Dreams of a Passionate Past

by Serena530

The girls have graduated from high school, Darien is doing his residency to become a doctor, and Serena has begun to remember the intimate part of her past and doesn't know why. Can Darien help and will it be enough? Warning: Long chapters inside.

7. Déjà vu and Troubled Friends

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or her characters, and have no right to it except as a long time fan.

Dreams of a Passionate Past

Chapter Seven: Déjà vu and Troubled Friends

Serenity walked along the dark grounds with only her shadow for company. She was staying at the Earth Palace and had to sneak out since she didn't want anyone following her. She had to stealthily sneak past guards on her way out of the Palace and scale a wall without being caught. All this was done in her royal gown and bare feet.

She was still within the grounds of the palace but no one would let her walk alone, and definitely not alone in the middle of the night. Luckily all young royals seemed to know how to sneak around when they needed time alone and she was no different.

As Serenity walked she appreciated the cool feel of and intense smell of the grass. It helped to relax her body yet brought about memories of her time spent with Endymion at his heaven which is where she was headed at the moment. She knew that was the only place she could really be alone. Endymion had proven that to her just a few days ago. The only one who could possibly show up was him, and she wouldn't mind that at all.

She sat down when she got to the hill overlooking the lake and gazed up at the moon. She could see the silvery orb from her room, but she needed to be out in the open under it.

The Moon Princess loved the Earth but she missed her home. She missed her mother and her scouts- she idly wondered why her mother didn't send her scouts with her, but she knew that she would be okay after a while. Looking at the moon and being under its shining light always made her feel better.

'It is so good to have some time alone. To really be alone without everyone knowing where I am.' She thought as she looked down at the lake. 'It is so beautiful. Even more so at night then in the day. It is more peaceful.' She thought as she looked at the black surface with the moon reflected in the center. It was so peaceful that it was as if it was calling to her, so she decided in that moment to go for a swim.

Serenity got to her feet and half slid half ran down the hill. She easily let her hair down from its usual style so that it blanketed her body, unzipped her gown and let it slid down her body, and finally removed her underwear. She wouldn't have removed her underwear but she did not like the idea of wet underwear under a dry gown, and the only reason she was going naked was because she knew she would have complete privacy.

She tentatively stepped into the water and slowly made her way in until she was waist deep, then swam until she reached the reflection of the moon. She gracefully twisted so that she was floating on her back in the reflected moon as she gazed up at the bright orb.

A slight shiver passed through her body as she floated. The water was cold but she knew the longer she stayed the more her body would adapt making the water feel warm to her.

---

Serena watched as Serenity climbed the wall and landed on her feet on the other side. She was surprised that Serenity was doing such a thing in her gown. The thought of climbing around in her gown had never occurred to her, not that there was any occasion for it to. She would have to try it some time.

She was also surprised that Endymion was nowhere in sight, and wondered when he would show up. She wasn't in a hurry though. Where they were walking was so quiet, isolated, and peaceful. She didn't want to allow herself to examine why she found herself in the memory to begin with, but the thought that she might be dead flitted through her mind before she quickly pushed it away.

As Serena looked around she realized that she had been in that place before, only it was during the day. When she heard Serenity's thoughts she knew exactly where she was.

'Endymion's heaven looks different during the night.' She thought as she sat down and settled herself next to Serenity on the hill top.

Focusing her eyes on the black lake and the reflected moon she thought about swimming in it, especially since it looked so inviting. Like swimming in the sky.

She sighed then and looked up at the real moon with Serenity and listened to her thoughts.

Serena smiled when Serenity decided to go for a swim. It had been a long time since she went swimming anywhere and she planned on changing that, even though it meant dealing with her incredibly long hair.

She easily and surprisingly more gracefully, followed her past self down the hill, and when Serenity began to take her hair down Serena felt the familiar sharp tug and was immediately pulled into her past self's body. She didn't even bother to struggle.

---

Serenity lay floating in the water with her hair drifting under the water in all directions.

"Hello Princess." She heard a soft voice say quietly.

The voice was quiet but it still startled her and she gasped and let herself sink below the surface. She quickly moved back toward the surface, having not taken a breath before.

She broke the black surface with a gasp, keeping her chest well covered by the dark water, and saw that her very unexpected guest was Endymion wearing a white button up long sleeve shirt that was halfway buttoned and tan pants.

How long had he been there? When did he get there? She hadn't even heard his approach. She looked at his feet and saw that they were as bare as hers.

"Endymion. What are you doing here?" She asked as she moved her arms and legs to keep from sinking.

"I could not sleep so I went for a walk and found myself here. I did not expect you to be here, so I was very much surprised to see you floating there. And might I say it was a very nice sight." Endymion said, remembering how her breasts peeked through the water. Of course putting that particular view aside she looked absolutely ethereal.

Serenity blushed. There was no way she could forget that she was naked and could only imagine how she must have looked to him.

"Might I ask what you are doing here?" He asked, and after a slight pause added "Besides the obvious of course."

Serenity looked up at the moon and sighed.

"I too went for a walk. I needed to be out in the open under the moon." She said as she looked back to Endymion. "I am a little homesick and being under the light of the moon makes me feel better." Then she blushed as she added "As for the swimming well…I just felt like it."

"Hmm..it is a nice night for a swim." Endymion said thoughtfully as he looked at the inky water. "That is if you do not mind Princess." He added as he began to unbutton his shirt the rest of the way.

Serenity shook her head as she watched him pull his shirt off and drop it to the ground, then she quickly turned her back to him as he began to unbutton his pants. She could hear his quiet laugh at her move but she didn't care. She just couldn't watch him get naked like he could with her.

She wasn't sure what was going to happen now. Did they just swim together and enjoy the night or talk or what? She couldn't help but think that other activities might happen since they were both going to be wearing nothing but water. But then again maybe they wouldn't do anything. Surely they wouldn't. They couldn't do something like that in a lake. That wouldn't be very comfortable.

She wondered what was taking Endymion so long. She turned slowly ready to snap her eyes closed and turn back around at the first glimpse of skin so she wouldn't see too much, but to her surprise he wasn't there. His clothes were there, so he obviously hadn't walked away.

She looked around with a small frown as her legs and arms worked to keep her floating. Where had he gone and why hadn't he said anything?

Before she could even think of an answer to those questions she was suddenly being pulled under the water by her legs. She panicked for a few moments before she realized who the culprit was.

"Endymion!" Serenity gasped in outrage as she resurfaced spitting out water.

"Did I scare you?" Endymion asked between laughs.

Serenity huffed with a frown and turned her back to him. He had scared her for a few moments and she had been worried when he disappeared.

"Serenity…" He sighed, his laughter fading as he realized she was upset with him. "I am sorry. Please do not be angry with me." He said as he drifted forward and rested his forehead on her upper back and wrapped his arms around her waist.

Serenity bit her bottom lip. How could she stay angry when he was apologizing and holding her close? She laid a hand over his with a sigh before speaking.

"I am not angry with you." She said quietly. "But you did scare me." She added softly.

"I am sorry. I did not mean to frighten you." Endymion said as he moved his head and kissed the left side of her neck.

Serenity shivered. She couldn't help it. It was just the way he affected her. Being so close, kissing her like that, and speaking so quietly.

"Hmmm…are you cold?" He whispered in her ear as he tightened his hold on her, pulling her back against him.

"No." She whispered as her body focused on every part of his that was touching hers.

"I thought not." He said as he let one of his hands wander along her body, trying to distract her from her homesickness.

As they floated in the water Endymion moved his hands all over her body. Calloused fingers softened by the water caressed her smooth stomach, curved hips, full chest, and ample bottom. All the while kissing her neck and shoulders.

Gently he guided her light body over to the far side of the lake and pressed her back against the bank where he proceeded to kiss her slowly, repeatedly.

"Do you have any idea how much I love you?" Endymion asked as he leaned his forehead against hers.

"I have some idea." She whispered before he kissed her lightly.

"I love you so much. I could not live without you." He said as he lifted his right hand to her neck, droplets of water dripping as he rubbed his thumb against her cheek.

"I feel the same. It is getting harder to be away from you." She said quietly as she rubbed his back beneath the water. "It pains me when you are not around."

"I know. I have even considered staying in bed all day because of the pain." Endymion said sympathetically.

"I tried that once. They sent the healer to me. I told him that I was in pain, but I could not show him where so he said there was nothing wrong with me." She said with a sigh. "I could not show him it was…was…" She trailed off, words failing her.

"Here." He said as he placed a hand over her heart. "Inside." He said softly and watched her nod.

"Do you believe other couples are like us? That they feel this ache as well when their partner is not around?" Serenity asked.

"No. I do not believe so." He answered after a few moments thought. "When my father is away my mother does not seem to have a problem with it, so I do not think all couples are like us."

"I tried to distract myself from the pain. Reading and studying do not work, and I can only walk around for so long." She complained. "I tried to go horseback riding but my Scouts stopped me, saying I could only do that for special occasions."

"Ah. That is too bad." Endymion said with a frown. "I have been relying on that activity. That and practicing with my sword."

"I wish I could take up such an activity. I have long thought I might enjoy such." She said sadly.

"Do any of your Scouts know how to use a sword?" Endymion enquired.

"They all can to some extent but Venus is the best since she seemed to have taken an interest in it." Serenity answered.

"You should ask her to teach you and see what she says. If you are able to try it then you should be extremely careful. I know firsthand that sword wounds are no fun." He stated seriously.

"I will do just that, and should she agree I will also be careful." She stated in between the kisses he had resumed pressing to her lips.

Endymion hummed in acknowledgement of her statement as he sprinkled her pale neck and shoulder in warm kisses. His hips moving to slowly rub and thrust himself against the blossoming heat of her womanhood.

Serenity let her legs float at his sides as she felt his hips slowly moving against her. The slowness of his movements was exciting her and the feel of the water rushing against her was arousing. She couldn't help spreading her legs a little to try and maximize the sensations.

Slowly grinding his hardening length against her heating flesh Endymion didn't plan on using his fingers on his princess this time. He wasn't trying to prepare her and get her wet since they were surrounded in water, but he was trying to excite her as much as possible. One hand caressed her side while the other moved between them, skilled fingers easily finding the bud of nerves at her entrance to rub and circle while his lips slowly caressed hers.

He pulled back enough to watch her face. Her eyes were closed and her head was leaning back baring her neck. Her lips were parted as she pulled in quick breaths to fuel her moans, slender hips moved in rhythm with his teasing fingers and grinding hips. The tops of her breasts peeked out of the dark water and hid with every breath she took.

Serenity gripped Endymion's side with one hand, her nails digging into his skin under the water, while her other hand held tight to his wet hair as she moaned quietly.

Her body shivered, her thighs trembled and squeezed his grinding hips as she moaned her release into the night.

---

Serena sighed at the feel of the cool water against Serenity's skin. It felt good but she couldn't help feeling self-conscious for Serenity. She didn't care that this was Endymion's heaven and that he was the only one that could possibly show up. The girl was naked she couldn't help feeling worried that someone other than the prince would show up.

Therefore, when he announced his presence she felt like she could have jumped out of her skin and drowned at the same time. His sudden appearance was definitely a surprise, although it shouldn't have been since she knew he had to show up eventually.

'I admit to being scared when he showed up, but this little stunt of his wasn't scary at all.' She thought as she felt Serenity's panic at being pulled under the water. 'It's not as if anyone else is in the water with them. Who else would it be?' She thought, feeling the urge to roll her eyes.

She enjoyed the feel of Endymion's warm kisses and even warmer hands on Serenity's body and wished he hadn't stopped, but she still paid attention to their conversation. She found it interesting that they felt pain when they were apart, and wondered if that pain was still there when they were on the same planet but still away from each other.

'Hmmm…I don't think I've felt anything like what they're talking about with Darien. I wonder why. I would think the multiple times we've been separated would bring that pain. Maybe that means it really is the separate planets theory.' She considered as she listened to their descriptions of their attempts to distract themselves from their pain.

Serena was surprised to learn that Serenity knew how to ride a horse. She didn't know why but she didn't think they had any on the moon. She supposed that even if they didn't they would still be on other planets and she would have to know how to ride one there.

It irritated her that the Sailor Scouts wouldn't let her ride a horse when there wasn't a special occasion. Did they think she would hurt herself if the horse was doing more than just walking?! That was ridiculous! She could tell by her thoughts that Serenity was more than capable of riding at a hard gallop.

'She wanted to learn how to use a sword.' Serena thought in surprise. 'I wonder if she ever did. I guess I'll find out sooner or later. The idea is appealing. Maybe I should try to learn as well. If she did learn then the memories might come back and I would have that skill to use like when I remembered how to ice skate.' She thought hopefully but was quickly distracted by Endymion's lips and warm thrusting hips.

She very much enjoyed Endymion's slow pace just as Serenity did. It seemed to make both her and Serenity's arousal sky rocket and give them a reason to voice their pleasure. She loved it but at the same time she wished he would go faster.

She knew it would do no good but she mentally begged the handsome man to go faster, to give her the relief she and Serenity desperately needed.

Of course the slow pace continued but she could practically feel his eyes on Serenity as he pleasured her and the combination was enough to have her and Serenity cry out their release to the man.

---

Serenity breathed deep and slowly as she tried to regain her breath as she loosened her grip on her prince's hair. Her body still shivered and tingled from the passion he had induced in her. It had been a while since they had moved at such a pace during their intimacies and she wondered if he would continue that way for the night.

Once her breathing was under control she opened her eyes to find Endymion watching her with hooded eyes. She watched, her heart beginning to pound, as he leaned in and gently kissed her. She allowed him to repeat the slow gentle kiss four more times before she broke the silence.

"Make love to me Endy." She said softly.

"As you wish Princess." Endymion replied in a low husky tone before kissing her and positioning himself at her entrance.

His lips moved slowly against hers as he thrust himself into her, his movements slow and steady just as his Serenity wanted. His left hand found purchase in the cool grass behind her while his right hand savored the feel of her warm neck, his fingers playing in the hairs at the back of her neck.

Playful fingers soon slid from her neck down to her soft breast, caressing and gently squeezing the mound as his firm shaft slowly slid back and forth against her tight wet walls. Warm breath mingled as their lips danced to the rhythm of their hips.

Serenity moaned softly as her arms circled Endymion's neck. As her slender fingers trailed through his hair she could hardly believe what they were doing. No not what they were doing but where they were doing it. She had not believed it would be comfortable but her prince was proving just how wrong she was.

She could not concentrate on whether or not their actions were comfortable. All she could focus on was the slow burn and building pressure inside her. The large warm hand moving over her heaving chest combined with the shifting of his hips caused her body to shudder and her head to fall back as she released a soft moan.

Warm lips trailed down her neck only stopping to suckle the skin above her pulse, his hot tongue bathing the skin as he thrust his throbbing manhood into her heated tunnel, his hips slowly grinding against her pearl.

Serenity cried out as a sensation shot sharply through her body and straight to her core as Endymion's hips ground into her. She panted as his sides repeatedly brushed her inner thighs with every thrust. Her legs parted, opening herself wider, bringing him deeper inside her, and causing him to hit a place that wrenched a loud moan from her lips.

Endymion's hand abandoned her breast to wrap itself around one of her firm bottom cheeks. He leaned his body against her, soft breasts meeting firm chest as his hot breath panted against her damp neck. He groaned as his fingers tightened their grip on her bottom, his hips unconsciously thrusting faster seeking the delicious friction that would give him release.

Long legs unconsciously wrapped around her lovers waist, delicate fingers gripped his wet locks, and parted lips released a throaty moan as his hard hot shaft slid rapidly in and out of her pulsing tunnel. Her inner walls clinched around him and she was rewarded with a loud moan and deeper harder thrusts.

Swollen lips once again locked together, hot tongues tangled between harsh breaths as hips began to move more frantically, pounding and grinding against each other as their bodies shivered seeking the awaited release.

Warm hard flesh pounded repeatedly against his princess' throbbing pearl, his swollen shaft hitting the place deep inside her, causing an explosion inside and forcing her to scream her release.

Endymion swallowed her scream as he moved his hand from the grass to latch on to her shoulder, holding her tight to his body as his swollen throbbing member thrust hard into her rippling clenching tunnel, his heavy sack tightening each time he sheathed himself inside her until his orgasm gripped him. His hot seed spraying her insides with each thrust as he moaned loudly.

---

Darien's first thought was to take her to the hospital but he knew he couldn't do that since he couldn't tell them that she fell out of the sky. His next thought was to take her to her house, but then he remembered that he had no idea where she lived.

Maybe I should go back to the arcade and get help from Andrew or maybe I should take her to Raye's place since the two of them are friends. Hmmm…her place is closer as well. He considered as he gazed at the unconscious blond girl in his arms.

A number of things began to register in his mind as he looked down at his supposed 'nemesis', and he decided in that moment to take her to her friends place.

Darien gently hefted her more securely into his arms and began to make his way to Raye's temple as quickly as possible. He easily made his way up the numerous stairs with his precious cargo and was, for the first time, happy to see Raye in the distance.

"Darien." He heard her call out in happy surprise and watched her eyes widen as she realized he was carrying someone. "Serena?" She said with a surprised frown.

"Oh! We need to get her inside." He heard a second voice and looked over to see another of Serena's friends standing there with a surprised yet worried look on her face. He was more than grateful for her presence because he really had not relished the idea of being alone with the dark haired priestess.

Raye and Amy quickly showed him inside to Raye's bedroom where he carefully laid Serena on the bed where she would be comfortable. He then sat down in the chair at Raye's desk and looked to the two conscious girls.

"This is going to sound strange but I was walking through the park when she fell out of the sky." Darien said and watched as they looked at each other skeptically before looking at him. "I'm serious. I noticed my shadow getting bigger so I looked up and there she was falling towards me. It was a miracle I was able to catch her before she hit the ground."

Darien watched as the two girls shared another long look before looking over at Serena. He wondered what they were thinking. Wondered if they even believed him. Wondered if they had any idea of what happened to her.

"Well she's safe here so you can head to wherever it was you were going before she dropped in on you." Raye said and he looked at her as if she had lost her mind.

"I'm not going anywhere until I know she's okay. Not to mention I want to know what happened to her." He said as he looked at Serena's unconscious form. He also wanted other answers. He wanted to know why she had fallen out of the sky and why she wasn't wearing her school uniform since she had been wearing it when he had left her at the arcade nearly half an hour earlier. Why her hair looked longer, why she looked taller, and why her body was more filled out then it had been earlier in the day.

Darien's refusal to leave didn't stop the two girls from trying to get him to vacate the premises while they waited for their friend to wake. It was not lost on him that Raye was trying hard to get him to leave when previous to that day she had done nearly everything to keep him around. Their insistence that he leave before knowing that Serena was okay just raised more questions.

Suddenly the girl who had all his attention woke up and he was surprised. She looked as if she'd had a nightmare or at the very least an intense dream. However, he was even more surprised at the way she was looking at him.

.:xXxXx:.

Serena woke with a start, sitting up and gasping at the sensations running through her body as images of Endymion's naked chest flashed every time she blinked. She shifted slightly as she panted lightly, still feeling the phantom motions of Endymion's manhood sliding in and out of Serenity. Eventually her blinking eyes landed on Darien who was staring at her in concern.

Why is he over there and not next to me? Why does he look so concerned? She thought as she sat trying to calm her breathing. He knew about the memories, had seen what she looked like while experiencing them and what she looked like when she woke up. If anything she thought he should look curious.

But he didn't. He looked concerned and a bit confused and that confused her. She wanted him next to her. She wanted him to kiss her and help her through the desire that was flowing through her body. He said that he would be using that plan he had with the next memory she experienced, so why wasn't he?

That was when she felt a light hand on her arm and she looked over to see Raye kneeling on the floor next to her looking concerned and a little irritated, which surprised her. What had she done to make Raye irritated with her? And Amy was there as well looking concerned.

She was hearing their voices now, asking if she was okay. She told them she was fine and looked back to Darien, still wondering why her prince had yet to come to her. The more she looked at him the more confused he looked, which only served to confuse her even more.

"Are you sure you're okay Meatball Head?" Darien asked with a frown.

"Yes I'm sure. I'm completely fine. I…" Serena trailed off halfway through her reassurance in confusion. He had called her Meatball Head…

"What happened since you all keep asking me if I'm okay or not." She asked because she was still disoriented and confused and she needed some time to get her head on straight after this last memory, which was hard because Serenity and Endymion had only gone that slow when he had proposed to her.

Serena watched Raye and Amy look at Darien and she looked at him as well and listened as he explained what happened to bring her there and that she had been unconscious for a little over and hour since landing in his arms.

It wasn't very long but as he talked she had come to the startling realization that Darien hadn't called her by that particular nickname since before they learned of each other's true and secret identities, and with that realization and the explanation he had just finished giving she had come to the quick conclusion that she was not where she thought she was.

Okay Serena. Focus. She thought as she closed her eyes and tried to remember what she had been doing before the memory started.

She remembered seeing a small war zone, bodies scattered everywhere, a desperate hug and a desperate kiss, animal monsters-powerful ones, being cornered by the enemy, and a black hole. She remembered how afraid, panicked, and concerned Darien had been. How he had called out to her when she could no longer hang on.

Serena sighed painfully as she began to put the pieces together. It all clicked. Darien was not with her because he had no reason to be afraid and panicked, because this Darien was not her Darien. He was not her prince.

The displaced princess opened her eyes and looked into his. There was no love, just concern and confusion. No, not her prince at all.

She pulled her eyes away from his and looked to Amy and Raye. Really looked at them. Raye was wearing her red and white priestess robes and Amy was wearing a blue and white school uniform she hadn't seen in years.

You need to be very careful with the words that come out of your mouth from this moment on. She told herself as she began to get an idea of the kind of trouble she was in.

"What happened to you? Why did you fall out of the sky, and how did you manage to change your clothes so quick when I had only just left you at the arcade?" She heard Darien ask as she looked back to him, sad to see no love in the eyes of the man who would become her fiancé.

Serena shook her head and closed her eyes, pained that she could not tell the man she loved-even if he wasn't the right age-what happened to her. It belatedly occurred to her that she could not sense or feel anything coming from him.

"I can't remember." She said as she opened her eyes and trained them on his chest. She couldn't look him in the eye because he would know for sure that she was not telling the truth. She just couldn't lie while looking him in the eye.

"Would it be okay if I spoke to the girls alone?" She asked him and waited as he stared at her for a long moment before nodding and standing.

"I'll just wait in the hall." He said before moving to the door.

Serena watched him leave and waited until the door was closed to release a sigh before looking to Amy and Raye.

"Ummm…can you tell me what enemy we're fighting right now?" She asked as calmly as she could.

