Another chapter. I know! Over a month... sorry folks! This summer has been crazy... and I can't believe it's already the end of August! OMG, pretty soon it'll be near Christmas!!! AH! Anyway, here you go. Hope you enjoy.

Thank you for all who reviewed, added as an alert, and/or added as a favorite. I really appreciate it! :0) Please continue to R&R.

"It was fucking HUGE!"

Zoisite rolled his eyes, "Quit telling your lies Jadeite. There is no such thing as an energy sucking snake."

"Is so! Ask Andy, he saw it too! And so did Serena. I have two witnesses! Weren't there reports about cows being eaten by birds?"

Zoisite looked up from the botanical book he was studying and stared, "I cannot believe you."

"What?" The young guard stopped his frantic searching for more Dark Kingdom books.

"You honestly believe that story from Old Man Sanders?" Zoisite shook his head and returned to his reading, "Weren't you late for that announcement?"

"I had Greg fill me in."

Rolling his eyes, Zoisite shut the book due to loss of concentration and laughed at the sight before him. Jadeite was balancing over a dozen books about the Dark Kingdom fables and ancient mythology, while trying to make his way to the exit.

"You're serious about this aren't you?"

"A snake just tried to eat me. Yes, I'm serious. There's more out there. I'm notifying the King tomorrow."

"You're not seriously bringing this up at the meeting?"

Jadeite shrugged best he could, "Why not?"

Zoisite rolled his eyes muttering, "Fine. Be a fool."

~*~

Malachite stretched, well rested, and noticed by the sun's position it was already late afternoon. Helping Mina back into town caused him to reach the old cabin only a few hours before dawn. The general smiled at the memory of the young blonde. Her bright smile and flirty personality was a pleasant change from the stuffy gold diggers he was used to.

Taking in his surroundings, he sighed. The place had definitely gone downhill. All but one window broken, door with rusted hinges, dry well, the walls were splitting in areas and needed filling.

"Well Mal, this is what you get for not taking a break in three years."

The cabin had been his parents', and was located on his family's land. After they had passed, his father only three months after his mother—many diagnosed due to a broken heart, Malachite could have sold the land for a rich sum. Only beginning his career as an officer, he could have used the money, but kept it for sentimental reasons. As tradition, he came back to the cabin every six months for a week to relax and take care of the property. That is until he became the lead general, the King's right hand, and the Prince's primary protector.

Performing another full body stretch, and another deep groan, Malachite yawned and decided he should get started on work. His thoughts of Mina would make the time pass faster. Suddenly, an object shining in the sun's light caught his attention. Leaving the bed to walk across the room to the glistening object, he crouched down to find the gem Beryl had given him.

Puzzled by the object appearing out of thin air, he had sworn he had left the stone in his room at the palace, he picked it up and set it on the dresser. One more stretch and he went to look for breakfast.

~*~

"We're close Artemis," Mina scanned the market place, "I can feel it."

The cat nodded and rubbed against her petting hand, "Can you feel the other presence Mina?"

She nodded, her eyes narrowing taking in her surroundings, "Metaria."

"That's right. You're going to have to be careful. If Metaria finds out you're not an Earthling, it could be disastrous."

Mina nodded, "Let's find the nearest inn." She fumbled around in her dress pocket pulling out a few coins, "Guess we'll see how far this will last us, and go from there. Maybe I can get a job…" Mina sweat dropped and giggled, "Too bad I don't know how to do anything Earthlings."

Suddenly, a poster caught her attention. Stopping to read, Mina beamed, "These are the balls Daniel told me about! This will be a great way to try and find the Princess."

"Are you sure you just don't want an excuse to go to a party? Or see that Malfoy guy again?"

She swatted the cat on the head and held her nose up, "Of course not. And it's Malachite, Artemis."

"Of course," he rolled his eyes, "How silly of me."

