Love Conquers All!
By: Katie-lee Brady

Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN NOTHING! The only thing I own is the story line, but the characters were used, which I totally don't own. I also don't own the story lines of X-Men 2, and some season of Alias… but there is a few characters made up… very original :)

Chapter 21: The New beginning

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Previously On: Love Conquers All! – Everything is changing. Serenity has now passed over. Endymion has accepted his fate, and his friends are right behind him. But what is it that he plans for their future? Will he find love? What is their new future like?

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12 Months later...

"So it's agreed then?"

"Yes," they shook hands, "It was good doing business with you Mr Shields. And may our businesses prosper together."

"Yes. I can't agree more Mr Leoni."

"Good day." With that Mr Leoni left the office and building.

"I still can't get used to it!" a deep voice said behind Mr Shield's as he stood at the window of the office.

"Hmm, and what is that, Andrew?" he spoke without turning around.

"Everything! I mean it's nearly been a years, and the change has been good... but Darien Shield? That's gotta take some time to get used after saying Endymion for what? 300 years? It's kind of weird. But you still haven't told any of us why you chose to change your name," Andrew asked with interest as he stood behind Darien.

"Yes, that is true," he turned to Andrew, "about the change. But honestly, there's no reason why I changed my name. I've had Endymion for 500 years, so with this change, I thought it would be good. Plus, Endymion is too old fashioned, and I don't even remember my real last name, so I chose Darien Shield mainly because it sounded like a good business name that will last."

"Yes, your right. Well it's nearly time for dinner, and everyone is waiting for you," Andrew said as they started to leave the office.

"Yes, my apologies. I did not mean for that meeting to go that long."

"There's no need to apologise. You are our leader. We look up to you," Andrew said, never looking back at Darien.

The rest of the walk out of the building was quiet. There was no tension; it was just calm and peaceful.

"Good evening, sir," the car driver spoke as he saw Darien and Andrew walk out of the building, opening the back door for them.

Darien nodded his head and entered the car. Andrew following suit.

The drive was smooth, but Darien could tell Andrew wanted to ask him something. For awhile now, but Andrew never spoke up.

"That's it," Darien turned to Andrew with a sigh, "What is on your mind? I know you want to ask me something, so what is it?" his voice was calm, but held that demanding and controlling note, with a hint of frustration.

Andrew just looked at Darien, "nothing sir... just thinking," he gave a small smile for reassurance.

"Andrew, I know you better then that! Now, what is it? You know you can ask me anything. And I know you have wanted to ask me something for the past 12 months!"

Andrew's eyes opened somewhat, "what do you mean? This change has affected us all... I just merely think a lot," he tried to maintain composure, but failed miserably.

Darien laughed lightly; it had been ages since he last laughed, "My friend, you are such a bad liar. Now what is it? Or I will be forced to pry it out of you!"

Andrew swallowed, "I was merely thinking about you," He diverted his eyes from Darien. "With all that had happened... but mainly, if you think of her." His voice went quiet. He feared to look at Darien. Knowing he will probably be punished for thinking such things. But he had reason. Since everything changed, it was like he never thought about her, like she never existed.

Darien sighed, turning his gaze towards the window to watch the passing lights go by. "I think of her constantly..." his voice was low, holding so much emotion, "there is not a moment that goes by that I do not think of her. But I cannot think about what she said that one day I will find her again. When? But there is also much more to this then there seems... like this was plan or something... I don't know." He turned back to Andrew who was trying hard to look at him, "But I cannot dwell on the past. I must look forwards. I must maintain some sort of hope that she will return."

Andrew couldn't help but look at him now. He just showed a great deal of emotion and that was something Darien was never good at, especially since the new age when everything changed. He was more serious and always thought of everyone else's well being before his own; like his own didn't mean anything anymore.

"Don't look so sad Andrew. There was nothing anyone could have done. Plus we have this wonderful future to look forwards to. So do not worry for me. Just enjoy this life. For I feel this was a gift. A gift from a goddess that was never allowed to enjoy anything... that was never allowed to live," he then went quiet and looked back out to the passing lights.

Andrew sat in silence. He couldn't help but think that he was talking about Serenity. But he had a feeling Darien knew more then he let on... but what?

When they pulled up to their new mansion, that was in just on the outskirts of town in a small neighbourhood that was dedicated to vampires, the driver opened the door for them.

The mansion was similar to the old one, but more modernised and the colours were lighter, instead of dark dramatic colours.

