Imperfect Reincarnation

by Serena530

AU. The Guardian Sailor Scouts must be awakened, protect the Earth from a familiar evil, and find and guard the Moon Princess, but what will happen when more scouts arrive and memories begin to surface of a past far different then some remember. Continuation of The Perfect Match.

10. Chapter 10

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

Imperfect Reincarnation
Chapter Ten

A few weeks had passed since Sailor Mars had been found and awakened, and Sailor's Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus had given their loyalty to the reincarnations of Sailor Earth and the Earth Prince. The weather was shifting and starting to get colder, and life was moving forward.

After the meeting between himself and the scouts Darien had learned their names were Amara, Michelle, and he had even managed to convince Pluto to reveal that her name was Trista. Since then he had meet up with Amara and Michelle since he insisted that they spend time together getting to know each other.

Trista he excused since she was obligated to stay at the gates of time as part of her duty as a scout.

He had learned that Amara and Michelle were both nineteen and in school. Both were attending Tenshi United University but studying different subjects. Amara was studying physical education and Michelle was studying music. On top of that both had begun their careers already. Michelle was a professional violinist, and Amara was a professional race car driver.

He had informed them all about himself since they had only observed him when he was with Serena. He told them that he was twenty-one and that he went to K.O. University and was studying to be a doctor.

He had even told them all about his Generals, and how many he had seen so far and the questions he had about their involvement with their enemy.

Early on he had let them know he intended to tell Serena about their civilian personas. That he had met two young women and were now friends, and suggested that in time he introduce them. That way she could get to know them before she remembered the past.

He had done exactly that. Serena had gotten along well with them when they met, and now considered them her friends.

Aside from that the three of them had trained a couple of times together with his full powers. He had enjoyed that very much. It had been fun and freeing, to not have to hold back, and made him all the more excited for when his Serenity finally remembered herself.

With Serena she had continued to seriously consider going to K.O. University. Darien had helped her look up information on the internet, and he had brought her information pamphlets, and his old catalog of the university that was a thick paperback book with a glossy cover that had all the information on the school and what they offered. It was outdated on some details, but the majority of it was still good.

During the passing weeks she had thoroughly gone over the information with Darien and with Kagome since she was considering the school as well, and she was pretty sure she really did want to go to that particular school.

She just needed to start applying and let her parents know. And let Darien know that she had officially decided.

Life also included being a scout and Tuxedo Mask, and fighting the enemy. The Guardian Scouts and Tuxedo Mask had fought against four monsters in that time. As well as had encounters with the men who called themselves Neflite and Jedite. All the fights had been hard but they had gotten through them without injury thankfully.

Aside from the fights Serena had been involved in she had also continued training with Tuxedo Mask. She had gotten better at using her tiara. She was improving with controlling it every time she practiced, moving it around obstacles of all kinds, and stopping it suddenly when she deliberately aimed it at those obstacles.

She had also discovered that she could lower the power level of it. She couldn't increase it so she had obviously been using it at full power all this time, but in lowering it she was able to use it in her training with Tuxedo Mask to hit a live target; namely him, without injury.

She had also gotten better in her physical fighting ability. Tuxedo Mask said she was good and that she only needed to keep practicing so it would become muscle memory, and allow her to react instantly when she needed instead of having to think about it.

It wasn't only the humans living life, so too were the felines in their life.

Luna had decided to start spending time living at Amy and Raye's homes to get to know the girls better while Artemis merely took the time to visit each girls home to accomplish the same thing while remaining living in Serena's house.

During that time both felines had gotten Amy and Raye's thoughts on Tuxedo Mask and their enemy.

With the enemy they felt like the monsters sent out were getting stronger, and better at dealing with their abilities. They were destroying the monsters, but when they encountered those men in uniform they always got away. It seemed that they were using what they learned in those encounters to make the monsters better able to fight them.

They were also curious and wary as to when they would finally learn who was behind the evil that was sending the monsters out and likely the men as well.

As for Tuxedo Mask neither girl knew what to think about the masked man that always showed up at fights to help, but they wouldn't be surprised if he was part of the enemy or another enemy altogether.

He was a silent enigma. He stayed around long enough to help defeat the monster, or men if they showed up, and then left before he could be questioned about anything.

oOo

Artemis sighed as he walked in the early Saturday afternoon sun. He had not seen Tuxedo Mask before since he had never been to any of the fights the girls had experienced, but he was wary about the man just showing up at the right time and leaving right afterward.

How did he even know when a fight was going to happen? He thought with an internal frown. Why is he helping? Who is he? Could he have been around in the past? Could he be connected to the princess in some way? I wonder if any of the girls have recalled anyone that resembles him at all.

He wondered if he should ask Serena if she recalled the masked man since as far as he had seen a majority of her memories came to her in her sleep. She had never said anything to that effect, but she always looked confused or surprised or sad, and sometimes she would mention a detail of something she had remembered when asked if she was okay.

Artemis shook away his troubling thoughts with a sigh and focused on his task. He had left the house not long after Serena did to continue searching for the remaining guardian scouts and the Moon Princess instead of remaining in the house like Luna.

He supposed he was like Serena in that he felt like he should be out here doing something productive, and not sitting back like Luna waiting for one of the scouts to make a find or for it to conveniently come to him. The inactivity would drive him crazy, and if Serena actually couldn't have pets then it would help to be out of the house when she wasn't there so there was less chance of being seen.

But I suppose that thought hasn't occurred to Luna either. He thought with a sigh as he reached a fairly large park as far as he could tell.

He entered and carefully walked through the grass, not wanting to be seen as a stray and caught, and made his way around trees and the stray bush as he looked at the people enjoying the day. He eventually heard the sound of feminine cries of exertion and shouts and cheers, and decided to follow them. Jogging through the area it wasn't long before he came across a group of young women playing volleyball.

His eyes roamed over each of them carefully and he found himself pausing in his tracks as one immediately caught his eye. She had long blonde hair with a red ribbon bow pulling some of it back and blue eyes, but what really caught his eye was the bright orange symbol for Venus glowing on her forehead when her bangs shifted with her movements.

Artemis could hardly believe it! He had finally found one of the guardian scouts. Sailor Venus if the bright orange symbol was to be believed, and he of course had no doubt whatsoever. All he had to do was awaken her and there would only be one scout left to find a side from the princess.

The issue now is how to awaken her now that I have found her? He thought quietly as he watched her intently.

He supposed he could take inspiration from the examples he had had explained to him. Serena and Amy had been awakened in their homes, in comfort and privacy, and Raye had been awakened during a monster fight.

He definitely wasn't about to wait for a monster fight to happen and hope she just happened to be around for it. Not to mention he didn't want to lose sight of her now that she had been found.

Then in her home it is. He thought as he watched her focus and laugh in turns. She clearly took her position in the game seriously, but knew how to have fun with it as well.

Artemis liked the combination. Already it told him what type of scout she would be. She would take her duty seriously, but know when to be light and cheerful to ease stress or lighten the mood. That was something that was definitely needed in the role of a guardian scout. If the scouts were stressed and unhappy doing their duty would be that much harder.

The game ended about twenty minutes later and he watched her talking to the other young women as they walked off to the court and to the side. She eventually grabbed a blue duffel bag and waved to the young woman she was talking to before walking away.

Immediately he began to follow her and after a few long minutes of watching and cautiously moving around people and bicycle wheels he was thankful to realize she was walking to her destination instead of getting into a car or taking the bus. Both would have been hard to get in without being seen and even harder to follow from the streets and sidewalks.

Eventually he found himself following her away from the busy streets and crowded sidewalks to a quiet neighborhood. He relaxed, no longer worried about getting stepped on or run over, but remained careful and cautious since he didn't want her spotting him before he was ready.

After a few blocks he watched her slow and walk up to the front door of a house, and pulled a set of keys from the duffel bag and unlock the door and step inside. He hummed lightly to himself and watched the front door for a while to make sure she wasn't coming back out then he moved closer to the house and began to search for a subtle way inside.

The house was two stories and had a large backyard and plenty of windows, but there were no balconies at all. However, on further searching he found a long trellis climbing up nearly to the roof on the side of the house. The neighboring house on that side had windows further away from that area, so he considered that a good thing.

But it will do me no good if the windows close to the trellis don't lead me to her. He thought with a dismayed huff. Still, I need to find out, and there is no other way.

Artemis moved toward the white lattice work, grateful that its coloring would help him blend in, and carefully began to climb slowly along the edge next to the windows. He stopped at the first one and found it to be a downstairs bathroom, so he continued to climb until he reached the second window.

He cautiously leaned himself over and peered through the window with its yellow curtains, and his eyes lit up triumphantly to find the scout of Venus in what he strongly suspected to be her bedroom considering the contents. It seemed she had had enough time to change into a pair of blue leggings and a large orange t-shirt.

He shifted his position, trying to make sure he didn't slip and fall, and considered what to do next. He could open the window, but he didn't want her seeing him doing it and becoming alarmed. He also wished he knew her name so speaking to her would be a little easier, but he didn't know it so he didn't dwell on the thought for long.

Normally he would have hoped to be able to watch her for a day or so, getting to know her and her routine, but he didn't want to deal with following her to school since she appeared school age, keeping an eye on her all day to make sure he didn't miss her leave, and then follow her home as Luna had done with Serena and Amy.

It would have been ideal for getting to know her before approaching her, and highly likely for getting into the house, but he was in the here and now and this is what he had to work with. She was in what was obviously her home, in the privacy of her bedroom, and he couldn't wouldn't wait for another ideal time.

I just need to figure out how to get to her without scaring her. He thought in frustration before he took a calming breath.

Artemis looked back toward the unaware scout as she turned her head suddenly toward the door. She paused as if listening then got up and opened the door and left the room. Here was his chance! He just hoped she wasn't leaving the house.

He called on his power and focused on the window, wanting it to open, needing it to open, and watched as the window did just that. It slid up and he hurried to scramble through, wanting to be inside and in place before she returned, before he turned and used his power to close the window. Once it was secured closed the way he found it he moved under the bed to await her return. This way if she wasn't alone he wouldn't have to worry about hiding to avoid being seen.

A few minutes later he saw her come back, identifying her by the blue leggings she wore, and close the door before stepping across the room and sitting in a chair. He eased forward and realized she was sitting at the desk he had glimpsed when he first entered the room and eating a snack from the looks of it.

He eased back and then walked toward the end of the bed and out from under it before he sat down on the floor just off to the side of the bed. Now he could see that she was idly flipping through a magazine while she snacked.

Now. He told himself before he cleared his throat, and watched as she blinked over in his direction. Her eyes roamed until they landed on him, and then they widened in surprise as she sat up straight.

"How did you get in here?" She asked in a soft thoughtful tone; clearly not expecting an answer.

"Through the window." Artemis answered quietly, and watched her eyes widen again; this time in shock.

"What the hell?!" She nearly shouted as she popped up out of her chair and pressed herself back against the wall. "What the hell kind of cat are you?!"

"The unique kind." He replied a little dryly. "My name is Artemis, and I have been searching for you for quite some time now."

"Searching?" She repeated as she eyed him.

"Yes. The moment I laid eyes on you I knew you were one of the chosen ones. You are a sailor scout." He said seriously.

"A sailor scout? You mean like one of those women I've been hearing about on the news?" She asked with a frown.

"I was unaware they were being discussed on the news, however, yes I am talking about them. You are one of five guardian scouts named after the planets in this solar system. There are three awakened so far; you would be the fourth." He explained.

"I cannot believe I'm about to talk to a cat; however unique." She said as she eased away from the wall and sat back in her chair. "What is a sailor scout exactly?"

"A sailor scout is a female warrior." He answered. "I mentioned you were a guardian scout, that means you are charged with the duty to support and protect the Moon Princess."

"Does that mean there are other sailor scouts that aren't guardian scouts?" She asked with a frown; catching how he differentiated the two.

"To answer that I will have to explain how this all started; why I was searching for you in the first place. It will likely answer many of your next questions, so please listen closely." He said, and watched her nod.

"I don't remember all of my memories yet, however, I know that we, you, me, the other scouts, the princess, everyone was reincarnated to this time and this planet from a past where there was life, civilizations, and kingdoms on every planet." He began.

"You lived on the Moon as the scout of Venus guarding and protecting the princess of the Moon who was named Selene. Princess Selene was heiress to the throne of the Moon Kingdom and next in line to wield and guard the imperial silver crystal; an extremely powerful object which can only be used correctly by those of the royal Moon line." He explained.

"It is because of her eventual inheritance of the silver crystal that she was given five guardian scouts soon after her birth to protect and support her during her lifetime. These scouts were Sailor Venus, Sailor Moon, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Mercury; each chosen from the planet they were scouts of." He continued.

"I don't remember yet exactly how everything ended on the Moon or how it is we were all sent to the Earth to be reincarnated, but I do know a great evil was involved and that evil was also sent along to the Earth. I was awakened because that same evil is now also awake and active, which means the princess, wherever she is, is in constant danger." Artemis continued to explain.

"This ultimately means as a guardian scout you must fight the monsters being sent out by the great evil in order to protect their victims and potential victims because one of them could be the princess. And even once she is found you must continue to do so because this is now her home planet and it must be kept safe." He concluded.

The young woman nodded slowly as she went over what he had just explained. It did answer the questions she had and some she hadn't had the information to even ask about. But in terms of her original question she understood that Artemis didn't have all of his memories of the past yet. He knew the Moon Princess only had five guardian scouts, but from his mention of the other planets having civilizations and kingdoms it could be assumed that those planets had scouts as well.

"Did the Earth have a scout as well?" She asked curiously.

"No." Artemis answered promptly. "I remember that much. Although, I believe I never learned why that planet alone had no scout."

The young woman nodded and considered all she had just learned. This cat was telling her she was a sailor scout, a reincarnated guardian scout to a princess that was also reincarnated from the Moon. She had apparently spent her past life protecting the princess, and highly likely dying from the 'great evil', and was being told she needed to do it again.

It's an interesting story, a fantastic one, but one I'm not sure I believe. She thought as she gazed at the white feline looking back at her. But then he's a talking cat, so perhaps there's some truth to it.

"Do you have any proof of what you're saying?" She asked him.

"Indeed I do. One moment please." Artemis said before he stood up.

She watched him jump up high and curve into a backflip over her bed before a brief flash of light flared, and he and an object landed soundlessly on her bed.

"This is your transformation pen." He said as he lightly placed a paw on it. "All you have to say is 'venus power' and you will become Sailor Venus."

The young woman got up and walked over to her bed and reached for the pen. She hesitated before she went ahead and grasped the pen and returned to her seat. The pen was orange on the bottom half and gold on the top half with the planetary symbol for Venus engraved at the top inside a circle. It was nice looking, and heavier than it looked.

As she held the pen in her hand pride and reluctance began to swirl through her.

Why? She wondered as she gazed at the transformation pen. Well, I can take a guess. Maybe I liked being a scout but didn't like my duty or didn't like that it caused my death and I'm not sure I want to put myself in that position again.

"Do you know what the Moon Princess was like?" She asked thoughtfully without looking away from the pen.

"My counterpart, whose name is Luna, says she was soft spoken, kind, and shy, but had no problem interacting with other royals, dignitaries, ambassadors, and the like." Artemis answered. "She sounds perfect doesn't she?"

"You don't think so?" She asked as she looked to him.

"I don't remember yet, but no one is perfect. She was a royal and an only child. I wouldn't be surprised if she was spoiled, selfish, and arrogant." He said seriously.

"You said you have a counterpart; what were your roles in in the past?" She asked, buying herself more time to decide.

"Luna and I were advisors to the Queen of the Moon." Artemis answered. "Now we will be advisors to the princess once she is found, and guides to the Guardian Scouts."

"And this silver crystal? Is it with the princess? Or are the Guardian Scouts going to have to find it on top of finding the princess, protecting her, fighting monsters, and dealing with the 'great evil' that ruined everything in the past?" She asked.

"I do not know." Artemis admitted. "I hope they are together, but if not then perhaps one will lead to the other."

The young woman nodded and looked to the orange and gold transformation pen again.

"Can I assume that since the Guardian Scouts are to protect the Moon Princess, because she will be guarding and wielding the silver crystal, that this will be a lifetime appointment?" She asked warily.

"Yes. You assume correctly." He said as he eyes her cautiously. She was hesitating, and he worried she wouldn't accept the position.

"You appear to be unsure of accepting this position." He said carefully. "It is a lifetime obligation. You are Sailor Venus. I identified you by the symbol of Venus glowing on your forehead. However, would it help your decision if you met your fellow scouts and spoke to them?" He asked.