~*~

Andrew nodded at the appropriate moments, and scribbled on his stack of parchment, but couldn't keep his attention on what King Endymion was saying. The meeting was once again held in the rich mahogany furnished room, with sunlight streaming through windows. Sitting at the dark stained table, his thoughts kept drifting to the night before. Serena's voice and images of her terrified face and the horrible creature kept returning whenever he closed his eyes; which had resulted in little sleep.

"Jadeite! Andy! Look out!"

"Andrew?"

Blinking, he realized that Darien had asked him a question. Shaking his head he shuffled through the reports he had created the previous night, "Sorry about that. Um… yes, the imports from France will be arriving in three days, and Germany will be arriving in four according to Lord Calvin. The last company of recruits has completed their survival training, and will be joining the Navy for the next scheduled trade with Spain next week."

"I believe Jadeite wanted to announce something?" Endymion questioned.

Andrew's eyes grew wide. There's no way… he wouldn't…

"I have witnessed the attack of a terrible beast!"

Andrew slapped the palm of his hand to his forehead. He would.

The rest of the room gave the young soldier questionable looks, with the exception of Zoisite, who rolled his eyes and began reading over his notes.

"Where was this beast, Jadeite?"

"In the gardens. Last night. Miss Serena, Andrew, and I were attacked."

The King turned to Andrew, "Is this true?"

"Well," Andrew gulped and glanced over at Jadeite who gave him a waving motion, encouraging him to agree, "Yes, your highness. It is true."

"This is absurd," Zoisite barked, "There are no such things as beasts. Jadeite, Andrew; would you mind telling our King what you were doing before you saw this said beast?"

"We were playing a game of cards."

"What game?"

"I don't see the relevance in what—"

"Go on Jadeite." Endymion nodded.

"Categories."

"And would you please explain to our King, exactly what is categories?"

"A drinking game."

"So, you were intoxicated while you saw this beast."

"That's irrelevant!" Jadeite argued, "The safety of the royal family and the Earth's population is at stake! Besides, Serena saw the creature too. She was not part of our…"

"Game." Endymion finished for him, "And I'm afraid your sobriety is relevant Jadeite."

"Didn't you and Andrew check out mythology books last week for Miss Serena? And if there is such a beast as you claim… where is the body? And how did you three manage to escape?" Nephrite challenged—not as an adversary to Jadeite, but to his report.

"Serena killed it with my dagger. The body disappeared shortly after it died."

Darien rose an eyebrow, and smiled to himself. If there was such a monster, he could believe Serena the type to murder it.

"So you have no proof," Zoisite concluded—rather too smug for Jadeite's liking—"Other than the word of two intoxicated soldiers and a garden maiden who has been reading mythology."

Jadeite's face was red from anger, "I know what I saw Zoisite."

Endymion cleared his throat, "I'm afraid in order to declare an emergency or make a formal announcement, we need more proof than this Jadeite. We must adjourn for today. Keep in mind door is open to you and anyone else who is able to provide support of your claim."

As the rest of the men filed out of the room, Jadeite cursed and threw his chair, Andrew flinching at the sound of wood clashing, "Absurd."

"What?" Jadeite asked, noticing Andrew's silence, "You still don't believe your own eyes?"

Andrew shook his head, "I have no choice but to believe. But we have no proof Jadeite."

The blond picked up the chair, and moved it to its proper place, before slouching down into it, "This is too intense to require proof. The Dark Kingdom is real."

"We need to show other people, otherwise they will be like me."

"Yea, and you only believe us because you were almost killed," Jadeite rolled his eyes.

"Exactly! We have to trap something."

"Trap. Like… capture. Man, you and your sister are nuts."

Andrew laughed, "Well, you want to give Endymion proof."

"Guess this means no whiskey for a while."

Andrew patted him on the shoulder, "It'll be good for you."

"Doubtful."

~*~

Serena made her way back to her work area, stomach full from lunch. Stopping short by the rose gardens she frowned, "That Prince should really take better care of you."

