TItle - Propositions part four Author Razzz Email ' razzzberi@aol.com IT"S DONE!! FINALLY!!!!! Now I can get soem SLEEP!!!!! NIGHT ALL!!!! WELL, IT IS 1:30 in the morning on Thursday,(Friday now) and I decided today that I would finish this story for this week - AND I DID!! I'm exhausted but it's DONE!!!! And I learned a valuable lsson about making sure you have time for the things you start, and making sure you alway shave cahpters ont eh back burner befor ebeginning to post so you DON't Get into the terribel habit I got into with this story!!! (SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO Sorry that I was such a horible person with getting out these parts regularly) Well, this is it!! The end!! El FIN!!! Just a little story on wher eI got this name - See, propsotions fit soo perfectly, btu I woudl never have thought it up if my friend hadnt' decided to write a love letter to this girl he really really liked - and let me tell you, my friend is no Shakespeare. IN his lettter, the line that stuck out the most in my mind was, "I'm going to propose a propsotions." - all he was doing was asking the girl out to lunch. Well, he didnt' get teh girl, but I got a title, so thanks!!!! Kary OK, mor ebig thanks mus tgo out to LAUREL ANNE!!!! You rock, I'm sorry abouttthe times I've been evil (Or, if you dont' think I've been evil yet, jsut stick around a while, an dI'm sure I can do something I'll need an advance apology for) - Laurel is for sure the COOLEST PERSON ever, and she writes SERIOUSLY COOL fanfiic!!! ONe of my absoltue personal favorites!!!! GODDESS!!! over here!! SMDolphin!! WOW YOU ROCK!! You are another one of my FAVORITIST people I know!! Can we say funny, brilliant, cool and talented all rolled ino tone - antoher great fanfic writeer as well!! Checkout night and day!! it rocks!!! LOVE YA!!!! Lianne is the true GURU of the fanfic world. I dont' even need to say anythign else about how amazing she is cause every one and thier mother knows her name and think she's the best - it's like undisputed!!!! And she is a MAJORLY COOL PERSON!!! Jenova has just got a new fanfic up (Not under this name I odnt' think, but I'm a lfake and forgot the pen name) called LOve will still live on, and let me tell you!! IT IS WAY COOL!!! Not to mentionthat she's a cool person!!!! JEnn!! My NY bud!!!! WOW!!!! You are JUST AMAZING!!!! I LVEO YA!!! This is shrot, btu I really dont' have much to say othr than gushign whcih will probaby turn you putrid, so I'll keep you healthy and just say you rock and leave it at that. Buddywolf!! HI!!! You girl, are keeping the spirit of thigns alive!!!! YEAH!!!!!! Archieve administrators all rock, especially the incomprable Tux Will and my fave Sailro November, bto to mention ANDREA ARTEMIS AND LUNA!!! Go you!!! Sui Mei!!! WOW!! Such talent, such envy from my side of the room!!!! Thank you for always being so considerate about me and letting me check stuff out!!! I ALWYAS look forward to your mail. Jen WAND!! Check out the Tux site!! WOW!!! And she writes way cool storeis too!!! Everyone involved with Project Star (I think that's the name of it now)!! YEAH US!!!! LONG LIVE THE SAPSTERS!!!! And last but nto least, MY IDOL!!! YES!! Fushigi Kismet, who never fails to move me with her past loves(I'm gonna be telling my GRADNKIDS ABOUT YOUR STORY!!!) and this INCREDIBLE new one that I'm dying to find out what happens next in!! AHH!! you are AMAZING - SIMNPLY AMAZING!!!!! Can I please be you or something!! YOU ROCK!!! WOW!!! Top honors righ there all go to you!!! These Author's ntoes are jsut way too long - Isnt' it werid hwo when it's late at night, you cant' seem to want to go to sleep past a certian hour. That' sme righ tnow. But I'll be quiet. OH YEAH!!!! Dont' forgert (this is very very improtant) to send COMMENTS!!! FEEDBACK!! CRITICISMS!! I carve them!!! I gotta see what you guys think of my stories!!! So please, please please, write back!!!! Well,taht's it, causemy computer is making these funny noises now - It's really old, I hope it doenst' break. Later, and enjoy - I WAS DRUGGED - LONG LIVE THE SPATULA!!!! 'Darien!' Serena thought. Why was that monster laughing. 'Oh God, no, please, please, I can't do this without him? Please, where is he?' "W, where is he? Karros, where is he. Tell me, Karros, what have you done with him." she screamed, becoming hysterical, her mind quickly becoming covered in the thick fog of confusion. She could feel another cry want to fly from her lips. And that thing seemed to enjoy this, was laughing at her, was almost smiling at her. He knew. That thing, that monster, he KNEW! "TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED TO DARIEN!" she cried, running forward, her arms beating out in front of her, her small hands trying to pummel him although she was blinded by her tears. A single tentacle swung out, knocking her on her behind before she had the chance to touch him. She stared up at him, ignoring the pain her crash had caused. She tried to stop the flow of tears, to appear strong in front of him, to appear unafraid of it, but she couldn't. Because she couldn't' feel Darien. She couldn't' feel that warm, familiar pull, that silky sunlight that made her heart soar, that made every moment of her life important and beautiful. Karros took a step towards her, slithering closer, until she could see the black gleam of his darkened fangs, each point razor sharp as he smiled. "Darien is no more." it said simply. Maybe it was lying. It was a creature of evil! It couldn't tell the truth. Darien wasn't' dead. He couldn't' be. I don't' believe you!" she said. It continued to grin at her, and in it s hand, she saw . . . 'Oh God no. NO!' her mind screamed, although her mouth could not open. It had the Crystal. Which meant that Darien . . . Darien had . . . 'NO! It's not true!' Serena closed her eyes. Because, she knew it was true. It wasn't lying. Darien was . . . was . . . Her eyes blinked open, astonishingly dry. Why did everything feel so far away, so disjointed from her. She could hardly feel her own arm, was barely aware that she was breathing shallowly. 'Darien. DARIEN-DARIEN-DARIEN-DARIEN-DARIAN.' She couldn't say anything else, couldn't think any other thought, just his name, over and over and over again in her head. She shuddered, as the name did not bring the feelings she was used to. The name brought emptiness, coldness. So, so cold. She shivered. She heard a whoosh through the air and forced her eyes to open, despite the protests from her body. She didn't' want to open her eyes, she didn't' want to see this world again, not if it wasn't' with him. her eyes struggled to focus on the blackness that seemed zooming for her. A large tentacle, it's point razor sharp, aimed right for her chest. She couldn't even bring her self to move. her body was frozen to the spot. Perhaps, it was because, she vaguely realized, that she didn't' want to move. She didn't' want to get out of it's way. 'Was this the last thing you saw Darien?' she wondered, closing her eyes, resigned. Maybe, he would be waiting for her. "Mars Flame Sniper!" The tentacle retreated, scorched by the intense blast as Sailor Mars narrowed her eyes at the creature, soon joined by four other scouts. "Always have to save your butt, don't' I Serena!" Mars said. Serena turned to look at them, her eyes barely seeing them, not even standing. "GET UP! What are you waiting for?' Mars cried, seeing Serena not moving. Her lack of mobility scared her, and she could feel her heart contracting in fear. 