"Yes. It might." She said as she nodded. Maybe if I like those girls I'll be willing to become a scout. Or rather a guardian scout since being a guardian to an unknown princess appears to be my problem. She thought.

"Very well. Then I have one more item for you." Artemis said before he once again jumped up high into the air and back flipped. Light flashed and he landed back on the bed with a pink calculator looking object in front of him.

"This will be your communicator. Right now we can use it to contact the others and set up a meeting." He explained.

The young woman got to her feet and stepped toward the bed and looked at the communicator. It had dark pink buttons with the symbol for a planet of each scout in what she assumed was their particular color on them, and a single dark gray button with a tiny round screen off at the top left side.

"Don't worry. I'll do the talking. We'll get the meeting started as soon as possible." He said kindly.

"Okay." The young woman said before she retreated back to her chair and once again looked at the gold and orange pen.

"By the way, what is your name?" Artemis asked, and stopped himself before pressing the contact all button.

"Mina. Mina Aino." The young woman answered.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mina." He said, and looked down as he pressed the gray button.

oOoIRoOo

Serena got off the bus and walked down the sidewalk on her way to meet her friend Keiko Yukimura. As she walked pass a shop window she looked at her reflection and took in her outfit for the day. She had chosen a pair of blue jeans, a white turtleneck long sleeve shirt, a light brown cardigan sweater that stretched down to her knees, and a pair of brown ankle boots.

As she adjusted the long strap of her brown purse on her shoulder she noted that her hair was styled the same as always, and she wondered why she hadn't changed it. She had thought about it before and while she was getting dressed, but after she finished brushing out the long length she found herself halfway done putting it back up in the exact same style as before.

Part of her found it irritating and confusing, but a majority of the time she didn't bother to think about the hair style she habitually used. As long as she could style it the way he wanted it for her dates with Darien without much effort she didn't give it much thought.

As she approached the end of the block she spotted her friend standing in front of the casual restaurant they had agreed to have lunch at. She was wearing a light blue blouse with a gray sweater over it, a light grass green skirt that flowed down just above her knees, and white tennis shoes, and her long brown hair was weaved into a braid that hung over her shoulder and down her chest.

"Hey girl!" She said once she was close enough as she waved.

"Serena." Keiko said softly in greeting before she hugged her friend as she reached her.

"No Yusuke I see." Serena said as she pulled back.

"Unfortunately I couldn't get him to come." Keiko said with a sigh as they entered the restaurant.

"If this keeps up we're going to have to force him to go on a double date." Serena said.

"Do you really think he would go for that?" Keiko said after they were seated at their table.

"No way. That's why we would have to force him." Serena said in amusement. "I've already been on one with Kagome and her boyfriend."

"Really? What's he like?" Keiko asked.

"He's nice and quiet. I like him; even my boyfriend likes him. He's tall and has long moonlight colored hair and gold eyes. His skin is a bit pale, but it all looks good on him." Serena said as she nodded.

"Is that his real hair and eye color?" Keiko asked curiously.

"Yup. It's all natural. No hair dye or contacts." She answered. "According to Kagome he's smart too. That's how they connected; having an intellectual conversation. He and my boyfriend go to the same university."

"Maybe I should find myself a college guy." Keiko said with a sigh.

"Are you not happy with Yusuke?" Serena asked in concern.

"It's not that. It's just maybe the threat of finding a better guy will get him to come with me when I ask him to come meet up with a friend of mine." Keiko said.

"Do you think that would work?" Serena asked curiously.

"I don't know." Keiko said with a sigh.

Just then their waiter came with their menus and took their orders for their drinks before he left. They spent the next few minutes looking at the options and talking about what looked good. A few more minutes later the waiter returned and took their food orders before once again leaving.

"Enough of Yusuke! I'll knock some sense into him soon enough." Keiko said. "How's Darien been? How're things between you two?"

"He's good, and we've been great." Serena answered with a smile. "I can't get enough of how much of a gentleman he is. Holding doors open for me, standing when I stand, pulling out my chair for me, and always bringing me flowers. And our dates are always fun and interesting. You know, he plans on taking me horseback riding soon. I can't wait for that!"

"Can you ride?" Keiko asked as she raised an eyebrow.

"Nope!" Serena answered. "But he assures me I can learn." She added with a grin, and her friend laughed. "I'm just hoping to have fun with it and not get hurt too badly." She said.

"I'm sure you'll have fun regardless of what happens." Keiko said, and Serena smiled.

After that the two shifted into talking about the latest movies that had been released, and which ones they had and hadn't seen. This discussion lasted until their food came, and then they spent a few minutes enjoying the first bites of their food before they began to talk about their other friends.

As they ate they talked about how their friends were doing, if they had made any new friends, if they liked those friends or not, and if they thought those friendships would be lasting.

That conversation was a bit difficult for Serena to get through. She had made two new friends, if she wanted to label Amy and Raye as friends, which she didn't, and she didn't like them all that much but considering they were sailor scouts she didn't think she would be able to get away from them.

She would just have to continue doing what she was currently doing, which was to keep them at a distance outside of being scouts. It was easy with Raye because she went to a different school, so it didn't take any effort at all. With Amy one would think it was harder with them attending the same school but it wasn't. She barely saw her and when she did she pretended like she didn't and made sure not to make eye contact. It helped that Amy herself didn't seem interested in trying to be friends; either that or the girl was shy and waiting on her to essentially start their friendship.

She's going to be waiting forever as far as I'm concerned. She had better buddy up with Raye if she's looking to make friends within our scout group. Serena thought with a mental shrug before she switched the conversation away from friends and to school.

They talked about their classes, the subjects they liked and the subjects they would be glad to leave behind when they graduated, and what grades they had been getting recently.

"I know they're going to start us on end of year projects and papers soon." Serena said. "They've been talking about it for months, and having us looking at different topics and research material."

"Ah, they've already started us on that at my school. I've already got two long essays to do, and I think a third one is coming." Keiko said with a commiserating smile. "Have you already thought about what you're going to do after graduation?" She asked before she finished the last of her food.

"Yup." Serena said as she nodded. "I'm going to continue on to a university. I'm pretty sure I'm decided on K.O. University since I've just finished researching the school."

"Me too." Keiko said. "I've already applied to two schools. Dai-ichi Sakuragi University and S.N. University. Dai-ichi Sakuragi University is my first choice, and S.N. University is my second choice; pretty much my back up plan. They're both in Japan, but my first choice is out of the state. My second choice is here in the city."

"My choice is in the city." Serena said before she took a sip of what was left of her drink and then sighed. "I'm hoping you get your first choice since it's what you want, but I'm also hoping your second choice is the one that accepts you since I would miss you if you were gone."

"I can understand that. They're both good schools, so I wouldn't mind going to either one of them, but my first choice is just a bit better." Keiko said.

"And you want the best, so you can learn to the best of your ability." Serena said with a smile; that nearly slipped when she heard her communicator going off in her purse.

"Exactly." Keiko replied, thankfully not hearing the sound coming from her friend's purse. "I want the professors to be up to the standards reported for the money it's going to cost."

"I can definitely understand that." Serena commented. Her standards weren't as high as her friends, but she wanted the school she went to to be worth the money being paid to them too.

"I'll be right back. I'm going to head to the bathroom really quick." She said as she grabbed her purse.

She watched Keiko nod before she stood up and hurried to the bathroom. Once there she made sure she was alone since there were two stalls, and when she was sure she pulled out her communicator. She hummed lightly as she saw the gray button flashing.

"Serena here." She said calmly after she pressed the button; already trying to come up with an excuse to tell her friend.

"Amy here." She heard a moment later.

"This is Artemis. I've found the scout of Venus. We need to have a meeting right now so you all can meet." He said.

"Where do you want to have the meeting?" She asked, relaxing now that she knew she didn't need to rush to a fight.

"We can have it at my place. You all know there's plenty of room here." Raye's voice came through.

"That's fine with me." Serena said; idly wondering what the new scout looked like, and if she would be keeping her distance from her as well.

"Same here." Amy said.

"Then we'll see you all soon at Raye's place. Artemis out." He said.

Serena pressed the gray button, ending the connection without a word, and sighed as she dropped the communicator back into her purse. She had hoped to spend more time with Keiko; window shopping or something. She didn't usually just eat and leave when she made plans to meet up with her friends. They had only planned the lunch when they spoke, but still!

Maybe I can just end our meeting with lunch as if it was what I had planned all along. She wondered with a frown as she put her hand on her forehead. Ugh! This is nearly as bad as when I had to run out on my first date with Darien!

She huffed and turned around and opened the door to the bathroom and walked out. Not at all liking that she was basically ditching her friend even if Keiko didn't know it.

Thankfully Keiko was fine with them simply having lunch together, and after paying for their meal they parted easily and went their separate ways.

As she made her way to Raye's temple home she couldn't help wondering irritatingly why they had to have a meeting just because Sailor Venus had been found. What was the point?! She would get to know them soon enough.

Serena huffed and then took a deep calming breath before she let it out slowly as she stopped at a red light.

Okay, so maybe I'm just a bit upset at having my plans interrupted. She thought as she calmed herself. I can understand the need for a meeting. We had one with Raye after the fight when she had been awakened, and Luna and I basically had one over the communicator with Amy after she was awakened.

Plus, I imagine this will avoid being caught by surprise if the new scout just randomly showed up to a fight or answered a call on the communicator. She thought as she continued across the street when the light changed.

It took nearly twenty minutes of power walking and a quick bus ride before she made it to the Cherry Hill Temple. She jogged up the long stairs and greeted Raye's grandfather cheerfully before she headed inside the house. She walked the hallways and made her way to the same room they had used the few times they had met there and opened the door.

She immediately saw that she was the last one there; even Luna was already there, and she knew she had left her at home!

---

Serena stepped inside the room and closed the door before walking over to the large floor desk where everyone was seated. She sat next to the unfamiliar blond girl with Amy and Raye on the other side of the table, and Artemis and Luna sitting on the side end of the table together.

She smiled in greeting at the new girl and then blinked as a scene began to play through her mind.

oOo

Sailor Earth and Sailor Venus sat on the white and gold decorated couch in her sitting room in the Earth Palace visiting together.

She could tell that Venus was impressed by the elegance of the room with its white walls with tasteful deep blue decorations swirling along them, and the white and gold furniture, and how the gold popped and sparkled when the sunlight shined on it.

Likely more colorful than the Moon Palace. She thought idly

"So Mercury, Jupiter, and Mars now know of your upcoming wedding." Sailor Venus said. "All of us as well as the Queen are making sure Selene does not learn of it until it is too late, so she cannot interfere or attempt to disrupt the proceedings."

"I very much appreciate that." Sailor Earth said as she sighed in relief. "I will be sure to let Endymion know; he will appreciate it as well."

"How is the wedding planning going?" Venus asked curiously.

"Oh it is going very well." Sailor Earth answered with a smile. "The decorations are set, the menu has been finalized, and the guest list has long since been completed. Would you like to see what we have managed of all of it? At least what is still available to be seen?"

"Definitely." Venus answered with a grin.

"The invitations have already been sent out, however, I have an extra you can see." Sailor Earth said as she stood and walked over to her desk. She began to go through the numerous papers scattered all over the surface in chaotic yet neat piles.

"Ah! Here we are." She said as she handed it to her friend. "I would show you the design of my dress, however, absolutely no one is to see it before the wedding. Only myself and the one who helped me design it."

"What of the one who will make it?" Venus asked as she looked up from the beautiful invitation.

"The designer and maker are one in the same, and she has been sworn to secrecy." Sailor Earth said seriously even as she smiled. "I wish Endymion to be completely surprised when the day arrives."

oOo

She looked away like nothing happened when she saw the girl smile in return, but her mind was on the little memory she had just recalled.

This was the first time she had seen a memory of her past self as Sailor Earth speaking to or even seeing another scout. She couldn't help being surprised by that. Both of her past selves knew the Earth Prince, knew the Moon Princess, and now she was learning that they both knew Sailor Venus. There was no doubt there because as Sailor Moon they were fellow guardian scouts to the princess.

I don't know how I met her as Sailor Earth, but we must have been good friends to hang out in my private room and for me to speak to her of my wedding plans. She thought as she glanced over to the blond.

What does this mean for my theories about my past selves and how that happened? She wondered because everyone was looking the same and having the same names and was aware of the existence of both of her past lives.

Maybe...maybe my past selves were twins. She considered. Maybe we were separated at birth, one to live on the Earth and one to live on the Moon, and that's how I was both scouts in the past. Could it be that now in the present time both souls have come together in me?

Serena didn't know but it would explain why she was remembering both at the same time, and why in the memory her past self as Sailor Moon wasn't mentioned knowing about the wedding. Maybe they didn't know what the other looked like, and everyone around them wanted to keep any bad shocks from happening on the wedding day so Sailor Moon wasn't told.

"Now that we're all here" Artemis began, pulling Serena out of her thoughts. "we can get this meeting started. I informed you all that I had found the scout of Venus and here she is. This is Mina Aino."

Everyone waved and greeted her, but before anything else could be done Artemis continued speaking.

"However, she wished to meet you all before even considering accepting her role as a guardian scout." He added.

"I'm sure you're all wondering why I didn't immediately accept being a scout, and it's just because I'm not sure I want to be one." Mina said, speaking up for the first time since she got there.

"Why are you unsure about being a scout?" Luna asked in concern, and everyone listened to hear what she would say.

"Well, first, as soon as I held the transformation pen in my hand I felt pride and reluctance. Nothing else; just those two emotions." Mina answered. "Second, I'm not exactly comfortable pretty much signing my life away for a reincarnated princess I've never met. What if I don't like the princess? I would be stuck protecting her for the rest of my life with no way out!"

Serena nodded along with Mina's words in complete agreement and understanding. She'd felt absolutely nothing when she held her brooch for the first time, and nothing Luna said had convinced her to be a scout except the phrase 'sworn duty as a sailor scout'; and that was with her ignoring everything else. She'd basically accepted being a scout on the instinct those words engendered.

Hmm...I'll speak to her privately before she decides. She thought as she looked away from Mina and glanced around to the others.

Amy looked to Raye and then to Serena before hesitantly speaking.

"I actually didn't feel anything when I first held my transformation pen for the first time, but after I transformed I felt shocked and amazed and fascinated by everything Luna was telling me. I couldn't get enough of it." She said with a shrug.

"I was awakened when a monster was attacking here on the temple grounds. Luna approached me while Serena and Amy we fighting it, and told me I could help them because I was a scout like them." Raye said.

"There wasn't time to get my questions answered if I wanted to help, so I figured I would get proof and get my answers later. When I held my transformation pen it felt fight, and I knew then that I had made the right decision." She explained, and then all the girls looked to Serena curiously.

"I felt nothing when I held my brooch for the first time, and after I transformed I didn't have time to feel anything or react beyond realizing what Luna said was true and that I was suddenly dressed differently because a monster attack happened." Serena said calmly.

Mina nodded and sighed. It was interesting that they all had different reactions, but it still didn't help her. She was still hesitant to commit to the role of sailor scout; even if she was the only Sailor Venus to choose. She supposed if she didn't agree to be a scout they would try to convince her or the reincarnated princess' guardians would have to remain incomplete.

"Is there anything we can do or say to help you decide?" Luna asked a little urgently.

"I don't know." Mina said with a sigh. She couldn't even decide if she would like any of these girls to the point of friendship, and if that would be reason enough to commit to this scout business.

"How about taking a walk with me Mina?" Serena asked suddenly. "I'll tell you about some of the fights I've been in with the monsters and you can see if that will help you decide."

"Why not?" Mina said with a shrug, and they both got to their feet.

They left the room and the house altogether, and Serena angled their path around the house and back toward the trees leading into the woods.

"So, I just said that so they wouldn't ask any questions about why I wanted to speak to you privately." Serena said as they entered the woods. "Although, if you really want to hear about the fights I can tell you."

"Why did you want to talk privately?" Mina asked, not particularly interested in hearing about monster fights.

"To tell you that I completely understand your indecision." She said as they walked side by side. "I meant what I said back there. I felt nothing when I first held my brooch, and that feeling hasn't changed in the months since I became a scout."

Serena pulled her brooch from her purse and held it out to her companion.

"Here. Tell me how it feels." She said, and the uncertain blond took it.

"It feels heavy, but it's beautiful." Mina said as she looked at the detail; idly wondering why she had a brooch when the rest of them it seemed had pens.

