The Magic Force Moon Crystal Reunion

by Shirley Ann Burton

After Amy Mizuno wins a trip anywhere in the world, she chooses Electro City, California. However, the Scouts have no idea of the danger to come when they arrive in Ace Cooper's city...

1. Destination of Destiny

The Magic Force
Moon Crystal Reunion

By: Shirley Ann Burton

The Never-Out-of-Style Disclaimer:
The Magician, and all other related material, are the copyright of Gaumont Multimédia. Sailor Moon, and all other related material there, are copyrighted by Naoko Takeuchi and Toei Animation. Angela Jacobs and Victor Raven are my original creations, while good friends Shawna LaDelpha and "Haruka Tenoh" (her preferred name) have contributed original villains and monsters into this. Please ask us for permission to any of the original characters in future stories. Watch for screen captures and original drawings throughout the story. Move your arrow over the image to see who is credited for that. Please keep this in mind: If you have not read The Calm Before the Storm, read that one first, since it leads into this story. Otherwise, proceed to the Author's Note below. ^_^

**AUTHOR'S NOTE**

Well, it looks like my warped imagination has gone to work again. For the second time, Ace Cooper will be joining forces with Sailor Moon in hopes to protect the Earth from the newest threat. The setting, however, is far different this time...the center of the action is Electro City, California. This story once again is in an alternative universe where the two concepts can co-exist.
I had so much fun joining the Magician and Sailor Moon the first time around, I decided on doing this again just because it was wild enough for me to go for it. This story takes place approximately three years after their first meeting, and just after Super Sailor Moon has defeated Queen Nephrenia, making the world peaceful again.
Oh, and one last thing for the diehard Sailor Moon fanatics: I will continue using the English first names of the characters, including Rini. However, for Rini's sailor form, she will be referred to as Sailor Chibi-Moon, as opposed to the English-dubbed Sailor Mini-Moon. Why? Simple, I just like the sound of Chibi-Moon over Mini-Moon, and Mini-Moon sounds like a take-off on Austin Powers's character Mini-Me. That is all, so enjoy the story.