Everything was quiet when they entered the mansion. People that were in the foyer bowed their heads in respect.

"Good evening, sir," A small woman stood aside from the entrance to the hallway.

"Evening Cara," Darien spoke as he approached her.

"Everyone is waiting for you in the left dining hall. Also, we have guests, they are waiting for you in the main waiting room," she spoke fast before he completely walked past her.

Darien paused, "Hmm... who are they?" he turned to her.

"The ambassadors to the old coven, sir."

"Did they say what they wanted?"

"No sir, they just wanted to speak to you."

"How many?"

"Just one."

"Hmm..." Darien thought, "Okay, thank you Cara. You can go back to work now." He then turned to Andrew, "Go on ahead, and tell them I will be there momentarily." He then left Andrew and made his way to the main waiting area.

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When Darien entered the waiting area he was surprised to see it was the small girl Akemi. He was expecting Amara or Michelle.

"What is it you have come for?" he spoke as he walked towards her.

She slowly turned to him and smiled, "You."

"Yes, I understand that, but why?"

"That exactly. You have an appointment tomorrow... something I can't exactly make out, but tomorrow something big will happen."

Darien looked at her, "what is this about?"

"Have you forgotten your promise?" she gave him a sly smirk.

"But how could you know of such a thing so detailed?"

"I honestly do not know. I know I was gifted like your ambassador Rei. But mine were merely visions... not something like this. But I think you have a clue as to what it means."

Darien lightly chuckled, "And what did you have in mind?

"Lately there has been many miraculous things happening," she locked eyes with him, "Like a mysterious power is coming."

"Hmm, I cannot say. But I have felt it. But tomorrow I plan to keep my appointment."

"Very well..." she looked back into his eyes, "By the way, we have been dying to know what you were gifted with. If you have been gifted yet? It is like your father?"

"Isn't that a bit personal?" he lifted a brow.

"We're all friends and fellow followers. It's kind of our rights to know," she smiled.

Darien smirked at her, "Yes, suppose that is true. But I guess it's like my father. I can see people. Their true selves."

"Hmm... always good to know," she smiled.

"Yes... but was that all you were here for?"

"Pretty much. I just had to make sure you knew about tomorrow... maybe it was a sign or something... I don't know. It was just a very strange accuracy for me to see like that."

"Yes... well maybe it was a sign... maybe your vision will come true," he smiled.

"You already know?" she looked shocked and confused.

"I have my ways. But I am not for sure. But you are right. There is a stronger power out there."

Akemi nodded her head and smiled, "very well. I wish you the best of luck. And I shall let you go to dinner," she bowed her head.

"Thank-you. And good luck. We shall speak again. Do say hello to the others for me," he smiled.

"Certainly," she bowed her head again.

Darien turned and left Akemi; making his way to the dining hall.

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As Darien entered the dining hall all talking stoped. It was all of his close friends in the room.

"Please friends, don't stop on my account. Continue."

"Sir," they all said as they bowed their heads in respect.

"Well, let's talk over dinner then," he sighed. Already knowing that many wanted to talk about business.

They all fell silent as they took their seats.

"So what is it?" he spoke as he looked up to them.

They all looked at each other, "We mainly want to talk about this unknown feeling everyone is getting," Ami spoke up.

"Yes," Mina started, "It has been causing a scare amongst the younger vampires."

"And the older ones are finding it confusing," Ken added.

"Yes. I have heard about this," Darien said. "But I honestly do not know what it is."

"Well, we'll have to find out soon, because it's causing chaos. Any vampires that are younger than two years, or especially newly turned, are losing their minds!" Greg said.

"Seriously Darien. Something has to be done." Rei spoke sharply at Darien's small smile on his lips.

"Yes, I realise our position. But I'm sure it's not that bad. I assure you, everything will be answered with due time," he looked away as the waiters entered the room with their food. Big glasses filled with lushes red liquid atop trays.

As the waiters left, they all stared at Darien.

"Please my friends, I know the same as you do. So what else is there to tell me?" he spoke as he drunk from his glass. "Surely you all have other news to tell me?"

"Yes. The shrine is doing well. I am getting a lot more people coming to see me about my fire reading. And because of that, we're selling a lot charms and everything," Rei said happily, "I was thinking, maybe Chad could start a martial arts course for people?"

"WHAT?" Chad nearly choked.

"I think is a good idea. When did you plan to start this?" Darien spoke towards Rei.

