Electrum

Kochou-hime

All characters belong to their respective owners.

Finalé

"How will she know?"

"Know what?"

"How will she and everyone know when I'm truly in love?"

"- you're missing the point, Serenity. You must follow your heart and believe that it will steer you in the right direction; always."

The words once offered by Serenity's wise Maurian advisor surfaced in the sleeping Princess's mind as she slowly began to rouse from her deep slumber. She moved the tips of her fingers where they rested upon luxuriously silken fabric as her half lidded eyes slowly began to absorb the ever growing presence of light. Ocean colored irises met a world settled into the late afternoon as Serenity gently lifted her body upright; pushing against the plush and feathery-light surface she was resting upon. The Princess found herself settled in a sea of white lavish pillows feeling as if she had been dozing among peaceful clouds flowing through a great blue sky. Her gaze came into focus and swelled with emotion as the familiarity of her surroundings swept across her memory. In fateful timing, the great white doors belonging to the domicile of the Moon's young heiress moved and were quickly flung open.

"Mother!" Serenity cried out with tears gathering as the elegant silver haired woman rushed to her bedside.

"Serenity!" The grateful Queen gasped as she latched onto her daughter in a tight embrace. The Moon's Princess returned the hug in full enthusiasm and abandoned all royal formalities as she choked back a tempered sob. The elder Serenity pulled back and echoed her daughter's expression with joyous tears sparkling across their faces.

"My dearest daughter, I've spent so many days and nights worrying for you." The Moon's Queen reminisced as she lovingly stroked the top of Serenity's head. The younger monarch lifted a hand to wipe away her tears and guiltily met her mother's gaze.

"I apologize for causing you distress, Mother. There has just been…so much." The Princess alluded as her mind began to drift to past events. Queen Serenity shook her head and a jubilant smile spread across her face.

"In all these days and hours I've squandered in fret; I've never been so proud." The Alliance's leader spoke cryptically. Serenity blinked in confusion and tilted her head in question.

"Luna-"she began; interrupted once more by her mother's happy smile.

"She is ever the devoted guardian and she looked lovely in her other form, didn't she?" The Queen mused aloud. "Luna debriefed me in passing; she too was just as exhausted as you." Serenity stared toward her mother wide eyed as she appeared unshaken by the information that was shared with her via the Maurian advisor. The Princess blinked as the Moon Queen gently liberated the tears from her own cheeks and continued to beam toward her only daughter.

"Serenity," the Queen interrupted the girl's confused thoughts, "Do you recall the brief gemology lesson you received from Mercury's Royal Vizier a few years ago?" Serenity scrunched her nose at the mention of her schooling and appeared baffled by the elder's random inquiry.

"I-well, I suppose so." The Princess said unconfidently earning a lighthearted chuckle from her loving parent.

"Well, perhaps if hadn't spent your time daydreaming about the mysteries of Earth," the Queen said with a grin earning a slightly perturbed look from the lectured. "You would have remembered a specific jeweled treasure named colorless almandine." The Moon Queen's eyes shined as she spoke the name.

"It sounds familiar," Serenity muttered to herself as she searched her thoughts. Her mother whirled toward the young woman's vanity; her fine and beautiful silvery hair flowing just behind. When she turned once more to face the cloud-like bed she carried a handful of sparkling jewels with her.

"The stone itself isn't all that rare," she commented idly while seating herself gracefully just before her daughter. "As it can be easily spotted and collected amongst the Mercurian soil."

"Almandine," Princess Serenity repeated the name as she stared at the various necklaces, bracelets, and rings that had been relinquished to the bed's surface from her mother's palm. The white jewels that she had once believed to be diamonds sat among their confines shining back at her. "I remember, as a little girl I always thought them to be shards of ice since Mercury was so cold." Serenity mused and turned her gaze to her smiling mother.

"They had always been of my favorite. Inexpensive but impressively beautiful an almandine pendant had been the very first gift from your father to me; long before he and I had ever even believed in dreaming for peace of the Universe." The Queen beamed nostalgically. Serenity blinked in wonder as her mother's eyes filled with a glaze of moisture. "I cherished that necklace even though it was merely just a simple trinket of his affection…" she trailed, "all that changed the day you were born." Suddenly the Alliance's leader upturned her palm and in a brief flash of light the Moon Stick appeared dawning the sparkling Imperium Silver Crystal at the crescent's center.

"The Silver Crystal…" The Princess whispered in utter marvel as she stared toward the most precious talisman known to the Solar Universe. Running her fingers along the slender pink handle the Queen smiled lightly as a wave of knowing washed across Serenity. "The pendant-" She nearly choked in disbelief.

"When you first entered this world the light you brought with it could be matched by no other." The elder Monarch explained as Serenity's mouth hung agape. "And in some fashion I couldn't be sure of, the essence that poured from you found its home in this treasured jewel."

The Moon Princess sat completely dumbfounded as she lacked the coherence to respond. She, along with any other royal courtier had been taught the foretold power of the crystal and even that its virtuous abilities expanded well beyond the imagination. The Solar Wars had raged through the Universe long before her birth and remembrance, and it had been through the power of the Imperium Silver Crystal wielded by her mother that peace amongst the planets had been created and through its protection the treaty between the once warring worlds, aside from Earth, had been maintained. All of this had been taught and explained to her long ago, which made the Queen's account of its creation all the more astonishing.