Part 1: Destination of Destiny

On the grounds of the Cherry Hill Temple in Tokyo, Japan, a young woman, an elderly gentleman, and a young man were all busy working on chores to keep their home looking beautiful for visitors.
"Come on, Chad!" yelled the elderly gentleman. "Put some muscle into the work! I didn't let you stay here just to play your music all the time!"
"I'm trying, Grandpa," said Chad, trying so hard to keep the raked leaves in place. "The wind's the problem right now."
"That's no excuse! I know you can do a lot better!"
Chad Kumada, a struggling rock musician, came to live at the temple three years earlier in an attempt to conquer his stage fright. During that time he found peace within himself and had grown quite fond of the young lady of the temple. He decided to stay on at the temple as a permanent apprentice while he still performed part-time. He and Grandpa Hino would almost always get into some strange arguments, but deep down Grandpa thought of Chad as a son while the boy thought of him as a caring grandfather.
The young lady was used to hearing them argue…since she would normally get into arguments with someone who was also one of her best friends.
Raye Hino had lived at the temple since childhood, as her aspiration was to become a Shinto priestess. Learning supernatural and meditation techniques, she had an innate sixth sense which warned her of approaching evil. During this day, however, she had already known evil was coming towards Earth once again. Only three weeks earlier, she received a psychic warning from Sailor Saturn, the Sailor Scout of Destruction.
The message was simple: A new threat would come to Earth…only this time the center of the danger was not Tokyo, Japan. It centered in Electro City, California, the home of famed magician Ace Cooper. She also knew the only hope to save Earth was for Sailor Moon to join forces with the Magician once again.
Three years before this, Ace and some of his closest friends traveled to Japan for a special one-week cultural trip. While he introduced the people of Japan to his magic, he and his friends learned traditional Japanese customs. By a strange quirk of fate, though, Ace teamed up with Sailor Moon and her companions and played a major role in the downfall of the Dark Princess, an evil being who wanted to destroy the Earth.
Ace, along with seasoned apprentice Cosmo, training magician Angela Jacobs, her best friend Ashley Brighton, and his girlfriend Mona Malone, used the power of the Magic Force in combination with Sailor Moon's Silver Moon Crystal to destroy the Dark Princess's plans…as well as the being herself.
The new threat to Earth would come, but Sailor Saturn was unable to give an exact time.
"It's all up to Amy now," Raye whispered to herself. "She has to choose Electro City for our vacation, or all will be lost…"
In her mother's apartment, Amy Mizuno relaxed and tried to think about where to go for a two-week vacation. "We could try Germany…or Hawaii…or maybe the Southwestern U.S. I hear this time of year it's…too hot. Perhaps somewhere in Canada? Oh, I can't make up my mind, and I have just a few days left to decide before the trip is null and void. I'm not sure what I can do."
It had been almost two weeks since Amy went on the Japanese game show Who Wants to Travel the World and won the grand prize. She had only three days left to pick the destination for their two-week holiday. She kept looking through travel brochures but had no luck in coming to a decision.
She then noticed the publicity photo from the newspaper. "Maybe…I need to get the team together. Perhaps they can help me decide our trip."
Amy then called up her friends and asked to meet at Raye's temple.
Raye had completed all her chores within a half-an-hour and waited patiently for the others to arrive.
The first to arrive was Mina Aino, who also brought her white tabby cat Artemis. "Hi, Raye. I guess I'm first. I'm normally as late as Serena."
"That is shocking," said the talking white tabby. "You're usually eyeing a guy first."
"Oh, will you stop, Artemis? Amy said it's important because she's having trouble deciding where to go for the trip."
That response sent a chill down Raye's back. The trip…we have to get to Electro City so we can help Mr. Cooper…
Artemis said, "Raye, are you okay?"
"I'm…fine. I guess we need to wait for the others."
Amy soon joined them. "Hi, guys. I'm glad you're here. The others aren't here yet, I see."
"No," said Raye. "If I know Serena, she's probably in a huge argument with Rini again."
Sure enough, on the way to the temple, Serena Tsukino and her "cousin" Rini were going at each other's throats.
"Get away from my Darien!" Serena screamed loudly.
Darien Chiba was getting another headache having to hear his girlfriend Serena and little Rini argue again.
Meanwhile, Serena's dark gray tabby cat Luna and Rini's slate-gray kitten Diana rested on each of his shoulders.
"Mommy," said the kitten, "do they do this all the time?"
Luna responded, "When it comes to Darien…yes, they do."
Rini then yelled back, "Ha! You drool all over him like a bad cold! He wants to go with me!"