"WHAT?" Chad said again.

"Well, since he isn't really working, and he just bums round the temple, I was thinking as soon as possible. And I think it will be good, and gets heaps of people sign up because there are a lot more people coming to the shrine."

"Yes, very well, start straight away. I leave it all in your hands to decide." Darien said turning to Chad. "She has a point, and this way you can actually do something useful with you time."

Chad slit his eyes to Rei, "I do use my time wisely. Who you think keeps the shrine clean? With me doing this martial arts course, we're going to have to hire cleaners," he said turning to Darien.

"Yes? And the problem is?"

"I do use my time useful! I do not sit around and do nothing! I clean! How many guys do that?" Chad complained.

"Umm, Chad," Rei spoke, cutting in before Darien, "people will pay us for you to teach them, therefore we will be able to afford to hire cleaners. Plus, even if you weren't making an income, we'd still be able to afford them!" Rei was getting angry and frustrated.

"Settle down Rei," Darien spoke calmly. "You can fight and whatever later, but I like your idea. So Chad, deal." He sighed. "Is there any other news?" he looked around the table. "Ami, Greg?"

"Well actually—" Greg started.

"We have thought of a couple of new products. And maybe a new line," Ami added.

"Uh-huh?" Darien stared at them.

"Well, we were thinking of going into a cosmetic like range. I mean we work to get cures for diseases, but this cosmetic range can be like a quick cure for bruises, rashes, under eye bags, infections... little things like that," Ami started.

"And we know there are things like that out there, but we can make ours better. I mean we have been working on finding cures, so obviously we have come across things to stop certain things from happening and all, so this would be a pretty good area to go into," Greg finished.

"You mean like an off branch of pharmaceutical?" Darien said.

"Yeah, kind of," Greg started.

"But we'd sell it through our company as a new line," Ami said, "through the shield research facility as 'Shield Pharmaceuticals'."

"Yes, I like it," Darien started, "make it happen. Whatever. But are you positive it will be a hit and will sell?"

"Definitely. While researching we have come across so many remedies for little things like that, so it will work. And it will sell because it's hard to find something that works, and as a research facility, it's a sure given it will work." Greg said.

"Very well," Darien nodded his head, "Make it happen."

"Thank-you, sir," both Ami and Greg said together.

"Now, what about you Lita? Have anything new to ask me?" Darien turned to Lita who was gulping down her drink. Everyone couldn't help but laugh at her.

"What?" she said, "I haven't eaten all day! I'm thirsty and I'm hungry!" she defended herself.

"Yes... rightio," They all said.

"It's alright," Ken tried to make her feel better, "I understand." But he couldn't help but laugh.

"Humph," Lita gave up, "Any who's. Nothing much happens at a coffee shop. So why do you ask?" she said as continued to drink.

"Because it's always good to know what is happening," Andrew spoke.

"Yeah... well its going good. How about you and Darien?" she said to Andrew.

"We finished up the business deal with the freelancer agency Ranger Co." Andrew replied.

"Oh good," Lita said.

"Yes, it's all good," Darien spoke with a hint of frustration. "What about you Ken? How is business going?"

"Shield Finances is going good," he said as he looked up at them all, "everyone is playing back all their loans and re-mortgages, and finances. So no one really owes us money that we have to re-possess," He nodded, "so all is good. I also received all of the bank and other money details from the Ranger Co. Moments ago."

"That was fast," Andrew said.

"Yes, well he said he would send it as soon as possible," Darien said.

"Must be keen!" they all suggested.

"How about you, Mina? How is work going?" Darien said to Mina.

"It's going really good. But I have had a few ideas... well they were suggested to me, but I have been thinking about them for a while, so yeah," she smiled.

"And what are they?" Darien asked, looking at her like he was expecting nothing more from her.

"Well, instead of doing just a modelling agency to find and train models, and give them references for agencies, I was thinking of doing like a modelling and acting course. So if I get talented people, and modelling isn't really their forte, they can try acting..." she smiled at them, "Because these girls I get, they are really pretty and have the personality. Unfortunate, modelling is not their thing. They can't pull it off, but they would be really good for movies and all." She sounded really strong about her idea.

"Uh-huh... and what you call it?" Ami asked.

"Well obviously," she said dramatically, "it'd be 'Shield Modelling and Acting Agency'. I mean I get the guys now and then. But with an added acting agency, more guys will come, and they can try modelling out if their unsuccessful in acting? Yeah?" she looked at them all.

