Hey everyone! I just want to say thanks for all the reviews. You don't know how much I appreciate them. Um, I still intend to finish this by the time summer is over or by the second week of September, so no worries. So, with no further adieu…….

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or it's characters

Chapter 6- The Truth Hurts

Darien hissed aloud as he took an uneasy step. Clenching his teeth together he lightly rubbed his bandaged waist trying rid himself of the throbbing pain that was running up and down his left side.

He took a deep breath letting it out slowly before quickening his pace until he could see the slight glow of Serena's hair from the streetlights above. He had to keep her in sight considering he's never been to her house. Well, he assumed that was where she was going.

He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he knew Serena was hiding something. Darien understood her so well that he could easily separate her bull shit from the absolute truth. This, of course, annoyed Serena endlessly especially when she successfully fools everyone else into thinking one thing and Darien is the only one who can read her eyes and know the truth.

Serena's attitude at the scout meeting was the proof that persuaded Darien to approach her, but in order to know for sure, he would need her confirmation. And he planned to get it even if he had to bribe the teen with a full course meal.

Serena continued her way down the path oblivious to the dark figure behind. She turned onto her street and made her way up the stone walkway leading to her front door. Right when she began unlocking the door a hand reached out from the patch of darkness and wrapped around her mouth yanking her body away.

Before Darien could run over and help her, he could hear Serena laughing as she playfully slapped the mystery person on the shoulder.

Darien narrowed his eyes and moved a bit closer sneaking behind one of the bushes lining the grass to the right of the entrance. He couldn't make out the person's face, but he was almost positive the person was male. He was too tall and too muscular to be female. His assumption was proven right when his deep masculine voice rang out into the night.

"I wanted to surprise you…….."

Darien's eyebrow rose as Serena grabbed the guy by the collar and pulled him into the house. Their laughter and mumbled kisses could be heard before the door was kicked closed leaving him amidst the shallow darkness and the glow from the streetlight over head.

Darien walked up to the door and turned the knob. Fortunately, they left it unlocked and what kind of stalker would Darien be if he didn't follow his target all the way? With that thought he slowly opened the door and peaked inside. When the coast was clear he crept into the house closing the door after.

It was a nice house, he figured. The entrance was in between the living room and kitchen with stairs positioned right in front of where he stood. Before he could explore the rest of the house as he so obviously wanted to, there was a faint thump above.

He ascended the stairs slowly trying to avoid any loud creaks since it was common knowledge that in every house the stairway always had at least one creak. And then there was the throbbing pain that still lingered on his left side.

When he made it to the second level and followed the hallway the thumping became louder until he was standing in front of Serena's room. Well, he assumed it was her room from the various sheets of paper taped to the doors surface all holding messages for the members of the family. Most of them were directed at her little brother. Enter and die, Sammy!

The door, he noticed, was left ajar as the couple's voices could be heard from within the room, that and the sound of clothing being removed at a very fast pace. He stepped closer and peered through the opening. His eyes widened and his mouth hung open in shock.

So, she is hiding something

As he watched the white-haired general slowly remove his tunic Darien almost wished he hadn't followed his curiosity, but at least he now knew. When Serena leaned over and planted soft kisses up Malachite's naked torso Darien turned away from the door and headed back downstairs.

Heedless of the extra presence in the house Serena and Malachite continued their long awaited rendezvous. It wasn't often Malachite got a whole night off and they both planned to utilize the time freely, at least until her parents came home.

Malachite brought his hand across her cheek and caressed down her neck until it reached the band at the end of her braid. Pulling it off he ran his hands through her soft, blonde hair until the evidence of there ever being a braid was gone as the wavy tresses fell around her shoulders. Serena closed her eyes and sighed giving into his subtle gesture. She loved when he ran his fingers through her hair. They were like magic and the only thing missing was the silver dust.

As she took in a breath riding through the sensations vibrating over her scalp she didn't notice her shirt being lifted over her head and arms until Malachite was lowering her body to the bed. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. He was busy undoing the buttons on her pants as he licked and sucked in places that had Serena squirming in pleasure.

He pulled the pants down over her hips kissing her thigh before throwing them on the floor along with her shirt.