"What do you mean 'what enemy we're fighting'? It's the same one we've been fighting for months! How could you forget the Negaverse?!" Raye hissed at her in annoyance.

Serena sighed and fought the urge to roll her eyes. She definitely didn't miss this about Raye.

"But who in the Negaverse are we facing now? Which general?" She clarified. She needed to know how many scouts were here. She was sure that it was before they found out who the princess was from Darien's presence alone.

"God Meatball Brain! Did Darien forget to mention you hit your head or something?" Raye huffed in irritation.

"Raye!" Amy said with a frown. "For all we know she could be missing some of her memories!" She admonished the priestess. "We're facing General Zoizite right now Serena." Amy answered kindly.

Serena closed her eyes and bit her lip to keep the pained grimace off her face. That meant that they were still trying to collect the rainbow crystals, that Tuxedo Mask was still considered an unknown as far as being an enemy or not, and that Lita was here but that Mina and Artemis were not. She could not let slip anything about her being the princess, about there being a prince, and Sailor Venus, about a lot of things.

"This is so not good." She whispered to herself and took a steadying breath. "Okay. There's something I need to tell you but we need to get Darien to leave first." She said quickly. She already felt she had been in this time too long. Where was Pluto anyway? Shouldn't she have popped in here and taken her away or something?

"Darien." Raye called out and a few moments later he opened the door and came back in. "Serena's feeling tired and we're just going to spend the next few hours having girl talk and studying, so you might not want to hang around for that." She said as she stood up.

Serena hadn't looked at him at all during that explanation. She didn't want him to see the lie in her eyes, and she didn't think he needed to see whatever else was shining in her eyes for him. That would cause problems with Raye if she saw or Darien reacted to any of it. She considered that that could be the reason for Raye's irritation and annoyance since she had woken.

"Alright." She heard him say and practically felt it when his gaze landed on her. "Are you sure you're okay?" She heard him ask.

"I am." She assured him as she finally allowed herself to look him in the eye. "I'll let you know if I remember anything." She added and watched his eyes widen in shock as he looked into her eyes, hardly noticing that Raye was leading him out.

"Are you sure you're alright Serena?" She heard Amy ask and she pulled her eyes away from the closed door that Darien had just exited through.

"Yes I am, but…we have a problem." Serena said reluctantly. She knew she shouldn't say much of anything and just try and get away from them as fast as she could so she could try and get back to her own time, but she couldn't just leave like that. She couldn't leave her younger self to deal with this mess when she had no idea what had happened, and she definitely wouldn't let her run into Darien clueless about the situation.

"What is it? What's the problem?" Amy asked with a frown.

"The problem is that I am not your Serena." She answered with a weary sigh as she moved to sit on the side of Raye's bed.

"What do you mean?" Amy asked, frown still in place.

"Look at me Amy." She said as she got to her feet. "Really look at me and tell me what you see."

Amy looked her friend over and saw that she looked taller, her hair was definitely longer now that she was paying attention. She had never seen Serena wear the clothes she was wearing now, and her figure looked more developed then it did earlier in the day. Her face looked more mature and her eyes-they were the same, but looked wiser. She looked more intelligent, more experienced. She was right. This girl wasn't the Serena she knew.

"You're right." Amy said softly, looking confused and concerned, and a bit afraid. What if she wasn't Serena at all? She didn't know what enemy they were facing and claimed to not remember what happened to her before Darien found her.

Serena sat back down with a sigh. She didn't like the fear in Amy's eyes.

"I am still Serena. I'm just not the Serena you know." She explained. "Check for yourself. Your computer should be able to tell you that my DNA is the same." She suggested.

Amy looked reluctant and suspicious.

"I'll keep my hands right here on my knees, visible at all time, and I won't move at all." She tried to reassure her as she placed her hands on her knees but then frowned. "Well, I might fidget a little but nothing more." She added, not wanting to get attacked because she couldn't sit perfectly still.

Amy was still reluctant but she was willing to take the chance to try and get some answers and certainty.

She took out her Mercury computer cautiously, keeping an eye on the blond, and scanned the girl in front of her. The girl was right. She had the same DNA as Serena. She just looked older.

Amy put her computer away and looked back to Serena. Now that she realized that she wasn't the same Serena she couldn't believe that she hadn't realized it as soon as she saw her. The fact that she was quiet at the moment and had been so through the whole scan was more proof as well as the way the girl spoke.

"You're not the Serena I know, but you are Serena." Amy said with a frown. "You look older. Why do you look older?" She asked in confusion.

"Because I am older." Serena said with a sigh as she subtly turned her engagement ring so that the pink diamond heart surrounded by little clear diamonds wouldn't be visible. "I'm eighteen nearly nineteen." She added and watched Amy's eyes widen.

"How are you here?" Amy asked wondering if this Serena really did know how she got there and simply hadn't wanted to reveal it in front of Darien.

"We were battling against a new enemy and they ended up cornering me against a building. That wouldn't have been so bad if there wasn't a black hole developing underneath me. No matter which way I went they attacked so I couldn't get away, and I eventually ended up hanging from a fire escape. I couldn't even climb that because one of them was up there making it clear that if I tried I would be attacked. On top of that they seemed to be keeping everyone else busy so they couldn't get to me." She said as she ran her fingers through her bangs.

"I held on as long as I could but I couldn't hang there forever. My fingers began to tire and I lost my grip, falling into the black hole in the process. Next thing I know I'm waking up here." She finished, not feeling the need to describe her experience inside the black hole.

Amy frowned as she listened. She was sad that they were still fighting the enemy regardless that it was a new threat. The point was they were still fighting.

"If you're really from the future you can help us. You can answer some questions." She said with bright eyes, eager to learn some of the things they had been stumped on. "And how come you didn't know who we were facing if you're from the future?"

"I remember all the enemies we've faced, but I needed to know who you were facing specifically right now so I could tell what time I was in. I'll answer what I can but you have to understand that there are things I can't say. It's why I needed to know when I was. It makes a very big difference. It's too much of a risk on the timeline. It's bad enough that I'm here." Serena said seriously.

Amy nodded in understanding, realizing that the girl could potentially damage her own future if she said the wrong thing.

"How do we do in school?" She asked, starting with something she thought was important and easily answerable.

"We all did well. We passed junior high and only a few months ago we all finished high school." Serena answered easily.

"How is everyone health wise and socially?" She asked, concerned that all the fighting might make it so they didn't have time to do anything else.

"Everyone is well and healthy and their lives are going fine. We get out and have fun, we have hobbies and such, and-at the moment-only two of us are in relationships." Serena said thoughtfully.

"Have you found the Moon Princess? Do we know who Tuxedo Mask is?" Amy asked a little anxious to know yet not even trying to demand their identities since she knew Serena couldn't reveal such big things.

"Yes to both questions." Serena answered simply, grateful that there was no prying into who they were.

"How are things with the Scouts?" Amy asked quietly and Serena frowned at the broad question. Many things could answer that question but she decided to tell little things that didn't mean much.

"We get more powerful over the years as well as experienced, and even though we have enemies to fight we still have times of peace." She said carefully, not saying anymore since she didn't think they needed to know that more scouts were on the way or that the Moon Princess wasn't the only royalty they would find.

At that moment Raye came back into the room slamming the door behind her and immediately started complaining about Serena's scattered brain, and why she had looked at Darien the way she had. She was supposed to hate him. She couldn't change her mind now!

Amy cut off Raye's tirade as Serena sat quietly trying to decide if she should be amused at Raye for getting territorial or concerned that she might have showed too much emotion towards Darien and changed her future. The bluenett informed the priestess that she wasn't their Serena and was in fact from the future.

"I don't believe it." Raye said as she stared at Serena. "She could be an enemy in disguise. I want proof. If you really are from the future then tell us who the Moon Princess is." She demanded.

"I cannot. If I tell you then the future changes, which means my home changes. I could easily be going back to a future where the princess was killed because you went after her before she was supposed to be found. That in and of itself could lead to numerous disasters, not to mention all the important things that could potentially not happen simply by you knowing her name at this point in time." Serena explained calmly.

"Alright. What about who Tuxedo Mask is? He's not nearly as important as the princess and he could be the enemy or a potential one." Raye said with narrowed eyes.

"Nope. It's important that you find out his identity on your own." Serena said calmly, not at all intimidated by Raye's tone. "Where is your Serena?" She asked, wanting to know if the younger girl was even coming there.

"She's on her way with Lita and Luna." Amy answered before Raye could say anything snide.

"Good. I can't leave until she gets here." She said, happy that she would be able to go soon.

"Why do you have to wait for her?" Amy asked curiously.

"Why are you trying to leave so quickly?" Raye asked suspiciously.

"I need to explain what has happened to her so she isn't clueless when she runs into Darien, and I want to leave quickly because my very presence is disturbing the timeline." She explained patiently and she suddenly realized why Pluto hadn't already come to get her. Her disappearance had distracted the time scout from however it was she kept an eye on the time stream, and the Pluto of this time most likely knew that her appearance to come take her away would disrupt the timeline even further.

As they waited for the missing members of the group Serena cautiously answered their questions, and in the case of many of Raye's questions she refused to answer. Still, the questions helped the time fly by and eventually present time Serena, Lita, and Luna arrived. To say they were all shocked by her presence would be an understatement.

Serena took a breath then released it in a sigh before she explained her presence to the new arrivals, and informed present Serena about her promise to Darien.

"Raye did your grandfather see Darien bring me in?" She asked, anxious to leave now that she had informed her younger self of the situation.

"No he didn't." Raye answered and Serena nodded as she looked for her shoes.

"Good. I need to go." She said as she grabbed her shoes and opened the window. "I've already spent too much time here and already said too much." She continued as she tossed her shoes out the window.

"You didn't even reveal anything important, so how have you said too much?" Raye asked as she watched the older blond girl.

"The little I said was too much, and my very presence is too much seeing as how this visit never happened for me." She said as she stood by the window. "I have no memory of this visit." She added seriously as she looked at them then opened the window wider and placed her hands on the window seal in preparation to climb out.

"Why are you going out the window?" Lita asked in confusion.

"Because I know that you all want to see how I'm getting home and two Serena's walking out the front door would not be good." She patiently explained before she effortlessly climbed out the window.

Once outside she sat and put her shoes on then waited for the younger girls to join her. She thought things had gone as well as they could at this point. She was grateful that her younger self seemed to be speechless and taking in the details of her looks. Serena didn't care. As long as the younger girl didn't notice her engagement ring since she wasn't about to answer any questions in regards to it.

When the girls arrived she stood up and began to head into the woods behind the shrine. She walked until she came across a natural clearing surrounded by trees and bushes. Without warning Serena jumped into a tree and climbed to the top to make sure they were far enough that no one would notice or get to them quickly if they did notice what was about to happen.

She calmly descended the tree and leapt back to the ground, ignoring their stunned and surprised faces and questions on how she did that, as she tried to think of a way to contact Sailor Pluto without letting them know that was who she was trying to contact.

"What are you doing?" "Why are we here?" "Is there something special about this place?"

The questions came one after another as she sat down and tried to figure out what to do.

"I'm trying to figure out how to contact the person who can get me home." Serena answered before getting back to her thoughts on the wording she would use to gain Pluto's attention.

I need to make sure I don't mention that Pluto is female or a scout or even say her planetary name. She thought with a small frown.

After a few minutes of practicing in her mind Serena stood, dusted herself off, and looked to the sky before speaking.

"Child of Chronus." She began in a soft yet firm tone. "You know who I am. You know of what I seek. I ask that you aid me to return where and when I belong." She finished as she continued to gaze up at the sky as if she was searching for something.

The clearing was completely quiet as the girls looked around curiously, wondering what, if anything, would happen. Just as Raye opened her mouth to say something snide there was a flash in the sky and moments later something hit the ground near the older girl.

Serena took a few steps forward and bent to pick up the silver object. She smiled as she recognized the Time Key. She was grateful that her call had worked. Now she just had to be creative enough with her words to activate the key and get to Pluto.

She slowly moved back to the center of the clearing and gazed at the key as her mind worked to produce the string of words that would get her home. Once she was satisfied with what she came up with she held the key between her fingers and raised it above her head and to the sky as she took a deep breath and looked at the key.

"Guardian of Time. Hear my plea. I ask that you grant me safe passage through your realm." She began firmly and watched as the key began to glow. "I ask that you guide me back home, back to where I belong, back to where I am needed." She finished and watched as the glow rose from the key and took the form of a soft white pulsing star.

The star slowly ascended up pass the trees and high into the sky before a misty circular cloud began to form. When the cloud was large enough a hot pink light shot from it down to the earth where Serena stood, engulfing her in its warm glow.

Serena looked to the gathered girls and smiled brightly as she took in their stunned faces.

"Well, this is my ride. Take care you guys." She said as she slowly lifted off the ground. "And don't forget the promise I made to Darien Serena! I know you don't like him, but I was sincere when I made it and he knows that." She added as she began to wave with the hand that didn't hold her engagement ring.

She waved and smiled until she couldn't see them anymore, and moments later she was passing through the cloud to find herself in the familiar time realm surrounded by fog.

Should I wait for Pluto to come to me? She wondered as she took a few steps but then decided to just walk since she remembered that the Pluto of this time was stuck at the Gates of Time.

Serena eventually spotted the Gates through the fog and soon after the silhouette of a tall woman.

"Greetings Princess." Came the firm yet soft timeless voice of Sailor Pluto before she herself came into view, standing tall in front of the Gates with her silver Garnet Rod in hand.

Serena took the time to look over the Scout of Time and admire the uniform she hadn't seen her wear in years. Her eyes took in the white body suit with a black collar and skirt, the white forearm gloves with black fittings near the elbows, the deep-red bows and black knee high boots.

"Hello Pluto." She said as she came to a stop in front of the time scout. "I'm so glad I was able to get in contact with you. I hope things weren't affected too much by my presence there."

"Only time will tell Princess. There have been no major ripples in the time stream other than your arrival in that time." Sailor Pluto commented.

Serena nodded thoughtfully. "I hope this doesn't happen again." She said as she handed Pluto the time key.

"Concentrate on where you want to go." Pluto said as she lifted her Garnet Rod and unlocked the Gates before gesturing the displaced princess through.

Serena swiftly stepped through the gateway and found herself floating up and away from the doors as she concentrated on getting back home to her time, to Tokyo, and to Darien. As she floated she focused more on Darien, on wanting to get to him and see the love in his eyes.

She soon found herself walking instead of floating but she didn't allow that to break her focus. She continued to concentrate on wanting to be home in her time and with her prince.

Eventually the fog began to part and she could see a dark street and sidewalk. She ran towards it and found herself standing on the sidewalk in the rain outside Darien's high rise apartment building. The relief that washed through her was so intense that she almost staggered under it, but she was immediately distracted by the overwhelming pain and sadness coming from Darien.

Serena quickly sent him reassurance and comfort as she ran to the entrance of his building.

.:xXx:.

"Sailor Moon!" Tuxedo Mask shouted as he watched her fall knowing he wouldn't make it to her in time.

Time seemed to slow as she inched closer and closer to the hole in the ground, and his feet brought him closer and closer to her falling figure. As soon as she disappeared into the hole it vanished and his connection with her seemed to go with it. He froze in his tracks, the pain shooting through his heart intensifying with his princess' sudden disappearance. He tried to sense her, tried to feel her, but there was nothing coming from where she was supposed to be inside him.

Tuxedo Mask stood there in the middle of the devastation the enemy had caused and felt anger joining his pain. Not just anger, an intense rage filled his being at the enemy. They had hurt his planet, injured his people, and more importantly- they had taken his princess from him and he had no idea where she was or if she was even still alive!

As the rage inside him built storm clouds seemed to converge over the city, thunder claps boomed repeatedly as if to shout out his anger for him. Lightening flashed lighting up the night sky as his ocean blue eyes began to take on a golden glow. The ground beneath his feet began to tremble along with his body as his hands balled into fists. White lightening lite up the area around him and his body began to glow with a rich golden light.

He wanted the enemy gone. He wanted them utterly destroyed for separating him from his princess. In his rage he was able to connect with the Earth from just the contact of his feet and no concentration. Within moments the area he stood in flashed in his mind and he pinpointed the location of all four monster animals.

Tuxedo Masks eyes literally flashed. The glow swallowing the blue of his eyes turning them pure gold.

Destroy. He commanded his golden crystal in a rage filled whisper. The glow around his body pulsed as his crystal responded to his command. Four thick rays of golden light shot from his body, each hitting one of the monsters and incinerating them on the spot.

The disguised prince breathed harshly, partially from his rage and partially from using so much energy. Even with the enemy gone he was still enraged. His princess was still gone. And there was nothing he could do about it. He hated the helpless, fearful feelings coursing through him, and hated even more that his princess couldn't sense or feel any of it.

He didn't know what to do. She was gone and he didn't know what to do. The pain was so intense that he feared his heart would literally break. He wanted to cry but he couldn't. The rage was still too intense. Suddenly the sky opened and rain began to pour down heavily. He didn't care. The sky would do what he could not. He tilted his head back, golden eyes looked to the sky as he hoped this expression of his emotions would relieve some of the pain.

The Sailor Scouts stood or crouched where they had been while fighting the enemy and exchanged looks. They were all beginning to become aware of the fact that their prince was responsible for the sudden storm and earthquake, and no one was sure what would happen if they approached him.

The only ones not hesitant to approach the enraged man were Sailor Pluto and Sailor Saturn. Saturn took a hold of his gloved hand and received a golden eyed stare before Pluto spoke from in front of him, drawing his attention away from the youngest scout.

"We need to leave the area before anyone comes Prince Endymion." Sailor Pluto said, realizing that was exactly who she was speaking to because his personality was more prince then masked hero at the moment.

Tuxedo Mask squeezed Sailor Saturn's hand in silent thanks for her comfort and let go.

"I'm going home." He said quietly before turning and walking away from the devastating scene. He knew that he was in no condition to help check over the injured or participate in any meeting they had to try and find his princess. He needed to focus and try and get himself calm so he wasn't effecting the city as much as he was.

Usually it was Serena that could calm him from whatever temper he was in but she was not there to work her magic on him.

Darien was home within minutes. During his walk he had de-transformed and his rage had calmed enough to stop the earthquake that only seemed to effect the area he was in. The storm didn't let up at all. It was a reflection of his pain and lingering anger. Somewhere along the way he managed to stop his body from glowing.

Once inside his apartment he made his way to his living room balcony and stood out on the landing. His Serena had been gone a little over half an hour and all he had managed to do was stop the thunder and lightning.

As he stood leaning against the railing and staring blankly out at the sheets of rain he suddenly felt a wave of relief wash through him which was quickly followed by reassurance and comfort.

His Serena was back.

.:xXx:.

As Serena ran she heard her phone ring in her subspace pocket and she pulled it out before pushing the door to his building open.

"Darien." She answered lovingly, knowing that at that moment it couldn't be anyone else.

"Where are you?" Was all he said, his voice quiet yet intense over the line.

"I'm about to get on the elevator to go up to your floor." She said quickly as she absently waved at the security guard.

"I'll be there when the doors open." He assured her. "You're okay right? You're not hurt?" He asked and she knew that he was searching her emotions for anything that would give him a clue.

"I'm fine I promise." She said quickly, not wanting to keep him guessing. "When I fell through that black hole there was this pressure that made it hard to breath and I passed out." She said as she got on the elevator and pressed the button for his floor. She repeatedly pressed the 'close door' button, wanting the metal box to start moving already and not have any unwanted company.

"I ended up experiencing another memory and when I woke up I didn't remember what had happened but I thought everything was okay because…" she trailed off with a weary sigh as she leaned against the side wall and watched the numbers above the door light up one after the other as she ascended through the building.

"Because…?" Darien said, anxious to know why she had thought everything was okay because she certainly hadn't been anywhere he could sense her. She had been completely gone from him.

"Because you were there! And so were Amy and Raye." She finally said and sensed as well as felt his shock shoot through their link. "We were in Raye's room and I was confused because you were looking at me in concern but you weren't sitting next to me. I thought you would be curious about the memory but you looked like you didn't know anything about it." She said as she finally reached his floor.

The doors slid open and she leapt into Darien's waiting arms. They stood there in the hallway holding each other tightly. Darien was so happy to have her back that he didn't want to let her go even though he knew he had to.

Serena wasn't about to complain though. It still disturbed her to see no love in the eyes of the past Darien she had just left. She was so used to seeing it in her Darien as well as in Endymion in the dreams even though it was Serenity he was looking at and not her. Even the one time they had gone to the future she had seen love in the Kings eyes when he looked at her.

Darien shifted to turn, keeping an arm around Serena as they began to move toward his apartment. They both put their phones away and once inside Serena stepped out of her shoes and he immediately brought her to the couch and pulled her into his lap. He needed to keep her close.

Serena lay her head on his shoulder and just as she opened her mouth to continue her tale they heard her communicator beeping in her subspace pocket. She pulled it out and saw the dark red Pluto symbol flashing. She felt Darien's arms tighten around her as if answering would steal her away from him.

"Serena here." She said after pressing the flashing symbol.

"I heard your call and felt you pass back into this time. Are you okay?" Trista asked anxiously.

"I'm fine. I'm with Darien right now. Where are you?" Serena asked.

"I'm at Raye's Shrine. We're all here. We were going to try and see if there was anything we could do to find you." She stated.

"Stay there. You all need to hear what happened. Darien and I will be there as soon as we can." Serena said.

"Okay. See you soon." Trista said and they both ended the communication.

"I don't want to share you yet." Darien said immediately after she put her communicator away.

"I know you don't but they need to hear what happened as well." She said soothingly as she ran her fingers through his hair. "I'm staying with you tonight so you'll have me all to yourself soon." She added as she kissed his cheek and then his lips.

It was a soft kiss, a gentle press of her lips, but it quickly turned desperate as Darien held her in place with a hand placed on the back of her head, fingers threaded through her soft hair. Their lips parted but they stayed close, their breathing harsh and both wanting more- needing to be close after such a separation.

"I'll drive us there. That way you'll have time to tell me the rest of what happened." Darien said after catching his breath.

Serena simply nodded and got to her feet with Darien's help. They both put on their shoes and Darien grabbed his keys before they left the quiet apartment. Once in the elevator Serena leaned back against Darien's chest and continued her tale with his arms securely around her waist.

"I remember feeling so many things but mostly I just wanted you to come kiss me and help with the ache I was feeling. Before I could say anything Raye got my attention and looked concerned but irritated as well, which was surprising since as far as I knew I hadn't done anything to her."

