Emerge to Reveal Chapter 25, a sailor moon fanfic

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon and I am not making any money off this story. It's just something to entertain myself with.

I've been inspired! Tremendously! Early chapter and the now the poll is officially closed. Results are as follows:

Would you be interested in a continuation of my story Emerge to Reveal?

62% Yes, as a sequel to Emerge to Reveal. Maybe continue where the story left off, a few years into the future possibly.

38% Yes, as a Silver Millennium prequel to answer all the questions left unanswered or unclear in Emerge to Reveal.

0% No. (Which I am very happy about, by the way. Lol)

Though, because I do not like people disappointed, I am making slight alterations. The story with not be a sequel but rather a fanfic-continuation and taking place a few months down the road rather than years. Both Uranus and Neptune will make an appearance, even have how they're going to be introduced kinda planned. For those that wanted the prequel, maybe one day because I want to write the "Fall", Endy/Sere and Sen/Gen meetings and not have them as a flashbacks. For now however, I will continue on with the SM flashbacks. Hopefully there will be a little more in the next but I make no promises.

Well, that's all I'm going to say since this is the longest chapter to date now. (a nice 30 pgs. 10 font in Word again. Whew!) Reviews and questions will be answered next time. If you have any questions on either this story or the next, go ahead and ask and I will answer them then too.

I'd like you to keep in mind that when Áine/Minako/Venus uses the attack "Stunning Whip of Wrath!" she usually collapses. You'll find out why in the chapter.

On to the story!

The solitary click of her white heels and a flash of orange light were the only things that disturbed the room Áine transported herself in. It was dark, cold, unnaturally silent, and she hated it. She'd never been here without being summoned, as a matter of fact, but today… today was different.

"Lady Ami," Faux-Princess Serenity said softly, "I applaud your …honor… of the friendship you believe you held with this Serena but sometimes you have to accept things are never as you expect them to be. I, for one, had expected my guard to still be in proper condition when I arrived. Yet instead I discovered one has died a most tragic death. It is the same with Serena; you believe she was a friend and instead we must accept she is quite the opposite."

'I, for one, had expected my guard to still be in proper condition when I arrived.'

'…proper condition…'

The golden-haired woman smirked as she bent down in front of the object she was seeking, her face gaining a green glow as she did so. "Well, well, well. It seems my suspicions were true. You're still active." She narrowed her eyes at the emerald gemstone. "But where's your master? Where's Valkyrie?"

"Well, he wasn't there either." Ami muttered to herself, sighing heavily, as she walked out of Azubu General Hospital. In fact, when she'd arrived at Serena's hospital room it had been empty. She'd been forced to go down to the lobby's front desk to found out where Serena or Darien were, only to learn that the former was in her last testing session with Drs. Mizuno and Rupert and the latter hadn't been seen. She'd immediately hurried a thank you to the woman and hightailed it outside without another word. She did not want her mother to find out she'd skipped school essentially to talk to a guy. She could just imagine the trouble she would get into and how disappointed her mother would be.

'So that cancels out the arcade, the library, the hospital now. Where else could Darien be?' She began chewing on her lip as she thought about anything she knew about the man. It wasn't as if they were friends, they only really knew each other through Serena, but there had to be somewhere she could figure he might be. 'But, honestly, the only two other places I can think of would be his apartment or the university.'

However she would need Motoki's help with Darien's address since it wasn't listed in any of her sources but he, also, seemed to be strangely missing. When she'd asked a waitress at the arcade if either had been there, she'd been told that Motoki had taken the day off to catch up on something or other and Darien hadn't been seen for a week. As for the university she wouldn't even know where to start looking. While she knew Darien aspired to be a doctor, he was also only a freshman. Meaning he more than likely had lower-division classes, meaning he could be anywhere on the campus and Tokyo University wasn't a small school. The same for looking for Motoki; though she didn't even know what major he was so he could be even more places than Darien could be, if he was even on campus to begin with. And it wasn't as if any university personnel would willingly offer either men's personal information.

The bluenette frowned as she felt a cold wind blow through her sweater; to make matters worse, it felt as if it'd rain any minute, which was the worst weather to be looking for someone in by far. She sighed as she boarded a bus, feeding a few coins into the machine before sitting in a vacant seat. 'Maybe I should just go back to the arcade to see if someone knows where Motoki might be.' She'd just about resigned herself to a wasted day before remembering that Serena had implied numerous times that Darien loved the park. Which park, exactly, wasn't really a question because there was only one near the arcade and thus the one he'd more than likely go to. She grinned hopefully; with any luck the man would be there and she'd be one step closer to clearing Serena's name.

Darien was silent as he watched the four professionals look through the stacks of paperwork he handed to each. An application for guardianship he'd had in his possession for a few days, a copy of the background check and fingerprint report he'd already had on file with the hospital, a copy of his driver's license, a copy of his first aid certification, and a few more sheets of other forms. He made sure to have every single thing the Director had listed off yesterday in hopes of making the process smoother.

Slowly, one by one they finished skimming the information and looked up at him. Ms. Une cleared her throat as she folded her hands and placed them on top of the paperwork. "Mr. Shields," she began gently, "to be honest, I am quite surprised to see someone of your age interested in gaining guardianship of a child. Especially when there is no family relation to be had."

"I agree." commented Dr. Hiroshi, "There is also the fact that the patient has been in this hospital for only a short week. Did you know either the patient or her mother before the accident?"

"No. I did not, sir." Darien stated firmly, hardening his resolve to not back down as he saw the doubt lingering in everyone's eyes. It was going to be hard to gain custody of Hotaru but she was worth it. "I only met Hotaru when she began to share a hospital room with my friend last Saturday."

"And what is the name of your friend, Mr. Shields?" Dr. Hiroshi questioned, only looking up once as he jotted something down on his notepad.

"Serena Tsukino, sir." Darien was sure he saw Mrs. Taiko's eyes flash at the name, possibly in reminder of the night at the arcade, but couldn't be sure because when he looked closer all he saw was polite 'business' interest. Just like what was on everyone else's face.

"Miss Tsukino is my patient as well." Dr. Vigil piped up. "Both she and Hotaru had been hospitalized the same night, though for different reasons."

"I see, I see." Dr. Hiroshi jotted down more notes. "Mr. Shields, how often are you in contact with Hotaru?"

Darien was beginning to wonder why it was that the psychologist seemed to be the one asking all the questions but still answered dutifully. "Every day during my free time I am in their room, visiting either Serena or Hotaru, but not all the time do I interact with Hotaru. Sometimes I just stay in the room while she reads to herself. Other times I read to her or participate in an activity such as coloring or a puzzle."

"So… you are saying that you do not truly know the child?"

He blinked at the question, looking over at Ms. Une. "I believe 'know' is a subjective word, ma'am. I will readily admit that I do not what her life is like outside this hospital, what her favorite food is, or what she does for fun. Yet, given the circumstances, no one but herself knows any of that right now. I do, however, know what she is going through. I understand Hotaru. Possibly better than anyone at this hospital."

Everyone but Dr. Vigil looked at the young man in intrigue. Mrs. Taiko leaned forward and peered at him curiously. "And how, pray tell, do you understand the child, Mr. Shields?"

He took a deep breath before beginning. "Like Hotaru, I was also in a traumatic accident. I was six years old compared to her estimated four years but I believe a trauma is the same at any age. Especially when you are so young." He paused to give a wane smile at the encouraging one Dr. Vigil was throwing his way. "I am told my parents and I drove off a cliff when I was six. I said 'told' because I do not remember the accident nor anything beforehand. Not even my own parents." They all took a breath, even Dr. Vigil who was startled at hearing it said out loud after so long. But, when Darien looked up, all he saw were carefully blanked faces. He fought the urge to scowl. "I was diagnosed with complete amnesia. Despite the efforts of some of the best doctors in the country, I have never recalled the accident nor anything previous to waking in the hospital. Some could say that I, unlike Hotaru, am fortunate to not recall any of those things. That I am a blank slate to start over on."

He gave them all a piercing stare, as if trying to see if any of them were thinking such a thing. "Those people do not understand the pain of not knowing or remembering the people that created and raised me. Or even the pain of having a stranger tell me my own surname seven years after my parents died. When I was told about my parents and showed a picture of them, I felt nothing. They were strangers. Parents should never have to be strangers." He paused for a second, rearranging his thoughts before he was stuck in memories, "…The fact of the matter, ladies and gentlemen, is that I understand what it means to go through such a horrific accident. But I had to deal with the loss of my memories and the death of my parents alone. No one understood me; they simply patronized and pitied me. I do not want to have to see Hotaru suffer the same fate if her mother doesn't waken. And, on that note, I cannot say that she is in the best environment for both her mental and physical improvement."

"And why is that?" questioned Mr. Hiroshi with a curious tilt of his eyebrows. The others were silent, still reeling over the young man's past experience.

Darien's lips thinned into a tight line. "Already I have heard the staffs' stories of her mother's failing condition and the rumor Hotaru is to be sent to an orphanage within a matter of days. I can only imagine that she has as well and most likely seen only despair in her future. People do not seem to realize that Hotaru is mute, not deaf."

Mrs. Taiko frowned somewhat menacingly. "Are they truly saying such things in the child's presence?"

The dark-haired man gave a grim nod. "Yes, ma'am. Not all of them, of course, but you do hear the echoing down the halls or even the whispering in the room when they think she is not listening. The girl only has to pay attention to hear the hurtful words."

"I can attest to that as well, Mara." Dr. Vigil was scowling in thought. "They also seem for forget that Hotaru is mute by choice and can tattle on them whenever she chooses. But she never does, so I have taken it upon myself to inform everyone that they are speaking of a private, sensitive subject and that it is harmful to any child to hear their mother may slip away at any moment. Regrettably, it only stops them for so long. They do not seem to care about confidentiality or Hotaru's mental health."

Mrs. Taiko began scribbling furiously at her own notepad and Darien fought the urge to smirk as he thought of something. 'Hotaru:1 Nurse June:0'

A pained scream pierced the quietness of the darkened room as Áine flew through the air, landing against a far wall in a pile of golden hair. Seconds later a tortured moan sounded as she gingerly sat up in a sitting position, wincing as she rubbed the skin over her heart. "Ow. I think that might have been stupid on my part. At least twenty-thousand volts straight to the heart. Yeah. Smaaart." She grumbled as she unsteadily regained her footing. She glared at the barrier she'd been tossed from. 'One little touch and ZAM!'

The electrical currents were now visible on the barrier, matching the ones pulsing happily about the emerald inside. She ground her teeth in annoyance, and pain, but still walked back to the ivory pedestal which the two were resting on. As she did so, she glanced down at herself to access the damage. Her once-pristine white and yellow-flowered tunic seemed at least two inches shorter in some places, electricity had happily ate away the material. A nice circle of reddened skin showed on her side where a stray bolt had hit her. Further down, her jeans had its own moderately-sized burn marks showing her flashes of irritated skin here and there. She eyed the hair that was over her shoulder, seeing a few seared ends and the frizzy-ness. She'd gotten off easy. Really easy considering had the volts been high enough, and she knew they could be, she would be dead.

She pursed her lips as she walked around the pedestal. "If you did that because I'm a traitor, then that was just a waste of power. Yeah, yeah, I know. Watch out, evil Áine is coming for you." She snorted. "I'll have you know I'm actually trying to do something good. Your master is alive. The activation of your barrier is proof of that but I can't do a damn thing without being shocked to Uranus. If I find Valkyrie and she is dying, then you have to be there to restore her powers and speed up her healing properties. So stop all ready, would you?"

She sighed as the electrical currents continued to pulse around the dome. She hadn't really expected a reprimand to work but, still, she thought it had been worth a try. The golden-haired woman spun on her heel to face another ivory pedestal. "Fine. Time for a different approach."

"Now, Mr. Shields, you have convinced me, at the very least, that you would be accepting and willing to care for Hotaru and her unusual circumstances. However, I am still unsure of how stable an environment you would be able to offer her."

