds of her skipping heart.

Her father leads her to her intended, giving her arm one final squeeze as gives the groom a trusting nod and then turns and joins his wife in the front row pew.

Now the bride was on his arm, on the arm of the man she had chosen to spend forever with—the man she loved beyond love. Looking into each other's eyes, they are both certain as they ever were that this is what they had waited for, for so long. Together at last their long-lost destiny was being fulfilled.

Sharing the same knowing smile, Darien Shields and Serena Hart then hear in this unsurpassable moment the priest begin his Holy words to consecrate the marriage sacrament God had given man and woman to touch Heaven together here below.

Watching her float past with such unmitigated joy exuding from that shine he so treasured, Sayer once again feels that new and unexpected, truly contented pride well up in his soul for this Moon Princess he had accepted into his heart.

She still does mean so much to me…

Suddenly this wandering star sucks in a new breath of warm air as he feels a presence appear directly behind him. His brothers must sense it as well, for all three of their heads swivel around simultaneously. There, standing right behind each of them, with a sweet fragrant smile on her face, was their own Princess Fireball, though really it was only an image of her, projected from light years across the galaxy for only they three to see.

The third Princess of the Cosmos could not let this momentous event of the Prince of the Earth and the Moonlit angel—who crossed beyond the starry galaxy to save the universe itself from being devoured into Chaos—pass without her presence here alongside her Starlights.

Princess Fireball's crimson red eyes twinkle at their pleasantly surprised faces, as without a word she nods, and the three of them nod back respectfully, glad that she who was so important to them, was now here, too, to share in this joyous occasion for their friends.

Placing her ghostly hands on Sayer's shoulders particularly, she knowingly squeezes him as a sweet sister would, offering her sympathetic strength for her youngest brother's heart struggles.

Gently and somehow, strangely, Sayer could still feel his Princess' warmth, her inner strength wash over him.

But as long as Bunhead's happy, so am I. His gorgeous face and emotive eyes smile. This Star Fighter had traversed the galaxy and was at last ready to witness this marriage he once seriously believed would break his unrequited heart. Gaining peace to believe in tomorrow again, Sayer's eyes mysteriously wander to the golden haired beauty standing far off to the left side of the bride, looking guarded and cagey, definitely out of place amid all this finery and pomp.

Maybe that's the reason I had to come back. Because, beyond protecting those we love from the battle we were born to fight, someone else is also searching for the right reason to make life worth living…

Then the dark-haired, blue eyed songwriter smiles broadly at the challenge, exchanging a glance with an incredulous Robin—who caught Sayer's sly look at Alex—and then to Terry. But just for a moment, before the tallest of the Three Light's wistful gaze now once again rested upon his lady in the lavender dress, which his Princess notes with curiosity as the priest resumes speaking.

"Dearly beloved," Father Sullivan's deep voice echoes through the sacred walls. "we are gathered here today in the sight of God, to join this man." The church officiate nods in Darien's direction and for a moment he remembered that small young boy from the orphanage who would often attend masses at this very church, secretly grieving his good parents' gravestones here.

How time flies in Your grand scheme of things, Lord.

"…and this woman…" The pleasant-faced man of the cloth smiles openly at Serena Hart, a young lady he had seen grow before his eyes in the few short years he had come to know her when she began more regularly attending here with her friends, starting some Christmas past ago.

"…in Holy Matrimony." Such a strong bond those friends have. I am so happy to be able to join together these two young people. They have been blessed to find one another. He silently reflects while automatically reciting the favorite ceremony he was well-versed with.

Seated in the front row at the end of the pew, the vibrant, carnation pink flower girl feels bursting with happiness to finally witness her parents getting married. That's when suddenly Rini senses something familiar, something wonderful coming to her, as if in a dream. She feels a warm glow and turns, her heart leaping at the unforgettable swish of Pegasus wings...

"Helios!" Clapping guilty hands over her mouth, Rini whispers in shock at the boy in ancient robes and a golden glowing horn appears to stand next to her.

