Lunar Prime
Prologue
by the Hoyden (dulcinea42@yahoo.com)
Rated PG

------
Author's Notes:  Two disclaimers this time.  First of all, I
do not own Sailor Moon.  Second, the basis of this story comes
from the wonderful "Rowan" series by Anne McCaffery.
Thanks to everyone for the wonderful feedback I got on my
first story, "Something Special."  I hope that you like this
one just as well.
------



Six o'clock already
I was just in the middle of a dream
I was kissin' Valentino
By a crystal blue Italian stream
But I can't be late
'Cause then I guess I just won't get paid
These are the days
When you wish your bed was already made
                    - "Manic Monday" by the Bangles



     An artist with entirely too much time on his hands might
have fancied that the vision before him was a dove in flight, a
beautiful, pristine miracle of nature.  However, those less
creatively inclined could only sigh and shake their heads because
the new Lunar Prime had woken up late and was dashing through the
halls of the massive Lunar Tower in an attempt to make up for
lost of time.

     Serenity skidded to a halt at the doorway to the Control
Room of of the Tower.  She took a moment to slow her breathing to
normal and examined the traditional opal and ivory colored
costume of the Lunar Prime.  Mother Goddess, she prayed, I hope
this makes me look enough like the Queen so that people won't
snicker up their sleeves when they find out I don't know what I'm
doing!  The lapis luzuli eyes closed for a moment in the sheer
horror of that thought.

    Seconds later, her eyes opened once more and she
straightened, holding her head high as she was taught.  I AM the
Lunar Prime, she reminded herself once again.  With that thought
firmly in mind, she marched into the Control Room with an air
about her that would have done the old Queen proud.

     Unlike other Towers, the Lunar Tower was almost ancient.
The original structure predated all other structures in the solar
system.  It was a beautiful work of breathtaking science and a
little something else, and the people of the Moon adopted it,
refined it, and turned it into the central hub of teleportation
traffic.  This buzzing center of transportation was made possible
by the effort of a Prime.

     Prime psionic Talents were rare and difficult to come by.
Their power was the strongest, and their telepathic might was
such they could easily send their thoughts to another across the
galaxy, as well as hurtle ships great distances with their
awe-inspiring strength of teleportation.  Though she had just
come of age, there had never been any doubt that Serenity would
become a Prime since psionic Talents of the first rating were
only found about every twenty years.

      However, the way in which Serenity ascended to the position
of Lunar Prime was somewhat unexpected.  Usually, the only reason
a Prime was replaced was because said Prime had died.  But the
Queen, as the former Lunar Prime was known, was alive and well.
Only two days ago, strangely enough, the Queen had quite firmly
let everyone know that she was stepping down from her position
and was going on a journey.  This was highly irregular and much
protested, but the Queen would have none of it.  Yesterday
afternoon she had packed a few things, settled herself in her
personal carrier, and teleported herself somewhere as yet
unknown.

     So it was after this chain of events that the previously
carefree Serenity found herself in a position of power and
responsibility, and she wasn't yet sure that she liked either.
But this did not hold her back from climbing the stairs in the
center of the Control Room to the Prime's station, where she
gracefully sat down on the comfortably padded throne-like chair.
A Lunar cat jumped up onto the arm of the chair and bowed his
head in respect.

     Serenity froze for a moment.  Think like a Prime, think like
a  Prime...what do you say to your assistant Lunar cats?  Since
her mouth apparently wasn't going to work, she decided to do it
the other way.

     ^Hello,^  she telepathed the cat, timidly.

     The cat blinked in surprise.  ^Welcome, Serenity.  We have a
lot of work to do this morning.^

     ^I'm afraid, Artemis, that I don't really know what to do,^
she confessed to the cat, somewhat shamefacedly.

     Artemis gave her the trademark eerie cat grin.  ^Just do
what I tell you.  You DO know how to teleport large objects,
right?^  he asked impudently, a note of teasing in his mental
"voice."  Serenity mock scowled at him, and then gave up,
giggling.  Artemis rolled his eyes and brought up the pertinent
data on the nearby computer screen.  "The next shipment,"  he
told her aloud,  "is a drone with mining tools that is destined
for Pluto.  Contact the Prime and inform her.  She'll tell you
what to do from there."

