Hi everyone! We're back with a brand new chapter.. the BATTLE...and without further ado...our story DISCLAIMERS: Sailor Moon doesn't belong to us =*o( Silver Linning Chapter 12 By Eternal Angel and Chi Chi Three simple words, Is all I want to hear. But all I hear, Is an empty promise. A dream can never become reality, If one does not face reality. Where do I stand in your reality? Or do I not stand in it at all? Is darkness apart of the light? Or light apart of the darkness? Can you really love me? Or is it me just loving you? Am I being a little foolish? Is love a feeling that you just can't feel? Look at me, And tell me what you see. Just another girl wanting to get into your reality. o_0 "Oh Kami," Chibi-Moon whispered. "Is this really what I think it is.." she trailed off as she gazed off into the horizon where a vast castle proudly stood. Pluto nodded. Ever since she was small her mother told her tales about this kingdom and how destruction took it so long ago. Even through this void of nothingness and destruction, the kingdom of so long ago still possess a captivating beauty and aura. There was no evil or darkness in this aura, there was also no like or good in this aura. It stood between the two, absorbing the energies, but never acknowledging it. "Yes Small Lady, this is the home of the Moon Princess." Memories of so long filtered their heads as the last days of the existence of this kingdom filled their heads. They watched as they recall the destruction of their homes and loved ones. A somber feeling was filled their heads as Chibi-Moon held on to Helios, her eyes look up at him. He let out a soothing smile as they all continued forward towards their princess' fallen kingdom. ~~~ "Ahh...so the fools decided to come after all," Matt sneered as he watched the group tread towards the castle in his crystal ball. His servant appeared by his side as he looked at him, his eyes dark and ready to do destruction - like he did a thousand years ago. 'But this time there won't be anyone to resurrect you.' He thought with an evil smirk on his face. "Is there anything you'd like me to do my Lord?" "Prepare the troops, and set up the viewing room. I wouldn't want Serenity to miss Endymion's agonizing look when I run my sword through him." "Yes my Lord," he said with a bow. "Soon Serenity, you will learn to love me." His eyes were black, unable to tell if they were even human anymore. ~~~ Deep within the castle, a lonely figure sat weeping on her bed. "Please anybody, if you can hear me, please protect the people I love. Don't let anything happen to my senshi and my prince.." Serena whispered as sobs racked her body. How could she lose them when she just met them again? Her heart pounded with pain as the crying never ceased. "If only I had my crystal could I get out of this prison," she screamed helplessly as she threw the crystal vase against the door. Instead of falling to the ground and shattering into a thousand pieces, it stood suspended in air. Serena looked on with amazement as a faint silvery figure appeared. Serena's eyes widened as she whispered the only word that could describe this beautiful figure. "Mother.." ~~~ "Argghhh...this door won't open," Jadeite huffed as he struggled to pull open the door. They expected to find an obstical stopping them from entering the vast castle, and they did, even though it wasn't what they really thought they would face: The front gates. "Come on you guys, how hard can it be?" demanded Mars impatiently. The group watched as the generals tried to open the doors. Or more so Nephrite and Jadeite. Malachite and Zoicite just watched in amusement. "Well then why don't you give it a try?" asked Nephrite tiredly in defeat. "Alright then...Jupiter, why don't you show these guys how to open a door, senshi style. The inner senshi looked on with knowing expressions. "JUPITER THUNDER...CRASH!" The smoke blew away to reveal an open door and two shocked expressions courtesy of Jadeite and Nephrite. The shock was then replaced with straight faces. "Yea.. well I could have blown the door opened like that if I wanted to," Nephrite said trying to save his ego. "But honey, we're trying to save our Princess, not preserve a door," Jupiter replied sweetly. The group laughed as they entered the ruins of the castle. "Mercury, where exactly are we?" asked Tuxedo Mask as they looked around. The feeling of déjà vu filled him. He had been here before as he searched his head for more details. None came. "We appear to be in the throne room," she said checking her readings. The others nodded, as they looked around the room. 'I wonder why the people from earth never found the ruins of the kingdom?' Nephrite thought, as Zoicite responded his thought. 