'Serena, get up. Please, please, don't' just sit there, you meatball brained idiot.' Mars thought. "Um, what is that thing, and what is it doing!" Sailor Venus asked. "Guys, it's got the crystal!" mercury cried as she caught sight of the glowing crystal in its hand. "I don't' know what it is, or what it's trying to do, but it doesn't' look like it's doing anything that can be good. LET'S GET HIM!" Sailor Jupiter gave a loud battle cry, as she flew forward to attack. "Jupiter Oak Evolution!" the lightning raced with deadly force at the thick body of Karros. It looked at her in amusement, smiling, almost laughing as the power of the crystal flared around it, a shield immediately appearing around Karros'. It reflected the bolt of electricity, sending it careening back, towards Jupiter. who could only stare at her blast in shock, her mouth hanging open, before it rammed into her, flooding her body with the power. She shrieked as the pain of being electrocuted overwhelmed her, and she was flung back against a tree. "LITA!" Venus screamed, as she saw her comrade slump tot he ground, not moving. "You're gonna pay for that one!" mars said in a deadly calm voice. "Mars Flame - " A tentacle descended upon her fast, tightly curling around her, squeezing tightly. Sailor Mars struggled silently with it, not giving it the satisfaction of knowing it was hurting her, her legs and arms flailing wildly as she struggled with it. "Let her GO!" Mercury yelled, raising her arms,. Karros, with mars still entangled and fighting in his tentacle, lifted his hand, to reveal the Silver Imperium Crystal. It grinned, and Mercury unconsciously took a step back, terrified of that look. She had seen it before, right before she had died in the North Pole, the smile of success on the face of the doom and gloom girls. She could feel her heart speed up, more scared than she could remember, and suddenly, she was surrounded in bright white light that didn't' feel as comforting as it should have. The crystal's power swept across the area, taking Sailor Mercury down in one blast. Venus stared in horror, as the beam of power cut across the clearing, cutting through the trunks of trees that crashed around her. The beam raced towards her, and she fell to her knees, her eyes brimming with tears as she saw her two fallen comrades, and Rei, still struggling fiercely with the tentacle, never giving up. She could feel the beam sweep over her back, the heat making her skin tingle. She stood up. "VENUS LOVE AN-" the whooshing sound made her turn on her heels, and her eyes grew wide as she stared at the enormous branch that was falling on her - no not just one branch, hundreds of branches, the entire tree, toppling down upon her. She only had time to raise her hands defensively over her head before the entire tree crashed to the ground, hiding her from view. "MINA!" Mars tried to yell, though her words came out as a whisper. 'Serena, Get up! Stop being a coward. Fight Serena." mars gasped. Serena stared at her, her eyes wide in shock, watery, glassy. She looked at the fallen bodies of her comrades, her friends. just like Darien. They were all just like Darien - they were going to leave her! "Serena!": mars cried in pain. Serena blinked, the world seeming to stop, then crash around her. "Rei!" Serena cried, pushing herself off the ground. She ran forward, stumbling , then picking herself up off the ground. "Don't leave me too Rei!" The tentacles loosened, and Sailor Mars fell to the ground, unmoving. Serena fell at her side, brushing her long black hair from her face. "Rei, Rei, please, be OK. Rei, wake up. Can't you hear me? Rei, open your eyes!" Rei!" Serena screamed. Rei remained still. Serena's shoulders slumped as her small, tired body was racked with shaking sobs, her hands tangled in Rei's hair. "Don't' leave me all alone Rei. Please, I don't want to be all alone. Not again." Serena slowly brought her eyes to face Karros, whose own hands were held out to her, still holding the crystal. Suddenly it started to glow, surrounded by the white light that signified use of the crystal's full power. She could hear the earth rumble, begin to shake, as a thick beam of light shot into the air, Karros concentrating on using the power of his prize. With tears running down her face, Serena grabbed a giant stick from the ground. running blindly towards Karros, her arms swinging the stick wildly in front of her. She screamed in rage, her voice filled with bleak pain. her friends, her love . . .he had taken EVERYTHING! "I HATE YOU!" she cried, throwing the stick at it's head with all the strength she had. The crystal flared, and the stick was disintegrated in the pure white light before it even neared karros's head. Serena watched Karros, watched the stick fade from existence, and fell to the ground, her face in her hands, sobbing. Karros lifted his tentacle, pointing it at her. She made no attempt to move, even though she was aware of what he was doing. She just cried into her hands, her palms wet with tears. "Kill me. I don't' care anymore. I don't' want to fight anymore." Serena sobbed. "I'm so alone." She could hear Darien's voice, remembering his words, forcing her to never ever give up. And his smile, so warm and bright, melting her heart. The memory only made her cry harder. She could feel her legs slowly stretching out as her body was lifted into the air, dangling limply from the tentacle. She ignored the pain as it tightened around her, trying to choke the life from her. She didn't' bother to fight it. 'I'm sorry Darien. I cant' do it without you.' she thought brokenly. Suddenly, she felt herself almost slip from karros's grasp, the tentacles loosening, then quickly tightening before he had a chance to lose her, providing the momentary relief for her to gasp for a quick breath. Karros was making horrible sounds, the sounds of death, screaming in pain. Serena looked down. Something had hurt it, had hurt it badly, it's stomach ripped open, steaming blackness spilling onto the ground in viscous streams. Something pulled at Serena, something blessedly familiar, and she stared, her eyes wide open, losing the dull glassy look they had held moments before, her head whipping around. 'Darien?!?!' The long cane slashed at Karros, connecting with his stomach, taking full advantage of the shock that had overwhelmed Karros as Darien had burst forth from his stomach, The crystal shards ripping it wide open and freeing Darien. He had felt Serena weakening from his position, trapped within that crystal cocoon, similar to the one that had saved Serena from the burning ship. he too, had been saved by it, trapping himself in the device right before Karros had swallowed him, attempting to kill him. The cocoon had kept him safe. And, as he could feel Serena starting to give in, starting to weaken, he had kicked hard at the weak spot, desperately trying to get free, before she was lost. he could feel her GIVING UP! He had kicked desperately, turning into Tuxedo mask to make each blow more powerful, until, thankfully, it had shattered, the crystal shards, spraying forward, and ripping the hole that had allowed Darien to escape from Karros' bowels. He had fallen to the ground, as Karros's blood had spilled, gasping as he saw the fallen sailors around him. he glanced up, at Serena, who had a river of tears slipping from her closed eyes. That thing was still trying to kill her. And she wasn't even fighting it! Darien's eyes had flashed in anger. This monster would not take her! His cane materialized before he was aware of what he was doing, and he slashed forth mercilessly, while Karros was distracted by his wounds. Darien pulled back his arm, letting it fly with another stinging slash. And another, and another, Karros stunned for the moment. Darien looked up at Serena, who had finally opened her eyes, wide shimmering blueness. She was looking at him, her tears falling unchecked, staring deeply into his own with so much love. Darien could feel his heart quicken, unable, and unwilling to tear his eyes from hers. Suddenly, she closed them violently, gasping in pain. "Serena!" Darien cried, leaping forward with the cane. Karros was still glowing, trying to finish whatever it was he had started with the crystal, not caring about Darien, or Serena, although he was still holding her tightly, crushing her delicate body with his powerful arm. "AHHHH!!" At her strangled cry, Darien growled low in his throat, and charged the tentacle. Karros, too absorbed in what he was doing, did not notice as Darien leapt up, swinging his cane viciously, severing the tentacle that held Serena, barely giving it a glance as it crashed to the ground. "Serena!" Darien cried, dropping his cane as he ran to her side, pulling at the limp tentacle that was still wrapped loosely around her. She coughed violently, kicking at the tentacle to get it's slimy skin away from her. "Serena, are you all right?' Darien asked. Serena looked up at him, her eyes instantly watering as she crashed into him, wrapping him up into a giant hug. He returned her embrace, his lips brushing against the top of her head as she buried her face into his shoulder, weeping, her body shuddering beneath his hands. She felt so cold. "I, I though you had, had, I thought you, you-" she stuttered, unable to speak any more. Darien kissed her forehead tenderly. "Shh, It's all right. I'm OK. Everything is going to be all right. I'm not going to go anywhere.' he said comfortingly. he tried to still the shaking of her body, tried to warm the clammy feeling of her moist skin. her fear was so strong he could feel it enter his own heart. the depth of her feelings was astounding. 