     Serenity gulped.  Not even five minutes into the job and she
had to 'path Pluto Prime.  Setsuna wasn't particularly known for
her warmth and understanding when it came to someone slowing down
her schedule.  Oh well, Serenity mentally shrugged.  It can't be
helped.  With the massive generators roaring behind her, Serenity
cast her web of thought out.  ^Lunar Prime to Pluto Prime...^

     A husky alto mind voice answered,  ^Good morning, Serenity.^
The new Lunar Prime nervously noted that the sudden change of
Primes on the Moon didn't seem to faze Pluto in the least.  But
considering Pluto's "night" job, that made sense.

     Directing her thought more firmly this time, Serenity
informed Pluto of the details regarding the shipment, repeating
everything Artemis was whispering a moment after he said it.
Then it was time.

     ^Ready to send.^  Serenity informed her.

     ^Ready to receive.^  Pluto replied.

     With that, Serenity tapped the power of the massive Tower
generators and spun the drone light years away to the small tower
on the mining world of Pluto.

     Serenity "felt" Pluto take the drone from her grip, and set
it neatly onto the landing pad in her tower.  ^Well done.^  Pluto
congratulated her.  ^But perhaps a little faster next time.^  she
noted clinically.

     Serenity breathed a sigh of relief.  Thankfully, the rest of
her day was spent bringing in technology shipments from the mild
and kind Mercury Prime, who gently instructed her as they went
along.  Serenity found she already liked her a great deal, and
was grateful for Mercury's patience.

     After a short break, she was told that next she'd be passing
some cargo from Jupiter along to Earth.  After a short dialogue
with the impetuous and friendly Makoto, Serenity made her first
ever call to the Earth Prime.

    ^WHAT!?  Those are not at all scheduled.  First day on the
job and you're already breaking procedure, Lunar Prime?^  came an
utterly peeved masculine voice.

    ^But...she said it would be okay...^  Serenity stuttered,
feeling like a person who couldn't swim flailing helplessly in
the water.  She rubbed her eyes, exhausted from a day of
strenuous work and a mountain of new things that she had to
learn.  Tiredly, she drew her legs up and rested her head onto
her knees.  I never wanted any of this, she thought miserably to
herself.


    Apparently he heard.  A strange, phantom touch brushed her
cheek.  ^I know,^  his mental voice almost a whisper.  ^Believe
me, I know.^  Then he was all business again.  ^Read up on the
rules and regs manual tonight, Lunar, and for heaven's sake,
check with Artemis first if you don't know.  Jupiter is a little
mischievous at times and she tends to want to break the rules
just for the sake of breaking them.  Give me the cargo.^

   Thoughtlessly, she teleported it without even touching the
power of the generators.  She heard the Earth Prime mentally
groan in disgust.  ^That's what the generators are for, you loon,
to conserve your strength.^

    ^I am NOT a loon!^  Serenity shot back, fire scorching the
thought.

    ^In your position, I fail to see how you could be elsewise,^
came his response.  He obviously thought this was humorous.
^Good night, Lunar Prime.^

    ^My NAME is Serenity,^  she groused.

    A velvet chuckle filled her mind.  ^A less apt name I
couldn't  have chosen.  You're not at all serene.  In fact,^  he
paused reflectively,  ^you're rather like a bunny.  All fidgeting
and everything.^

    Serenity was speechless with rage, both vocally and mentally.

    ^Good night, Bunny.^  And he was gone.

    In her residence that night, Serenity plopped exhaustedly
into her bed.  "Stupid, annoying Earth Primes who think they know
everything,"  she muttered angrily to herself.  "Computer,"  she
called.  "I want to see a recent hologram of the Earth Prime."

    The computer obeyed and Serenity's jaw dropped.  The Earth
Prime was a young man with wavy onyx hair and piercingly blue
eyes.  An exceptionally handsome young man stared back at her,
and she knew that she was instantly sorry that she had gotten off
on the wrong foot with him.  Her nose twitched.  But he was still
a big jerk!  Bunny, indeed.  She'd show him.  She would show
everyone that she could live up to her name.