"All of whom I confided in refused to believe," the graceful Queen explained once again interrupting the whirlwind of thoughts within her daughter's mind. "But deep down; I knew." The moon stick and precious crystal once again faded into her mother's magical subspace pocket as the Queen returned her full attention to the flabbergasted girl.

"And so from a very young age I covered you in almandine; from affixing it to the studs in your ears to having it intricately woven into your finer clothing. I had absolute faith that you would use the radiant shine within to create a powerful and magical crystal of your very own that could very well dwarf the power of the Imperium Crystal." Serenity blinked in wonderment as her mother responded with a soft chuckle.

"I admit that after years of you dawning the crystalline jewels with no effect I wondered if there was something missing but it wasn't until you happened upon Endymion on a forbidden adventure to Earth that I realized," the Queen smiled gently and with the tips of her fingers she lifted the base of her daughter's chin to meet her gaze. Serenity's heart fell at the mention of the treacherous Earth Prince but it quickly flew from her mind as she caught a glimpse of her mother's doting silvery-blue eyes.

"That my dearest daughter, just as I had eighteen years ago, would shine and glow with the brightest light upon discovering that which she loved the very most; with all the love in her heart." Serenity's eyes welled with glossy tears as the Queen retracted her hand and indicated toward the transport key that embraced the chosen jewel glimmering near the Princess' heart. "How fitting that such supreme brilliance would settle itself into the tool that brought you to him." The Queen whispered and Serenity erupted in a fit of tears.

Her mother's words catapulted her memory to the last six months of her stay on Earth. As a girl she had once dreamed of spending her days among its blues and greens but now more affectionately longed for a world lined in gold. The third planet from the yellow sun was a variety of things ranging from beautiful to terrifying, but in all that which existed she found herself loving the being who exhibited a perfect balance of the two. Although she knew without question that the royals of the Solar Universe would have a choice thing or ten to say about the character of the Pharaoh of the Earthly Province of Egypt; the Princess exalted in the truth that her unsurpassable devotion to Atem had brought forth a light of untold power as even Serenity herself knew not the limits of her heart. She let loose a tearful smile and affirmed to herself that even the most skilled debater couldn't argue against her heart's choice based solely on that revelation.

"I'm truly happy that you finally found what you've yearned for since you were so very small," the Queen beamed, "and I must say, the Prince of Elysion is by far the most fortunate man in the Universe."

Serenity's blood felt as if it had run cold and was abruptly knocked down from her once dizzily happy state. Absolute horror splashed across her features as she lifted distraught eyes toward her mother in dread. The voice in her head screeched in hysteria and it dawned upon her that Luna had been quite choosy in the details of Serenity's adventures she divulged to the Queen.

"I-" Serenity began as she met her mother's concerned eyes in panic, "I must go back to Earth!" She nearly blubbered. The Queen's face contorted in confusion but quickly relaxed as she laid a comforting hand upon her daughter's shoulder.

"No, no. Do not worry Serenity. Endymion is here awaiting you." The Queen cooed upon which Serenity's face became ghostly pale. "I'm surprised you've so easily forgotten as just six months ago you were obsessing over the particulars of your wedding that's scheduled tomorrow." The Moon Princess' eyes flew open wide and responded with only a hiccup as her mother gestured toward a beautiful white dress hanging toward the back of the room. "I was becoming quite concerned I would have to cancel. You do remember? We invited all of the royal families in the Planetary Alliance, but no worries my dear as you've arrived just in-"

"No!" Serenity finally shouted loudly; startling her mother. "I must to speak… with Atem!" The young woman blurted out thoughtlessly.

"Ah…" the Queen of the Moon trailed as she looked upon her child who was on the border of hysterics. "I believe they refer to him as the 'Pharaoh of Egypt'? Correct?" The elder Serenity asked softly as a knowing smile spread across her features.

"Yes!" Serenity exclaimed as she gripped desperately to the sheets of the bed becoming ever more confused at what exactly Luna had said to her. "I must go-"

"While I must admit I only had first heard of him yesterday; do you really think I would fail to acknowledge the man who saved my precious daughter's life and not rightly thank him?" the Queen slyly chuckled and raised an inquiring eyebrow.

"No…I need to thank him myself." Serenity replied automatically in a daze.

"Well," the Queen smiled, "You're in luck because he's here also." Serenity's mouth fell agape as she looked toward her mother in disbelief.

"A-a-atem is here; on the Moon? He's in the Palace?" The Princess stuttered. The Queen laughed and elegantly made her way to the bedroom's exit.

"Yes of course Serenity. I was just about to meet with him once more after checking on you. Perhaps if you are feeling well, you can meet us in the Palace atrium." The Alliance's Leader spoke over her shoulder with a glimmer in her eye, "Oh and there's also someone else who wishes to see you." As soon as the Queen opened the door a flood of squeals erupted as the Four Guardian Princesses poured into the room.

"Serenity!" They gushed in unison and rushed to tackle their long absent friend in a flurry of hugs. Momentarily distracted from her mother's announcement she gleefully returned the embrace to each of her closest friends to whom she had missed terribly while on Earth.