"That's what I thought. It was a heavy nice looking piece of jewelry, but it made me feel absolutely nothing." Serena said as she accepted the brooch back. "Not only that but Luna's whole information speech didn't help at all."

"I'm sure you got the same thing from Artemis. The whole you're a scout, this is what it is, you're one of the chosen five, everyone's been reincarnated after dying off by some evil, now you need to look after a princess again because she can use a fancy silver crystal and is going to be in danger from the previously mentioned evil." She continued, and her companion laughed and nodded.

"That's exactly what I got." Mina said in amusement.

"Yeah. It did nothing for me. It was an interesting tale she wove, and I asked a lot of questions since I wanted to know what I would be getting myself into. Although, the whole 'signing my life away for a reincarnated princess I haven't met' is one I honestly hadn't thought of." Serena said as she put her brooch away.

"What ultimately made me agree to be a scout was actually a phrase Luna said in her speech. I ignored all the context surrounding it and focused on those few words because they resonated with me." She said.

"What was it?" Mina asked intently. This sounded better than what the others said. One simply agreed because she liked what she heard and was only more fascinated after transforming and seeing that it was real. The other wanted to help fight a monster, and didn't bother asking many questions before essentially making her rash decision permanent.

I know this is real. Two talking cats, a transformation pen from a flash of light, and three girls talking about everything proves that. What I need is more of a reason to commit to this life over my reluctance. She told herself.

"She said 'sworn duty as a sailor scout'. The brooch made me feel nothing, her information was only interesting, but that phrase felt right. I don't know what that means, if my duty as a sailor scout is different than what I've been told it is as a guardian scout, but I believe my instincts guided me to accept being a scout." Serena said as she stopped walking and looked to Mina.

"I've been told by someone, I'm rapidly coming to see as a friend, to follow my instincts. I have them for a reason, and they were certain those instincts would guide me true." She informed her. "I have taken those words to heart, so I am repeating them to you. Follow your instincts. You have them for a reason. I am certain they will guide you true."

"You said you felt pride and reluctance. Ignore the reluctance and focus on the pride." She said seriously. "You must have been happy as a scout in the past, and it is only circumstances that cause the reluctance now."

"You know, acceptance of being a scout comes with remembering the past. At least I have started to. I don't know if the others have. I haven't asked, because I don't care." Serena said.

"The point is, you may start to remember that long ago life as Sailor Venus, and you'll get the answers as to why you felt both pride and reluctance at even the hint of entering that life again." She continued seriously.

"I don't know if you'll like the reincarnated princess. Hell, I don't know if I'll even like her. With some of the memories I've remembered that involve her I don't think I will if she has the same attitude and personality she had in the past." She said before she paused and looked off into the trees as if searching for the words to continue.

"I don't...know why I seem to be trying to get you to become a scout." Serena said slowly as she looked back to Mina. "Nobody tried to force me, but I think...no, I know that I am speaking from instinct." She continued as she looked into her eyes.

"We both know that being a scout is for a lifetime, and that our duty is to guard and protect the Moon Princess. However, this is not the past. This is the present, and circumstances can change. So focus on that pride, become Sailor Venus again, and just maybe circumstances will change." Serena said with quiet passion.

Mina took in a slow deep breath and released it just as slowly as she looked into this girl's eyes. This is it. This is what she had been looking for. This was real, this was raw, this was honest, and it was intense!

And I don't even know her name yet! She thought in amazement. But I understand everything she said.

And she truly did. She even got the unspoken context at the end. Focus on her pride and become a scout again: take her place, resume her duty. Maybe circumstances will change: maybe she would not always be guardian to a princess, and could once again take pride in her duty.

Mina watched the girl continue to look in her eyes, and then raise an eyebrow in silent question.

"Yes." Mina said as she nodded, and watched the girl blink. Suddenly that intense focus was gone as if it had never been there, but a gentle welcoming smile replaced it.

"Excellent. Welcome to the team Mina Aino." Serena said as she held out her hand. "Serena Tsukino, scout of the Moon, welcomes you."

"Thank you." Mina said with a smile as she grasped her hand and shook it.

"So would you like to transform for the first time out here without an audience or back inside with the others?" Serena asked.

"Might as well do it back with the others, so there's no question about my decision." Mina replied.

"Alright." Serena said with a slight shrug and they began to head back. "So how old are you? What school do you go to?"

"Oh! I'm seventeen, and I go to Juuban Municipal High School." Mina answered readily.

"So do I!" Serena said in surprise. "How did we not see each other?!"

"Maybe we did." Mina said in thoughtful surprise. "Maybe it's as simple as having different classes and hanging around with different people."

"Yeah. Did you know Amy goes to our school too?" Serena asked as they walked.

"Which one is she?" She asked with a light frown.

"The one with short blue hair." Serena answered.

"Really? No I don't remember seeing her." Mina said. "Does the other one go to our school too?"

"No. She doesn't." Serena answered with a light laugh. "Her name is Raye, and she goes to a private all-girls school."

"Okay. So it's just the three of us at the same school." Mina said.

"Yup. Unless the unknown Sailor Jupiter happens to go there, and we just don't know it yet." Serena commented.

"Wouldn't that be ironic?" Mina said as she rolled her eyes.

"No what would be ironic is if that reincarnated princess goes there." Serena said with a huff. "All that searching we'll probably be doing, and then bam! There she is right underneath our noses. Someone we've walked by every day without even knowing it."

Mina groaned. "Let's hope that doesn't actually happen." She said, shaking her head at the thought.

She had agreed to be a scout, but she wasn't looking forward to guarding and protecting the princess. She'd never met the girl, didn't know her from anyone, but she already felt she wouldn't like her. She thought because she was a princess she was likely to be just as Artemis had said; selfish and arrogant. She definitely didn't want to spend her last year at high school with someone like that.

"So do you guy's hangout a lot?" She asked, moving the subject away from the unknown princess.

"Not really." Serena answered as they walked along the side of the house. "We usually only see each other for meetings like today, monster fights, and when Luna doesn't think we're spending enough time together." She explained as she rolled her eyes. "I occasionally see Amy at school, but we don't hang out together."

Mina hummed as they entered the house, but didn't say anything more about that. She got the sense that not hanging out with Amy was deliberate on her part, and Raye going to a different school was likely a convenient excuse.

The whole not asking the others if they remember any of the past because she didn't care kind of makes me think she's not interested in becoming close friends with them. Either that or she made the effort and they didn't so she didn't bother after that. She thought as they made their way through the house. Or she remembered things about them and decided she wasn't going to bother making the attempt because they would become issues once everyone remembered.

Mina didn't know but she decided she was going to make the effort because she liked Serena, and she thought the feeling was mutual judging by the intense speech to get her to become a scout that had apparently come straight from her instincts.

They entered the room and watched as everyone looked up at their entrance with expressions of curiosity or concern. Mina closed the door behind them as Serena walked back to the table and resumed her previous seat.

Mina, instead of returning to her seat or saying anything, decided to go with the direct approach. She pulled out her transformation pen before she looked at it briefly and held it up slightly.

"Venus Power!" She said firmly, and squinted her eyes as bright orange light came flaring out of the top of the pen and swirled around her before surrounding her completely. When it cleared she looked down at herself and saw that she was now wearing a sailor uniform.

She wore a white bodysuit with white shoulder pads, an orange collar with a white stripe on it, and an orange miniskirt. On her chest was a navy blue bow and on her lower back was a yellow bow, white gloves stretched up her forearms and stopped below her elbows with orange borders, and orange slight heel shoes with ankle straps sat on her feet.

That was all Mina could see, but she could feel something around her neck and on her forehead.

"Lookin' good Venus." Serena said with a grin. "In case you're wondering you have an orange choker around your neck, a gold tiara with an orange gem on your forehead, orange stud earrings, and the ribbon in your hair hasn't changed."

"Thanks." Mina said. "I like my ribbon bow. I'm glad it didn't change."

She twisted in a small circle and then flashed them a peace sign before she decided she didn't want to be transformed anymore and was suddenly surrounded in orange light once again. When it cleared she was back in her regular clothes and holding her transformation pen. She pocketed her pen and took the few steps toward the table and sat in her place next to Serena.

"Welcome Mina. I'm glad you decided to be a scout again." Artemis said in happy relief.

That seemed to break the silence that had held them and Luna, Raye, and Amy congratulated her and welcomed her. Then they all took turns updating her on what they knew about the enemy they were dealing with so far, and answering any new questions she had.

"Does anyone have any more questions or observations that need to be made?" Luna asked, and everyone shook their head. "Then I think it is time to introduce something that may help in the search for the princess now that all but one of you has been awakened." She said.

She stood up and jumped into the air and curved into a backflip. A flash of light flared in the middle of her flip and when it cleared a slightly long object began to fall out of the air. Luna landed back on the table and then quickly caught the object in her mouth before it could hit the table and began to walk over to Serena.

"This is the Crescent Moon Wand." She announced once Serena had grasped hold of it. "Only a descendant of the Moon can use it."

"Ah." Artemis hummed as he remembered the item, and knew where Luna was going with this.

Serena looked at the wand as she held it within her hands. It was a bright pink colored stick with a gold base and a large gold crescent moon at the top. On the stick just beneath the large crescent was a decoration imbedded into it of three tiny gems clustered together, red, orange, and green seated within a small gold crescent moon.

"What does it do?" She asked as Luna made it back to her seat.

"It can locate rainbow crystals." Luna answered. "It will alert whenever it is near one."

"I remember the Queen informing us that when necessary the silver crystal would split itself into pieces, so it wouldn't be easy to find." Artemis informed them before anyone could ask what a rainbow crystal was.

"Yes. If the silver crystal has split itself then finding the rainbow crystals and putting it back together could help to find the princess." Luna said seriously.

Everyone nodded and Serena sighed lightly. She knew she was going to have to carry the wand around everywhere for it to be effective in locating any rainbow crystals.

"I have one more thing I think we should speak of before this meeting is finished. Something Mina should be informed of before the next encounter with a monster." Luna said, and everyone looked at her curiously.

"There's a masked man that appears at every fight. He calls himself Tuxedo Mask, and he shows up and helps the scouts fight the monsters." Luna told Mina. "We have no idea who he is, where he comes from, or what his motives are. He is not to be trusted." She added, and everyone but Serena nodded in agreement.

"Yes. He could be a possible threat to the princess." Amy said.

"He's helped us every time without asking for anything, but that could be because he's trying to lure us into a false sense of security." Raye said. "He could be part of the enemy we're fighting or another one altogether."

Mina nodded her understanding, but said nothing since she didn't have an opinion yet. Although, she noted that Serena had not commented or nodded in agreement.

Serena for her part was quietly surprised at this information. She knew Luna was questioning Tuxedo Mask's motives, but she hadn't thought that everyone agreed with her and had labeled him as untrustworthy; and worse, a possible enemy.

This didn't surprise her coming from Luna since she wasn't at the fights to see, and neither was Artemis, but Amy and Raye had seen him. They had witnessed his help. How could they think he was a possible enemy and threat to the princess? Was this just because he didn't speak to them? Or because he left after the fight was over instead of lingering around? Was it because he didn't offer up information?

They didn't do any of those things either, and he obviously didn't see them as a threat or an enemy. Clearly he was still showing up to help.

Of course she had never clarified to Luna that he had only said he was there to help her and not all the scouts in general. He did help with the monsters every time, but she also didn't point out that any help outside of simply attacking the monster or those men sending them was for her alone.

He had no problem talking to her, or lingering around after a fight when it was just her fighting, and he was full of advice, wisdom, and encouragement to her.

Serena just couldn't and didn't believe he was an enemy or untrustworthy, but she kept her silence on the subject instead of disagreeing and causing an argument.

oOoIRoOo

Late that night, when the time had already shifted into early Sunday morning, Sailor Moon was out on another of her patrols running through the streets and jumping along rooftops. She didn't have the Crescent Moon Wand she had been given earlier in the day; had actually forgotten it and hadn't thought about it until she was well away from her house.

That was alright though. She wasn't really interested in splitting her patrolling time searching for rainbow crystals. Her patrolling was about the safety of the people; not finding the pieces of a silver crystal regardless of the possibility of it leading to the princess she was supposed to find and protect.

She simply went on running and soon found herself running through what looked like a community park for the area before continuing on to the other side and making her way to the rooftop of the closest building.

She sprinted across rooftops, avoiding air conditioning units, and leapt to new roofs as she stretched her senses out for any trace of dark energy.

Sailor Moon paused on a rooftop when she had yet to sense anything and calmly walked to the edge. It was a breezy night, making her hair sway and her skirt flutter, but she didn't worry about it upsetting her balance.

She looked around for the sight of anything unusual and was soon gazing across the street at the windows of a large building. After long minutes of looking she finally realized it was a hospital.

Her eyes stopped on one window and saw a child looking out. It was late but she knew they must have their reasons for being awake considering where they were. They appeared to be looking in her direction so she waved, and watched them perk up and wave back. She smiled and laughed softly before taking off running again to give them something to look at.

She knew if she had been their age and saw a mysterious woman running and jumping on rooftops she would have thought it was a superhero cartoon come to life right before her eyes.

As she leapt to another rooftop and continued running she couldn't help thinking about how much she liked this aspect of being a scout. Being able to run faster than normal people and jump high not to mention being so strong.

She would never have to worry about being unable to protect herself from the unwanted advances of a guy or from being attacked by unsavory men.

I could do without the whole fighting monsters, and honestly even the memories, but there's nothing I can do about that. She admitted to herself. I even like that the job comes with having Tuxedo Mask as a companion. He's always there at every fight and most of the time when I'm patrolling.

Speaking of the masked man she had named she still couldn't believe the others thought he was a possible enemy and threat to the princess. He hadn't done a thing to suggest or even hint that he was.

He didn't do anything different than they did. He fought the monsters and men, and then went back to whatever he did in his life.

The only thing he knew about the princess was what she had told him, and that was only that she was supposed to protect the royal. He didn't have a name or a title to go on. He didn't even know if she was using the term to refer to the girl's attitude or the way she behaved.

And Mars and Mercury didn't even try to talk to him to ask him anything! So what if he looked mysterious and he was quiet, and his posture screamed to leave him alone. That had never stopped her. She'd scaled the inside of that jewelry store the first time he made an appearance to speak to him and hadn't had any problems since then.

Sailor Moon slowed to a stop on top of a roof of what she thought was a fast food restaurant judging by the glowing sign that peeked above the edge of the roof. She still didn't sense any dark energy, which was good since she didn't particularly feel like fighting anything tonight.

As she walked toward the sign, intending to look around for anything unusual or interesting, she saw Tuxedo Mask headed in her direction, so she stopped and waited for him.

"Thanks for waiting for me." Tuxedo Mask said as he reached her.

"No problem." She said with a smile before she continued to step toward the sign.

"Out patrolling again?" He asked even though he made it sound like a statement.

"Yup, and you?" Sailor Moon asked as she glanced to him.

"Out keeping you company." He replied honestly.

"Thank you." She said and watched him nod his head once. "You know I just found out today that Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars think of you as an enemy or a possible enemy, untrustworthy, and a possible threat to the princess we're supposed to protect." She told him with a sigh.

They are partially right. I am a threat to the princess. He thought quietly.

"Thank you for informing me, but I don't care what they think. As long as you know I am not an enemy that is all that matters to me." Tuxedo Mask said.

"I know you're not." She said firmly.

"Then do not bother trying to tell them otherwise. It would be a waste of energy, and you can use your energy elsewhere; especially since their opinions don't bother me." He stated, and she nodded.

"So, I recalled a memory today as well, and it's given me a new theory about the two past versions of me." Sailor Moon said.

"What was the memory?" He asked.

"It was me as Sailor Earth speaking to Sailor Venus. It was just a casual conversation, and she's one of the scouts I knew as Sailor Moon." She briefly explained.

"I understand, and your theory?" Tuxedo Mask asked.

"Well, I was thinking maybe I was twins in the past, and that's why I'm remembering both scouts' lives. We might have been separated at birth; one went to the Earth and one to the Moon to live. Maybe both souls came together to be reborn in my body in the present." She said as she looked to him, and then gasped as her eyes widened.

"Oh! It just occurred to me that if that's true then the prince was engaged to me as Sailor Earth and seeing me as Sailor Moon on the side." She said with a frown.

Tuxedo Mask found the theory itself interesting in its uniqueness, but was far from pleased at the conclusion she had just come to because of it. It brought his anger at the Moon Princess to the forefront of his mind at the continued confusion his soulmate was enduring because of her past manipulation.