    As she drifted off to sleep, her eyes absently noted the
caption under the holo.

    Endymion.





-------------
All authors appreciate feedback.  I, however, really appreciate
it.  Almost as much as chocolate.  Email me at
dulcinea42@yahoo.com.  I would really like
suggestions/constructive criticisms/hi, how
are you's, etc.  I swear to you, I am done teething and I will
not bite.

Luv ya's to Miss J, Nicole Cherre, and Twilight - you guys are
the
best.  :)
Lunar Prime
Chapter 1
by the Hoyden (dulcinea42@yahoo.com)
Rated PG

Author's Notes:  There are so many lovely fanfics out
there!  Nicole Cherre's "Trusting Heart", Twilight's
"Just Because...", "Thorns in the Rose" by the
Yarnspinner, and "The Less Glamorous Life" by Miss J.
Of course there are many others, but let's keep these
AN's short, okay?

Disclaimer:  I do not own Sailor Moon.  "Lunar Prime"
is based on a series of books by Anne McCaffery (bow
and worship the Pern Goddess).

^denotes telepathed thought^


In your eyes are my secrets that I've never shown you
In my heart I feel I've always known you
In your arms there's a comfort that I never knew
You're what I've been waiting for, there's no one like you
                    -"No One Like You" by Sarah Brightman




    Endymion sat alone, letting the soothing light of the moon
enfold him like a lover's embrace.   The moon bleached his onyx
hair to a stormy blue, a disturbing color that was matched by
his eyes.  No one really liked to look into them, he reflected.
Michiru, the Neptune Prime, had confessed once that she felt
that his eyes stripped away all defenses and plunged directly
to the soul, holding it captive and stripping it of its secrets.

     "Do I frighten you, Michiru?"  he had asked, dreading the
answer that he was certain would come.

     But Michiru of the ocean was implacable.  "No.  But you
should."  Then she had teleported away, leaving him with her
last words echoing in his mind.  He knew she wouldn't come
back;  Neptune had her own way of divining secrets, and
Endymion's were as black and forbidden as they came.

     He sipped a bit of wine from a delicate glass.  The
secrets, buried inside him, kept him alone.  As did, of
course, what occurred one fateful night seven years ago.
Only the other Primes knew the truth - could handle the
truth, he amended.  The people were told that the former
Earth Prime had "disappeared."  He snorted in derision;
the Earth Prime had done the same thing that the old
Queen had done not less than three days ago.  Just as
had happened to him, Serenity was pushed into the vacant
seat.

    Serenity.

    He had spent most of this quiet night trying not to
think about her.  No good could come of it, he knew.  The
exuberant girl was too trusting and too ignorant of the
past.  He wondered idly if she would be different from
the other Primes, if she could learn to harness the power
he had.

    His thoughts reached inward and outward at the same
time, to caress that metallic blue link to his greatest
power, his greatest secret.

    The power of the planet Earth itself filled his mind
with a reaching sort of ecstasy, a soaring sensation that
had managed to keep the loneliness at bay these past seven
years.  Everything was alright, he had convinced himself.
He could stand the loneliness, the hatred, the pain, the
longing, the bitter sadness, as long as he could experience
this.

     Except that it wasn't really what he wanted, a fact of
which he was becoming increasingly aware.  The power of
the Earth would rush over his mind like the ocean over the
sand, taking with it the rocks of hurt and suffering.  But
as it withdrew, he felt like he was standing alone, reaching
for some shining light above him that he could never hope
to grasp.

     Serenity.

     You can't do this, he told himself bitterly.  She's too
young, too innocent.  You have no business thinking about her
at all.  Besides, you just reprimanded her and teased her this
evening.  What makes you think she would want anything to do
with you?

     But for all his internal arguments, he could not quell
the desire to see her.  Just a minute, he promised himself.
One look and then I'll leave and never come back.  His mind
picked up the silver, jeweled string that led to Serenity's
mind.  After ascertaining that she was asleep and alone,
he raised his wine glass to the Moon.