Looking around, there were no sounds or signs of movement other than the birds and central water fountain. Biting her lip, she pulled out a pair of shears from her apron and began to prune one of the bushes.

"You know, I could have you executed for touching my plants."

At the sound of his voice, she stiffened. Closing the shears, she stuck them back into her pocket. She felt him move closer; then his arms encircling her from behind—not to embrace her, but to finish pruning the bush she had started. Relaxing, Serena watched the gloved hands moving swiftly; removing dead branches and leaves, cutting at the right angles and opening up the center of the plant.

"So is it off with my head?" she joked.

His chuckle was deep as she felt his chest rumble, "Hardly. Thank you for tending to them. I've been preoccupied lately and haven't had time to get out here until today." He continued snipping away at thin branches, "Would you mind helping me with the rest of them?"

"You're asking someone to help with your roses?" her tone reflected fake shock, "Why your highness, I could never!" she giggled, "In all seriousness, I do have to get back to my own work."

"Should I order you to help me instead?"

Thinking for a moment, she wasn't sure if she should be offended by his question. After all, he is the Prince and she is his gardener.

Taking out her shears, the two began silently working. He stepped aside, allowing her to move to the next bush over. Every once in a while, he would catch a glimpse of her taking a step back to evaluate the roses and couldn't help but appreciate how much she cared about them.

"Serena!"

Turning, she wiped her brow, "What's up Andy?"

"Your highness," he bowed quickly and continued his sprint to her side.

Darien nodded, and turned back to continue working. He hadn't intended to eavesdrop, but Andrew's question caught his attention.

"We still on for Saturday night?"

"Of course. Wouldn't miss it for anything. Why?"

"Oh I don't know. Thought you might have made plans to attend the ball."

"I don't have a dress anymore. The last one is now in shreds thanks to… uh, you know."

Darien's grip on his pruners tightened until his knuckled turned white. Andrew's laugh didn't help his wandering thoughts.

"Well, you're a working girl now. And I have money too."

"You don't need to buy me a new dress."

"Well why not? You deserve it."

"You're right I do, don't I?" she giggled, "Alright. I'll go out tomorrow and buy a new dress."

"Something frilly and expensive."

She laughed harder, "Especially if you're buying. What about our tradition?"

"You still want to? I didn't think that—"

"I want to."

"Are you sure?"

He couldn't see them, but sensed that she had nodded. Now he understood why she turned him down—she had an anniversary with Andrew. But he had insisted the two were only friends. His frown deepened. Was Andrew leading Serena on?

"Of course."

"Great," Andrew smiled at her, "So, uh did you finish that book you were telling me about?"

She furrowed her brow, before understanding crossed her features, "Almost. I have a few chapters left."

"I wanted to give it a read when you finished."

"Really?"

"Yea."

She lunged herself into him, and Andrew laughed returning the hug, "Jadeite and I will see you tonight okay? I have to meet with Nephrite and Zoisite."

"Sure."

Spinning around, wide smile in place, she found herself once again alone in the rose garden.

~*~

Serena searched her desk for the pad of parchment Andrew had given her for homework. Flipping through the book one last time, she glanced over any key information she might have missed her first, and second, times through. Serena had written down anything and everything she thought would be important for later use. Facts regarding beasts, energy, rituals, ceremonies, auras, and spirits filled the pages; followed by information regarding the different planets, their kingdoms, and the Moon kingdom.

This time, one picture caught her attention, and she wondered why she had never paid much mind to it before. It was a tall slender woman, with hair down to her ankles and in the most unusual hairstyle—two buns atop her head on each side, both with pigtails. The sketch hid the woman's face, but a crescent moon adorned her forehead.

"Serenity."

Something tugged at the back of her mind, but she couldn't place it. Yawning, she glanced out the window to see the sun was just beginning to set—the sky filled with pink and orange. Andrew and Jadeite would be there soon. As though on cue, the door burst open.

"You never knock, do you?"

"Nope!"