Darien gave a calm nod as he glanced down at his folder. "I understand, Doctor Vigil. I know I am young but I would offer the most stable environment I possibly could for Hotaru. I know what it means to live in an orphanage and I have every desire to keep her out of that system."

"What about foster care?" prompted Dr. Hiroshi as he looked up from his notes. "Would she not go there?"

Ms. Une winced. "Usually when a parent or guardian is incapacitated such as Hotaru's mother is, the right of guardianship is passed to the next of kin. Such as a father or grandmother. Hotaru's situation, however, is special. Since neither she nor her mother had identification and no other family has stepped forward or been found, she should by all rights be moved into the foster care system."

The psychologist frowned in confusion. "Then what is the problem? I know that isn't the most ideal situation but…"

"No, no." Ms. Une shook her head. "Usually it would be the solution but as I said, Hotaru is special. Sadly, there is already a limited number of families available to house more children in light of the youma attacks. These past few months have shown an unusual increase in the number of foster children and a significant decrease in the number of available families. To make matters worse, that number drops even further when you take into account Hotaru herself. Not many families are willing to take in children that are mute; they find it too difficult."

Mrs. Taiko was nodding in understanding. "It is indeed true, gentlemen, and exactly the reason a family has not already been contacted. Only two families are able to house Hotaru but neither are committed to the idea. One family already has six children living with them and do not know if they can handle taking care of another. They are worried Hotaru's mother will not make a recovery and they will be put into financial ruin. The other family has three small children and are afraid that Hotaru's mother will make a full recovery. They believe their own children will have already become too attached to understand why she would be leaving forever. We, after all, cannot guarantee that Hotaru will stay in Tokyo, let alone Japan."

"Yes," added Ms. Une, taking over for the woman, "And it is not within Hotaru's best interests for her to leave and stay with a family outside Tokyo. She needs what available time she does have with her mother in case of an ill-fated death. Which only leaves us with the option of an orphanage."

"And me." Darien commented with stern eyes. "I am fully willing and capable of taking care of Hotaru. No matter how long it takes."

Mrs. Taiko folded her hands and placed her chin atop them. "I understand your desire to keep Hotaru out of the system, Mr. Shields, I honestly do. But… would you truly be capable of taking care of a four-year-old child? Especially one that will need the attention Hotaru shall need? You previously mentioned that you are enrolled at Tokyo University under their pre-Med program. How can you possibly hope to raise a child under such a rigorous major at such a competitive school?"

Darien paused, looking down as he thought about what he would do. He realized there really was only one thing to do and it didn't bother him nearly as much as he thought it would."To be honest," he began slowly as he made eye contact with everyone in the room, "I did not completely think through every aspect of my decision before I walked into this room. I only cared about Hotaru and her welfare and I still do. With that in mind, mid-terms are coming up in a few weeks time and then I will have a month off for Winter Break. During that time, if Hotaru's mother has yet to awaken and no other family found, I will gladly drop my course load in favor of solely raising her."

"Where could he be?" Ami mumbled, wandering into the center of the park for the third time. She'd gone everywhere possible in the park but Darien was nowhere to be found. She sighed, deciding to sit at a vacant chessboard table to take a break. After a long moment of looking at the people walking past, searching for the familiar college student, she felt despair begin to set in. It had been hours since she'd begun her search this morning and there hadn't been a single word or sight of him being anywhere. It was as if he'd decided to disappear off the planet for the day. 'What I wouldn't give for Makoto to be here right now.' She thought wistfully, 'She would know what to do. She--she would have the courage to tell Princess Serenity, Luna, and Rei what she thought about Serena being a traitor. She'd tell them to shove their theories and accusations where the sun doesn't shine and--and she'd be here helping me too.'

Abruptly the bluenette felt tears trailing cold paths down her face. She couldn't believe how much she missed Makoto; she'd only known the girl for a few short months but still knew that she'd lost one of the best friends she would ever have in her life. There was no other person like the tall, spunky, and quirky brunette. She was one of a kind and now she couldn't even be remembered and honored because her death had been so unnatural. It was just… just so unfair. She'd only been sixteen and had her whole life ahead of her. She would never get a chance to open that bake-shop or have that big family she'd always secretly daydream about. She'd never have a chance to continue to swoon over that boy in her English class again. 'And--and she'll never get to try out that new pudding recipe she'd created and I'll never see Serena begging her for some of her lunch everyday.'

Her breaths began to shutter, her shoulders shaking as she lost herself in her emotions. 'And if I never prove Serena isn't a traitor, I'll never get to watch as she improves in her math class finally. Or--or get a chance to chide her for not doing her homework again. We--we'd have to be strangers just so I could protect her. Then… then I'd lose another of the best friends I've ever had. Why is everything crumbling apart? Is--is this the price of trying to do something good and protecting the world? You can never be happy?'

Áine took a shaky breath as she knelt down on the dusty ground, knowing that a fine layer of the unusual dust would stick to her jeans but not caring. She smiled slightly as she saw her topaz; it was a lighter color than the last time she'd seen it. "At least you have faith in me." She murmured gratefully as she ran her hand along the invisible barrier keeping her from the possession. "Bí sláintiúil, bí láidir, bí saor." She whispered reverently, "Anam. Fuascailt.(1)"

Her smile turned watery as the wavering golden dome disappeared from her topaz. Finally. Finally after ten-thousand years she was getting what as stolen from her. She took another shaky breath as her hands slowly cupped the topaz and lifted it up to her face. "Hello, my precious." She gave a little laugh as the gem glowed in reply to her words. "I missed you too. We really have been separated from far too long but now… now I can fix that."

With a smile she lowered the topaz until it was level with the center of her chest between her breasts, then slowly began to push it inside her body. Seconds later she winced as golden sparks flew from the gem, resisting the reentry. "Come on, come on." She muttered desperately, "You can't corrupt me more than I already am. I promise. I'll be okay. Just… go back inside. Please, I need you to help me."

It took a few moments but slowly the gem began to magically seep into her body, returning to where it rightfully belonged. The woman immediately felt her body began to change and barely managed to place her hands out to keep her upright as she began to tilt forward. She took deep, heavy breaths as she fought to keep stable. She wouldn't let that corruption, that darkness, make everything worse. It was her own fault for letting the topaz gain even a hint of darkness so that meant she should be able to control it. She was finally doing something right and she would let no one or nothing get in the way of that. She refused.

Slowly her breaths evened out as the fight inside of her stopped. She gave a small smile as she opened her eyes and shakily stood to her feet. 'Now I'll have something to say to the next bastard that calls me soulless.' Her eyes slid to Valkyrie's emerald again or, more specifically, the barrier around it. "As for you, let's see how long you last against me and my reclaimed full powers." She snapped out her heart-link chain with a devious grin as she walked toward the pedestal.

"Stunning Whip of Wrath!"

"And a job, Mr. Shields…?" Dr. Vigil asked carefully, "What would you do about a job? I am positive Doctor Hiroshi will agree with me when I say that Hotaru is too vulnerable to be place with strangers, such as in a daycare or pre-school. She will need a full time guardian and a great deal of attention. And, while you would be reimbursed for her expenses like a foster family would, that will not cover everything."

"I do not have a current job and I will not need one for a few years to come. Even then it is debatable. I, also, will not require reimbursement. I would prefer that that money is given to other families that are in need of it." Darien answered confidently. When the other's raised disbelieving eyes, he fought against the urge to grin. "As I have stated, when I was informed of my surname and family, a stranger was the one to tell it to me. That stranger was in fact my father's, and now my own, lawyer. Through him, I have gained knowledge and access of a… sizeable inheritance."

"How sizeable is this inheritance of yours?" Ms. Une questioned as she picked up her pen and poised it over her legal pad, ready to write the number down. "Would it be sufficient enough to support both yourself and the child for possible years to come?"

"Without a doubt, ma'am." Darien smiled faintly as he opened his folder and pulled out two sheets of paper. After studying them for a second to make sure they were the correct ones, he passed them over to the social worker. "What you have in your hands, Ms. Une, is a biyearly report that my lawyer sends me. This is the latest one, received back in June. I will be receiving another in a little over a month and would be more than willing to share it with any one of you if requested."

Ms. Une's eyebrows rose sharply as she studied the papers in her hands. It took everything she had not to blow through her teeth. 'Certainly more than I will make in fifteen years time.' With a slight shake of her head, she passed it onto her right. Dr. Hiroshi skimmed over the facts and figures to zone in on the number at the bottom of the second sheet. His brow crinkled and he quickly handed it over to Mrs. Taiko before jotting down the number. She, in turn, took her time at each notation and figure. She glanced over at the seemingly calm Darien as she passed the papers over to Dr. Vigil. "You have invested wisely, Mr. Shields. Some of the stocks you own are quite notable for their value."

He gave a slight smile. "Thank you, ma'am. I'm afraid I cannot take all the credit, however. My lawyer is a very wise man."

A loud whistle drew everyone's attention to Dr. Vigil. His eyes had flared wide and when he looked up, he flushed a slight red. "Yes. Wise investments, Mr. Shields." He offered as a way of apology, ducking his head slightly as he quickly handed the paperwork back to Darien.

"Thank you, Doctor Vigil." The younger man answered with an amused shake of his head.

Mrs. Taiko cleared her throat to regain everyone's attention. "You have proven that you have a more than acceptable income, Mr. Shields. I no longer have any doubt that Hotaru will be well provided for fiscally."

"You are worried that I would not be an attentive guardian." He stated knowingly. He watched all the others nod hesitantly, making him crinkle his brow in thought. "Is there a specific reason or it is just my own age that makes you hesitant?"

"You are eighteen." Dr. Hiroshi pointed out logically. "In my eyes, you are still a child yourself. And, in a general sense, eighteen year olds are … how do I say this?"

"Irresponsible." supplied Dr. Vigil, sending Darien an apologetic smile. "It is true. Generally."

"I agree. Generally speaking, eighteen year olds are not responsible but I am not one of them." The young man insisted in return. "I refuse to squander my inheritance and do not indulge in any activities such as drinking alcohol, smoking, or anything else of the sort. I am always in bed at an appropriate time and do not keep odd hours --'Now. Since I'm not Tuxedo Mask anymore.', he added with a mental wince-- unless I am studying for an important exam. On that subject, I am always attentive in school and do all the work that is asked of me. I even volunteer here at the hospital monthly."

"He does volunteer here." Dr. Vigil commented as he placed his chin in his hand. "I will gladly pull out his logged hours from my documents if any of you would like to see visual proof. Of course, I'm sure he has a log of them in his documents as well."

"No, no." Mrs. Taiko stated with a smile, stopping Darien's nod. "I think I can speak for all of us when I say that the fact your financial affairs are in such an impeccable condition, especially given your age Mr. Shields, is sufficient proof that you are more than likely speaking the truth about everything else."

He smiled gratefully, even if no one was entirely confident in him. "I am speaking the truth. Every word."

"Now that has been settled," Ms. Une continued on with the evaluation with a slight smile and shake of her head. "I believe we should get to know your character, Mr. Shields. We can start with you telling us what you do in your free time, when you are not volunteering or at school. Interests, hobbies perhaps?"

Fate was smiling on him, he was positive of it. Zoisite absently leaned against a tree truck as he watched the familiar woman sitting at a chessboard table. They were near the middle of a park, which one he had no clue, and to be honest he didn't really care. All he cared about was the petite blue-haired figure sitting so familiarly at the game he had taught her to play. He would have been content to just stand and watch her --so close yet so far away-- but once he saw a hand dash across her eyes, he was moving instinctively.

It was only by the time that he was sitting across from her did she became aware of him. She glanced up, surprised, before quickly staring down at the board between them listlessly. His lips pressed into a thin line as he spotted the red-rims around her eyes and the pinkish tint her nose had; he was willing to bet his laptop that neither was from the cold chill. 'Albray…' He sighed inaudibly, trying to think of anything to say, before looking down at the board as well. Inspiration hit him and he quickly set to straightening out the black pieces on his side before reaching over and adjusting her white ones. He could feel her watching him curiously now but she still hadn't said a word so he took it upon himself to. He looked up, a cautious hope in his eyes. "Would you care to play? I find chess always seems to make everything better."