'My poor, poor princess. I'm so, so sorry. I should have been there for you.' he thought. 'never again. I will never let his happen again!' he vowed, resting his chin on the top of her head. he looked at Karros, making sure that no tentacles or magics would annihilate them. He had no need to worry. Karros had fallen to the ground, on his side, barely moving. Darien narrowed his eyes at the monster. It had gotten what it deserved. A loud cracking pulled Serena's head from the hollow in Darien's shoulder, and she looked around fearfully. "What was that?" she asked timidly. Darien held her tightly. "I don't' know." he said, scanning the area for any danger, readying himself to go into defensive mode on a moment's notice. "Is Karros . . . ?" "I don't know." Darien said. Serena slowly stood, Darien standing with her, not letting go of her. :"I have to get my crystal." Serena said, stepping toward Karros, her hand still lingering in Darien's. She looked at the still form of Karros. The air was ripped in two by the strange thunderous sound again, and Serena made a startled whimper, turning back to Darien. "Darien, what's going . . . " she saw Darien doubled over in pain, his hand clutching his stomach, her face twisted into a grimace. "DARIEN!" she screamed. "What's wrong. Darien, what's happening?" she asked, all thoughts of the crystal forgotten as she stood before him, all her thoughts focused on him. "I don't know." he hissed through his teeth. Serena was starting to cry again, even though she didn't want to be crying anymore, even thoughts she had though all her tears had dried up already. Darien sank to one knee, and she shrieked, afraid for him. "don't' die Darien, please, don't die. Don't' leave me Darien!" she cried. "Never leave you." he gasped. "i can feel . . . the earth, it's-" "it's what?" Serena asked desperately. "What can I do to make it better? Darien what's happening!" The sound of thunder ripped around her, coming from below her. She stared at the ground in horror, as the ground began to crack, a million tiny lines running across the ground. Slowly pieces of the ground began to crumble. Serena backed away from the hole that was forming as the ground fell in on itself, pulling Darien with her. Unable to support the two of them, Serena fell to the ground, Darien landing on top of her, both staring at the hole. :"How . . . " she asked. A dark shriek, the sound of a million dying souls, came form deep within the crack in the earth. Darien grabbed Serena, shielding her with his body, yelling in pain as the earth broke apart, letting a giant creature free from it's depths. "Holy Sh-" "-SHADOW WARRIOR!" Serena finished for Darien, recognizing the monster. Karros had let the Shadow warrior free. "Karros must have used the crystal to free the shadow warrior that was sealed in the Earth!" Serena exclaimed. Darien groaned in pain, staring t the new monster that was sure to prove a serious threat. Where was all this pain coming from. Darien knew he hadn't' been hurt, and yet it felt as though he was dying. Serena pulled Darien back behind one of the fallen trees, her eyes never wavering from the hole in the earth tat seemed to simply just grow and grow. "Darien, you stay here. I'll be right back." Serena said, turning back to face the horrifying scene before her. "No you're not. What are you thinking!?!?! you can't. I won't let you!" Darien said, wanting her to stay safe, with him. The shadow warrior seemed to be floating inches from the ground, as the ground fell away from him, hovering over the giant hole in the ground. "I need my crystal. I need to stop him!" Serena said stubbornly. Darien shook his head in frustration, grabbing on to her arm so she couldn't' do something foolish. She looked at him, her blue eyes bright and wide. "I'll be fine. Remember, I promised not to give up." Serena said. "But-" she put her free hand over his lips to silence him. "I'm not going to give up on this world Darien. I have to do something. Don't' worry! It'll work out - it always does." she said. "Serena . . . I-" Darien suddenly doubled over as a wave of pain swept over him, and he clenched his teeth tightly to try and stop himself from crying out. It felt as though he was being torn in two. Through his squinted eyes he could see Serena's face darken, to contort in panic, afraid for him. "What's wrong? Darien? Are you all right? Please, be all right!" "Fine Serena. I'm fine." he hissed. She blinked back tears. "Liar." she said. "I-" the loud crackling of thunder cut her off, as she jumped at the sound. She turned to stare at the sky, which had become stormy and gray, ominous black clouds hiding the sun and covering the heavens in a thick shroud of darkness. Lightening crashed down to the earth, illuminating the sky in muted tones of black. the lightening continued, pounding into the ground all around them, searching for an intended target. The bright white bolt flashed, racing toward the Shadow warrior. The monster did not make any attempt to move, as the lightening struck it, creating an aura of electricity around the form of the warrior. "maybe we don't' have to do any work to kill it after all! See, I told you everything would work out!" Serena said happily, pointing at the shadow warrior. Darien looked at it skeptically. Something wasn't' right about it. Suddenly, Serena's face fell. "Its not supposed to do that, is it?" she asked. The shadow warrior seemed to grow, slowly at first, but still a change quite visible, growing and growing until it began to block out the sky, covering the area with the immense blackness of its shadowy aura. The earth continued to crumble endlessly, the abyss slowly heading closer and closer to the fallen scouts. Serena jumped to her feet as she saw the giant hole threatening to swallow up Mars. She had to save her! "Mars! Wake up! Get away!" Serena cried, willing her friend to hear her and run to safety. Mars remained unconscious. Darien closed his eyes, the desperation in Serena's voice the only thing that held his thoughts to this world. He was listening to another plea, a plea heard only by him. Darien placed his hand on the ground, letting go of Serena. She turned to look at him, confused and scared. What was he doing? "Darien?" she asked. "We have to help Rei. She's going to-" "I know what to do Serena. Just stay right here and let me do this." he said, his eyes fluttering open for a moment to see her face, before he closed his eyes again. Serena held back a scream. "DARIEN!" she cried in fear as she saw his eyes close. "Don't' die! Please!" she sobbed, clutching him tightly around the waist and resting her head against his chest. Darien smiled, brushing his hand through her hair. "I'm not dying meat ball head. The earth is." "The earth?" she asked. Darien nodded, motioning for her to look out at the foliage by the monster. The lush green of the plants in the area had all turned to the brown of decay, the plants all rotting, dead. "I can feel it being pulled apart, being destroyed from the inside. the shadow warrior is destroying this Earth by breaking free, by doing whatever it is that it's doing right now. But I can stop it. If I can give it some of my life force, I can try and heal the earth, help it hold itself together. I wont' let it win. I won't let anything happen to you." Darien said. Serena stared at him, her mouth open in shock as he began to glow faintly, the light emanating from him transferring to the ground. The great crashing sounds that had signaled the continued destruction of the world had suddenly stopped, the giant hole halting its growth just feet away from Sailor Mars. The Shadow Warrior had stopped growing, stopped its strange ritual, noticing the sudden change of pace, enraged that someone had dared to stop it from attaining its ultimate goal: the end of the human world. It looked at Darien with dark eyes, narrowing them in hate, then continued waiting for lightening to crash, to continue gaining power to grow. Darien knew that he had to stop the shadow warrior from doing more damage to the earth than he had already done. He had to, if for no other reason than Serena. He would not let that thing end this world, taking Serena with it. 'You cannot match my power prince of Earth.' Darien faltered, the glowing around him stopping momentarily at the strange voice in his head. But he knew whose voice it was. 