"Amy looked concerned as well and they all kept asking if I was okay and I assured them that I was fine, but I couldn't stop looking at you. I didn't understand why you wouldn't come to me. The more I stared at you the more confused you looked. Then you finally asked me if I was sure I was okay, only this time you called me Meatball Head." She said and heard him gasp.

"Meatball Head." Darien whispered as he glanced down at her and held her tighter. "I haven't called you that since you were fourteen…before I…knew you were Sailor Moon." He finished slowly as he realized exactly where his princess had been. Or rather when.

"Yes." She agreed quietly as the elevator slowly brought them closer to ground level.

"You were in the past. Back when we thought of each other as acquaintances at best and enemies at worst." He said quietly, needing to say it out loud and acknowledge where she had been. "No wonder Raye looked irritated. You were eyeing who she thought was her boyfriend." He said with a slight chuckle.

"I had eventually realized that too but at the time I had other concerns to worry about." Serena said as she gripped his arms.

"Go on love. Tell me what happened next." Darien said calmly.

"I was still disoriented from the dream and confused by your behavior so I asked what happened since they were so concerned. It was also to buy myself some time to get my head on straight before they started asking deeper questions."

"You explained what happened. You said that I fell out of the sky, over you to be more specific, and that you caught me. You decided to bring me to Raye's since you didn't know where I lived, and wouldn't have known what to say if you had brought me to the hospital. Then you informed me that I had been unconscious for a little over an hour since you caught me." She paused to take a breath before continuing.

"I realized while you were explaining that you hadn't called me by that nickname since before we knew about each other's secret identities. Then I forced myself to try and remember what happened before the dream. When I did it all began to click into place that I wasn't in the right time, and that was why he wasn't sitting with me. He wasn't my Darien. He wasn't you." She said with a sigh as she remembered how painful the realization was.

Darien sent his fiancé feelings of comfort and love and continued to do so as the elevator opened to the garage and they headed for his car. He tried to put himself in her shoes. How would he have felt to wake up from experiencing one of their past memories only to find that she didn't seem to care and wasn't making any move to be close to him or show any affection to him? Then on top of that he remembered the fight he had been in before the memory and remembered the feelings and emotions he had sensed before he was taken from her.

Then be blindsided by realizing that I wasn't in the right time and the Serena before me had no idea who I really was. Didn't know I was Tuxedo Mask. Didn't know I was her prince. Didn't even have any romantic feelings for me as far as I knew. It would have been painful and depressing. He thought as he opened the passenger side door for Serena and closed it once she was seated comfortably.

I would have had to worry about not showing any obvious feelings for her as well as not saying anything to give myself away. He thought as he settled in the driver's seat and started the engine. It must have been stressful for her. He thought as he leaned over and kissed her cheek, sending her feelings of understanding at the same time.

"It must have been stressful to say the least when you realized you were in the past." He said as he straightened and put on his seatbelt.

"Definitely! After that I asked to speak to Amy and Raye alone and he stepped out of the room. Once we were clear I asked them who we were fighting since although I knew I was in the past I needed to know exactly when. Turns out they were facing Zoizite, so Lita was there but Mina and Artemis weren't." She said as he began to drive them to Raye's home.

"After that I told them that I needed to tell them something but that he needed to leave. So Raye called him back in and gave him an excuse. I kept my eyes away from his. You know how I am. I can't lie to you and he would have seen that if he saw my eyes. Not to mention I couldn't hide my feelings even if he wasn't exactly you, he was still you." She said with a frustrated sigh.

"He asked one last time if I was okay and I assured him that I was before looking him in the eye and promising him that I would let him know if I remembered anything. Whatever he saw in my eyes must have shocked him because that's how he looked." She said with a shrug.

Darien frowned as he made a left turn. He wondered why he didn't remember any of it. Shouldn't he? His younger self had encountered her so he should.

"How come I don't remember any…" He began but trailed off. Now that he was really thinking about it after hearing what happened he found that he was remembering it. He remembered walking through the park on his way home after helping Andrew close up the arcade. Nothing eventful happened and he made it home fine, but in the second set he remembered walking through the park, his shadow getting bigger and darker, and looking up to see a golden body falling towards him.

He recalled being glad for his reflexes and experience catching Sailor Moon or they both would have crashed to the ground when he caught her. Then add to that his surprise that it was Serena that had fallen into his arms.

Darien remembered it all. The concern, bringing her to Raye's, refusing to leave until she woke and could tell him she was okay and what happened to her. The confusion when she woke and kept staring at him. He idly noted that even though he had been confused he hadn't been uncomfortable like he had been with Raye and her crush on him or any other girl for that matter.

"I remember it now Serena." He said as he glanced to her to see her eyes widen at him. "I was shocked because I did see your feelings. I remember thinking that it was just like the looks Sailor Moon had been giving me, only much more intense." He added.

"Ah well…since you remember now and we're still together that means that I didn't screw things up while I was back there." Serena said with a slow sigh.

Darien nodded and wondered if he should tell her that he had noticed the differences between her and the Serena he had seen earlier that day. He had noticed that her hair was longer, her figure more developed, her face more mature. When she had woke up the difference in her eyes was visible as well. The youthful innocence he was used to seeing was gone, replaced by age and experience. Not to mention he had seen the ring on her finger. Still, with all the differences he had known that she was still Serena.

I'll tell her later. When we're alone. He thought softly.

"What happened after I left?" He asked as they moved closer and close to the Shrine.

"I told Amy that I wasn't the Serena she knew and once she really looked at me she realized I was right. There were a few moments when she thought I might be the enemy in disguise, but I had her use her Mercury computer to compare my DNA with her Serena. Once it was confirmed that I was who I said I was she asked why I looked older, and I told her how old I was and explained how I got there. Once she understood that I was from the future she wanted to ask all kinds of questions to help them but I put a stop to that. I explained that I couldn't answer everything because of the timeline and she understood so she stuck to trivial things." She explained.

"Raye came back in and immediately started in on me. I guess she didn't like me looking at you." She said with a soft laugh.

"Not surprising. She tried to ask me out when she was walking me out. I made up some excuse for why I couldn't and left quickly. My mind full of thoughts of you." Darien said.

"Amy cut off her tirade and clued her in on what was going on. Raye was suspicious and wanted me to prove who I was by telling the identity of the princess and when I refused and gave my reason she asked for Tuxedo Mask's identity which I also refused." She said with a roll of her eyes.

"After that I asked where my past self was and learned that she was on her way there with Lita and Luna. I was happy about that because I couldn't leave without letting her know what happened for when she ran into your past self." She explained.

"When they finally arrived I explained the situation and then left out the window since I didn't want Raye's grandfather seeing two Serena's leaving. Once they met me outside I led them back into the trees and called for Pluto, which was a pain since I had to do it in a way where they wouldn't realize she was a scout or even female." Serena continued.

"You had to get creative huh?" Darien asked as he parked near the Shrine's endless stairs.

"Yup. But it worked and I made it to the Pluto of that time and back here to you." She finished.

"And I'm very glad you're back. You weren't gone very long but it was a very bad time for me." He admitted as they got out of the car.

"I want to hear what happened. Will you tell me after the meeting?" Serena asked.

"Of course." Darien agreed before they made their way up the stairs hand in hand and to Raye's home where Trista was waiting for them.

"Welcome back Princess." Trista greeted Serena before looking to Darien. "I'm glad you're doing better Prince." She said which concerned Serena and made her anxious to hear what happened after she disappeared.

Trista led them inside and to a large room near the room housing the Great Fire where all the girls and the cat advisers were waiting. They all were happy she was back and okay, and hugs were given out all around before everyone settled down to hear what happened to her.

"Okay." Serena began from her seat in Darien's lap. "So the black hole I fell through was a time portal that took me to the recent past. I've already explained what happened to Darien and he remembered the encounter while I was explaining. Even I remember it now that I'm back and I've told what happened, so Amy and Raye and Lita and Luna should begin to remember." She explained before she launched into what happened starting from when she fell through the black hole.

She gave more details then she did when telling Darien but she also left out the part about the memory while she was unconscious and her thoughts about it and why Darien hadn't been trying to help her with her feelings after she woke. When she finished it was quiet while everyone took in what she had recounted.

"I remember." Lita said thoughtfully.

"So do I." Amy nodded and Raye and Luna nodded that they too remembered.

"Why is it that Serena was gone hours, but for us it had only been less than an hour?" Amy asked.

"Sometimes that is simply how time works." Trista replied.

"So this enemy has the ability to control time portals. This is definitely not good." Mina said with a frown.

"Did anyone else noticed that they seemed to have targeted me?" Serena asked uneasily as she looked around.

"I noticed." Darien answered instantly.

"So did I." Hotaru said from where she sat next to Darien and Serena.

"But why would they want to send you to the past?" Lita asked.

"Perhaps they wanted her out of the way." Michelle suggested into the silence that had descended.

"Or maybe they wanted to see if she would cause any damage." Darien said darkly, remembering the Black Moon enemy that had come from the future to destroy their city in hopes of destroying Crystal Tokyo.

"Damage?" Lita asked in confusion.

"Yes. Remember, we have no idea who this enemy is or where or when they come from. For all we know this could be another enemy from the future who realized they couldn't take us out then, so they've come to the past to do it. And maybe they've realized the best way for them to do that is to have one of us do it unintentionally." Darien explained.

"He's right!" Serena said as she realized, even more so then she had when she was in the past, the damage she could have caused. "Think about it. If I had said or done the wrong thing so many things could have changed or never happened. What if the Negaverse ended up with all the rainbow crystals and got my silver crystal? What if we never found out I was the princess we had been looking for? What if Darien and I never got together? The list could go on and on." She said solemnly.

It was quiet as everyone thought about the consequences of changing the past. Serena, Darien, Luna, Artemis and the girls who had been there remembered that time in their lives and imagined all the bad things that could have happened, things that could have gone wrong if certain details had been changed. While the girls who hadn't been there considered what the last few years would have been like had their Princess and Prince not been around or worse not been a couple. None of them had personally seen Crystal Tokyo but they had heard enough to know that it was a magnificent wonder and could not happen without the royal couple before them.

Everyone present contemplated on what it would mean if their new enemy really was from the future. Could Crystal Tokyo be at risk again? Especially so close to the time of its emergence? It was obvious that present Tokyo was at risk and now with the knowledge that the enemy could control time portals they were very aware that the city as well as their very existence was at risk.

"We are going to have to be very careful and do everything we can to avoid their time portals." Trista said in a quiet serious tone and everyone looked to her since it was her area of expertise. "I'm going to think on this and see if there is a way to block their portals." She added and everyone nodded.

"I think we should do as originally planned and have our night training, especially after seeing what the enemy is now capable of." Mina said firmly.

They all nodded even as they looked around and saw that the only one of them that was dressed for training was Raye, and only because she lived there and had been able to change before the enemy attacked. Not to mention it was still raining. It was not coming down as hard as it was before, but it was still going to be hazardous to their training.

Collectively they decided to include the rainy weather into their training since they never knew when they would have to fight in such conditions without being transformed. Some of the girls forcefully reminded themselves of the time they had to fight in the ice and snow. They had been confident in their abilities for the most part but the freezing cold weather had thrown them off.

The group wasted no more time and headed out into the rain and trained hard for hours in the dark dreariness. They ran through various drills to test and strengthen all their skills. The ladies and the lone male ran through the trees testing their balance against muddy dirt and slippery grass and tree bark as they moved separately from one another.

Random attacks were dodged sometimes by individuals and others by small groups on either side. There were occasional pauses as individuals stopped to engage in hand to hand fighting until their opponent was downed or they were able to retreat. Some deliberately put themselves between crossfire only to avoid being hit at the last second.

When they finished for the night not only were they all soaked to the bone but they were sore as well. They were all satisfied with their effort and headed to their separate homes to dry off and rest, all having more than earned it.

"What happened with you when I disappeared?" Serena asked Darien once they were alone in his car.

"When you vanished I was in a lot of pain and quickly became enraged by what had happened. The enemy had injured the planet and so many people but most importantly they had taken you away." He began as he started the engine and turned on the heater full blast to get them warm. "I had no idea where you were or if you were even still alive with our connection cut off the way it was." He continued completely unashamed to tell his love how her disappearance affected him.

"I'm not exactly sure of the order of events but there was thunder and lightning as well as a bit of an earthquake in the area. I know that I unconsciously began to tap into my crystal because I remember seeing myself glow in a window of one of the buildings." He admitted with a sigh as he waited for the heat to fill the car before moving.

"I was able to tap into my powers in such a way that without even trying I was able to see the exact location of the monsters in my mind. From there I commanded my crystal to destroy them, and that's exactly what it did. After that I didn't know what to do. I was still so angry and in so much pain. That's when it began to rain."

"The others probably don't realize that I know but it was clear they were a bit scared of me. I definitely don't blame them as I really was dangerous at that point. Only Trista and Hotaru were brave enough to approach me. Hotaru held my hand while Trista reminded me that we needed to leave the area. And that's exactly what I did. I knew I was in no condition to try and help any of the injured people and that I had to find some way to calm myself." Darien said as he pulled the car out into the road.

"As I made my way home I managed to stop myself from glowing as well as stop the thunder and lightning. Once I realized that the earthquake was following me I stopped that as well. I was hurting too much to stop the rain, and a short while later you were back." He finished as they cruised down the street.

Serena was shocked and saddened. His reaction was so intense. She was sure that her reaction might have been the same had she not had the situation she was in to deal with. She couldn't very well go all Moon Princess and release the power of her crystal in a time where they did not yet know who the princess was. Her prince's explanation also explained why it was raining since it had been a fairly nice day and evening.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that. I wish you hadn't have had to." She said sadly as he drove them back to his apartment.

"I wish it too. I'm just glad you're back with me." Darien said as he stopped at a red light.

The quiet moment was interrupted by the sound of Serena's cell phone ringing. She quickly pulled it out and saw that it was her home number.

"Hello?" She answered as she shifted slightly in her wet clothes.

"Serena! Where are you? You missed dinner." She heard her father say in a slightly upset tone of voice.

"Sorry dad. We just finished training. I'm headed to Darien's right now." She said calmly.

"You told your mother you would be home tonight Serena." He reminded her sternly.

"Oh! I had forgotten about that." She said apologetically. "I can't go home tonight dad. I can't be away from Darien right now." She added seriously and knew right away that she was right. She felt the panic and sadness rush through him and watched as the rain began to come down harder.

"What do you mean you can't be away from him?! You've hardly spent any time with your family Serena! You seem to think that it doesn't matter since you revealed your secret but it does. It's as if you're choosing him over us!" Her father snapped.

Serena pulled the phone away from her ear and looked at it incredulously, hardly believing what she had just heard. What her father had just said was ludicrous, especially with her fear of them not making it to Crystal Tokyo. Still, she had heard the latent words in his short speech. 'Choose. Him or your family.' Her father certainly wouldn't like her choice if she was forced to do so. It would hurt but she would pick Darien always.

"Dad put mom on the phone." Serena said calmly and quietly as she placed the phone back to her ear.

Darien pulled the car over and cut the engine. He couldn't concentrate on the road with their combined emotions distracting him. He was panicked and sad. He could admit that he could not be away from her right now. Not after the enemy had taken her from him so abruptly. And his princess was feeling sad and slightly angry with whatever her father had said.

"Why? Why can't you talk to me?" He asked and she could hear the frown in his voice.

"Because mom is reasonable. She would at least hear me out before throwing around unfounded accusations." She said as calmly as she could, knowing that anger would not help her. "Now please let me speak to mom." She said and there was slight rustling and then her mom's voice.

"Hi mom. I'm sorry I can't come home tonight but I think you'll understand after I explain." She began. "There was an attack earlier this evening." She said.

"Oh! We heard about that. It was all over the news. I was so worried about you." Her mom said.

"You weren't the only one." She said with a sigh. "Things went as usual after we got there but then the monsters started to target me and I eventually fell through a black hole."

"A black hole?!" Her mother stated in horror, pictures of large black holes in outer space pulling in whatever came near it flashing through her mind.

"Yes. Turns out it was a time portal. It sent me back to when I was fourteen. Darien and the girls told me I had only been gone for a little over half an hour, but for me it had been hours." Serena explained.

"How did you get back?" Her mother asked.

"I had to call on the Sailor Pluto of that time." She explained briefly. "But mom did you see a few hours ago when the thunder and lightning started, the storm?" She asked.

"Yes. I was quite shocked as it seemed to come out of nowhere." Her mother said.

"That was the exact moment I fell through the time portal." Serena stated.

"How do you know?" Her mother asked in slight confusion.

"Because that was Darien's reaction to my disappearance, to being completely cut off from me." She explained.

"That was really Darien?" Her mother asked in shock. "But how could he possibly…?" Her question trailed off in her shock.

"He's the Prince of Earth mom. It's not just a fancy title. He has a connection with the planet." She explained. "That storm was a manifestation of his anger and pain."

"It's still raining. What does that mean?" Her mother asked in concern.

"It means he's still in pain. He's still sad. It's not going to stop until he's assured that I'm not going to suddenly disappear again." She said softly. "You remember when I mentioned that we share a link? Well, when I vanished into the time portal we were cut off from each other. We could no longer sense or feel each other. He didn't know if I was even alive or not." She tried to explain.

"That's terrible. I'm so sorry. Did you feel the same way while you were gone?" The older woman asked.

"I would have if the situation had been different, but I was scared and depressed." She admitted. "I'll tell you all the details tomorrow mom. I don't have anything planned so I can spend the whole day at home. I promise. The only thing that could change that is another attack." She assured her mom.

"Okay Serena. I'm holding you to your promise." Her mother said.

"I understand." She said with a nod even if the woman couldn't see it. "Can you explain the situation to dad? He was too busy accusing me to let me." She said a little peeved.

"I will. Don't worry." Her mom said.

"Thanks mom. I'll see you tomorrow." She replied before they said their goodbyes.

"What did he say to you?" Darien asked as he started the car, knowing he didn't need to explain what he was asking about.

"He said that I hardly spend time with them and that it was like I thought it didn't matter since I told them my secret. That it was like I was choosing you over them." Serena explained with a sigh.

"I'm sorry he feels that way. It's most likely because he still hasn't come to terms with your secret identities yet." He said consolingly as he pulled back out onto the road.

"I know but it still hurts." She said as she looked out the windshield and she felt understanding pass through their link.

"I'll be spending the day with you at your house tomorrow." Dairen quietly informed her as he glanced to her and back to the road.

"That's more than fine with me and I'm sure that mom would appreciate seeing us together." She replied just as quietly.

The rest of the ride to Darien's apartment building was quiet. Both lost in their thoughts of the day. Once inside his apartment they took a warm shower together. It was innocent but there was no denying that they enjoyed the feeling of each other's hands gliding along their skin as they washed each other. After drying off and putting on underwear Darien put on a pair of sweat pants while Serena slipped on one of his t-shirts. Within moments the lights were off and they were cuddling in bed.

"You know I remember noticing the differences in you while you were in the past." Darien said as he held his princess against him.

"What did you notice?" Serena asked as she drew circles with her fingers on his bare chest.

"I noticed that your hair was much longer than usual even though I had never seen it down from your usual style before. Your body was much more developed then it was the last time I saw you, your face was more mature, and your eyes were different as well. The innocence I was used to seeing was gone and age and experience were in its place." He said softly as he ran his fingers through her hair. "I had also seen the ring on your finger." He added, remembering how that had surprised him when he later thought about it.

"You noticed all that and weren't concerned that I was an imposter?" She asked, her voice quietly surprised.

"Nope. Even with all that, I had known that you were still you. I don't know how I was sure, but I was." He replied.

"Well I'm glad you were or things could have gone very differently." She said with a sigh. "Would you like to hear about the memory I experienced?" She asked after a few quiet moments.

"Of course." He answered promptly. He was curious to know what it was about, and hoped that a description would help him remember.

"They were on the Earth this time. Serenity was sneaking around having a night time walk and eventually made her way to Endymion's heaven. She was feeling homesick and wanted to be under the light of the Moon to make herself feel better." She began as she wrapped her left leg around his.

"She decided to go for a swim since the lake looked so inviting, so she stripped and took her hair down and then swam to the middle of the lake where the reflection of the moon was. She floated there staring up at the sky until Endymion showed up. Apparently he couldn't sleep so he went for a walk."

"Needless to say, he stripped down and joined her." She said and continued to describe the conversation the two had before launching into their intimate actions.

"Wow. In a lake huh?" He said with a light chuckle. "We were all over the place back in the day." He continued.

"Tell me about it. I think I'm going to start guessing at what other places we christened." She said as she rolled her eyes.

Darien laughed as he thought of the many places they might have been able to get away with using.

"Do you think you had been able to learn how to use a sword?" He asked once his laughter had calmed.

"I don't know. I think the only way to know or at least to know soon, is to try and use one." She said thoughtfully as her fingers lightly brushed across his chest.

"You can try using mine and see what happens." He offered as he closed his eyes to better savor the feel of her touch. "Or we can get you a different one."

"Hmm…we can try yours during our next training session and see how it goes. If it's too heavy then we can try a different sword." Serena said softly.

Silence descended after her words faded into the dark of the room. She listened to the soft pitter patter of the rain against the balcony doors and felt the pain in her heart to know that it was there because her prince was suffering from her earlier disappearance.

Darien quietly soaked in the feel of his princess' fingers moving on his skin and her warm presence against his body. He snuggled closer to her, his fingers gripping her soft hair, as he reminded himself that she was still there with him and safe. Her mere presence was doing wonders to heal his disturbed psyche, but he knew it would take a bit more time for him to be back to his normal self. He could not help it. The girl was his family, his life, when it came right down to it. Her vanishing and being cut off from her the way he had been was like losing a body part only much more intense. Like a piece of his soul was missing.

The Prince of Earth nuzzled his princess' face until his lips came into contact with hers. He kissed her desperately, trying to convey the anger, fear, sorrow, and pain he felt at her being taken from him. Words simply could not do justice to explain how he had and still felt about it.

"Do you know how much it hurt to watch you vanish in front of me?" He asked intensely, his breathing harsh. "To not know if you were alive?" He added before his lips crashed against hers, his tongue running around her mouth in an attempt to rememorize the cavern. "To not be able to do a single thing about it?" He asked as he once more broke the kiss, his breath coming out in pants.

"I suppose it hurt just as much as waking up in a time not my own. Of waking to a version of the love of my life who didn't love me. Of how scared I was knowing that saying the wrong thing could possibly make it so he never loves me. Or worse, being stuck in that time never to see you again." She said haltingly, her mind finally reacting to what she had been through.

She knew it was possible but she was only now accepting the fact that she could have ruined her time, her home with her presence in the past. She could have come home to a Darien that wasn't engaged to her, didn't love her, or even like her. It was even possible to come back and find that he no longer existed. Something she said in the past could have very well caused his death! Then there was always the horrifying possibility that calling on Pluto wouldn't have worked. She could have been stuck in that time never to see him, her Scouts, or her family again.