She smiled, her lips barely curving upward, and nodded. "I would like that."

"Good. Then, please, ladies first." A delighted smile appeared on his face as she moved a pawn into play but it slipped slightly as she began to study him when she looked back up; he could feel her eyes probing him for the reason he seemed so familiar. If they had been in any other circumstances, he might have told her that her soul must be recognizing him from so long ago; it would have made her blush and him grin. But he was positive she was remembering the Dark Kingdom general and not him and he didn't want to disrupt that fine line and push her into noticing the similarities. In a defensive movement, he hunched his shoulders and drew in his coat around his face as he finally moved one of his chess pieces. "It seems to be getting chillier, isn't it?" He commented in explanation as her brow furrowed. 'This is really bothersome. I want to meet her eyes and tell her who I am. What I am to her.' "Your turn."

She looked around curiously, seeing the gray clouds hovering in the sky. "I really hadn't noticed but the temperature is dropping. I suppose we are going to have an early winter." Her lips pressed into a thin as she looked down at the chessboard and moved another pawn. "Your turn again."

Zoisite's smile widened as he noticed the girl's attire. A white cardigan and pale blue dress; it was a wonder she wasn't freezing but, then again, this was Albreda he was talking about. She could probably walk into a snowstorm with that same outfit on and not be phased in the least. Not that she would, of course; she was too sensible for that. Instead she'd make sure to have a parka, snow boots, thick winter gloves, probably a survival kit in case of an emergency… He suppressed a grin at the thought.

"Check."

He blinked in shock then grimaced as her clam voice drifted into his ears. Apparently more than one turn had gone by and he'd simply been studying her and mindlessly moving his pieces with no strategy whatsoever. He took a minute or two to observe the position of every piece and their possible movements before making a move of his own. "Would you care for a friendly wager?"

All the professionals rose their eyebrows as the man stopped speaking. Going to an arcade-café where a friend works and his friend Serena spends a lot of time. Taking walks in Tokyo Park. Visiting the University's botanical garden. Exercising. Reading. Studying. Dr. Vigil decided to ask the question on everyone's mind. "That is all? No other hobbies or activities?"

Darien smiled in embarrassment, shrugging lightly. "Occasionally I get dragged to a movie or to play a game of basketball by my friend Motoki. I have a zeal for knowledge and am willing to help someone in need. You will find that I am a simple person. I have no need to party recklessly or partake in any other activities that will only cause more trouble than they are worth."

Ms. Une placed her chin on her upturned palm. She looked baffled. "I must say, Mr. Shields. You seem like a model citizen. One could even say perfect. You have never even been in trouble with the law."

He smirked. "No, ma'am. Not even a parking ticket."

"We know." Mrs. Taiko looked slightly dazed but was nodding her head in agreement. "The background check and fingerprint report you gave us told us as much. Honestly speaking, I believe the reports cleared some of the doubts we had about you. We were all very hesitant to even agree to this meeting, despite the fact the Director decreed it urgent."

"As if we still aren't hesitant to do anything else." Dr. Hiroshi grumbled before clearing his throat. Darien did his best not to glare; he was the one that needed to be convinced the most, he decided. "Now what of your residence, Mr. Shields? Could you please give us a verbal description before the physical evaluation."

He nodded, trying to focus back on the task at hand. It was starting to feel like a dream again. "Yes, sir. I live in the Moto-Azuba Tower Apartments."

Mrs. Taiko rose a curious eyebrow. "That is in a quite well-known neighborhood, Mr. Shields. Quite… expensive, as well."

He nodded again, this time in slight embarrassment. He knew what she, and no doubt everyone else, thought: a sign of squandering his inheritance. "Yes, ma'am. The neighborhood is also one of the safest and quietest, what I considered a requirement when I began my search for a home. There is also the fact that that particular apartment complex was the only one willing to offer me a lease, given I was sixteen at the time."

Everyone rose their eyebrows at this. "Why only sixteen?" Ms. Une asked curiously, "Should you not have been at the orphanage until you were eighteen?"

"I tested for and was accepted into Azuba Technical Academy, so the government granted me early release. I had arranged with the school to stay at their limited dorms but word had gotten out about my history and inheritance…" He trailed off with a wince. "To make a long story short, I loved the school curriculum but not the students so I moved to an apartment instead of the dorms."

Dr. Vigil nodded understandingly, bringing the others back to focus. It was one thing to be surprised at knowing the young man had gone to the finest high school in Tokyo, it was another to dwell on it. "Could you please finish your description, Mr. Shields?"

"Certainly. As I said, I live at the Moto-Azuba Tower Apartments. It is near a number of amenities, including Juuban Shopping District and the park, giving me easy access to a playground and zoo for Hotaru. The apartment I lease has one bathroom and two bedrooms so she would be able to have her own room and space. I understand, of course, that I would need to make adjustments so her safety would be ensured at all levels but I would be more than willing to."

"Would you be willing to give me a tour on short notice?" Ms. Une asked after a pause, "As the social worker, it will be my job to evaluate the apartment and I would like to do it as soon as possible."

He nodded, a smile on his face. "Yes, of course. I'd be more than happy to. Any time in mind?"

The woman's eyes flickered in thought. "Would ten o'clock tomorrow morning be acceptable? That is my earliest available slot, I believe."

"Then ten clock it is." He quickly informed her of what floor level he lived on and the apartment number, as well as the complex's address, before turning back to everyone else.

"Now, Mr. Shields." Mrs. Taiko began hesitantly. She was fidgety with her pen, Darien noticed. "This is where we come at an impasse in our meeting."

His eyebrows rose. "Why is that ma'am?"

"You would seem to be an exceptional influence for the patient to be around, Mr. Shields." Dr. Vigil spoke confidently but there was a crease in his brow, "I know no doubts you would be thoroughly dedicated to her well-being and seeing to it that her best interests are meet for however long she was in your care."

"I agree." Dr. Hiroshi looked reluctant to say anything but he still did, meeting Darien's dark blue eyes with stern brown ones. "You also exhibit an excellent understanding and undertaking in proper work ethnics. Not to mention morals. Hard-working, dedicated, respectable… you are a fine young man."

Ms. Une was smiling somewhat sadly at Darien's confused expression. "I have confidence in all that you've stated today, Mr. Shields. You truly are a remarkable person."

"Unfortunately, you are biased. We cannot take all that you say at face value. We may have confidence in what you say but the government may not," Dr. Vigil explained gently, "and they are going to have the final say in Hotaru's guardianship. She is their ward until her mother awakens or other family is found."

Darien was silent, unsure of what to say. He couldn't say that he didn't expect this; he himself had been a ward of the government for a number of years and it only made sense that Hotaru would be too, but the numbness had returned. He felt like an outsider watching as these people decided if they were going to give him the benefit of the doubt, let alone a chance to continue on with this case. He absently ran a hand through his hair, watching the others waiting patiently for Mrs. Taiko to decide what to do. The refined woman was tapping her manicured fingernails against the large table top in thought. 'Such a careless gesture,' He observed with narrowed eyes, 'for the woman that determines how this meeting will end.'

"Three references." She finally stated after a few long, silent, and completely agonizing moments. She gave Darien a piercing stare as he absently straightened up in his seat. He blew out the breath he didn't know he was holding, grinning gratefully. She sighed. "If you give us three references to interview and speak with, Mr. Shields, we will be able to add their testimonies to our own personal notes. I am allowing you to continue this process because I have faith that Hotaru would be in capable hands. Do not disappoint me."

"I won't, ma'am." He couldn't stop smiling. "Are there any specific people you would like to interview?" Mrs. Taiko was looking at everyone expectedly but her eyes would slid over to him every few seconds. As he looked to the others as well, he saw Ms. Une and Dr. Vigil scribbling away furiously at their notes. It was Dr. Hiroshi that finally spoke first.

"Your closest friend." He insisted as he laid down his pen to eye the young man, "When we interview him or her, we can get an insight on you and your choice of friends and acquaintances. Besides that, I feel it is important to have a third party questioned to see if they believe you would be a proper guardian. A close friend would know you the best."

Darien nodded. "Understandable. If you don't mind however, I would like to ask these references first to see that they are comfortable with being interviewed. I do not want them put on the spot with this situation."

"Acceptable." Mrs. Taiko stated firmly as she slightly leaned back in the leather chair, "You will have one week to do what you need to do. Just be sure we have your references' contact information as soon as you get their consent. I'm going to be frank with you, Mr. Shields, since I am giving my permission to finish out with this process. There is a grain of truth to the rumors surrounding Hotaru's imminent departure from the hospital. We can only afford to house her for two more weeks. We have neither the supplies nor the space to offer a healthy child sanctuary." Darien frowned at this, hating the coldness of a place that should be where you heal and recover. Mrs. Taiko sighed at seeing the man's expression. "I agree with you, Mr. Shields. It isn't morally right but that does not change the facts. However, since I do not want Hotaru and her condition to be subjected to an orphanage, I am doing something unprecedented. I am willingly to speed up these proceedings tremendously."

Everyone was looking at the woman in shock now. Apparently it had been news to them as well. "Mara…?" Dr. Hiroshi asked hesitantly, "Has the Director given permission for this?"

The russet-haired woman nodded once. "Yes, I asked him early this morning if it would be possible and he has agreed it would be best for the patient." She focused back on Darien. "Mr. Shields, what this means is that we will not go through a lengthy process. We will not re-question you and your references endlessly. We will not deliberate for a drawn-out amount of time. We have listened to you and will listen to your references. Your home will be inspected for suitability and the others and I will review your case in depth once everything is done. Then that will be all, we will make our decision and inform the government of it. A judge will have a chance to review your case and he, or she, will make the final decision. No second chances or second guesses. You will either be granted guardianship or you won't."

He swallowed thickly. "Yes. I understand. I believe that is best for Hotaru as well."

"Good. We truly cannot dawdle in this. Now, does anyone else have a suggestion for a reference?"

"Someone that would be able to prove to us you know how to care for children." came Dr. Vigil's proposal, "I would like to speak with someone that has seen you interact with children. Possibly ones that you have babysat."

Darien's brow furrowed as he tried to think of anyone before it dawned on him. "…There is someone I can ask. My neighbor; I have watched his young daughter on occasion."

"Good. I would also like to interview someone older than you." Ms. Une added, "This is because I am assuming the other two references are approximately your age. I think it would be best to speak with an elder you knew growing up as a child and kept in contact with. They would be able to determine the consistency of your behavior."

Darien rose an eyebrow at the request but supposed it made sense. They were trying to make sure that the person he was presenting was accurate; that neither he nor his friends were fooling them. "No problem. I believe Mr. Nihau, who runs the orphanage where I was last sent to live, would be more than willing to be interviewed. Even after I moved out on my own, I made sure to have regular contact with him. He is a good man."

"Yes. I know Mr. Nihau personally." Ms. Une smiled at Darien softly. "He is indeed a good man. Not to mention an excellent judge of character and well-known in the community. He would be just the person to interview in this case and I have all his contact information on hand."

Darien gave his own smile but had nothing to add so he stayed silent. Moments later, Mrs. Taiko gave a firm nod before standing up, flashing a bright smile to everyone. "I do believe that is all we will be able to accomplish today, ladies and gentlemen. Have a good day."

The dark-haired man quickly stood up and bowed to each person as they filed out; their faces were back to polite business smiles again. 'One obstacle down.' He thought to himself as he gathered his belongings, 'How many more to go?'