'A magical shield covers this kingdom. Only those who are worthy can see it.' "Can you try to pinpoint Serena's exact location?" asked the Moonlight Knight as he noted how there must have been thousands of rooms in this single castle. "I'll try," she replied, as she busily began to type on her computer. Zoicite stood next to her, as he watched her do so. "Whoa.. what's going on?" Venus cried as the room began to swirl and become distorted. A wave of darkness filled the room. ~~~ "Mother...but why.. how did you get here?" She asked in awe. She was too afraid to reach other to the figure, afraid that it would disappeared. She knelled down to be in the same level with her mother. "Oh my dear Serenity, always curious as a kitten," the majestic queen said with a smile. "There is not much time, so listen carefully, while I explain." Serena nodded her head and her mother continued on. "This man who has kidnapped you.." "His name is Matt," Serena interrupted. "Yes Matt, well during the Silver Millennium, you two were to be married." "WHAT!?" Serena yelled in shock. "No way, what about Endy? How come I love him instead?" Her mother held up her hand to halt her questions. Her eyes were calm and cool, yet worry filled them to all extent. "Please Serenity, you must listen, I do not have much time left." "I'm sorry mother." "You met Matt before Endymion, and you two were deeply in love. But as time went on, Matt grew greedy for power. You saw the changes in him, and immediately broke off the engagement. It wasn't a surprise that Matt went after you.." Queen Serenity broke off with a sob. "I remember now.. if it weren't for Endy, Matt would have killed me," Serena whispered. Serenity nodded her head. "What's going to happen now? Matt. he can't do anything can he mother? Please can you help me?" "Do not worry Serena, help is on the way, however things have gotten more complicated than I wished them to be," she said with a sigh. "What do you mean mother?" "Oh no!" Serenity whispered as she heard the heavy footsteps heading towards Serena's door. "Listen carefully, once you choose your one true love, then you will find the crystal." "I don't understand mother, choose my one true love? But I already know who he is," she said with a confused look. "Oh my sweet child, love is never that simple, just remember once you choose, you will find the crystal. I love you Serenity, you're in my heart always.." Queen Serenity said as vanished, leaving a trail of silver fairy dust. "And I love you too," Serena whispered as a single tear trailed down her face. 'Love is never that simple... what did she mean by that?' She thought as heavy footsteps racked the halls on the other side of her door. "Aghh!!" she screamed as the door flew open. "Come on Princess, it's time," Khanh said with an evil grin. "Time...? Oh no!! Endy, my scouts, please you cannot hurt them, I'll do whatever you what, just please don't hurt them," Serena sobbed as Khanh dragged her to viewing room. 'Now's my chance,' Serena thought. "ARGHHH!!! You little .." he gasped as Serena kicked him in the shin and kneed him really hard. She took off, letting her senses lead her to her Prince. ~~~ "What's going on?" the Moonlight Knight demanded as the room finally stopped spinning to reveal a dark, and morbid room. "Welcome to my domain, or what should have been mine until you stole it from me Prince," Matt said with a sneer as he stepped down from the throne. His eyes was blood thirsty and filled with hate. "You brought that upon yourself when you let yourself become consumed with greed, so don't blame it on me," Tuxedo Mask replied with a mask of hatred. "Let our Princess go!" demanded Venus, her fist clutched together pre-pared to go up there and sock Matt. "I don't think so Venus, today marks a new day. The end of Prince Endymion and the guards of the Silver Millennium and the beginning of a new era with Princess Serenity by my side. Together we will rule the universe!" he said with a cackle. "I think this guy's crazy," Jadeite whispered to Nephrite. "No really?" Neph replied, rolling his eyes. "You guys!" yelled Jupiter. "We have better things TO DO!" Mars admonished. "Sorry," they replied sheepishly. "You guys ready?" asked Tuxedo Mask. "Never been more so," replied Uranus, who looked a little bloodthirsty. "GET HIM!" Tuxedo Mask commanded. Everyone rushed towards Matt, but was repelled back by the force field surrounding him. "Come out here and fight you coward!" yelled Jupiter. "Thanks, but no thanks Jupiter, I want to take Endymion one-on-one. But don't worry I have a little surprise for you. GUARDS!" Out of nowhere, hundreds of youmas began pouring out. "Oh Kami.." Neptune muttered. "Everyone pair and watch each others back!" shouted the Moonlight Knight. "Tux and I here will take care of Matt," he said as he looked at Tuxedo Mask for approval. He nodded and together they went after Matt. "It's Tuxedo Mask," he gritted through his teeth. "Okay Tuxie," the Moonlight Knight said with a smirk, as he pushed through the crowds of youma with his sword and roses. "Mars Fire Ignite!" In a blaze of red, the fire took out a dozen of youmas. "HA! Take that!" "Smooth move babe," Jadeite said with a cocky smile. "And you think you can do any better?" "Just watch." Jadeite closed his eyes and focused his power into the palms of his hand. Without any notice, he threw the small ball of energy into the center of a group of youma. With a flick of his fingers, the glowing ball expanded ten times its size and disintegrated the youma. "Whatcha think?" Jadeite said proudly as he turned to Mars, but to his surprise she was surrounded by another dozen of youmas. "Shit," he muttered as he whipped out his sword. "I'm coming