Cont..First Time Around


-Meanwhile on the balcony... "So what do you like to do, Darien?" "Ride my horse and talk. But I've found a new interest today." "Really? What?" "Dancing." Serenity blushed at the comment. "Well, what do you like to do?" Endymion asked her. "I like to ride my unicorn, pick roses, and dance..." She turned her head away as she said, "with you." "What was that Serenity?" "Oh, nothing." *Except for the fact that I'm falling in love with someone I hardly know!* Serenity thought to herself. She picked up one of the roses that Endymion had given to her earlier and ran her hand up and down the stem. "Wow! Roses on Earth don't have thorns on them?!" she asked. "Yes they do. I picked these ones out for you." "Oh, Darien! You didn't have to go through all that trouble for me!" "I assure you, Princess, it was no trouble at all." She smiled and looked at his palms. *No scars,* she thought. She looked up to his face and he smiled at her. *Your eyes are so blue. They remind me of the oceans on your planet,* she thought. "Thank you," Endymion said. "Huh? I said nothing!" "Yes you did. You said that my eyes remind you of water." She dropped her head. *Oh! I can't believe I said that out loud!!! Now I bet he thinks I'm some kind of flirt!* A new song in the background started to play. "Serena, would you care for another dance?" She looked up at him and blushed. "Yes," she replied quietly. He pulled her up from the chair she was sitting in and twirled her around. She giggled in excitement. When he pulled her back to him, they were left to gaze into each other's eyes. "Serena," Endymion said. "Yes?" "I think that you're the nicest person I've met in a long time, and..." he didn't finish. "What is it, Darien?" *I'm totally, completely in love with a girl I don't know.* "Darien?" Her voice pulled him back to reality. "Oh, it does matter." Serenity smiled up at him. Then laid her head on his chest. *He's everything I've ever wanted and so much more. Sweet, kind, caring, gentle... Maybe he feels the same way... I'll tell him.* Endymion was lost in his own thoughts, *maybe I should tell her...* The song ended and they stopped dancing. "Oh Darien! This night has been so wonderful. I thi--" Serenity's words were interrupted an unnerving shock of light in the air. "You thought you could steal the only one I've ever loved!!!" An angry voice was screaming in the midst of a dark cloud. A figure with long, bright red hair appeared when the cloud dissipated. "Melina!" Serenity said. "That's Queen Beryl to you, Twit!" She raised her hand and a harmful ray of black energy shot at Serenity, leaving her weak as she fell to the ground. "SERENA!! NOOOOOOOO!" A strong energy was built inside of Endymion. Rainbow colored light surrounded him and transformed his armor and royal Earth attire to a black tuxedo with a matching top hat, a mask, and a black cape. "Darien..." Serenity whispered from the ground. Endymion dropped to his knees beside her. "Don't worry, Serena. You'll be all right. I promise." He slowly stood up and shot an angry glare at Queen Beryl. "You'll pay for what you did to her, you witch." He grabbed the single rose that Serenity had once been holding. "Oh! Ha ha! You're going to kill me with a rose? You've got to be kidding!" Endymion concentrated hard on his energy. *This has to stall her until Serenity's guardians get here,* he thought. When he put enough energy into the rose, he threw it at Queen Beryl. It embedded itself in her stomach and surrounded her in a red force field. "Darien..." Serenity said. Endymion dropped beside her. "Darien... I... I... can't... breathe... I..." Serenity shut her eyes, lifelessly. "Oh no." Endymion was mortified. "Serena. Can you hear me? Please." She gave no response. "I hope your friends get here soon. Hold on. Just hold on. For me." Serenity's eyes fluttered. *A sign of life. Thank the gods.