"Don't ever do this to me again!" Mina, her cousin and heir to the throne of Venus cried out as Serenity put a hand behind her head sheepishly.

"You sure had us worried Meatball Head," Rei, the Princess of Mars, jabbed playfully earning a perturbed scowl from Serenity. "I thought we were going to have to come rescue you!"

"Yes Princess Serenity, you had us all very concerned for your safety!" The ever formal Princess Ami exclaimed worriedly.

"Aw come on Ami," Serenity whined finally feeling guilty from the tired expression on the Princess of Mercury's face. "Cut it out with the formal titles ok? I'm so happy to see all of you I'm sorry for causing so much worry!"

"Cut her some slack ladies," Princess Jupiter, who went by Lita informally, came to the rescue as she too crowded around her sovereign. "So what was it like? Six months on Earth and fighting an evil sorceress to boot!"

The Moon Princess blinked in memory and tossed a glance to her slightly ajar bedroom door noticing at once her mother's absence. She quickly jumped to her feet and rushed to her closet in a hurried frenzy. While she had missed her friends terribly and couldn't wait to tell them all of her adventures on Earth a pressing matter collected at the front of her mind. Atem was here; on the Moon and with all the mountainous changes that had occurred with the tumultuous blossoming of their relationship she was bound and determined to not let him return to Earth without knowing just how much she truly loved him once and for all.

"Serenity, is something wrong?" Ami pondered curiously.

The Moon's heiress frantically peeled through her similarly designed garments and sighed in defeat. It seemed like years since she had stood before the man she had only dreamed of before meeting and the Princess was resolved to appear as lovely as possible but alas, there was nothing in her closet that could even rival the effect the electrum colored dress had spawned within Egypt's King just a few months ago.

"Hello? Moon to Serenity!" Mina called impatiently to the preoccupied girl. A glimmer caught Serenity's eye as she slowly turned her head toward the heralded gown that hung at the back of the room. The wedding garment was any girl's dream as it had taken months to design and even longer to craft. It sparkled beautifully as the tiny flecks of its jeweled encrusted waist reflected just the right amount of light. Pain briefly swept through her memory as she recalled the many nights she had dreamed of marrying Endymion in that dress, but today, it would be the only apparel that would do.

"Hey Lita, did you happen to check out the other Earth Prince that's here to meet with Queen Serenity? What a hunk, huh?" Rei announced playfully.

"Hey, he's a Pharaoh, whatever that means, I heard Luna say it myself!" Mina chimed in.

"I did! He looks just like my ex boyfriend!" Lita giggled and blushed.

"Yeah, right-" Serenity interrupted Rei's response as she quickly whirled around to face her closest friends. "Serenity, are you alright?" The Martian Princess asked worriedly.

"I-I need your help," The Moon Princess breathed, "I need to look as beautiful a possible as quickly as possible…in that." She exhaled pointing to the priceless dress just beyond her closet.

"What!" Mina shrieked while pulling at the sides of her hair. "Serenity! You can't wear that now that's your wedding dress, remember? Endymion isn't supposed to see it until tomorrow!" During the Venus heir's outburst Lita had calmly strolled to the back of the room and plucked the precious garment from where it hung without question. She turned and flashed Serenity a smile before narrowing her green eyes toward the other three royals.

"Well, you heard her! What kind of friends are you anyway? Let's help her out!" Lita scolded and with a shrug, the other three women quickly rushed to the Princess in aid.

Serenity barely heard the clicks of her heeled shoes against the Lunarian marble as she hurriedly rushed to the largest atrium of the Moon's Palace. Pausing her descent at the top of the grand-silvery white stairs descending into the entry way she felt her breath catch at the base of her lungs. The gown fit her perfectly, and visually resonated that it had been forged for the sole purpose of being worn by her. Serenity's Egypt-tanned skin contrasted with the fabric's snowy color entrancingly and further emphasized its pure white hue. The dress's fine cloth fit snuggly across her strapless bust, at her hips and where the intricately woven jeweled waistband sparkled dimly in the ever fading light of day. Her friends had done a superb job of fixing her sleep tumbled hair into its traditional style and the Princess had elected to leave her treasured transport key at her neck where its greatest magical treasure remained protected at its center.

The Princess's eyes glazed with moisture as they filled with the vision of the men that stood near the base of the steps. There prevailed Atem, the Egyptian Pharaoh who appeared irritated with proudly crossed arms as he looked away from the male to his left. Shifting her vision she spotted Endymion dressed in his traditional black as he too faced away from his fellow Earthling royal with feet of space between the two and their backs at the stairwell. With a deep settling breath and a hand laid gently against her heart, the woman that found herself in the most unique of situations gathered her resolve and slowly begun to descend the stairs.

Sounds of clacking heels filled the hallway as the Princess's guardians came to a halt at the balcony and peered toward their beloved friend making her way slowly down the stairs.

"Now just what is she up to?" Lita mused quietly to herself. Mina held back a whimper as she shook her head and covered her eyes.

"Do you have any idea how many months Serenity and I spent designing that dress? All of it gone to waste!" The Venetian Princess mumbled with a sniffle.

"Well don't whine to me! She's your cousin!" Rei growled and nearly yelped when surprised by a feline hiss.