Darien could not handle another one of these sibling arguments, but then, he had to remember that in the future, he was the King of the Earth while Serena would be Neo-Queen Serenity and Rini was their future daughter. "Will you two please stop!? We're going to help Amy pick a location for the two-week vacation. She's got to make her decision by Saturday."
"I want Hawaii," said Serena.
Rini countered, "No! I wanna go to Spain!"
"Why with all those old buildings?"
"They're historical buildings! I want to see those…"
"Ladies!" yelled Darien. "The final decision is in Amy's hands, not ours! Now if you two don't knock it off, I'll ask Amy to keep you both here!"
That quickly got the two girls to be quiet.
Luna was pleasantly surprised. "Good work, Darien. Threatening them not to come with us sure did the trick."
"I had to do something to get them to stop fighting. Now, we'd better move. You know how Raye is about anyone being late."
Ten minutes later, the group of five arrived at the Cherry Hill. Raye noticed something very peculiar. "What's happened to Serena and Rini? They're not fighting as usual…"
Little Diana said, "Darien threatened that if they kept it up, they wouldn't go along on the trip with us."
Raye smiled wickedly. "That was a perfect idea."
"I agree," said Darien with a chuckle. "Now, who's left?"
"Just Lita. That's strange, she's normally not late."
Lita Kino walked slowly as she read something. "Man…things sure have gotten interesting. I just wish…I could see him again."
She finally walked through the gates of the temple.
Mina said, "Lita? Lita…hey, Venus calling Jupiter, come in, Jupiter…"
The green-eyed girl looked up and realized where she was. "Oh, sorry. I was, um…just reading…"
Serena grabbed the letter from Lita's hands and started reading it aloud. "Lita, I miss you so much. Ever since I met you three years ago, my life hasn't been the same…you still hold a special place in my heart."
Lita became very adamant about Serena reading the letter. "Hey, give me that back! That's mine!"
"You've given me magic like I've never had before," she continued. "I hope someday we can be back together to see the sky again. I love you…Cosmo."
Lita quickly grabbed the letter back. "How dare you read this in front of everybody!"
Rini became very curious. "Um, Lita, who's this guy Cosmo?"
Taking some deep breaths to calm herself down, she gave Rini an honest answer. "Cosmo is a guy I met three years ago. I kinda…fell in love with him."
"What's so special about him?"
"Well, he and I are sorta kindred spirits. He used to be a juvenile delinquent…like me in a way, getting into fights constantly. If only I had brought that group picture, I could show you what he looks like."
Raye interjected, "Wait…I can do that. I have a double of that picture in my room. I'll go get it."
She quickly returned with the photo and showed it to Rini. "This is the one…the boy with the spiky red hair. That's Cosmo."
"Wow," said the little girl, "it looks like he's not the only friend here."
"Nope. In the middle there with the light brown hair is Angela Jacobs, next to her is her best friend Ashley Brighton. Then, the other two friends on the far right…the red-headed woman is Mona Malone and the guy with the strange hair is Ace Cooper, the Magician. I can't believe it's already been three years."
"I still remember Zina," said Luna happily. "The licking she gave me the first time I saw her. I was so annoyed by that."
Amy thought about Lita's letter and what Raye and Luna said. Then, she remembered something just before Ace and the others left Japan. If you ever decide to come to Electro City, Ace's voice sounded in her mind, you are all welcome to stay in the Magic Express…
"Of course," she whispered. "Why didn't I think of this before!?"
Everyone looked at Amy strangely.
Serena said, "You're gonna choose Hawaii, right?"
"No!" yelled Rini. "It's gonna be Spain!"
Amy shook her head. "You're both wrong. Remember the offer Mr. Cooper made just before he left Japan?"
"Yeah!" Mina stated excitedly. "He said we could stay in the Magic Express…if we chose to go to where he is."
"The…Magic Express?" Rini said with confusion.
"It's Mr. Cooper's home. You won't believe it when you see it. So, Amy, what's the plan?"
"I think it's time…we took up on his offer. I hereby choose Electro City, California, as our destination for two weeks!"
That brought excited voices to all her friends…while Raye breathed a huge sigh of relief. Thanks, Amy. Now we can do what must be done to protect Earth again. Mr. Cooper will be happy to know we are finally coming.
"I'll head down to the station and tell them myself."
Mina said, "Hey, I'll go with you. After that, how long do we have to wait until we can take the trip?"
"We have to take the trip the week after our entrance exams. They'll arrange everything with the travel agency, and then we can take the trip! I can't wait to see Angel again!"
With the final decision made, Amy and the others left the temple to start making their plans for the two-week trip.
Raye, though, could not help but be concerned. "We still don't know exactly what the threat will be…and I have a pretty good idea Mr. Cooper doesn't know, either…"