"My beautiful Princess," Helios, the guardian of Elysia whispers back, taking the young Princess' gloved hand and kissing it respectfully. "I am here to witness this event of all events. But I am glad that you are here as well—and that we may see this wondrous dream come to fruition together." The beautiful boy with the white waved coif smiles at his Small Lady sweetly, with as much admiration in his eyes for his beloved princess.

And Rini does the same, blushingly knowing that by magic, she was the only one in the room who could see him. One hand lacing into the pleased-as-pink-punch girl's plump digits, Helios then reverently kneels before a statue of the Christ at Rini's side while Father Sullivan continues on.

"In God's eyes there is nothing more beautiful than for two people to be bonded together by their mutual love for one another. Now, if there is anyone who objects to this marriage, let him speak now or forever hold his peace." He looks up at the audience before him with the obligatory query which rarely was responded to, in the pastor's years of experience.

But the hand of this highly sought after Princess of the Moon may be a different case…

A long pause in the wedding tradition seems to stretch on forever to Alex, for some reason, as she glances inconspicuously across the aisle at the dark haired young man in the opposite front row, whose contented smile (to her secret relief in many directions) never wavers. Alex then suddenly notices the translucent spirit of that red-haired woman directly behind him, whose inquisitive eyes then notice her noticing her Fighter right back, that this tough Sailor Soldier of the planet Uranus was paying attention to one of her Starlights, albeit covertly.

Alex pulls away her guilty glance from Kinmoku's Princess, quickly turning her attention back to the ceremony, where it should never have strayed from.

"Do you, Darien Shields, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for as long as you both shall live?" The Father poses the most important question of Darien's life. But for this young man there was only one—and never has been a question of—the answer.

"I do." Darien answers, his dark blue eyes filled with certainty in every ounce of his being, felt straight through the very heart of the earth itself.

Upon hearing these two short words she had been waiting for a millennia to embrace, Serena's full heart flutters, as the priest then turns to her.

"And do you, Serena Hart, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, as long as you both shall live?"

Serena pauses as she looks up into Darien's eyes, wanting this moment to last forever. For this was the moment she has longed for all of her life.

Your bride. Your wife. I will love you forever, my Prince. The words drift through her soul, as she answers sweetly. "I do."

To which is then immediately and quite loudly repeated by a tiny little fuchsia jellybean bouncing up and down excitedly in the front row:

"I DO!" RiRi announces proudly and loudly at the top of her little lungs, causing nearly the entire audience to burst out laughing.

Still chuckling, Father Sullivan turns to Darien. "The ring, please." He manages to say, as an exasperated, but still too happy to really care Darien turns to Andrew, his best man, who dutifully had the ring ready.

Taking it, Darien slides it onto Serena's left hand, looking to the Father who nods. Darien gazes into Serena's eyes as he begins to put the gold band over her trembling ring finger. He purposely stops the trembling by taking her hand firmly in his sure one as he finishes sliding their ring of forever promised on her finger.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife." Father Sullivan smiles warmly. As Darien and Serena Shields' lips meet for the briefest of moments, a brilliant flash of ethereal light fills the church when inexplicable, gleaming strands of silver and gold burst forth out into the city, taking to the skies.

Encompassing the entire earth, and the moon above head, as well, piercing through the depths of space, this brilliance travels on through the galaxies, sparkling all the way to infinity. The special, chosen two of moonlight Legend have officially become one in the sight of God and their friends, and the entire universe was filled with their joy.

For a new era in the cosmos has just begun.

Triumphantly the music flares and church bells ring as the new couple turns to face the happy crowd and begin their recessional descent back down the aisle, now together arm in arm as husband and wife. Darien smiles proudly at his new bride who returns the smile with complete and utter adoration, their eyes and arms locked in love as together their souls fly away on angel's wings.

Seeing her cue to follow Serena and Darien, Amy Anderson steps out into the center aisle, her heart leaping when her beloved long-lost love joins her at her side, a meek smile on his face. Though years have passed, transforming the intelligent boy into a comely 18-year-old man, he was still the same Greg Mueller to Amy, the same sweet, earnest lad she had fallen in love with what seemed a lifetime ago. Has he really come back to me for good? Amy wonders, her big sad eyes wide and hopeful at Greg.