'You wont' win Shadow Warrior. I wont' let you.' Darien thought, knowing the shadow warrior could hear his words although he had not spoken them aloud. 'We shall see who destroys who. You have not yet had a glimpse of my full power, prince of Earth. And when you do, you shall die as your earth dies, so closely connected are you two. And then, who shall save you?' Darien concentrated harder on holding the earth together, yet with each passing moment, the strain became greater and greater, threatening to rip him apart from the inside out. He could feel himself losing, could feel his efforts becoming more and more ineffective. The quiet roar began anew, slowly gaining in force, as he felt the earth crying out in pain again. And the earth's pain was now his pain. He pushed down on the ground harder with his hands, willing more magic to come from him. Serena could see the strain on his face, the struggle, and finally the grimace of pain. She could feel Darien's inner tumult. He was losing. The earth was beginning to cave in on itself again, beginning to die again. It was slowly destroying the world, despite Darien's efforts. Suddenly, Darien screamed out, his voice ragged with pain. Her eyes filled with tears. He was dying! NO! "I'm sorry. I have to do something." she whispered sadly, her hand brushing his momentarily, hoping to draw strength from his touch. She was ready to stop the Shadow Warrior, no matter what, no matter the cost. She would stop him. She scanned the area, searching for her crystal. If she could just manage to grab hold of her crystal, she could transform into Princess Serenity, and let the Princess right all that was going wrong. She spotted the small flash of the silver light right below the floating shadow warrior, close to Sailor Mars, closer still to the . . . . "NO!" Serena cried, jumping out from behind her sanctuary, as though that would stop the crystal from falling into the bottomless abyss. There was no way she could reach the crystal in time. Serena pushed forward, skidding to a halt at the edge of the hole which separated her from her friends, and from the crystal. She could feel the wet trickle of tears fall across her face, tears of utter hopelessness as she could merely stare, completely helpless, as the crystal fell into down, down, down, captured by the innermost depths of the earth. She sunk to her knees, watching in disbelief. The crystal was gone . . . she could not transform . . . she had lost . . . .let everyone down . . . it was over. "What can I do now?" she whispered dejectedly. She looked up at the victor, still performing its strange ritual. She had failed the earth, failed Darien. She would die with the knowledge that everything was her fault, for not being strong enough to stop the shadow warrior, for not being smart enough to keep the crystal in her possession. Her first clenched tightly, her nails digging into her palms as she thought of her family, of Darien, of her friends, the scouts. She looked at their fallen bodies, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Mars . . . MARS! "No, Sailor Mars, get up!," Serena cried, seeing Sailor Mar's arm hanging out into the abyss. The hole continued to grow. "NO, REI! Please! WAKE UP!!!!" Mars did not hear. "STOP!!!!!!" The crashing stopped suddenly. The shadow warrior turned to curiously face the girl who had stopped the earth's destruction, halting the growth of the giant sink-hole in its tracks. Serena took a fearful step back under its gaze, feeling an intense wave of pure . . . evil, hatred wash over her. She shivered, chilled to the very marrow in her bones by that cold look. "Now what?" Serena said aloud, unsure of what exactly she did, or how she did it. 'Maybe if I pretend I'm tough, it'll go away.' she thought, smiling at her plan. "HEY YOU!! Mr. UGLY!!! Yeah, I'm talking to you!" she taunted, amazed that she could sound so confident when she was so terrified. "You had better leave, or else I'm gonna make you go back to where you came from!" she ordered. It lifted a hand, the fiercely swung it down, a loud whoosh cutting through the air. Black lightening raced at Serena's head. She screamed, backpedaling backwards as fast she could. "OK, onto plan B - wish I had one." she muttered. 'Scouts, please, please, I need your help. I know I haven't' done that good a job lately but I don't know what to do.' The shadow warrior raised its hand again, and again she dodged the lightening, scraping her legs as she skid across the ground. She stared fearfully as the hand swung around for a third time. "MARS FLAME SNIPER!" "JUPITER OAK EVOLUTION!" "VENUS LOVE AND BEAUTY SHOCK!" "MERCURY AQUA RHAPSODY!" The combined powers,. a rainbow of blue, green, red and orange, crashed into the Shadow warrior with deadly force, sending it careening back to the ground. "GUYS! You're all right!" Serena shirked happily, dumbfounded to see her friends, battered and bruised, but still standing and still fighting. "Of course, we're all right, no thanks to you, meatball head." mars said, smiling. Jupiter rubbed her ears. "That wakeup call would have revived the dead." Jupiter added. "Wake-up call, I didn't- watch out!" Serena cried, dropping to the ground, the others following suit a moment later. The shadow warrior slowly floated up, turning around in tight circles to cast an angry gaze upon each scout. "What do we do now?" Venus asked, her voice shaking. "Sailor Planet attack? Come on Serena, transform.." mars said. The others nodded their heads in agreement. "Um, that might be kinda problematic. " Serena began, looking at the ground in embarrassment. "What do you mean, 'Problematic!' "Mars cried. "Mars, watch out!" Mercury screamed, launching herself at the dark haired girl and knocking her to the ground as the shadow warrior's attack devastated the spot where Mars had previously been standing. Serena stared at the smoke rising from the deep ditch created by the powerful blast. "The crystal, it kinda, sorta, fell down . . . there." she said, pointing at the giant ditch in the ground. "WHAT!" mars cried angrily. "We don't' have time for this. Let's try it, but without Serena, OK." Jupiter said forcefully,. The others all agreed, nodding their heads and closing their eyes as they called out their battle yells in determination. "MARS FLAME SNIPER!" "VENUS LOVE AND BEAUTY SHOCK!" "JUPITER OAK EVOLUTION!: MERCURY AQUA RHAPSODY!" Their combined powers hit the creature, covering it in the colorful light of their magic. The shadow warrior cried out in pain. "We're beating it! We're beating it!!" Serena cried happily, jumping up and down. She watched, hope filling her eyes, as the colors engulfed the shadow warrior. "We need more power!" Venus cried, her voice cracking with strain. Serena could see the black energy of the shadow warrior slowly battling back, pushing away the light of the scouts, fighting back with it's own evil power. Serena's heart nearly stopped. "Come on guys, we gotta try harder or else it's gonna win!" Jupiter said, her tiara flashing as she upped the power on her attack. The others soon followed Jupiter's lead. The shadow warrior continued to fight, it's power seeming to be stronger than that of the scouts. Together, with all five of them, they could fight anything and win . . . but with just the four of them, the scouts were painfully vulnerable to attack. "ARGH!" The scouts flew back with a scream as the power of the Shadow warrior overcame them, sending them flying backwards. Sserean resisted the urge to go out there and fight beside them. They couldnt' do this alone. She hated having to watch, knowing that she couldn't help. Slowly, the scouts picked themselves up. "AGAIN!" Sailor Mars said, her eyes flashing dangerously. "MARS FLAME SNIPER!" "No Mars! Don't!" Serena cried. "You'll just get your selves hurt!" "You know we cant' not try and stop him, silly meatball head." Sailor Mars said, meeting Serena's own tearful eyes with her determined ones, the fire of mars burning beneath the pupils. "REI!" Serena cried, as the scouts again faced the shadow warrior, knowing that they were tired, knowing that they would not be successful without her help, without the power of the crystal. 