* He smiled. In the terrace, Rei and Hotaru sensed evil. "Do you feel that?" Rei whispered. "Yes," Hotaru whispered. "It's Serenity! She's in danger!" Rei said to the others. "Let's go!" The girls ran out of the terrace and transformed into the Sailor Scouts. They arrived at the balcony to see Queen Beryl encased in a red force field. Sailor Mercury poked at her computer. "That's Prince Endymion," she said. "The force field around that woman was created by him, but it will only last a few more minutes. We have to act quickly." "RIGHT!" Sailor Uranus was the first to attack. She clenched her fists and hit the ground. "URANUS... WORLD SHAKING!!!" The ground rumbled and rocks flew up and hit Queen Beryl, disrupting the force field. "You'll pay for that you Sailor Shrimp! In the name of the Negaverse, I am the all-powerful Queen Beryl!!!" Black energy shot from Queen Beryl's hands, sent Sailor Uranus to the ground. Sailor Jupiter attacked next. She crossed her hands in the air. "JUPITER... SPARKLING WIDE PRESSURE!!!" Lightning and thunder encircled her, then she threw her hand on the ground. The ground rolled up and sent Queen Beryl flying. She attacked again. "JUPITER... OAK EVOLUTION!!!" Leaves encompassed her body and flew out along with white lightning. Queen Beryl blocked the attack with black energy. Jupiter fell to the ground. Sailor Mercury looked up from her computer to find two of her partners on the ground. She narrowed her eyes at Queen Beryl and put out a surprising attack. She span around and raised her hands over her head. "MERCURY... SHINE AQUA ILLUSION!!!" Cold ice shot through Queen Beryl stalling time for the next attack. Sailor Mars attacked next. A bow and arrow formed in her hands. "MARS... BURNING MANDALA!!!" Queen Beryl raged as her hair was burned. She shot more dark energy sending Mars flying. Behind the fight, Endymion was helping Serenity. "Serena," he said. "Serena!" He was becoming frustrated. Her eyes were still closed. "Darien," she whispered opening her eyes. "Serena!" She smiled warmly at him. "Darien. In order to defeat her, we must use the silver crystal. I am much too weak to walk. Please find my mother and ask her for it. Please. It is the only way. Hurry." Endymion nodded and dashed to the terrace. He found Queen Serenity almost immediately. "Queen Serenity, your daughter is in terrible danger. She asked for the silver crystal." He was out of breath and could say nothing more. "Come with me, Prince Endymion." The two went inside the palace. They continued to Control Panel. Queen Serenity touched a clear button. A shimmering crystal rose out of the button. "Prince Endymion, this is the Imperial Silver Crystal. You must guard this with your entire being. I trust you as does my daughter. Now, go to her." She smiled at him as he nodded and left with the crystal. When he reached Serenity, she was in dormancy. Her guardians were still fighting. "Serena. Serena, I've got your crystal." Endymion placed the crystal in her palm and held on to her hands. "Please fight, Serenity. Don't give up." He was holding back tears. "Prince... Endymion." The crystal in their hands began to glow. Strong energy formed inside them both. The energy sent Queen Beryl to her doom. Serenity had regained her strength but remained weak. "Princess!" Sailor Pluto cried, watching the two. The girls turned to her. "Serenity, you're okay!" Sailor Saturn said. "Yes, Hotaru. Thank you." Endymion helped Serenity to her feet. "Woah," Serenity said as she lost her footing. "Are you sure that you're okay, Princess?" Sailor Uranus asked. "Yes, I'm fine." She smiled. "Um, you guys, could you leave Prince Endymion and myself alone for a while. If you don't mind." The girls nodded. "Thanks." When the girls left Endymion helped Serenity to a chair. "Darien, I... owe you my... life. You saved my life!" Endymion's attire had changed back to normal. "Serena, it was the crystal that saved you. Not me." "No. Who would have brought the crystal to me if you weren't there? And besides..." She didn't continue. Endymion looked at her. "Besides what?" he asked. "Darien, the crystal responds to love energy and love energy only." She looked up at him from her seat and set the crystal on the table. She got up unsteadily. "Darien, it was your love that saved me." He shifted uncomfortably. *Is it true? Love?* Endymion thought. "Love?" he asked aloud. Serenity nodded. "And Darien?" "Yes?" Her voice was barely audible as she said the next words. "I love you." He looked down at her trembling figure and wrapped his arms around her. "I love you too." She looked up at him. "You... you do? You love me?" He smiled. "Yes. Very much so." Serenity buried her head in Endymion's chest. A warm wind blew around them. *Oh Darien, I love you so much. I hope we can be together forever.