More than 8000 miles away in Electro City, California, Ace Cooper the Magician and his friends relaxed in the comforts of the Magic Express, the two-car bullet train they called home.
They had a whole month to rest between shows, before they would leave on their monthly trip to Lazaro City.
Ace's body was in relaxed mode, but his mind was very active. He also received a psychic warning from Sailor Saturn about the same threat. Knowing his home city was the center of the threat, he wanted to do something yet could not do so because he could not tell when the attack would come. "It's too bad I can't sense something like this. Raye's the only one who can. Problem is, she's back in Japan with the others."
His pet panther Zina entered the living room and started licking his right hand.
Ace looked at her and gently petted her. "Girl…I wish there were something I could do right now. The city's in danger…no, possibly the entire world is in danger, and all we can do is sit back and wait. Ever since Haruka and Michiru suddenly left, I've just been feeling on edge lately."
The day after he received Sailor Saturn's warning, the two musicians who were supposed to perform that night for a show became sick. Out of the blue, Angela Jacobs, his training-magician friend and a woman who shared the Magic Force's power, was able to locate a pianist named Haruka Tenoh and a violinist named Michiru Kaioh. The two young ladies helped out with the spectacular performance but then mysteriously left.
The two left a note for both magicians, saying the only hope for the Earth to be saved would be for Ace and his friends to work with Sailor Moon again.
Ace considered paying for Serena and her friends to come, but Sailor Saturn specifically said to trust in the intelligence of Sailor Mercury. "I just hope Amy can do something…but, how will we know if she did succeed?"
Meanwhile, in the computer room, Cosmo worked diligently on updating the super computer system known as Angel. "Boy, this monthly maintenance is, like, so boring to do."
Just then, a purplish pink holographic polygon appeared in front of him. "Cosmo, you have an incoming video e-mail message from Lita Kino."
The young man gasped in disbelief. "Lita…sent an e-mail? Hmm, this could be important. Play video e-mail, please."
The screen turned itself on, and soon an image of Lita could be seen, much to Cosmo's delight. "Lita…"
When the message started, Lita spoke, "Hi, Cosmo. You know how much I've missed you since we saw each other three years ago. Anyway, I've got some fantastic news! Remember when your friend Mr. Cooper made us an offer to stay in the Magic Express if we ever decided to come to Electro City? Well, we're gonna get the chance to go over there!"
Angie soon joined Ace in the living room after finishing up in the kitchen. "The steaks will be ready to eat in 30 minutes." With their shared bond by magic, she knew how anxious Ace was. "You're worried about Saturn's message, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am. She said it's up to Amy to get them over here, but we don't know if—"
Cosmo suddenly jumped up and down all the way to the living room. "Oh, man, I don't believe it! I just don't believe it!"
Ace stood up and said, "Cosmo, what's going on? Are you okay?"
"Couldn't be better, dude! I just got a video e-mail message from Lita in Tokyo. She said she and the others are coming here…for two weeks!"
Angie was very surprised by this announcement. "How did it happen?"
"According to her, Amy Mizuno won the grand prize on their national game show called Who Wants to Travel the World. She had the chance to choose any destination on Earth, and she decided on Electro City! I'll be able to see Lita again!"
While the young man was very excited, Ace and Angie carried a mental conversation.
Looks like Sailor Saturn was right about Amy, thought Ace.
Yeah…trust Sailor Mercury's brains to get them here. It will be nice to see them all again. Of course, we still don't know what the threat against Earth is…or when it will come.
Ace then said, "I can't wait to see them all again, especially Raye. And Amy will probably be looking forward to seeing Angel again."
"I can't wait to hear what Serena and Darien are up to…wait until they find out I have a boyfriend now."
"Oh, that reminds me," noted Cosmo. "There's another little girl and cat joining them. The girl's name is Rini and the little kitten's named Diana. Rini…I think I've heard that name somewhere before."
"You have? When?"
Cosmo thought carefully about all the conversations he had. "Now I remember…Lita mentioned Rini being Serena's 30th-Century relative."
Ace and Angie were both surprised and simultaneously said, "30th Century!?"
"Yeah, so?"
Angie said, "A 30th-Century person in the 21st Century?"