"I do not think that theory explains why you are recalling two lives." He told her calmly. "It is interesting for sure, but from what you have told me of the memories the prince is more honorable than that."

"Do you really think so?" Sailor Moon asked hopefully. She didn't want to think her past selves were involved in such a love triangle. It was bad enough that the princess she was supposed to protect had feelings for him in both of her past lives.

"Yes. I think you should have more faith in the prince's character, and more importantly in your own character." He said firmly as he looked into her eyes. "I do not think you would allow yourself to associate with someone capable of that type of duplicity."

oOoIRoOo

Darien lay sitting up in his bed in the early Sunday afternoon light as he idly gazed around his bedroom. He had woken up not too long ago after getting to sleep when he returned from joining his soulmate in her patrolling.

He couldn't help thinking back once again to her latest theory about being twin sisters separated at birth in the past. It was a unique and interesting theory; amusing as well, but for her thought of the possibility of him having been seeing both 'sisters' at the same time.

Engaged to her as Sailor Earth, and trying to pursue her as Sailor Moon at the same time. He thought as he shook his head at the ridiculous thought.

He knew that she simply had to think about it a bit more, and she would be more confident that her theory was wrong. After all, he had brought her as the scout of the Moon to the Earth frequently and regularly, so if her thought of being two people had been true then she as Sailor Earth would have known what was happening.

As Sailor Moon she would have known or at least found out fairly soon about me being engaged to another woman; a scout no less. He thought. And she had to know there was nothing between me and the Moon Princess.

But that was part of the problem. She didn't know for sure. She had been seeing memories of her as two different scouts, seeing who appeared to be the same man, and the Moon Princess in both lives having feelings or affection for the same man. On top of that she was worried about what she had yet to remember. Would she see that the princess had indeed managed to have a relationship with the prince?

Ridiculous. He thought as he sighed heavily. However, I can see where she is coming from with her thoughts. She is simply trying to make sense of two sets of memories, and all with only having been told that she was the scout of the Moon in the past.

I believe my words to her last night were enough to distract her, but I want to be sure. Plus, I wish to spend the day with her; hopefully she does not have plans already. He thought as he finally got out of bed and began to head out of his room.

He knew she had been spending time with a friend yesterday, and he knew that she could easily be doing the same today, but if she was not then he had the perfect outing to take her on.

Darien walked through his quiet apartment and grabbed his phone before he sat on his couch. He dialed her number easily and waited as he listened to the line ring.

"Hello; Tsukino residence." Came the sound of a mature female voice he recognized as belonging to Mrs. Tsukino.

"Hello, this is Darien. Is Serena home?" He asked.

"Yes she is. Hold on a moment please." Mrs. Tsukino said.

"Alright." He said before the line went quiet.

"Darien. Hi." Came the sweet sound of his soulmate's voice.

"Hello my lady. How are you?" He asked as he looked out his balcony doors.

"I'm fine. What about you?" Serena asked.

"I am doing well." Darien answered. "I was wondering if you have plans for the day." He said.

"Nope. Just hanging out at home." She answered easily.

"In that case, I want to spend the day with you." He said and listened to her hum in clear pleasure. "I plan on taking you horseback riding, so please dress comfortably."

"I can't wait!" She nearly squealed. "When do you want to go?" She asked.

"How about I come pick you up in an hour and a half. That should give us both time to find something to wear and get ready." He said.

"Okay. I'll be ready by the time you get here." She assured him.

"Then I'll see you then my lady." He said.

"Okay. Bye." She said.

"Bye." Darien said before he ended the connection with a light sigh.

He got up a moment later and replaced the phone before he headed back to his room to take a shower and start to get ready.

---

Exactly an hour and a half later Darien was pulling up and parking along the curb outside his soulmate's house.

He turned off the engine before he focused on his chakra and summoned a single perfect red rose. It appeared instantly in his hand he smiled slightly at it before he got out of the car and began to make his way to the front door of the Tsukino house. Once he reached the door he rang the doorbell and calmly waited.

The door opened a few long moments later to the sight of his soulmate's father, and he could tell by the immediate disgruntled shift of his face that he was not at all happy to see him.

"Good afternoon Mr. Tsukino." Darien greeted politely. "I'm here to pick up Serena."

"Why?" Mr. Tsukino asked, sounding almost belligerent as he gripped the door handle he was still holding.

"For our date of course." Darien answered as calmly as ever.

"I'm here!" Serena called as she quickly hurried down the stairs and toward the two men. She looked to her dad's face as she stepped toward them and frowned lightly.

"Lay off dad." She said quietly, knowing what he was trying to do. She also knew it hadn't worked judging by the calm untroubled look on her boyfriend's face. "Hi." She said, turning her attention to him.

"Hello my lady." Darien greeted. "For you." He added as he handed her the rose he had made for her.

"Thank you." She said as she smiled and accepted the vibrant flower. "I'm going now dad; have a good day." She said to her dad as she stepped pass him and joined her boyfriend outside.

Darien smiled and put his hand on her lower back as he began to guide her away from the house and toward his car. As they walked he took in the outfit she had chosen. Dark blue fitted jeans, a matching turtleneck sweater shirt, and brown boots that went halfway up her calf. In addition to that she wore a brown suede hip bag that reached mid-thigh that he recognized from their indoor rock climbing date.

"You look beautiful." He said as they moved further and further from the door. He loved it when she wore earthy colors.

Serena blushed but smiled up at him in thanks.

"You're looking pretty handsome yourself." She said as she let her eyes shift over him now that they were away from her father.

He was wearing black jeans that were loose on his long legs, a black long sleeve shirt that was loose yet fitted enough to show off his broad shoulders, chest, and arms, and black tennis shoes.

He always looks good in dark clothes. She thought with a light sigh.

"Thank you." Darien said as they walked.

It was only a few moments more before they reached his car and came to a stop. He unlocked and opened the passenger side door, but placed a hand on Serena's hip stopping her before she could get in. He turned her toward him and before she could say anything he brought his lips to hers.

The kiss was soft and gentle at first, but he quickly deepened it causing her to wrap her slender arms around his neck; her rose still held between her fingers. His hands slid from her hips around to her lower back and pulled her against him as he felt her fingers in his hair. However, after a few long moments he pulled back and saw her slightly dazed eyes.

"What was that for?" Serena asked softly.

"Simply because I wanted to." Darien replied.

"Well, I can't wait for the next time you simply want to." She said with a smile.

Darien smirked and kissed her smiling lips briefly before he finally released her and allowed her to get into the car. Once she and all her hair were safely inside he closed the door and made his way around the car to the driver side door.

He glanced to the house as he opened the door, and spotted his soulmate's father looking out the window toward them. He was clearly more unhappy then he had been when they spoke at the front door, but Darien didn't care one bit. Clearly he didn't like his daughter dating, but that was his problem.

Nothing and no one will stop me from being with my Serenity. He thought firmly as he slipped into his seat and closed the door.

Serena smiled lightly at Darien as she watched him pull on his seatbelt and start the car at the same time. She glanced down at her own seatbelt, making sure it was fitted right to her, and in the process looked to her hip bag.

She'd chosen that bag instead of her purse because she needed her brooch and communicator with her, and she didn't want a purse to be bouncing against the horse as she was riding it.

She had figured out how to summon her communicator while transformed a while ago, but she didn't know how to do that with both her brooch and her communicator while she wasn't transformed.

And she honestly didn't want to try. That would involve leaving it somewhere and practicing the action. Not only did she not have the time for that type of practice, but she could just imagine leaving her brooch at home in her room and her mother seeing it disappear. That was the last thing she wanted.

So the only solution was to do as she had been and bring the items with her. She had even brought the wand even though she was slightly paranoid about Darien seeing it and asking about it. She had no explanation to give him. She couldn't even think of anything she could possibly pretend it could be used for beyond the purpose it actually had, and she obviously couldn't tell him that.

"Tell me, how was your day yesterday." Darien said as he pulled out into the street and began to drive away.

"It was good." Serena said as she looked over toward him. "I spent some of the afternoon with Keiko. Her boyfriend was supposed to be there but he didn't come, so we ate lunch and caught each other up on our lives since we last talked."

Darien nodded as he shifted lanes. She had mentioned her friend Keiko a while back, but he had yet to meet her. He was looking forward to that day so he could see if she was anything like Kagome and Molly in personality.

"We eventually talked about school and what we planned to do after we graduate." She added before she paused and looked at him again. "I told her I planned to continue my schooling and go to K.O. University."

"You have decided?!" He said in light excitement.

"Yes I have." Serena confirmed with a smile. "I just have to tell my parents and then apply."

"Do you anticipate any problems from them?" He asked.

"No." She said as she shook her head. "They haven't said anything to me about any schools they might want me to go to, and as far as I'm concerned it's too late now. I've made my decision and I'm happy with it."

"Well, I'm absolutely pleased that you've chosen my school. I can't wait until we're there together." He said happily.

He was already making plans to give her a tour of the campus, and the idea of her living with him, while already having been in the back of his mind, was becoming more pronounced. Especially if it turned out her parents did have a problem with her choice.

He actually thought it would be a problem when it came out that it was the same school he went to. He would need to start making plans for that highly possible eventuality.

"I can't wait either." She said with a smile. "Anyway, after we split up I met a girl that I think will be a good friend."

"What is her name?" Darien asked curiously; interested in this girl that could possibly become part of his Serenity's life. I wonder if she is a normal girl or if she is a newly awakened scout. He thought.

"Her name is Mina." Serena answered. "We're the same age, and we discovered that we actually go to the same school. We guessed that we didn't recognize each other because we hung out with different people and had a different class group."

"Well you two will certainly recognize each other now while you're at school." He said. If she is a newly awakened scout that would mean that she clearly likes her better than the other two since she actually mentioned her to me. He thought as he glanced to her before looking back to the road.

"True." She agreed. "But that was all that made my day good yesterday. I eventually went home and just relaxed after that."

"I'm glad you had a good time, and I hope today will be just as good." He said.

"I'm sure it will be better." She said with a smile.

Darien returned her smile before he shifted his eyes back out the windshield. He drove them through the streets and eventually took them onto the freeway. Serena watched the scenery go by as they gradually moved out of the city, and wondered exactly where they were going.

She wasn't sure if there was anywhere to ride a horse in the city, but if there was she imagined it wouldn't be very big so the riding wouldn't last long. Wherever it was she still couldn't wait. She couldn't wait to see the horses, the area they would be using, and finding out just how hard it was to learn how to ride let alone doing the actual riding.

As they moved along the road they sat in silence aside from the music they were listening to. Serena had turned on the radio and to a station that played the same type of music they had listened to on their first, and so far only, formal date. They occasionally talked a little about random things, but they mostly let the music fill the comfortable silence between them.

Eventually Darien exited the freeway and began to drive down a road, clearly knowing exactly where he was going, and a few minutes later he turned onto another road that seemed like it didn't have much traffic.

Serena looked around and saw that there were almost fields of grass and trees surrounded by a low white wooden fence on both sides of the road. As she smelled her rose, which she had kept in her hand delicately sniffing at it during the ride, she thought the area looked relaxing and likely smelled fresher than the city air.

He pulled off into a parking lot next to a somewhat large white single story building. She looked to the large sign that sat on the top of the building well above the door that read Akaibara Riding Club in large red letters.

Darien parked in one of the parking spots and they both got out of the car, Serena leaving her rose behind, and once the car was locked made their way to the building. He opened the glass door and held it open for her as she stepped inside before he joined her.

"Good afternoon. Welcome to the Akaibara Riding Club." The woman at the desk said in a pleasant tone.

"Good afternoon. I called earlier to make a reservation for riding lessons for two." Darien said.

"Name please?" She asked.

"Darien Shields." He answered calmly, and watched her type on the computer on the desk.

"Ah yes here you are." She said after a few long moments. "If you will follow me please I'll lead you two to your instructor."

Darien and Serena followed her as she led them back through a hallway and out what was obviously the backdoor to the building. Immediately they saw the large stables and next to it was a large round enclosure made of metal fencing with people and horses spread out already getting lessons inside.

They were led over to the gate in the fence, and instructed to wait and she would send their instructor to them then she walked off toward the stable. A few minutes later she came back out of the stables with a man wearing a round cream colored helmet.

While she headed back to the building he made his way toward them carrying two round helmets and leading two horses. One horse had a coat of white and black mixed with white hair, and the other was a reddish brown with black hair. Both horses were already saddled with them strapped around them instead just sitting on their backs.

"Hello you two. My name is Kevin, and I'll be your instructor and guide for the day." The man said as he reached them. "I want you to put these on, and make sure they are secured tightly so they're not loose." He added as he handed them each a helmet.

Serena and Darien took the helmet handed to them and put them on their heads. Serena frowned slightly before she did, thinking of her hair and if the helmet would fit, and was thankful when she found it did fit.

The man, Kevin, then lead them and the horses inside the enclosure and to an empty area before he handed the reins of each horse to them; Serena got the horse with the white and black coat, and Darien the one with the reddish brown coat.

He then stood between the two horses near their front legs, and began to point out and explain the bridle and reins and the saddle and stirrups.

As Serena listened she continued to hold the reins of her horse with one hand and gently stroked its neck with her other. She paid close attention to what the man was saying because she didn't want to get hurt and she wanted to start getting good at riding.

She blinked and shifted her eyes away from him and to the horse at her side. She looked into its dark brown eye as she continued to stroke its neck, and almost immediately a scene began to play through her mind.

oOo

Sailor Moon looked around as she walked with Prince Endymion through the royal stables off to the side and behind the palace. He had previously shown her his horse, and she had taken an immediate interest in the activity of riding and asked him all kinds of questions.

Thankfully he had not been put off by her rapid fire questions, and had simply laughed and suggested he teach her how to ride. She had eagerly agreed, and now here they were. He had brought her to a large open area and there were two saddled horses waiting inside the ringed area.

One was a sleek completely dark brown from head to hooves, and the other was a beautiful white with black stockings on the lower part of its legs.

"This guy here is my horse. I call him Lucius." Endymion said as they walked up to the fence railing where the horses were tied up, and lightly scratched the nose of the dark horse before he gestured to the white one.

"This girl here is gentle yet fierce and strong, and picky about who she will let ride her. I am absolutely positive that she will allow you to ride her. All you have to do is be confident." He added.

"I will do my best." Sailor Moon said as she nodded.

"Do not worry. I will teach you well enough that you will have no problem being confident." Endymion assured her.

Sailor Moon nodded again and he lead her inside the ringed area and over to the horses. He untied them and moved them away from the railing and toward the center of the enclosure before he focused on the white horse.

"Stroke her face and neck." Endymion said as he did the same. "Feel her; get to know her. Look into her eyes; they will tell you what she is feeling."

Sailor Moon did just that feeling her warm almost silky coat, and felt her steady calm breathing. Then she looked into the eye on the side she was standing on and found it already trained on her. It was a warm looking light brown, and to her surprise it showed patience and curiosity.

"I hope you will be patient with me. I have never ridden before." She said softly to the beautiful horse.

The horse simply blinked at her, and made a light neighing sound.

She smiled and turned her attention back to Endymion and listened as he began to explain each piece of equipment the horses wore. Then he demonstrated on his own horse and placed his foot in the foot support and swung his leg over the horse and straddled it with elegant ease. His back was straight, his head up, his face forward, and his hands firmly held the reins.

"Now you try." Endymion said as he looked toward her.

Sailor Moon nodded and looked back to the beautiful white horse before she moved around to her left side. She placed her left foot in the foot support and pulled herself up as she pushed off the ground, and swung her right leg over the saddle and lightly seated herself before she placed her right foot in the foot rest.

She moved and shifted the reins until she held them just as she had seen Endymion holding them before she looked over to him. He was smiling back at her and nodded in approval.

oOo

Unknown to Serena Darien too recalled the exact same memory as he listened to their instructor, and glanced over to see his soulmate appeared to be elsewhere within her mind.

He remembered wanting to teach her how to ride, even before she showed an interest, hoping it would loosen a memory or two. He recalled how he had searched through the horses in the royal stables, and managed to find the exact same horse she had ridden as Sailor Earth.

Thankfully the beautiful white horse with black stockings, whom his Serenity had named Agrippina, had not belonged to anyone so he made sure she was always available for her use from then on. That first lesson had gone very well and she had taken to riding as if she had been doing it all her life, which she technically had; she simply hadn't remembered because of the Moon Princess' selfish manipulations.