Serena shivered at the sadness and fear coursing through her. She did not like it at all. She didn't want to deal with it. She just wanted it to go away.

She wrapped her arm around the back of his neck and kissed him hard, wanting to forget all the pain and fear they had suffered. Darien seemed to feel the same as he eagerly returned her kiss, his fingers threading in the hair at the back of her head to keep her there.

As their lips continued to move desperately against each other Serena's leg tightened around Darien's, while he took the opportunity to slide his hand from her hair down her lower back. She moaned lightly at the feeling and unconsciously ground her hips against his, feeling the hardness that her love was not trying to hide. A loud groan escaped his lips as he pulled away from her soft lips. His lips peppered her skin with kisses until he reached her neck as his hand slid to her firm bottom, gripping the mass of flesh as his hips bucked against hers.

Serena panted at the feeling as her hand gripped his hair while his mouth lavished attention on her neck. She wanted more. Her body was starting to sing a familiar tune, and soon she was going to start doing everything she could to get the relief she was going to crave. She lifted his head to kiss him as he practically pressed her back to the mattress, his hips moving against hers as their kiss transformed from desperate to passionate.

Darien groaned as he broke the kiss and pulled his body away from hers. He cringed at the whimper his princess released but he didn't return. He knew they could go no further. It would only lead to one thing and it could not happen. No matter how much he wanted it. Making love to her would give him the closeness to her that he needed to feel secure that she wasn't going anywhere. However, continuing as they were when they knew they couldn't finish would be torturous.

He opened his eyes and looked into hers and saw that she understood why he stopped even if she didn't like it. He carefully moved closer and wrapped an arm around her as he calmed his breathing.

"Serena?" He said quietly. "What are we going to do if it happens again? If they send you to the past?" He asked as he nuzzled her head.

"We handle it as best we can." She answered. "I hope it doesn't happen but if it does I'll do all I can to get back to you without changing anything, and you'll have to try to keep your emotions from affecting the city too much." She said.

He sighed knowing she was right. He really did hope that it didn't happen but with their luck she would be lucky not to be sent to their distant past. It was going to be hard for him to try and control his emotions if she was taken from him again. He almost wished he had a situation to deal with like she would. Almost.

"We'll handle it as best we can." He said, repeating her words as he held her tighter. "Let's get some rest Princess. We can definitely use it after the night we've had." He said before releasing a yawn.

"You're right." She replied, catching his yawn, her eyes watering slightly from the size of it. "Goodnight love." She added as she snuggled against him.

"Goodnight Princess." He whispered as he gently pulled the covers higher over them and lay his head against hers.

With all the stress and fear they had been feeling as well as the weariness from training, it was no surprise when they quickly fell asleep.

---

Hearing the sound of voices Serena slowly opened her eyes and was surprised to see Queen Serenity as well as Endymion and Serenity sitting together in a room half the size of Serenity's bedroom but just as beautiful. They sat in chairs that appeared to be a cross between crystal and light gray marble with silk cushions padding the seats.

Serena nearly stepped back to escape being seen before she realized that she was in a memory. Instead, she stepped forward and listened as she took in everyone's appearance. The Queen and Serenity were in their usual royal gowns, but Endymion was without his armor, sword, and cape. His dark blue uniform on display like never before as well as the knee high black boots that apparently hid beneath the protective armor.

'Looks like Endymion is here on a diplomatic assignment to try and better relations between the Earth and the Moon.' She thought as she listened. 'I wonder if some of these ideas would have worked.' She wondered as the Queen told Serenity to entertain Endymion until lunch as the meeting finished.

---

Serenity gracefully led Endymion from the meeting room through the large hallways on their way to their destination.

"Where are we going Princess?" Endymion asked as he walked elegantly alongside Serenity.

"You will soon see." She answered before leading him pass guards and down a few more hallways before entering a large room that turned out to be the library.

The room was bright and large, being three stories tall, with multiple rows of crystal-marble shelves. At that time of day there was never anyone in the quiet room, so it was the best place for her to 'entertain' the Earth Prince.

The secret couple spent a few minutes making sure the library was empty before retreating to the very back row on the main floor. Serenity giggled quietly as they hurried into the row hand in hand. She sighed lightly as Endymion pressed her back against the cool wall between the stacks. Shivering slightly she wrapped her arms loosely around his neck and looked into his deep blue eyes.

Endymion smiled down at his princess as he wrapped an arm around her lower back. Once he understood why she had brought them to the library he had been eager to get her into his arms. As he brought his free hand up to caress her cheek and his lips to happily greet hers, he thought he would be able to tell Queen Serenity in all honesty that her daughter had succeeded in entertaining him.

He tightened his arm around her, pushing her lower body against his as his hand moved from her face to the wall at her back. As their tongues wrapped around each other he tried to convey his feelings of love and passion through the kiss. He wanted her to know that this wasn't just a quick intimate encounter to him, but a chance to express his love for her and his continued need for her. He never wanted her to have a reason to question his devotion to her.

Serenity moaned into her loves mouth. She wanted so much to wrap her leg around him, to feel his hardness against her most private place, but she knew they would have to stop kissing so she could let him know that was what she wanted. She was not, however, willing to stop long enough to do so. Instead she simply tightened her arms around his neck and rubbed herself against him, soaking in his body heat as it passed through his uniform and her gown.

They both jumped, their lips abruptly breaking apart as they heard a noise coming from the front of the room. The noise brought them back to reality and made them realize that they couldn't do anything in such a public quiet place.

Endymion stepped away, releasing his hold on Serenity as her arms slid away from him. They gazed at each other, panting as they worked to calm their breathing. Endymion focused on his crystal as he stepped forward and gently traced her swollen lips with a golden fingertip and watched as the redness and swelling disappeared. He easily repeated the process on his own lips so that there would be no visual evidence of what they had been doing.

The royal couple sighed, both of them thinking about how much they wanted each other even though it was dangerous. Every time they had been intimate on Serenity's home planet they had been in her bedroom. Always. This time they couldn't be seen going to either of their bedrooms together.

Serenity frowned as she straightened her appearance with Endymion's help and returned the favor. Her body was crying out for relief and even if they hadn't gotten that far to have her body react that way, she still would have wanted him. It was the only time they could really show their feelings to one another and that's what she wanted. To not only get relief from the pulsing ache but to be able to express her love to him.

"Let us leave here." She said softly and they calmly moved out of the stacks and made their way to the front of the room.

There was a pile of books on one of the tables but no one in sight. Still, the pile hadn't been there when they entered so they knew that they had no longer been alone.

The Moon Princess wracked her brain for a suitable place they could go as she led Endymion from the library and down the hallway. She nearly sighed when she couldn't think of any and was just about to give up when the perfect place popped into her mind. It was the perfect place to continue their activities, but perhaps even more dangerous than the library.

"Come. I know the perfect place for us to relax until the lunch hour." Serenity said with a mischievous smile as they continued down the hall.

"I am yours to lead Princess." Endymion replied, his eyes expressing the hidden meaning in his words.

Serenity shivered at the look in his eyes and the meaning of his words, but she didn't allow herself to lose her focus as she lead him down hallways and flights of stairs before heading out a door leading behind the palace.

Behind the palace laid a vast garden. It was specifically for the royalty of the moon, and its purpose was to provide the royalty with a place to go to be alone with their thoughts. Her mother, however, never said she could not bring a guest with her. They would just have to be careful and quiet so that her mother wouldn't hear them if she ventured into the garden that day.

The pathways of the garden were lined with marble walls with scatterings of green vines. Vibrant grass covered the foot paths while marble benches were placed in convenient resting areas. Filling the garden were exotic yet soothing plants and flowers from all the planets in their solar system.

Serenity by passed all the soothing plant life and led Endymion to the back of the garden where there were water fountains that could mask any small sounds they might make.

"Well, what do you think? The only person who could possibly come upon us is mother." She said as she glanced around then back to Endymion to get his reaction.

"I think you have chosen well my love." Endymion said in a low tone as he pressed her back against a vine-free space of the marble wall and picked up where they left off in the library.

---

Serena's eyes flew all over the place as she enjoyed the view as she followed the royals to and from the library. The Palace was as beautiful as Serenity's bedroom. Of course she knew it would be but seeing it in all its glory was still awe inspiring. And now that she was getting such a good look she could see where King Endymion and Neo-Queen Serenity got their inspiration for the crystal palace in Crystal Tokyo.

Of course she didn't acknowledge that she enjoyed the feel of Endymion kissing Serenity. It was obvious by the double ache she was feeling. She could still feel the heat of his arm around Serenity's lower back, his hand on her waist, his other hand moving along her cheek, and the softness of his lips against hers.

When the garden came into view Serena immediately loved it. She wished she had a place like it to go to after waking from the memories. She marveled at the plants and flowers, exclaiming over the variety of colors and being surprised when she could not name some of the colors. The water fountains were gorgeous and soothing to look at as well as to listen to.

However, her appreciation was cut short at the feel of Endymion's warm body pressing against Serenity and his lips meeting hers. The sensation of hot tongues touching caused a sharp tug to jerk her body towards and into Serenity's body, Endymion's body not being an obstacle as she went right through him.

---

Small delicate hands slid from a firm chest up to broad shoulders where one arm snaked around a neck while the fingers of another plowed through soft black hair. A muffled moan sounded as Serenity felt large warm hands settle on her hips.

It had taken no time at all for him to induce the passionate sensations she had been feeling back in the library. His warm hands on her hips and his moist hot tongue playing with hers and she was a goner.

Endymion's lips moved from his loves mouth to bathe her neck in open mouth kisses as one of his hands drifted up to mold his fingers to one of her breasts. He hummed against her neck, loving how soft she felt in his hand. He loved the sound of her breath hitching as his fingers gently squeezed her. In fact, he loved everything about her.

She had the ability to calm his anger, the ability to sooth his tired mind and weary body. She accepted him not as a prince but as a man, and she understood him like no other. He could not wait to marry her but with their relationship being the secret that it was all he could do was use the times they had alone together to show exactly how much he loved and appreciated her.

Serenity began to shiver, her whole body tingling from the inside out at what her prince was making her feel. She clung to him wanting to wrap her legs around him and she tried to but her gown was in the way. There was enough of the fabric to allow the movement but she didn't want the silk in the way. She released a frustrated sigh. She wanted to feel the smooth, warm fabric of his uniform against her skin!

Luckily Endymion understood her frustration. He made quick work of pulling up her gown with his free hand. When he felt warm skin his other hand joined to pull the rest of the front of her gown up to her waist where his hands settled on her hips to play with the elastic of her panties.

Their lips met as Serenity wrapped her legs around Endymion's waist. Her shifting weight didn't faze him at all. He took advantage of her move to move his hands to her bottom and press her further against the wall. The running water from the fountain masked their combined moans as their lip embrace became heated.

Serenity moaned as she began to grind her hips against Endymion's while his warm hands kneaded her bottom. He stood there suckling her bottom lip, taking pleasure in the pressure she placed on his aching manhood. The hand in his hair slid down his neck and to his uniform top. Even in the heat of passion Serenity was still aware enough to know not to damage his uniform as she carefully opened his top.

Endymion groaned, his lips moving to her neck once again as her small warm hand drifted over his bare chest. He was outrageously glad that he had decided not to wear an undershirt that morning. His hips moved in circles against her grinding hips. His breath washed over her neck in hot pants at the combination of her hand and hips moving against him.

He moved his lips back to hers as their hips began to move faster and harder. He was becoming so lost in the sensations that he almost gave into the thought of ripping her underwear clean off her.

Endymion pulled his lips from hers sharply and leaned his forehead against hers as he stopped all movement. He forced himself to slow down. Reminded himself that he wanted her to feel appreciated and not that he was simply taking his pleasure of her. Ripping her undergarments off her would be uncivilized in the extreme and shameful behavior for one of his station.

He glanced around briefly then carefully turned them around and sat on the grassy ground with his back to the wall. Serenity looked at him curiously as she adjusted her position on his lap. She blushingly shifted her legs from behind his back to fold against his thighs so she was straddling him comfortably with her gown draped over her limbs.

"Are you comfortable my love?" Endymion asked softly as his hands rested on her hips.

"Yes." Serenity answered simply. "Although I am curious to know why we are now sitting." She added.

"I wanted you to be comfortable, and I wanted us to slow down." He answered honestly. He knew they did not have a great deal of time but he hoped the time they had would be enough for the pace he wished for.

"Well, I am comfortable," She said as she wiggled slightly on him. "and I do not mind proceeding slowly." She added as her arms snaked around his neck.

"Good." He breathed against her lips before claiming them with his own in a slow caress.

Endymion moved his hands from her hip up to gently cup her breasts, careful of the intricate beading covering the top border of her gown. His fingers molded the soft mounds as Serenity began to slide back and forth against the bulge of straining manhood.

He shivered at the pleasurable friction, his hands squeezing the covered flesh beneath them as he deepened the kiss. As their tongues danced together he wrapped his arms around her back, holding her close as she moved against him.

Serenity moved against Endymion more urgently. Her body tingled and shivered as she tried to bring herself some relief, but she was frustrated that she could not. She needed her prince to help.

"Endy please!" She cried softly against his lips.

"Whenever you are ready love." He said in a low tone that sent shivers up and down her back.

Serenity braced her hands on his broad shoulders and pushed herself up to her feet. She quickly stepped out of her high heels and placed them out of the way before gathering her gown in her hands to reach her underwear.

Endymion watched with stormy blue eyes the glimpses of her smooth legs even as he struggled to free himself from his breeches and underwear. He pushed his garments down his thighs and to his knees, making sure they were well out of her way when she came back to him. He carefully took his hard length in hand and slowly stroked up and down as he watched her first lift one foot and then the next, freeing herself from the restricting cloth that protected her most private place.

Serenity tossed her panties to settle in the grass near her shoes and finally allowed herself to put her focus back on her prince. She promptly blushed to find him staring at her with an intense look as he stroked himself. She looked away in embarrassment to see him doing such a thing, but just as quickly forced herself to rally her courage and take a deep breath. Her gown was slowly gathered in her hands as she stepped toward him, one foot was placed on either side of his legs before she lowered herself to her knees.

She gazed into his dark blue nearly black eyes as his free hand settled on her waist to help guide her as she lowered herself onto his rigid length. Her Earth prince groaned as her heated body began to swallow him. His other hand quickly joined its twin on her waist as she came to a seated halt, releasing her gown so the cool fabric covered her legs.

She sighed as Endymion framed her face with his hands and brushed her lips with his once, twice, three times before his tongue asked for entrance. She leaned into the kiss, her hands bracing herself against his shoulders as she slowly lifted her hips only to lower them again.

Endymion moaned as she established a steady pace, and she sighed as he trailed kisses along her neck and bare shoulders. Serenity loved the feeling. She wished she could wake up to the sensation every morning and fall asleep to it every night. She wished with all her heart that they could be married, that they didn't have to keep their relationship a secret and sneak around.

She wanted it to be out in the open where they could show all their loved ones that they had someone special to love who loved them.

Endymion brought his lips back to Serenity's as he sensed the shift in her emotions. Whatever it was that she was thinking about he didn't want her to entertain it. It was making her sad and that was the last thing he wanted her to be experiencing.

He wrapped his arms around her, one against her lower back and the other against her upper back. He groaned as her rocking hips shifted and managed to draw him in deeper. He loved the feeling and told her so. He whispered hotly in her ear exactly how she felt to him. How soft her body was, how wet and hot the tunnel of her body was, how he savored the feel of her weight on top of him, and the silkiness of her hair.

Serenity blushed a brighter red then she was wearing at her loves words. She wrapped an arm around the back of his neck and gripped a fistful of hair in her free hand to keep him where he was. His kiss and words had thoroughly distracted her and focused her mind back on their shared passion.

Sky blue eyes closed as she panted and whimpered out her pleasure as it coursed through her body. Hot breath bathed her ear and neck as her Earth prince trembled in her arms. Soon she was moaning in frustration. She could not move fast enough or hard enough to produce the effect she wanted and it was bringing tears to her eyes.

"Endy." She begged as she tried to move faster as she clung to him.

Instead of responding verbally Endymion chose to respond with actions. He carefully leaned his upper body back against the wall behind him, taking his princess with him, and lifted his hips sharply causing her to cry out and immediately bury her face against his neck.

He braced his heels in the grass and continued his upward thrusts in a frenzied pace. Serenity continued to rock her hips against his thrusts, both royals shivering and trembling, their faces buried in each other's neck as their moans grew louder, mixing with the trickling water of the fountains.

---

Darien frowned, feeling movement against him and soft moaning in his ear. As his mind continued to wake up he struggled with confusion for a few moments before he remembered that his fiancé was spending the night and their enemy's recent activities that had brought her there.

Another moan filled the silence from the young woman sprawled on top of him, and he blinked open his eyes as he remembered that he was supposed to put his plan in motion with the next memory she experienced in his presence.

Darien rolled until Serena was on her back and began to kiss her neck as his hand slid along her bare legs. One hand came up to steady himself on the bed while the other drifted up to squeeze and caress her breasts, hoping that the sensations would penetrate into the memory.

He listened as her moans grew louder and felt her arms automatically wrap around his back as she shifted beneath him. Her breath came out in quick pants and he realized that every reaction she had was having an interesting effect on his body.

A gasp escaped her lips as she woke up and he quickly kissed her before she could even think to try and sit up. It was only seconds before her sleepy yet stimulated mind realized what was happening and eagerly returned his kiss.

After a while of heated kisses and caresses Darien sat up and reached for her panties. They slid down her legs and he moved back, taking the covers with him as her feet slipped out of them. He tossed them to the floor and lay down next to her where she twisted to kiss him as his hand slid between her legs, up her thighs, and to the most private area of her body for the first time.

His fingers slid along her moist flesh slowly, exploring to satisfy his curiosity, and knowing that his exploring was bringing her closer to her release.

Serena pulled her lips from his, her mind unable to concentrate on the simple action as she spread her legs to give him more room. She felt his warm lips move along her face back to her neck where his hot breath made her shiver. She sighed as his lips brushed her sensitive skin, his hair tickling the side of her face as her arms held his head in place.

She loved the feeling. All the feelings he was inducing her to feel. She was finally, finally going to get relief outside of a memory and she could not be any more pleased then she already was. To feel his hands and lips on her was torture but to know that this time they would not stop was absolute bliss!

Serena's breath came in pants as she helplessly thrust her hips against his hand as his fingers moved to the pearl of nerves at her entrance. Faster and faster his fingers moved, the addition of his hot tongue tasting her neck, and the remembered rapture of Serenity's release had her reaching her peak with a breathless cry.

Nearly a minute passed before Serena's breathing calmed and she opened her eyes and turned her head to find Darien staring at her with dark eyes and a pleased smile. She smiled in return and opened her mouth to express her thanks, but then realized that he needed relief as well.

Endymion always did. She thought as she took a steadying breath and leaned forward to kiss him.

She turned on her side and slipped her left hand down his sweat pants and boxers to literally take her prince in hand. She stroked him as best she could, all the while hoping she was doing it right because not even Serenity had done such a thing for Endymion. At least not in the memories she had experienced so far.

Darien groaned into Serena's mouth at the feel of his princess' warm little hand around him. He could sense her hesitance but she need not have worried. He was enjoying her hesitant clumsy attempts to give him relief. It felt so good and from the tingling he could feel in his lower region he knew that he would not last long.

He wrapped his arm around her back, his fingers gripping her hair as his hips moved in rhythm with her stroking hand. He moved himself forward to be as close as possible to her. Her hands on him, giving him such pleasure, he knew was as close as he was going to get to the physical connection he needed to feel secure that she would not suddenly disappear from him. Even now in the midst of such pleasure he could admit that he was still scared that she would be taken away from him.

Still, he tried to push back his fear and focus on nothing but the pleasure he was feeling from the presence of his princess. They exchanged open mouthed kisses as his hips moved faster and her hand sped up in response. Soon he buried his face in her neck, his breathing fast and harsh as his need over took him. He groaned loudly and clutched at her as his hips jerked repeatedly at his release.

Darien shivered and panted as Serena pulled her hand free and began to run her fingers through his hair. He was slightly uncomfortable with the mess in his boxers but was unwilling to move and do anything about it, and decided quickly that it didn't really matter since he would soon be asleep.

"Wow." He whispered after his breathing had calmed. "That felt great." He added with a tired sigh.

"I agree. I have never been this relaxed after waking from a memory." Serena said with a smile as her fingers continued their path through his hair.

"I'm glad." He said and she could feel that he very much was. "So…did you like my plan?" He asked.

"Oh I loved it!" She said dreamily as she remembered the feel of his fingers touching her. "We're going to have to implement your plan even when there's no memory induced feelings." She added with a large smile.

Darien laughed. "I think you might be right my love." He said as his laughter faded. He yawned hugely and looked into her happy eyes. "I think it's time for us to go back to sleep. I'll shield you from another memory, so that my work doesn't come undone in a few hours." He reassured her.

"I'm glad of that, especially since I'm still tired from all the stress and training." Serena said as she made herself comfortable as Darien covered them with the blankets.

"I really did enjoy you giving me relief my princess." He whispered as she blinked slowly at him a few minutes later. "I can't wait to feel your hands on me again." He added and felt her happiness before her eyes blinked closed.

Within moments his love was fast asleep and he quickly called upon the power of his golden crystal to shield her dreams. Once he was positive that she was sleeping peacefully and uninterrupted he allowed himself to succumb to the rest his body and mind needed.

.:xXx:.

Serena frowned as she heard ringing sound through her groggy mind. She nuzzled into the warm softness beneath her face to try and escape the annoying sound. It didn't work. To her immense irritation it was getting louder and she was becoming aware of her surroundings.

She frowned once again before opening her eyes and looking at the time to see that it was nearly eleven o'clock. She closed her eyes with a tired sigh, feeling Darien's arm around her waist, and wanting nothing more than to go back to sleep.

The ringing sounded again and only then did she realize that it was her cell phone and not the phone in the apartment.

I might as well answer it before it wakes Darien. Although I'm surprised it hasn't already. She thought as she carefully but quickly eased out from under his arm and out of bed.

Serena straightened the large t-shirt she wore, a little self-conscious of the fact that she wasn't wearing any underwear, and quietly slipped out of the room. Concentrating briefly with a small gesture of her hand and her cell phone dropped into her hand softly. Answering it before the next ring was finished she was greeted by crying, sniffles, and a distraught voice that she was surprised belonged to her long-time friend Molly.