Áine coughed lightly as she waved a hand in front of her, trying to clear the smoke from her field of vision. 'Okay. Going for a full-out attack didn't work either. I really should have planned this whole thing out better, I think. The damned barriers just won't budge.' She glanced down suddenly to one of her clinched hands. 'Or,' she amended herself as she opened it to reveal a blackened gem, 'it's Valkyrie, Albreda, and Kunzite's gemstone barriers that won't budge.' As she turned the object this way and that, looking for even a flash of red, a flame began licking at her fingers. "Oh, now you want to put up a fight."

Rei's had been too easy to get out. The barrier should have been a dome-shaped wall of fire and given her third degree burns easily, like how Valkyrie's had electrocuted her and threw her into a wall. There was no telling what it was supposed to do when you held it, even, but instead the fire wall have given a few little flashes of fire that were easily avoided. The gem itself was only warm to the touch; hardly a fight at all. 'What to do with you.' She wondered, 'I can't give you to Rei. That'd just make things worse than they need to be. You'd give that witch way too much power.' Her eyes light up suddenly. 'Actually. I know just what to do with you.' She grinned as she slid the blackened ruby into her pocket. There wasn't enough spark left in it to burn itself through the jean material and while her skin would probably be raw and possibly blistered by the time she left, it would be all right. Being isolated, also, would make sure that it's corruption didn't spread to anything else.

Her grin slipped into a frown as she walked over to Albreda's sapphire. Much like Valkyrie's barrier, she'd tried and tried but nothing worked. The ice shield dome around it was impenetrable. Melting it didn't work, neither did trying to shatter it. When she'd given up on using her powers, she'd practically froze her fingers together then off by physically pounding and pulling at the shield. She flexed her fingers slightly now, feeling numbness in some and a pins-and-needles feeling in others. She was lucky she hadn't given herself frostbite, to be honest. For a while there the overall numbness and blue-discoloration had worried her until slowly they began to regain color and feeling.

Her eyes narrowed in on the last occupied pedestal in the room. 'Kunzite, what is the secret to your namesake?' she thought irritably. The pink gem floating in the middle looked so innocent, as if ready to be snatched any second. She knew better. Now. For the longest time, she'd always assumed that it was a clear barrier like the others; one little touch and it'd be visible. But nothing was shown, or reflected, when she struck it with her powers. Any attacks seemed to be absorbed and dispersed into nothing. She couldn't even physically touch the barrier. 'Yeah. My hands just couldn't get that close. It was completely impossible to touch and attack and has no adverse reaction to being attacked. So how am I supposed to get it out!?'

Her narrowed gaze deepened into a glare. "You're as troublesome as your master." She heaved a frustrated sigh as she looked from gem to gem to gem. "What am I going to do? I just can't leave you here. Not now that I've already broken two of you out." She looked innocently at the wall behind the emerald. Scorch marks, dents, cracks, chips, chunks of rock on the ground. "And, you know, kinda broke the wall." She grinned deviously for a moment before she sighed again, rubbing her forehead tiredly. 'There has to be a way to free the others out, it just hasn't occurred to me yet.'

"Mr. Shields, are you all right? The elevator has stopped."

The dark-haired man blinked, looking up to see Mrs. Taiko and Ms. Une watching him curiously. The women had left the conference room stating that they wanted to introduce themselves to Hotaru and explain how they were looking for a temporary home while her mother was sick. He'd mentioned that he was going up to the room as well and before he knew it, they'd decided it was a perfect opportunity to see how he interacted with the child and vice versa. "I apologize ladies," He said as he quickly existed the elevator before it moved on, "I was lost in my thoughts. It has been a rather busy morning."

Ms. Une smiled. "Of course. We understand how big of an undertaking this may possibly for you. Not many people in your age group would do what you are trying to accomplish."

"Hotaru is worth it." He stated simply with a smile before walking ahead of them, "If you'd just follow me, the room is just right down the hall." Once he stopped at the correct door, he hesitated and decided to give the women a word of warning. He restlessly adjust the file he still held before looking over his shoulder. "I believe the two of you know about the investigation on Nurse June?"

Mrs. Taiko's brow furrowed. "Yes, of course. That is why I am overseeing your case instead of the Director. Though I have to wonder why you know about it."

He rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Because I was the one that filed the complaint against the nurse. On Hotaru's behalf."

Ms. Une gave a little gasp. "Hotaru was the one that Nurse June was supposedly harassing?"

His eyes hardened. "Believe me, she was. Because of that, I want to warn you that Hotaru isn't exactly the friendliest right now. She… well, she had a hard day yesterday." His lips turned up in a half-smile. "She threw gelatin onto an unsuspecting nurse and I want to prepare you to avoid that."

Mrs. Taiko was nodding somberly, taking the words to heart, but there was something about her expression that told him she would be paying even closer attention to the girl now. Ms. Une, on the other hand, seemed to be trying not to laugh. "Thank you for the warning, Mr. Shields." The latter finally said after she stopped smiling, "I'll take that to mind."

He nodded and turned around. "Of course." He pushed open the door only to blink in surprise. "Or maybe not…" He shook his head, forcing himself not to stop where he stood so the women could enter. 'How in the world did she manage to do it?' He placed his folder on the small table underneath the television but his eyes stayed fixed on the incredible sight before him.

There Serena was in a pair of black lounge pants and oversized pink shirt laying atop Hotaru's bed. That in itself he could have expected but what he didn't expect was Hotaru leaning against the older female's chest and loosely enclosed in an embrace. And, despite the fact she was slightly-stiff and there was no expression on her face, he could easily see how her eyes were attuned to the children's book propped up on Odango's lap. As he listened to Serena reading along quietly, her voice changing with each character, his smile widened. She sure was a miracle worker.

Just then the blonde glanced up, catching sight of him, and broke off in mid-sentence with a teasing glint in her eyes. She looked down at Hotaru and spoke in a loud stage-whisper, "Hey, Hotaru? Remember how I was saying that I wish Darien was here to read all the bear's lines? What if, instead, we have him read the crab's lines? Since they're both so grumpy all the time…" The child looked up curiously, a teasing gleam in her eyes similar to Odango's --shocking Darien even more-- but when she caught sight of the women that Serena had obviously missed, the light vanished and she visibly shrunk back into the blonde's hold. That, if nothing else, was what stopped the quiet snickers he heard the women trying to muffle behind him. Serena by that time had caught sight of the women as well and kept shooting her friend curious looks. "Darien? What's… going on?"

"Oh!" Ms. Une blushed lightly and gave a short bow. "We apologize for forgetting our manners, Miss… Tsukino, was it?" Serena nodded slowly. "I am Natsumi Une and this," She gestured to the russet-haired woman at her side who also bowed slightly, "is Mara Taiko. We are currently working on Hotaru's case and wish to speak with her."

"On… Hotaru's… case." Serena drawled out slowly. Darien knew from the look on her face that she knew exactly what the women were getting at and were here for. She skillfully smoothed out her crinkled brow into a bright smile as she looked down at the child questioningly. "Do you mind if I leave for a second, Hotaru? These nice women want to talk to you alone. I promise to finish the story as soon as they're done though and just maybe by then I can convince Darien to be the mean ol' crab, how does that sound?"

Serena's attempts to sooth the girl's frazzled nerves were in vain, however; Hotaru simply held on tighter, burying her face into the older girl's waist. With a sigh, the blonde shot Darien a pleading glance but he was already on the other side of the bed. As he bent down to speak to the child, Serena looked over at the women to see both wearing carefully blank expressions. She knew that they were absorbing every single detail of what was happening, though. Yet, despite that, what baffled her was that neither was volunteering to help, or even leave and come back later. The girl was obviously nervous and panicked at even the prospect of talking to them, why not come back later, like in a few days when she understood what they were there for? 'Something's going on here and I feel completely out of the loop.'

"That's better." She looked back down to see Darien had succeeded in managing to get Hotaru to lift her head up slightly and look up at him. He had that soft smile on his face she was beginning to be used to seeing when he was with the girl. "Do you remember what I told you a few days ago? About how no one can make you talk if you don't want to?" Hotaru gave a hesitant nod, glancing over at the two quiet woman. She glared as they smiled and waved.

Darien fought the urge to smirk as the women's smiles wilted just a little before returning even brighter than before. He was sure they'd both had their fair share of less-than-pleasant children but he was also sure they'd never met one quite like Hotaru. 'I suppose it's a good thing she doesn't have any food in range.' "Hotaru," he began softly, prompting her to snap her gaze back to him. He still couldn't believe that she was actually listening to him; he'd been so sure that she would have just glared at him when he moved to the bed. "can you promise not to be rude to the nice women? They won't hurt you, I promise. Or say anything bad about you either."

Serena scowled at the memory of Nurse June. That woman was a witch, through and through. 'I really should feel bad for slapping her but I still don't. How could she say such things? Especially about a sweet little kid like Hotaru and Darien when he was little too.' She looked down to see the said people having a staring contest before getting a wicked gleam in her eyes again, reaching down to tickle the child. Caught off guard, the dark-haired girl gasped and began to squirm away. "Come on, you…" She giggled, "What's with the sour face today?"

Hotaru was trying to throw her a glare (which really was too much like Darien's) but Serena knew it wasn't genuine. The girl was hurt and doing everything she could to push people away in order to protect her fragile heart. 'But she's never had me around before!' She thought with another giggle as she began to tickle her small friend under the arms. The girl was squirming like crazy but still wasn't outright shoving her assailant's arms away and crying. That, she knew, was the sign she'd gone too far and made Hotaru more upset. 'I absolutely refuse to let her be a meanie and grump! Most people are good, she just needs to regain her trust again to see that. And I'll be right here to help her do just that!'

Darien watched the two females on the bed, catching sight of Hotaru trying to contain her giggles, before grinning himself and taking over Serena's abandoned spot: the ever ticklish stomach. After a few minutes of their combined efforts, the little girl finally let out a handful of giggles as she continued to squirm around in Serena's lap. At the sound, both of them grinned before throwing triumph looks at one another. "Success!"

Hotaru watched as they gave each other goofy grins and what Serena called a "high-five", knowing it was all to try to get her to laugh again. She really tried to scowl but she just couldn't find it in herself to do it right now. It wasn't her fault --or theirs-- that she was ticklish. She used to always laugh when Puu played with her and tickled her. At the reminder of her guardian and the empty body that was a few floors down, her face blanked again. She looked up to see Serena's large eyes looking at her in curiosity and before sighing. She would listen to the two ladies; she still glared as she looked over at them though. Something told her they were some type of doctors or something like them. She didn't like doctors or healers anymore.

Darien blinked as he followed Hotaru's glare to the two women; he'd forgotten that they were both there. He shook his head as everything he was trying to do slammed back into him. "Does this mean you won't be mean to the nice ladies?" He asked the child curiously as he looked back at her. She glanced back at him, staring at him for a silent moment, before slowly nodding her head. He smiled. "That's a girl. And, remember, you don't have to talk if you don't want to." Again she nodded slightly.

"Does this mean I can breathe now?" Serena gasped, faking a lack of oxygen. Hotaru looked down curiously to see she'd grabbed a hold of the blonde's shirt with her right hand, unknowingly pulling it down and making it pull against the back of the lady's neck. She glanced over at her other arm to see that the fingers outside of her cast were clutching Darien's hand. She furrowed her brow and let go of them both hesitantly. She couldn't remember grabbing either one of them during the tickling or afterwards.

Once Hotaru crawled out of her lap, taking the abandoned book with her, Serena smiled and gave her a quick hug. When the child froze, yet again caught off guard, she quickly hid a frown and let go much faster than she wanted to. 'We'll get you to trust people again, Hotaru. I promise.' She thought determinedly as she climbed down off the bed, waving off Darien's hands as he tried to help. 'I'm fine. Don't worry." She insisted as she saw him narrow his eyes; she turned back to Hotaru with a grin. "We'll both just be right outside the door, okay?"