Now that they were here and starting these lessons he hoped the same thing happened again. He also hoped she recalled more memories during the lesson.

He himself certainly remembered how to ride, but he wanted to know if anything had changed in terms of the technique. He already knew that some names of certain equipment on the horse had changed, and he hoped that was all that had changed.

Darien once again glanced away from the instructor to his soulmate, and recalled how she had been a natural during that first lesson in the past, and the horse had been so patient, its behavior so calm, that he had wondered after that if the horse actually recognized her for who she really was.

Of course that would mean that animals at least had not been effected by the silver crystal's power. Perhaps they were protected by the simple fact that they were more in connection with the Earth than the people actually were. He considered as he shifted his eyes to the horse he had been assigned.

Well, it is food for thought and certainly something to keep in mind for when that selfish princess gets her hands on the silver crystal. He thought as he gently rubbed the horse's neck.

Serena blinked back to the present as she came out of the memory snippet she had just remembered. The prince had taught her how to ride a horse, but she had already known how to ride since she remembered back to the first memory she had dreamed of.

Ah, but that was as Sailor Earth and not as Sailor Moon. She told herself as she looked back into the horse's eye.

She did as she had been instructed in the past, and immediately saw curiosity and a bit of what she thought was boredom. She smiled at the horse as she stroked its nose.

"Please be patient with me, it's my first time riding, but I hope we can have fun together." She whispered, and watched in amazement as the horse's eye shun bright. Clearly it understood her.

"Alright! Do you both understand everything I just explained?" Kevin asked, and both of them nodded. "Then let's mount up." He said excitedly.

Serena automatically moved around to the left side of her horse, and adjust the reins so they weren't in the horse's face. She shifted her feet but stopped herself before she lifted her foot to the stirrup. She reminded herself that she needed to at least wait for the instructor to tell her what to do.

At least I'll be able to see if I can actually ride based on the memory alone; maybe even on instinct. She thought as she rubbed the horse's warm silky neck.

Both she and Darien listened as they were instructed on how to mount the horse, and it turned out to be exactly as she had just remembered. So she placed her left foot up in the stirrup and pushed off the ground and pulled herself up as she swung her right leg over the horse and slipped her foot in the other stirrup.

She shifted herself in the saddle and found it more comfortable than she had in the past, but back then she had been wearing a skirt so her legs had been a bit irritated. She adjusted the reins in her hands, automatically making sure they were loose so she wasn't putting any pressure on the horse's bridle, and sat with her back straight facing forward.

Darien looked over at his Serenity from his perch atop his horse, and smiled lightly to see her adjusting and settling herself as he had taught her in the past. He felt completely comfortable himself and found that he loved being on a horse again.

It would be even better if it was his personal horse, but his Lucius was long gone and even if he did go through the trouble of buying himself a horse and picking the best place to house it he wouldn't be able to ride it anywhere he pleased.

Unless he found himself some land to buy, but that in itself felt wrong to him. He was prince of this planet, she spoke to him and approved of him, and even the very thought of buying a piece of her felt wrong to him.

I should be able to do as I please and go anywhere I please. If I wish to ride down the middle of the street outside my apartment I should be able to do so. However, this is a different time and place, and unfortunately in this time there are laws against such things. He told himself as he looked to their instructor.

They both listened as he instructed them on basic riding, which was how to give the signals to the horse to get it to do what they wanted and go where they wanted, how they should move the horse, and the different methods of riding; from walking to jogging.

When asked Serena decided to go first in practicing what they had just been instructed on. She needed and wanted to see if she could do this from what she had remembered, because she honestly didn't remember every detail instructor Kevin had just explained to them.

Darien and the instructor watched as she took a deep breath and let it out slowly before she nervously began to guide her horse to walk forward. He nodded as she, despite her nervousness, was able to confidently direct the horse as the instructor called out directions for her to respond to.

She was a natural once again, so he knew her instincts on riding were coming through. That was great as far as he was concerned, but he still wished she could remember everything as he did.

Time. I simply need to wait. We are growing closer every day, and soon we will be close enough for me to complete our soul bond. Then I will only need to use my crystal to break the hold the silver crystal obviously still has on her. He told himself quietly as he watched her begin to direct her horse back toward them.

As Serena reached them she turned her horse and watched as Darien moved forward without even being instructed. He sat straight with his face forward and calm as he confidently guided his horse.

She liked how confident he was. He was confident in everything he did, but he wasn't arrogant about it. He didn't boast and wasn't loud about it. He also wasn't humble; shrugging everything off as unimportant or something that anyone could do. He was just confident and quiet about it, and with an attitude of poise and grace.

"Good, good. I want you to join him Serena." Kevin said as he looked to her.

Serena nodded and urged her horse forward. They walked along and eventually eased up beside Darien and continued alongside each other.

"He wanted me to join you." She said at his raised eyebrow. "He likely meant for me to just go around practicing, and not to literally join your side and move with you but I don't care. I want to walk with you."

"I certainly will not deny you. If you fill confident in your control of your horse then by all means do as you please." Darien said with a light smile, which she returned happily.

The couple walked their horses side by side and turned left and right as the situation called for, and turned around before they had the horses jog a bit around the enclosure. They had no trouble keeping up with each other and staying at each other's side as they moved around the enclosure.

Instructor Kevin suddenly joined them on a brown horse, and they slowed to a stop as he said he wanted to take them along a trail since they were doing very well for their first time. They nodded and the three of them walked their horses toward the gate, and one of the nearby instructors kindly opened it for them so they did not have to stop.

He led them along a path that moved along the side of the stables and around the back before it shifted into a trail that moved up a hill. The trail was wide, which allowed Serena and Darien to ride side by side, and there were wild flowers on both sides of the trail.

"Can we do this again?" Serena asked as she looked over to her boyfriend. "All we've done is learn the basics, but I really like this."

"Of course we can. Anytime you wish." Darien said as he looked over to her. "I'm enjoying this as well, and I want to do this again too."

"Alright! It's another date!" She said excitedly. "I don't know when though. How about you surprise me?" She said thoughtfully.

"Will do my lady." He said with a small smile; already knowing he wanted it to be a couple of weeks from now. It would be better if it was after she fully remembered herself, but he wasn't sure when that exactly would happen and he didn't want to wait months before they went riding again.

Serena smiled and looked forward as they walked along the trail. She couldn't wait for their next horse riding date. Maybe then they would be able to run the horses since she very much doubted their instructor would allow that for first time riders no matter how good they did.

Oh well. Next time maybe. She thought as she looked around at the area around them.

It was peaceful and the colors were bright. The combination of the steady walking pace and the peaceful area was calming, which unfortunately allowed her mind to wander. Her thoughts drifted back to last night and her talk with Tuxedo Mask.

He seemed to think she was wrong about her theory of having been twins in the past and that she and the prince had better characters than to engage in some weird love triangle. She supposed his words made sense. The prince seemed to really care for both versions of her; engaged to the Sailor Earth version of her, and courting the Sailor Moon version of her.

But if that theory is a no go that still leaves me with explaining how I could be two different scouts in the past and how people who look the same and have the same name are appearing in both lives. She thought with a light sigh.

Maybe it's just like he said before, and it's as simple as some power made it so I lived both lives in the same lifetime instead of one after the other. She told herself. But if that's the case which one came first?

She was actually starting to think that Sailor Earth might have come first since no one but her seemed to remember there being a Sailor Earth. At least Luna didn't remember, but then Luna didn't actually remember everything. She didn't remember what the princess looked like or what her name was nor did she remember what any of the scouts looked like.

Artemis too didn't remember there being a Sailor Earth from the slight subtle questioning she had done, so maybe if Tuxedo Mask was right and there was some power that had altered her past life then it might have also had the ability to change memories and that was why no one remembered.

But then if that's the case why am I the only one remembering? She wondered with a slight frown.

Darien looked over and saw that his soulmate was lost in thought and was starting to look worried. He didn't know what she was thinking, but he was not about to let it continue. He did not want her worried, so it was time to distract her.

He glanced to the instructor before he guided his horse closer to her; there was no need for the man to know he was capable of that. Let him think the horse did it on its own. He grasped the closest stream of golden blond hair, and she looked over at him, her face instantly shifting from worried to half shy half welcoming.

"What do you want to do after this?" He asked quietly as he enjoyed the feel of her hair.

"Eat." Serena answered instantly. "I barely had time for a snack while I was getting dressed."

"Alright. Any ideas what you want to eat?" He asked.

"Nope." She said as she shook her head lightly. "Unless you have any then I say whatever looks good when we see it."

Darien simply nodded and hummed thoughtfully as ran his fingers through the stream of soft silky hair.

Kevin glanced back to the couple and smiled before he returned his eyes to the path ahead of them. It was clear from what he had seen of them since he met them that they were on a date or at least they were dating. He had no problem staying at a bit of a distance and leaving them to follow him.

After all, they had already paid for their time, and they were naturals at riding so he was not worried they would lose control of their horses.

oOoIRoOo

Serenity sat calmly and patiently as her rarely used lady's maid put the finishing touches on her hair.

"Thank you." She said softly to the young woman when she finished, and watched her blush and curtsy silently before leaving the room.

She took a deep breath and let it out in a slow sigh as she pulled on her long gloves. Then she stood from her seat and slowly stepped toward the tall mirror positioned in the corner and took in her appearance.

She wore a deep ocean blue silk sleeveless strapless gown with gold accents, a draped belt with a gold pendant of the Earth's primary symbol holding it closed around her waist, gold high heel shoes, and deep ocean blue long gloves up to her elbows.

Clasped around her neck with a gold pendant of the Earth's secondary symbol was a unique cape. It was a deep ocean blue sheer material that attached to a silk collar matching her gown in the back and in the front leaving her shoulders and upper arms bare.

Her hair was half up in a braided bun and the rest flowed down her back with a strand of hair hanging on either side of her face down pass her shoulders.

Serenity adjusted her cape around her arms and turned this way and that way as she inspected herself. She reached up and gently touched her flesh colored tiara and glanced at the gold gem; the only sign that she was actually transformed.

She nodded lightly and smiled just before she heard a knock on the door. She walked over and opened the door to find Malachite standing there.

"Serenity. You look beautiful." Malachite said as he smiled.

"Thank you." She replied with a smile of her own.

"Are you ready?" He asked.

"Absolutely." She said as she nodded.

Serenity stepped out and closed the door behind her and began to walk with him as he escorted her to the ballroom.

They exited the royal wing and walked down the stairs to the second floor and along a hallway that lead to the other side of the palace, and toward a set of double doors where a guard stood silently on either side.

"All you have to do now is wait for your cue." Malachite said as they stopped, and she nodded.

"Thank you for the escort." Serenity said.

"Anytime." He replied. "I will see you inside."

Serenity nodded and watched him step through the doorway and disappear through the dark blue velvet curtains that were blocking the view beyond.

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly as she stood poised, listening to what was going on in the ballroom. So far there was only the sound of music and murmurs of numerous voices, but all of that stopped suddenly and a deep voice she recognized as the King's began to speak.

"I am pleased that you all are having such a wonderful time, and it is my wish that you continue to do so. However, we must take a pause and remember why we are here." He said.

"We are here to celebrate a joyous occasion. My son and heir, Endymion, has found his soulmate; has found the one woman who can make him happy above all others. It was not much of a surprise, as we had seen it coming for quite some time, but we could not have been more pleased and proud that he finally asked and that she accepted." He continued.

"It gives me much pleasure to announce to you all the identity of my son's fiancée and my future daughter." He said, and she could hear the smile in his voice.

"I now give you the guardian of our beloved planet, the love of my son's life, Sailor Earth!"

The curtains were pulled open at his last word and she stepped forward to stand at the top of a long balcony in front of a golden railing. A thunderous round of applause greeted her as voices raised in cheer. She smiled and waved cheerfully before she turned to her left, and stepped toward a wide slightly spiraling stairway leading down to the ballroom floor.

She placed her gloved hand on the gold railing and began to calmly and elegantly make her way down to join the gathering. She looked over the finely dressed crowd before her eyes drifted to the head of the room below the balcony where the royal family stood.

The King stood with the Queen at his side, and off to their right side stood their son; her prince, her love, Endymion.

As she finally reached the bottom of the stairs and stepped off onto the floor she began to make her way toward him. She could see he was wearing shiny black tall boots, black dress pants, a thin collared black single breasted tailcoat with gold trim lining all of the edges from the neck collar, to the wrist cuffs, to the tails, and gold buttons.

It had gold epaulettes with thin delicate chains attached on each shoulder, and a black cape with a deep ocean blue inner lining to match her own gown secured closed with a clasp that was a golden combination of the two Earth symbols.

On the left side of his hip he wore a sword with a gold hilt in a gold sheath with sapphires inlaid in it. It was a ceremonial sword. However, it was real and could be used if need be, but it was not made for combat use; only decoration.

Endymion held out a hand to her and she grasped it confidently as she reached him, and they both smiled happily as they gazed into each other's eyes.

"I give you your future King and Queen; Prince Endymion and Sailor Earth, his future Princess Serenity." The King announced.

Serenity and Endymion looked away from each other and turned slightly toward the crowd, still holding hands, and listened to the cheering.

oOo

"Endymion!" She cried out and hurried toward him, quickly dropping to her knees at his side as she placed a hand on his shoulder and grabbed his hand with the other.

"Why?! Why did you do this?" She asked, angry and sad. "It is my duty to protect my princess!"

"No. It is not your duty and never has been." Endymion said weakly. "You were never supposed to be Sailor Moon. Your destiny was taken from you."

"I do not understand." Sailor Moon said in confusion.

This man had just saved her life, taking a clearly mortal wound for her, and it was clear from his words that he did it for her and not her princess. She had already admitted to herself that she loved him, but seeing him so hurt and knowing he was dying shattered something deep inside her.

They heard a scream and she looked up to see her princess being attacked by an earth soldier. She moved to get up but looked back to Endymion as she felt him squeeze her hand.

Sailor Moon looked frantically between Endymion and her barely struggling princess. She knew she needed to protect her, but her body was already settling back at his side and it made her abruptly aware that his life was more important to her then her princess' was.

"I do not want you to die. You cannot die. I love you too much for you to leave me." She said sadly as she gently ran her fingers through his hair.

"I love you as well my Serenity. I will find you again, and you will remember what we had." He said quietly.

---

Serena's eyes snapped open and she blinked rapidly in the dark of her bedroom as her mind swirled with confusion and her body with sadness.

She needed out! She needed air! She couldn't think!

She pushed her covers away and carefully slid out of her bed so as to not wake the felines sleeping at the end. She pulled her hair free and absently grabbed her brooch from her nightstand before she stepped out onto her balcony.

She breathed deeply as she closed her eyes and tried to push the familiar sad feeling away. Months of dreaming of memories, and she still didn't know what that sad feeling was about.

Her eyes opened and she blinked out into the night as she thought back to the memory she had just dreamed. It was beautiful and moving. She, Sailor Earth, had looked graceful and elegant and full of confidence. She had looked like a princess; more so than the memories she had seen so far of the Moon Princess.

But she was confused and suddenly worried. She had remembered memories of Sailor Earth speaking of wedding preparations, of attending a musical performance with Prince Endymion in honor of their engagement, so this formal presentation of her as his fiancée, future Princess, and Queen should not surprise her, but it did.

It did because she had also been remembering memories of the Moon Princess liking him, and who knows what more she hadn't remembered yet!

Despite all the theories she was coming up with, and trying not to think about the relationships in the past, she was starting to become afraid she had been having a serious affair with the man of the princess she was supposed to be protecting.

I don't know, I don't know. She thought with a frown before she sighed tiredly. I'll go patrolling since I grabbed my brooch. Hopefully it will clear my mind, so I can get back to sleep before I need to get ready for school.

Her decision made Serena leapt over her balcony railing and landed lightly on the ground on her bare feet before she took off running to find a secure place to transform.

Once she found it she transformed quietly, but hoped no one noticed the bright light before she took off running again; this time as Sailor Moon.

She ran along sidewalks and around corners, dashed through the short manicured grass of a playground park, and climbed a fire escape to a rooftop before she sprinted along the high surface.

As she ran she made sure to stretch her senses as far as she could make them go as she searched for any trace of dark energy. So far all was quiet on that front. Nothing unusual was happening and nothing unusual was seen as far as she could tell. There was no sense of anything that didn't belong coming to her.

oOo

Serenity.

Darien's eyes snapped open just after he had managed to finally drift off to sleep. The familiar aching snapping through his mind waking him, and letting him know his Serenity had transformed. His soulmate needed him.