'I'm sorry. If I hadn't' lost the crystal, I would be able to fight, and you wouldn't' get hurt. I should be there for you, just like you're always here for me!' she thought to herself through her sadness, knowing that the outcome of this battle would not be the victory the scouts would usually celebrate. "I wish I could do . . . SOMETHING!": she cried out in frustration. The scouts screamed, tearing her from her thoughts. "NO!" Serena cried, running to her friends who were barely hanging on to consciousness, fighting to the last. Serena fell to her knees besides her friends. "Get out of here Serena. We'll stop it." Jupiter mumbled. Serena shook her head stubbornly, refusing to leave her friends. 'It's my fault they're in this position. I won't let them down!' Serena turned her head up towards the shadow warrior, staring him straight in the face, seeking out its eyes. It would be surprised to see the determination in her bright, tear-filled ones. "I'll stop you. You won't hurt anyone! I WON'T ALLOW YOU TO DESTROY MY WORLD!" she screamed defiantly. Serena closed her eyes, letting go of consciousness, stopping all thoughts save for the burning desire to protect her world and the ones she loved. She didn't' know what it was she could do against this thing, but she knew that she couldn't' just sit idly by and watch it. Her soul seemed to be screaming out against the injustice, forcing her to do something. For a brief moment, she felt the sudden warmth that overcame her when she had used the crystal before, when she had defeated Beryl, ont the Asteroid, To save Reeni from the Dark Moon Family and countless other times. Her mind seemed to stop turning, her thoughts becoming simple and pure, and she could feel that power wash over her body, could almost feel the light radiating off her. ''I'll save them all!' she thoughts, throwing her hands out n front of her. She didn't' see that the beam of magical energy would be there, but she knew. Even without the crystal, she knew that her magic would be powerful, because it was a magic borne from the depths of her soul, born from pure love and desire. Her one wish, to make everyone happy, to keep everyone safe. It was a power so strong that it did not need a crystal to realize the dream. The sheer power of her soul, of Serena's will, let loose the magic of the crystal, the magic that wasn't really inside the crystal at all, but inside her heart. "For love." Serena said quietly, barely feeling the rustling of the skirts of her princess dress beneath her as they danced in the powerful wind that backed her. She opened her hands, her fingers outstretched, magical silver energy flowing from them, crashing with deadly power into the shadow warrior. The monster stumbled back, the sudden attack unexpected, the combined powers of the scouts and the girl overcoming it. Slowly, Sailor Mars raised her head to face Serena, unable to believe the sight. 'Without the crystal . . . how did she . . . ?' she could feel the Shadow Warrior weakening. "Come on, we can finish him off! Just a little more guys!" sailor Mars cried, battling back against the shadow warrior. The scouts, began to pick themselves up, standing despite the weariness from their prolonged attack. The strength of their leader was their pillar. Her determination, her love, her devotion buoyed their confidence. She would never give up, would use the last of her energy, to save them. "Let's show him what the scouts are really made of!" Jupiter said enthusiastically, her power sparkling and crackling as she added more magical energy to it. Serena heard her scouts, her friends, their cries bringing tears to her eyes. She would never let them down. She reached further down into her soul to add more power to defeat the Shadow Warrior. The sky darkened over head, the earth seeming to groan in protest against the abuse. The shadow warrior raised its hands, conjuring lightening. if it hit the blonde girl, the leader, it could stop them. The sky obeyed its command, sending the dark bolt towards the girl. She didn't' blink an eye as the energy bounced off a shield that sparkled with glittery light. She opened her eyes, wide and luminous, to stare at him with a bright defiant look that said what words could not. In that moment, the shadow warrior knew defeat. And it knew that it would not go quietly. The power ransacked its body, leaving it screaming and writhing in pain. The scouts could feel it's attack on them weakening, and continued their assault, knowing that much longer and they would be exhausted. They HAD to finish it, and soon. 'I just want to sleep.' Venus thought, feeling herself sway on her legs, almost sinking to the ground. She shook her head, narrowing her eyes as she tried to focus even more on the task. The thunder and lightening roared above them, making horrible sounds of pain and death. 'That's . . . the shadow warrior!' Mercury thought thankfully. She opened her eyes, which had been squinted shut as she had focused her power more and more. The monster was crying out in anguish, but was not disintegrating yet. She racked her brain, knowing that the scouts couldn't' handle much more of this. 'How did we kill it last time?' she wondered. Then she remembered. Queen Serenity. She had sealed it away with . . . the silver crystal. The crystal that was now resting at the center of the earth. It all made sense now. Karros had needed the crystal not only to release the shadow warrior, but to unsure that the shadow warrior had no way of being resealed. They were fighting a hopeless battle. NO! Mercury couldn't' accept it. There had to be some way, some thing they could do to stop it. "MORE POWER!" she screamed, her voice raw and hoarse. Serena could feel herself weakening. SHe refused to fail, but what more could she do? She knew she needed the power of the crystal. "Please, let me do this and I wont' ask for anything else - at least not for a while." she whispered silently. Suddenly, her shoulders were encased in warmth, familiar and safe. "Darien?" she asked, her focus never wavering from the fight. He smiled down at her. "We can stop it. together." he said, holding her close to him. And, by just being near him, she could feel the fatigue suddenly seem to lift. She felt rejuvenated. "thank you." she said, understanding. Their love could overcome it - alone she was weak, but together, all of them combined, could fight it. Serena screamed, letting loose all of the power that she possessed, feeling Darien release something similar to hers, drawing his strength from her, and she from him, each holding onto the other. She didn't' dare open her eyes; They remained shut even after the tortured cried of the shadow warrior had subsided. "Can I open my eyes yet?" she asked softly, peeking out through one half opened lid. It was over. She was suddenly wide eyes, staring at the spot where now only a pile of dark dust remained. She sank to her knees, exhaustion taking over. Darien had beat her to the ground moments before, and now she knelt beside him. "Is it over?" she asked. He looked into her weary eyes, his own clouded. "I don't' know." he said, waving his hand at the damage. The sky was still gray, stormy, with no signs of clearing, the floor of the forest destroyed. Lightening stuck again, followed by the resonant booming of thunder. Suddenly, Darien gasped, sucking in a harsh breath through his teeth. "Darien!" Serena cried, drawing the attention of the scouts. "It's too late. The earth is-" A deep rumbling shook them, the earth rolling and rocking and shaking up and down and back and forth. Serena grabbed onto Darien, burying her head in his arms. It wasn't' earthquake season - although, did earthquakes even have seasons, she wondered. It sounded, to Serena, like a million screams, as the earth began to tear and crack, the giant hole that had stolen the crystal beginning to grow, again. She looked at it, afraid. "What are we going to do?" Serena cried, "It's not fair! We killed it fair and square! it cant' do this to us after we won! Aren't' there rules about this sort of thing?" Darien laughed at her indignant response. "Don't' ever change." he said, laughing before realizing that laughing brought pain as he felt the agony of the earth. A flash, a premonition darted before Darien's eyes. He pushed himself up of f the ground with one hand. "Move Serena!" he ordered, grabbing her hand and pulling her with him, despite her confusion. "But Darien-" she turned back to see a giant crack split the ground where they had been sitting open, the shrubs and trees falling into the eternal abyss. Serena squeezed Darien's hand tighter. This was definitely not good. She looked out over at the scouts, all of whom seemed to be staring at the crack i shock. They were yelling something. But Serena couldn't' hear them. What was so important? they looked so serious. And then, Serena