Her words were calm but she still felt slightly nervous for both the girl and the two women to be left alone. She cast her eyes around, sighing in relief when she spotted no food. 'I have to say Hotaru has a mean throw though. She almost got the nurse right in the eye with the second gelatin.' She quickly slapped a hand over her mouth to smother her giggle. 'It was just too funny. Even if I did feel bad for him.' Darien rolled his eyes at Serena's antics, knowing exactly what she was thinking about. He looked over at Hotaru and gave a reassuring smile. "We'll be right outside, like Serena said, all right? If you need us, all you have to do is open the door and we'll see you."

Hotaru nodded obediently, already deciding that she would race out to them or throw something if the women were mean. She knew sometimes that people lied to other grownups, so even if Darien and Serena said they were nice, they could be mean. She knew exactly what she'd throw at them too.

"Okay." Darien shook his head in amusement as he finally stood up. 'Poor Ms. Une and Mrs. Taiko won't know what hit them.' He shot them a quick look to see them mumbling to each other, only for them to stop as they noticed his attention. 'Why do people always do that? It's only obvious.'

"Kay, sweetie." Serena giggled again, playfully rubbing the girl's short locks, before beginning to walk away slowly. "Be back in a bit." She glared at Darien as he tried to help her. "Oh, now you want to be nice?" She grumbled to him as they walked past the women. They were begging to fidget, growing impatient despite their interest in watching them. "I'll have you know," She said as Darien opened the door, "that it took three hours to get all that paint out of my hair last night. You really should read the crab's lines. Both of you are just so…so crabby--"

"Serena."

The girl's giggles and the man's groans faded away as the door closed behind them. Immediately Serena eased herself down beside the door, wincing slightly as her muscles protested at the movement. "You sure you're okay?" She looked up at Darien, seeing the "hawk eyes" he seemed to be watching her with.

She rolled her own eyes. "Since when have you become my mother, Darien? I'm fine. I've been fine for a few days already. I'm just stiff from not using my muscles a lot this week. Nothing else, I swear." He frowned but said nothing as he slid down beside her. After a few moments of silence, he looked over to see her with her ear pressed against the door. She released it soon after with a grumble, apparently not hearing anything, before raising her eyebrows at him. "So are you going to tell me what's going on yet or what?"

"So nosy." He smirked at her glare before sighing when it didn't lighten up. He closed his eyes and let his head fall against the wall. "I will. I need to ask you something anyways."

"Then fire away." She smiled as she bumped his shoulder but when he didn't do anything in reply, it slipped into a frown. "You can tell me anything, Darien. You should know what by now."

He peered open one of his eyes, eyeing her out of the corner of it. That solemn, serious expression must have got to him because he instantly went into explanation. "It started with Nurse June's visit…"

The stakes had been set in their bet. Nothing too ridiculous or wild; something perfectly acceptable for two strangers: a name given to the winner. Ami watched her opponent curiously as he captured one of her knights and placed it beside her other capture pieces. "Yesterday, you said you were in Japan on business?"

He looked up, startled, before nodding. "Yes." His expression suddenly broke into a frown. "Hopefully everything goes as planned but it doesn't seem as if it will thanks to Com-- my boss."

She rose an eyebrow as she captured one of his bishops. "What do you mean?"

He tapped the side of the small rectangular table distractedly. "You know when we ran into one another yesterday, I had left my hotel room with every belief that my boss was making the biggest mistake --or rather mistakes-- of his life. I felt that he was a imbecile, destroying the …company he had created by making foolish and unbelievable decisions."

She pursed her lips as he moved stealthily and captured her remaining rook. "And now?"

He smiled slightly. "Now I've come to realize that, in all honestly, I should not have been surprised. He truly, honestly has been going about in everything the way he thought was best. He had been alone for so long and became used to only relying on himself and his ability to make decisions and, well, he isn't very good at making them. Excellent teacher and advisor but awful when it comes to what to do himself. Though that does not mean his actions are justified. I will still be angry with him for sometime, I believe."

"What has he done, exactly?"

He looked up, grinning, but shook his head in the negative. "Sorry, confidential. I would get in trouble if I told you. Even if you are a beautiful woman who plays chess brilliantly."

She gaped at him for one stunned moment before she flushed a deep red. "I--I…" 'No one's called me beautiful before…' At the thought, her blush deepened until it spread to her neck.

Zoisite, in the meantime, was enjoying the expressions his dear Albreda was making. 'Ah. It is so good to be with you again. I hadn't realized I missed you this much. I thought I was handling the separation better than the others but I suppose I wasn't.' He chuckled as she continued to stare at him. "Forgive me for rendering you speechless and so flustered. I was simply being honest but perhaps there is such a thing as too much honesty."

"It--it's all right. I just-- …no one has ever called me beautiful before." She whispered before giving an embarrassed laugh, "It was… disconcerting."

His brow furrowed as he tilted his head to the side slightly. "No one has called you beautiful before? Or told you that you are? Not even your parents?"

She blinked, remembering how her father used to tell her that when she was born all he could think about was how beautiful she was --thus deciding to name her Ami because it could mean 'beautiful' in Japanese. She'd never really considered it extraordinary though, as many Japanese names meant the same thing and he was her father. "Well…yes." She finally answered, "Both my parents and friends have told me such. …It is just not the same when a strange man says it in a random conversation." She smiled wryly and gestured to her hair. "Usually I am on the receiving end of jeers about my hair color, not getting remarks about beauty."

"Why would anyone make fun of your hair color?" He asked, completely baffled, as his eyes slid to the mane in question. It was still the same stunning shade of blue unique to Mercurians, beautiful as it ever was. Perhaps it was a tad shorter than he remembered it being but he couldn't see anything wrong with it, or anything to make fun of either.

Ami's eyebrow rose as she suddenly began wondering if there was something wrong with the man's eyesight. "Um. My hair is blue." When he nodded, his own eyebrows rising inquiringly, she frowned. "People do not have blue hair. At least, not natural blue hair."

"You… have not met others with a similar hair color?" He asked disbelievingly.

She blinked at the question, and his tone, before shaking her head. "No. Orange, perhaps, or a shade of purple but never blue."

He frowned. "I have. It is their natural color as well, too."

"Well, then you are very fortunate."

"Wait." He stated, bringing a hand up to his forehead in thought, "Doesn't that violinist have blue hair as well? What is her name…?" She watched curiously as he continually tapped his forehead in an agitated manner. "Oh! I should know this! We're both from France!"

Her brow creased at the information. "You wouldn't happen to mean Michelle Valdete(2), do you? Because in my opinion, she doesn't have blue hair. Hers is a more… aquamarine color."

He nodded enthusiastically. "That's her name!" He stopped suddenly, frowning and shaking his head. "Mee-SHEL. Not Mi-SHEL. French name, French pronunciation, ma chérie." He stopped, horrified as he realized what he had said. 'I can't call her "my darling" when I don't even know her-- this her! Idiot!' He winced as he noticed she had quirked a sharp eyebrow at him, instantly telling him she knew what the foreign words meant. "I--I mean…oops?"

"I will let it slid if --" Suddenly an impish grin etched itself on her face, making Zoisite pale. He knew that look and it wasn't good. "--you allow me to take a closer look at your PDA. The one from yesterday?"

He paled again, though this time for a completely different reason. He couldn't let her see it! It--it'd go against everything! A thousand and one possibilities and scenarios ran through his head and he liked none of them. He swallowed. "Y-you really are fascinated by it aren't you?"

She nodded, her eyes gleaming with interest. "I am. I've never known someone to invent something so sophisticated and advanced. At least, not by themselves."

"No one? Not even… yourself, by any chance?" He asked, desperately trying to redirect the conversation. Hopefully a few well-timed and placed comments would throw her into a loop, make her too involved to remember.

She blushed slightly. "I've… dabbled in electronics and the building of them. Certainly nothing like you though."

"How can you be sure?" He smiled dashingly. "You should never underestimate what you can accomplish."

"Even so, you are hired to do such things!" She insisted as she placed her chin in her palms, "Surely you've had experience, training,and while France isn't the forerunner in electronics, I am positive that--"

"I do not work in France." He interjected swiftly, "Europe, yes, but not France."

She blinked, caught off guard. "But, you said you were from France and... your accent. As soon as you said 'ma chérie' I recognized it for what it was. You are French."

"Yes. I was born in France. Am French. I just… I don't live there anymore. I haven't for a number of years." He clarified, looking away briefly to shake his head, before looking back to her with a smile, "I guess I'll always have that accent. It's a part of me."

She nodded slowly, wondering why the subject seemed to bother him so much but not having the courage to ask. "I know what you mean. When I speak English I still have my German accent. It just never transferred over into any other language, though. I suppose that's because I learned English in Germany."

He did a double-take of the girl; she sure didn't seem German despite the fact she looked Mercurian still. "Your Japanese is flawless though." He laughed suddenly, "I suppose I should apologize for making assumptions. I believed you were Japanese."

The bluenette smiled slightly. "Well, technically I am half and was born here. It is just that I was raised for most of my life in Germany. Until not long ago, as a matter of fact." Her eyes narrowed in on him suddenly. "I would still like to see your PDA, by the way. I have not forgotten or let it slide that you called me ma chérie. No matter how hard you try to distract me."

He winced before laughing. 'Same old Albry.'

Serena's head hit the wall not far from where Darien's had a short time ago. She blew her breath all out in a rush as she looked at her companion. "Thank you." she whispered gratefully, "Thank you so much."

His head snapped up from where he'd been staring at the floor in thought. "Why are you thanking me?"

She blinked a few times as she felt moisture beginning to gather in her eyes. "I was so worried about what'd happen to a sweet girl like Hotaru if she was sent to an orphanage, especially after what Nurse June said about her."

He shook his head and gave a sad sort of smile. "Well, you're looking at an older, male version of what'd happen to her. Anti-social, cold, heartless. The list goes on really--Ow." He scowled and rubbed his shoulder where she'd just punched him full-on. "What was that for?"

"Don't ever say those things about yourself, Darien Shields!" She whispered furiously as she shook a menacing finger in his face. He thought she looked even more menacing as tears began slipping down her cheeks. "You are not cold! Or heartless! And, okay, maybe you are a little anti-social but, right now, so am I!" She surged to her feet, looming over him. "If you were cold or heartless, you would not be offering to give that little girl a home and practically turning your life upside down for her! A heartless person would never have even thought to do the things you want to!" She reached down and whacked his shoulder. "So don't say that!"

"All right! All right!" He cried defensively as she continued to hit him over and over. "It's no reason to resort to violence, Odango!" When the hitting abruptly stopped, he looked up cautiously to see her glaring at him. "What now?"

She wiped her tears off before crossing her arms with a frustrated sigh. "…Odango?"

"Yeah…" he said slowly. His brow furrowed in confusion as she began to tap her right foot impatiently. "What about it? It's your name."

Her glared deepened murderously as she pursed her lips until they were white. She reached down and began to aim at his head, barely giving him enough time to lift his arms up defensively before she began to strike.

"No!"

Hit. "Ow!"

"It!"

Block and glare. "Would you stop--"

"Is!"

Hit in the nose. "--it already!?"

"NOT!"

Block. "Ha! Missed me!" Darien grinned as he grabbed a hold of the blonde's hands and pulled her down next to him again. "You really should apologize." He told her twisting figure calmly, "There is only a need for one of us to be admitted to the hospital at the same time."

She snorted before grinning as something occurred to her. She stopped moving immediately. "Well that just means I have to wait a few fours before getting revenge, doesn't it!?" She laughed victoriously when he frowned, seeming to remember she was finally going to be released soon.

"You could." He nodded calmly, "Though I doubt you'd have the self-control to."

She frowned indignantly. "What does that mean--?"

"Odango. Odango. Odango. Odango." The blonde grit her teeth as Darien began to repeat her nickname over and over, a smirk on his face all the while. "Odango. Odango. Odango. Odan--"

"How old are you!?" She retorted angrily, her nerves on end. His smirk only widened as he continued on with his chant. She tried tugging out her hands again, hoping he was too involved in his mockery, but they were still in vice-like grips. She told herself to be patient, be serene, but there was only so much she could take after the week, or rather the month, she'd had. "FINE!" She declared, blowing out a frustrated sigh and feeling her bangs ruffle wildly at the action. "But, I will only apologize if you do too. It's only fair."