"Molly? Molly calm down. I can barely understand you." She said as she sat down on the couch in the living room.

Over the next few minutes she did her best to calm her friend whom she hadn't spoken to in quite some time, and learned that there was a serious problem between her and Melvin. She frowned once she understood, and wondered what she could do. Her friend clearly needed her help but she didn't think that could happen over the phone.

"How about we meet up?" She suggested. "It's been a long time since we've seen each other, and I think it would be best to talk in person then over the phone."

"You're right." Molly said with a sniffle. "It will be good to see you." She added with a little cheer brightening her tone.

The two young women decided to meet at a quiet casual restaurant that they both knew to have breakfast, and agreed to meet in an hour and a half before getting off the phone to get ready.

Serena sighed before getting up and heading back to the bedroom where she found Darien awake lying in bed with the covers around his waist. She smiled at the picture he made and sat on the bed next to him.

"I had a call from Molly just now. She was terribly distraught." She said with a sigh as she played with the phone in her hands.

"Is she okay?" Darien asked with a frown. "No one's hurt or…"

"She's okay." Serena said quickly. "And no one is hurt or worse." She assured him. "Something happened between her and Melvin. I'm guessing it was a terrible fight. We've agreed to meet up at a restaurant in an hour and a half to talk." She explained.

"I'm glad she's fine health wise." He replied with a slight smile. "I'll drop you off at the restaurant but first I'm going to take you home so that you can tell your mother in person that you'll be there later in the day to spend time there." He explained and watched her nod in agreement. "I think while you're with Molly I'll go see what Andrew is up to." He added thoughtfully.

"Good idea. I wouldn't want you to be bored without me." Serena said with a smile before getting up and going to the closet to find something to wear.

The couple showered separately, not wanting to start something they couldn't finish, and dressed comfortably. Once Serena finished arranging her hair in its usual style they left the apartment and headed for her house.

After pulling up to the house Serena hopped out and headed inside while Darien waited in the idling car.

"Mom?" Serena called as she closed the front door.

"Serena?" Came the soft voice of her mother from the living room.

"Hi mom." She said as she walked into the room and sat on the couch next to her. "I wanted to let you know that I'm going to meet up with Molly soon. She called me a little while ago and was so distressed that I could barely understand her. All I know is that something happened between her and Melvin and she needs me." She explained calmly.

"When we're done talking Darien and I will be back here to spend the rest of the day." Serena added firmly so her mother knew she was serious.

"I'm glad you came and let me know." Mrs. Tsukino said happily. "Good luck with helping her. I hope she feels better soon. You should invite her over sometime. It's been so long since I've seen her."

"I will mom. She could probably use some time amongst a friend right now." She said thoughtfully as she wondered if Molly had made any new friends. "I'll see you when I get back." She added as she kissed her mother's cheek and got to her feet.

"I'll be waiting. I'm very anxious to know what happened yesterday." Mrs. Tsukino said with a slightly worried look.

"Don't worry. We'll tell you everything." Serena said with a wave before leaving the house and joining Darien in his car.

"Call me when you're ready to go and I'll come pick you up." Darien said as he pulled up to the front of the small restaurant she had directed him to.

"I will. I promise." She said as she leaned over and kissed him goodbye.

Serena gave him a parting smile before she got out of the car and waved to him before he drove off. She then turned to where she had seen Molly standing and walked over to her with a warm welcoming smile.

"Molly." She said softly as she stopped in front of the red head. Her hair was much longer than it had been the last time she had seen her. No longer was it just above her shoulders. The wavy locks now trailed halfway down her back.

"Serena." Molly said just as softly as she looked over the friend she hadn't seen in so long. Her hair had always been long but she could easily tell that it had grown as it was now trailing on the ground even up in its usual style.

The two hugged, their arms tight around each other in a clear show that although they had not spoken in a while and had not seen each other for an even longer time they were still good friends.

Once their heartfelt greeting was over they entered the restaurant and were quickly seated at a window table and were given menus. They wordlessly looked over the menu and when their waitress returned they ordered their food and drinks, then handed the menus to the waitress before she left.

"What happened Molly?" Serena asked gently as she noticed the girl's eyes tearing up.

"Melvin and I had a fight. It was terrible." Molly said as her tears broke free and trailed down her face. "We've never yelled at each other before." She said with a sniffle. "We're supposed to move in together soon but I'm afraid that he won't want to anymore. Not after this fight." She added before covering her face with a quiet sob. "I don't know what to do."

"Oh Molly. I'm so sorry." Serena said softly and handed her the napkin next to the distraught girl's cutlery. She could not imagine Molly and Melvin yelling at each other, but then again she was sure that people they knew would say the same about her and Darien. In any case they would be right. When they fought it was intense but quiet. They never raised their voices.

Their drinks came and she watched as Molly took a few sips to help calm herself before wiping away stray tears.

"What was the fight about if you don't mind telling me?" Serena asked quietly as she used the straw in her cup to stir the ice.

"Melvin saw a man hugging me earlier yesterday. When I saw him last evening he was furious. He said I was cheating on him and that I should just breakup with him if I didn't want him anymore." Molly explained through her sniffles.

"I tried to tell him that it wasn't true. From where he was standing when he saw us he couldn't see that I was trying to get away from him or that I was resisting his attempts to kiss me." She cried quietly, not wanting to make a scene in the quiet atmosphere of the restaurant.

"Who is this guy?" Serena asked as she took in what her friend had said.

"Robert Pierson. He's a neighbor of mine. New from the last time you visited me. He's only a couple of years older than us, very handsome, but he's been too friendly since he moved in. He was polite and respectful so there was nothing I could complain about until now, but I had always felt a bit uncomfortable around him for some reason." Molly explained.

"He always made a point to talk to me every time he saw me, and this last time he felt the need to tell me about his sick mother. How she wasn't doing well and that it was such a hard time for him. The next thing I know he's got his arms around me and is telling me how he could use a nice caring girl like me in his life. Then he tried to kiss me as if that would suddenly make me that girl!" She said in angry frustration.

"I tried to tell Melvin this but he wouldn't listen. He was too angry." She added miserably. "But I know I didn't help the situation. I was defensive, rightfully so, but I brought up the girls that he talked to in school and still keeps in touch with. They're smart like him and sometimes he gets so involved in conversations with them or he starts talking to me about them that I wonder if he would rather be with one of them or if he wants me to be as smart as them."

Serena sighed sadly and took a sip of her drink as she thought over all that Molly had told her. It sounded to her that they might be having communication issues aside from this incident that started the argument. That needed to change if they were going to stay together.

"You two need to talk." Serena said gently but firmly. "It's the only way you are going to fix this." She continued and watched as Molly nodded a little hesitantly. "I'll be there with you if want and help in any way that I can."

"Thank you. I would really appreciate you being there. At least then he would likely listen to me." Molly said gratefully.

At that moment their food arrived and they made plans to meet up on Saturday with Melvin. Serena carefully pulled out her cell phone, it being once again in her subspace pocket, and called Melvin. They chatted about how nice it was to hear from each other and how they were doing before she gently told him how she had spoken to Molly that morning and how very sad she was.

Serena mentioned that they planned to meet up on Saturday and how she would like him to join them. She said that not only did she miss him and want to catch up with him but that he and Molly could talk out their problem. She suggested that it wouldn't be so tense and awkward with her with them.

After a few silent moments Melvin quietly agreed and she told him the place and time to meet them before they said their goodbyes.

Once she had assured Molly that Melvin had really agreed to meet them they spent time catching up as they ate. Serena used the time as a way to start working on their friendship like Darien had done with Andrew.

When they finished eating Serena called Darien to let him know that she was ready to leave, then spent the time until he arrived discussing what they planned to do now that they had graduated from high school. Molly was going to major in business having been inspired by how well her mother ran her jewelry shop. Serena was undecided. She did not know if she wanted to continue her education or not since she knew she would not finish and didn't even have an idea what to major in. Not that she could explain any of that to Molly. At least not yet.

Darien arrived just in time for Serena to avoid having to answer about her educational plans, and after biding Molly goodbye and promising to call her they were on their way to her home where her mother most likely anxiously awaited them.

Serena shared what had happened between Molly and Melvin and her suggestion that they all meet on Saturday so they could patch things up.

Darien expressed his hops that all would be well, but worried about Molly's overly friendly neighbor. He was concerned that the man might be stalking her or obsessed and could become dangerous.

"I'll definitely mention that to them." Serena promised. The idea had crossed her mind as she listened to Molly, but she hadn't been sure and didn't want to mention it to her sad friend.

"I need to tell you something that I remembered while I was with Andrew." Darien said as he glanced at Serena.

"I'm all ears love." She said as she gazed at him.

"There's a dinner being held in my honor as well as a few others by the board that oversees the hospital, and I want to introduce you to all of my colleagues as my fiancé." He explained.

"When is it?" She asked excitedly. "What are we supposed to wear?"

"It's next Wednesday and it's formal. Very formal. It's like a dinner and a ball mixed." He said with a smile as he felt her excitement and joy. He was sure that it was in response to the event as well as deciding what she would wear.

"I'm going to have to start thinking of something to wear! And oh! I'm so proud of you to have been given such an honor." She said lovingly with a bright smile.

"Thank you Princess." He said with a smile. "I guess I'm going to have to think of something to wear as well." They both laughed knowing that he wouldn't like it but would be sure to look his best.

Soon they were pulling up to the curb in front of Serena's house and entering the warm home.

"Mom?" She called as they stepped out of their shoes.

"In here." Her mother's voice came once again from the living room. They entered and found her watching a cooking show and folding laundry.

"We're here just like I promised." Serena said as they settled on the couch.

"I'm glad." Mrs. Tsukino said with a smile. "How are you Darien?" She asked.

"I'm doing well." Darien answered from his spot next to his princess, his arm around her shoulder. "Much better than I was last night."

"I'm glad to hear that." She said honestly and both young royals could tell that she was remembering what she had learned the night before. "How is Molly dear?"

"She's doing better but is still very sad. Their fight was bad but I'm going to meet with them on Saturday so they can talk without fighting." Serena replied.

"Well I certainly hope their talk goes well. They really are a dear couple." Mrs. Tsukino said and looked up from the towel she was folding.

"I have to admit that I am very anxious to know what happened to you yesterday. Both of you." She said, hoping that her questions would finally be answered. "The news showed the scene. There were bodies of people lying on the ground, both injured and…gone, with paramedics and police everywhere. There was so much destruction." She added as she remembered the burnt cars, cracked sidewalks, shattered windows, and crumbled asphalt.

The couple sighed in unison and looked at each other. Serena leaned into Darien and with a slight nod began to recount what happened from when they first got the call to when she arrived back in their time. She gave her mother all the details, only leaving out the personal ones that were between her and Darien.

"The fight sounds terrible, dangerous, and then to be cornered like that with help unable to come!" Mrs. Tsukino looked horrified as the scene from the news flashed through her mind. "Were you scared hanging over that black hole? Oh and when you fell through?" She asked, her hand coming to rest over her mouth.

"I was definitely scared. Especially since I had no idea where it would lead. It looked like one of those transport portals that our very first enemy used, so I wondered if I would end up in enemy territory with no way out and no back up." Serena said with a frown as she remembered. "Then when I fell through I was completely surrounded by darkness. I couldn't see anything and I couldn't sense Darien, and once I started feeling the pressure I really began to panic."

"It must have been terrible to watch her vanish before your eyes." Mrs. Tsukino said sympathetically to the young man.

"It was. Words really can't describe how I felt. You saw the storm. All the thunder and lightning. Add to that an earthquake. It was limited to the area I was standing in but it was forceful enough to effect a large area." Darien admitted.

"Were you scared when you realized you weren't in the right time?" Mrs. Tsukino asked her daughter as she reached for another towel.

"I didn't have time to be scared. I immediately knew that I had to be careful with what I said and did. I knew that I shouldn't even stick around to speak to them but with the situation being what it was I couldn't leave my younger self to deal with his younger self without an explanation." Serena said with a sigh.

"I knew I felt panicked and stressed. I knew I wasn't supposed to be there and the longer I was the worse things could get. Then there's the fact that they could have seen me as the enemy and not bothered to give me a chance to explain. A situation like that would have caused me so much more stress. I would have had to fight my way out and in doing that I would have worried about revealing something to them or worried about injuring them in a way that would affect their future counterparts." She continued.

"I was also feeling depressed and sad. To wake up to Darien after what I had been through only to find that he wasn't my Darien was shocking. I almost didn't know how to react to him, to this younger version of my fiancé who didn't know anything about me or our history together, who didn't love me." She finished as Darien hugged her and sent a wave of compassion through their link.

"I can't imagine how you felt or what you must have been thinking at the moment you realized he wasn't your Darien." Mrs. Tsukino said compassionately as she tried to do just that. "It must have been hard to not show your feelings for him, even if he wasn't the right age, I understand that he was still the same person." She said and watched her daughter nod in agreement.

"You must have also had to consider what would happen if you did let your feelings show. How he would react to you, and if that would affect the time you came from. It must have been so painful for you. I'm sorry you had to experience that dear." She said sincerely.

"It was difficult and painful and I had to keep it all bottled up as much as I could. Especially since at that time I wasn't interested in him. I hadn't yet revealed that I wasn't the Serena of that time so it would have been suspicious of me to suddenly have feelings for him. That would have brought up too many questions after I revealed my situation to the girls. Questions I wouldn't have been able to answer, and it might have caused problems for the Serena of that time." Serena explained.

"I understand." Mrs. Tsukino said as she reached for a blue towel. "Did you know that contacting Sailor Pluto would work or was that just a guess?" She asked curiously.

"I actually didn't know for sure, especially since I couldn't let them know who I was contacting." Serena said thoughtfully. "I just knew that issues concerning time were Pluto's domain, and that if anyone could help me get back it would be her. I honestly don't know what I would have done if contacting her didn't work."

"Well I'm very glad that it did work. I do not care to imagine what would have happened if it hadn't." Mrs. Tsukino said quietly before shaking her head to try and rid herself of the worry trying to capture her mind. "Do either of you remember her being there?" She asked as she looked from one to the other.

"Yes. We both remember." Darien said as he played with the long stream of golden hair he had pulled into his lap. "When Serena was explaining to me what happened when we were on our way to see the others I had wondered why I didn't remember what happened since my younger self had encountered her, but almost as soon as I thought that I began to remember. I have two sets of memories. The first set is normal. My day went on as usual with no interruptions. The second set has me coming across a Serena that looks like the one I knew but is very different. I knew she wasn't the Serena I had seen earlier but she was still Serena so I wasn't worried about that." He explained.

"After he told me that he remembered I realized that I remembered as well and I also have two sets of memories." Serena added, smiling briefly at her hair coiled in his lap before looking back to her mother.

Mrs. Tsukino finished folding the last towel and looked at the young couple. They looked so calm sitting there but she was concerned for them.

"What if it happens again? What will you do?" She asked them in concern.

Darien looked at Serena, meeting her eyes for a moment, before looking back to her mother. "We'll handle it as best we can." He said, repeating Serena's words from the night before. "We all are going to do our best to avoid the time portals, but there's no way to avoid them completely when we have no idea where they will appear. Especially if we're busy fighting and our attention is understandably elsewhere." He explained.

"I'm going to tell you right now mom that this time they seemed to have targeted me. We don't know if they'll keep choosing me or not, but if they do then I'll just have to do what I can to get home quick without changing the past. Assuming they send me back to the same time." Serena added.

"And I'll do my best to not lose my mind if I get cut off from her. Assuming I'm not the one sent through time. After hearing of Serena's experience I think it's safe to say that I would be more worried about accidentally doing something that would change what we have now." Darien replied.

The couple then explained that Trista was looking into ways to try and block the portals since that was her area of expertise and other then that there was really nothing concrete they could do. Mrs. Tsukino frowned in worry and Serena, being familiar with that look, tried to distract her by asking how her father reacted the night before to her explanation of what happened.

"Your father was not happy. He didn't like that you had disappeared from this time and we hadn't been informed, and he didn't like that you had to get back on your own." Mrs. Tsukino explained. "He also didn't believe that Darien was responsible for the storm. He said no one could affect the weather."

"Has he already forgotten about Amara and Lita? Their powers affect the elements they specialize in, so why shouldn't mine do the same?" Darien asked, a little offended. He didn't have complete control over that power yet but it was still his power.

"I'm sorry. It's just that he is so afraid for Serena." Mrs. Tsukino said apologetically.

"Mom that is no excuse. I'm sure you're just as worried for me, but that has not made you speak the way he has and it clearly has not made you unreasonable." Serena said with a frown. Not only was she offended for Darien but she was getting tired of her father's attitude.

Mrs. Tsukino reluctantly agreed with her daughter. Her husband wasn't being reasonable. He was not even taking time to ask questions like she was. She supposed that he couldn't with his work schedule and Serena not being home when he got there, but he didn't even ask her if she learned anything new about their daughter's secret life. All he did was complain about the danger.

They all decided that nothing could be done about Mr. Tsukino's attitude without him being there, so after Mrs. Tsukino put away the folded laundry they migrated to the kitchen. Mrs. Tsukino started on dinner but wouldn't allow either of them to help. She simply wanted to pass the time talking to them and continue learning about them, so she began to ask them questions she had been saving up.

Did the two of them remember how they met in their past life? Did they remember their parents? Did they have any siblings? Did they remember what it was like to live as royalty? Did they remember the things they liked to do? Did they marry? What was it like on the moon? How different was the earth from what it is now? What was it like when Darien first became Tuxedo Mask? What had he thought of the scouts? What did they think of him during that time?

On and on the questions went and the couple answered them easily. Some were uncomfortable to answer but they did, happy that Mrs. Tsukino was asking them and eager to learn about the both of them.

"Thank you for protecting her all this time, even back when you didn't know it was her." Mrs. Tsukino said gratefully as they finished relating one of their battles from a few years back. She realized that even with the three or four warrior girls there had been with her at the time, she might have still lost her daughter numerous times had it not been for his diligence in looking after her.

Moments after the words were out of her mouth they heard the sound of the front door open and two male voices. Surprise showed on all of their faces as they looked at the time and realized how many hours had passed as they spoke.

As the voices got closer, most likely following their noses, Darien watched as Serena took a deep steadying breath before the door opened.

"Hi dad, Sammy." Serena greeted them cheerfully with a smile. "You remember Darien of course." She added as she touched his shoulder briefly in a caress.

"Of course!" Sammy said as he smiled at Darien and nodded in greeting before hugging his sister. "You're okay right? I talked to Hotaru this morning and she explained what happened." He said as he looked at her.

Serena nodded. "I'm okay. The only part that was really scary was falling into that black hole since I didn't know where it led or if it led to anything at all. After that I was too worried and stressed to be scared." She explained.

"Good. I'm glad you're alright sis." Sammy said with a smile. "I'm going to my room." He said to everyone.

"Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. I'll call you down when it's time." Mrs. Tsukino said and they watched him wave and walk out the door.

"Dad." Serena greeted him once again with a smile since she had been distracted by her brother.

"Serena. Darien." Mr. Tsukino greeted them stiffly before leaving the kitchen.

Darien watched as Serena frowned as he held back one of his own. He felt her irritation and slight hurt at what happened and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"You okay?" He asked, knowing that she wasn't but wanting to hear her thoughts.

"I can't believe him." She said as she shook her head. "Wasn't he just complaining last night about my not being here?!" Serena said in disbelief. "Well here I am and now he seems to not care, and I really didn't appreciate the way he greeted us." She added as she leaned against him.

Darien had to agree. He had seen the way her father had happily greeted her mother but also how he had frowned at them afterwards. He also wasn't oblivious to the glare sent in his direction. Clearly Mr. Tsukino had a problem with him. He wondered how long it would be before the older man expressed himself.

"I'm sure he'll be better after he hears what you told me." Mrs. Tsukino said optimistically but all three of them had their doubts.

"We will see." Serena said with a sigh. She would tell him what happened and see how he reacted to the explanation, but if his attitude didn't change he would definitely be hearing from her.

A few minutes later everyone in the house trickled into the dining room and sat at the table. Mr. and Mrs. Tsukino sat at the ends, Sammy on one side while Serena and Darien settled on the other. Serena had made sure to sit next to her father to spare Darien his attitude.

Once everyone had food in front of them and had eaten a few bites Serena began to explain to her father what had happened to her the previous evening just as she did with her mother. She watched him as he sat quietly eating but listening with a frown and she had a feeling that explaining what happened wouldn't do any good.

After she finished they all sat in silence, eating and sending glances at Mr. Tsukino, waiting to see how he would react.

"What will you do if you're sent to the past again? What are you doing to prevent it?" Mr. Tsukino asked sternly.

"Trista is working on trying to find a way to block the portals since all things time related are her domain." Serena said with a sigh. "As for what we'll do if I'm sent to the past again, well there's not much we can do except deal with it. I'm going to do my best to not change anything, and those left behind will do their best not to panic." She finished with a thoughtful frown as she wondered if there was anything they could do after she or any of them besides Trista disappeared into the past.

"Panic? Is that what you did when you supposedly created that storm?" Mr. Tsukino asked Darien skeptically, making it perfectly clear that he really didn't believe the young man had such power to effect the weather, and that he didn't appreciate that the young man had apparently panicked when his daughter disappeared.

Darien stiffened, outrage ricocheting around his mind and flooding through his connection with Serena. His eyes flashed, literally flashed golden as he stared at the older man who had the audacity to term his rage-filled meltdown at the complete loss of the love of his life as 'panicked'.

"I would hardly describe that as my reaction sir." He said, seriously offended, the emotion clear in his voice. "And I will not even address your disbelief at my ability to effect the weather in such a manner since I have nothing to prove to you." He said in a quiet angry voice.

"Dad! I used that term as a generalization since everyone had a different reaction!" Serena snapped angrily, offended on her prince's behalf.

"I simply question his ability to protect you," Mr. Tsukino said with an angry frown. "because it certainly doesn't look like you're being protected. First you're injured to the point of needing a week to heal in a comatose state, and now being sent to another time with no resistance. It just highlights how right I've been about this sailor scout business being too dangerous. You shouldn't be doing it." He finished loudly with an upset look on his face.

Next to Serena Darien stiffened even more, anger and offense crashing through their link. He could not believe the audacity of this man! The complete ignorance he was showing at not knowing just how much he had done to protect his princess, but then again all he seemed to care about was complaining about the danger and not learning about the secret life of his daughter. And the will-full blindness! He seemed to have ignored the fact that there had been dangerous monsters firing off very lethal attacks at not only him but every single scout out there, making it all but impossible to get to her in time.