"Uh-huh. Lita also said she played a big role in defeating something called the Doom Phantom…unless my memory's been shot. I'll have to ask her when they get here."
Ace smiled. "I think Zina will love seeing the cats again. I just hope she'll take Diana okay."
"The way Zina was on Luna the first time," laughed Angie, "I think Diana will be just fine."
"Cosmo, when do they get here?"
"Not for at least a couple of weeks. Final exams are coming up there."
"Understandable. That'll give us plenty of time to prepare the Express for…Serena, Darien, Amy, Raye, Lita, Mina, Rini, Luna, Artemis, Diana…ten guests. I don't think it's ever had this many people before, has it, Angel?"
The holographic dodecahedron appeared and answered, "No. As far as I can remember, the highest number of people who have spent the night here has been five."
"Thankfully we'll have enough room for everyone, including the cats. We've got at least five guest rooms, which would definitely work"
Angie looked at Ace and realized, "We may not need all the rooms. Remember, the cats stay very close to their owners, so Luna and Diana would sleep with Serena and Rini."
"That's right, they would. We'll make decisions when they do get here. This should be an…interesting reunion."
Cosmo looked slightly confused. "What're you talkin' about, dude?"
"Nothing. Just waiting to see how much they've grown and matured."
"I can't wait to see Lita again…" His mind wandered back to the times he shared a kiss with Sailor Jupiter. "I can't wait to show her around Electro City!"
Angie thought about Ace's last sentence. "If I know Serena, I don't know if she's really matured or not…if you get my angle."
The Magician let out a hearty laugh. "I suppose you're right. It'll be interesting to meet little Rini. Her name sounds like a contracted version of Serena. I wonder if her hair's the same way."
"Probably is, but much shorter. Of course, how surprised will she be when she meets all of us and especially Zina? I'm a little worried about that."
Ace calmed her uncertainties. "Zina would never dare attack a child. She's more protective of them than not. Believe me, Rini will be just fine." Turning to Cosmo he added, "So, they're going to come as soon as they're finished with their entrance exams?"
"Right. Lita said she's doing some serious study time in order to do well enough to get into high school. Wow, they've got one tough system over there."
Angie added, "Well, some states here make you take a special exam just so you're allowed to even graduate high school at all. I should know, since that Iowa Graduation Exam was a hard one to get past."
"Cosmo," said Ace, "I want you to e-mail Lita back and ask her to give us a specific time table when it's available."
"Got it, dude. I'll do that right now!" He then ran back to the computer room to get his video response ready.
Angie breathed a sigh of relief after Cosmo's announcement. "At least now we'll be prepared for whatever threat comes our way this time. If only we knew what it was…and more importantly, when it's coming."
"I know. Sailor Saturn didn't give us a lot to go on, but it's all we have right now. All we can do is wait."
"And Cosmo will get more and more anxious every passing day until Lita gets here." Angie had to giggle about that part.
"Tell me about it. He's still got her old transformation pen in his drawer. You can start seeing it more often now."
Angie then turned away for a moment. "Ace, there's something else bothering me. I mean, we know who the Scouts really are, but does Rini know that?"
"Hmm…that may be a good point. If Rini doesn't know we already know the truth, it could cause damage if she were told right away. Perhaps the best is to just wait it out for now. I also know there's another possible situation we may have to deal with."
"What is it?"
"Is Captain Friedrichs ready to deal with a group of female heroines? After all, the only ones who know about the threat are you, me, and Raye Hino."
"Agreed. We'd better not say anything about this to anyone until we're positive about the threat. If it does come here, Raye will be the first to know. Then, I suggest we tell only Vega, since I know we can trust him."
"Angie, don't you have a date with Victor in the next couple of weeks?"
"As a matter of fact, yes. We have reservations at the Scorpio Club in three weeks. Serena and her friends will have settled around here pretty well by then…at least I hope they will."
"Come on, let's get those steaks of yours ready for dinner. I'm ready to relax and forget the worries for now."
"I'm with you. I'll show you how to season them prior to being done."
Ace had taught Angie how to master her magical powers while she taught him the basics of cooking. It was not a time to be concerned about the possible danger. However, they could not help but be anxious because they could not do anything until at least the two groups were together again.