He'd abruptly stopped his chant at her declaration, his smirk becoming a victorious grin. "You first. I'm the one that received bodily harm, after all, and you were the one that started both our fights yesterday and kept blaming everything on me."

She rolled her eyes; he was such a baby. "I'm sorry for hitting you, Darien. Repeatedly at that. I'm also sorry that I started those fights and blamed you for everything. It wasn't right. We were both to blame."

"Apology accepted." He said somberly, a hidden twinkle in his eyes, "I apologize for participating in the fights, I should have been more respectable than that. Also, I am sorry for saying Odango is your name. I was wrong. It is Odango Atama. I promise to address you properly from now on."

"DARIEN!" She pulled and tugged at her hands, moving this way and that, but he held fast. She knew she should have just continued to knock him unconscious while she had a chance. "Let me go, jerk!"

"See!" He cried out, neither of them noticing the nurses and other personnel that had been drawn over by their antics and were watching them in amusement and dismay, "Jerk is your nickname for me but I can't call you Odango? How fair is that?"

"Because I say it is …nitwit!" She retorted angrily, resorting to using her feet to kick him. 'Ah! Why won't he just let me go already!?'

"Oh, that's original--"

"It is to!"

"Ahem."

It took a few moments but both stopped their struggling and fighting to see a lab-coated doctor towering over them. He swore a murderous frown. "Is there a problem here? This is a hospital if you do not recall and I will not tolerate such foolery when others are here to recover. If you do not cease and desist, I will have to call security."

Serena squeaked in embarrassment and surged to her feet, Darien listlessly letting go of her hands. She bowed her head in shame, not even bothering to look up as she heard her companion stand behind her. "Please forgive us, Doctor Rupert. We did not mean any disrespect." She glanced up as she felt a heavy hand lay on her shoulder. Darien looked… she didn't even know how to describe it. 'It's like he's angry, worried, stressed, and concerned all into one but… he wasn't like that a second ago.'

"I apologize, as well Do--" There was a visible strain on Darien's face as he tried to get the man's name out. Unconsciously, Serena placed a hand over the one that was tightening on her shoulder. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye, squeezing her shoulder briefly before loosening his grip a little. "We both apologize, Doctor Rupert. We simply lost track of our settings. It will not happen again."

The grey-haired man was scowling even more now as he made eye contact with Darien. "Mr. Shields, I should have known it was you." He shifted his eyes to Serena accusingly. "And you, Miss Tsukino, I am deeply ashamed. You are here in this hospital to recover and find out what is contaminating your blood." Darien's grip tightened on Serena's shoulder again, forcing her to frown in concern. "You should be in bed resting, not consorting with this man. And, God forbid, him being your boyfriend…"

"Now just wait one minute." The blonde insisted firmly. She was clasping Darien's hand almost as hard as he was gripping her shoulder now. "Darien didn't do anything wrong. We both simply forget where we were. We have apologized and promised it will not happen again. But,--"

"Serena."

She easily ignored Darien's whisper. "But, please, make us both feel bad about forgetting the problems in our lives for one moment! We are sorry for letting ourselves forget that that little girl in the room behind us might lose her mother or that something may slowly be poisoning me to death!"

Dr. Rupert glared down his nose. "Just see to it that it will not happen again, Miss Tsukino. If it does I will see to it that neither you nor your boyfriend steps foot inside this hospital again. Now, if you're just about done, I want you to return to your room and rest. You are still a patient until this afternoon and will act accordingly." Without another word the doctor spun on his heel and walked away, a gaggle of nurses following behind him obediently.

"Oh!" Serena scowled at their retreating backs, stomping one of her feet. "He makes me so mad! I wish I could throw a gelatin at him! Everyone else seems to be throwing one at people they don't like, why shouldn't I!?"

"Serena." She looked over her shoulder to see Darien staring at her with suspicious eyes. She sobered up and gulped at the intense look. "What did you mean by something slowly poisoning me to death?"

Her own eyes widened in panic before she looked away. "Nothing. Just some… stupid theory Doctor Rupert told my mom and me. It's nothing to worry about." She turned around to face the hallway and took a few steps, "You want something to eat? I'm starv--" She froze as Darien grabbed her hand and spun her around to face him.

"No. You said I could tell you anything and it goes both ways." He insisted as he walked right up to her. She immediately looked down at the ground between them. "Tell me, Serena. I don't give a damn if you think it's some stupid theory. I want to know." She stayed stubbornly silent, making him sigh as he placed his hands on her shoulders and squeezed them briefly. "Please. I just---I just want to protect you and I can't do that if I don't know what's going on with you."

"It's nothing." She whispered calmly but the shoulders beneath his hands began to shake. "Don't worry. I'm not going to suddenly keel over one day, exhausted beyond belief." She paused, biting her lip to keep her tears at bay. "I don't need you to protect me, Darien. There's nothing to protect me from anymore, okay?"

'Exhausted beyond…' His eyes flared wide in realization seconds after Ms. Une and Mrs. Taiko burst out of the hospital room behind them. Both of the once-refined women wore amused smiles as they attempted to brush off the pillow feathers randomly stuck to their clothing and hair. "That was certainly interesting." Mrs. Taiko commented to her companion as they turned toward Darien and Serena, expecting to see knowing smiles. What they saw instead was a smiling girl who looked about to cry and a shocked man who looked like he didn't know what to do.

"D-did we… miss something?" Ms. Une questioned cautiously.

With that Serena slapped on an overly-happy smile and went over to hug the women, one arm around each neck. "Darien was just telling me all about how you guys are giving him a chance to give Hotaru a home." She pulled back and offered them a genuine smile. "I really am grateful for that. I was so worried she'd be sent to a stuffy orphanage and lose herself."

Both women glanced at each other and back at the emotional blonde. Ms. Une smiled slightly uneasily. "Well, we don't want her sent to an orphanage any more than you do, Miss Tsukino, but nothing is written in stone just yet."

"Oh! I know, but I am here to help with that!" The blonde smiled even as she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "Darien asked if I could be one of his references and I would be more than happy to. I… was wondering if I could possibly set up a meeting now?"

"Why, yes, of course." Mrs. Taiko said quickly, as if afraid the teenager was going to change her mind, "Whatever time would be most convenient for you."

"Well, he mentioned how Hotaru can only stay for another two weeks so I'd like it to be as soon as possible, If you don't mind, that is. I want to help speed everything along."

"I don't believe we mind." Mrs. Taiko smiled. "Would you get in trouble if you went down to my office now? I'd like to show you what available times we have and then you may decide which is best for you."

"No problem. I am positive I won't get in any trouble. I just have to be back by three." As both the older women struck up conversation with one another as they all walked toward the elevator, still plucking feathers off themselves the whole way, Serena looked back at the not-so-suspiciously quiet Darien. She winced a bit as she saw the dark scowl on his face; he was mad, beyond mad, but it wasn't her fault that the doctor came up with such a stupid theory.

There was no way that some unknown …thing was in her bloodstream, happily breaking down her body one day at a time. She would notice if she was unusually tired one day or--or whatever; she'd know! Of course, when she told Dr. Rupert this, he'd claimed that she wouldn't know until the "poison" was further into its stages. That slowly but surely she'd became weaker, more exhausted, not having the strength to finish mundane tasks like getting dressed. She snorted to herself as she turned her head back around. She'd show Dr. Rupert he was wrong! Thanks to the unforeseen event of not being a Senshi anymore, she'd have more energy and rest than ever. She'd prove that that Ami's mom was right; that it must just be a glitch in the testing or--or something completely normal that they weren't seeing. Because there was no way she was dying slowly; no way at all.

Darien watched Serena disappear into the elevator with Mrs. Taiko and Ms. Une. Despite how much she seemed to be unaffected by Dr. Rupert's theory, she couldn't hide that fear and nervousness deep within her eyes. His jaw clinched. 'Why do all these damn things have to happen to Serena? Wasn't it enough that one of her best friends died and the others think she's married to some damned Dark Kingdom general and a traitor? Not to mention being kidnapped by them in the first place.' He rubbed his forehead in an agitated manner, a gold flash lighting up his eyes. 'Why does it always have to be Serenity?'

'She's handling it with the outmost care; that was a good sign, right? Because if she'd stumbled across something she shouldn't have then being careful would be the last thing on her mind. I think. Or would she pretend she'd seen nothing?' Zoisite nervously watched his soul mate handle his PDA. Half of him was elated at her interest and enthusiasm, dying to describe what techniques he'd used and what he'd wanted to achieve in the initial creation of it. The other half of him, however, was more rational. It reminded him that they were not friends, dating, lovers, or anything else of the sort; it told him that the two of them were strangers and, as much as he hated to agree, they were and… and she was a danger to Headquarters.

If she found out his name was Zoisite or that he knew a Nephrite and a Jadeite, there was no telling what'd happen. She believed those names represented evil men, minions of a horrid queen but… those were their names first. Those men had their faces and their appearances. 'But none of that matters because Albry met them first in this lifetime and will think of them when she learns mine and the others' names.' He sighed. He supposed he could have just lied about having the device with him but… it was Albreda. And that was the same reason he couldn't just refuse to show her. There was no way he was going to endanger this newfound …thing between them--whatever that may be--just yet. He was too selfish to.

"Does your internet network work globally?" She suddenly asked, looking up at him curiously, "You said you worked in Europe right? But it seems to perform flawlessly here, halfway around the world."

He nodded, skillfully masking his inner anxiety. "Yes. The company I work for has its own satellite and I was able to acquire permission to utilize it when I was creating everything, actually. I wanted to make sure I could be anywhere, in any country or part of the world, and have access to everything in case of emergency. The satellite offers me that."

"Very sensible of you." She flashed him a quick smile before looking down again. The PDA was on its side, her fingers flying over the virtual QWERTY keyboard as she sought out something or other.

He grinned as he remembered his earlier thoughts. "Something we share in common, perhaps?"

She nodded, though her eyes stayed trained on the device. He wished he could see what she was doing. She'd said that his internet network worked flawlessly, so then what was she doing online? "Hmm… seems it won't rain until later this afternoon." His jaw dropped; she was looking at the weather? Out of all the things she could do that was what she chose!? She must have seen his expression because a light red seeped into the bridge of her nose. "I… like being prepared. I do not wish to be caught in a rainstorm unexpected. Especially since I did not think to put on a jacket before I left home."

He nodded. 'A very Albry-like thing to do, truthfully.' "Of course. I just expected you to… I don't know."

"Breakdown the infrastructure in hopes of recreating the device myself?" She suggested, giggling softly.

He laughed, his lips twitching up in a fond smile. That also was a very Albry-like thing to do. "Yeah. Something like that."

"I have more respect for you than that. Besides, that would mean possibly destroying the only prototype you have and then how would I get one?" He laughed again before watching in amazement as she threw in a smirk --'a true Albreda smirk!'-- before shaking her head. "No. I will patiently wait until you decide to market them until I do such a thing."

He hid a grin. "Perhaps I will send one to you in the near future, then. So you do not have to wait so long."

She rose an eyebrow as she looked at him. "You do not have my address. We have abandoned our chess game, even, so we still do not know one another's names."

His grin surfaced as he flicked his right wrist, her school identification card appearing between his thumb and pointer finger. "I would not be too sure about that. Juuban High School. Name: Ami Mizuno. Grade: eleven. Homeroom: 3-A with Ms. Sakura Haruna. Address: 3850 Juuban Condos, Suite 7-E." She gaped at the card, her eyes sliding up to him. She opened her mouth yet no sound came out; still, he could see the accusation in her eyes. He almost winced. "It seems I grabbed it by mistake yesterday. I went to your school this morning to return it but I was informed that you were ill." His eyes trailed up and down her person curiously. "Though you do not seem to be."