     "To a clever old Queen and a faerie-princess,"  he
toasted, then drained the last dregs of the glass.  He
carefully set down the master work of crystal and then
walked to the edge of the balcony.  Closing his azure
eyes, he teleported himself to the Moon.

     To her darkened bedroom, to be exact.  Through the
large window he could see his beloved Earth, which lent
illumination to the goddess asleep in front of him.
Her unearthly beauty caught his breath as he contemplated
this slumbering angel with her hair seemingly spun of gold.
He approached the bed, afraid to make a sound, afraid to
even breathe for fear that she should awake and he would
have to leave.

     She was beautiful, like a clear night sky, like the
forest after a summer rainstorm, like a faerie from old
Earth legend.  He knelt beside the bed so that he could
be face to face with her.  Her skin was a flawless creamy
color, her lips a dusky rose, and her expression was one
of gentle peace.  In a few moments' time, Endymion knew
that his heart was lost.  He would have no one if he
could not have her.  He ached to touch her, to run his
fingers through her hair, to caress her face, to press his
lips to her own.  Forgetting himself, he groaned quietly.

    The angel stirred.

    Endymion froze.  Do not wake!  he pleaded silently.
Stay asleep so that I might look at you a bit longer!
She mercifully settled once again, snuggling deeper into
her covers.

    Endymion gazed at her for a bit longer, then realized
that he was trembling.  Even though he could cite a dozen
different reasons why he shouldn't, he could not suppress
one small wish.  It'll be quick, he promised himself.
She'll never even feel it, never know that I have been
here.

     He leaned in slowly, careful to make no sound.  His
lips brushed her own, and it was like the touch of a
thousand heavens in one place.  He leaned back again,
the stolen kiss having shaken him to the depths of his
soul.

     With one final glance at the faerie-princess asleep
in her bed, he teleported himself back to Earth.  He
thoughtfully picked up his empty wine glass and brought
it inside, latching the door behind him.  In his bedroom
he stripped off the casual breeches and crisp shirt that
he preferred to the traditional costume of the Earth Prime,
and then climbed into bed.  For the first time in a very
long time, he did not stare at the ceiling for hours before
succumbing to exhaustion.  Instead, he fell asleep quickly,
peacefully, with visions of Serenity filling his mind.




     Though many would have scoffed if told so, Serenity
was not in the habit of making the same mistake twice.
Awakening this morning after a good night's sleep, she
showered and dressed quickly before 'porting to the Tower.
Artemis had blinked in surprise, which was understandable,
seeing as he had expected a repeat of yesterday.  But
Serenity settled into her chair and punched up the morning
schedule on her monitor, taking time to review it thoroughly.
Artemis hummed to himself while readying everything for the
morning traffic, pleased to have a new Prime who had such
an obvious desire to do things right.

     ^HEY!!!  GET READY TO CATCH!^  came an unfamiliar voice
that made Serenity wince.

    "Who is that?"  she demanded of Artemis in a strangled,
outraged tone, her face burning with confusion and fury.

    Artemis heaved a sigh of long-term resignation.  "That
would be Uranus.  She hates ceremony, so do indeed 'get
ready.'"

    Serenity steeled herself and struggled to catch a number
of rapidly thrown freighters.  So strenuous was it that a sheen
could be seen on her forehead when she had finished setting
them down on the landing pads in front of the Tower.  ^Thank
you, Uranus Prime,^ she 'pathed politely, but wearily.

    ^Hey, you're welcome, babe.  Catch you later!^  came
the roguish Prime's response.

    Artemis rolled his eyes at Haruka's defiant disregard for
protocol.  Imagine, addressing the Lunar Prime as "babe" !
What cheeky insolence, he huffed to himself.

    Slender fingers smoothed the fur around his ears.  ^It's
really alright, Artemis,^  Serenity 'pathed quietly.  ^Not
worth getting worked up about.  We've got the rest of the
day ahead of us!^

    Artemis nodded slowly in agreement.  "Well, Prime, as
you know, the Lunar Tower's basic responsibility is to help
with Earth's traffic.  Those Uranian freighters are due for
Earth, so let's get to it, shall we?"

