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The Unknown

Chapter 1

Serena watched the clock anxiously.

2:43

Tick-tock-tick-tock

The second hand was moving painfully slow, as if taunting her.

Tick-tock-tick-tock

To her right she felt a sharp jab."Ow!" Serena exclaimed.

"Stop it!" Mina hissed.

Serena bounced her leg underneath her desk impatiently. "I can't help it. Just a few more minutes and I'll see him."

Mina rolled her eyes. "You are ridiculous. What is it with you and Darien anyway?"

Serena glanced back at the clock.

2:44

"We're fine Mina. I should ask you about Max." Serena whispered.

"No one should be talking!" Professor Hamilton announced from the top of her newspaper.

Mina's cheeks flushed as she glanced around nervously. Her fellow students were hard at work, finishing their final exam before their much anticipated spring break.

Serena propped up her text book to cover her face and cast a look at Mina. "He is coming isn't he?"

"Yes, but you're avoiding my question. What is up with you and Darien? He never misses a weekend. He hasn't been to see you in nearly a month." Mina whispered back as her pencil skipped idly over the paper.

2:45

"He had to go out of town for a few conferences and interviews. He's almost done with school now." Serena muttered back.

"Is he thinking about Florida?" Mina asked.

"No, why would he?" Serena said.

"Um, because you're here." Mina said.

Serena opened her mouth to respond but a paper ball bounced off her head and landed right in front of her. Fuming, she turned around to see who had thrown it but everyone was still focused on their books, not paying her or Mina any attention.

Grumbling, Serena unfolded the paper ball. A detailed sketch of herself unfolded. She was seated at a window ledge, looking out at the stars. She was dressed in a long flowing dress, her hair was up and pinned elegantly.

"Wow!" Mina exclaimed as she peered over Serena's shoulder.

"Ms. Aino!" Professor Hamilton said firmly. "We are in the middle of our mid-term. I understand it may be exciting for you, but the rest of us would like to concentrate and complete it on time as it is worth twenty-five percent of our final grade."

"Yes ma'am." Mina answered promptly, bowing her head low.

Serena chuckled from behind her book.

2:50

Serena looked around again. Who could have possibly tossed her this paper? She was in a large classroom of over fifty students. English lit. Naturally there were all types of people crammed inside. Over in the corner were the pre-law students, behind her were an assortment of fine arts students, in the front row were the pre-med students, behind them the business students followed by the future teachers and in her row were the undecided students.

That was a comforting thought. Two years into her college career and she was still undecided. She had yet to make her career choice. She was running out of basics to take. This was her final semester. She had to choose soon or risk graduating late. And graduating late would mean it would be that much longer until she could join Darien.

Not that Mina was in much better shape. She too was undecided though she had aspirations of going into drama or journalism. She at least was occupied with the volleyball team and Max. Mina and Max had been dating for just over a year though it took Mina about six months to admit to it. Max was on the football team, at six-five and two hundred and twenty pounds he was a massive form of muscles, scars and a ruthless demeanor on the football field yet surprisingly was very tender with Mina.

Serena was glad Mina had finally started dating someone. She wanted her to be just as happy as she was with Darien. Sure, she and Darien were living in different states as they pursued their education but still made time to see each other almost every weekend. Serena was happy as she could be and with Darien finally rounding out his educational career it seemed as if life would soon be complete.

"Alright ladies and gentlemen, that's time. Bring your exams to the front as you exit. Have a safe spring break, don't forget to keep working on your research papers they're due the week after you get back." Professor Hamilton announced as the class packed up their belongings and ushered toward the front.

Mina grabbed Serena's arm as they exited the classroom. Suddenly the outside air that hit their face as they left felt so much sweeter than it did going in. "We're free Serena! FREE! Crap, I still have to pack."

Serena smiled as they walked but noticed that there was still something crumpled up in her hand. She looked down at it and saw it was the drawing.

Mina snatched it out of her hand. "Who did this? It's incredibly detailed. Look you can see the tiny scar you have on the back of your neck, and even the tiny baby hairs by your ears and even your transformation pendant…"

The paper fluttered to the ground.

Serena felt as if she were plunged into a bucket of ice. "What?" She immediately scooped up the paper. Sure enough at the top of the gown she was dressed in was the faint imprint of her transformation brooch.

"That can't be Mina. It's just decoration. I haven't worn that thing in years. We don't need them anymore."

Mina pulled Serena off to the side of the building. "It's not decoration Serena! Don't you recognize that dress? That's the one you change in to when you're -"

"Stop!" Serena re-crumbled up the paper. "It's not the same, it's different. We're making a big deal out of nothing. Just forget about it Mina. Class is over. We need to go pack before Darien gets here okay?"

"Serena—"

"We're not going to talk about it! It's just a dumb prank from someone in class who is trying to get my attention. Besides, it's just a coincidence anyway." Serena threw the paper in the trash. "Let's go."

Mina followed her silently while casting an unsurely look at the trash can. They left to their dormitory.

From the corner of the building a lone figure emerged. He reached into the trash can and withdrew the paper. He unfolded it, carefully pressing out the wrinkles. Finally he placed it into his folder and placed it inside of his backpack. He casually walked after the girls, pulling up his hood as he walked. As they reached the dormitory he froze and leaned against a large oak. He watched Serena and Mina walk inside. A smile broke out across his face.

He reached into his jacket pocket and withdrew a phone. Quickly he dialed a number and placed it next to his ear. "This is Mirabi… I found Sailor Moon."