Malachite stared down at Serena encased in nothing but her lace bra and matching panties. The lust in his eyes were so intense they made her blush under the heat of his gaze. It didn't matter how many times she and Malachite were together, he always had such a powerful influence. Malachite was the only one who could intimidate her in a way where she cared about what he thought, his opinion. No one else, but him.

Serena grabbed him by the seat of his pants and pulled him on top of her. His hands were on both sides of her head as his face was inches away from her own. She smiled and he leaned down and mashed his lips with hers. The kiss was rough, but she didn't mind. Malachite always said that she looks like the seductress she really is when her lips are red and swollen from his harsh kisses.

Serena shoved his pants down and ran her hands over his bare cheeks. He never wore anything underneath his uniform. He complained that the suit was already hot, undergarments would only make it unbearable.

He straightened and toed off his pants while he rid Serena of the only thing hindering him from taking her completely. They didn't have much time and only God knew when they'd be able to see each other again. Sometimes love just wasn't enough especially when all that person craves are the touches of the one their love is for.

Malachite crawled back on the bed until he was seated between her legs. Serena moaned and clawed as he trailed kisses over her neck and collarbone. She was shivering when she whispered the words that made him groan in anticipation.

"Please…."

Malachite was in control until he heard that soft whisper filled with anxiety and lust. How could he turn her down when she asked so nicely?

With a smile he lifted Serena's legs so that her knees were pressing into her chest and positioned himself at her entrance. Serena could feel the head rubbing back and forth and when Malachite playfully pulled back she slapped him on the arm and gave him a mock glare. He smirked and before Serena could yell at him for his endless teasing Malachite was already buried deep inside her as she yelped in surprise.

His second thrust sent Serena arching into his chest as her arms wrapped around his frame and her hands clutched his back. With the third Serena lost her self in the pleasure vibrating all over her body. They moved together moaning each other's name sweat dripping down their frames as their pace began to increase.

Without warning, Serena pressed her feet into the bed and flipped them over. She winked at Malachite's stunned expression giving him a cheeky smile and raising her eyebrows suggestively. Before he could give her his loveable smirk Serena was lowering herself on him. She sighed when he was completely sheathed within.

Using her thighs as leverage, she began to move above him with such control that had him moaning her name and struggling to restrain himself. He wanted them to reach their peaks together, it was always more special when done this way. Malachite couldn't really explain.

Serena whimpered biting her lip as she began to tremble, the first sign of her orgasm taking form. When Malachite felt the familiar pressure of her walls constricting he let out a strangled yell as Serena lowered herself to lay on his chest, their breaths uneven from the intense activity.

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. By the soft intake of breath he knew Serena was faintly drifting in and out of sleep. He grinned to himself, Malachite supposed he could give her a few moments of peace before he reminding her of the trouble she'd be in if her parents happen to come home and catch them.

As a light snore reached his ears, his grin broadened. Yes, he could definitely remind her later.

*******************************

Darien jumped at the sound of the phone ringing. He raised his brow and rolled his eyes skyward as the answering machine came on to record the caller's message. The least she could've done was pick up the blasted phone! And it pissed him off more since her parents weren't even coming back tonight. Something about an accident blocking the freeway or at least that's what it sounded like when Mrs.Tsukino left the message on the machine.

He couldn't really say what exactly annoyed him about the situation. True, Serena was upstairs fucking the enemy without a care in the world, but for some reason it didn't feel as if it was the main cause for his anger.

Maybe it was because she was getting more action than him……….

Darien shook his head ridding his mind of the last thought. He flopped down on the one of the chairs facing the stairway. He should've left a long time ago, but if he had he knew he wouldn't go through with it. He needed to do it tonight while he still had his rage. He definitely had a few words to say and tonight was perfect to get them all off his chest.

At the sound of the floor boards creaking, Darien snapped his head to attention and looked toward the stairs. When he saw Serena come into view clad in only a t-shirt her hair unbraided and cascading over her shoulders in waves he sat up in the chair and licked his lips. Just the act of her doing this simple gesture reminded him of the moon princess. As to how this intimate situation rang any kind of bell, Darien refused to say.

Serena hummed as she reached the main level. She couldn't stop smiling thinking about what had transpired. She almost appreciated the long days where she couldn't see Malachite, their love making was always so intense, more than usual anyway. The way he touched her and said her name in the heat of passion sent shivers up her spine. She couldn't wait until next time.