It didn't matter what she was doing. If she was facing a monster, patrolling, doing a little night time training, or even simply going for a joy run. He would be there for her.

He pushed the covers away from himself quickly and climbed out of bed and to his feet. He paused and focused briefly before he was engulfed in a bright gold light, and when it cleared he stood in his Tuxedo Mask persona.

He stepped toward his balcony and slid the glass door open before he stepped out and slid the door closed behind him. He took a breath of the cool Monday morning air before he leapt on the railing and leapt over and down to the next and the next until he was able to jump to the roof of the closest building.

As soon as his feet touched down he took off running, easily following his soul connection to his soulmate, determined to get to her as soon as he possibly could.

It wasn't long before he spotted her running up ahead of him, leaping to another roof top with her hair flying out behind her, and put on a burst of speed to catch up to her.

"Hey there." He called once he got close enough to touch the ends of her hair.

---

Sailor Moon turned her head as she slowed at the familiar sounding voice to see Tuxedo Mask running behind her.

"Hey you." She said as she slowed to a stop. "I'm just patrolling to take my mind off my troubling thoughts."

"Would you care to share?" Tuxedo Mask asked as he stopped beside her.

"Well, I woke up from a memory dream of my past self being presented as the prince's fiancée." She said before she began to describe it. "I don't know, maybe all the memories are starting to get to me, because I'm seriously starting to worry that my past self was having an affair with the man who was supposed to be for the princess I'm supposed to protect."

"I do not believe you should worry so much over this." He said with a light frown, not at all liking how this was stressing her out; especially when she didn't need to be. She wasn't having an affair with him; she belonged with him. She belonged to him just as much as he belonged to her.

"I can't help it!" Sailor Moon nearly cried out. "What if when the princess is found she remembers everything, and she gets on my case about it even though it happened in the past?"

"You should not let that princess have such power over you. You should not care about what that royal thinks of you or what she has to say to you about the past." Tuxedo Mask said in a quiet firm tone before he sighed and looked away, unbelieving about what he was about to say to his soulmate.

"You said your duty was to protect the royal." He said as he looked back to her, and watched her nod. "You said nothing about liking her or being her friend or catering to her whims. You are only supposed to keep her physically safe. You can date whoever you want to date and see whoever you want to see without reference to this princess or her feelings."

"Furthermore, maybe you should consider the prince in your memories and this situation." He added as he looked into her wide eyes. "Perhaps he was spending time with exactly who he wanted to, and this princess may have been jealous because of it. So all of your worries could very well be, and likely are, for nothing."

Sailor Moon listened to him closely as she gazed up to his face, but before she could react to his intense words her mind was filled with the sounds and images of a past scene.

oOo

Sailor Moon smiled at the masked prince at her side as they walked along the edges of the large masquerade ball. He looked dashing and mysterious dressed in a full black tuxedo, a white mask framing his eyes, and his customary black and red cape.

She looked away from his face and glanced down to the arm he had insisted she take for their walk before she looked around. She saw happy masked people smiling and laughing as they enjoyed the ball, but then she began to see the faces of some of her fellow scouts. They were frowning in her direction, and it brought her happy mood back down to reality.

"Whatever is the matter my lady?" Prince Endymion asked and she looked up to him to see him frowning slightly.

"I am concerned over how much time I am spending with you instead of doing my duty." She said worriedly as they stopped walking. "Instead of watching over my princess as I should I am enjoying my evening with you. It is not right; it is especially not right for me to disregard my duty to my princess in her own home."

"You should not concern yourself my lady. I have permission from the Queen to spend time with you." He said seriously. "Time with you on the Moon and at any and every other function you happen to be at."

"I am courting you, and I wish to spend time with you. The princess has four other scouts to watch over her." He stated outright.

"Really?" Sailor Moon said in quiet disbelief. He had actually put it out there; stated the word for his actions and behavior toward her. He was courting her, and apparently her Queen knew and was fine with it!

"Truly." Prince Endymion said intensely; his tone conveying his understanding of her unspoken thoughts and feelings. "Look to the Queen; see for yourself my lady."

Sailor Moon turned her head and began to search the room until he helpfully pointed her out. She was standing with some of her guests but she was looking in their direction, and when their eyes met she received an encouraging nod and a gentle smile from the royal woman.

oOo

Sailor Moon blinked out of the memory to find herself still looking at Tuxedo Mask.

Impossible! Was her first whispered thought, and she wasn't referring to what was said in the memory.

No. She was referring to the fact that the Earth Prince had been wearing a tuxedo, mask, and cape just like Tuxedo Mask always did.

It's impossible. He can't be. She thought as she blinked and lowered her eyes to look at his tuxedo. She had never examined his outfit for details, but it looked just like what Prince Endymion had been wearing.

My mind is just being fanciful and trying to see connections where there are none. Just like when I briefly thought my boyfriend could be the reincarnation of the prince. She told herself.

And just like then there is nothing here beyond the similarities. Just like Darien and the prince look similar, Tuxedo Mask and Prince Endymion's tuxedos only look similar. The details of their tuxedos are surely different; especially with one being in the past and the other being in the present. She told herself as she looked back up to his face.

Nope! There's nothing here beyond similar outfits, and a similar appearance, which simply means regardless of the lifetime I'm attracted to men who are tall, dark, and handsome. She thought as she smiled at him. Even in my friends. She added as she finally allowed herself to think about what was said in the memory.

"You're right." Sailor Moon said. "He was spending time with exactly who he wanted to."

"You remembered something." Tuxedo Mask said, knowing it from the look in her eyes.

"Yeah. The prince and my past self, as Sailor Moon, were spending time together at a masquerade ball being held on the Moon. She got a look at some of the scouts' faces and it reminded her of her duty to protect her princess." She said.

"She told him of her concern and he told her he had permission to spend time with her pretty much whenever he pleased, that he was courting her and wanted to spend his time with her, and not to worry about the princess since she had four other scouts to guard and protect her." She explained.

"Ah." He hummed and nodded in understanding; and understand he did. He had wondered about the looks she had been giving him as they stood in silence after his words.

Obviously she had been recalling a memory, one he recalled fondly, and reacting to it. It was clear she had noticed the tuxedo he was wearing was the same, and she was surprised by it.

Judging from the smile she gave me she must have convinced herself that it wasn't the same. How close my Serenity is to figuring it all out! How many times has she seen similarities in her memories only to convince herself otherwise? How close has she been? Has she actually figured it out, but disbelieves it? He thought.

"Then all of your worries truly are for nothing." He said.

"Yeah I guess so." She said sheepishly, but then sighed. "You're such a good friend. I don't have anyone else I can talk to about all of this without judgement you know." She said as she shook her head.

"I wish I could talk to you away from this secret life." She added with an almost frustrated huff; he was good at giving her advice and talking her out of her worries, and it was frustrating to have to wait until they came across each other when transformed.

"You can talk to me anytime you want." Tuxedo Mask said. "You are much closer to me than you think." He added softly.

Sailor Moon's eyes widened as she stared up at him and she parted her lips, but before she could say anything she sensed a massive amount of dark energy flare and ram against her senses.

She turned her head sharply, her eyes shifting around as she worked to pinpoint the direction the disturbing sensation was coming from.

"What is it?" He asked seriously. He knew he had said enough to help her finally figure out his identity, but now she was clearly distracted.

Will she remember this? He wondered as he waited for her answer.

"I just sensed a large amount of dark energy from that way I think." She said as she pointed off to her left.

"Then let us go find out what it is." Tuxedo Mask said.

"Right!" Sailor Moon said with a firm nod.

The two immediately took off running in the direction the dark energy was coming from. They ran along and leapt rooftops, skipped across fire escapes, and jumped on and across electrical and light poles. A few minutes later Sailor Moon slowed to a stop before she walked over to the edge of the roof where the street was.

"That one." Sailor Moon said seriously as she pointed to the building across the street from them. "It's coming from inside that building." She added, feeling the sinister energy that didn't belong much stronger than before.

Tuxedo Mask stepped up beside her and looked at the building in question.

It appeared to be a store sandwiched between two buildings. The building was two levels and the ones on either side of it were four stories judging by the windows. Its large sign read Clock Look, and above the large windows and doorway there were small yellow awnings providing shading.

"The lights are on despite the late hour." He noted as he kept his eyes on the storefront.

"So let's go greet them and put a stop to them before they can start selling." She suggested as she looked to her companion.

"Yes; let's." He agreed with a nod to her.

With that agreement they both leapt off the edge of the roof and fell through the air only to land lightly on the empty sidewalk below. They looked around and, seeing that all was quiet, they calmly walked across the street and toward the lit up store.

Tuxedo Mask opened the glass door silently and Sailor Moon stepped inside. She blinked in the bright light but looked around thoroughly to see if anyone was standing within her view.

There was no one in sight, but there were plenty of clocks. Every time piece she could think of in every size she could think of was visible hanging on walls, sitting on counters, under glass display cases, and more. Wrist watches, pocket watches, alarm clocks, cuckoo clocks, grandfather clocks, clock radios, digital clocks, wind up clocks, clocks with numbers, clocks without numbers, and so many more.

They exchanged a wary look. Neither of them had seen a store that sold time pieces that was so large and so very thorough. There were options visible that another store would have to have specially made.

They cautiously moved further into the store, trying to ignore all the variety of clocks they were passing and looking for anyone. Someone had to turn the lights on after all.

"Costumers already." Came the sudden pleasant voice of a woman.

Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask stopped in their tracks and watched a woman walk around from behind a wall next to a glass display case. She was a woman of average height with green eyes, her brown hair styled professionally yet fashionably wearing a skimpy red dress and simple jewelry.

"Surely it is too late for shopping." The woman said.

Neither replied. They simply stood still, staring at the woman, and keeping their senses open for anything unexpected.

"Oh. The quiet type are we?" She asked as her eyes began to flicker and glow. "Well, I have something for everyone."

The two companions watched as her figure began to ripple, as if a massive heat wave was moving continuously over her, and change before their eyes. No longer was she a normal looking woman; she was now a pale skinned woman with thick purple hair trailing down her back, red line markings trailing over her eyes and down her cheeks with a black five point star on her right cheek.

The only thing to remain unchanged about the now revealed monster was the skimpy red dress she wore.

The monster silently raised her hand and clocks all over the store rose into the air with the motion and hovered.

Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon's eyes flickered all around as they tried to keep their eyes on the time pieces as well as the monster.

"Feel free to pick one." The monster said with a laugh as she gestured with her hand and sent the clocks flying at the pair.

Immediately the pair began to duck and dodge the scattered barrage of clocks before they each managed to put their back against a solid surface so they would only have to deal with the objects coming from three directions instead of a fourth they couldn't see.

Sailor Moon grimaced as she began to block and deflect the clocks and watches. She swung her right arm to the side to block an alarm clock even as she tilted her head to the side to avoid getting a gold pocket watch to the face.

Ouch! She thought painfully as she punched a cuckoo wall clock out of the air before it could come any closer to her, then turned her attention to the next closest clock even as she tried to track the second closest.

Tuxedo Mask, meanwhile, was busy blocking and dodging clocks coming his way. He had even managed to use a couple of his exploding roses on some of them.

If only I was not holding back. This would have been taken care of nearly before it started. He thought with a disgruntled sigh, and then frowned as he managed to glance at his soulmate.

If she remembered herself and was not a weakened scout it would have been taken care of even before that. He thought as he ducked under a sundial speeding for his head.

Sailor Moon frowned in irritation as she kicked a clock that was flying low toward her before she blocked another from high on her left side. If only she could use her tiara! It would take care of these clocks easily, but she knew she needed to be able to guide it after she threw it. She couldn't just will it to hit any flying clocks as if it had a mind of its own.

I wish it worked like that. She thought as she continued to painfully block the flying objects.

Suddenly she sensed a small flare of dark energy, and she ducked down and knelt on the floor as she tried to avoid the flying time pieces and find the source of energy.

She leaned to her left to see around a counter in front of her and saw a massive grandfather clock against a wall reaching nearly to the ceiling high above them. The monster was standing before it, and when she focused she could sense a constant small ripple of energy from that direction. Then she blinked and narrowed her eyes as the monster seemed to step into the clock.

We don't have time for this anymore. We can't leave that monster to its own devices for long. She thought before she began to move in the direction she remembered Tuxedo Mask going, which luckily was in the same direction as the massive grandfather clock.

She continued to move low, practically crawling on the tile floor to keep the time pieces from coming her way, and when she found him she saw that his back was to a wall as hers had been.

I couldn't use my tiara to help myself, but I can use it to help him. She thought as she reached up and pulled the piece of jewelry from her forehead.

She focused and charged it until it was a spinning glowing white disk floating above her fingertips, and then she threw it toward the clocks that were only feet away from him before she began to guide it around to others she could see.

Tuxedo Mask blinked in surprise as he spotted his soulmate's tiara speed through the air and destroy four of the clocks headed for him. He used the brief respite to summon a hand full of his exploding roses and threw the lot of them at the clocks headed his way destroying them midflight before he repeated the process.

When all of the clocks were destroyed, or at least when no more came flying at him, he finally looked around and saw his soulmate climbing to her feet before she caught her tiara.

"Thanks for the help." He said as he began to walk toward her.

"You're welcome." Sailor Moon said as her tiara returned to its jeweled form. "I saw the monster step into that massive grandfather clock." She said as she replaced her tiara on her forehead.

Tuxedo Mask looked over at the clock in question and nodded before he returned his eyes to her.

"Shall we?" He said as he gestured to the clock.

Sailor Moon nodded and they walked over to the grandfather clock and paused as they saw a black portal clear as day inside the clock.

"Waiting for us do you think?" She said as she eyed the portal. It was the first she had ever seen, but she instinctively knew that's what it was.

"No doubt." He agreed, not taking his eyes off the portal. "It is likely a trap."

"Suggestions?" Sailor Moon asked.

"We have to go in if we want to destroy that monster. I do not see any other option." Tuxedo Mask said seriously.

Sailor Moon nodded seriously. She couldn't think of anything else either. She was unwilling to contact the others, because she knew they would be of no help beyond shouting their attacks and letting the monster know what was coming its way.

At least with Mercury and Mars. I don't know how Venus would react since I haven't seen her fight yet. She thought before she took a steadying breath.

"Let's do it then." She said, and he nodded.

They moved forward and entered the portal together, and after taking a few steps they paused and looked back to see the portal closing. They looked at each other before returning their attention to the area around them.

It was a strange series of green and black swirls and large round clock face images in every direction they looked. It was beyond confusing and disorienting, but there was nothing they could do about it.

They continued to move forward as their eyes shifted all over the place to try and spot the monster. Sailor Moon's senses, as far as dark energy went, were useless since they appeared to be surrounded in the objectionable energy. She would not be able to tell the monster from their surroundings without seeing it.

Suddenly another portal opened up a few feet in front of them, and they paused before proceeding forward and into it. There was no going back; the monster had to be destroyed. This portal had a completely different backdrop to it. A continuous swirl of red, black, blue, and white that was still no less confusing and disorienting then the last area.

Sailor Moon blinked her eyes slowly as she looked around. Along with feeling confused and disoriented she was beginning to feel more than a little lightheaded.

I feel like I'm going to pass out. She thought as she breathed slowly and deeply before she looked to her companion. Is it me or is he getting taller? She wondered a little groggily.

"Tuxedo..." She began but couldn't seem to finish.

Tuxedo Mask looked over to his soulmate at the sound of her voice, and did a double take as he watched her figure shrink until she stood only as tall as his knees.

He stared in shock. His soulmate had been turned into a toddler right before his eyes and he hadn't been able to do anything about it! He watched blankly as she blinked wide eyes around as she looked left and right before her face scrunched up in confusion and fear. Her big blue eyes teared up and she began to cry.

Tuxedo Mask snapped out of his shock and reached down, and picked her up before settling her on his hip as he held her close. She was of course still dressed as a scout, but the outfit now looked a bit big on her; as if she was playing dress up with clothes for someone a few years older than her, but still younger than her true age.

He was sharply reminded of when he and his Serenity first met in the past when his crystal had chosen her to be Sailor Earth. She had been a few years older than she currently looked, but still tiny compared to his current tall height.

Will our possible future daughters look as cute as she does right now? He wondered idly as he dried her tears.

"Do not worry. I will keep you safe." He told her in a soft gentle tone before he kissed her chubby cheek.

His tiny soulmate brightened up, her big blue eyes shining happily, before she lay her head on his shoulder and toyed with his bow tie as she began to talk to him.