"Quiet down!" Luna, once again resembling a cat, who had suddenly appeared alongside the girls with Artemis in tow.

"What's going on Luna?" Artemis whispered to his companion. Luna merely smiled with her eyes as she looked warmly upon Serenity through the banister.

"Just a bit of destiny," she purred quietly with no other explanation.

The legendary Pharaoh twitched at a sound behind him and tossed a glance over his shoulder. His crimson eyes widened as he swiftly turned around; his royal blue cape swinging behind him.

"Serenity," he called breathlessly and dropping his arms in awe to his sides. Atem focused his intense gaze upon the stunning Princess who now paused at the base of the stairs with her hand firmly gripped onto the railing. A mixture of fear and longing filled the Princess as her watery eyes absorbed all of the magnificent King that stood before her. She tried to memorize every detail of his physique from the tendrils of golden locks that surrounded his deep red eyes to the impressive muscle that showed beneath molten bronzed skin as if he would disappear never to be seen again at any moment. The gold ornaments he wore regally glowed as if they had been plucked from the sun and molded to his supreme form. Every fiber of Serenity's being wanted to go running to him, but the seed of doubt planted from recent events kept her grip firmly on the stair's banister. She locked her gaze unflinchingly to his searching for the truth.

"Serenity?" Her focus was suddenly interrupted by another familiar voice and she briefly averted her gaze to where Endymion, the King of Elysion now turned his body to her. As she moved to return her attention to Atem she did a double take as she took in the Elysion Royal's face. Her mouth fell agape as she focused on a large, swollen and purple ring around her estranged fiancé's right eye. Snapping her gaze back to the Pharaoh, he blinked and with a snarl he re-crossed his arms and looked away from her.

"I can hardly take credit for that." He spoke smoothly in baritone. The Pharaoh narrowed his gaze and tossed a look toward the injured man. "If I had hit him…he would be dead." The dangerous man alluded darkly. Endymion nearly toppled over at the boorish statement. Serenity blinked as the Elysion King grit his teeth.

"Is that a threat?" He demanded of his Egyptian rival. Atem lifted an inquisitive eyebrow as his crimson eyes bore into the man he arguably hated the most. Suddenly, his mouth spread into a taunting smirk.

"With certainty, Endymion," Atem spoke his name without title venomously and in doing so seemed to dare the defeated royal to do something about it. Endymion merely growled and averted his gaze.

"Sorry about that Serenity!" Came a voice from the back of the room. A small smile spread across the Princess's features as she spied her dearest Egyptian friend Mana waving her hand sheepishly flanked by Kisara, and the Priests Seto and Mahad who waited patiently. The Princess couldn't help but let loose a small giggle as she imagined the tiny Mana giving the much taller Endymion a much deserved black eye. The soft sound regained the two men's attention as she suddenly fell scrutinized between a few pairs of ocean and blood hued eyes.

In truth, she understood not why the Pharaoh felt that driving her away was the best avenue for her future. Perhaps he was right. Living hidden within this beautiful Palace would be a whole lot safer and would shield her from a great deal of the terrible things in existence. But alas, in all of the things that were uncertain, she knew just one to be true.

"Atem!" She cried as she relinquished her grip from the stairwell and rushed with urgency to the man she loved with the truest veracity. Egypt's Pharaoh pulled the Princess to him fluidly accepting her embrace in the utmost rapture. Letting go of any semblance of composure tears rained down her cheeks as she looked up into his gaze.

"Please don't do that." Atem whispered richly. "You are far too beautiful to cry like this." Serenity opened her mouth to speak when a grave voice came from the stairs behind her.

"Serenity!" The called for craned her neck to see her mother elegantly gliding into the Atrium looking upon her daughter in disapproval. The Moon's Princess turned to her beloved once more and relinquished her embrace. Atem dropped his arms reluctantly as Serenity turned to approach her mother. "My apologies Pharaoh of Egypt, we don't usually accost those we wish to thank but from what I've heard it sounds like my daughter had quite the tiresome adventure."

"Please your majesty, Atem is fine." The Pharaoh spoke awkwardly as if he and the Queen had gone over formalities once before. Serenity approached her mother and opened her mouth to explain but stopped upon receiving a look of warning.

"Why Serenity, your dress is…lovely," her mother spoke politically but her nose twitched in discontent.

"Thank you," The young woman mumbled and stiffened as she spied Endymion approach them.

"Good evening your majesty," he bowed courteously as the Queen nodded her head in acknowledgment.

"Oh dear Endymion, it appears as if you sustained a battle wound. I appreciate your assistance in keeping Serenity safe." The Alliance's leader commented in concern. Endymion merely nodded as a low snort came from the back of the room. The gesture went un-reacted upon by the elder Serenity as she turned her gaze much more pleasantly now upon her only daughter.

"Serenity, I forgot to inform you when we spoke earlier but I've offered Pharaoh Atem anything he may wish for in exchange for protecting you and yet he refuses. Perhaps you could change his mind?" Her mother spoke pleasantly as Serenity turned her surprised gaze toward Atem.

He caught her eyes immediately and smiled to her reassuringly upon spying her forlorn expression. Suddenly, Serenity flinched as she felt a hand fall upon her bare shoulder. Quickly turning her head she spied the arm belonging to Endymion and quickly cast her gaze to the floor to avoid causing a scene before her mother. She heard a disapproving rumble escape the Pharaoh briefly and she looked up to observe his not so concealed glare focused on the Elysion Prince.