**Two Weeks Later**

Amy finished filling out all the paperwork at the travel office, and all the passports had arrived safely for her and her friends. When she left, she went to a pay phone to contact Lita. She could have used her calculator communicator, but she knew doing so would arouse suspicion from other people in that area. "Hello, Lita?"
"Hey, what's up?"
"Good news. All the arrangements have been made, and I have the passports. I'll give them to you two days before we leave for Electro City. Now, can you do me a big favor? I need you to write down the list of things to do and e-mail Cosmo to tell him that we'll be there by next Saturday?"
"You bet!" Lita then grabbed a piece of paper and a pen and wrote the necessary information to e-mail to Cosmo. She did not miss anything on the list, but she could not help thinking about seeing Cosmo again. I can't believe in just over a week, I'll reunite with Cosmo…I wonder how much he's changed. In fact, I wonder how he and all his friends are doing. I can't wait to get there.
After completing the list, she went to the library to e-mail Cosmo with the information.
Less than an hour later, Cosmo was alerted to an incoming e-mail from Lita, so he ran to the computer room, nearly crashing into Ace in the hallway. "Sorry, dude. Lita's sent mail!"
"Make a print-out of that," Ace shouted clearly. "It's probably the final preparations list Amy said she would relay to Lita."
"Sure thing."
As soon as the young man entered the room, he said, "Angel, open e-mail from Lita, if you please."
"As you wish, Cosmo," the soft voice responded.
The message this time was just text, not video. It was important, though. "Angel, give me a hard copy of the entire e-mail, please."
"You seem to be in pleasant spirits today," Angel noted.
"Of course, Angel. With Lita and the others coming, I just want to…be on the up-and-up. Besides, Angie wants to make a very special dish when they do arrive. She wants to try something really different this time, and she's been working hard on making it right. I think it's called…super spicy chicken lo mein with ginger and jalapeno peppers. Man, she's really going all out this time."
"I look forward to seeing Amy again," said the AI pleasantly. "She and I wanted to exchange information about the latest advances in technology last time, but our trip was only for one week. Now we can have chats for two weeks."
"And wait until they all find out about Angie and Victor. In addition, Ace warned me not to say anything about us knowing the Scouts' identities, since little Rini doesn't know that. Lita on her end said the same thing. Surprisingly, Serena hasn't said anything about it."
"She hasn't?" said Angie as she walked into the computer room. "That's a shock. According to Raye, she's one of the worst blabbermouths around."
"Well, in this case, Rini's gonna be around complete strangers. It's probably for the best for her right now. How's your…experimental dish?"
"It still has a few problems right now, but I still have about a week or so before they get here, so hopefully I'll get it right by the time they arrive."
"I can't wait to try that recipe when it's perfected."
"I tell you…making a new dish is as complicated as learning magic tricks. It takes a lot of trial-and-error to get it right. I'm just glad we don't have to perform for a little while anyway. I'm gonna head back to the kitchen and check just how hot the jalapeno peppers are."
"Can you handle that kind of spice?" Cosmo asked with some worry.
Angie simply shook her head and smiled. "My stomach can deal with natural spices, not the phoney stuff in some foods. I love using ginger and the hot peppers."
"Okay, I guess it's…cool, or should I say hot?"
The female magician laughed and soon left to do some more experimenting with her new culinary creation. However, her mind soon drifted back to Sailor Saturn's warning. "I shouldn't be laughing right now," she whispered to herself. "This is a potentially serious situation, and here I am making jokes…"