"Yes. Do it. Everyone else is doing something new. So I will allow it," Darien said. "But how are your provinces going?" he asked them.

"Oh, very good sir," they all spoke.

"The only real trouble is with the newly turned," Greg and Mina said at the same time, which caused the rest to laugh.

"Yes, there's nothing really I can do about that. But for those who ask to turn someone, deny them until we have the problem solved, okay," Darien spoke harshly. But they knew it all to be true. And the only logical reason to their answers.

"Then tomorrow, did you want a meeting with all of us as your ambassadors to parts, and our middle men, to make this a more demanding rule?" Ken asked.

"No," Darien was quick to answer. "Tell all of your left and right people about it and spread it out to your people in your area. But Tomorrow I am taking the whole day off," he spoke fast. Making sure no one could interfere him.

"May we ask what it is you will be doing?" Rei asked.

"Making arrangements for my slumber," he paused, "I will be leaving you all in charge while slumber."

"Certainly, sir," they all bowed their heads. "But why? for how long?" they almost said in unison, each more surprised then the next.

"I need time to clear my head and think... I believe a slumber after everything that has happened is in order." He took a few steps towards the doorway, "I do not know for how long... no more then a century... But time will not matter... it will go on without me. Everything has been set up... Everything will go smoothly... When I do return... please don't treat me differently... Nor your King... I want to return, without responsibilities."

He waited for them all to nod in acceptance of his proposal. "I will set everything up for my slumber... All you will need to do, is take over my work and commitment..." he left without another word.

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99 years and 1 day later...

Darien woke early. He ate then packed a blood bag for the road if something were to happen. He then grabbed a few things and left the mansion.

It took him a good 6 hours to reach his old mansion. But when he reached it, he was surprised by the state of it. He was expecting to see it all ruined and run down. But it was in better condition then he thought.

"Hmm, it's been awhile," he said as he got out of his car and stared at the house. It's been one hundred years, and it already feels like forever since I was last here.

He then put a hand to his chest where a single key lay on a chain around his neck and sighed. "I held up my end of the bargain. So what is you wanted me to be here for?" he said out loud.

He slowly leaned off his car and locked it. Not knowing what people, if any lurked around there. Making his way towards the front door of the house, he tried the handle and found it locked. 'Unusual,' he thought. Thinking maybe someone may have broken into the house over the year.

Using his super strength he pried the door open and entered. The inside was much the same. Just everything was covered in a thick layer of dust.

"Hmm..." he continued to walk through the mansion towards the back. When he reached the back room he saw the glass along the wall was lightly stained yellow due to the lack of cleaning. He walked through the room and outside through the door. The courtyard that he was in maintained its look, but was unruly and untidy. The cracks between the pavements were filled with grass and weeds that were popping through. The edges of the gardens were overflowing with uncut shrubs and the flowers were spreading like weeds.

After a few moments he went back inside the house and locked the door behind him. He continued to peruse around the house and reminisced in all that had happened in the mansion. Many were good memories, others were of the bad times, and some caused him heart ache. But all the same, they were memories of his former life. And unfortunately, among them all were memories of 'her'. The one his heart would always and forever belong too. But this place was also giving him new hope. He didn't know what to expect, but something about being here, and the promise he made to Serenity gave him a spark of fire in his soul that warmed him and made him tingle all over; a new found feeling of release, hope and excitement.

Slowly he made his way towards Serenity's office. The walk was slow and felt like forever, but when he reached the door, a feeling of adrenalin rushed through him.

After a few moments of calm breathing, he grabbed the key around his neck and pulled it over his head. He held it for a moment and placed it in the key hole of the door. Slowly turning it he heard the click of the door and grabbed the handle, pulling down on it while pushing it open.

As the door swung open, Darien stood there and watched as the room behind revealed itself. There wasn't anything different beside the build up of dust. It was completely the same as he left it many years ago. It was close to the hour when he made the promise in that very room 100 years ago.

He walked through the threshold of the doorway and felt a light wave of nerves wash over him. It was at this very moment when something hit him. Realisation. He also noticed that the room was different in someway. Somehow someone was here after he left it. But the scent, it was familiar. The feeling of someone in the same room as he at the same time, but no one was there. It was his imagination. What was happening?