She knew Malachite loved her. It wasn't because he said so, but by the way he looked at her and by the way he spoke her name. It also didn't hurt that he killed Zoicite because she asked it of him, or that's what he said anyway. Serena couldn't put her finger on it, but he seemed a bit melancholy when he was leaving. At first she thought it was the thought of not seeing each other for a long while, but she knew that wasn't the case. He only shook his head and said he had a lot on his mind.

She let it go.

Serena was still caught up in her daydream when her eyes met the form of her supposed soul mate sitting across the room. Her happiness came crashing down as she did a double take, her eyes growing wide and her mouth hanging open in surprise.

"Uh, Darien, I didn't know you were sitting there….."

Darien smirked. Serena seemed to come to her senses as she narrowed her eyes and stalked toward him.

"Wait, how did you get into my house?"

Darien stood up and crossed his arms over his chest.

"I didn't have to try hard seeing as you left the door unlocked."

"So, I guess in your language that means: Come on in! You could've at least rang the bell or yelled up the stairs……."

Darien snorted.

"……..And ruin your little orgy? I don't think so!"

Serena stared back at him. Her mouth was opening then closing trying to find something to say. She sucked her teeth and awkwardly looked everywhere in the room except at him.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Serena, this is me you're talking to. I can tell when your lying, remember?"

Serena closed her eyes exhaling and plopped down on the sofa covering her face with her hands. When she didn't move or attempt to speak Darien continued.

"I saw him……the general that helped me tonight. I saw you with him."

She gave a short laugh, but as she looked up at him the smile was gone.

"What do you want me to say?"

"How about the truth. I hope you haven't forgotten how since you've been lying for weeks….."

Serena rolled her eyes at him frowning. She hated when he talked to her this way, like she was some kind of child for him to lecture.

"……..Why didn't you tell me? I thought I was the only one you trusted, isn't that what you said?"

She sighed.

"I tried to tell you, remember? That day I ran out of the arcade and you followed me. I told you about my dreams and you waved it off. So how the hell was I supposed to tell you about me and Malachite when you couldn't even take me seriously then?"

"So, you're saying this is my fault?"

"Darien, no!….."

Serena rose from the sofa and walked around the frame. She paused with her back facing Darien then turned to continue with what she was saying.

"….you don't understand. This has nothing to do with you, this had nothing to do with the scouts and this has nothing to do with my duty as Sailor Moon."

"Then what is this about?"

"It's about me! It's about what I want! "

Darien frowned, the rage apparent in his cerulean eyes.

"What you want?! So you'd risk your friends and family for some midnight fuck!?"

Serena lashed out suddenly and slapped Darien in the face. The blow sent Darien staggering back holding his red cheek. He stared back at her with shock evident in his wide eyes. She had never hit him before, she never even got as angry with him as she was at that moment. He regretted his comment when he saw her hurtful expression.

"I can't believe you said that!"

"And I can't believe you hit me!"

"Well, sometimes you talk too much."

"So, you had to hit me?!" he yelled pointing to his throbbing cheek.

"Oh shut up! You'll live…..You shouldn't had said what you said."

Darien's hand dropped to his side and his eyes lowered to the ground.

"Look, I'm sorry. It's just, you put us all in danger."

"I can't explain it and even if I could, you still wouldn't understand. You still wouldn't know."

Darien sat on the arm of the chair and licked his lips. He cleared his throat and hesitantly opened his mouth.

"That's not entirely true……."

Serena furrowed her brows

"What do you mean?"

"I know……a lot more than you think I do."

"Okay, why do I feel like this is one of those I think you should sit down speeches?"

Darien left the question alone and bit his lip. Serena thinks he looks so vulnerable when he bites his lip nervously. Too bad she was too pissed off to be affected by it.

"Serena, I think you should sit down…."

"Oh, Darien! Don't say that!….anything, but that!"

He would've laughed if it wasn't for the seriousness in the situation and in what he was about to tell her.

Darien sat across from her and stared at the coffee table in between. He was quiet for awhile and Serena was growing impatient. She crossed her arms over her chest and raised a brow. He must've felt her growing anxiety because he began to finally speak.