She flushed slightly, gaining a panicked look. "I was-- am looking for someone. It is important that I find him, more so than attending school today. You will not inform anyone of my… untruth, will you?"

He shook his head. "No, of course not. I thought you were sick when I walked over, truthfully, so your secret is safe with me."

"Thank you, then, for both not telling and returning this to me." She finally took the laminated card, placing it in one of her sweater pockets carefully before looking back down at the PDA distractedly. 'I wonder if he would send one to me.' She blushed lightly. 'F-for a fee, of course.'

"Zander." Her eyes rose up to him inquiringly, the blush fading slowly. "My name is Zander Wynne. I believe it is only fair that you know my name as well. Especially considering that the chess game had been a ruse. I had been hoping you would win, then I could have returned the card when I told you my name. Well, that and I had had a feeling a game would make you feel better."

She blinked but for some reason found herself unsurprised. "Zander… Wynne. 'To defend men' 'Friend'(3)." She tilted her head to the side curiously. "For some reason I believe that fits you." She smiled. "And it did help me so I do not care if it was a ruse. I had just… become overwhelmed with everything at that point. The game did an excellent job of helping to clear my mind." She ducked her head. "Much like y-you… did."

He grinned, downright proud of himself, before sobering up. "Why do you need to find this man so much? Is--is he your boyfriend?" He couldn't help but ask, even as he mentally hit himself for doing so. He didn't want to know that his soul mate had a boyfriend that wasn't him!

"Hmm." She carefully placed the PDA on the chess table, her eyes looking at the people walking past without really seeing them. "He isn't my boyfriend. I don't have one." She finally answered, not seeing or hearing his sigh of relief, "But I need to find him and ask something. Something very important."

"Anything I can do to help?"

She sighed as she looked back at him. "No, I'm afraid not." Her eyes fell to his PDA, a wry smile on her face. "Too bad I can't GPS-track him. That would do me wonders."

His brow furrowed. 'Now that's a thought. Endymion was always giving me and the others the slip and disappearing in the Silver Millennium. And I'm sure the Senshi would appreciate knowing where Serenity always was…' Ami frowned at seeing the outright scheming expression of Zander's face but it quickly cleared as a familiar beeping rang out in the air.

She groaned, the first time in a long while hesitant about responding to her communicator. The battle with the hammer-youma was still fresh in her mind; Rei and Minako had fought with each other more than the youma that night. It had taken an untold number of hours to corner the thing and finally destroy it and a large part of that was due to the fact the two of them had bickered about anything and everything the whole time. When the sound showed no signs of letting up or stopping, she heaved a frustrated sigh and took the communicator out of her pocket. She didn't dare respond yet, not with Zander there, but still made sure she took out her transformation pen as well.

Zoisite frowned as he placed his chin in one of his upturned palms. "You always seem to be running off somewhere, aren't you?"

She looked up with a humorless smile. "Unfortunately. I--I have to go. I'm sorry. Thank you, again, for the game and everything else. They helped more than you can imagine." She glanced down, catching sight of the forgotten PDA and quickly handed it over to him. "Thank you for allowing me a closer look, as well. I officially forgive you for calling me ma chérie now."

He smiled as he took the black device but couldn't bring himself to laugh like he wanted to. Something was wrong with the Senshi; something more than Valkyrie's recent death. Albreda was going to a battle, there was no doubt about it, but she shouldn't be acting so… resigned to go. He looked up, mind frantically working, but offered a smile. "I hope you feel better."

Her brow furrowed before it cleared and she giggled. "Thank you. I promise I'll be well enough to go to school tomorrow." She gave a little wave then, clutching both objects to her chest, before dashing off.

"That's not exactly what I meant." He whispered as he watched her go. He gave a start as he heard more beeping, thinking she'd left something behind, but after a moment recognized the sound for what it was. "She must have activated you accidentally." He mumbled as looked down at his PDA. The dark energy scanner was going crazy, zoning in on a source of it nearby. At first glance he thought it was the youma until it completely scanned in on the source. His head snapped up, disbelief gleaming in his eyes as he saw his soul mate running further away. "Dark… energy? From Albry? There--there's no way…"

"Yeah. Mall. Youma. I got it, I'll be right there Rei." Áine answered listlessly before disconnecting her communicator and dropping it into her subspace pocket. She sighed, glaring at nothing in particular. Just when she'd finally realized what she could use to break out the gemstones, a youma appears.

"Maybe Kunzite will be there though." She mumbled as she looked at his pink namesake, "That way I can bring him here and he can get out his gem himself. Waiting for our next meeting will take too long. It needs to be broken out now. Before she figures out what I've done and decides to hand it over to Beryl…"

She winced at the thought. She knew she was the only reason that damned woman "didn't have the complete set" --her words exactly. Her fists clinched as her mind screamed at the injustice of it all. 'It's not fair! It's not damned fair that she's managed to find the way to bypass Kunzite's barrier and I can't.'

--------------------------------------------------------

She watched with abated breath as the pink gem bounced up and down in a dainty, feminine hand. It was so close, she could almost touch it, but dared not to in fear of the consequences. That didn't stop her from damning herself for her cowardice though.

"Beautiful, isn't it Venus? So delicate. So frail." The bouncing abruptly stopped seconds before a sharp fingernail rested on top of the gemstone. "One push. One crack could destroy the last of your loved ones. Quite possibly forever."

She stayed silent, her eyes and face expressionless. She couldn't remember the number of nights she'd trained herself not to show her emotions, especially in the face of this woman. She knew anything could push her over the edge, though; it was only a matter of time before the dam broke and she couldn't help anything hidden anymore. Her fears, her hatred, her desperation; it could all show in a blink of an eye.

The woman before was emotionless but she could feel the amusement in the air. "I hate you, Venus. You are quite aware of how much I despise you and the other Senshi yet… there is something I always admired about you in particular."

Her eyes shifted from the gem upward, curious but not showing it. "And what is that?"

"You know when to follow orders. Both your parents were, perhaps, the best militants that graced the Alliance. Despite the fact Cleopatra(4) followed such …unconventional means." A smirk shown in the woman's eyes. "You were raised to be a soldier. A subordinate one, that is. One who follows orders without hesitance."

"You were angry when I became the leader." She answered neutrally, though she knew the words would cut deep, "You were well aware that, at the time, I was the only one that noticed your true self. You had hoped that I would be named the fourth, that I would have no true power or say. But it would not have mattered because even then I would have had a say. We all had a say because we were to follow one true order and one true order only. Protect Serenity at any costs, no matter how it is done. And you were --are-- a danger to her and whatever reincarnations she may have."

The woman's face contorted into outright anger, momentarily making her think she'd gone to far, but after a moment it smoothed back into its own emotionless. "Your words are nothing. The past is nothing. Serenity is nothing." She turned her closed hand over, the one with kunzite inside. "And he is nothing." She opened it and both watched as the gem fell toward the blackened floor.

She dashed toward the gemstone, uncaring how her face was a mask of emotions, but she was seconds too slow. The pink gem slid through her fingers and disappeared through the floor. Her head snapped over to the pedestal it came from, seeing it back again and gleaming with its inner light. She swallowed at her failure, not daring to look at the woman or her expression.

"If I had ordered you not to move, you would not have dared to. Would you, Venus?" She closed her eyes tightly, not daring to answer the question even to herself. She was afraid of the answer. "I will never understand your devotion to that man. He hates you. Did you not see the Kunzite in the forces you lead on Lunaria? That Kunzite stared at you with anger. With hatred. He would have killed you."

"That means nothing." She whispered roughly, "He is not Kunzite."

"No, he is not." The woman agreed, "Yet he is a part of him. All that anger, that all encompassing hatred is only a part of the man that you love. Imagine what the rest of him would do to you if he ever saw you. To think he has not learned what else you have done. That you allowed me to kill--"

----------------------------------------------------------------

Áine forced herself out of the memory roughly but knew it would come back again one day. Even after almost eight-thousand years it still haunted her and she feared it always would. 'No.' she whispered to herself, 'Kunzite did nothing to me when I sought him out. He still… he still loves me. I know it. And I'll be sure he never finds out my secret. Never. I should… I should not even be dwelling on memories. I will go to the youma battle and finish carrying out my plan. The gems will be broken out. I swear they will.'

She nodded to herself once, sharply, before disappearing out of the room. On the floor a tear splashed down onto the darkness, momentarily revealing pure white marble before it was consumed once more.

"I'll just meet you down in the lobby, okay?" Serena sighed inaudibly as she stopped in front of her former hospital room, her mother right beside her. 'Twenty minutes into my freedom and I'm still here.' "I just want to do a double-check and say good-bye to Hotaru again."

Ikuko glanced down momentarily at the object in-between her and her eldest child, her lips pursed. "But, Serena… it's hospital policy to leave in a wheelchair. You know that."

"I thought I didn't have to?" The blonde whined. "I feel fine. And, besides, wouldn't it do be better to walk down. You know, exercise my muscles?" At the stern glare her mother sent her, she winced. "Uh… How about I go in and talk to Hotaru and you wait at the elevator? That way when we get down to Dad and Shingo I'm leaving in a wheelchair."

After a stare-down with her daughter, the girl breaking out her 'doe-eyes', Ikuko rolled her own eyes. "Fine. Only because you'd technically be leaving in it." She turned the object around, walking away as Serena cheered. "Twenty minutes, Serena. Then I'm coming to get you and you'll have to leave your room in it."

"Thanks, mom!" The blonde grinned before pushing open the door. "Hey, Hotaru--" She stopped, the door clunking shut behind her and immersing her in darkness. Her brow furrowed as she tiptoed to the girl's bed. 'Is she asleep already?'

"You really should have rode in the wheelchair."

The blonde gasped at the sudden voice, her back snapping up from when she was leaning over the bed to get a closer look. She blinked a few times, desperately trying to get her eyes to adjust to the darkness, before making out a shadowed figure sitting on her old bed and facing the window. Her brow furrowed. "Darien…? Is that you?"

"It's hospital policy because no one wants any patient to strain themselves too soon. Otherwise they'd be back here in no time."

'That sure sounds like him.' She grumbled to herself as she crossed her arms. "What are you doing in here sitting in the dark? Where'd Hotaru go?"

"She is a very sweet girl, is she not? Yet so easily hurt. She went down to her mother's room. She was upset you were leaving, perhaps more than she had realized." He replied, his voice sounding strangely toneless and… odd to Serena's ears, "I myself came by to wish you well but was informed you were already downstairs and being discharged."

She laughed nervously and rubbed the back of her head; why did she suddenly feel on edge? "Yeah. I was a little overeager for a real dinner tonight, I guess. Sorry. I didn't think you'd come back. I mean, you were gone by the time I came back from Mrs. Taiko's office."

He made a noncommittal sound in the back of his throat, standing up but not moving closer to her. "I did not wish you to see my anger." He looked back at her and she gulped as the shadows made him look menacing and foreboding.

"W-what are you angry about?" She winced at her shakiness. It was just Darien.

"How you never can seem to rid yourself of your naivety." He grinned but she couldn't see any humor behind it. "That is not to say that I do not admire it, of course. It is just that it is both a frustrating and endearing quality about you."

She placed her hands on her hips, frowning in indignation. "And what am I so naïve about?"

He stepped into the light of the window and she winced as she saw a pair of gold-blue eyes looking back at her; she should have known. "You cannot accept what is right in front of you. That at least one of the Senshi remembers. That they are helping to poison you. Killing you slowly but surely."

She rolled her eyes. "It's a stupid theory Doctor Rupert made up to try to keep me at the hospital, Darien. Nothing is killing me!" She insisted fiercely, "And it certainly isn't them."

He said nothing for a moment, seeming to think of his next words carefully. "I recall how the day Doctor Vigil diagnosed you, he mentioned that there was an agent in your bloodstream. Something unknown. Curiously unknown." His gaze narrowed in on her. "I knew immediately what they had found. The Senshi powers had begun to affect your body internally."