Watching Amy's bittersweet romance revive again, Rei reflects on her own romantic status as she strides forth on her escort's arm. How nice it is for you to have your old love return to you to pick up the pieces of your lonely life, Amy. And Serena has Darien now to keep her in check, that ditz! With one last swipe at her beloved sparring partner's happy end, Rei Hino sighs to herself reflectively of Amy's sweetheart too. She looks down at her long dress, lifting it up slightly off the ground for she feared Chad was too dangerously close to tripping up on it. But is my life really all that lonely? Rei questions herself as she catches a sideways glance of Chad's merry grin, who himself was bursting with pride at being on the arm of the most gorgeously beautiful babe in the room.

Taking proper order place behind Rei and Chad, the best man and the Maid of Honor swiftly leave their spots up front. Arm in arm with a smiling Andrew, Lita feels a sudden shyness overwhelm her. I've always had this thing for Andrew, of course, look at him! He's totally dreamy! But is this just another one of my countless crushes? I know, I know. I do do that sometimes...well, all right, all the time! But really, this time feels different. It feels right. A crush has never lasted so long. Since the day I met him almost four years ago. Now that his girlfriend has left him—is now my chance? Lita Mitchell looks up from under her hat's wide brim, surprised to find Andrew's kind eyes studying her as well.

Bouncing into the middle aisle, Mina Arnold giggles out loud as she buoyantly grasps Ken's gentlemanly offered arm. He chuckles pleasantly as she does, obviously not taken aback by her bold gregariousness. Mina looks into his eyes, noticing for the first time a resemblance...to someone, in a way. With his dark hair and features and the kind look on his face, Ken reminded her of someone from the distant past she long ago thought she had pushed aside, but really truly did never let go of. Someone who was always right at her side when she needed him, someone who put up with her heroics and wackiness and solemn moments, too, and reveled in it all. Someone whose dream she had glimpsed and saw it was beautiful. Is your dream beautiful, too? Mina silently asks her new escort as he smiles at her gently, sensing the soulful questions he too shared.

Coming from the front pews, the next tall and imposing bridesmaid stops short for a moment. Alex stares daggers at her eagerly grinning escort standing directly across the aisle. The pair of fighters face off for several pent-up seconds like warriors on the battlefield again. Until, feeling Michelle's softening gaze at her back and seeing their Princess' sweetly pleading face in her head, Alex cautiously meets Sayer Starr's flamboyantly offered grey and red suit's arm, taking it ever so gingerly with a resigned grimace upon her hard face. Once in his grasp, the independent woman feels herself and her arm being pulled closer to this audacious wolf than she preferred.

Or did she prefer his touch more than she realized? Flashes of their first encounter in the backstage dressing room , the anger, the jealousy, their hands touching in an explosively intense light power surge across her every sense…

Sigh. Maybe getting a little more accustomed to these strange emotions this alien star man brought her, Amaralexis Sokova breathes out slowly, trying to calm her raging emotions down. I can't stand him...And yet am I glad to have his arm in my grasp? She feels his dark ponytail swishing to and fro, brushing against her shoulder and his handsome face looks at her with an amorous look in his eyes.

"Feels good, huh, Ally?" Sayer whispers low in that sultry voice of his, putting his head close to her ear so no one else could hear.

"Shut it." Alex scolds him in a low rumble, warningly, as not to cause the scene he was just itching for. This…person…is incredible! How dare he say these things to me when all I do is discourage him? Is his memory so short? Doesn't he remember how we fought like cats and dogs? How we couldn't stand each other's guts. How we still can't?! Why does he persist in doing this to me? Is he crazy? She feels his thick scent waft over her, his dark blue eyes burn through her skull like he was piercing right through her brain.

Or am I the crazy one for letting him do this to me?! For feeling these feelings I swore I'd never have. I will turn away. I must turn away... Alex thinks to herself, determinedly, although sneaking a sideways look at him as they moved along arm in arm.