knew. Serena had thought that she had tripped. But when they ground failed to catch her she knew otherwise, the dirt tumbling down over her. She raised her arms up, clutching at anything, trying to stop the rapid descent into the center of the earth - hadn't' she read that lava was in the middle of the world, and wasn't' lava supposed to burn, and wasn't her skin too nice to be burnt by lava. "DARIEN!" she screamed. Her hand caught hold of something, or rather, something caught hold of her hand. She looked up to see those familiar fingers clutching her bracelet. perilously perched over the crumbling side of the ditch was Darien, his face contorted in pain and exertion as he tried to hang onto her. "Serena, give me your other hand!" he called. Serena blinked, almost slipping out of his grasp as she turned her head away from the falling dirt. "Don't let me go?" "have I ever let you fall before?" he asked. Serena smiled brilliantly. "never my prince." She said, beaming. She pulled her hand up, and Darien reached over to meet it, when . . . The sharp snapping sound of twine echoed in Darien's ears, her smiled turning quickly into a scream seared upon his eyes as she fell into the darkness, crying out his name until he could hear her no more, until her golden hair no longer glinted in he light. He stared into the abyss, stricken, slowly bringing up his hand to stare at the snapped bracelet, the beads falling to the ground. "SERENA!!!" If He were to jump in after her, maybe she would be all right, maybe he could save her He would follow her, bring her back, never be separated from her! He could feel the side of the ditch give way, begin to crumble under his feet, and he made no move to leave, barely aware of the strong arms of Sailor Jupiter pulling him back from the slowly growing hole. "Let me go! I have t save her . . . SERENA!" Darien cried, trying to break free of Jupiter's arms, which had become amazingly strong, or perhaps it was he who had become weak. "Darien, no. No! We cant' lose you too." she said, her voice trembling. Darien continued to thrash. So what? It didn't' matter who else needed him. he knew who needed him the most. Serena. "NO!" Darien cried. "Serena needs me! Cant' you see. I have to-" "Darien!" Sailor Mars interrupted harshly, coming up to him and looking him in the eyes. "There's nothing more for us . . . Serena . . . please, don't, we need you. Serena needs you to be strong. Do you hear me! Don't' you do anything stupid . . . she wouldn't have wanted that." Darien seemed to calm down in his thrashing about to get to her. "Why are you talking like that? Like she's, she's . . . because she isn't'! I can feel it, she's all right!" Sailor Mars blinked, lowering her head to stare at her shoes. When again she could face Darien, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Of course, she's all right . . . . she wouldn't leave us." she lied, unable to take away the frantic hope that was plastered on Darien's face by having him face reality - no one could have survived such a fall. Serena was . . . Sailor Mars quickly spun away, hiding her tears from Darien's' wild eyes. "Let em go to her! Let me help her! SERENA!!!" Darien called out, again trying to make his way to the hole where Serena had disappeared. "SERENA!!!" The earth began to shake, and suddenly, it began to collapse again, dirt falling in never-ending waterfalls into giant holes that continued to grow at breakneck speeds, rapidly destroying, intent on leaving no land untouched, on destroying the earth. It was the end of the world. It ripped at Darien's' soul, and he collapsed to the ground, free at last from Sailor Jupiter's arms. He pulled himself towards the edge, the small chunks of mud breaking off and sliding down into the abyss, his body screaming as the earth screamed, and his mouth crying one thing. "SERENA!!" Her nose twitched. She sniffed, contorting it like a rabbit, but it still itched. She swatted at her nose with her hand. "OWiE!!!" Serena cried, jumping upright and rubbing her nose painfully. She sneezed, dust flying out in a mushroom formation. "Where am I?" she wondered aloud, looking around at the ruined cavern. She looked up, tilting her head directly above her, yet she could see no sun, just a heavy blanket of black. Around her, the walls of the cave were crumbling, occasionally larger pieces of rock and dirt falling to the ground. Serena stood,. still looking around her in awe - the place looked as though it would collapse at any second. "What happened?" she whispered. "The world is dying princess." Serena whirled around at the sound of the familiar voice behind her, the skirts of her princess dress spinning around her and letting loose a flurry of dirt. She coughed while staring at him in awe and amazement. "HELIOS!" Serena screamed happily, launching herself at him and enveloping him in an enormous bear hug. Helios tried to catch his breath as the moon princess knocked the wind out of him, smiling at the expected outburst. He was pleased to know that she hadn't' changed. "I'm glad to see you as well, Princess. But come, it isn't' safe here." he said, taking her hand and leading her away from the decrepit chamber. "But, but . the scouts! I have to get back up there and help them! Helios-" "I'm sorry i can't answer all your questions. But please princess, before we are destroyed along with this part of the earth, come with me." he said seriously. Serena nodded her head reluctantly, following him. He looked older than when she had last seen him almost four years ago. But, he was still the same, the same eyes, same face. Kinda cute, Serena noted - although not as cute as Darien, for sure. "Helios, where are we going?" she asked. he turned back to smile wanly at her. "Home - to Elysian." "Elysian?' she echoed in awe. She had never seen Helios's home, the place that was Darien's' kingdom. She had heard of it though, from Darien, tales of gorgeous old buildings and beautiful gardens and so many mystical and wondrous things. "Look Princess." he said, his voice a touch full of pride. Serena jerked her head up and gasped. it should have been beautiful, should have been thriving, and yet, it was dead. She could see the ruin, the devastation, plainly marked on every inch of this once lush land. "Helios, is this . . .Elysian?" she asked. he nodded slowly. "WHAT HAPPENED!" she blurted out, her hands quickly flying to her mouth to cover it in embarrassment. "I didnt' mean, I mean, well, It's just that - ah man!" she stammered. "Why do I have such a big mouth!" "It's all right princess." he said, smiling again, missing that feel on his face after the last few hours of pure torture. "It was the shadow warrior." "It did all this?" ":Yes." "OH HELIOS!" Serena cried sadly, her eyes filling with tears. "I'm so sorry! We should have been able to stop it! And now you're home is ruined. I'm so so sorry. If I hadn't-" "it's not your fault Princess." Helios interrupted. "Please, let me tell you what has happened." Serena nodded. "The shadow warrior had been banished to here, the most powerful place on Earth, the place where the magic of your crystal was the most intense. Only here could we truly contain this evil. But, when the power of the crystal was misused to free the shadow warrior, it broke all the seals that had been placed upon it to keep it confined. The shadow warrior, coupled with the breaking of these magical bonds, resulted in he destruction of Elysian, releasing this deadly force upon the earth. The shadow warrior is, right now, destroying the earth, killing it, form the inside out. The only way to heal this earth, to save your prince who is, even as we speak, dying as the earth is as a result of his duties as guardian of this planet, is to use the crystal to fix everything that the shadow warrior has destroyed, to restore the balance between good and evil that it has disrupted. Princess, you must use the crystal to save us all." Serena swallowed hard. "I can't." she said timidly. "Excuse me?" Helios asked, leaning in closer to make sure he heard her right. "I can't!" she cried again, louder this time, her voice raw with sadness, "what is the matter Princess. Why can't you?" "I cant' because I don't' have the crystal. And stop calling me Princess. I'm Serena, not princess Serenity, not neo Queen Serenity, just plain old Serena Tsukino! I can't help you because that's all that I am! If I was the princess, then maybe I could, but I'm just a normal girl! I'm sorry, Maybe, if I had the crystal, if I could become the