* "So do I, Serena. So do I." She looked up at him. "What?! You heard that!" Yes, why?" Serenity backed away. "I didn't say anything though!" "Yes you did. You said that you hope we can be together forever." "No I didn't! I *thought* it. I didn't say it out loud!" 'Can you hear this?' she thought. "Yes, I can hear you perfectly well, Serena. But I think that blast did a number on you. Maybe you should rest for a while." 'No! Darien. Look at my lips. They are NOT moving, are they?' He looked at her mouth. 'No.' "Woah Darien! Yours didn't move either! And you said no! I heard it!" Serenity realized what was happening. "This hasn't happened in such a long time! Not since my father died in battle. Sharing mental thoughts. This is like... so cool!" Endymion smiled at her. "And we can hear each other anywhere! My mother could share thoughts with my father." Serenity almost jumped in excitement. Endymion laughed as he grabbed her by the waist. She put her arms around his neck. "Oh, Darien," she sighed. "Serena." Their faces were slowly getting nearer. Then they closed their eyes and shared a long, passionate kiss. 'Serena,' Endymion thought. 'Yes?' They were still kissing. 'Will you come down to Earth tomorrow?' 'Oh of course I will.' Finally they ended the kiss and walked back to the terrace. The music was still playing as dozens of couples glided on the dance floor. The couple walked toward Queen Serenity, hand in hand. "Mother?" Serenity said to the Queen whose back was turned. Queen Serenity cocked her head to face the two and smiled. "Yes, dear, what is it?" "Can I PLEASE go to Earth tomorrow?" Queen Serenity thought for a moment. "Hmm. I guess it would be okay since Earth is now a part of the Silver Millenium." Queen Serenity smiled then turned to Endymion. "Thank you for saving my daughter young man. Earth is not a violent place as I've heard." Serenity hugged her mother. "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!" Then she grabbed Endymion's wrist and ran into the palace. "Stand right here, Darien. I'll be right back." Serenity left Endymion in the foyer as she ran to retrieve something. She came back with a golden star locket in her hand. She handed it to Endymion. "Until we meet again. Go ahead. Open it!" The locket began to play a gentle song as soon as it was opened. 'Thank you, Serena,' Endymion thought to her as he kissed her on the cheek. She smiled and turned to the Control Panel and pushed the same button as she had pressed before. It didn't work. She pressed it again. Still, no function. "Serena, what's the problem?" Serenity turned to face him. "Oh, Darien it's not working! All that negative energy Queen Beryl put out must have caused some type of malfunction! I cannot send you back to Earth until someone repairs it. Come we have to go tell my mother." Serenity and Endymion walked out of the palace. "Mother," Serenity said when they found the Queen. "Yes?" "The controls are not working. The entire panel is shut down. So there is no way for Prince Endymion to get back to his planet." Queen Serenity looked at Endymion and said, "I guess you'll have to stay in my kingdom tonight. But I want you to know that even without conditions like these, you will always be welcome here." She smiled. "Thank you, Queen Serenity," Endymion said. Secretly, Princess Serenity was thrilled at the thought of Endymion spending the night. He heard the thought and couldn't help but to laugh. Queen Serenity looked at him with concern. "I'll escort Endymion to his room, Mother. Goodnight." "Goodnight, Serenity." Inside, Serenity had shown Endymion to a private loft on the second floor of the palace. "This is your room until the controls work again," said Serenity. "Thank you, Serena." "You're welcome. I'll get you some nightclothes. I'll be right back." Serenity walked out of the room and came back a few minutes later with some silk blue pajamas. "These are Haruka's but she's never worn them. She's about your size." She handed the set to him. "You're giving me a GIRL'S nightclothes?!" "No, no! She wears guy's clothes most of the time. She only wears girl's attire when she's a sailor scout, or having