He approached the desk and just as he met the end of the desk he stopped. Slowly he turned his head towards the two chairs in front of it and saw that on one of them was a book. It looked so familiar. He leaned over and picked it up, but as he touched it, it sent a light jolt of electricity through him. 'Serenity's diary,' he thought as his eyes met the cover with her name written beautifully in cursive writing. 'But what is this?' he thought as he saw stains in the cover; they were round little dots. Some had running marks. 'They look like tear marks.' He ran his fingers over then and found they sunk into the leather, like someone dropped little droplets of acid on it.

In the vast quietness, Darien heard the front door slam open. Someone with light stepping ran inside, they were breathing heavily, "HELLO? HELLO? Is anyone here? I saw a car out the front. Hello?" it was a female's voice. It sounded strained and distressed.

He quickly looked at his watch and saw the time. It was exactly the same time he made the promise to Serenity. 'In one hundred years I shall meet you here. I shall be here and waiting for whatever you wanted me to be here for,' Darien remembered. He shoved the diary in his coat pocket and left the room, locking the door behind himself. Placing the chain and key back around his neck as he made his way towards the small female voice.

"Is anyone here? Please? Hello?" she kept yelling, but hope was slowly leaving her voice.

"Yes, what is it?" Darien said as he rounded the corner to the main entrance room.

"Oh, thank goodness," she sighed in relief, "is that your car?" she asked calmly; catching her breath.

Darien paused as his eyes fell upon her face. It was at that very moment when everything paused and his soul pulsated. It was indescribable, but it was already like he knew this would happen.

"Yes, it is," he replied to the young woman.

"Oh, thank goodness, would it be too much trouble to ask of a lift from you?" she asked softly as she continued to take large gulps of breath.

It was at that moment when Darien could smell the blood. She was bleeding; not to the point where it was life threatening, but there was a faint smell of blood. She also tired and fatigue.

"Please," she said faintly as she started to lose her balance.

"Whoa!" Darien exclaimed as he moved towards her, catching her before she totally hit the ground. "Are you alright?" he quickly asked as he held her up.

"…" She shook around in his arms, trying to stay conscious.

"What is you name?" he asked more urgently, "is there anywhere I can take you?"

Slowly she turned to face him, she breathed, "I… have no… no where to… go."

Darien looked shocked, "No where to go?" he asked, but when he came to think about it, "What is your name?" he quickly asked.

She only nodded her head in response to his questions.

"I do not understand," he said quietly; more to himself then anything. 'Surely someone is worried sick about her?' He thought.

"I… I have no memory… I have been by my self… for quiet some time now," She coughed. Slowly the darkness was consuming her.

"Where did you want me to take you?" he sighed. Obviously this was no apparent meeting what so ever. And regardless, they were to meet; under whatever circumstances.

"Any… where… safe," she whispered as she finally lost consciousness.

'Anywhere safe?' Darien thought to himself. 'Whatever happened to her, I shall take good care of her. And hopefully when the time is right she may tell of how she came about to be here and maybe we shall find out just how she lost her memory…'

As Darien thought, his eyes raked over the woman in his arms. She was wearing a white laid cotton dress that was ripped and had dirt smudges. Around her head was a white cotton scarf that she tried to use to conceal her face. As he looked more closely, he could notice the scratches on her creamy white skin and the bags under her eyes. 'Yes. No matter what, this meeting was bound to happen. And no matter what, I shall protect, and look after you.'

With that he carried her out of the mansion; locking it all behind him, and straight to his car. He loaded her into the passenger seat, and found himself in the driver's seat. From there he took off to find shelter and refuge at his city bound mansion where he knew she would be safe. Where he would be able to protect her, helping her find the truth behind their sudden meeting, and hopefully realise their existence enough to realise just how much they belonged together.

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Chapter started: 15th March 2008
Chapter finished on: 7th April 2008

Yes yes, I know that was a bit shitty! But do you know how many times I have changed this last chapter? HEAPS! Seriously, there is soooo many ideas I had for this, but this way you can use your imagination to decide whether they end up together or not.

But I was also thinking, this way, if I decide to go any further, I can make another story, as an add on to this one… but hey, that's IF I decide to. But yeah. It's open for whatever you want to happen next. I have already told you, as readers, what the new world is like for them, and what they have made themselves to be, like careers and all, and other key items where for…. Hehe… but a second story would be great with certain key items making their appearances and time continuums.

Well, I just wanted to say thanks too everyone who has read this story, and yeah. I'm just glad that now I can focus on NEW stories… two of which I have already started, and the first chapters should be posted soon… so stay tuned aye ! :)

Katie-Lee :)