princess . . . but I don't'. I'm sorry Helios, but I can't." she cried, her voice raising two octaves as her distress grew. "I'm sorry I let everyone down." "IS that what you really think?" Helios asked, confused. Serena looked up at him, wiping at the tears that had trickled from the corners of her eyes. "What do you mean? I don't' get it." "You defeated the shadow warrior from a power not drawn from the crystal, correct?" Helios asked. Serena nodded slowly and unsure. Don't you know that the power comes from you Princess, Serena." "From me?" she asked. Helios nodded his head, taking his her hand in is. "Serena, you are the princess of the Moon. You do not transform into her and become a different person - that's not the way it works at all. You, Serena Tsukino, are the PRincess Serenity of the Moon, and the Princess Serenity of the Moon is you, Serena Tsukino. Do you understand?" he asked. Serena looked down at her shoes. "I think so. You're saying that my past incarnation, and my future self aren't' really like other people. I am the princess, and I will be the queen and there isn't any difference between any of us because I am all of these different people." "Precisely." Helios said, smiling widely. Serena laughed. "So, like, when I become the princess, I'm not really a princess at all, I'm still just Serena Tsukino in a cool dress, right?" "I prefer to think of it as when you're Serena Tuskino, you are a true princess dressed as a commoner." Helios said. "Yeah, me too! Now, if only that was a good excuse to not do my math homework . . ." "Princess." Helios warned. "You haven't' changed much at all." "That better be a good thing Helios - I'm a princess 24-76, remember, you said so yourself. . . . MY CRYSTAL!" Serena cried, changing topics so rapidly that Helios was left dazed for a moment before realizing what she was talking about. "Even if I am the princess or whatever, I cant' help you if I don't' find my crystal! I have to find it so I can stop the earth from-" "You still don't' understand princess." "Understand what? Wow, I'm seriously confused right now." "YOu are the princess during every moment of your life - and the princess has power that surpasses even my own, a power that does not rely on the crystal. If you wish for something deeply enough, it will come true. If you combine the power of your love and the love of Prince Endymion, then you will be able to equal the power you alone can produce with the crytal. It is this lvoe that is the root of your power Princess, not the crystal. The crystal merely helps ease the effects of your wishes and dreams on your body. But, everything you need is right in there." Helios said, pointing at her heart. Serena looked down at her chest, trying to see the power for herself. Nothing out of the ordinary there. But Helios wouldn't lie to her. Even so, Serena wanted the crystal. "Helios, I'll try and fix things without it, but I'd feel a whole lot better if I could use the crystal." Serena confessed. Helios nodded. "I knew you would Princess." he said. He stuck a hand in his pocket, digging around and finally pulling out something, opening his hand to reveal a black cloth. "Perhaps you lost this Princess." Helios said. Serena grabbed the object from him, pulling off the small piece of cloth. "THE Crystal!" she exclaimed happily, looking from he crystal to Helios to the crystal again. "Thank you Helios!" she cried, holding out her hands, the crystal floating inches from her fingertips. "I'll make everything better! I promise! I wont' let you down! I'm not going to let this world die without a fight!" she vowed, closing her eyes as she felt the familiar wave of power wash over her. She could feel her feet slowly lift off from the gourd, as she began to float higher and higher up in the sky. Helios watched her, his face set in admiration and hope. "I know you will save this world Princess, Sailor Moon. I believe in you." "This isnt' lookign good guys." Venus said, her face betraying her worry. She turned her attention back to Darien, who was lying on the ground, trying desperately to somehow hold the earth they were standing on together, trying to heal the world, to keep it from flying into a million little pieces. He was successful in his efforts, but he couldn't keep it up forever. The scouts had to think up a way to stop the Earth from exploding. And they had no idea how. "I wish Serena were here." Jupiter said, hating the helpless feelings that were overcoming her. She couldn't' do anything and she didn't' like it at all. She was useless in trying to save the planet, and she didn't' even want to think about Serena . . . her friend . . . late friend. Just like that and she was gone and she had been helpless to stop it - just like she had been helpless when her parents had died. Jupiter kicked at the ground in frustration. "HEY! You might mess it up even more! Careful!" Mars snapped. "Well excuse me! Who died and . . . " Jupiter's voice trailed off, realizing what she had said without thinking. The two girls stared at each other, their eyes watering, mutual understanding shining in each. The ground shook violently, and both Jupiter and Mars broke free from their intense stares, screaming as the earth rolled turbulently. "I can't . . . keep it together for . . . much longer!" Darien gasped through gritted teeth. He shoved his hands harder against the ground, trying to dig deeper and deeper into the heart of the earth, but what lie at the center of the earth was decay, a disease that Darien could not cut through. But he couldn't' give up! He tried harder to heal it, knowing that the effort was futile - he just wasn't' strong enough. "Something weird is going on." Mercury stated, staring at the numbers on her computer. Something bright caught Venus's eye, and she peered over the edge of one of the holes that had been multiplying since the defeat of the shadow warrior. "In case you wanted to know, there's a glowy thing heading for us right about . . . NOW!" Venus cried, jumping back away from the hole as the beam of light raced past her, shooting into the sky. Her eyes followed the white light that followed the it, pure and beautiful. She squinted to get a better look. Were those . .. "Meatballs!" Venus cried, hopping up and down happily. "Huh?" Jupiter asked. "She's finally lost it - I knew this day was coming." Mars said sarcastically. What could she be thinking about right now when the world was . . . A wave passed over her, a feeling of deja vu, a familiar feeling of someone she had been close to . .. "SERENA!" mars whipped her head around to face the light that had startled Venus. She could make out the figure, which was heading back closer to the earth. The source of the light was from a girl in a white dress, her twin ponytails protruding from two buns resembling perched on her head. It was Serena! Serena smiled down on them, her face that of an angel, her wings waving gracefully in the air, the light only adding to that incredible image. "I'll protect everyone! I won't let anyone be hurt!" Serena proclaimed, her voice steady and serious. She thrust out her hands, pushing aside the fatigue that was threatening to overcome her. She knew that she had probably used too much energy just by fighting the shadow warrior, but it didn't' matter - her life was inconsequential. She would do anything to allow the people she loved just one more day on earth. It was worth any sacrifice. The crystal floated in front of her. She closed her eyes, concentrating on the crystal, on her heart. 'Let me fix this world. Let me make it safe for everyone.' she chanted. She could feel the fingers of the crystal reach inside her soul, taking her energy from it in order to create even bigger and brighter dreams. "Take more! Fix everything!" Serena cried, ordering the crystal forcefully, her hair flapping behind her. She was becoming tired, her sight blurring, turning dark. 'Let me hold on for just a little longer. Just a little bit longer and everything will be all right.' Mars stared at the ground beneath Serena. Slowly, the holes were filling themselves in, and what was not filled in by natural means was covered with s strange substance, a crystallic substance that mars was sure she had seen someplace else, someplace long ago. She looked up in the sky at Serena. She seemed to be hanging there precariously, as though she would fall at any moment, swaying uncertainly, her eyes shut tight in concentration, that determined line dancing across her jaw. It was working, but how well? He could feel HER energy flowing into him, flowing into the ground. Around him, the grass began to grow again, the trees and flowers return to full bloom. Darien smiled. She was always there to save them. Always. Even when he would have preferred her bring out of harm's way, when he wanted her to not always give so freely of herself, not to always give so much of herself, he admired, he loved that selfless way about Serena. She was doing it right now - only it was beginning to worry him now. She was getting so weak! 