to be presented. Like tonight. These are pajamas for a man. I swear. Hey, scout's honor." She put her fingers in a peace sign when she said that. He had to laugh. "You're a scout?" "Yes, I'm Sailor Moon. But I can't be in my sailor form all the time because I'm the princess of the Silver Millenium." "I thought you were only the princess of the Moon." "No, the Moon is the center of the Silver Millenium. That's why. But I am Sailor Moon. The champion of love and justice." She laughed. "I want to see," Endymion said. "See what?" "I want to see Sailor Moon." "You can't!" "Why not?" he asked. Serenity sighed. "Because... Oh okay, fine." She held out her hand and the Silver Crystal materialized in it. Endymion watched on in awe. "This is my first time using the crystal to transform, so I don't know what to expect." The crystal hovered between her hands as she raised them above her head. "MOON... CRYSTAL POWER!!!" Blinding white light burst from the crystal as her clothing vanished. Endymion was taken by surprise by her nudity. The transformation ended as red ribbons wrapped around her forming a sailor suit and a tiara with a crescent moon in the center appeared on her forehead. She was wearing a short yellow skirt over a red skirt, which was over a blue skirt. On her chest was a red bow with a pink heart-shaped brooch in the center. She had on a blue collar that ended at the bow. A pink choker with a heart in the middle was around her neck Two barrettes were above her bangs and a red disc was on each of the two buns in her hair. Endymion was speechless. He even dropped the pajamas while he was watching the transformation. "Darien? Are you okay?" He snapped out of his trance. "What? Oh yes. I'm fine. Is that why you didn't want to transform in front of me?" "Is what why? Oh! I can't believe it! I totally forgot about that! Oh gods." She covered her face with her hands. Endymion walked up to her and put his hands on her shoulders. "It's okay, Serena." She looked up and smiled. Serenity put her hand on her brooch and in an instant the gown she was wearing before replaced the uniform. "Anyway, the controls should work again by tomorrow. Then you can go home." "Thank you." Serenity looked up at him. "Goodnight, Endymion. My room is next door if you need me." "Goodnight, Serenity. Thank you." He bent down and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. She smiled and walked towards the door. She opened it then turned back. "Oh, one more thing." "Yes?" "Even if we're on different planets, we can still hear each other." She blew him a kiss and walked out of the room. *Wow! What a night,* she thought as she closed the door. She slowly walked to her bedroom. Her mind was wandering and she forgot to close the door behind her. She undressed and she put the gown she was wearing on a hanger. She walked to her closet, put the dress up then pulled out a nightgown. She lay on her bed then turned her back to the door. 'Knock, knock.' She turned around, cautiously, to see Endymion. "Ah! Darien!" Suddenly her fright turned into anger. "I didn't see you," she said crossly. "Hey! Don't get mad! I didn't expect to see you like this," Endymion said. "Besides, you're more covered now than you wear before!" he added with a quirky grin. "Oh, you." She balled her fist and shook it at him in anger. "Anyway, Serena, where's the bathroom?" Serenity calmed down. "Um, it's the sixth door on your left." He smiled. "Thanks, Serena." He walked out of the room. A second later he came back in. Serenity was caught off guard again. "Darien!" "Sorry, but do you want me to close the door?" "Oh. Yes. Thank you," she said quietly. When Endymion left, Serenity put on the pink satin nightgown that she laid on her bed earlier. Then she put the Silver Crystal in a pink heart shaped locket and set it on her nightstand. Then she climbed into her bed and blew out the flickering candles on the nightstand. 'Goodnight, Darien,' she thought as she drifted into a restless sleep. 