Not only all of that but Serena's father seemed to have singled him out and was blaming him for everything that he didn't like about his daughters life and everything bad that happened to her when their enemy attacked and he was sick of it! He had tried to be understanding, telling himself that the man was just worried for his daughter, tried to imagine how he would have felt had it been Rini, even going to far as to convince Serena to be understanding. But this was completely ridiculous and outrageous!

He needed to get out of the house. He needed to get away. He needed fresh air to help cool his anger and calm him. He could feel his powers rising and at this point he had no idea how they would manifest themselves. He reached over, taking hold of Serena's hand and squeezed it reassuringly as well as seeking comfort before releasing it and getting to his feet and stiffly excused himself from the table before leaving the room.

Serena watched Darien leave, completely understanding his need to escape the situation before he did something he would regret. She could not believe her father! She was very much sick and tired of the attitude he had been giving her and Darien since he learned about her secret.

"That's it!" She said in angry frustration. "What exactly is your problem dad? First you complained last night about me not being home to spend time with you all and now that I'm here you act like you don't care! Like you really don't want me here. What? Is it because I brought Darien with me? Well excuse me for taking advantage of his rare week long vacation! In case you had forgotten he works at a hospital. You know, where he spends hours and hours taking care of people and saving lives. Until recently he only had enough time to go home, eat something, and relax a little before he went to bed where he would then get up in the morning to do it all over again!" She snapped.

"And with this new enemy we have he doesn't even have time for that anymore. As soon as he leaves the hospital he goes to train for as long as he can manage before going to bed where he manages a few scant hours before he's up to do it all again. Can you see where that leaves him little time to see his fiancé?" She said angrily as she pushed away from the table and got to her feet.

"And in turn little time for me to see him. I haven't actually been spending all of my time with him, it just seems that way. It's no different than if I had been spending my time with my friends. The only difference is that you know my secret and that I've been sleeping over at Darien's apartment!"

"And I really don't appreciate the way you're treating him! He's done absolutely nothing to deserve your animosity. In fact, all this time he's been trying to get me to understand your point of view in all this, but after this I don't think either one of us will bother with it anymore. It's obvious that you're not coming to terms with my secret but that doesn't give you the right to treat me or Darien the way you have. You're just being stubborn and selfish!" Serena said as she paced the dining room.

"You haven't even bothered to ask me about being a scout or about how my life has been since I became one. All you do is sit around watching the news or reading the newspaper. At least mom is taking an interest and not letting her worry over my safety cloud her thinking. She's asked a ton of questions to learn and try to understand. Have you bothered to ask her if she's learned anything or do you simply want to stay ignorant and take your frustration and anger out on Darien?" She asked sarcastically.

"What about my scouts? They're charged with my safety. Are you going to take your anger out on them as well?" She asked irately, ignoring the sudden gasps she heard, not caring what they were about. "What about Sammy's girlfriend? Little Hotaru. You know, Sailor Saturn? Have you bothered to get to know her? She is dating your son after all. Are you going to be angry with her? Deny that she is capable of her abilities? She's the scout of death and rebirth. She could destroy this planet if she wanted to." Serena said and watched her father's eyes widen.

"Yes." She said as she nodded her head. "And I assure you she is very much capable, and would take offense to anyone telling her that she could not. She would not sit back and take that insult from you. She is very much proud of her abilities. All of my Scouts are proud of their abilities as they should be. They worked hard to master their powers and unfortunately have to face stressful events to gain new ones."

"Darien and I are not exceptions to that either. We are both proud of our abilities, having both gone through heartache and pain to master and develop them." She said quietly, her anger reaching the point where she couldn't even raise her voice.

Just then they all heard the sound of a great rumble coming from the sky outside, and Serena closed her eyes to try and reign in her anger, knowing that it was probably feeding Darien's own.

"Do you hear that?" Serena asked as she opened her eyes and stared at her father. "That is the Prince of the Earth voicing his anger." She informed him just as another rumble sounded, louder than the first.

"I am no longer putting up with this. I will not allow you to make me feel guilty for spending time with the man I love instead of being here. Especially when I know that all I would do is sit around doing nothing." She said, unknowing that her crescent moon had been on display on her forehead for a while and was now blazing brightly.

"I will not allow you to insult him or any of my Scouts. If you will not take the time to learn and understand about my life then I no longer care. I have more important things to concern myself with." She finished and began walking to the door but paused as she placed a hand on the door and turned to look back at her father.

"I never thought I would regret telling you my secret, and it pains me to admit that I do now. All you do is complain and tell me how I shouldn't be out there fighting, but I'm wondering if you have even considered what exactly would happen if I did stop." She informed him before pushing the door open and leaving the silent dining room.

Serena quickly exited the house and saw Darien leaning against the wall that bordered the front yard and opened to the sidewalk. She immediately rushed into his open arms, both of them holding each other tightly as they fought off their anger. Feelings of compassion and love flowed back and forth through their link as they gradually calmed down.

"Are you okay?" She asked quietly as she looked up at him and listened as he released a deep sigh.

"I'm better." Darien answered just as quietly as he returned her gaze. "What about you? Your anger must have been a sight to behold." He said as he traced her crescent moon.

"It's showing?" She asked as her eyes widened and watched as he calmly nodded.

"Yes, although it's not glowing anymore." He answered softly.

Serena groaned and closed her eyes to try and calm herself more. Clearly her royal insignia was why her family had gasped in unison when she was telling her father off.

"What do you want to do my love?" She asked as she opened her eyes reasonably assured that her crescent moon was no longer visible. "Do you want to leave?"

"No. Let's stay. For your mother if nothing else. She deserves to see us spending time together, and who knows, maybe she'll have more questions." Darien replied with a slight smile.

"Okay. We'll just ignore my father. I snapped at him after you left and at the end I told him I didn't care what he thought anymore." She confided. "I just can't deal with his attitude right now. Not when I have this enemy, the threat of being sent back into the past, and our memories to stress over."

"I understand Princess." Darien said in a soothing tone. "Your father will just have to come to terms with your being a heroine on his own. This is something you can't help him with, so just focus on things you can deal with."

"You're right and that's exactly what I'll do." Serena said with a nod. "Come on. Let's go back in and finish eating so we can get back to relaxing." She said as she lightly pushed away from his chest before grabbing his hand.

The young couple walked back to the house hand in hand and calmly made their way back to the dining room where they found Serena's family still at the table eating in silence. They took their seats, Darien helping Serena into hers, and without a word began eating as if nothing had happened.

It was not long before everyone began to finish their meal. Sammy was the first to finish and quickly disappeared into the kitchen with his empty plate. Serena and Darien exchanged a look and decided that they were done, so they gathered their plates and disappeared into the kitchen as well, anxious to escape the tense atmosphere.

After settling their plates in the sink they made their way to the living room and settled on the couch they had occupied earlier in the day. Serena promptly changed into her royal form since she knew that Darien liked to see her that way and she hoped it would calm his lingering anger.

"So, tell me more about this dinner being held in your honor." She said as she stretched her legs across his lap to make herself comfortable.

"It's not just my honor." Darien said as he allowed his eyes to rake over her white gown before snatching up the closest stream of hair and running his fingers through it.

"Okay the honor of you and the others who are fortunate enough to be granted such." Serena said with a smile, trying to suppress a shiver at his actions as she waited for the information she sought.

"It's being held at a five star hotel. Like I said before it will be next Wednesday at seven in the evening. There will be nearly a hundred people there. There will be plenty of dancing and afterward we will be served dinner." He explained patiently. "I believe the awards and what not will be handed out during dinner or after. I'm not sure which." He added.

"Dancing." Serena said slowly as she idly stared at the T.V. "Do you think we'll remember any dancing we did in the past?" She asked.

"It's possible. If the dancing at the dinner resembles what we did in the past then it's very possible." Darien answered as he remembered the memory that had surfaced at the ice skating rink.

"So, any ideas what you will wear?" He asked, his eyes once again traveling over her form. I would not mind her wearing this gown but I know she most likely will not. She'll probably want something unique.

"I do have an idea but I'm not going to say. Whatever I wear will be a surprise to you." Serena said with a large smile as the dress she would wear began to form in her mind.

"Then I look forward to it Princess." Darien said quietly as he basked in her happiness.

The couple then began to discuss what they might do the next day all the while ignoring her parents, who had joined them in the living room minutes before, and pretending to be alone. A few suggestions were considered but the one that appealed the most was going to the movie theater.

From there they considered if they should watch the movie during the day or at night and maybe add having lunch or dinner to the experience.

"We could go to the arcade for old time sake, eat there, and then go to the movie in the evening." Serena suggested thoughtfully.

"Or we could make it an all-day movie experience. Watch movies back to back while eating in the theater." Darien offered as he twirled her hair around his fingers.

"Oh! I like that one, but are there enough movies that we would want to watch?" Serena asked.

"I don't even know what's playing." Darien said with a sigh.

"I suppose we could…" Serena began but the sound of her cell phone ringing cut her off. She made a light gesture with her hand and her cell phone fell into existence. Checking the caller ID she found that Amy was calling her.

"Amy!" She greeted cheerfully as she answered.

"Hi Serena. I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Amy said in her quiet calm voice.

"Nope. I'm just at home hanging out with Darien." She replied. "So what's up?"

"Oh, well I wanted to know if you wanted to do some training with me tomorrow." Amy said.

"Training tomorrow?" Serena repeated as she looked at Darien with a frown.

"Yes. I'm trying to improve on my personal fighting skills since my attacks are not that aggressive." She replied.

"Will it just be the two of us?" Serena asked curiously.

"No. I've also asked Lita and Amara since they're the major fighters among us." Amy answered.

"So me, you, Lita, and Amara." She repeated so Darien would know. "When and where?" She asked and moved close to he could hear the answer.

"Early afternoon, if that's okay for you, at Raye's place." Amy answered promptly.

Serena looked to Darien to see what he thought since they had just been planning to spend the day together. He nodded calmly and whispered for her to go ahead.

"I'm all for it. I know I could use the training myself." Serena replied. "Meet you around one?" She continued thoughtfully.

"Perfect! Thanks for this. I'll see you then." Amy said happily.

"See you then. Bye." She responded and ended the call.

"Well, we can still do the whole dinner and movie in the evening." Serena said optimistically as she put her phone away.

"Hmm…we'll see how you feel after training to decide on that." Darien said with a slight frown.

Serena shrugged and cuddled up to her Prince as they began to quietly discuss what he would do while she was training. Then they moved on to try and outdo each other on being the most romantic. She plied him with tender kisses and told him in as many ways as she could think of how much she loved him. However, Darien managed to outdo her by producing a rose and playfully dragging it along her skin and whispering sweet nothings while flooding their link with his love and devotion for her.

Just as they were struggling to hold back from kissing each other Serena's mother wished them a good night, and they looked around and realized that her father had already disappeared. After her mother left they found a movie to watch and turned off the lights to make it more theater like.

It wasn't long before Darien noticed that Serena was asleep. He briefly considered leaving but he didn't want to wake his princess and it was already late.

I'll be okay to spend the night. No one but her father will care and I'm sure by the time he realizes I stayed it'll be too late. He thought as he focused back on the movie.

However, without Serena's reactions the movie was boring and he eventually nodded off, not considering what would happen when Serena woke from her memory dream.

---

Serena opened her eyes and gasped as she found herself standing in the middle of a ball. Her head swung this way and that as she looked at men and women dressed impeccably in costumes and masks.

She turned in a slow circle as she tried to find any familiar faces beneath the masks, and thoroughly failed though she did find some who were not masked.

'There's Mercury, Venus, Mars…' She named them on a quiet thought as her eyes searched for the last. 'Ah! And there is Jupiter. I suppose they wouldn't be allowed to wear costumes since they would have to be 'on duty'.' She considered as her eyes moved among the slowly dwindling crowd. 'Now, where is Serenity? She has to be here somewhere or I wouldn't be here.'

It did not take long to spot the princess standing near her mother. Both mother and daughter appearing in their usual stately dress and royal hair style.

'Now where is Endymion?' Serena thought as she began to make her way to Serenity.

---

Serenity sighed as she stood at the front of the room and watched as people began to leave. She had stayed at the masquerade ball and danced all night in the hopes that Endymion would be there but he had not come.

She held back another sigh and gracefully moved about the room, stopping at each of her Scout Guardians to inform them that she was retiring for the night and that she would see them the next day.

As she traveled the quiet hallways she tried to walk as gracefully as she could with her feet in such pain, and internally cursed in a most unlady-like way that her bedroom was so far away.

Serenity nearly sighed as she finally reached her room and gratefully opened the door and closed it behind her, wishing dearly to get off her feet. However, before she even had a chance to really move into the room she found herself pressed against the door and a warm mouth sealed to hers.

She stiffened and nearly panicked before she caught sight of deep blue eyes looking down at her and realized that it was the man she had been missing all night. She instantly relaxed and wrapped her arms around his neck and happily returned his kiss.

The kiss slowed to a stop and they pulled back, looking at each other for a long moment.

"I am sorry for not appearing at the ball." Endymion apologized, breaking the silence. "I arrived too late and did not want to suffer the enquires of those who would wonder why, so I decided to wait for you here since I wanted to see you tonight."

"Why were you late?" Serenity asked softly as she idly fingered through the hair at his neck.

"My father had meetings scheduled all day and insisted that I be present for all of them. The ball had already started by the time the last meeting ended and even then I still had to change." He explained.

That statement caused Serenity to really take a good look at what he was wearing. A pure black tuxedo complete with matching cape with red lining, white gloves and mask to finish the look.

"You look incredibly handsome and mysterious." She told him appreciatively.

"I am glad that you approve." Endymion said with a small smile that promptly disappeared as she shifted and whimpered softly in pain. "You are distressed. What is the matter?" He asked gently.

"My feet ache from dancing for so long." She admitted.

Endymion instantly knelt down and removed his gloves then her shoe and began to gradually channel power from his golden crystal into healing her sore foot. He calmly removed her remaining shoe and repeated the process.

"Are you feeling better?" He asked, looking up as he eased his hands beneath her gown and up her legs. His fingers easily found the edge of her underwear and began to pull them down her legs.

"Very much. Thank you." Serenity answered breathlessly from her position leaning against the door as she stepped out of her panties. The action in combination with his mysterious look was incredibly sexy and caused her to shift and whimper for an entirely different reason.

As Endymion stood to his full height he tossed her panties off to the side where they landed with her shoes and his gloves. A sexy smirk graced his lips as he stepped forward, one hand finding her hip while the other came to rest on the side of her neck, as he leaned down to caress her soft lips with his.

Serenity hummed in appreciation as one of her arms snaked around his neck while the other wrapped around his back to hold him close. Feeling the warm firmness of his body pressed against her was always something she enjoyed and encouraged as much as possible. Right now it was very much welcome, and combined with his mysterious costume and how much she had wanted to see him this night, and her body was letting her know how very much she needed him.

Too soon Endymion was breaking their heated kiss and stepping back from her, easily breaking her hold on him. She watched as he began to unashamedly undo his pants and her eyes widened before she lightly bit her lip and glanced to the door at her back. She looked back to him to find his eyes gazing at her from behind his mask and began to pull her gown slowly up her legs all the while her heart began to race as she thought about how dangerous and exciting this was.

Her prince was about to take her against the door to her bedroom and she had no idea if anyone would be able to hear them or see the door moving from the other side.

---

As Serena wondered where Endymion was and when he was going to show she followed after her past self as she made her way to each of the Scouts.

'Hmmm…this is the first time I've seen any of them in these memories. It's a little amazing how they all look the same in this time.' She thought as she considered their appearances. Mars' red eyes, Venus' golden yellow eyes and Jupiter's lighter hair color. 'Well…not exactly the same.' She corrected as she followed Serenity down the hallways.

As she stepped into the princess' room she immediately saw the large person, who could only be a male, hiding in the shadows of the room and wondered how it was that Serenity didn't see him.

'Was she that naive or did she simply not expect to ever be attacked in her bedroom?' Serena asked herself as she realized that the attacking man was Endymion dressed in what she knew would be his outfit as Tuxedo Mask.

Serena considered that it was a peaceful kingdom so it was possible, but the princess had the guardian scouts for a reason. Not to mention the guards littering the palace. She wondered if the royal young woman was simply too tired to notice, but immediately rejected that idea since she could tell that Serenity wasn't that exhausted.

Her thoughts were derailed as she caught Serenity's appreciation for Endymion's costume. She had to admit that he did look very sexy. There was no denying it. She had always loved the way he looked in that tuxedo no matter what time period he was in.

'I wonder if that's why King Endymion wears a tuxedo.' She wondered idly as she leaned against the wall behind her and watched Endymion heal Serenity's sore feet.

Serena felt her heart flutter at the smirk on Endymion's lips and sighed in slight longing at the feel of his lips against Serenity's. She could admit in this moment. If only to herself, that she wished he was kissing her. Not kissing Serenity but her…Serena. She wiggled her tingling fingers as she felt Serenity touching his firm back.

'I wonder if he would like me. Me. A cheerful high school graduate who eats a lot and happens to be a super heroine. Would I get bonus points for being engaged to his reincarnation?' She wondered curiously as she enjoyed the sensation of his tongue sliding against Serenity's.

She had never thought about such a thing before, and wondered at why she was now. Was there a reason? Were the memories starting to make her want Endymion the way she wanted Darien? Had Darien ever wondered if her past self would like him as he was now? Perhaps she was putting too much thought into it. Maybe she just needed to make out with Darien when he was Tuxedo Mask.

Serena's thoughts were completely thrown off track when she saw Endymion undoing his pants without the slights hint of embarrassment. She was embarrassed just watching but at the same time couldn't help but be aroused at his confidence.

She blushed furiously as she watched him free himself and stroke his obviously hardened length as he stepped toward Serenity. She was feeling twice as embarrassed as normal, channeling both hers and Serenity's, but she could not force herself to look away. He looked so incredibly sexy, full of confidence and arousal, and it was feeding both her and Serenity's excitement.

A moan escaped her lips as she shifted her position against the wall, trying to achieve some form of relief. The fact that the sound echoed was lost on her as she felt herself jerk toward the couple. She went along, nonresistant to the pull, as she watched Endymion seal his lips to Serenity's, lift her off her feet, and plunge himself into her with a precision that surprised and aroused her.

---

Serenity moaned into Endymion's mouth as she felt him quickly enter her body. Her legs secured themselves around his waist as his lips collided with hers. Her slender arms found their way around his neck as she enjoyed the feel of his hands gripping the back of her thighs.

Over and over their hips ground together as their tongues danced together. Their body heat rising as they clung to each other, needing to stay as close as possible.

Endymion broke the kiss with a groan, his lips caressed their way to her neck as his sword calloused hands slid forward to hold and knead her soft bottom. His princess' quiet cries music to his ears as his hips continued to dance with hers. Slow and gentle to ring soft moans from her lips then fast and hard to force harsh cries and pleas for more.

Serenity wreathed between the sturdy door at her back and Endymion's firm body at her front. She was so hot and her body shivered helplessly but she didn't care. All she cared about was the man bringing her body to life and the sensations filling every inch of her body. It was a sweet torture that she was unsure if she wanted to continue or stop.

Soon their rhythm was lost as Endymion's hips moved faster and harder as he worked to bring them the pleasure their bodies craved. His harsh breathing bathed Serenity's neck as her cries grew louder, the little speaking she did becoming incomprehensible as the sensations exploded inside them.

---

Darien frowned sleepily as a quiet sound drifted to his ears. His closed eyes clinched shut tighter as he tried to ignore the sound but it came again. This time louder and his groggy mind realized that it was the sound that had woken him.

Light flickered briefly in front of his closed eyes and upon opening them he saw that the T.V. was still on. He quickly turned it off, his tired mind assuming the sound came from there. However, just as he closed his eyes he felt movement next to him along with the sound of a soft moan.

Serena. Her name floated quietly through his sleepy mind. It alone telling him why he had been pulled from his sleep. Eyes still closed his free hand automatically began to touch her, roaming her warm body.

Her gown is so soft. He thought briefly as his hand found an even softer breast to mold.

It was the feel of his fingers grip on her breast that woke him enough to realize where he was. It wasn't his bedroom and definitely wasn't his living room.

His eyes snapped open as he felt Serena push herself closer to him and arms worm their way around his neck. He didn't know what to do. They were at Serena's house. In her living room where either of her parents could suddenly walk in despite the late hour. Being caught in such a situation was the last thing they needed, especially with her father's attitude.

"We can't do this here Serena." He said as he released her breast, wincing slightly at her whimper of loss. "Even though it's late either one of your parents could walk in on us." He finished.

"Then let's go to my room." Serena suggested quickly, her body hot and trembling from the orgasm she shared with Serenity. "We'll have privacy there, and you'll know if my family wakes up and comes looking for us." She assured him on a pleading note.

Darien looked at his princess' flushed face and trembling form and gave in easily. He had no problem giving her what she needed. He just didn't want her parents to witness something so private between them.

After gathering her easily into his arms he carried her up the stairs and into her room, lightly kicking the door closed behind him. He quickly stepped toward her bed and gently lay her down before joining her and giving her body the relief it needed.

.:xXx:.

Daylight entered the quiet room bathing it in sunshine to announce the new day. Scattered on the floor were clothes having been tossed without a care. Numerous socks, a bra, a large button up shirt and two pairs of pants lay there telling a story about their owner's night time activities.

On the twin sized bed Serena rested, clad only in her panties and a t-shirt, with her back pressed to Darien's bare chest. Her prince lay with a glowing hand under her shirt clasped around a breast, a leg pushed between hers, the only stich of clothing on his body a pair of boxers.

The couple slept peacefully with the blankets around their waist, keeping warm with their close contact.

Soon the quiet was broken by a knock. The sleeping couple shifted slightly but quickly settled. However, another knock came, more insistent then the last and accompanied by a voice.

"Are you awake Serena?! Mom says breakfast is ready!" Came the loud voice of a young male.

Sammy. Serena thought sleepily as she opened her eyes to her bright room. She glanced down and blushed slightly at seeing the outline of Darien's hand through her shirt and feeling the heaviness on her breast.

"Good morning Princess." Came the sleepy husky voice of her prince right in her ear.

"Good morning." She replied softly as she pressed back into him, feeling the firmness of his chest and warm breath against her neck.

"Serena?!" They heard Sammy yell through the door. "I can always go get mom to come wake you." He said in frustration.

"You should answer him. I doubt your mom would appreciate seeing her daughter nearly naked in bed with her practically naked fiancé." Darien said quietly as he pressed even closer to her regardless of the lack of space left between them.

"I'm awake! We'll be right down." Serena yelled back, not really wanting her brother to see her like this because Darien was right. They were all but naked, and she was aware that the only reason they weren't naked was because they were in her bedroom instead of his.