You shouldn't worry, Angie, she heard from Ace telepathically. If you worry about it now, you'll make yourself sick. Only concern yourself with the matter when it comes. It will come, but it won't help if you keep thinking about it.
Yeah, I guess so, she thought back. It's not that easy, though.
"I know," said Ace as he walked up to her. "I don't want to worry about this too much, either, but it will definitely be in the back of my mind until it happens. I just hope the Scouts will be here before that does come to pass."
"No kidding. I'm just worried, that's all. It's going to be hard keeping this from Cosmo or Victor…"
"Hey, don't forget, the other Scouts don't know what's going on, either. Only Raye knows over there. We need to be thinking more about having this place cleaned up before they get here. We've got to do this spic-and-span clean."
Angie nodded. "Yeah, you're right. I need to get things going around here, like getting the rooms vacuumed and completely cleaned up. I know Luna and Artemis don't shed very easily, but I wonder about little Diana."
"We'll just have to wait and see for now. Just don't worry, okay?"
"Okay. Thanks, Ace."
"Just let your darker shadow stay on alert for the danger."
That's right, said the voice of her darkness, something Angie finally embraced after a terrifying ordeal several months earlier. Let me do the worrying about the danger. You need to concentrate more on getting the dish right. By the way, I've noticed you're getting a little frustrated over it. Just relax.
Hey, said Angie in thought, you're the one who's supposed to help me be more open with what I'm really feeling. And right now, I really am frustrated on the dish. It's got to come out right when they arrive…
At least you're not hiding that fact. Why is it you get so easily frustrated when something isn't exactly right?
It's the way my mother was. She would get upset if a dish or a job didn't come out exactly the way it should have. She'd do things over and over again until it came out right. She wanted to follow instructions down to the letter. In a way, I've inherited that trait from her. Dad would always tell her to relax and not worry so much about the smaller details, but that's just how she was. Any interior design she would do…it must meet the exact specifications. I guess that's how I am with making new dishes.
That's understandable. I'm just glad you're no longer afraid of showing how you're really feeling deep inside.
Just one thing, though, shadow. I have to be careful about my emotions around the visitors, especially Rini.
True. Besides, it's got to be rather difficult harboring such a dangerous secret right now. If it's any consolation to you, at least you're not the only one who knows this.
Agreed, my friend. Thanks for becoming a part of my life…after I locked you away for way too long.
It's just a part of being human. The hardest thing is keeping the magic in control when you become emotional. I know the first date with Victor wasn't what you had planned, and it was easy to tell how angry you really were that night. I'm happy you decided not to bury the anger.
Yeah, but I nearly hurt the two robbers. If it weren't for you, I could've killed them both.
That may be true, said the darker shadow, but it's better to openly express your feelings than bottling them up for more than eight years. You just need time, that's all. I know you can do it. Just believe in yourself. If you start to get angry and lose control, channel the anger into something else.
Angie smiled. Okay, I will. Thanks, my friend…for all your help so far.
You're welcome. I think with the danger coming, though, you, me, and the others will need all the help we can get. I just hope it's nothing, but you, Raye, and Ace know that it will happen.
Right. Now the only questions are how and when…