"I had orders from the queen. Well, actually the orders were given to Luna who passed them onto me."

"What orders?"

"I was supposed to watch you and report any incidents. You're behavior lately has been a bit out of character. You're having mood swings, treating your friends like shit, and you've been secretive………..more than usual anyway."

Serena shrugged.

"So what, I can have a bad day if I want. Besides, they had it coming……"

"See what I mean? It's that kind of talk that has Luna suspicious. That's not something the old Serena would say. She'd whine about how everyone is picking on her….."

When Serena pouted, Darien raised a brow to say: don't even try to deny it. Serena shook her head.

"Maybe I would've whined two years ago, but I'm not fourteen anymore. Why does everyone seem to think that I am? It's such an insult!"

"You're right. The scouts haven't been able to get passed that unpleasant phase, but the point is Luna contacted the queen and started checking off all the things you've done. The queen gave her diagnosis and then told Luna to tell me."

Serena frowned openly and scratched her head.

"What was her diagnosis?"

"She thought that her daughter was beginning to shine through." he said sighing

"Her daughter?….I don't…." Serena's eyes widened when she realized the meaning. "….Princess Serenity."

Darien nodded.

"Since her idiosyncrasies were already appearing she suspected that her feelings for the former Earth general would not be far behind. She wanted me to report to Luna if you happened to mention anything remotely linked to him and then try to convince you that it wasn't true."

"So, you lied to me then. You knew all along that the dreams I were having were memories and that Queen Serenity purposely kept them from me."

She nodded saying it more as a statement then a question.

"It's so funny how even now she tries to control my life. Only she could have power in death…..bitch….." she whispered loud enough for Darien to hear. Before he could reply to her comment Serena jumped up from the couch.

"She's doing all of this so she could complete some sick little fantasy. I'm supposed to marry you, become queen, pop out an heir and then become a prisoner of my own life. She did it, so why not follow in her footsteps, right?!…….."

She was breathing hard now. The rage was obvious and it unnerved him seeing as her eyes were now glaring at him.

"…….And you're helping her! When I confided in you, you made me feel as if I was going insane, like the dreams meant nothing…….you're supposed to be my friend and you trade me over just so you could be in her good graces, so you could be king!………."

She was screaming now calling him all kinds of names and yelling obscenities to the ceiling. It didn't seem to release any anger and she ended up wrapping her small hands around Darien's throat. He, of course, was too strong and Serena ended up on the floor with him holding her arms above her head. She continued to struggle, nonetheless……even when she couldn't breathe from his large frame laying on her smaller one.

"Serena, listen to me…"

"No! I don't want to hear anymore…" she said shaking her head back and forth.

"Serena, stop!"

"I hate you!"

"I didn't tell her anything!" he yelled, but she paid no mind and continued to kick and scream.

He couldn't take it anymore and leaned down slamming his lips over hers. Serena's eyes popped open as he continued to kiss her. It wasn't a mind blowing kiss, his lips weren't moving and his eyes weren't closed, but it was still a kiss. Serena stopped struggling and looked up at him. She was out of breath as her chest moved up and down against his own. He pulled back and looked her in the eye.

"I didn't tell her anything." he said softly

She nodded hesitantly and he moved off the front of her body and sat to the right side of her body. Serena remained in the same position only her eyes were staring up at the ceiling blinking slowly trying to get her thoughts together. She swiped her hand over her mouth.

"Question: Did you have to kiss me?"

Darien rolled his eyes. He wasn't expecting her to ask that. Yes, it seemed like the time, but the whole dramatic pause threw him off.

"It was the only way to get your attention."

"Yea, but kissing me?"

"It's not like we've never done it before." he said smirking.

Serena sat up and groaned.

"This is true….."

Silence swept around them until Serena turned to Darien and voiced the question that wouldn't leave her thoughts.

"How do I know you're not lying to me now?"

"Because you know me just as well as I know you…..and there's that fact that if I had told Luna, you would've heard about it already."

Serena licked her lower lip an nodded. She had to admit, his reason made a lot of sense. She put her back against the sofas frame and brought her knees up to her chest, but when she realized she was only wearing an oversized t-shirt and underwear underneath, Serena crossed her legs instead.

"I just don't understand…….." she whispered looking down at her hands sitting in her lap.

"What?"