Serena rolled her eyes at the soldier's perkiness, "Okay, so what is this all about? Andrew and I didn't really get a change to talk in the garden today."

"Why not?"

"We spoke in code," Andrew explained, "Darien and Sere were pruning the rose bushes."

"No way!" Jadeite exclaimed, shocked.

"What?"

"The last gardener who even looked at Dar's roses wrong was fired."

Serena gulped, "What?"

Andrew studied Jadeite, "He's joking Sere."

Letting out a sigh of relief, Serena showed Andrew her pile of papers. Jadeite let out a whistle, "Impressive Sere. You must be an excellent student."

Andrew rolled his eyes, "This is all on the Dark Kingdom."

"I thought it was a good idea. This way the book can be returned."

Jadeite nodded, "Yea, probably a good idea since Zoicite knows you have it."

"Is that a problem?"

He shrugged, "Doubtful. Mostly because he sees it as fairy tales and nothing pertinent. Still might be a good idea to return this though," Serena offered him the old book, and Jadeite tucked it underneath his arm.

"Sere, Jadeite mentioned the Python creature from the other night at the last meeting we had."

Her eyes grew wide, "You didn't!"

"Why is it such a bad thing?" Jadeite whined, "I didn't kill anyone."

"No, but you practically shot yourself in the foot for when any kind of credibility is going to matter."

"Man, you're just like your brother."

"ANYWAY," Andrew cut in, "now that everyone thinks that we are both drunks who hallucinate, and you a silly girl who reads too many fairy tales," a glare from his sister caused him to wince slightly, "we need to catch a creature in order to prove to the King there is a threat here on Earth."

"Catch?" Serena asked him, hands on her hips, eyes blazing, "You want to CATCH an energy-stealing-death-ridden-merciless creature."

"Yes?" Jadeite squeaked.

"Andy! You saw what that thing did last time. It nearly killed all of us. To serve Metaria."

"Who?" the two men chorused.

"Metaria. She's the head hancho of the Dark Kingdom."

"Is there anything in this book," Andrew grabbed said book from Jadeite and tapped the cover with two fingers, "that can help us?"

"If you want to catch something," Serena snatched the book back and began flipping through the pages, "It might as well be something somewhat harmless." Turning the book around, she showed the creature known as, "Gato. Half-woman, half-cat."

"I like that better than the idea of facing another snake."

Serena smirked at Jadeite, "You sure are a chicken for being one of the Prince's guards. Aren't you supposed to give your life for him or something like that?"

"Yes. And I would. But that was against man. Not a damn twenty foot energy sucking snake."

Andrew laughed, "Yea, I didn't see anything about battling demons in the job description."

"How would we even find something?"

Serena hesitated, "Well… I can summon something."

"Summon? As in call upon and it shall appear?" Jadeite cocked an eyebrow, "Wicked cool."

"How do you know you can summon something?"

"There's instructions in here," Serena turned the book around to show the pages to the two, "See. We'll need bait…" Serena and Andrew's gaze drifted toward Jadeite.

Realization hit him and he shook his head, "Nuh uh. No fucking way am I going to be live bait for another one of those damn monsters."

"Do you care about your credibility at all as a source for the King?"

"Of course I do. But I don't think—"

Andrew cut him off, "Exactly. So you should be the one to do this."

Jadeite looked at him confused, "Wait. What?"

Serena turned the book back around so she could continue reading, "We just need these ingredients. All of them we can find at the local market. A glass vase, a full moon—shit."

"What?" the two chorused.

"The ball is during the next full moon."

"Then we can use the guests as bait."

"JADEITE!"

"What? Serena said she'd summon something harmless."

Serena smacked him in the stomach, "But the whole point of this is to prove that there is danger—not actually put people in danger!"

"We can do it while everyone is inside. There's so much food that people hardly go into the gardens," Jadeite got a goofy look on his face, "Well not HARDLY…"

Serena shoved the book into Jadeite's chest with both hands and gave him a 'don't you dare' look.