"The people of Earth have been interested in joining the Silver Alliance for quite some time now. I find it strange you have no enthusiasm to our planet being accepted into this peaceful union when her majesty so freely offers it." Endymion bit toward the Pharaoh, obviously feeling braver in the Queen's presence. The Queen raised her eyebrows in surprise to Endymion's statement and turned her gaze toward the Pharaoh staring hotly toward the outspoken. Serenity winced as his hand remained upon her shoulder feeling as though it weighed a thousand pounds and was an effective blockade in keeping her separated from the Pharaoh.

"I have no ulterior motives," Atem spoke regally in a commanding voice toward the cowardly King. "Or any political agenda," he rumbled in continuance to Endymion's challenge. He then turned his now softened gaze toward the Queen. "I mean no offense your majesty," he said with a polite bow, "But the only thing in this Universe I desire," as he straightened his posture Atem met Serenity's distressed expression and gave her a wry smile while staring into her sad ocean chasms. "Is not yours to give." He said finitely. Serenity's mouth fell in absolute astonishment as the Queen released a small sigh.

"Regardless of whether you've requested it; know that the Alliance will always be ready to assist Egypt in a time of need. We are in greatly in your debt." The Queen spoke nobly.

"Thank you," Atem accepted graciously.

"Are you sure you can't stay through tomorrow? We're hosting a grand event with Serenity's marriage to Endymion." The Silver Alliance's leader said with a smile. The Moon Princess's eyes flew open in horror as she gawked toward the Earthly Pharaoh. He was surprisingly composed; turning away to cough and laugh ironically for a moment before returning his attention to the Moon's Queen.

"I really must return to Egypt as it is a Kingdom constantly in need of guidance." He responded tactfully. With a curt nod, the Queen indicated to Sailor Pluto who revealed herself from the shadows.

"It's good to see you Princess Serenity, and in an occasion when you're not angry with me." The polite green haired woman donning a deep green and white Sailor Uniform said referring to usually having been the one to interrupt Serenity's adventures to Earth. Serenity nodded appearing to become even more panicked as she accepted the reality that Atem would have to leave the Moon and that she would not be going with him.

With a wave of Pluto's garnet rod a dark portal appeared. The remainder of the Egyptian court that had accompanied their King walked to the strange chasm and awaited their leader.

"Bye Serenity," Mana called softly and quickly looked away in an effort to hide her emotion. Tears welled in Serenity's eyes as she attempted to shrug Endymion's hand at no avail. Turning her attention to Atem her heart felt as if it was going to shatter as she looked upon him.

"Serenity," he spoke softly while seemingly ignoring the harsh look he was receiving from Endymion. "You're welcome to visit Egypt any time you wish. I will always have the time to entertain your company." He said sounding forlorn and with a polite bow. The Princess's mouth fell open in utter disbelief as the tears flowed freely down her face.

As the Pharaoh quickly turned, walking with determination toward the transport portal Serenity could hold her polite composure no longer and cared not if her mother disapproved.

"Atem, stop this instant!" She demanded loudly; halting his progression. The Pharaoh quickly whirled and stared into the Princess' surprisingly infuriated gaze.

"Serenity!" The Queen objected but it went ignored as the small but resolved Princess cast a glare upon Endymion.

"Let go of me!" She ordered causing the deceitful Royal to quickly retract his hand in surprise. Whipping around she stormed in Atem's direction; her long white dress flowing quickly behind and stopped just a few feet away from him. Serenity's anger was quickly replaced by a wave of sentiment as she tearfully stared into the Egyptian King.

"Ask her!" The Moon's Princess implored of the Pharaoh. "Ask her for what is not hers to give. Ask for it anyway!" Her voice shook and her body trembled as her mind began to fathom the thought of losing him. Atem said nothing; instead electing to narrow the gap between their two bodies and stopping just before her he looked down into her intent expression.

"May I ask you a question first, Serenity?" He asked softly; the vibrations in his voice tugging at her heart. She nodded and sighed as he gently reached to brush the bangs from her tear stricken eyes.

"Could you ever…leave this place?" He inquired wryly as her gaze shone back at him in confusion.

"Could you ever find yourself living somewhere…different; where the sands are golden instead of alabaster?" He smirked as the Princess blinked.

"The air here on the Moon is cool but in Egypt the weather is often hot and sometimes dreadfully so." Serenity felt a pleased grin spread across her face as she stared into her love's mischievous blood-red eyes.

"But most importantly," his face became serious as he looked upon her. "Could you ever live in a world where the darkness and unknown may not ever be fully transformed by the light?" He asked honestly. "Although I can promise on behalf of the darker parts that they will make their best effort," the Pharaoh spoke humorously after his earnest inquiry. Serenity choked a sigh of relief as her sparkling eyes shone back into his.

"I'd willingly go anywhere; anyplace- if only to be with you." The Princess spoke breathlessly as an exuberantly pleased grin spread across the Pharaoh's golden face. Gently enclosing her hands with his he lifted his fiery eyes past the furious but silent Endymion to the Queen. Serenity turned her head; following Atem's gaze in awe.