She scoffed but it sounded nervous even to her own ears. "Where do you come up with these things? Please. I'd think I would know if that was happening to me."

"Would you?" He challenged, his strangely-colored eyes flashing angrily, "I thought and thought this afternoon when you ran off, hoping that my conclusion was wrong. And you know what?"

"W-what?"

"It isn't." He answered sharply, "After every Senshi battle, you were weak. Seemingly completely drained some times. I always believed it was because you were channeling so much energy into your attacks but I was wrong. The others never had to refrain from keeling over or had deep breaths seizing from their lungs. They never saw the times you sat down at the base of a tree, struggling to breath or how you stumbled as you dragged yourself home, determined to not fall where you were. But I did. I saw all that and more."

"You followed me." She whispered in a kind of astonished horror, "After every battle you followed me."

"Not all the time but, yes. I always had to stop myself from following you to your doorstep. Or, your window as it probably was. Before you ask, you already know I never knew it was you. I made sure I didn't follow you where your identity would be compromised and if I saw your transformation begin to fade, I immediately turned around and left. But I could never stop myself from following. I had to. I needed to." The gold overpowered the blue in his eyes for just a moment. "You asked me to protect you that first battle. You asked for me and Tuxedo Mask was a convenient way to do so."

"So that's it?" She asked, suddenly angry, "I'm supposed to believe Ami is killing me because of what you spied on?"

He scowled. "If you had continued to transform, you might very well be dead right now yet you're worried I'm blaming Ami? Focus on what's important, focus on yourself,for once in your life! Your transformations were draining you away, poisoning you, every damn battle. It does not matter if you are Sailor Moon any longer or not; the Senshi magic is still in your bloodstream and will continue to stay there and kill you! And you knew." He hissed angrily, "Your exact words were 'I don't need you to protect me, Darien. There's nothing to protect me from anymore, okay?' You would never have said that unless you knew that it was your transformations that had been endangering you! Yet you still didn't tell me!"

"Yes, I knew!" She snapped back, yelling, as tears began to form paths down her cheeks unchecked, "But it isn't as if I've been hiding it all week, Darien! The doctor told me and my mom yesterday, just before we walked in on you and Nurse June! But you have no right to be angry with me! I don't have to tell you anything, you're not my keeper! Do you tell me everything!? No! I know for a fact you don't because you still refuse to tell me why you beat up Motoki that night so don't you dare start to lecture me!"

His fingers clinched at his sides and both dimly heard something glass crack but were too caught up in their fight. "I had a good reason for doing what I did!"

"Then tell me!" He stayed silent, a tick forming in his jaw. "Well, I'm waiting. Nothing, then? Does this mean you're admitting you had no reason, let alone a good one, for beating up poor, sweet Moto--"

The glass in Darien's hand cracked, cutting into his palm, as he finally snapped. "He wanted to keep me away from you and I sure as hell wasn't going to let that happen! I have failed you once before and I will be damned if I do again!"

Both froze at the words. Serena could swear all she could hear was the rushing of the blood in her ears and Darien's deep, angry breaths until he opened his palm and a bloody drinking glass slipped out, crashing onto the floor. Immediately golden sparks light up the room as they rushed to stop the bleeding, knit the skin back together. She swallowed thickly. "W-what did you say?"

His eyes snapped up to her, as golden as his healing sparks but burning brighter in the dark room. "I will not repeat myself. You are very well aware of what I said."

"Then--then," She tried again after taking a shaky breath. 'What's wrong with Darien? Why can't I ask why he has gold eyes?' "what was so urgent that you would beat him up just to see me? He--he probably said I was going to be fine, so then why not wait?"

He narrowed his terrifying golden eyes. "If you were in my position, you would not have simply taken his word. I know it. As it was, I trusted neither him nor his word and if he tries to keep me away again, I will not hesitate to throw the first punch. There is nothing poor or sweet about him."

She frowned. "So now you're suddenly not trusting Motoki, one of your closest friends, just because he didn't want you to see me?"

He shook his head, blue leaking back into gold. "This is no sudden thing, Serena, and now that I know you are possibly slowly dying, it makes it that more concrete. The man that Minako ran over that same afternoon, remember him?" She nodded, more than a little confused. "Mrs. Taiko is his wife and I knowingly lied to her face because of Motoki."

"And just what did he do?"

"He protected Minako, you know the friend whose apartment who were held hostage for days in?" He scowled, both men inside hating the reminder. "He lied to Mrs. Taiko, saying he had no clue who ran into her husband. I lied to her to help him, thinking he had a good reason, and have been regretting it since the moment I walked into that conference room and saw her. Make no mistake, if she finds out what I did and I lose my chance at gaining Hotaru's guardianship, I blame Motoki. And Minako."

"You don't trust him… because he protected Minako!?" She asked incredulously, "News flash! He has no clue what happened between me and the Senshi! He protected her from one little thing, so what?"

"So you're saying I should have let you be arrested for assaulting Mr. Taiko instead?" He snapped back, "He remembered Minako's blonde hair. A ton of hair and there you were sleeping on a chair. I'm willing to bet that Motoki would have done everything but tell the truth if it'd come to that! This is no sudden thing, Serena! He lied to protect the woman that, not long before, he yelled at and practically ordered to leave the arcade! You were kidnapped and held hostage by that same woman. The Senshi think you're married to some Dark Kingdom general and are a traitor. Your powers were striped from you and now we learn that they were poisoning you in the first place! What does any of that tell you?"

"I don't know!" She burst out, "It's not as if I know every single thing there is to know about either Motoki or Minako. What, do you want me to follow them around like you did to me!?"

He reeled back, stepping away as if her words had physically hurt him. "So that's how it's going to be." He whispered quietly, disbelievingly, "You're going to throw the fact that I was worried about you in my face?"

She bit her lip. "No. You know," She met his piercing gaze, trying to show her sincerity, "I would never do that to you. But… I never asked you to worry about me. I never asked you to follow me."

"But you called me that first battle. Asked me to protect you." He retorted, gold overpowering blue once again, "You cannot take that back. I will not allow you to. I will protect you."

"What if I don't want you to protect me anymore? What if I don't need a shadow watching my every movement!? What if I don't need you anymore!?" She immediately regretted the words, watching as he flinched and took a step away from her again. "Darien… I didn't--"

Both men recoiled before they narrowed their eyes, together creating a fiery blue-gold color once more. "Just like that you expect me out of your life? I have news for you then. You need someone to protect you. One of the Senshi remembers the Silver Millennium and I'm betting everything that it is Minako. You need someone to look out for you because you always think the best of people and will never see what's in front of you until it's too late." He began walking to her but she immediately took a nervous step back, hitting the bed harshly. He froze. "You are afraid of me." Before she could say anything, Endymion disappeared in a whirlwind of pain and shock, leaving a shaky Darien behind. He looked up at Serena, a myriad of emotions on his face and in his completely-blue eyes that neither could understand. "I--I have to go." He whispered, running a shaky hand through his hair but he still continued to stare at her for a long, silent moment. She opened her mouth to say something --she wasn't afraid of him, that she need him, anything-- but then he was rushing past her and out the door, a mantra falling from his lips as he went. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

She gaped at where he'd stood for a few seconds before racing after him. She threw open the door, spotting his form in an empty elevator down the hall. "Darien, wait!" He made eye contact with her for the briefest of seconds, his eyes still filled with a million emotions, before the doors broke their contact and he disappeared. "No, wait! Don't go!"

She rushed out the door, barely seeing her perplexed mother wheeling the wheelchair toward her. "Serena, what was all that yelling about? I was just about ready to go in there and--"

She ignored the woman in her race toward the elevator. "Come on, come on!" She hissed as she frantically called the elevator back up to her, pressing the button as fast and hard as she could. When nothing happened, she ran over to the other elevator and did the same thing. "Come on, please! I can't let him leave like that!"

"Serena, what in the world is going on? What happened with Darien? He passed me, looking as if--" She continued to ignore her mother as she frantically went from one elevator to the other. But they were too slow, she was afraid that he'd already be gone by the time the doors even opened up for her. Briefly the thought of racing down the stairs crossed her mind but knew that would be even slower without her Senshi powers, especially with the stiffness in her muscles.

'Ding!'

Her head snapped over to the second elevator, relieved tears flooding her eyes as the doors finally slid open. She raced inside and began hitting the button for ground-level, barely giving her mother anytime to get both herself and the empty wheelchair inside. She danced from foot to foot all on the way down, well aware of the strange looks her mother was sending her but daring not to say a word. 'At least she isn't pushing me into the wheelchair.' She thought humorlessly, biting down on her bottom lip hard enough to draw blood. 'Why is this thing so slow!? Why did my room have to be so high up!?'

A few agonizing moments later, another ding sounded as they landed. By that time her mother had stopped trying to ask what was wrong and silently followed her, her hands still pushing the wheelchair dutifully. She made a mental note to apologize but her guilt still didn't stop her from racing past her brother, father, and Dr. Vigil without a word to their confused shouts and statements.

Once she ran through the sliding doors, she immediately spotted a familiar red car headed toward her and the exit. She ran as close as she dared to the edge of the sidewalk. "Darien!" He drove past her, only a quick glance telling her he'd even heard or seen her, as the rain that had been threatening to fall all day pounded down on his windshield and her shivering body. It was the only thing that hid her tears as her family and Dr. Vigil came rushing toward her. 'Darien, please come back. I'm not afraid of you. I need you to keep watching out for me. Please.'

Done: Feb. 20, 2009 1 p.m.

Posted: Feb 20, 2009 5:20-ish p.m.

1. 'Bí sláintiúil, bí láidir, bí saor. Anam. Fuascailt.' Irish for "Be well, be strong, be free. Soul. Release". Truthfully I wanted a phrase in Welsh to go with her father and bro's names but couldn't find one. Bummer. Pretend, yes?

2. Michelle Valdete (Albanian male first-name meaning "sea wave" composed of the elements vale "wave" and deti "blue, sea". Can't find pronunciation, sorry.) is indeed Sailor Neptune. I'm using the English-dub name because it's convenient and, truthfully, she always seemed French to me and Michelle can be a French name. I mean, in canon, her violin is called Marine Cathédrale. She's artistic, sophisticated, and both remind me of France. Zoisite is the same way, something just says "French!" about him and he is the commander of the DK's European division so it's not like it's completely random.

3. Zander (ZAN der) Variant of Xander, which is a short form of Alexander meaning "To defend men" specifically alexo "to help, defend" and aner "men". Wynne (WIN) Derived from the Old English given name Wine, meaning "friend". Ironically enough I completely made up both names, looking up neither beforehand. Zander because it started with a 'Z' and Wynne from my Howl's Moving Castle book… Lucky, I think. o.o The other general's names were the exact same way. Coincidently, accidentally appropriate. Lol.

4. Yes. Áine's mother was Cleopatra. As in Cleopatra VII, Queen of Egypt, who had the affairs with Marc Anthony and Julius Caesar being her reincarnation. Her affairs are what make her so renowned but I always considered her as having a brilliant military mind. She just had unconventional means like Faux-Serenity said. I think it's fitting for Áine's mother, any thoughts or comments?

See! I didn't kill Valkyrie off! Go me! (I still felt like a jerk so this is my redemption. T.T) I caused angst for Sere/Dare though. Honestly I figured they needed some by now. Need to discuss this DK husband of hers one day too… More Ami/Zoi scenes and I'm glad you liked last chapter's meeting. I'd been afraid that the crash would have been too overdone, considering that's usually how Sere/Dare meet, but I thought it was nice. As well as their chess game and talk this chapter until he scanned dark energy from her, that is. And Áine is finally beginning to redeem herself, yay!

No. Serena is not going to die and this includes dying and being revived by the Silver Crystal/Ginzuisho like in the series. But she is being poisoned and that needs to be taken care of now. I feel bad for doing that but I couldn't let go of the idea. It was a part of the original plan that practically doesn't exist anymore. Please R/R and ask questions, always appreciated.

Tiger Celeste.