"I think we should get more information on these other planets. Is there anything in there about them?" Andrew asked, obviously he had not caught on to whatever memory Serena and Jadeite shared.

"No," Serena sighed, "There isn't. I mean, there are loads of information about the Dark Kingdom, Metaria, and her creatures. There's even quite a bit on the Moon Kingdom, but the other planets are barely touched."

Jadiete snapped his fingers, "I got it. We can talk to Greg."

"Greg?" Serena blinked at Andrew, "Who's Greg?"

"Are you sure that's a good idea Jadeite?"

"Who's Greg?"

Jadeite shrugged, "I don't see why not."

"Greg?"

"He's been doing research on this tele-spak something. He's also been doing a lot of star-gazing, and a few months ago he came to me telling me about some kinda break through about seeing a new planet or star or something. The guy is a total space nut," he chuckled, "No pun in tented."

"HELLO! Who is Greg?" Serena asked, more annoyed than before that the two had ignored her.

"He's Zoicite's assistant. Brilliant guy," Andrew filled her in briefly, "And you say he knows about planets?"

Jadeite shrugged again, "Last I heard, he was on the verge of something. But that guy is always on the verge of something. And I didn't really pay attention. I mean, this was before your basic training. A guy talks to me about planets that don't exist, I'm not going to pay him much attention."

~*~

The next day, Jadeite returned the book back to the library and he and Andrew continued with their duties. Meanwhile, Serena went to town to purchase a dress and new shoes for the ball along with the items she, Andrew, and Jadeite would need for Saturday night. She also made plans to stop by the blacksmith shop and speak with Ken. She remembered he had perfected glass blowing, and the book stated that in order to trap a beast, the vase would have to be made by pure hands and given as a gift—thus the vase would be made and given out of love; the only thing the Dark Kingdom could not destroy. Serena didn't know much about Ken, but he was a good guy—a good person from what she did know of him. He just had to be pure. She gulped as she entered the shop. If he wasn't, they were all going to be in big trouble.

"Hey Serena, long time no see. How is palace life?"

Smiling, Serena set her dress and shoe boxes down on the familiar bench near the door.

"It's great Ken. Listen, I was wondering if you could do me a favor?"

The brunette nodded and grabbed a cloth to wipe off his hands, "Anything. What's up?"

"I need a glass vase. With a lid. How fast could you make it for me? Could it be ready by tomorrow morning?"

"Woah, in a rush?" he laughed, "Well, for you anything. Hey isn't it your birthday tomorrow?"

Serena nodded, thankful that he had remembered.

"Well, let me make it for you as a birthday present."

Serena beamed. This was going to be easier than she had thought. At least collecting what was needed, anyway.

"Great Ken. I really appreciate it."

~*~

"Mina, maybe this isn't such a good idea."

Ignoring the white cat, Mina spun around to see herself in the full-length mirror of the hotel room she had rented for the week. Using the Luna pen, Mina had conjured up a magnificent and elegant pastel orange ball gown. The sleeveless dress hugged the girl's curves, too tightly in Artemis' opinion—especially since he would not be able to accompany Mina at tonight's ball, and flowed to her ankles. The black scooped down to mid-back, and the front had a v-neckline. The point of the neckline was adorned by an aqua topaz and rhinestone broach. Her earrings matched the broach—small1/8 diamonds dangling an inch from ¼ topaz studs. Her orange shoes matched the shade of her dress, the heels adding an inch and a half to her height.

"I'll be fine," finishing tying her signature bow, she sprayed herself with perfume, "How do I look?"

"Just like your mother."

Mina smiled and kissed him on the cheek, "Thanks Artemis," taking one last look in the mirror, she drew in a breath, "Well… this is it."