"Okay." They heard him call back and they relaxed, not wanting to get up just yet.

After a few moments of silence Darien shifted his fingers around her breast in a caress as his hips rolled against her backside. His lips lifted into a smile as she sucked in a sharp breath, a whisper of arousal creeping down their link.

He knew he shouldn't have done that, especially since they needed to go down to breakfast, but just could not help himself. He remembered what they had done during the night as well as the memory she described to him, and his relaxed body began to react accordingly. He thrust his hips against hers and placed an open mouthed kiss against her neck eliciting a soft moan from his princess.

Serena knew they shouldn't be doing this but she couldn't make herself care as she raised her hand to his head to hold him against her neck. She was actually happy it was happening because it wasn't due to him trying to give her relief from the memories or because he was turned on in the process of helping her or because she had seduced him. It was simply because he wanted to, and they hadn't experienced any intimacy that hadn't been influenced in some say.

Long fingers drifted from her soft chest, down her stomach, and confidently began to rub her through her panties as his hips thrust against her. It felt so good and her building arousal was feeding his own through their link but he knew they needed to stop. They were expected down at breakfast.

Serena moaned at the sensations tingling through her body as well as the reluctance she was beginning to sense from Darien. She knew why he was feeling that way. They needed to stop. Her mother and brother at the very least were expecting them. If they took much longer one of them would come looking for them.

"We need to stop." She said breathlessly as his fingers worked on her.

"Yes we do." Darien said and yet his lips continued to caress her neck and his fingers never stopped their movements.

"I don't want you to stop." She moaned quietly as his hardening manhood pressed against her.

"And I don't want to stop." He replied huskily as he moved to capture her lips with his.

Their lips moved together, tongues sensuously dancing as his movements increased, but just as they started panting he forced himself to stop and rolled onto his back. They could not continue. The last thing he wanted was her mother finding them like this. Still, he cringed as Serena whimpered.

"I know. We had to stop." She said in response to the sadness and sympathy she felt from their link. "I just wish we didn't have to." She added as she tried to slow her breathing.

"Same here." Darien agreed as he forced himself to get up and get dressed to remove the temptation to continue where they left off.

It was only moments later when Serena joined him. Once they were both dressed in the clothes they had worn the day before they left her bedroom and went down to breakfast.

.:xXxXx:.

"Call me when you're ready to go home." Darien said to Serena as he pulled up next to the numerous stairs that led up to Raye's home.

"I will." Serena said as she unbuckled her seatbelt and leaned over to kiss him. "Bye." She said as she hopped out of the car.

"Bye love." She heard him say before she closed the door. She waved and began her trek up the stairs.

The others were already in the back away from prying eyes warming up. She greeted them and apologized for being late but they assured her that she wasn't. While she was warming up they explained to her that they would start out with physical training before moving into their powers. Each one of them would fight Amy individually in the hopes that their separate and unique fighting styles would help her.

The first to spar with Amy was Amara and she learned quickly that she needed to not be afraid to hit, to defend herself with her own hands and feet and not just with her powers. After a short break she faced Serena. As they spared Serena told her not to be afraid to hit her and not to pause if she managed to hurt her. She told her to think of it as another form of training because you never know if the enemy will use a foul trick, like making themselves look like her friends or if any of them managed to be kidnapped and forced to fight against her. She used herself as an example, reminding her of the time when Darien had been captured and brainwashed to see her as the enemy.

Lita had her turn following another short break. She informed her friend that she was doing well. She had managed to pick up a lot from watching them over the years as well as the times she had been forced to fight.

When their spar was finished they took yet another break before repeating the cycle. They gave her pointers here and there. They showed her how to roll when she fell so that she wouldn't get hurt and was able to get back to her feet quickly, and how to keep her balance so she wouldn't get pushed around easily.

After a while they decided to switch things up so they transformed and continued so that Amy could practice what she learned in her scout form.

Soon they moved on to using their powers. Amy wanted to have more offensive attacks so they tried to give her ideas that would work with her powers, and advised her to use her imagination before they attacked her with their powers to help bring out any new attacks she tried to create.

Almost immediately Amy was distracted and nearly got herself hurt by one of Amara's attacks because she wasn't paying attention. She apologized and explained that she was distracted by some sudden thoughts and that she was fine to continue. However, after it happened two more times they decided to stop since they were concerned she would get seriously injured since she couldn't seem to concentrate.

"How about we go swimming Amy? That should help your concentration and it'll also be a form of training." Serena suggested so that she could get to the bottom of what was going on and knowing that being in the water would help relax the water scout.

"It has been a long time since I've been swimming." Amy said as she bit her bottom lip.

"Then it's settled. You two in?" Serena asked Lita and Amara.

Both women declined the offer since they weren't in the mood for such an activity, much to the secret relief of Serena and Amy. Within minutes they were all piled in Amara's car. She drove Lita home and took Amy and Serena to their homes to grab what they needed before dropping them off at a private pool Amy was a member of.

Entering the building they went straight to the locker room and changed. Amy wore a simple royal blue one piece bathing suit. It showed a modest bit of cleavage and had straps that crisscrossed over her upper and mid back. Serena wore a modest back two piece bikini with little red roses scattered, the top tying in the back with thin straps.

They eagerly walked out to the Olympic sized pool with their towels and joined the few people already in the water. The two young women swam and splashed around a bit before they settled in an empty corner and Amy quietly began to confide in her princess.

"I've been having problems with my mother lately. I haven't been able to meet her for lunch, and she's noticed that sometimes I'm not there when she comes home from the hospital late at night. Or I'm not there when she wakes up in the middle of the night to go to the hospital. She's also noticed that I'm sleeping later and more than usual." Amy confessed as she idly kicked her legs under the water.

"Then there's not being able to go visit my father because of the enemies attacks and training. I can't tell her why because she wouldn't believe any excuses I make up because I always want to see my father. She would be instantly suspicious." She continued with a sigh.

"It's like back with our other enemies. It's becoming stressful and I'm honestly tired of lying to my mother and getting strange and disappointed looks. So…" She said as she took a deep breath. "I'm considering telling her the truth, and maybe my father as well when I get the chance to see him." She finished and looked to see her friend's reaction.

"I think it's a good idea Amy. After all, my family finding out wasn't the only reason I decided it was time to tell them." Serena said quietly.

"Raye just went through this a few days ago with her grandfather and Chad, so I'll tell you the same thing I told her when she wasn't sure about the decision." She said as she sank a little lower in the water.

"Okay." Amy said seriously, giving her complete attention since she knew telling her mother or not would change things between them.

"First, you said that you're having problems with your mom, so you should tell her before the secret ruins your relationship further." She began and watched her friend nod. "Second, what if you get hurt like I did? It would be better for your mom to know before something like that happened. You want to be the one to tell her your secret. It would be better coming from you while you're standing in front of her whole and healthy, instead of coming from one of us while you're injured and unconscious."

Amy nodded thoughtfully as she remembered the night Serena told her family. How shocked and surprised they were, and how many questions had been asked. Not to mention she was sure more came in the days after. Then there was her family's reaction to her being severely hurt. Her mother and brother had taken it somewhat better than her father.

"Third, wouldn't you like your mom to know the real you after all these years? To know about the amazing things you can do, to know all the good you've done, and that you're a skilled and intelligent warrior? A hero?" Serena finished.

"I do want her to know." Amy said with a sigh. "How did it go when Raye told her grandfather and Chad?" She asked thoughtfully.

"It went pretty well. Her grandfather was quiet and thoughtful while Chad only asked one question. There was an awkward silence so to get them all talking I told them that I had informed my family recently and how it had went." Serena answered thoughtfully. "I don't know how things have gone since then but I don't think she's had any problems." She added.

"That's good. Have things been going well since you told your family?" Amy asked.

"With my mom and brother yes. Mom is really making an effort to understand and find out about my life since Luna first showed up. She's been asking endless questions. Sammy hasn't asked as many questions, but then he's dating Hotaru so he could be asking her and only come to me with specific questions." Serena said with a sigh.

"My dad on the other hand…" She trailed off as she tried to find the words. "I've come to regret telling him." She finally said and nodded slowly at Amy's gasp. "All he seems to care about is how dangerous it is for me and that I shouldn't be fighting and risking my life. He also, for whatever reason, seems to have focused all his anger over this on Darien. Accusing him of not protecting me, of panicking instead of doing something about my disappearance the other night, and choosing him over my family. Things like that."

"It's a complete nightmare. He doesn't seem interested in asking questions and finding out what my life has been like since becoming a scout. He's not interested in my past life, my relationship with Darien now that he knows there's more to it, not even this new enemy." She explained in frustration.

"I finally snapped at him yesterday after I explained my trip to the past. Darien had been supportive of him, telling me that my dad was just worried for me and still trying to adjust to learning my secret, but he accused Darien of so many things yesterday and made him so outraged and angry that his powers made it thunder." She continued.

"It wasn't just that either. He had accused me of not spending time with my family, and then yesterday he completely ignored me and Darien as if we had done something to offend him! I just couldn't take it anymore. This enemy we have is causing enough stress and I didn't need my dad adding to it." She finished.

"Oh. I never would have thought he would react that way." Amy said with a frown.

"Neither would I. Still, he did and even though Darien is most likely right about him still trying to adjust, it doesn't give him the right to treat us like that. His reaction is also worst case scenario of how your mom could react." Serena said quietly, hoping that that wouldn't happen.

"Thanks for telling me, and you're completely right. She could react that way, maybe even accuse me of lying to her all these years, but I'm willing to take that chance. I'm going to tell her." Amy said firmly.

"I'm glad. Even if you don't know what her reaction will be. I still think it's time she knew, and I'll be there to help in any way I can." Serena promised. "We can even enlist Lita to help. She's been down about the fact that she doesn't have anyone to tell so this might help." She added.

Amy happily agreed, especially since she didn't want to do it alone. With that subject out of the way they swam around and talked about their powers and what attacks she could use offensively. When they had had enough of the water they got out, dried off, and changed before heading to Amy's apartment to call Lita.

After putting her on speaker phone they explained Amy's decision and their desire for her to help. Lita readily agreed and they planned to meet up at Amy's apartment the next evening and be ready for when her mom came home from the hospital.

When their plans were done Serena called Darien and let him know where she was and that she was ready to be picked up. It wasn't long before he arrived and they were on the road. As he drove she told him about Amy's decision to tell her mom her secret.

Darien was happy for Amy but was worried for Serena. He asked if she was going to be okay with the memory that night since he wouldn't be there to help. He was concerned because she would be spending the day with Molly and Melvin and the evening with Lita, Amy, and her mother.

Serena assured him that she would be fine. She would deal with it like she had before until they had some alone time. When they arrived at her house they shared a goodbye kiss before she got out of the car and headed into her house.

She spent the rest of the evening with her mother talking. She told her about Amy's decision to tell her mom and how she and Lita would be helping her, then answered questions her mom had thought of since the evening before.

Dinner was a quiet affair that was very uncomfortable, and when it was over Serena readied herself for bed, letting her hair down and putting on her pajamas, and said her goodnights before getting into her bed and relaxing until she fell asleep.

---

Loud noise was the first thing to greet Serena before she opened her eyes and then the noise made sense. Music and dozens of people talking and laughing as they stood around the sides of the room or twirled around as they danced.

She immediately felt exposed like she shouldn't be there, and wanted to run from the large room but she contained her anxiety and looked around for Serenity. Her past self obviously had to be there or she wouldn't have appeared there, but there were so many people that she couldn't spot her.

'Okay Serena. You can't see her so focus on her mind.' She advised herself as she slowly walked around dancing couples, the dark colors and design of the room letting her know that she was on the Earth and that Endymion could very well be in the room as well.

As she took in the beautiful gowns and tuxedos the information she got from Serenity's mind was very enlightening. Apparently it was Endymion's twenty-third birthday and the ball was being held to celebrate the day. All Lords and Ladies of the Earth as well as any of their children seventeen and above were invited. Serenity wasn't the only one representing the Moon. Queen Serenity was in attendance as well.

From what she could tell Serenity was there for the week-long festival that was being held where those in the capital city could celebrate their Prince's birth. He would show up to show his appreciation to his people, and accept the gifts that the best craftsman and artisans made for him.

'Hmmm…they've already danced tonight and they obviously couldn't dance again since that would show a preference that would be dangerous to them.' She thought as she considered how Serenity had since danced with various Lords and their sons as well as the Earth King.

'Ah! There she is.' She thought as she finally spotted Serenity in her white gown and signature royal hair style dancing with a young man who looked remarkably like Andrew.

Serena stuck close to Serenity after that but found herself very bored with the talk going on around her. However, she had spotted Endymion and decided to keep her eyes on him as he moved around the ballroom. It was a good thing too or she never would have realized how much his eyes strayed to Serenity even when he was dancing.

Eventually the ball wound down and the guests began to depart. Endymion had made his way over to Serenity and her mother and she listened as they both bid the Moon Queen goodbye since she would be going back to the Moon. Afterward she followed as Endymion escorted Serenity to his parents where they bid the King and Queen goodnight, and Endymion assured them that he would escort Serenity to her room.

'I wonder if he's really escorting her to her room.' Serena thought as she followed the couple from the ballroom, up stairs, and down various hallways. Her thought was answered from Endymion's stealthy movements as well as Serenity's thoughts on the path they were on leading to the hallway that housed Endymion's rooms.

---

Endymion opened the door to his bedroom and ushered his princess inside before closing the door. Serenity barely had a chance to look at the king sized four post bed with its curtains and dark blue walls before he had his arms firmly wrapped around her waist.

"Did you have a pleasant birthday?" Serenity asked as she placed her hands on top of his arms.

"Almost. I have yet to have the one thing I have wanted the most." He answered quietly before kissing the side of her neck. "To spend the night making love to my fiancé. The one person who loves me without judgment." He added.

"Well happy birthday Endy. Feel free to unwrap your present." She said in a soft suggestive tone.

"Thank you my love. I believe I shall take my time doing so." Endymion replied before turning her to face him and claiming her lips in a kiss.

The prince kissed her slowly, having very much meant what he said about taking his time. Warm large hands languorously moved over silk-clad curves as he slowly moved them toward his large bed. He shivered as Serenity's dainty fingers began to undo the buttons of his elegant uniform top to expose his bare neck for her pleasure.

They reached the edge of the bed, their lips still moving in a slow sensuous dance as the back of Serenity's legs collided with the bed. Endymion held her close to prevent her from falling back onto the mattress, but within moments his hands moved up to her hair. Just as he was about to take down her royal buns there was a knock on the door.

Both young royals froze for a few moments as their eyes popped open.

"Who is it?" Endymion called after parting his lips from his princess.

"It is Jedite my Lord. May I enter?" The owner of the knock answered and Endymion cursed quietly.

"I have to let him in or he will become suspicious since I usually do not have a problem with my guard entering." He explained to Serenity.

"I understand but what am I to do? I cannot be found here." Serenity said as calmly as she could with them as close as they had ever been to being caught.

"Come. Hide in the closet." He said as he led her to a door that blended well with the wall. He ushered her in and closed the door until it was cracked so she could see and hear what was going on.

Endymion then moved quickly and sat on his bed before calling Jedite to enter. What he wasn't expecting was for there to be a young woman with him. She wore a dark cloak to hide her face and clothes but he could tell by the way she moved that she was female.

"I brought you a gift Endymion." Jedite said with a grin as he closed the door.

"I am not interested Jedite." Endymion informed him in a steady calm tone even though he felt anything but at the moment. He could not believe this was happening, and while Serenity was there no less.

"But you have not even seen her!" Jedite all but whined.

"It does not matter what she looks like. I am still not interested!" He shot back. "No offense madam. It is simply not how I wish to spend my night." He added to the brunette who had removed the hood of her cloak.

"But you have never refused before." Jedite complained and Endymion sighed internally as he realized that that decision was coming back to haunt him, regardless of never having done anything with the females.

He was by no means a virgin, hadn't been even before meeting Serenity, but he had always been careful about how he conducted his trysts. By the time he reached his twentieth year he had stopped those altogether, having grown tired of that type of activity and realizing that he wanted someone special to share himself with in such a way.

"Well I am refusing now. Now please leave me." Endymion said in his polite way of telling them to get out. "Come Serenity. Sit with me." He beckoned to her after their unwanted guests were gone.

"Has this happened before?" Serenity asked in a quiet hurt tone as she sat next to him.

"It is not what you think love." He said with a sigh. "Jedite has been doing such a thing since I turned twenty and although I never turned them away I never slept with them. We would instead talk for a couple of hours. I would let them know that I was not interested and insist on hearing about them to try and find out why they would agree to such a situation." He explained calmly.

"Two of the young women admitted to hoping I would fall in love with them and live happily ever after. The last hoped it would help her struggling family in some way. She confessed that she was ashamed that she had agreed but did not know how else to try and help her family." He finished as he moved to sit behind her.

"Did you help her?" Serenity asked as she became very aware of his body behind her.

"I did. She and her family are doing well now." He answered as he slowly began to take her hair down to get them back in the mood.

Endymion ran his fingers through the soft mass, from her scalp as far down as he could reach, watching her shiver with each pass through. He leaned in and rained open mouthed kisses along her neck as his hand moved from her hair to her waist.

Serenity sighed at the feel of his warm lips and hot breath on her neck. That in combination with his fingers running through her hair had her feeling very warm and tingly all over. Her breath hitched as she felt the hand on her waist drift up to her breast to caress and squeeze. She leaned back into him and it wasn't long before his free hand abandoned her hair to turn her head toward him and lock her lips with his in a slow burning kiss.

---

Serena slipped inside the room with Serenity and turned to watch Endymion close the door and wrap himself around Serenity. As she listened to their conversation she looked around the room, taking in the dark blue walls and the same color bedding and curtains hanging at the sides of the large bed. She sat in one of the comfortable armless chairs and took a deep breath of the wonderful aroma drifting about the room from the fresh roses.

'It's so him.' She thought as she considered the décor and roses. It gave off a feeling of warmth and comfort that drew her in just as easily as it did Serenity.

She sighed and brought her attention back to the couple as she felt Endymion's lips moving slowly with Serenity's and his hands moving along her body. She didn't know why but the slow pace he was taking was very arousing to her and Serenity. Her body was already trembling and just as she was about to focus all of her attention on the rising sensations a knock sounded causing her to jump.

'Who could that be? They've retired for the night.' She thought as she looked from the door to the frozen couple. 'Maybe someone wanted to wish him a final happy birthday before they went to bed.' She considered as she listened to Endymion ask who was there.

'Jedite!' Serena thought in surprise but reminded herself that he hadn't always been an enemy- that he had been one of Endymion's guards as his current appearance showed.

She watched as Endymion hid Serenity in his closet and gave a small smile as Serenity idly wondered if couples among the people of their planets went through similar situations. Serena thought that they must have if there were couples who had to hide their relationship.

"What?! He brought Endymion a woman for his birthday?!" She said out loud as she stiffened in shock. As she listened to the two young men talk she could feel the hurt that Serenity was feeling as she learned that this type of thing had happened before and Endymion hadn't refused.

'Ugh! How outrageous. I suppose I can't hold it against him for things he's done before meeting Serenity but it's still completely wrong!' She thought as he succeeded in sending Jedite and the female birthday gift away.

Serena watched Serenity walk out of the closet at Endymion's summons and join him on the bed. She shook her head in exasperation at the fact that her past self was more hurt over the females he had apparently not refused before she even knew him instead of being happy that he had refused the woman that night.

Pushing her exasperation aside she listened to Endymion's explanation with rising relief. She was happy and proud that he had not used those women, and even more so when she heard him say that he had spent the time talking to them to understand why they would do such a thing. She couldn't contain her smile as he spoke of helping the last woman. She hadn't known about that aspect of his personality, but then again he did love his people.

Phantom shivers ran up and down her body as Endymion combed his fingers through Serenity's hair and planted kisses on her neck. She wanted to look away but she just could not force herself to. A part of her whispered that she would know what was happening anyway so why close her eyes.

Serena held her breath as she felt Endymion's large hand moving up Serenity's body and settle on her breast. She sighed, wishing she didn't have to feel the sensations second hand. She wanted it to be her neck that his hot breath bathed and her lips that he bestowed his burning kisses on.

Her eyes locked on the couple in a mixture of envy and arousal as she watched them slowly undressing each other. The feeling of a phantom mouth kissing hers accompanied the sensation of her gown sliding down her body. She was too far gone to look and see if her own gown was still in place, and didn't even care when she felt herself jerk toward the bed as the pair moved beneath the covers.

---

They lay on their sides, covers pulled nearly up to their necks, their lips moving slowly together as their hands wandered each other's bare warm skin. A soft delicate leg moved over a firm masculine thigh, raising goose bumps.

Endymion's large hand trailed over Serenity's hip and along her leg, his long fingers squeezing her thigh before moving to caress her backside. After a gentle squeeze his hand moved over her hip and over her trembling stomach before drifting between her thighs. A slight warm slickness announced that he had reached her secret place, and he wasted no time tracing and rubbing the sensitive skin. The longer he rubbed the wetter she became, coating his fingers in her essence.

Serenity moaned softly into Endymion's mouth as her hips moved in time with his fingers. She felt her prince lean against her, pushing her upper body back against the mattress as he deepened their kiss. She wrapped a slender arm around his neck, fingers clenching midnight black hair as her body grew hot.

A gasp and a light cry echoed around the room as Endymion eased a long finger inside Serenity's core. Her hips jerked sharply against his hand as she felt his warm lips slide down her neck. In and out his moist finger moved as he ground the palm of his hand against the little bud of nerves wringing gasps and panting moans from her lips.

Endymion smiled against his fiancé's neck. This was all he wanted for his birthday. To hear her soft moans, her gasps, her cries, any and every sound he could inspire her to make. To feel her soft warm body against his, her fingers in his hair and moving over his body. His name on her lips and her body clenching around his. All of it was all he wanted and he would have it all this night. He would spend these hours basking in her love. The love of the only female to accept him for himself.

Serenity clung to Endymion as her hips moved with his fingers. He wasn't going fast enough. She needed him to move faster, but at the same time she wanted to keep the slow pace. She wanted the pleasurable sensations taking over her body to last as long as possible.

Finally, after he had added another finger, she could no longer take it anymore. It was too much. She needed him desperately to go faster. She needed the sensations to stop. Needed him to give her body relief, a break from the pleasurable turmoil. If only for a short time.

"Please Endy! Please! I…I need…" Serenity pleaded breathlessly as she squirmed and wreathed against her prince.

Endymion decided to heed his princess' plea and increased his pace as he showered her neck and shoulder in moist kisses. Faster and faster he pumped his fingers into her hot wet cavern, listening to her increased breathing and breathy moans.