'Goodnight, Serena,' Darien thought from the next room. Serenity and Endymion's dreams were filled with thoughts of what the future could hold for them. ***A fair, silver-blonde haired princess ran through the rose garden with her locks flying freely behind her. "Darien! Darien! You can come out now! I can't find you!" She slowed her pace to a cautious stride, in fear of her love jumping out at her. She came around a tall rose bush. She could hear soft breathing. She sprinted to the other side and yelled, "GOTCHA!" But no one was there. She was perplexed. She slowly walked to a pearl white bench in her vined gazebo and sat down. "I'm too old to be playing these childish games," she said to herself. At that moment, she felt a silky rose brush against her cheek. It continued for a few seconds. Then a suave, masculine voice said behind her, "are you?" She was startled by the sneaky display of affection. "Darien!" He was behind her running his hands through her golden mane. "Yes, my princess?" he answered as he brushed his lips across the side of her neck. "Darien..." she whispered, closing her eyes. A cool breeze blew around the two, sending wisps of her hair around her face and making his navy blue cape sway behind him. He came around to face her and pulled a small, silver, velveteen box out of his pocket. Her eyes were still closed so she didn't notice him kneeling in front of her. "Serenity, my princess," he said. "Yes?" She opened her eyes and gasped when she realized what he was getting at. "Serenity, my fair princess, the light in my heart, and the love of my life. Would you do me the honor of being my wife, my companion, and my lover? Until the end of time?" He opened the box revealing a golden ring with a heart-shaped diamond encircled in miniscule emerald-cut diamonds in the center. She gasped at its overwhelming beauty. "Oh Darien. I... I... I don't know what to say." Tears of happiness welled in her azure eyes. "Say yes. Say that you'll marry me, Serena." Sparkling tears ran down her cheeks. "Oh Darien! Of course! Yes. Yes." She stood up dazedly and flung herself into his arms, crying tears of joy. "Oh, Darien," she whispered. "You've made me the happiest person in the universe." "The same goes for me, Serena." He lowered his head close enough to feel the heat rising from her flushed cheeks. He leaned further towards her lips and gave her a long, sweet, passionate kiss. She kissed back as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He--*** The ever so realistic dream came to an abrupt end as Serenity and Endymion simultaneously jerked awake, breathing harshly. Haruka ran into Serenity's bedchamber. "Are you okay, Princess?" she asked, worried. "Huh? Oh yes, thank you, Haruka... I just had the strangest epiphany," she added quietly. "Do you want to talk about it?" "No, Haruka, I'm fine." Haruka nodded her head and exited the room. As soon as the princess of Uranus left, Serenity got out of her disarrayed bed. She was sweating as a result of her vivid dream. She decided to go take a shower to relieve herself. Serenity went into the bathroom, lavender bathrobe in hand. After half an hour, she came out of the bathroom feeling much better. Her hair was soaked and piled in a messy bun on top of her head. She drifted back to her room, inquiring herself on where she had gotten such an imagination to think up such visions of herself with Endymion. She closed the door behind her when she entered her room. She sat in front of her small, light pink vanity that was given to her as a gift. Serenity undid the bun and let it drop to the floor. With a swift movement of her petite hand, a warm wind blew past her and her hair was dried instantly. She took off her bathrobe and slipped on a strapless, silver dress. She ran a brush through her hair and put in into her traditional odango hairstyle. All the while that Serenity had taken to dress herself and comb her hair, Endymion had gone had gone and taken a shower also. After he dried himself off and got dressed, he walked out to the balcony to think about his dream. After several minutes of contemplation, he heard a knock on his door. "Come in," he said. The door opened and he heard soft, gentle footsteps coming toward him. "Good morning, Serena," he said as he turned around. "Good morning, Darien." She walked closer to him. "Your hair is wet." She ran a hand through his black hair. A soft, warm breeze, just like before, blew past him and dried his hair. "There!" she said as she wrapped her arms around him. "Thanks." He smiled down at her and returned the hug. Serenity