~*~

The ball started off the same as the last, and guests were now waiting for the royal family to be announced. Serena made her way through the crowd in her new blue gown. Almost matching her eyes, she had fallen in love with the garment at first sight. It was an A-line corset sleeveless dress that flowed down to her ankles. Made of soft cotton with light blue chiffon draped over the skirt of the dress, and chiffon crisscrossing the midsection, tying into a simple bow in the back. Curling her hair and pulling half up into a high bun, allowed her to show off new faux sapphire earrings she purchased as a birthday gift to herself.

Scanning the room, she immediately spotted Andrew and Jadeite near the front. She had hidden the vase Ken had made earlier and now clutched to her dress's matching purse filled with the rest of the items they needed. Taking a deep breath and made her way toward the buffet table.

Andrew elbowed Jadeite.

"Ow," he set his goblet back onto the table, "Okay okay. No wine. I got it."

"At least not until afterwards."

Jadeite laughed, "Lord knows all three of us will need a drink before this night is over."

"There's Sere," Andrew nodded in her direction, "As soon as the formalities are finished, we'll make our way out to the gardens."

"Hey you guys! What are you up to?"

Andrew and Jadeite turned to the new voice, "Hey Chad!" Andrew greeted, "How are you doing?"

The brunette gave a goofy grin, "I'm okay as always. How have you been since Malachite's been gone?"

"Better," Andrew admitted, "It's been easier working with Darien. But Malachite should be back later this evening. Darien said something about him attending the ball late."

"Well, keep your chin up. We better get to our places. I think they're announcing us soon."

Nodding in understanding and following Chad's lead, Andrew and Jadeite made their way to the front.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! Announcing, Prince Endymion's court!"

The crowd politely applauded as Jadeite made his way up to the head table first, a long rectangle with six chairs facing the audience, followed by Zoisite, Nephrite, Chad, and Andrew.

"Prince Endymion III!"

The reaction from the crowed increased as Darien, who had been absent until then, took his seat entering from the opposite side of the room from the others next to Andrew.

"Odd of you to not have a body guard," Andrew commented, "Is this due to Malachite's absence? Or am I slacking off by not being at your side 24/7?"

Darien smirked, "I can take care of myself. It's only my mother that is concerned for my safety. Besides, I had some things to take care of."

"THEIR MAJESTIES, KING ENDYMION AND QUEEN TERRA!"

Trumpets sounded as the King and Queen waved and smiled on their platform, just above the head table, at their own private dining table. After helping his wife into her chair, Endymion stood for his speech.

"Tonight we gather not only in celebration. Another evening for my son and heir to the throne to search for his beloved—and another evening for family and friends to gather. Thank you for joining us during these festivities. Please enjoy your this full moon evening!"

The crowed cheered, and the orchestra began playing once again.

Serena shoved a cream puff into her mouth, and piled more onto her plate, along with a few samples of everything that was being served. Her nerves got the better of her as she waited for Andrew and Jadeite to be free from their responsibilities. Watching them from her corner of the room, she looked for a place where she would not be disturbed, she watched as the men ate and chatted. Particularity wondering what her brother and the Prince were discussing.

"Serena said she had plans this evening, but she failed to mention that they were with you. I couldn't help but overhear… what is your tradition?"

Andrew gulped, and chewed on a spring roll to stretch his time, "Well it's her birthday today. Every year we have a cake from the in town bakery and star gaze. We used to be able to stay up until dawn the next morning," Andrew laughed, "but that hasn't been the case for years. This year is different… her parents and mine were really close." He gulped at the lie, "Both are gone. So it's just the two of us."

Darien gave a nod, and looked out into the crowd, "I see. It must be hard for both of you." He watched as Serena spoke to another blonde woman about her age, in a lovely orange dress.

"We'll be okay. She asked to cut it short this year though. Something planned at 11."

Darien grinned and took a drink of his wine.

~*~

"Oh I'm so sorry!" Serena apologized to whomever she had just bumped into.

The blonde in orange turned and smiled, "You're fine! Don't worry, I klutz out all the time. Especially in these shoes." Extending her ankle out of the bottom of her dress to show them off.