'Serena! STOP!' 'I have to save them Darien. I wont' let you die! My promise, remember! I will never give up. Well, I won't.' 'I can feel you Serena! I don't' want to-' 'What ever it takes Darien. I'm not afraid.' 'I AM! Serena, please, no more! Please, no more!' "what is the good of living another day, when the day after that will bring the end of the world. I wont' let it happen! I can fix everything!' 'Serena!' "I love you Darien.' "SERENA!" Darien screamed, his eyes snapping open, whirling around to see Serena's limp form floating in the air. She cried out, expending all the energy in her heart, the crystal flickering brightly before dimming, her body falling to the ground, her wings gone. Darien ran, jumped, utilizing his Tuxedo mask skills, and caught her in his arms, cradling her body gently, her head resting against his heart. "Serena." he said quietly, rubbing her cheek. She didn't' stir. "Wake up Serena! its' over, the earth is fine now! YOU did it!" A strand of her hair fell over her eyes. Darien brushed it away. "Serena?" he asked, holding his breath as he waited for her answer, ignoring the dread that bit at the back of his soul. Why wasn't she waking up? "Darien? What's wrong?" Mars asked. He shook his head, still gently nudging Serena. Her hand fell free from her lap, her small hands uncurling. Something flashed as it fell from Serena's palm. Mars bent down to pick it up. "No." Mars whispered, her eyes wide and unbelieving as she stared at the object. She could feel it, the lack of . . .. "O Serena . . .. why?" she asked, turning her gaze back at the painful sight of the silver Imperium crystal, it's surface faded and dull and dark, exuding an aura of stillness, of lifelessness. It would never shine as it had before again. It was a dead crystal. Darien turned around, still hugging Serena close to him, his eyes questioning as he sought out Mars'. His courage failed him as his eyes quickly skipped past hers, not wanting to see the look in them, not wanting to believe what she spoke in them. His eyes finally rested on it, the blackened crystal. He sunk to his knees, his arms tightening around Serena's thin waist, her hair surrounding his face. "You promised . . . you promised not to give up. You Promised Serena." he whispered, his lips brushing against her too cool skin. He had expected her eyes to flutter open, yet they remained closed - eternally. "You promised." he repeated brokenly, hiding his eyes against her. She couldn't' be dead. She had just saved them all. It wasn't' right for the heroine to die! It wasn't' fair. Not to her, not to the world, not to him. 'I don't' want to hold on if I cant' hold on to you..' He closed his eyes tightly, trying to stop the tears that had spring to them after the shock had left his eyes. they just came upon him suddenly, completely out of his control. He couldn't' make them stop. 'I wont' let you go. I'll never let you go Serena. NEVER!' mars gasped, dropping the crystal. It had flickered! She watched it, her eyes never wavering from it, as the dull blackness slowly began to slowly fade into the throbbing white brilliant light that signaled use of the crystal. Each moment and the power emanating from it became more and more intense. A single word suddenly echoed around her, an angst filled voice raw with emotion. "NEVER!" The crystal exploded in white light, blinding Mars and the other scouts, who were all tearfully watching the scene. mars rubbed her eyes, trying to see, as the light subsided. "what the hell was that?" she asked,. She looked past them to see if Darien and . . . to see if Darien was all right. He was still there, on his knees, his head buried against Serena, not even noticing the strange actions of the crystal. His arms clutched at her tightly, madly,. as though they would never release her. And then . . . Mars blinked, unaware that she shed tears as she did so. . . . . Her arms . . . 'I want her back. I don't' care about anything else, I just want her back.' Darien thought, unable to face the emptiness in his soul. . . . Slowly reached up and . . . "thank you ." mars whispered happily. . . . . Serena returned Darien's embrace. He looked up, startled, his eyes changed, now dark, unstable, misery-filled. 'Let me stay dreaming forever.' he thought, as he gazed upon her peaceful, resting face. He had imagined that he felt her arms tighten around him, wishing that such a dream was one he would be able to have all the time. "I'll love you for always - even if it is only in my dreams." he whispered, running his hand over her face, feeling it, feeling the contours, the texture, the sudden warmth. He pulled his hand away, peering down at her, his heart stopping as he thought . . . had he imagined that she had actually . . . that her eyelash had moved?!?! "Serena?" he asked, his voice hesitant and hopeful. "Come back to me." Her eyelids fluttered. His heart skipped a beat. She had, had . . . and now she was looking at him, her eyes so, so blue, the color of the summer sky over the sea, so . . . alive! "Darien." she whispered, her voice a tendril of melodic sound. Darien opened his mouth, surprised that no sound seemed capable of coming out of it. She giggled, her eyes twinkling. Darien hid the tears that wanted to rush to the surface. He had been so, so afraid that he would never see that look again, and now, now . . . He bent over her, taking her head in his hands and bringing it closer to him, capturing her lips with his, never wanting to ever let her go, saying what he was unable to tell her with his actions many times over. Serena smiled, resting her head against his chest, listening to his heart thumping, after her silent lecture, fascinated by the sound of life, the sound of love. His heart sounded so melodious. Perhaps, it was his love that made it sound like that. He ran his hand through her hair, determined to stay as close as possible to her for as long as possible, the scouts staying back for now, understanding perfectly what they needed, allowing them to sit alone with each other for the moment. Serena looked up faced by his eyes, bright and blue, looming overhead. staring at her. "Darien?" "Don't go." he said, his voice anguished and forceful. "I'm not going anywhere." Serena said, confused. "You almost, almost . . . . I don't' want to be alone either Serena. Don't make me. Please, don't ever leave me." he asked, almost pleading with her, unexplainably afraid, his hands holding her just a little tighter. "I won't. I couldn't' leave you." "But you almost-" "But you brought me back." she said, smiling at him happily. "I . . . brought you back?" he asked, confused. She nodded her head slowly. "I learned something today. The true power of the crystal. it's not the crystal itself. It's us Darien. Our love. Our love fuels the crystal. And the power of your love made the crystal bring me back. It was you that saved my life Darien. Your love." she said, her eyes misting. He brushed a hand gently across her cheek. "I, I love you so much Serena. I-" she smiled at him, silencing him. "I know. I . . . " her eyes suddenly danced in amusement. "Darien, you'd do anything I ask, right?" "OF course." "I only really want one thing Darien. " "What is it? I'd do anything." he said, his voice becoming serious. She looked at him, her eyes absolutely luminous. "Would you marry me?" Serena asked, giggling at the surprised look that flashed across his features. He quickly gained his composure, looking down at the girl, his girl, his Serena, with so much love. A future with her. A family with her. He drew her closer. "Does this answer the question?" he asked huskily, kissing her gently on her eyes, then her nose, finally making his way down to her lips, kissing her deeply, melting into her, warmed by her arms which were now warpped tightly around his neck. "I so can't wait for the honey moon!" Serena giggled. Darien Chiba kissed his fiancee again, dreaming of that one special kiss in the not so distant future that would make her his for ever.