pulled herself from his embrace and sat on his bed. "Darien, I had this weird dream last night." He walked over and sat beside her. "So did I." She blushed as she went on. "I knew it! It couldn't have been just me! I mean, I have an imagination, but I could never think up something so real bye myself!" Endymion laughed. "But," she spoke quietly now. "Do you think that what happened in our dream could happen in the future?" She waited anxciously for his reply. "Yes... In the near future." He kissed her cheek and again, she blushed as she savored the kiss. "I love you, Serena," he said into her hair. "I love you too," she said as she stood up. "Darien, I'm making some hot tea downstairs. Do you want some?" "Yes, thank you." "Good," she said as she walked towards the door. "Come downstairs, okay? The kitchen is right beside the stairwell." "Okay." "I'll be waiting," she said as she slinked out. Serenity bounced into the kitchen, feeling happy as she hummed the song that was playing when she and Endymion had their first dance last night. The sailors were already in the kitchen and looked at Serenity with confusion. "Serenity, are you okay?" Hotaru asked. Serenity didn't notice and continued to hum as she filled two mugs with hot water. "Oh, I got a feeling that Prince Endymion, is the dreamy man she's always seeing in her dreams," Mina said. "Oh, Serenity, or should I say, Serena, is in love," Rei said. Serenity jumped at the name. "Don't call me that Rei." "Ooh, a little sour are we, Serena?" Rei said, teasing. "Miss Mars, I'm warning you, by order of the Moon Princess." Serenity put her title to use. Rei slouched. "Ooh, Rei, she got ya there," Lita said, grinning. "Can it, Jupiter," Rei said. "Ooh, a little sour are we, Mars?" They all laughed, except, of course Rei. Just then, Endymion strode in. "Good morning, ladies," he said with a smile. "Good morning, Prince Endymion," all replied. Secretly, Rei had a twinge of jealousy, but her feelings disappated as she thought of Jadeite. "Prince Endymion," Rei said, "are you aware that your four guardians came to the ball last night?" Endymion nodded. "Yes, well, that was not of my choice or desision. You all would follow Serena with out her consent, correct?" Rei nodded and flinched at the name. "Okay! Enough chit chat. Darien, tea's ready!" Serenity said, interrupting the conversation. She handed Endymion a mug as she said, "please, no interruptions, guys." She led Endymion to a small room and closed the door behind her. When she was gone the scouts were confused. "Darien? I thought his name was Endymion," Michiru said. "And she didn't even use his title!" Mina shook her head as she said this. "They've only know each other for a day," Rei said bitterly under her breath. "What was that?" Michiru asked. "Huh? Nothing you'd care about," Rei said as she walked out of the kitchen. Serenity sat down on a small, ivory loveseat and motioned for Endymion to sit with her. They sat quietly, sipping the tea as they enjoyed each other's presense. When they finished, Serenity spoke first. "Darien, would you like to see my garden?" Endymion leaned back on the couch. "I've already seen it before," he said teasingly. She was confused for a moment. "Oh, but now you get to see it in reality." "Yea, okay." Serenity picked up both mugs and stood up. 'Let me go put these away. I'll be right back." She walked towards the closed door, opened it, and walked out. "Let's go!" she said when she came back. They walked through the lavish floral garden before they arrived at her gazebo. Serenity and Endymion noticed movent inside. "Who's in there?" she asked crossly. "This is a private place!" When no one answered, she walked in to find a raven tressed girl sharing kisses with a flaxen haired young man. "Rei?!" Instantly, the couple stopped and turned around. "Jadeite?! Endymion seeed the most surprised. Jadeite and Rei both bowed their heads. "I'm sorry, Serenity. I know this is your private sanctuary and that I shouldn't have been in here." "That's okay, Rei. I'll deal with this situation later," Serenity said motioning for her to leave.

That's a cliff hanger! HAHA! Well, I'm finished with the first draft, just need to type it on paper! ^_~ C-ya!
~S~

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