"I love them!" Serena squealed, "Where did you ever find them?"

"A place across the country. They're imported."

"Wow," Serena awed, "I'm Serena. I haven't seen you before, are you new here?"

She nodded and put out her hand, "My name is Mina."

"Great to meet you Mina."

The two shook hands, and Mina felt a spark of energy run through her. Not able to place it, she studied her hand even as Serena had let it go.

"You okay?"

Mina blinked and realized she had been staring at her open palm. Giggling to cover her nerves, she smiled and nodded, "Yea! Sorry. I've been really spacey lately."

"When did you get here?"

"A few weeks ago. I'm looking for an old friend."

"Really? You're not here to be the Prince's bride?"

"Huh?"

"You know, to marry him?"

Mina who had been looking at Serena dumbly at the question, mentally smacked herself, it took her a moment to remember Earth's customs being different than the other planets. The Prince was given an opportunity to be able to marry whomever he chose—regardless of bloodline. One ball each week until he found his Princess, or the King and Queen would decide for him. Mina thought the process was truly romantic, and more so than the courtship rituals of Venus. Women chose their mates, whom they married, however it was not uncommon for citizens to remain promiscuous. Mina admired her mother—who had never had a lover other than her father. Not even after his passing. Emi had explained to her daughter the beauty of Venusarian women and how, traditionally, it was seen a sin to hide a woman away from the world or prevent her from being shared with others. But the Queen told her she had found true love in her husband. A love so precious in the Venus world, in any world, that it could never be recreated with anyone else. Since the love story, Mina longed for the same relationship with whomever she decided to marry.

"No, no," she giggled, "But I have met one of his guards. Malachite. Is he here this evening?"

Serena gave a shrug, "I'm not sure. I can ask Andrew though."

"Who's Andrew? Your boyfriend?"

Serena shook her head, "A family friend. He's at the head table next to Prince Darien."

Mina glanced over and whistled, "Wow, what a hunk!"

"Who? Darien or Andrew?"

"Both!"

Serena and Mina burst out in giggles.

"May I have this dance?"

Mina turned at the deep voice and hid a gasp as Malachite came into view. Blushing she smiled and nodded, looking back at Serena she waved, "I'll talk to you later."

Serena nodded in understanding and returned the wave as she watched the white haired man sweep her new friend off onto the dance floor. She sighed as she watched them, knowing that Mina was definitely not a klutz. The two waltzed gracefully and in sync, causing Serena to envy the fact that she could not enjoy the evening yet. Looking around, she noticed the head table had all disbursed. Taking that as her cue, she made an exit to the gardens.

Just as she pulled the vase out of her hiding place, Serena heard footsteps behind her.

"Ready?" she asked, and spun to face Andrew and Jadeite.

The two nodded.

Taking a deep breath, Serena placed the vase in the fountain. Jadeite turned the valve so it quit running, and Andrew grabbed the cat nip and yarn from Serena's purse.

"A little stereotypical don't ya think?" he questioned, receiving a glare from his sister.

"Oh shut up," unfolding a piece of paper she pointed at the vase, "Jadeite you have to stand in front of the vase. I will summon the creature, and as soon as it attacks you, you have to dodge out of the way so Andrew can trap it into the vase."

"Sure, piece of cake." Jadeite muttered sarcastically.

Ignoring him, Serena continued, "Andy, you go behind and get ready to close the lid." As soon as he did as she commanded she took a deep breath. Sprinkling the cat nip around her, she chanted, "Gato, come forth this full moon. I summon you, the mighty huntress to feast upon the energy of the Earth." She tossed the ball of yarn in the air… which landed on the ground with a thud.

"Are you serious?" Jadeite cocked an eyebrow, "That's the stupidest thing ever Serena."

Andrew laughed, and propped himself up against the fountain, "I hate to say it Sere, but Jad is right."