Serenity stiffened, her body clenching and pulsing around his fingers as she gasped and panted out her release. She moaned softly as his fingers moved at a slower pace to prolong the feelings washing through her.

Endymion waited until his princess' body relaxed before removing his fingers from her. A sigh and humming sound was all the indication he needed to know that she was content and ready for more. No words needed to be spoken. He simply brought his lips to hers to begin their passionate high.

He ran a hand up the thigh draped over his hip as their tongues slowly danced. Over her hip, up her back, over her shoulder, and into her hair his hand slid, producing a full body shudder from his clinging princess. He shifted his hips, bringing his aching hardness in contact with her hot moist womanhood.

Serenity moaned softly into her prince's mouth. She loved the feel of his hardness moving against her sensitive flesh. Loved how he made her feel, like a woman. He didn't handle her like she was made of glass, like she was delicate and breakable. He wasn't afraid to be a little forceful with her to satisfy their needs. She loved it. It was just another reason why she loved him.

Endymion teased Serenity as well as himself with the slow movement of his manhood rubbing against her little bundle of nerves. He groaned into her mouth, feeling himself throb against her, his body demanding relief. He resisted. He was not ready yet. He distracted himself by shifting until he was on top of her and used his free hand to fondle a breast.

His Serenity's body arched, pushing herself into his hand. He swallowed her moan and gave one in return as he squeezed her soft mound and ground himself against her.

His hips began to move faster of their own accord and he knew it was time to stop teasing them. He ground himself against her one last time before allowing himself to slip inside her wet heated core unerringly.

He broke away from Serenity's lips with a groan, unable to help himself at the feel of her snug body around him. He pulled back only to slowly thrust back into her heat as his lips latched onto her neck to suckle gently. Now that he was inside her he hoped to keep up a slow and steady pace for as long as he could. It would make their time together seem longer.

Serenity's hands alternated between gripping Endymion's hair and running her fingers through the midnight locks. Light moans escaped her lips at each slow thrust, trembles traveled up and down her body as she slid her legs languorously against his muscled thigh.

She arched her body, pushing her breast into his hand to encourage his caress and was rewarded with a firm squeeze to accompany a slow thrust. She gasped as Endymion suddenly rolled them to his left, keeping their bodies connected as he settled on his back with her draped over him.

Serenity lay there slightly stunned at the change in position. She didn't know what to do. They had never been in this position before. Was she supposed to lay there or sit up?

'What do I do?' She wondered as she shifted slightly only to feel her prince pulse inside her. He groaned and his hips jerked up, his hands moving to rest on her hips.

"Do not think my love. Just feel." Endymion said as if he sensed her hesitance.

Serenity nodded and decided she would be a little more comfortable of she sat up. Her prince immediately took advantage of her move and covered her breasts with his hands. She hummed at the feel of his gentle squeezing, her hips slowly beginning to move to the rhythm his hands set.

Back and forth she rocked against him, her hands coming up to cover his to once again encourage his squeezes and caresses. Her head dropped back, her hands drifting down to caress his forearms as she rocked into his upward thrusts.

Endymion panted as his hands drifted down to settle on Serenity's hips as he moved his hips slightly faster. He groaned at the feel of her hands resting on his chest. Her soft fingers splayed across his chest drove his senses wild.

He sat up, his arms sliding around her back to hold her soft chest to his as he covered her lips with his. He brushed the soft moist petals repeatedly, pulling her bottom lip between his to suckle the flesh and bathe it with his tongue as her arms made their way around his neck. His hands slid up and down her back causing her body to tremble as their tongues danced together.

He groaned into Serenity's mouth at the feel of her arms tightening around his neck and her hips moving faster. His body shuddered, letting him know he needed relief. He needed to move faster, to take control, but he resisted. He did not want it to end just yet.

Breaking the kiss Serenity panted, nuzzling her face into her prince's neck as she ground herself against him. Her body was screaming at her for relief, to put a stop to the heightening sensations coursing through her body, but she could not move fast enough or hard enough to satisfy herself.

"Endy." She breathed his name in a plea. "I need…" She couldn't finish but he must have understood because she suddenly found herself on her back, his lips sealed to hers, his tongue rubbing against hers.

Serenity's body arched, pushing her aching breasts against his firm chest as his quick thrusts rocked her body. One hand gripped his hair while the other struggled for purchase on his broad back, leaving scratches behind. She broke the kiss with a loud moan as she wrapped a leg around her prince's waist and spread the other to give his pounding hips more room.

She gasped as his warm lips scattered open mouth kisses up and down her neck before nuzzling her, his hot breath bathing her sensitive skin, sending shivers up and down her body. She moaned as a deep groan sounded in her ear, trembles skated up and down her skin working in concert with the shutters his rapid thrusts produced.

'More, more, more, more…' Serenity chanted in her mind, whimpering as she clung to Endymion, her body tightening around his, urging him to thrust faster.

"More Endy! More!" She finally cried out loud, the pleasure coursing through her body like the blood in her veins, building rapidly but still not fast enough.

Endymion panted harshly through clenched teeth, his body lay heavily on top of her as he thrust furiously into her hot womanhood.

In and out, in and out he moved, one hand gripped underneath her shoulder, the other clenched tightly around a thigh. His fingers held on so tightly that he was positive he would leave imprints but he didn't care. He could easily heal her and make it so the marks were never there.

He was so close. She was so close. He could tell. He could feel it. Her inner walls were beginning to clench around him. He pumped harder, determined for them to come at the same time, to find their pleasure as one.

His Serenity stiffened suddenly and cried out sharply. He groaned loudly into her neck, feeling her inner walls clenching rapidly and rippling around him as he pounded out his release, eagerly riding out hers to maximize their combined pleasure.

---

Serena gasped as her eyes flew open. She curled onto her side, shuddering at the remains of the phantom orgasm that rocked her body. She struggled to catch her breath as her eyes blinked around her dark room.

That memory had been different from the others she had experienced so far. Usually it ended after they achieved their release together, but this time it continued through multiple couplings. She saw firsthand that Endymion had been completely serious when he said he would spend hours basking in Serenity's love.

She whimpered miserably and seriously considered touching herself to relieve her ache, but she didn't think she would feel any lasting relief if Darien's hands weren't the ones touching her.

Serena sat up slightly and went over her current condition. She was more than a little uncomfortable in her damp underwear, her breasts ached to have her fiancé's hands holding them, and her body felt like it was going to overheat.

She shifted under her covers, her womanhood still pulsing as her body continued to calm down. She moaned quietly. She was tempted, so very tempted to take care of her aching body herself, but she knew she would not find the relief she desperately needed.

There's no way I'm going back to sleep. She thought in tired frustration as she pushed her covers back and sat up.

With a sigh she forced herself to get up and went about the business of cleaning herself up. It wasn't long before she was refreshed, dressed in a pair of sweat pants, a tank top, and tennis shoes, and running down the sidewalk away from her home.

The farther away from her house she got the more her pace increased. Faster and faster she moved, long hair down and trailing behind her like a golden banner as the cool night air bathed her exposed skin, cooling her heated body. She had told Darien that she would handle the aftermath of the memory without him for the night and that was exactly what she was going to do. It had been a longer than usual memory and had left her with even more arousal and frustration, but she would not let it rule her. She would deal with it.

Endymion's large hand trailed over Serenity's hip and along her leg, his long fingers squeezing her thigh before moving to caress her backside. After a gentle squeeze his hand moved over her hip and over her trembling stomach before drifting between her thighs.

Serena bit her lip, trying not to remember, but the images, sensations, and feelings flashed through her mind demandingly.

He shifted his hips, bringing his aching hardness in contact with her hot moist womanhood.

She moaned at the memory, wishing for Darien so they could reenact it, but she shook her head quickly, hoping to fling that thought from her mind since it couldn't happen.

Serena was just getting into her run, struggling to push back her arousal and frustration, not even having gotten far from her home despite her fast pace, when she heard her communicator beeping in her subspace pocket.

Slowing to a stop she waved her hand in the air, her communicator falling easily into her hand. Mercury. She thought as she pressed the flashing blue symbol.

"Serena here." She answered as she began to walk in the direction she had been heading.

"We've got enemy attacks at two separate locations. You're closest to where Tuxedo Mask and I are so you should head in our direction." Sailor Mercury's voice came through calmly and quietly.

"Where are you?" Serena asked as she stopped walking.

"We're near his apartment. Right now we're staying back to wait for backup before engaging them. My computer is indicating that there's three of them and yet only two of them are attacking. The other one is hiding." Mercury relayed.

"Who else is coming to your location?" She asked as she took off at a dead run towards Darien's apartment building.

"Jupiter and Pluto will be joining us." Mercury answered promptly.

"Alright. I'm running in your direction. I shouldn't be too long. I'll see you when I get there. Serena out." She stated quickly and ended the communication.

As Serena ran she tried to focus on what she sensed coming from Darien, because even after being informed of the attacks her body and mind were still on the memory she had experienced in her sleep. Her fiancé was calm and yet cautious. He was always calm but especially in times when he became Tuxedo Mask. She tried to channel some of his calm into herself, but it was difficult when she had images of a naked Endymion rolling through her mind. The feel of strong phantom hands caressing her body felt so real that it was hard to tell herself that they were nothing but memory sensations.

Pull it together Serena! You don't have time to get lost in what Endymion made you feel. You're about to face the enemy! She lectured herself sternly as she ran.

When she was close to Darien's apartment building she slowed to a stop, and after checking her surroundings she quickly transformed and continued to where she could sense Tuxedo Mask.

Sailor Moon slowed as she heard the sounds of fighting. She continued forward cautiously, not wanting to run straight into a situation she knew nothing about, and stationed herself in an alley that gave her a full view of what was going on.

She watched as Tuxedo Mask tossed his deadly roses at what appeared to be a giant bird circling in the sky. Looking closer she saw that it was a human sized vulture. It had black fuzz covering its head and neck that continued seamlessly into black feathers. The tips of its wings and tail feathers were light brown while its strong beak, stocky legs, and sharp talons were a dark gray. Black beady eyes completed the disturbing picture and she wondered how strong it was and what power it might have.

Turning her attention to the second monster she saw that it was a very large dog wearing an open vest, standing on its back legs and snarling viciously down at Sailor Mercury. Its short yet soft looking fur coat was a mix of black, gray, and white. The black covered its back from ear tips to the fluffy end of its tail, its stomach, legs, and bottom half of its face were coated in white, and the rest of its face had a pattern that used the colors interestingly. White and blue eyes with black pupils would have given the monster an innocent look if they weren't flashing with malice.

Sailor Moon wasted no more time and joined the fight. She circled around to come up quietly behind the dog, eyes widening at how much bigger it looked up close, before taking a slight running start and kicking the beast in the back of the head. It fell, skidding across the ground as Sailor Mercury jumped out of the way and made her way to Sailor Moon.

"What happened? I thought you guys were going to wait." Sailor Moon said as they moved back, keeping their eyes on the dog.

"We were but they suddenly attacked us. We didn't have much of a choice after that." Sailor Mercury explained just before a screech sounded around them.

Their eyes were drawn to the vulture as it crashed to the ground and then to Tuxedo Mask as he quickly made his way toward them. He stopped next to Sailor Moon and gave her an affectionate smile, but there was no time for more as the dog got to its pawed feet. A screeching groan announced that the vulture was recovering as well.

The three of them exchanged a look before attacking the monsters, trying to keep them distracted and prevent them from becoming more dangerous until more backup arrived at the least. Piercing roses flew at the vulture, keeping it grounded as a fog obscured the monsters view enough to keep them from seeing physical attacks headed their way.

"We need to get them out of the residential area." Sailor Mercury shouted after they had been engaging the enemy for a few minutes as she noticed the damage that was being done to the buildings, cars, and street.

"Lead them to the park." Tuxedo Mask called back in response, knowing that there would be less damage done there.

They increased their attacks, occasionally running away, drawing the monsters to the wooded park where Darien did his solo training.

"Mercury Bubbles Freezing!" Was shouted from the water warrior at the vulture just as Tuxedo Mask threw exploding roses. The screech from the vulture was nearly deafening but it didn't stop them. Tuxedo Mask spun around and threw a rose at the dog that wrapped it in thorny vines, keeping it confined as Sailor Moon approached it and unleashed a series of kicks and punches to its head and legs.

"Shine Aqua Illusion!" Sailor Mercury shouted and a stream of water blasted towards the monsters to distract them while the warriors made another strategic retreat toward the park. No one said anything but they were all worried about the third monster that had yet to make an appearance since they had no idea where it was or when it would strike. Mercury hadn't been able to pinpoint its location before she had been attacked.

A blast crashed into the ground near them as they ran, knocking them all off their feet. Tuxedo Mask threw yet another exploding rose from his seat on the ground at the monster that had attacked them. It missed the dog and exploded against the ground, but it worked enough to distract the monster as they got back to their feet. Mercury covered the area in fog again to make it harder for the dog to hit them, but the vulture began attacking them from the air, distracting them from the dog.

"I'll handle the bird." Sailor Moon called as she focused on her wings and took rapidly to the sky, attacking the bird with her fists stretched out in front of her like she was a shooting missile. Her fists slammed into the retreating bird, knocking it away from her, before she took off towards the park.

"Tuxedo the Smoking Bomber!" Tuxedo Mask shouted, his attack flying toward the dog while Mercury pressed the stud on one of her earrings causing her visor to slide over her eyes. Her eyes moved rapidly over the readings appearing to her as she faced the dog, trying to find a weak spot.

"Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!" The blasts of water shot from her harp at the enemy in an attempt to locate the monsters weakness.

"We need to get to the park. Let's go!" Tuxedo Mask said as he appeared at her side, pulling on her arm to get her moving back. "You can continue your readings once we get there." He said before turning back to the monster. "Rose Cyclone!" He shouted, sending sharp rose petals swarming around the dog that cut deeply to help cover their retreat, before he ran after Mercury.

Sailor Mercury ran, visor still in place as she continued to process the information she had gathered as well as monitor the monsters location. She glanced to her side as Tuxedo Mask pulled up beside her, and noticed that the monster had only been slowed slightly and was already starting to catch up.

"Shine Snow Illusion!" She shouted as she turned around, sending a snow storm at the dog, before spinning around and entering the park right behind Tuxedo Mask.

Meanwhile, Sailor Moon was scrambling to get out of the way of what she could clearly see was about to be some type of power the monster was going to use. Unfortunately she wasn't quick enough and cried out as a blast of lightening caught her in her side, disrupting her concentration and knocking her out of the sky.

"Jupiter Thunderbolt!" She heard shouted and watched as a blast of lightening from below hit the vulture before she crashed into the treetops, falling through, hitting branches on her way before falling through the air for a brief stint and landing hard on the ground.

"Sailor Moon? Are you okay?" She looked up at Sailor Jupiter running toward her as she got to her hands and knees.

"I'm okay." She answered as she got to her feet with a groan. "We have got to do something about that overgrown bird though." She added with a look up to the branches above them.

The two scouts quickly worked out a brief plan for them to work together to lure the monster into an open area. Sailor Jupiter would tackle the vulture from the ground while Sailor Moon would deal with it in the air. They decided to lure it toward the water where Sailor Moon remembered falling in during her training with Darien. There was enough space on the ground for Jupiter to maneuver around, while Sailor Moon would have to be careful not to be knocked out of the sky again.

Sailor Moon jumped into the nearest tree and climbed to the top. She cautious looked around and saw that the vulture appeared to be looking for one or both of them. She quickly flew into the air before it spotted her and decided to attack her before she could get high enough. She began to fly toward the water but near enough for the vulture to spot her. A loud screech let her know that she had been noticed and she began to fly faster, weaving around erratically to make herself less of a target.

"Sparkling Wide Pressure!" She heard Jupiter shout as she flew out over the water. She turned, easily calling forth her scepter, and watched as the ball of electricity slammed into the back of the bird.

"Moonlight Eclipse!" Sailor Moon shouted, taking advantage of the time before the vulture could recover. A brief flash of light flared from her scepter, but to the enemy it gave the illusion of being surrounded in pitch black darkness.

"Jupiter Thunderbolt!" The lightening scout shouted, launching bolts of electricity at the temporarily blind bird. It screamed and screeched at each impact.

"Starlight Rain!" Sailor Moon's next attack rained down little blasts of energy from her scepter that looked like falling stars that exploded on impact. The attack weakened the monster further and she flew slightly higher to prepare her next attack.

Sailor Jupiter watched as the vulture tried to avoid the little blasts but ended up flying into the majority of them instead. Still, as she watched she prepared her next attack, calling upon the thunder of her planet, causing electricity to dance around the little rod protruding from her tiara.

"Supreme Thunder Dragon!" She shouted and a large electric dragon formed before her before racing up toward the bird and swallowing it, electrocuting it and setting some of its feathers on fire. "Flower Hurricane!" She added to disorient it further and watched as flurries of flower blossoms blinded the monster before her eyes skipped over to her princess.

"Silver Moon Crystal Power Kiss!" Sailor Moon shouted, not wanting to waste time and give the creature a chance to recover from Jupiter's attacks, and listened with a frown as the bird screeched long and loud before turning to dust.

"Dead Scream." The attack was stated in a quiet nearly echoing tone, before a blast of energy slammed into the dog, knocking it through a tree and effectively distracting it from Sailor Mercury and Tuxedo Mask. Sailor Pluto calmly walked out of the trees holding her Garnet Rod and joined the two as they watched the area where the dog monster had landed.

"I'm sorry I was not here sooner. It took longer to get here then I had anticipated." Sailor Pluto apologized quietly.

"It's no problem. You're here now and that's all that matters." Tuxedo Mask said as he produced a red rose out if thin air. "Let's finish this one before the one hiding decides to help it." He added and the women nodded and readied themselves for a combination attack.

The dog rolled to its feet, snarling on all fours, its fur bristling as it prepared to charge at the warriors.

Tuxedo Mask threw his rose at the monster. As soon as it connected vines sprouted, wrapping around the dog before electrocuting it, causing it to bark in pain.

Sailor Pluto followed next, holding up her Garnet Rod high above her head. "Chronos Typhoon!" She called and a cyclone of heavy wind rushed out of her Garnet Orb at the confined dog, pushing it back and keeping it from moving forward.

"Mercury Aqua Mirage!" Sailor Mercury shouted, sending water swirling around the monster before it was engulfed in a glob of water which quickly burst, sending water and the dust of the monster's remains everywhere.

Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Moon ran through the park, wanting to meet up with the others to see if they had finished the dog, when they were suddenly attacked from below, the ground exploding beneath them tossing them away from the area. They quickly picked themselves up and continued running, adopting a zigzag pattern, energy blasts barely missing them even though they were running separately from each other.

"Sailor Moon and Sailor Jupiter are headed our way quickly but they're being attacked." Sailor Mercury said as she typed furiously on her handheld computer. "They're being attacked from underground but I can't tell what the monster is, only that it's following them." She added as she looked up from her computer.

Tuxedo Mask knelt on the ground spreading his hands in the grass to focus on the earth beneath him. Images of the city then the park flashed through his mind before he narrowed his focus further to locate the monster attacking his fiancé and friend. He saw a large and wide brown creature with black paws and black beady eyes, energy crackling around it.

"It's a groundhog and it's moving at extreme speeds. Although, I don't know if that will hold true when it's above ground." He informed them as he continued to monitor the monster.

"Come closer to me." Sailor Pluto said to Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Mercury as Sailor Moon and Sailor Jupiter came into view. "Don't stop until you get close to us!" She called to the running girls as she held up her Garnet Rod. "Super Garnet Ball." She said loudly once the running girls were close enough, creating a large deep red circular shield around the group that extended under the ground.

Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Moon leaned on their knees, breathing hard but quickly got it under control as they listened to the others inform them of what was happening with the monster.

"Does anyone have any ideas on how to fight it or at least get it above ground?" Sailor Moon asked as she looked to the others.

"The only ones whose power can fight it are Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Pluto. The rest of us will just have to keep safe and wait until the monster is above ground if it's not defeated before." Sailor Mercury stated.

"Can you keep your senses open for any time disturbances or distortions?" Sailor Moon asked Pluto. "That way we might at least have a warning if the enemy is going to use a time portal." She explained and Sailor Pluto nodded her agreement as she continued to hold the shield.

"The groundhog is circling the shield, like it's waiting for us." Tuxedo Mask informed them from his position kneeling on the ground.

"When the barrier drops we should scatter to see if it follows anyone in particular or if it's fast enough to go after all of us, then meet back in this spot." Sailor Moon suggested, and they all agreed since it would provide them with more information to plan a strong attack.

"Everyone stay safe and keep moving. The more erratic the less chance you have of being hit." Tuxedo Mask warned and everyone nodded.

Once everyone was ready Pluto dropped the shield and they all scattered just before energy blasts flew up from where they had been standing.

As she ran Sailor Moon saw that the blasts seemed to be following her so she began to circle back. She tried to get off the ground and travel in the treetops but the blasts seemed to be more accurate that way, so she continued on the ground, running for all she was worth.

Back at the designated meeting spot Sailor Mercury and Sailor Jupiter arrived unharmed and waited, Sailor Mercury typing away at her computer. As soon as Sailor Pluto arrived Mercury began to get weird readings that she was having trouble understanding.

Almost at the same time Pluto began to sense a time distortion not far from them. When they saw Tuxedo Mask coming toward them they knew that the enemy was after Sailor Moon, and that a portal was opening most likely in her direction.

"There's a portal opening in Sailor Moon's direction!" Sailor Pluto shouted to Tuxedo Mask as she ran toward him.

Tuxedo Mask immediately spun on the spot and high tailed it in the direction he sensed her in with Pluto catching up quick, the others not far behind.

Sailor Moon suddenly sensed and felt anxiety, worry, and fear through her link with Tuxedo Mask, and she wondered if he was in trouble or if one of the girls were. Or worse, if she was and just didn't know it yet.

Just as that disturbing thought crossed her mind she saw him and Sailor Pluto running her way and she frowned, wondering if she really was in trouble since she didn't see any blasts coming with them. In fact, she could still hear them behind her.

She heard them shouting as they got closer to each other but to her frustration she couldn't understand what they were saying.

However, it was only moments later that she realized what they had been trying to do but it was too late. Her foot came down in her quick stride only to feel nothing beneath her. Her eyes widened and she glanced down only to see complete blackness beneath her foot.

All she could do was suck in a sharp breath before she plummeted into the inky depth.

Author's Note: I hope you liked the chapter after such a long wait. I also hope you don't mind that I made up some attacks for them. I thought they should have some new material to use against the enemy. Anyway, please check out my profile for updates on the status of this and my other stories. Oh and please review.