"Why me? She hasn't attempted once to break up you and Raye. So, why is it so important to keep me and Malachite apart?"

Darien sighed and crawled over to sit next to her. He laid his hand over hers and cleared his throat.

"I guess, it has something to do with your personality. You're very determined and sometimes just plain stubborn. I think that's the most obvious trait you and the princess share. Queen Serenity knew you wouldn't stop seeing Malachite, but if she had told Raye and I to split up…..we would have. Our duty is more important, it's always been that way."

"That might've been fine when the Silver Millennium was alive, but this is another life. Our obligations have changed and it's unfair for her to come and replace them with ones that have long since died. My kingdom has crumbled and so has my duty to reign."

Serena laid her head on Darien's shoulder and closed her eyes. He leaned his head back and did the same.

"You know, you have to tell the others, right?"

Serena groaned

"Do I have to?"

"Serena……."

"Okay, okay……….they're just gonna blame me for everything and accuse me of endangering them and not taking my duties seriously."

Darien snorted.

"It won't be that bad…….."

She hmphed in response.

"Yea, you can say that since everyone loves you and your screwing around with a sailor scout which is like five extra brownie points……" Darien laughed at this and shook his head. "….you wouldn't last one day in my shoes." she said sticking up her chin.

"You're right on that one because as soon as Malachite would try to kiss me, I'd end up calling a time out."

Serena giggled and playfully shoved Darien by his shoulder.

"Well, if I was in your shoes I'd kill your girlfriend…." Darien nodded.

"Yea, Raye can be difficult, but she's not like that when we're alone."

Serena raised her brow and crawled onto the couch looking down at him.

"Just keep her in order when I tell them tomorrow, okay?"

"Sure……..anything for you."

When Serena got real quiet Darien looked her way. Her brows were furrowed and she looked as if she was confused about something.

"What's wrong?"

"It's weird. It's almost three in the morning and my parents haven't come back yet."

"Oh, they left a message on the machine. They stayed over night."

"Ugh, that sucks!…." she says pouting. Malachite had left in a hurry so she wouldn't get into trouble and they weren't even coming home.

"….well, there goes my night."

************************************

Malachite continued to walk down the sidewalk. He had been doing this for over an hour now. He didn't want to go back to the nega-verse yet and deal with the vial creatures and Beryl's nasty attitude. He really didn't want to leave Serena's, but he couldn't stay and risk her trouble with her parents. If he didn't have any self control he would have walked back to her house a long time ago.

Every now and then the wind would blow sending his hair flying behind him and sometimes blowing in his face where he'd have to move the strands behind his ear with his hand.

His mind was too occupied to see the dark figure step in his path. Malachite managed to spot the person and move around him before causing an accident, but as he passed the person grabbed his wrist.

Malachite swung around ready to break his arm when the person's face came into view. One half the face was human, but the other half was green and scaly with flesh that made Malachite frown inside. The yellow eyes stared at him and the general came to his senses.

"Zydec, what are you doing here?" he asked, his face expressionless and cold

"The queen sent me. She wants to have a word with you." he answered with his raspy voice.

Malachite had forgotten to re-open his link after he left Serena's, which was probably why Beryl sent Zydec along. But, there was something else. He couldn't put his finger on it. It was just one of those things when you could sense something out of the ordinary and this felt like one of those times.

The white haired general, although suspicious, didn't ask anymore questions. Instead he followed the creature through the black hole that appeared before them.

*******************************

"You what!!!"

Serena winced as Luna screamed in response to what was just revealed. The screeching nearly made her ears bleed considering they were coming from a cat.

"Luna, you already knew. Why are you so surprised?" Serena said

"Why? Why!!!? I thought you were more responsible than this, Serena! I gave you the benefit of the doubt and didn't jump to conclusions, but you have disappointed me…."

"I've disappointed you!? That's real funny coming from someone who has never paid any attention to me before."

"Attention? Is this why you've betrayed us all!"

"What? No! and I'm not the only one who did the betraying………I could explain it to you one hundred different ways and you still wouldn't understand." she replied softly looking down at her hands

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly what I said……"

Luna's expression softened as she lowered herself to the ground laying her head on top of her folded paws. Her eyes held guilt as they stared at the ground. Luna knew the truth in Serena's accusation. At the time, she felt she was doing the right thing, but now she wasn't so sure.