She glared at the two and opened her mouth just as the ball of yarn began to glow and move on its own. Within a few seconds, a black feline female emerged from nowhere near the toy.

"You called upon me?" Gato's eyes glowed a misty green, and narrowed as she took in her surroundings, "You are not my ruler. Who are you? Where is Meteria?"

"I summoned you." Serena gulped.

"You lie!" Gato hissed, ears drawn back and fangs showing. She was too fast for Jadeite, and had left him with deep cuts in his left arm. He clenched his arm with his right hand trying to stop the blood loss as best as he could. Andrew had drawn his sword, but the black cat had pounced, causing him to stumble backward and lay unconscious. She turned toward Serena with an evil grin.

"AAH!"

~*~

"I didn't think I would see you again."

Mina giggled, and twirled the daisy Malachite had given her between her index finger and thumb as she walked in the gardens. "I didn't think I would see you again either. How was your vacation?"

He smiled, "Relaxing. But I'm ready to get back to work. How long will you be in town?"

"I don't know," Mina shrugged, giving him her honest answer, "It all depends on whether or not I find what I'm looking for here."

"And if you don't?"

"Then I keep moving forward."

He was silent for a moment, and studied her face. Her delicate features, clear blue eyes sparkling under the full moon, blonde hair moving due to the wind, and flawless ivory skin. Her light, her energy caught him in a trance. Before either could speak, he moved forward and lowered his face to hers. His lips were soft and the kiss was gentle, causing Mina to fall into him; closing her eyes and wrapping her arms around his neck to draw him closer. Instinctively, he reciprocated the embrace, his hands gracing the soft skin of her back.

"AAH!"

The two broke apart. Still in each other's arms they turned to where the scream came from. Malachite grabbed Mina's hand and quickly led her to a corner surrounded by rose bushes.

"Do not leave here." He ordered her and left before she could protest.

Wanting to know what was going on, and hoping it would be another lead, Mina shot her pen into the air.

~*~

"AAH!"

Serena screamed again as the creature attacked, claws drawn. Clenching her eyes shut, she braced herself for a piercing pain. Instead she heard a loud groan and a thud. Opening her eyes, revealed that the white haired man from earlier had body slammed into Gato, who was now extremely irate at the surprise intervention.

"You will pay for that!" she hissed at him and brought back an arm, claws extended. Not moving a muscle, Malachite kept his sword and stance, ready to fight off the strange creature.

"CRESCENT BEAM!"

"AAAAH!" the cat screamed and whirled around to see her attacker—but was only met with the night air, "Where are you…" she glowered.

"CRESCENT BEAM!"

"AAAAH!"

Serena scrambled over to the vase and whispered, "Casa del Gato es aqui."

Wounded, Gato hissed once more as her form turned into a smoke that was rapidly being sucked into the vase. As soon as possible, Serena slapped the lid on. Instantly a bright light formed around the seal, locking the beast inside. Before she could blink, the vase was ripped from her hands by two white-gloved ones.

"Hey!" she protested, "Give that back!"

Sailor Venus glared. Mostly because she didn't like what she had just seen—Serena capturing the beast instead of letting her kill it—and partly because of her interrupted evening with Malachite. She had liked this girl, but what was she doing wanting to keep such a creature rather than destroy it? Was Serena part of the Dark Kingdom?

Serena returned the glare, "I mean it."

"This is not for you."

"Who are you?!"

Without a word, Venus jumped up over the stone-wall surrounding the gardens.

"Talk about rude," Serena mumbled. Snapping out of her trance, she tended to Jadeite who was loosing a lot of blood, while Malachite lifted her brother.

"We have to get them inside. Stay with Jadeite. Try to keep him awake. I'll go get the others for help."

She nodded at the orders and kneeled down near Jadeite.

"Am I dead?"

"No. Thank God."

"Really? Cuz for a moment there I thought I was in heaven. Did you see the hot blonde chick in the skimpy skirt too?"

There you have it! Another chapter down. So much more to write... so little time! Literally.