"Your majesty," he began politely as his eyes swelled in affection. "If your offer still stands; allowing me to love and attend to Serenity as long as she'll have me is all I see fit to desire from you," he paused catching a quick flash of blue eyes and a blush from Serenity. "Anything or anyone," he finished in his typical rich and compelling tone. Endymion appeared as if he was going to collapse red-faced as a flurry of hushed whispers traveled about the room. Becoming at once aware of her mother's scrutiny Serenity gripped tightly onto Atem's hands as he stood steadfastly and unflinching toward the Alliance's sovereign.

"Your previous assessment of my ability was correct Pharaoh Atem," the Queen responded finally after a long pause. Holding a serious expression she surveyed the man who confidently intertwined his hands with Serenity's own. "The heart of my daughter cannot be promised to anyone but whom she chooses on her own accord."

Serenity felt her heart flutter in despair in response to her mother's tone when suddenly a small smile graced the elder Monarch's face as if she had been perceptive of the Princess's feelings all along.

"However, seeing that Serenity awards her love to you freely I graciously offer you both my blessing!" The Queen announced gleefully sending a wave of surprised faces across the room.

Serenity's sapphire eyes widened as she stared toward her smiling mother in disbelief. Suddenly, she felt a tiny squeeze on her hand and turned her rattled attention to Atem. Immediately grinning at the sight of his characteristic smirk she giddily relinquished her arms around the Pharaoh's neck and accepted his eager kiss with immeasurable enthusiasm. The Princess smiled against his heated mouth when she overhead the cheers of her friends, both old and new, escape into the room. As Atem pulled away, Serenity's happy daze was interrupted by an infuriated cry behind her.

"So this is what you've chosen?" Serenity snapped her head and turned to face the furious voice of Endymion. The Pharaoh's upper lip slowly curled into a snarl as he glared daggers in the Elysion King's direction.

"You really think he can care for you as much as I? You're just another game to him and soon enough you'll be nothing more than a little harem girl attending to a heathen King!" Endymion bit scathingly. Before anyone else could conceive a response Serenity had quickly pushed away from Atem and moved angrily in the outspoken man's direction.

"Endymion-"she confronted him with a shout when an eruption of turbulent passion overrode her senses that sent her fist flying at him and striking his jaw at her highest reach. The Queen covered her mouth in horror as Serenity wincingly drew back her hand and took a few steps backward. Endymion looked upon her in complete astonishment with gasps and whispers flying about the room. The Egyptian Pharaoh was immediately at her side and gently took her hurting hand into his as he briefly examined it. The Princess scrunched her nose as Atem's red eyes swollen with disapproval met with hers.

"It was worth it." She muttered surprisingly earning a deep throated chuckle from her beloved. His lips pulled into a sly smile as he brought her hand to his mouth for a brief kiss before returning it to her.

"Now, why would you ever need to strike anyone?" He purred teasingly; his tone sending Serenity's cheeks into a flush. "When I'm here to do that for you," the Pharaoh's tone was serious enough to cause the bewildered Endymion to take a step back and more whispers to erupt in the room. Serenity blinked.

"I-" She stuttered.

"While I'm sure you hurt his pride; I could have really made him suffer." Atem reasoned whimsically. "So the next time anyone offends you enough to wish to hit them; just let me know." He said with a playful wink that brought an indulging smile to her face.

"This is unbelievable!" Endymion growled aloud briefly earning Atem's attention as he returned his gaze down upon Serenity.

"I still can." He suggested in baritone with a raised eyebrow.

"That is enough!" Queen Serenity cried angrily causing all three young royals to cringe. With a sigh she turned her attention toward Endymion. "Endymion, I am requesting that you leave. Sailor Pluto will get you back to Elysion safely." Alarm spread across the King's face as he turned toward the Alliance's Queen.

"Your majesty, you can't be serious in allowing-" he paused when he heard the sound of heeled footsteps stop just behind him.

"I can force you if I must." The stern words of Sailor Pluto warned. Endymion turned back to the Moon Queen pleadingly.

"Endymion, I have to admit while I don't usually participate in gossip I have heard some troubling news in regards to your treatment toward-" She paused when the Elysion King's expression flooded with horror. "Last acquaintance," the elder woman finished as Endymion bowed his head and followed Sailor Pluto toward the portal.

He gave Serenity one last glance with Atem glaring hotly toward him just before he entered the black chasm and it disappeared. Shaking her head, the Moon's ruling Monarch turned her attention toward the two young royals with hands clasped.

"I see the ways of Earth have certainly rubbed off on you Serenity…" The Queen scolded. The Pharaoh half-smiled sheepishly and appeared incredibly guilty on the Princess' behalf. Before either could speak the Queen laughed and shook her head once more. "Alright everyone, you can stop eavesdropping now!" Her announcement was followed immediately by a storm of clicking heels as Serenity's guardians and friends plummeted down the marble stairs.

"Serenity!" The blonde haired Mina breathed out, exasperated. "Why didn't you tell me? I am your cousin after all and your wedding planner…"

"Pharaoh of Egypt isn't it? My name's Lita, Princess of Jupiter. Pleased to meet ya; you'll be seeing a lot of us around!" The Jupiterian said warmly extending a bold hand toward the startled King; who shook it in complete bewilderment.

