by Ferrio This story actually takes place prior to the story that my fellow authors and I are writing. If you wish to learn more, visit the Four Season Senshi site at: https://members.tripod.com/~Hemino_Hikari/Fanfic.html

Standard disclaimers apply, Sailor Moon, and all characters within, are copyright Naoko Takeuchi; used without permission. Princess Pendula and Lord Norstron are copyright of the author. Don't worry, you'll be reading more about them soon.

The tall young woman ran down the grand staircase, almost swatting a page with her long blonde ponytail as she whipped past. Grabbing the skirt of her powder-blue gown, she bounded the stairs three at a time.

"He's coming," she thought as she raced through the palace hallways, "he's coming, he's coming." It was all she could think about since she heard the wonderful news. Not her 'he' - the princess' that is, although he was coming as well - but her 'he', Major Lord Norston, the Moon Kingdom's liaison to Earth, and now, essentially, Endymion's personal bodyguard.

Nothing else entered Princess Pendula's mind since she had received the private communication from Earth. She had worried for him ever since news of the Dark Kingdom invasion had reached her ears. She'd also heard the rumors of how Beryl was corrupting everyone of importance, including Endymion's four bodyguards. Every night, in her prayers, she asked that he would be safe from harm. Yet just moments ago, she felt that her prayers had been answered.

Nori-chan had been able to send her word that he and Endymion would be at the Grand Ball tonight. After a whole year since he left, and no word for the last month, she would be able to gaze into those deep blue eyes of his once again. The thought made her shiver with anticipation, as only a young woman in love could feel.

"I don't care if Pluto-Sensei gives me a thousand years of gate duty," she reasoned, "just let me see his handsome face once tonight." Her mind recalled the first time they both knew it was love . . .

"Excuse me? May I have this dance with the most beautiful woman in the room?" Princess Pendula looked up from her conversation with Princess Venus. "I-, I believe she's already dancing with Prince Endymion." she stammered.

The dashing young guard captain looked puzzled for a moment, then chuckled. "I meant with the woman whose beauty has blinded me, not another man."

Venus leaned close to Pendula and whispered, "I think he's smitten with you." "Hush," Pendula said in a mock scold, "hasn't Jupiter told you it's impolite to gossip about men in front of them." At that, both of them let out a soft giggle.

Offering her hand to the officer, she answered. "Of course," she smiled, "I would be delighted."

That night was wonderful, she thought as she continued down the hallway. As were the weeks that followed; every brief moment she could spare, she spent it with him.

"PENDULA-SAN!!!"

"Oh no," she winced as she stopped in her tracks, "that sounds like Sensei. I'm in trouble now."

Pluto strode up to her, her mane of hair billowing behind her. The Guardian of Time did not look at all amused seeing her student here, instead of at the Time-gate.

"WHAT are you doing here," she admonished Pendula, "instead of being at your post?"

"Gomen, Sensei," Pendula bowed deeply, "I was on my way when a page brought me this message and I jus-"

"Just wanted to see him, instead of guarding the Gate against a sneak attack by the Dark Kingdom.", Pluto chided, knowing all too well the one thing that would distract her charge.

"But Pluto-Sensei, I have not seen him in over a year," she pleaded, "and with all that is going on, who knows when I'll see him again."

"If you don't follow Queen Serenity's orders, you may never be able to see him again. Now return to the Gate. I will be there shortly to set the wards."

Pendula turned and walked away, dejected. As she rounded a corner, softly chanting the words that would transport her to the Gate, she heard something in a side hallway. Curiosity getting the better of her, she crept up to the corner and peered around. Seeing who was there, she wished she hadn't. Stepping through a dimensional portal, leading a small group of 'things', was Lord Jadeite.

"So those rumors were true," she mused, "Endymion's bodyguards were corrupted by Beryl." Slowly, Pendula backed away from the corner. "I must let the guards know." was her only concern now.

As she turned to run back down the hall, her hand brushed against some ornate molding, raising a small amount of dust that had settled there. The microscopic particles reached her nose, causing her to sneeze.

"Oh no," she thought, gripped with fear, "he knows someone's here. I'd better run."

Sure enough, Jadeite did hear her, and came around the corner to see who was spying on him.

She dared not look back, for fear of tripping. All she wanted was to raise the alarm that the palace had been breached.

"No! You will not spoil my queen's plans." was what she thought she heard, before she felt the pain between her shoulders as Jadeite shot a bolt of dark energy into her back.

She crumpled to the ground in agony, her entire back feeling like it was on fire. So excruciating was it that she was barely able to raise her head as he and those 'things' walked by.

"Feel the power of the Dark Kingdom," Jadeite scoffed, "and know what happens to those who stand in its way."

Pendula was only able to follow them with her eyes for another second or two before she blacked out.

"We are here, Prince Endymion."

"Yes, let us pray that we are not too late."