**One Week Later in Tokyo**

Serena and Rini placed the last of their luggage into the trunk of Darien's car, as they were ready to leave for the airport and be on their way to Electro City with the others.
Darien then walked up with a piece of paper. "Okay, ladies, time for one last check. I have the list here. Ready?"
"Ready," the two girls said together.
"Okay, here we go. Passports?"
"In the glove compartment," answered Serena.
"Very good. Basic supplies, as in toothbrush, toothpaste, and the like, all in clear plastic bags?"
Rini put her right thumb up and said, "All packed properly, Darien. Each of us has our individual supplies in each of the suitcases."
Serena nodded happily. "Thanks, Rini. You know how forgetful I can be."
"True, but this trip is just too cool to miss out on."
Darien smiled and continued with the list. "First aid kit?"
"In your suitcase as you requested," said Serena.
"All the luggage for the three of us?"
Rini stated, "All in the trunk and checked to make sure we weren't hiding anything."
"Good work. Last thing we need is a security nightmare. Now, special hiding places for Luna, Artemis, and Diana."
"Rini and I made some air holes in the two bags. Luna and Diana will share one while Artemis will have his own next to Mina on the flight."
"Excellent. I've filled the car with gas and have a guaranteed safe parking place so no one steals the car while we're away. I've also made arrangements with the airport to get our luggage as soon as we arrive, so a valet will take my car to the designated parking spot."
Just then, the other members of Serena and Rini's family came out.
Mrs. Tsukino stated, "Ladies, listen to me, all right? You are going as ambassadors of Japan. Don't make fools of yourselves while you are staying in Electro City."
"We promise, Mom," said Serena. "I'll stay close to Rini throughout the trip."
"Rini, I don't want you wandering off anywhere by yourself. Electro City can be dangerous if you go off somewhere alone."
"Don't worry," little Rini started in reassurance. "I've got all my friends with me. They'll make sure I'm all right."
Sammy, Serena's younger brother, said, "I don't know how a ditz like you could get so lucky and take the vacation to Electro City."
"Maybe it's because I know the grand prize winner of Who Wants to Travel the World and we have good connections there."
"I think I should go along," he mumbled.
"Sorry, Sam," added Rini. "Amy made it clear, and Mom did say no acting foolish."
"Whatever…I want something from there when you do return."
Darien walked up and said, "Don't worry about that, Sammy. We have a list of people to whom we'll be getting souvenirs from Electro City. You're close to the top of the list."
"But…who's higher?"
"Your parents, who else?"
"Okay, okay. It won't be the same around here without the two meatball heads. It'll be too quiet."
Serena normally resented being called "Meatball Head," but this exciting trip took her mind off that remark almost immediately. "Think this way, squirt. You won't have to hear me screaming and crying for two weeks."
"Yeah, when you put it that way, sis, you're right! I only wish it were longer than the two weeks…"
"Very funny, squirt!" Serena tried to go after him but was pulled back by Darien. "What'd you do that for?"
"It's time to head for the airport. Our flight leaves in just over an hour."
"And I don't want to be late," said Rini with some determination. "Let's go, now!"
Serena then ran to her parents and said, "Mom, Dad, I'll find a way to communicate with you when we arrive, I promise."
"Okay, honey," said Mr. Tsukino. Embracing her, he added, "Take care of yourself over there, okay?"
"You got it, Dad." After one last kiss to her mother, Serena jumped into the front seat of Darien's car.
It took the three of them about 30 minutes to reach the airport, leaving them with little time to spare. Thankfully, all the luggage was checked in time.
However, one very important thing was missing: the three passports!
"Serena!" yelled Darien. "You were supposed to get the passports out of the glove compartment! We've got only 15 minutes left!"
"I'm sorry, Darien…I—"
"Run to the car and get those passports now! If we don't have them, we can't get on the plane!"
"But—"
"Now, Serena! Meet us at gate 173 when you have them!" Darien and Rini both ran off with the two bags holding the three cats.
"Why that little…I'd better get them quick!"
She somehow managed to get to the car in less than five minutes after running at top speed through the airport. She found the passports and managed to get back inside after a quick explanation to the security guard.
At the meeting point, everyone grew very impatient.
Raye said, "Serena needs to hurry it up! I can't believe she forgot the passports!"
"That's what she gets," said Luna, "when she concentrates too much on the trip and too little on the important details. Oh, Diana?"
"Yes, Mom?"
"Whatever you do, you are not to speak when we arrive. We don't need people looking at us like we're crazy or something, all right?"
"Okay, Mom, I'll do it. Say, is that who I think it is?"
"Ah, here she comes now."
Rini was flustered when Serena finally showed up. "What took you so long?"
Panting in breath, she answered, "You try explaining your situation to a security guard and see how easy it is to get back through all that security, you little runt. I've got the passports."
"It's about time," said the very impatient Raye. "We've got to get on the plane right now." Every second counts if we want to help Mr. Cooper in Electro City.
As soon as the final checklist was accomplished, they all showed their plane tickets and passports.
"Thank you all very much," said the gate attendant. "You can board your flight now."
The six ladies and one young man quickly ran across the gate and entered the plane to find their seats.
Serena and Rini wanted to fight over a window seat, but Darien said, "Would you two like to stay here instead?"
The two ladies quickly went silent to avoid that awful fate.
Then, the pilot made her announcement. "Ladies and gentlemen, we're ready to leave for Electro City, California. Now, please buckle your safety belts and stay seated as we take off."
Everyone applauded and cheered as they were ready to go.
Within ten minutes, the plane was rising above the runway, and soon Serena and her friends were on their way to reunite with Ace Cooper the Magician and his companions.
Lita was very excited about the trip for one reason. "I can't wait to see Cosmo again…it's been so long, and I know somehow he's waiting for me."
Raye stared out the window with her mind on something else. Hang on, Mr. Cooper. We're coming to help you with this threat against Earth. I only hope Sailor Saturn is wrong, but I doubt that seriously…