"Serenity!" The Moon Princess whirled and was nearly tackled by the embrace of the spirited Mana. "I'm so glad you're ok! You really had us worried…and now it looks like I won't have to be missing you!" The young Magician Girl said with a wink sending Serenity's face into a blush.

Just outside the commotion of the Egyptian and Planetary well wishers that surrounded the Princess and her chosen, Luna slowly padded up to the Queen's side; who stood looking on with a happy smile and a lone tear that came and quickly left her face.

"After all this, are you sure you'll be able to let her go?" The wise Maurian asked.

"I will, of course miss her terribly, but who am I to stand opposing that which was destined to be?" The Queen responded pleasantly earning an affirming nod from the advisor.

"There is still one issue concerning tomorrow's events…?" Luna asked suddenly. Queen Serenity's eyes widened in recall as she turned her attention to the cluster of royal youths.

"Serenity," she spoke softly. The Moon Princess moved her eyes toward her mother and felt a chill of emotion spread across her skin as she caught a glimpse of the Queen's conflicted expression.

"Mother, I-" The Princess began and stopped when the Alliance's leader merely smiled.

"Now Serenity, I did forget to mention just one stipulation I must insist upon before you go running off to Earth once more." The Queen said raising an eyebrow as she looked upon her only child. The Princess seemed confused at first but realization dawned upon her and her eyes went wide.

"No. Mother, no- the customs of Egypt are different that ours-" Serenity paused when she felt a strong warm hand clasp onto hers.

"Yes, of course your majesty," Atem agreed regally as he bowed his head toward the Queen and then turned his shining red eyes lovingly upon Serenity. "I wouldn't dream about bringing her back to Egypt with me without marrying her first." He said with a smirk. "That is, if she'll allow me." The Princess's eyes fluttered as she stared at him in surprise.

"Atem, a marriage here doesn't mean the same thing as it does on Earth…marriage means eternity…forever." She said somewhat weary of how she previously observed Earthly men to behave. Atem simply chuckled as his gaze filled admiringly of her own.

"It had better be." The exalted Pharaoh spoke.

"Splendid! Then our royal affair will continue tomorrow without delay!" The Queen spoke happily and then looked toward the guardian Princesses with a small sound from the base of her throat. Suddenly, Serenity felt her arm gripped by the Princess of Mars.

"C'mon Meatball head, we've got lots to do!" She announced with a giggling Ami and Lita at her side.

"Wait!" Serenity protested and looked toward Atem whose face was full of perplexity. "I'm not supposed to see you until tomorrow!" She nearly whined. The Egyptian King cracked a smirk and nodded as the Moon Princess was carted off by her dearest friends; Mana and Kisara following close behind. As he watched her leave, his attention was suddenly drawn away by an annoyed 'humph.'

"Let me guess," Mina huffed as she stared at Atem and turned her glance to the Priests Mahad and Seto that stood just beyond him. "You three don't know anything about weddings!" The Pharaoh, known to be fearsome to most, appeared positively sheepish as the blonde Princess stood boldly before him in question.

"Good luck…" The Queen sang thoughtfully as both she Luna escaped quickly from the Wedding Planner-zilla.

The grand wedding of royal importance had carried on just as Serenity had always dreamed it would as a young girl; even before she had the slightest idea who the lucky groom would be. Every intricacy, to the lovely decorations she and Mina had chosen months before to the attendance of each promised guest was perfect although after her adventures throughout the past six months Serenity found herself somewhat unable to recall how she had planned each detail. If there had been any glitches and mistakes that day; Mina had done a superb job making sure not a single person had noticed.

She had worried somewhat if anyone would comment upon the change in groom, but as far as the other planet's royals and their courts were concerned Serenity was set to marry an Earth man of royalty and since she did so, no one seemed to notice Atem was in fact a far different suitor. Serenity giggled momentarily at the thought and sighed seriously upon the fact on how lucky she was to come across Atem when she had.

"Care to dance once more, Princess?" came the familiar and rich voice of her new husband at her left. He spoke softly amongst a crowd of babbling royals; happily enjoying the food and dancing at the grand affair. Serenity blushed at the sight of the Pharaoh, still completely awed by how handsome he looked dawning Lunarian attire. He was dressed regally in black; a royal chest plate made from a lightweight armor at his front, long slacks and a slightly lighter charcoal cape at his back. Accepting his hand gratefully, he twirled her around; her simple white dress encircling her and while it was not the intricate dress she had worn the previous day its beauty complemented the blonde Princess flawlessly.

"I guess I'm not a Princess anymore." She commented slyly. While still being the heir to the Moon at the head of the Planetary Silver Alliance, she had gained a much different title with her marriage to a King. Atem chuckled lushly, pulling the petite woman against him as he slowly led in her into a sway.

"You will always be a Princess to me." He whispered entrancingly into her ear.

"Hey Serenity! Come dance with us!" She heard Mina cry out to her and before she had a moment to respond she was being dragged into the crowd of her friends and loved ones with Lita at one side and Kisara on the other. Atem merely laughed as they happily carried her away.