sweetie, hold on," he yelled as slaughtered the youma to reach his love. "What is it with all these youmas!?" Venus yelled wearily. "Aww Venus, I haven't had this much fun since...well I've never had this much fun before!" Jupiter said joyfully as she bashed two youmas' head together. "That's the spirit Jupiter!" yelled Uranus as she took out four youmas. Uranus then teamed up with Jupiter, as the two sent their attacks flying, destroying around two dozen youmas together. "Oh man Neph... you've got your work cut out for you," Malachite said with sympathy as he blew up a few youmas. "You're telling me, she's not even tired yet," Nate replied incredulously. Malachite looked down on Nephrite with pity as they watched Jupiter continue on her youma killing spree. "Maiden are you alright?" Helios whispered as he looked at her with love and concern. He looked into her beautiful red eyes, which was filled worry. "I'm fine Helios, but I don't know if my mother is," Rini said turning back to the battle to hide her tears. She gasped as a hand grasped her chin and tilted her head back. Warm, soft lips trapped hers. Rini sighed with bliss as Helios let her go. "I love you," he whispered as they returned to the battle. Using her Moon rod, Sailor Chibi-Moon dusted off several youmas with small bursts of pink energy. "Mercury, have you figured out where all these youmas are coming from?" Pluto asked as ten youmas disintegrated from her Dead Scream. Besides her, Saturn was busy with her share of ugly youmas. She, Pluto, and Zoicite surrounded Mercury, taking on the youmas, so she could find their weaknesses. "There seems to be a massive concentration of energy radiating from the youmas in the center of the room. In fact, the youmas we're fighting right now are extremely weak." "Are you sure about that?" Zoicite grunted as he slashed a youma that had gotten through their barrier. "It seems as though the youmas in the center are feeding energy to the other youmas. Wait a minute.." Mercury said as she furiously typed information into her mini computer. "The six youmas in the center are the ones creating all these youmas." "So if we can get rid of them, there won't be anymore youmas?" Saturn asked hopefully. As Mercury looked up with her wish a soft smile. "Precisely." "You guys, tell everyone to try to make their way to the center of the room. The six youmas there are the ones we really need to defeat," Zoicite told the other generals telepathically. "Right," they replied. ~~~ "There he is," grunted Tuxedo Mask. He and the Moonlight Knight had finally made their way through the swarm of youma to see him sitting on the throne waiting for them. He sat there sipping his wine as he watched the two figures walk up the throne. He stood up from his spot, setting down his cup of wine. "So I see you finally made it. Who'd like to go first?" "I will," the Moonlight Knight said defiantly. "Let's go!" he said as he lunged at Matt with his sword. Matt parried his sword and quickly struck back. The two were equally matched, but Matt had the upper hand with his knowledge of dark magic. Tuxedo Mask looked on bored, every once in awhile tossing his roses at an un-expecting youma. Then all of a sudden a bright light blinded Tuxedo Mask. He turned in time to see the Moonlight Knight barreling back right into him. "Oh Kami..." Serena trailed off as she looked around the room. Hundreds of youmas littered the floor, while the guards and senshi were making their way towards the center of the room to take on the remaining youmas. It seemed as none of the youmas seemed to see her. "Wait, I see the guards, and the inners and outers, but where is the Moonlight Knight and Tuxedo Mask?" she wondered. Serena gasped as she saw Matt throw a ball of energy at the Moonlight Knight. He flew back and tumbled into Tuxedo Mask. "NOOOO!!" she screamed when they didn't move. She felt a strange force overcome her as she blindly ran towards them. Matt hovered over them intent on finishing the two of them. The two men she loved most in the world. "NOO!! Argghhh.." she cried as she put both hands in front of her and let out the massive wave of energy that had been building up inside of her. With lightening speed it hit Matt head on and sent him flying back. "Oh Kami," she whispered. "I'm so sorry this is all my fault," she cried as she cradled Devvon's head in her lap. Serena gasped with happiness as Tuxedo Mask groaned. She gently laid Devvon down, and she crawled over to Tuxedo Mask to help him up. Tuxedo Mask sat up without realizing that his hat and mask slid off. Serena looked on with shock as the realization hit her. "Darien!?" "Huh?" he mumbled groggily as he looked up to see Serena's watery blue eyes staring down on him. He didn't think he would have the chance to look in her eyes again. His heart soared as his organs banged in pain. "Oh my God Serena you're okay," he said as he drew he into his arms and held onto he for dear life. She smiled at him, as a frowned then filled her face. "Darien.." she gasped, "You're Tuxedo Mask? Why didn't you ever tell me?!" she demanded indignantly. "Well why didn't you ever tell me you were Sailor Moon, let alone the Moon Princess!" he demanded back. She looked down and blushed. Darien grasped her chin and tilted her head back up to stare into her beautiful blue eyes. Serena gasped as she saw something foreign in Darien's eyes. Love. 