He couldn't understand a word of her childish speech, but he still listened as he held her securely in his arms and walked on. He moved cautiously, hyper aware, now that he had the child version of his Serenity to protect. He would let absolutely nothing happen to her!

Tuxedo Mask turned in a slow circle, even as he continued on his path, and paused as he finally spotted the monster. The female was standing behind him calmly, holding a staff that looked like the long hand on a clock, as if waiting for him to notice her. A moment later his Serenity whimpered and wrapped her little arms around his neck.

"It is alright my little one. I have you." He said softly as he gently rubbed her back, his eyes never leaving the monster.

"Ah. I wondered when you would notice me." The monster said with a smirk. "Tsk. Poor you. Down a fighter, and seemingly intent on keeping her safe. I should be done with her, so you and I can tango for as long as I wish in my time warp."

Tuxedo Mask's face blanked even as he continued to gently and securely hold his soulmate. A direct threat to his Serenity was the fastest way to die as far as he was concerned. This monster may think he was weakened, but he was so very far from it.

It is time to take a chance. He thought quietly as he glanced down to his Serenity, and his mood darkened to see her crying silently. Hopefully she will not remember or at least not understand what her child-self saw.

He concentrated intensely as he pulled up a large chunk of his chakra and carefully willed it into the form he wished. It was something he had not yet practiced doing in this lifetime, but it was an ability sorely needed in this situation.

Still, he knew he could do it, and watched as a few feet in front of him a small cloud of white smoke appeared. The smoke dissipated quickly leaving the sight of an exact copy of himself standing there.

The clone, for he knew that was what he was, blinked at the monster in front of him, and didn't bother with words. From the original's memories he knew it had threatened Serenity, and that was all the information he needed to know to act.

He stepped forward, keeping himself between the original and Serenity, and paused as the monster lifted its hand. A flash of light flared and shot toward him but it did nothing so he simply raised an eyebrow.

"Well, how do you like being frozen in time?" The monster asked with a laugh before it turned its eyes to the masked man holding the child and began to step forward.

The clone raised an eyebrow again and decided enough was enough. His very existence meant he was not limited in what he could use so he would make this monster wish it had never met them.

He lifted his hand just as the monster had done, calling on his chakra, and watched as a golden bolt of lightning shot out of his palm and toward the monster.

The monster's eyes widened in surprise before it quickly dodged the lightning bolt, but it soon found itself dodging another and another and then another. Surprise faded and it growled in anger before it raised its free hand and a flash of light flared out freezing the lightning bolt coming its way.

Before the monster could retaliate the clone was already there swinging a golden staff made of solid chakra at its head.

The monster used its own staff to block the blow, its arms trembling at the strength, but the masked man swung the other end of the staff at it and it quickly moved to block that as well. Then the masked man used the free end of his staff to shove into its stomach causing the monster to stumble back a few steps with a slight cry.

The two exchanged blows over and over, their staffs making a slight chiming sound every time they blocked. However, the sound was ignored in favor of focusing on attacking the one in front of them.

The original Tuxedo Mask continued to hold and comfort his tiny soulmate as her little body shivered in fear. His clone was doing well so he decided to take the opportunity provided and figure out a way to deal with the oversized grandfather clock and get them out of the portal.

He suspected the clock was connected to the monster since it had the ability to freeze objects and people in time and it mentioned they were in a time warp. So the clock needed to be destroyed at the most and damaged at the least, because as cute as his soulmate was in her current form she was not a child and that needed to be fixed on top of getting them out of there.

I do not particularly want to destroy it while we're inside of it, so I will have to damage it enough to disrupt this portal. He thought as he watched the monster and his clone. And the only way I can see that happening is from the outside, which can only be done through my connection to the Earth.

He hummed lightly as he decided what to do, and eventually settled on the simplest option. He focused on his connection with the Earth, because despite the portal they were still on the Earth, and concentrated on the clock store.

He pictured the building in detail and immediately saw it in his mind. He then concentrated on the shock and anger he felt at having his soulmate altered as she had been and focused it into the Earth; specifically in the centralized area of the shop building.

The clone, meanwhile, decided it had seen enough of the monster's skill with its staff and that it was time to start ending the creature before it got any ideas. He focused on his staff for but a moment and it immediately burst into golden flames at his will.

The monster's eyes widened at the suddenly flaming staff. It could not tell if the staff was now made of fire or just covered in fire, but soon it didn't matter as it struggled to block the suddenly much faster strikes it was swinging at it.

The clone idly noted how the monster managed to block some of his strikes but not the majority of them. Every hit he made caused the monster to cry out in pain not only from the force of the blow but from the instant burns as well.

He watched the monster block a low swing from his staff and focused his will on the weapon. In an instant the golden flames were replaced by crackling golden lightning, and he thrust the staff forward in a quick motion and hit the monster hard in the chest immediately causing it to scream.

A moment later he brought the end of his staff up sharply to slam into the monster's jaw, knocking its head back, before swinging it hard to smack the side of its head; knocking it sideways and causing it to stumble as it screamed in pain from the force and electricity in the blows.

Slowly at first than faster and faster the area they were in began to sway and shake, which caused the colors the area was made up of to look even more confusing and disorienting.

"Ah!" The childish Sailor Moon screamed, and tightened her hold on Tuxedo Mask.

"It is alright my little one. I have you. You are safe." He said, holding her tightly even as he continued to focus on the mini earthquake he was causing.

Outside the portal in the clock store everything shook and swayed before clocks began to fall off the walls and skitter across and off counters and tables and onto the floor. Light fixtures began to fall as well as higher up clocks; some of which slammed and crashed against the massive grandfather clock.

The glass cracked as more objects hit it before it shattered and began to trickle down the clock. More light fixtures and large chunks of plaster began to fall from the ceiling and hit the clock causing cracks and fissures in the wood that quickly began to spread down the length of the tall clock.

"No!" The monster screamed as the area around them began to crack and crumble like it was made of glass.

The clone moved toward the creature and struck it a few times, knocking it around with screams before he used his staff to knock it off its feet. He then looked back to the original and Serenity and saw her changing. He let his staff dissipate back into chakra and absorbed it before he dispelled himself to prevent her from seeing him with her more cognizant mind.

Sailor Moon blinked and immediately flushed in embarrassment to feel herself wrapped around Tuxedo Mask judging by the short black hair, and the white and black collars of his shirt and jacket. Her arms were wrapped around his neck, her legs around his waist, and she thought she was sitting on his hip like a child!

"What?! How...why are we like this?!" She asked, feeling her face grow hotter as she felt his arm around her back, and his other arm beneath her thigh with his hand on her bottom.

She hadn't even shared such an embrace with Darien yet! How in the world did she end up like this?!

"I'll explain after the monster has been dealt with." Tuxedo Mask said in amusement even as he enjoyed the feel of her wrapped around him now that she was her normal size.

She loosened her legs and he did the same with his arms as her legs lowered. As soon as her feet touched the floor they released each other, and she turned and looked at the monster to see it struggling to its feet. Her eyes shifted around and she blinked as she realized they were back inside the store and it looked a bit worse for wear.

Sailor Moon took off her tiara and charged it as she returned her eyes to the monster. It was still struggling and twitching a bit now that she was looking closely. Once her tiara was a glowing disk spinning as it hovered above her fingertips she threw it at the female.

The monster looked up and its eyes widened at the white object coming at it before it lifted its staff and blocked it and swatted it away. The female growled before running at the pair, yelling as it raised its staff.

Tuxedo Mask summoned a few of his exploding roses and threw them at the monster, but it avoided each of them and continued running toward them despite the sound of explosions behind it.

Sailor Moon frowned and shifted slightly as she watched the monster. Her tiara had been swatted away like a fly and she knew she couldn't guide it to the monster fast enough for it to be of any use. It was even avoiding Tuxedo's roses like they were nothing, and neither of them had a weapon that could counter that staff.

She glanced over to Tuxedo Mask before she looked back to the monster just as it reached them and swung its staff down at them. They both dodged to the side and away, but she twisted and grabbed the staff with both hands; stopping it and the monster.

She blinked at the staff than over at the monster who looked just as surprised before she pulled the staff. The monster stumbled forward and she kicked it in the stomach before thrusting the staff at its chest causing it to stumble back and release the staff with a cry of pain.

Her hand moved further up the staff as she shifted it to her other side making her grip more comfortable and then she was moving without a thought.

She swung the staff and slammed it against the monster's right side before she took a step forward and swung the other end at the monster's left side. Then she took a step as the monster swayed backward and swung the other end of the staff up and caught the monster beneath the chin before she thrust the pointy end into the monster's throat.

Sailor Moon blinked as blood spurted out as the end went through the back of the monster's neck, but didn't think as she summoned her tiara and guided it into the monster's chest.

The spinning white disk slammed into the monster just above the line of its skimpy red dress, and practically carved through it and out its back.

She yanked the staff from the female's throat and grimaced as she listened to it gurgle before it collapsed to its knees and began to crumble and fall apart. She blinked as the staff began to crumble in her hands, and when it and the monster were a pile of dust the clocks and the building itself began to disappear around them.

Tuxedo Mask looked around at the empty lot they found themselves standing in before he looked to his soulmate. He had been just as surprised as she was when she grabbed the staff, but then he had allowed himself an internal grin of pleasure at this further proof that her instincts as Sailor Earth were coming through.

Although, she appears to be a bit shocked at what she did. He thought as he walked over to her.

"Are you alright?" He asked as he reached her side, and watched her blink up at him.

"Yeah." Sailor Moon answered a little blankly. "I'm just surprised. I have no idea how I did that. I didn't even know I knew how to do that!"

"Instinct." He said simply.

"Yeah; that must be it." She said before she shook her head, and reached up and grabbed her tiara. "So what happened? Why were we...like that?" She asked with a blush as she focused more than necessary to put her tiara back on. Happy to push her surprising use of a staff from her mind.

"The monster turned you into a toddler. You looked like you were about two." Tuxedo Mask answered with a smile.

"What?! Really?" She exclaimed as she looked back to him in surprise.

"Yes." He said. "Come on. Let's continue your patrolling and I'll tell you all about how cute you were." He added before he took off running. A bit relieved that she didn't recall her time as a child and what she had seen.

"Hey! Wait for me!" Sailor Moon called as she sprinted after him.

oOoIRoOo

Monday evening arrived as Darien sat at the front counter in the Fruits Parlor Crown cafe waiting for his best friend to finish his work shift.

He had been there earlier hanging out with Serena as was their usual habit, and had taken the time before she arrived to arrange to talk to Andrew at his place after he got off work.

He had decided it was time to tell his best friend his secret, the truth about him, since he was bound to start questioning his changed behavior and personality soon.

Truthfully it was months coming since his friend had long since been giving him confused and questioning looks.

The changes in him were light, but Andrew knew him well enough to notice them immediately, which he knew he had. Plus, it would be nice to have someone to speak to about what was going on with him and his soulmate; a male at that.

He would have his Generals in time, assuming they didn't die before he could focus on freeing them, but Andrew was his best friend and he wanted to keep it that way.

He knew Andrew hadn't said anything yet because they had both been busy. Both of them had school, Andrew had work, and he was also splitting his time between Serena and fighting monsters with her secret self.

Hopefully after today I will have a sympathetic ear to the progress I am making with my Serenity. He thought with a silent sigh as he waited.

"Hey. My relief is here so we can go now." Andrew said as he joined him a few minutes later.

"Then let us go." Darien said as he stood up.

The two friends reached the door quickly and were out and on their way down the stairs in the next moment. Once they made it to the sidewalk they began to make their way toward Darien's car, easing around a group of school girls without a glance.

oOo

A group of girls walked down the sidewalk on their way to the Game Center Crown arcade to finish up hanging out for the day.

They all went to the same school and wore the same uniform, which consisted of a gray blouse with a dark gray sailor collar with a red stripe on it and a red bow connected that hung on the chest, a dark gray short skirt, knee-high white socks with a red stripe around the top, and black shoes.

One of the girls walking at the middle and head of the group was five feet tall with pale blue eyes, and had her white blonde hair styled up in two high ponytails that trailed pass her back and almost to her knees.

She did a double take as she looked at the two guys passing them by; specifically the guy with black hair and deep blue eyes.

Oh! He is so cute! She thought with a sigh, wishing she could go talk to him.

oOo

Darien unlocked and opened the door, and he and Andrew walked into his apartment.

"Would you like a beverage?" He asked his friend, and watched him raise an eyebrow but nod.

"Yeah. Can I have water?" Andrew asked.

"Of course. Make yourself at home." Darien said as he gestured toward the living room.

He then turned and walked into the kitchen as he placed his keys in his pocket and opened the refrigerator. He pulled out two bottles of water and went to join his friend on the couch where he had planted himself.

"Thanks." Andrew said as he accepted the offered bottle.

Darien simply nodded before he looked to his own bottle of water. He was certainly going to need it as his tale was a long one, and his friend was sure to have questions once he was done.

"So..." Andrew said after he took a sip of his water.

"You have notices changes in me, differences; yes?" Darien said, having decided how he wished to begin.

"Yeah." Andrew admitted. "I thought it was because of your relationship with Serena at first, but I realized that couldn't be it because I saw some of those differences on the day you two met; or at least the day you two came across each other at the cafe that day."

"You have not been the only one to notice those differences. However, at this juncture you are the only one who is going to receive a complete explanation." Darien said seriously.

Andrew just nodded, wondering what he was going to hear.

"You are correct in what you said. The changes you saw did come before I met Serena. They actually came the day before; after I first saw her." Darien began.

"After the encounter I told you about I went home, and prepared to relax before beginning my studies. However, before I could begin a sharp pain flared through my head." He explained.

"The pain was so intense I could not think. It was so sharp and constant that all I could do was scream at the agonizing pain. Then, I barely noticed it at the start, warmth appeared in my chest. It heated and cooled repeatedly, and when it spread throughout the entirety of my body the pain in my head spiked horrendously." He continued.

"Unbelievably, despite the continued agonizing pain I was still able to notice the sudden flood of amazingly detailed information into my mind." He stated as he recalled that painful yet enlightening evening.

"After another flare the pain and warmth decreased before disappearing entirely. I was left panting, breathless, and wincing at the mere memory of the pain as a confusing tornado of information swirled around my mind."

"You can imagine, I am sure, how I wanted to pass out after what I had experienced simply to escape what had happened to me, but I knew I could not. I knew not how exactly I knew, but in that moment I knew I was needed."

"I wondered why I was needed and who could possibly need me as I struggled to move, and I was supplied the answer of simply her in my mind." He said as he shook his head.

"After that everything became confusing to me. I began to move to my balcony." He continued as he gestured toward the area. "I knew I was needed and that I needed to go to whoever the her was, but obviously I was not headed to the door."

Andrew nodded in agreement as he listened intently; getting into the story even as he tried to figure out what it had to do with the differences in his friend.

"Part of me knew how to proceed as well as where to go, but the other part of me was thoroughly confused and highly disoriented." Darien explained as he remembered.

"I stood out on my balcony and knew somehow that I was not attired appropriately. One image paused in my mind of a man in a uniform with armor and a sword, however, I knew that was too noticeable and threatening. Then came another image of a man wearing a black tuxedo and a white mask." He said.

"That, apparently, was the correct look. Less noticeable, not at all threatening, and I would not be recognized." He said calmly.

"I was standing on my balcony in a pair of sweat pants and a shirt, and I knew I did not own a tuxedo let alone a mask to go with it. However, I found myself focusing on the image I had seen, and the warmth from before pulsed in my chest as if it had been waiting, and spread through my body." He continued.

"When I saw my appearance after the warmth stopped I found myself wearing exactly what I had seen down to the last detail." He informed his friend, and watched his eyes widen.

"I then had the urgent thought that I needed to go. I looked out to the view around me, wanting to go to the door so I could go but knew I could not, but I did not know what to do next." He explained.

"The thought that I needed to go came again, however, this time it was an outright command rather than an urge. I stopped thinking and acted from there." He said.

"Outrageously I found myself leaping onto my balcony railing before I jumped to another and another as if the action was common place. I was soon sprinting through the city running across and leaping rooftops and any other stable surface that could propel me toward my destination." Darien explained.

"Part of me knew where to go and part of me did not know nor did I know how I was going wherever it was I was going. Then I was supplied with another answer in my mind that simply said the connection. With that I knew I was being guided by a connection that was somehow involved with a female." He said.

"I soon found myself jumping across a terrifying distance over a rather large street to a building. It was that building that was apparently my destination."