But…can I anymore? She asks honestly, unsure of herself for the first time in her life.

Feeling Alex's sudden uncertainty in her chest, Michelle cringes for a moment at her strong-willed friend's troubled heart. Oh, Amara, don't be so stubborn! Michelle smiles, reading into her cousin's confused emotions. You and Sayer would make...quite an interesting couple, even if he's very childish. She chuckles to herself at the very thought of these two sworn enemies becoming something even more than friends.

'What do you think about it, Robin?' She sends out silently to the handsome young idol she was linked with both body and soul now as she had elegantly claimed his offered arm. But no reply comes, though she could feel his mind wide open to her. "Robin?" She questions worriedly as they walk past the church's open doorway, out into the fresh open breeze.

'Oh—I'm sorry, Michelle, I just thought I sensed something...familiar back there…" His tentative voice rings through her head, sounding a bit puzzled.

'Well, there're so many different people in there, Serena invited everyone and anyone, it seems! You must just be recognizing one of them with your psi senses.' Squeezing his svelte arm in her polished hand, Michelle tries to brush off his anxiety, calmly with her soothing mental messaging. "Oh and I saw your Princess Fireball there as well. She is looking very lovely. It was so good of her to attend our Princess' ceremony.' Michelle smiles, remembering something she had thought she saw and noticed. "Is there something between your Princess and Sayer? I thought I saw..." She begins quizzing Robin curiously.

I'm not being nosy, just concerned for a dear friend, if you're wondering. She thinks to herself a bit guiltily, just to find her queries unheard almost entirely.

'What?' Robin drifts back to her thoughts again. 'Oh, no, nothing like that. Our Princess is much too smart for Sayer.' He catches her drift, jabbing at his difficult brother, then goes back to his own suddenly tense feelings. 'I guess you're right, Michelle.' He shakes it off, looking into the ocean of her eyes. 'Must be nothing.' Robin smiles at his gorgeously stunning soulmate his dashing style well-matched.

Back in the church, Terry and Susan begin their walk down the aisle. Though, if it were up to Terry, the way he was feeling right now about this beautiful, delicate woman, they would be traveling in the other direction down the aisle together. Looking into her deep, magenta eyes, the brilliant composer was certain once again that she was the woman in his dreams, the one he had fantasized about for so long. And now the fantasies were real, she was here on his arm, looking so serene and happy, so beautiful in her lovely gown gazing at him with those haunting orbs.

With all they have shared already, all he had to do was profess his love for her, calming her fears of the future to come. And what a wonderful future it would be with Susan at his side. Terry Starr smiles down at her dreamily.

Your eyes! Your eyes! How enchanting your eyes are, my darling Terry. When you look at me like that you make me feel so important—that you truly care. No one has ever cared for me before like this. I have never been loved before. I have never loved before. And I do love you. This love I feel for you will last through eternity. Even if my heart is torn asunder, this love for you will last for all time. Time I will endure alone again, dreaming of your eyes... Susan sadly smiles at him longingly, wishing this day in the sun did not have to ever end.

As Tara Tomoe watches the couple in front of her, she secretly yearned to be able to trade places with Susan. I'd do anything to be on his arm. To have the looks he gives to her. Tara sulks as she walks along after the pair, not even noticing the boy on her arm, or the looks he was aiming in her direction. Taken in by her timid sweetness, Sammy Hart, too, would trade places with the tall man in front of him if only to be noticed by this pretty girl on his arm. He sighs, knowing his attempts futile, his attentions ignored.

But hearing his audible frustration, Tara turns and looks, giving Sammy a grateful smile, for it was against her sweet nature to be unkind.

Behind her, Rini sees her 'brother's' shy looks at her best friend and feels glad that he was the one who could pull Tara out from these depressing doldrums she was in. But Rini herself could not help but feel happy inside, for today was truly special. Not only because of the wedding, which was so important to her, but also because her beloved Helios had been here with her, even if only for a short time.

Bouncing baby sister behind with the three pleased cats trailing, Rini scatters her flowers until she walks out of the church into the blinding sunlight, joining the rest of her timeless family.