'Love for me?' How she always wished that would happen, and it was now! Serena was about to say something, but was interrupted by Devvon's awakening. "Are you okay?" Serena said concernedly. Devvon reached up to stroke her cheek and smiled. "I am now that you're here and safe in my arms," he said as he pulled her into his arms and hugged her. Serena returned the hug, but not with the same feelings. "Why am I feeling this way? I should be ecstatic that Endy is alive and okay, but then why is it that Darien has that effect on me and not Devvon?" Serena sighed inwardly and untangled herself from Devvon's arm. She looked up to see the inner scouts and guards kneeling before her. "Huh what's going on here? Get up you guys, PLUTO.." Serena said in her Princess-like tone. "Princess, we have finally found you," Venus said as she stepped forward and kneeled before Serena. "What!!" she exclaimed as her crescent moon shined through. In a flash of silver and gold, all of Serena's memories of her court and the inner and outer senshi came rushing back. "Oh Kami," she began, crying once more. Serena threw her arms around Venus, welcoming back the leader of her senshi and one of her best friends. Mars, Jupiter, and Mercury rushed forward to give their long lost Princess a hug. Pluto looked on with a smile. 'Everything has finally taken its place," she thought happily. Rini and Helios stood back unnoticed to Serena. Rini sighed with happiness as Helios drew her into his arms. "My mother's okay," she whispered telepathically. "Yes Maiden, but do not forgot, it is not all over with yet. We still have our other enemy to deal with and it appears he has not shone up yet." "I know, but at least now she's with us and we can keep her safe from him." "ARGHHHH!!!!" a voice yelled. Everyone, but Serena flew back from an invisible force thrown at them. Matt limped over to where she was sitting and snatched her up. "If I can't have you Serenity, then I'm going to make sure no one can," he said with an evil smile as he pulled out his dagger. "NOOO Serenity!" "Princess!" "Oh no, MOTHER!" Rini cried as she pounded the wall. Serena's eyes widened as she stared at the young woman who called her mother. They caught each other's gaze and Rini looked on with pleading eyes. Serena smiled and looked at her with amazement. 'My little baby has grown up since the last time I've seen her,' she thought with pride. 'At least I know there's hope if Rini is still alive.' Serena gazed at her friends and loved ones and smiled. Then she turned to face Matt with a defiant glare. "I could have made you happy Serenity," Matt murmured as he brought down his dagger. But a flash of crimson red pierced Matt's hand, causing him to drop his dagger. Next to him embedded in the ground was a dark black-red rose. "What the hell?" Matt cursed, as Serena was grabbed out of his clutches. Serena looked up in shock as she found herself gazing into a familiar pair of deep blue eyes. "Darien.." she breathed. He looked down at her with a smile and turned to face Matt. He formed a ball of energy and threw it at Matt. Matt, previously weak from Serena's attack tried to stumble out of the way, but the beam of energy pierced through his armor and through his chest. Matt looked at Serena, his eyes filled with sorrow and begging for forgiveness as he breathed his last breath and fell to the floor. The others looked on with surprise at Serena and the man holding her. Everyone looked at Tuxedo Mask and the Moonlight Knight who were standing right beside him or her, instead of up their holding Serena. Tux and Knight looked at each other incredulously and then back at the man holding their beloved Princess. They were unaware soft winds of evil slowly disappeared as the void had been broken as they were brought back the ruins of the kingdom as the dark skies disappeared from earth. Hey everyone! I know it's not a great chapter, I mean it's a battle scene, we're lovers and not fighters. Anyways my birthday is coming up this Sunday, ahem...::wink wink:: lol, I know shameless self-promoter, but I spent 3 hours typing up this story just for you guys, so consider it my birthday present to you, but it would be nice to open a mailbox full of e-mails =o) and don't forget Usa-chan too! She deserves a lot of credit too, I mean she's worked so hard on her stories and website. Much love, Chi Chi Chibiusa9@aol.com Usako9@hotmail.com ::giggles:: Hehehe... so I lied in the previous chapter. ::grins:: can't help it! I mean, thought it could get your attention. Hmm... another Darien look alike? Is there enough to pass around? ::stares at Chi Chi who seems to have all three of them bowing down to her:: never mind, she does have a good idea though... hehehe! E-mail is good! Hmm, poll, who should get Serena? Darien? Devvon? ::Usa-chan thinks hard then has hearts in her eyes:: The mysterious dude that just entered the scene... If only he lived next door.... ::sighs:: Love ya! Usa-chan Chibi-Angel's Silver Moon Sanctuary http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Field/1914/