"I searched for a window, a door, anything that would allow me to see inside. Finally I came across a skylight window, and I opened it immediately and looked down. I saw a strange scene of a woman floating in the air, dozens of people walking and struggling forward below her, and in that direction is where I saw her."

"As soon as my eyes settled on her the tornado of information in my mind settled. I was no longer confused. I was no longer disoriented. I understood what happened to me. I understood why it happened. I understood how it happened. I even understood exactly what I was seeing in that strange scene." Darien said calmly.

"Who was she? What happened to you? How did it happen? How..." Andrew asked rapidly. He couldn't get the questions out fast enough he wanted to know so badly.

"She was my soulmate, and she stood down there inside that building as Sailor Moon." Darien answered.

"What?!" Andrew exclaimed in shocked surprise. "You mean one of those scouts I've been hearing about on the news?" He asked, and then he blinked and gasped. "You're that masked man the news says fights with those scouts?!" He realized yet asked at the same time, his eyes wide at this sudden revelation.

"You are correct." Darien said with a nod. "She is one of those scouts, and I am indeed that masked man. However, we are so much more than that, and the present situation is complicated."

"I shall explain how I understood what happened to me and proceed from there." He said, and Andrew nodded.

"Looking at her settled the information. However, it was not simply information. It was memories. A lifetime of memories. It was my identity, who I was, that was settling." He said.

"And who are you?" Andrew couldn't help asking. His friend had turned out to be the masked man helping those sailor scouts, and he wanted to know who else he was.

"I am Prince Endymion of the Golden Kingdom, heir to the throne of the Earth, soulmate and fiancé to the scout of the Earth." Darien said proudly.

Andrew parted his lips to speak, but nothing came out. He had too many questions flying through his mind to even get one out!

"Take your time my friend." Darien said patiently.

"I'll deal with the whole royal aspect later." Andrew finally managed to get out. "You said she was your soulmate, Sailor Moon, but that you were soulmate to Sailor Earth. How could she be both? Or were they not the same woman?" He asked.

"They were the same woman, and she was unfortunately both scouts." Darien answered solemnly.

"Ugh! I want to know how she managed to be both scouts, but I also want to know what happened to you with the pain and that warmth and how you understood everything." Andrew said with a frustrated frown.

"Very well." Darien said, and took a breath. "The pain I felt was my memories being awakened. This happened because as soulmates she and I share a soul deep connection. When she became Sailor Moon that connection was awakened from its dormancy and caused the reaction I had with my memories."

"The warmth I felt was my golden crystal awakening from its dormancy. It is an object I possessed in the past as prince of the Earth. It was clearly reacting to my becoming aware of who I was and preparing to be of use to me again." He explained.

"Do you understand so far?" He asked.

"Yeah." Andrew answered as he nodded.

"As for how my soulmate managed to be both scouts; I will have to explain the past, so please bear with me." Darien said with a deep sigh.

It was one thing to remember it, to understand it, to even think about it, but another thing altogether to explain it to another in detail. It was going to bring up a lot of emotions.

I will have to be careful not to let myself effect the weather or area around me. He reminded himself. Still, this will help me since I will eventually have to help Serenity make sense of what happened to her.

"I met my Serenity, for that was her name then, when we were children in the past on the Earth." He began. "I was playing in a private garden on royal grounds, and had been hearing other children playing in an adjacent garden open to the public. I wanted to play with them but I was also being urged to go there by something inside me." He said.

"I went and I immediately focused on a girl playing away from the others by herself, and instantly a transparent golden sphere formed around me than keeping my minders away. I went to her and took her hand and watched as the Earth's secondary symbol appeared and glowed a deep blue on her forehead. The golden sphere extended around her, and I asked her to play with me." He explained with a smile.

"She agreed and I brought her back to the private garden and we played together for hours. It was later that day that we learned I had been born with the golden crystal inside me, and that it had chosen Serenity to be Sailor Earth." He said.

"It was not until a few years later that we realized we were soulmates. We did everything together, our connection strengthened, deeper feelings developed, we fell in love, and eventually became engaged." He summarized with a soft smile.

"Everything on the Earth was fine as far as we were concerned. We were doing our duty and living our life just as we had been." Darien said. "However, there was a young woman who became infatuated with me; without having ever met me."

"She was the princess of the Moon, heiress to the throne of that kingdom. She had four guardian scouts; Sailor's Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Mercury, whom she would evade to sneak down to the Earth to watch me." He continued.

"Myself and Serenity always knew when she was there, because of our shared connection to the Earth. We left her alone and did nothing because she was a princess and she was not interfering with our duties. She was simply being an unwanted voyeur with me when I was in the royal gardens." He explained.

"However, the day we three met was the start of everything changing. The princess decided to stop being a voyeur and introduced herself to me. I asked her why she was there, and my Serenity in her capacity as Sailor Earth confronted her about the same."

"The Princess was clearly surprised. It seemed she did not know there was a scout of the Earth. In fact, she seemed to be under the impression that her four guardians were the only scouts there were. She tried to order my Serenity as if she was one of them." He said angrily.

"Neither of us were happy about that, so Serenity set her straight and I sent her away. That, unfortunately, was not the end of it. She continued to come to the Earth to try and speak to me. I made sure to never see her again, and my Serenity continued to send her back to her own planet." He said as he shook his head.

"One evening when we were only weeks away from our wedding we went to bed together. It was like any other night. I held her in my arms and we went to sleep." Darien said before he closed his eyes.

"I woke up alone in the morning, but that was not unusual since she liked to let me sleep when I did not need to be up regardless of how many times I told her I did not mind if it meant spending more time with her." He said with a light smile.

"I rose and prepared for my day before heading to break my fast. On my way to the dining room I asked a maid if she had seen Sailor Earth, and she asked me who that was." He said as he opened his eyes and looked to his friend whose eyes were wide.

"I dismissed it; perhaps she was new to the palace. However, unease was settling in, and I knew better. She was not new. I asked everyone I came across as I moved through the palace if they knew where she was but I received the same answer every time. They did not know who she was." He continued.

"My unease quickly became alarm. It was impossible for all those people not to know her. She was the scout of the Earth; the entire planet knew who she was!" Darien said.

"I decided then that I would speak to my Generals. Ironically, like the Moon Princess, I too had four guardians who were charged with my protection. The four of them, myself, and Serenity had all grown up together. We had trained together since she was chosen as Sailor Earth. Surely they could not claim not to know who she was." He explained.

"Unfortunately, that it is exactly what they did. They did not have the first clue who I was referring to." He said with a heavy sigh.

"My alarm turned to panic. How could they not know who she was? They were all friends; had spoken to her only the evening before. I decided from there to go speak to my parents. Surely the King and Queen would know who Sailor Earth was, know the young woman who was living with them, know the young woman who was engaged to their only son." He continued as he looked to his friend.

"Unfortunately, they too did not know of who I spoke. My father even laughed at me and said there was no scout of the Earth. My mother asked me if I was feeling well, and that I knew I was not engaged; had never been engaged." He said sadly.

"I became frustrated and angry to the point that it caused a small earthquake." He continued.

"Wait a minute." Andrew cut in. "An actual earthquake?"

"Yes. My connection to the Earth is such that my emotions affect the planet depending on the strength." Darien explained and watched his friend nod in amazement.

"The earthquake scared them, as if they had never experienced one before, and that was when I began to understand what was happening." He continued.

"Everyone claimed to not know who Serenity was and that Sailor Earth did not exist, and on top of that not knowing what an earthquake was meant they did not know of my connection to the Earth nor that I was the carrier of the golden crystal. It was as if she never existed and my crystal never chose her as Sailor Earth." He said.

"I checked my rooms and found no evidence of her existence, which should have clued me in when I first woke; she practically lived in my rooms. Still, to be sure I checked her rooms and found that they were empty of anyone having lived in them. They were simply made up as rooms for a distinguished guest." He explained.

"I could not understand how no one knew that she existed when I knew. She had been real, she was real, she was my soulmate. Then as I remembered that pertinent fact I checked our connection, and after searching I found the link connecting us. She was there in the back of my mind, so small that it was no wonder I did not notice it before." He continued.

"I could not understand, I did not know what had happened to cause this, and that is when my golden crystal began to show me." Darien said.

"It was as if I was there watching it happen and following its progress. I saw myself and Serenity asleep when a golden glow began to form around my body. In the next instant a bright white light flared and swept through the room. It showed me the same thing happening throughout the palace and, in fact, all over the entire planet. The white light sweeping over and through everything and everyone."

"Then the view changed and took me out into space where I saw the white light coming from the Moon. The view changed again and pulled me toward it until I saw the Moon Palace. The light was bathing the entire building and doing the same thing to everything around it that it did on the Earth." He described.

"My view was pulled in further, into the palace where I saw the princess standing in a room with a crystal tower. The light was coming from her and the tower, and I understood what happened."

"She had done something to affect everyone on the planet save for myself, because I was protected; it had erased my Serenity's existence and her identity as Sailor Earth from the minds of everyone I had spoken to and likely everyone on the planet." He said as he shook his head.

"Months passed after that. In all that time I had not found my Serenity and did not have any idea how to go about finding her. Our link was there, connecting us, but it was not strong enough to guide me to her."

"It was a very dark time for me. My emotions cycled between anger and fury, then overwhelming sadness, before shifting into a deep depression. The cycle repeated itself over and over again until the only thing keeping me alive was the knowledge that my Serenity was out there somewhere. She was alive, and so I would remain alive." He explained.

"A day came where I had to attend a gathering on the Moon for royals and dignitaries. I did not wish to go, however, my parents were unable to attend and the Earth needed to be represented. I stuck to the edges of the gathering uninterested in socializing; not only because I was on the Moon, but also because my emotions had shifted in the cycle and I was in a rather depressing state."

"The Moon Queen and Princess made their appearance, allowing the gathering to start, and subtly following behind them were the princess' five guardian scouts." He said.

"Five?!" Andrew said in surprise. "I thought there were only four." He added, having been listening closely to this involved story.

"There were." Darien confirmed. "However, they became five, and I instantly recognized the fifth one as my Serenity."

"All those months I had not known what had become of my soulmate, but it was clear in that moment exactly what had happened to her. She had been taken, stolen, literally from my arms and deposited on the Moon as its scout. The princess had made my Serenity a scout that she could order around!" He explained angrily.

Andrew gasped as he remembered Darien explaining earlier that encounter where he, Serenity, and the Moon Princess had met for the first time, and how she had tried to order Serenity because she believed the only scouts were her personal guardian scouts.

She took her from the Earth, and somehow made her into Sailor Moon just so she could order her around? Or was there another reason? He wondered.

"She looked like an immature mockery of what she had once been, and on top of that she wore her hair up in the exact same style as the princess. My Serenity always wore her beautiful hair loose so that it flowed well pass her back like a silk curtain. Only on certain occasions when she was training did she wear it up, and that was only in a high ponytail." Darien explained.

"So she really was both Sailor Earth and Sailor Moon." Andrew said, and watched his friend nod once. "How did it happen? What was that bright light?"

"During the same gathering the Queen wished to speak to me privately so we spoke in a sitting room inside the palace. She too had not been affected like everyone else, and informed me that she had tried to change reality back to what it had been but was unable to." Darien said.

"You see the royal Moon line wields a powerful silver crystal. It is just like my golden crystal; powerful and dangerous in the wrong hands. The princess had a connection to the crystal, likely in preparation for when she inherited responsibility of it, and she used it and amplified its effects with the crystal tower to get my Serenity away from me. I was to forget her so the princess would be able to have a chance with me." He explained angrily.

"This happened suddenly. The princess had been quiet and had not been coming to the Earth to see me as she had been doing regularly. We had thought we were finally getting a break." He said as he closed his eyes painfully, knowing how wrong they had been.

"Apparently she found Sailor Venus' invitation to our wedding and that was what caused her to act. Before that I do not believe she was at all aware that Serenity and I were in a relationship. We were always professional, simply Prince Endymion and Sailor Earth, when not around those who knew us personally." He explained.

"So all of that was just because the princess liked you and wanted you to be with her." Andrew said almost in disbelief.

"Correct." Darien confirmed. "And her attempt did not even work as it was supposed to."

"What do you mean?" Andrew asked.

"Had her attempt worked correctly no one aside from herself would have been aware of what she had done. However, it did not work because she did not know what she was doing, and was selfish on top of that." Darien said.

"What she did affected herself as well, so she did not remember what she had done. She believed she always had five guardian scouts, and that she and I had never met." He explained.

He finally opened his bottle of water and took a long drink. His friend now knew why he was different than he had been, but he now needed to know the current situation. Hopefully he would understand the severity of the situation.

"You now understand why I am different, and where those differences come from; yes?" Darien said as he closed his bottle.

"Yeah. You're a reincarnated prince from the past, and you remember that past." Andrew said.

"Yes. However, I mentioned that the present situation is complicated, so I shall continue my tale and hope you understand." He said, and watched his friend nod.

"After learning all I had from the Queen I decided that I was going to get my Serenity back. I informed the Queen and she was of course supportive and would not interfere. We agreed that her daughter would try seeing as how I would be pursuing one of her guardians instead of her." Darien said.

"I did not care. I would pursue my Serenity without concern for the opinions or desires of a selfish conceited princess." He added with a slight careless shrug.

"I returned to the Moon as soon as possible after that gathering and introduced myself to my Serenity and informed her plainly that I was interested in her." He continued.

"How did she react to that?" Andrew asked curiously.

"She at first thought I was looking for the princess, and then she was hesitant because I was a prince and she only a soldier." He answered. "It did not matter to me. The princess could have turned her into anything, and I still would have pursued her because she was my soulmate."

"From there I began to court her and tried everything I could think of to get her to remember me and her life on the Earth. However, not one of my attempts worked. She enjoyed them all and they helped her feelings for me grow, but they did not bring forth a single memory." He explained before he sighed heavily.

"I was so preoccupied with gaining Serenity's affections and trying to get her to remember her true self that I did not notice my Guardian Generals pulling away from me or behaving differently." He said.

"Not to mention there was a woman that had grown infatuated with me after the princess changed reality, and I did not notice during the same time that she was growing angry and jealous." He added.

"On no! First the princess and now this woman." Andrew said with a frown.

"Unfortunately." Darien agreed. "She had been a sorceress my father brought into the palace to cheer me during my state of sadness and depression."

"It all came to a head one day. I returned home from an assignment I had, practically on the other side of the planet, and found out my own standing army had been taken by my Guardian Generals and invaded the Moon." He continued.

"You can imagine my utter shock and dismay to learn such a thing. I could not understand why or how it was happening, however, I knew I needed to get to my Serenity so to the Moon I went." He said.

"When I arrived the invasion had started and there was fighting everywhere I looked. I searched outside the palace first and saw each of my generals fighting a different scout, however, none of them was my Serenity, so I went inside the palace to continue my search." He explained.

"I had no luck until I reached the top floor and saw her running. I followed her and saw her enter a room before addressing the princess. When I reached the doorway she was in the process of defending the princess from one of my soldiers." He continued.

"Before anything could be said, before I could announce my presence, the woman who had become infatuated with me appeared in front of Serenity and the princess. She was very altered, to the point that I did not recognize her until she began to speak of me." He said.

"What did she say?" Andrew asked quietly.

"She said she could kill them both at once and then I would be all hers." Darien answered. "My Serenity of course protected the princess, however, that did not stop the woman."

"At that point my crystal showed me what I was not at a vantage point to see. Something I will never forget. An inky dark purple sky, large narrow glowing eyes, a reddish purple diamond shape object centered above the eyes, and a red slit where a mouth would be." He described.

"The slit parted and an ominous glow appeared. I rushed forward into the room and pushed Serenity out of the way just before a thick beam of light shot out of the open slit and hit me." He said as his friend gasped.

"My Serenity was quite upset with me for doing that. Believing I was protecting the princess instead of allowing her to do it and take that hit. I was dying so I told her the truth; that protecting the princess was not her duty and never had been. That her destiny had been taken from her." Darien explained.

"Of course she did not understand, and there was no time to explain it to her." He said as he shook his head. "She told me she did not want me to die; that she loved me too much for me to leave her, so despite not being able to make her remember I at least knew I had gained her love again before I died."

"I love you as well my Serenity. I will find you again, and you will remember what we had." He once again recalled his last words to her.

His Serenity was currently remembering, but he needed her to remember everything, and not simply random memories. He needed the memories to feel real, and not as if they had happened to some far past version of herself.