    Serenity didn't blink, fidget, or protest, much to his
relief.  Instead, she settled back and reached out for the
mind that had made such a stunning impression on her own
yesterday.

    ^Lunar Prime to Earth Prime, I've seven Uranian freighters
for you to catch.^

    Endymion had been in the process of receiving a passenger
liner when the awaited silvery, bell-like voice softly
announced itself.  Firmly setting the ship down, he touched
her mind again.  ^Did you sleep well last night?^  he 'pathed
her, nearly grinning at his audacity.

    ^Very well, thank you,^ she returned politely.  Endymion
could tell from her top thoughts that she knew nothing of
his little nocturnal excursion.  Just as well, he thought.
She gracefully 'ported the seven freighters into Earth's orbit
where his mind touched hers briefly as he took them from her
grasp.  Endymion was normally never one to mix business with
pleasure, but he reveled in every one of the innocent, routine
touches of her mind.

    At every touch, Serenity sought to look deeper into his
mind, reaching, stretching, to know more of the enthralling
Endymion.  She was met by brushes of charm and mystery that
pulled her closer, making her almost ache with desperation.
This was like nothing she had ever known, two minds encircling
each other, waiting and wanting.

    The rest of the day she spent in a mechanical daze, plowing
through her work so that the end of the day might come sooner.
She teleported herself back to her residence, shaking with
anticipation.  She would go, she had decided.  She would go
to Earth, to Endymion.  In the silence of the early night,
she stood at her window, gazing upon the brilliant Earth.
It's just like his eyes, she realized.  Wasting no more time,
she 'ported to Earth, following the smokey blue link to his
mind.

    Whatever she had expected to find, she had not expected
to teleport virtually into his embrace.

    There were no words, no thoughts, and even their breathing
slowed as they looked into each other's eyes, the brilliance of
the moon and the jeweled stars bathing them in a soft light.
Each was afraid that this was somehow a dream, that somehow
the other would disappear.  Azure drowned in cerulean, cerulean
drowned in azure, and for nothing in the world would they have
let go of one another.

    Seemingly in a trance, Endymion lowered his head.  This
night,
kisses were shared, not stolen.  Never did Serenity think that
things were moving too fast; on the contrary, it seemed
indescribably
right, inexplicably so.  For once, events seemed in perfect
harmony.

    Endymion's head was spinning.  Is this love?  he wondered.
Infatuation?  I've never once felt this whole, this complete,
and never believed that she would be the answer.

    The moon and the night were merciful now, hiding the two
from the scrutiny and responsibility of the day.  For tonight,
they were just Serenity and Endymion.  Even though they
knew that the dawn would bring ramifications, they slept
entwined,
embracing in the care of the night.

    On distant Pluto, the old Queen nodded with satisfaction.












Lunar Prime
Chapter 2
by the Hoyden (dulcinea42@yahoo.com)
Rated PG

Author's Notes:  Gomen, minna, for taking two weeks to get this
part out.  I wasn't certain what I wanted to do with this part,
so I decided instead that I would spend the weekend reading
other people's fanfics instead.  Go read "The Gates of Time" by
Meara and Karyana!  I promise you won't be disappointed.  Big
hugs for Nicole Cherre, Miss J, Twilight, and the exceedingly
adorable Milkiss.



You called me last night on the telephone
And I was glad to hear from you
Because I was all alone
You said,  "It's snowing, it's snowing!
God, I hate this weather."
Now I walk through blizzards
Just to get us back together.

              -"New York City" by They Might Be Giants






    Serenity gently removed herself from a soft, perfect
dreamworld.  With the memories of a miraculous night
surrounding her in a gentle embrace, she turned on her side
to gaze upon her love.  With a wave of surprise and hurt
crashing over her, she realized that she was in her own bed,
and Endymion was not beside her.  ^Endymion!^  she cried
out to him, reaching for the man who had touched her body and
soul notso long before.