"Oh Da~rien!" Reaching the top of the long steps leading up to the church, Serena was surprised when her new husband suddenly scoops her up in his strong arms.

It feels so right, Muffin! She knew the feeling well, from the countless times her Tuxedo Mask had performed this same rescue on her before. Fear of danger slips away whenever he appeared at her side, even the deadliest of battles become easy, no enemy too great when she was safe in his arms. Letting him sweep her away again now, it was such a wondrous feeling that the new bride almost forgot one final thing to do before leaving the church grounds, even as the crowd around them gathers, clapping congratulations at the happy sight. One glance at their expectant faces recalls our dizzy heroine's memory.

Lifting her beautiful bouquet of white roses, (they simply had to be roses for her beloved Darien, they were required to be roses) with a giggle and a silent prayer that the superstition behind the age-old tradition would come true for the lucky girl who caught it,

Serena Shields sends her bouquet flying in perfect form (she was an experienced 'moon tiara' thrower) towards the sea of anxious feminine faces. All (except for the already annoyed bridesmaid in gold, who folds her arms defiantly) turn their eyes towards the incoming object in the sky. Each set of eager hands prepare to catch the flower bouquet and the good fortune that came along with it.

Floating in the gentle breeze, the bouquet seems to have taken a life of its own, fluttering to and fro, until it softly drifts into the arms of the woman it had been intended for.

Surprised, an unsuspecting Susan de Venici gasps as the spray of white roses suddenly, as if by magic, appear in her shocked hands. She had resigned herself that if it came near, she would not reach for it, and allow some other lucky girl to have its charms. Resigned for solitude in Time's lonely doorway, Susan recognized that everything the bouquet symbolized would be wasted on her lonely existence.

But here it was, the beautiful bouquet held delicately in her hands as if brought there by some powerful force of nature. Blushing at its implications, Susan meekly raises her eyes as the crowd and the rest of the happy, albeit disappointed, young women, surrounding her begin to applaud again, and for her this time. Feeling elation at this prediction, though at the same time saddened in the knowledge it was forbidden to her, Susan's eyes meet Serena's whose smiled back at her beaming with joy, unaware of her friend's endless plight. But Susan returns the smile gratefully, with a small nod at her beloved Princess, who could always bring sunshine to her unhappy life.

Then, although not wanting to meet his eyes, Susan couldn't help but turn to the dashing figure on her arm, who was gazing at her with such open adoration. She blushes even further to a deeper crimson red, making it obvious to those around her what was silently passing between them, and that the flower bouquet just might have hit its target on the mark this time.

Crowds of friends cheering behind them, bride and groom float down the steps to the shiny black limousine awaiting them. Darien gently puts her down and Serena turns, waving joyously to her beloved friends and family behind her, who have cared for, watched over, and protected her through the years, making this glorious day possible for her at last.

Sliding into the back seat, the young couple smile sweetly and then slip into each other's arms as the limo slowly drives off noisily, cans and other noisemakers, strung together, banging and clanging into the street. A "JUST MARRIED" was scrawled unceremoniously in white soap on the rear window of the limo.

"Who did that?!" Rei demands, thinking that this for one would be a civilized and proper event. Then realizing who it must be all at once, she and her immediate circle of friends turn to a curly haired young man in the red and grey designer suit.

"What?" Proving he was truly over his first love and ready to move on, Sayer asks incredulously, the most innocent of looks on his wicked face. He was doing his darndest to gain the attention and approval of the vainly avoiding his gaze Alex, wild gusts swirling around them both in a maddening dance.

But soon the wind suddenly ceases its circulating revelry for this very important day in history had gone down in the books successfully. The gleaming gold moon pendant her dear one had come home to gift her around Serena Shields' neck symbolized enduring friendship and everlasting love.

The generous child of the Moon looks up to the heavens with a prayer to the Lord who created the moon and the stars and the planets, as well, for Him to bless all the ones who made this day possible for her and share such perfect Friendship and Love as she had been given the Lord had planned for every soul who believed in the miracle of love's endless dream…