The wedding celebration continued long into the night with dancing and Serenity speaking to all those of royalty and the like. Even the ever grumpy Egyptian High Priest Seto appeared to be having a splendid time. Atem was well behaved, although she was sure at some points it took quite a bit of restraint at times where snide remarks on the people of Earth were made by certain pompous Planetary royals.

The new Egyptian Queen found herself now engaged in a deep political conversation between two Chancellors of both Mercury and Neptune when suddenly a flicker of movement caught her exhaustive attention. Just beyond the arguing pair she spotted the Pharaoh standing with his arms crossed staring intently upon her. With a small gesture he moved his eyes to a vacant room exit. With a small smirk, she silently escaped the heated discussion and moved stealthily outside the grand ballroom and into the vacant hallway where a cool breeze blew in from the open balcony. Only waiting briefly, she found herself hastily swept into the arms of her Egyptian King in true bridal style. Serenity giggled as she looked into the admiring ruby eyes of Atem.

"I guess Mina's crash course on weddings informed you well!" She announced with a laugh. The Pharaoh nodded and with a smirk he took a few steps forward and suddenly came to a halt.

"Hmmm," he purred deeply casting his gaze upon his captured bride. "I admit she failed to inform me of some pertinent information. For instance, where would I find your room?" The Pharaoh asked enticingly with a wide smile. Serenity immediately flushed and did so profusely as the alluring suggestion immediately quickened her pulse. Before she managed to stutter a response a soft blue glow from the balcony caught her eye.

"May I show you something first?" she asked with a smile. Atem obliged, placing her once again on her feet. She quickly led the unfamiliar Pharaoh to the balcony she frequented often as a young girl. The cool night air chilled her skin as she reached the railing and turned to observe absolute awe written across Atem's face as he beheld the great blue Earth that shone brightly in the sky.

"It's beautiful isn't it?" She asked as she captured his doting red eyes with her voice.

"Not quite as beautiful as you." He beguiled strolling slowly toward her. Serenity smiled in appreciation and turned her eyes to the Earth once more.

"I have and will miss looking at it every night but I know it'll be so much more wondrous to be living there every day alongside you." She said turning pink as he took her left hand into his and lightly kissed it; shifting his eyes to the small silver band around her ring finger.

"We'll have to get you another ring once we get back to Egypt; this one alone won't do." He mused as he studied it and returned his attention to her face. "Anything you wish will be yours. This and anything else you desire." He grinned, kissing her hand longingly once more.

"You once told me I could have all of you, all of yourself you had to give." She smiled slyly. He dipped his head down toward hers and moved to the right side of her face.

"Mmhmm." He rumbled into her ear, placing a small kiss upon it before returning to brush his nose against hers.

"So I suppose that means I can have all of your treasures and riches?" Serenity laughed as he chuckled toward her.

"Anything you wish." The Pharaoh said pulling his head back to gaze upon her and encircling his arms around her small waist.

"You'll lend me your dark and mysterious powers?" She asked playfully. He cocked his head to one side slightly and grinned.

"Just tell me how you wish to use them and I'll do as you ask," looking ever more handsome as he teased her back with his replies. The cool breeze returned, blowing her long blond tendrils of hair slightly and her eyes swelled with emotion as she stared trustingly into his gaze.

"Your heart?" she whispered softly on the wind. Atem's playful smirk faded as he regarded her sincerely. Moving a hand to her face he moved her long bangs away from her eyes revealing the golden crescent birth mark hidden on her forehead.

"Serenity," he breathed gently. "You are my heart." The once coldhearted Pharaoh confirmed honestly as he gazed upon the woman he had confessed to be his only love. Serenity smiled accepting a fleeting kiss from the candid Monarch as they stood in the Earth's brilliant blue light.

"Anything else?" He asked with a grin.

"Just one more thing," she laughed as the blood quickly rushed to her face and the pace of her heart sped up. "And your body, too?" Serenity inquired quickly. Atem appeared stunned for only a moment when an animalistic smile conquered his face.

"Well," he resounded lowly just before rapidly swinging the young woman into his well muscled arms. "I was just about to get to that but it appears I'm a bit lost." The Pharaoh pointed out charmingly. "So if you don't tell me where your room is I suppose I'll just have to choose the very next vacant one I see." He alluded seductively with an ever pleased smirk.

They both erupted in laughter as they traveled down the Palace hall to Serenity's chambers and on toward a sparkling future.

The End

First and foremost THANK YOU to everyone who ever reviewed, favorited, or alerted this story! And to those who reviewed since I updated last: Atem's Sister Atea, Sakura Waldorf, Sesshy's Mistress, Henio41, Anexya, Animecartoongirl, Cosmic-lover, Serena-hime, Fire Dolphin, Nikayla bud, princess moon shadow, Princesa de la Luna, Holy Bat, Scooby-blues, Yami Nocturna, Failisse, Twilight Rose Alchemist, moon-guardian369, Saris Yui, bunnychu15, Samseesstars, Princesakarlita411

I really appreciate ALL of your feedback. I can happily say this is the first fanfiction I've ever finished and I truly enjoyed writing it! I spent a lot of time putting together/writing these chapters so I feel that all of your comments (both criticism and praise) was truly rewarding! While I'm not a writer…I hope to publish my own novel someday so truly, all of your feedback was invaluable!

Thank you so MUCH!

Love,
Kochou-hime