     She encountered stern resistance in the form of his
diamond-hard mind shields.  He kept her at arm's distance,
and a detached, cold voice seeped into her mind.  ^I'm sorry,
Serenity, but we just can't do this.^

     Serenity's feelings of shock betrayal sliced at Endymion
like a sharp blade.  Struggling for control, he fought his
emotions of remorse and -dare he admit it to himself?- love.
It's for the best, he reminded himself forcefully.  ^It just
isn't appropriate, Serenity.  We are professionals, after all.^

     ^PROFESSIONALS?^  Serenity raged.  ^I LOVE you, Endymion!!!^

     Endymion shut his mind off from her completely, though no
matter how strong his shields were, he couldn't shake the notion
that he could hear her weep, alone and hurting in her room.
Unable to dispel his own feelings of hopelessness, so instead went
in early to his Tower.  There he kept himself occupied for a short
time by hurling things back and forth with Haruka.  The force at
which he did it made his mind burn with the strain, but anything was
better than thinking about the lunar goddess who had so turned his
world upside down.




     Select Primes of the Sol System were involved in a very
hushed conference that morning.  Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter,
Neptune, and Saturn were well aware of Endymion's dilemma, but
were outraged on Serenity's behalf.

     ^Someone has to tell her,^  young Saturn ventured quietly.

     ^SOMEONE needs to kick that idiot Endymion into the next
system,^  Mars snapped in reply, projecting her feelings of fury
and impatience on the rest.  Jupiter sent an affirmative thought
in reply.  Only the restraint of Venus stopped the two from
flexing their mental "muscles."

     ^Hold it, girls,^  Venus cautioned, projecting soothing
thoughts.  ^This is a job for someone with a delicate touch and
experience in the matters of the heart.^

     Mercury beat them all to the punch.  ^Why, I can't think of
who that would be, Minako.  Do we know anyone like that?^  she
asked sweetly, with a mischievous undertone.

     Venus rolled her eyes, mentally and physically.  ^I don't
have to take this abuse from you people!^  she huffed.

     ^Yeah, you can get it anywhere!^  Mars retorted smartly,
not bothering to "muffle" her laughter.  The rest of the Primes
showed Venus more respect, but not much.  Venus abruptly cut off
contact with the rest, having had quite enough of being the
comic relief for one day.  Then she smoothly teleported herself
from her steamy, tropical planet to a cooler, more mournful
locale.



     Prime Venus, upon arriving on the Moon, shivered as the
cool morning air assaulted her.  I forgot it could be so cold,
she mused.  Why, I haven't been here since....

    Since the old Earth Prime "disappeared."

    She walked inside from the balcony that she had teleported
herself onto.  Just as she had expected, Serenity was curled up
on her bed, obviously intent on crying her eyes out.  Quietly,
Venus approached the bed, sending out a little "tap-on-the-
shoulder" thought to Serenity, who either hadn't noticed her
yet or didn't care.

    Apparently, however, she did care, because immediately she
raised her face from her pillow.  With another desperate wail,
she got up and virtually threw herself, sobbing, into Venus's
arms.

    Venus held her securely in her arms, surrounding her with
gentle thoughts of comfort and reassurance.  Gently she stroked
her hair, and eventually Serenity's weeping quieted.  "Do you
want to tell me about it, sunshine?"  she asked, firmly
projecting her trustworthiness and her sympathetic female ear.

    Serenity gulped and pushed a few loose strands away from her
face.  "I'm just so confused...I only became Prime a few days
ago, and there's so much I don't know, and then Endymion...we were
together last night,"  she told Venus with a guilty blush, "and
then this morning he said he didn't want anything to do with me!"

    Venus's hand curled into a fist.  Goddess, Endymion was SUCH
a moron sometimes.

    "I wish I'd never set foot into that Tower!  Why did the old
Queen have to go off like that and leave me alone?"  Serenity
wailed.  Venus led her out to the balcony and motioned for her to
sit down on a bench with her.

    "I know it must be hard to understand,"  Venus said softly.
"But I want you to know that the old Queen was only doing what
she had to do.  Pluto said it was the only way to avert
disaster."

    Serenity looked up, clearly intrigued.

    "You might be interested to know that the old Earth Prime did
the same thing for the same reasons,"  Venus continued.  "I know
you're confused right now, but maybe I can help you by telling
you a little bit about Endymion.  Just like you, he never wanted
to be Prime.  Like the rest of us Primes, he knows that the old
Earth Prime left because Pluto said it had to happen to guarantee
our future.  But Endymion disagrees, and he...resents Pluto for
taking his decisions away from him.  He's very much an
independent
man, your Endymion."