The armored figures of Endymion and Lord Norston skulked through the halls of the Moon palace. Quietly, they slipped into a small meeting room as a patrol of guards marched by. They waited for the sound of their footsteps to recede before they dared open the door a crack and peer out.

"Milord, that was Captain Matsford, I'm sure of it." whispered Norston. "We were roommates at the academy, surely he will listen to me."

"No, for all we know, you've been branded a traitor for not returning when hostilities began." Endymion slowly closed the door. Straightening up, he continued his train of thought, "In fact, for all we know, they may still believe that Earth really is in league with Beryl, and not under her evil spell."

"Just like your trusted guards." Norston nearly spat out the words, as if the thought of those turncoats left a vile taste in his mouth.

"I believe that one day they will all regret their decision, far too late to save themselves." Endymion clasped Norston on the shoulder, "However, there is more at stake here then the future fate of four individuals. The fate of our universe hangs in the balance, let us try and add weight to the side of good."

"Even though you are not my liege, I trust you and all you stand for. I would gladly follow you anywhere, even through the gates of hell itself." Norston took one step back and bowed deeply, "I would do anything to quash Beryl's attempt at destroying our two great kingdoms. I also pray that I will live to see the day when you and our dear princess unite those kingdoms."

"Wise words my friend." intoned Endymion. "I also hope to one day see you as happily as you so wish me. Pendula, I believe is her name?"

"Yes milord. While no one could outshine the radiance of Princess Serenity, my Pen- chan has blinded me since the moment I laid eyes upon her."

"Very well, Norston, we will go forth and save our universe. As well as the two brightest stars therein."

Opening the door a crack once again, Endymion peered out to make certain the coast was clear. Satisfied as such, he and Norston ventured forth to do battle.

"Lost . . . All is lost." Norston quietly raged to himself as he staggered down the hallway, trying to staunch the blood flowing from the gash in his arm.

Shortly before the main attack, a small vanguard led by Lord Jadeite had snuck in and killed many of the patrols. Now, the palace was awash with the cries of battle and the screams of agony. He himself had vanquished many of these vile creatures, but at such cost that walking had now become a labored exercise.

He rounded a corner, only to see another body lying on the floor. "Another helpless victim," he thought, "I pray that she did not suffer greatly."

As he drew closer, he felt that the lifeless form looked familiar. "That golden ponytail, it reminds me of . . . " Suddenly he was gripped with horror, "No! It can't be."

Ignoring his pain, he rushed to her side. Falling to his knees, he rolled her over, only to have his worst fears realized.

"NOOO!!!!" he cried, as he scooped Pendula into his arms.

Hearing a familiar voice, she slowly opened her eyes, only to see her beloved weeping like a scolded child. Mustering all her strength, she painfully raised one arm to wipe away his tears.

Upon feeling her soft touch he opened his eyes and smiled, his love still lived.

"Nori-chan," she managed to whisper, "I knew I'd see you once more."

"Hush Pen-chan, let us get you to the infirmary."

"But they think you a turncoat," Pendula said, "and would surely arrest you on site."

"More likely kill him on site," a deep voice echoed from behind him, "and let you die, believing you to be a collaborator."

Norston looked over his shoulder, and sneered. "You."

Slowly, Jadeite walked over to the couple, so that now Pendula could see him. "Mind you, with your injuries, I doubt you'd even make it that far." he laughed.

"You traitor, you have nothing to laugh at." snarled Norston.

"On the contrary, our queen is on the verge of victory."

"At how high a price? Your soul?"

"Who do you think she is, the devil?" scoffed Jadeite. "However, back to the matter at hand. You wish for her to live, right?"

Norston silently nodded. "Beryl has given us great powers, even over life itself." he boasted. "I can and will restore her to health . . . provided you side with us."

Pendula grasped her lover's hand, looking up at him in horror.

He looked down at her, squeezing her hand in return. "Tell your 'queen' that my love for this beautiful creature will not sway me from my sacred oath. In fact, it is my undying love for her that makes that conviction even stronger."

Pendula smiled weakly, knowing in her heart that their bond was indeed unbreakable.

Norston leaned down to kiss her forehead. As he saw her eyelids start to flutter, he soothed, "Hush my love, we will be reunited soon."

Jadeite raised his arm. "So be it, fool!" A blast of dark energy struck Norston squarely in his back, causing him to collapse onto Pendula.

Finally, Beryl had been defeated, but with great cost. With her last ounce of strength, Serenity sent the children of the Moon Kingdom into the future. The spheres containing their dormant forms rose heavenward, like the bubbles in a glass of champagne.

For the briefest of moments, two of the spheres touched, then separated. In one, lay a young girl in a powder-blue gown, the other a dashing young military man, in gleaming armor.

Author's notes: A few months back, one of the members of my writing group asked the rest of us how each of our characters died during the final battle on the Moon Kingdom. What you have just read was my response to his query. I do hope that you like it, and that it makes you hungry for more stories about Pendula, Norstron and the rest of our gang.

All critiques and criticism should be forwarded to dglaw@idirect.com.