    "He isn't MY Endymion,"  Serenity reminded her sullenly.

    "There's where you're wrong, sunshine,"  Venus told her
cheerfully.  "As of the completion of the Moon's rotation today,
you and Endymion are betrothed."

    Serenity jumped up.  "I most certainly am NOT!  I'm not
talking to that cold, inconsiderate man ever again."

    Venus grabbed her by the shoulders, holding her tightly and
looking at her in the eye.  "Yes, my dear, you are,"  she said,
with a dangerous edge to her voice.  "The lives of every living
being in this solar system DEPEND on you and Endymion getting
married.  All the Primes of this system have worked very hard
for seven years to get this to happen, so that another event
can occur.  That event is the only one that can save all of us.
So stow all your arguments, sunshine, because at the end of this
week, you are getting married to a black-haired hunk and you WILL
like it."

    Serenity blinked.  "I...I have to go to work now,"  she
whispered, dazed.  She 'ported from Venus's sight, and the Prime
sighed in relief.

    ^Nice subtle touch, Minako,^  Mars guffawed.

    ^Oh, just shut up,^  she replied absently.




     Endymion fought the urge to readjust his collar.  After all,
he was in the middle of the betrothal ceremony, and it wouldn't
doto be constantly fidgeting.  A quiet sigh escaped his lips.
Despite all his protestations, despite all his rebellions over
the years, he was here, just as Pluto had said he must be.  And
why had he betrayed his most cherished ideals of free destiny?
As much as he would like to say so, it was not for the noble idea
of saving the solar system.

    Oh no.  It was because he couldn't keep his mind off a
certain exquisite Lunar Prime.  He had tried to push her away, to
be faithful to his most strongly-held ideas.  But her bewitching
face haunted his dreams, her honeyed tones echoed in his mind, and
the memory of her body against his own forced him to relent and
agree to the betrothal.

    The voice of the priestess of Selene jolted him back to
reality.  "Selene blesses this betrothal,"  she said as she traced
the traditional symbol on their foreheads with the silver dust of
the Moon.

    "Gaia blesses this betrothal,"  followed the priest of the
Earth, tracing the symbol with the rich soil of the Earth.  "Let
it be known that in seven rotations of the Earth, these two will
be wed.  Selene and Gaia's blessings on us all."

    Serenity carefully studied her shoes as the priest and
priestess departed, as well as the host of Primes who had been in
attendance.  He didn't even look at me the whole time, she thought
miserably. This is never going to work out.  Why did I agree to
this?  It was surely the most idiotic, the most stupid, the most-

    "Serenity?"

    When she didn't look up, a gentle hand tipped her chin.  He's
so handsome, she thought in spite of herself.  But was she
imagining things, or was he looking a bit nervous right now?  Yes,
she decided, his eyes do look a little wild.  She stared into their
swirling ocean depths, waiting for him to continue.

    He self-consciously cleared his throat.  "I...I'm not sure
how things are on the Moon, but on Earth we have a custom for
people who become betrothed."  He ducked his head and ran his fingers
through his hair before pulling a little box out of his pocket.

   Serenity wasn't quite sure her eyes had ever been as widely
open as they were when Endymion sank to one knee in front of her.
He smiled apologetically and opened the box to reveal a fantastic
diamond mounted on a gold band.  "I know it's a little late to be
asking you this, but it is tradition.  Serenity, will you marry
me?"  he asked, looking deep in her eyes.

   Needless to say, he was quite surprised when Serenity came
down and wrapped him in a hug so fierce they both fell backward.
She sprinkled his face liberally with kisses even as she plucked
the ring from the box and put it on.  Even without the aid of a
mirror, Endymion was virtually certain that he was blushing.  Maybe
things would be okay after all.




------to be continued in Chapter Three!
C'mon, you guys KNOW that marriage between these two is a
disaster
waiting to happen!

Email me at dulcinea42@yahoo.com!