Artemis nudged Luna on the shoulder with his nose. He had been quiet through the whole confrontation……well, he usually is, but he has always been a better listener and observer than someone who gives speeches.

The silence was intense. The scouts still held their shocked facial expressions. The four couldn't believe Serena would do something so selfish. Sure, Serena was known for her unreliability in the scouting department, but they didn't think she was so capable of fully expressing her dislike in the being the leader in a way like this.

Raye's face was increasingly growing red until she couldn't hold in the rage any longer.

"How could you be so stupid!!?" she yelled jumping up from the cushion and pacing the floor.

Serena sighed harshly and glared toward Darien. He meeting her gaze, he winced and shrugged. That would be the last time she counted on him to keep his girlfriend in check.

Whipped….. her mind muttered

"Answer me, Serena!"

Serena turned her attention to the fiery scout and rolled her eyes.

"You wouldn't understand, Raye…."

"Oh, stop saying that! You just don't want to admit that you fucked up." she snapped lowering her face to Serena's. Their noses almost touching.

Serena jumped up from her position on the floor and shoved Raye to the floor. After Raye got over the sharp pain that shot through her backside she glared up at Serena, but almost regretted it when she saw the unfamiliar rage glowing in her eyes.

"You and your boyfriend are alike after all. You both talk too much…."

Darien rubbed his cheek absently.

When Raye and Darien didn't say anything else, Serena took a deep breath and continued.

"You guys never listen to me. You all think I've put you all in danger for some selfish reason and maybe it was selfish, but that's my right. I have the right to choose my own destiny and if I want to be with Malachite then that's what I'll do.

"But, the point is that you never trusted me. Like I said before, you all assumed I was being selfish, but did you even think that my affair was to obtain information about the nega verse? No, I'm not fourteen anymore and I wish you'd all stop seeing me as if I am."

The girls didn't say anything. They were all thinking about her speech, but Serena was surprised to see that they actually seemed to be doing it seriously. This was something that had never happened before….the whole speech was something that never happened before either. It made her regret not doing it sooner.

Artemis cleared his throat.

"I….think Serena has a point….."

Serena looked down at Artemis. Her eyes were wide as she stared at the white feline as well as everyone else's. Artemis blushed under their gazes. He had to admit, he was usually the quiet one and Luna was the one who advised the scouts. If he did say anything about their duty, he always mentioned it to Luna and then she would relay the message to the scouts.

"I mean, we do have a habit of expecting the worst of her and that isn't fair. Maybe she was only using Malachite, but even if she wasn't, we still have an advantage here. If Malachite's feelings are as true as she claims, she has just saved us from unnecessary work. We are now closer to defeating the enemy and we have Serena to thank."

Throughout the whole speech Artemis never took his eyes away from Serena's. He meant every word and that simple gesture was proof. Serena smiled as thanks. She almost wished he was her advisor and not Luna. He understood her position.

Serena relaxed.

Before anyone could comment, Amy's small pocket computer began to beep. She opened it and sighed already irritated.

"There's a youma attacking the park."

Everyone groaned simultaneously. This was of no surprise. There was always a youma attacking the park. It was as if it didn't know of any other area. Before Serena could begin counting off the number of places a youma could strike, the scouts began transforming.

***************************

The youma resembled a huge anaconda only it was longer and thicker and scalier and just plain nasty looking. It hissed as the scouts appeared and unwrapped itself form the human that it was currently squeezing. The human sighed in relief as his body became free and ran off in the opposite direction. Serena narrowed her eyes, something wasn't right.

"Mars fire ignite!"

Serena really was tired of the whole Sailor Moon speech (which made her famous) and just decided to join Sailor Mars in the fighting.

The youma had escaped the flames and headed toward Mercury who was typing away on her computer trying to find a weakness. Sailor Moon yelled to her, but she knew Mercury was a slow reactant and was able to knock her to the side in time.

"Uh, thanks…."

Her eyes were wide in shock as they landed on Sailor Moon. Serena had definitely changed.

Sailor Moon just shrugged and ran back to help Venus who the snake had just wrapped in his hold. She cried out as the snake began to squeeze her body.

Serena took off her tiara and ran up to the anaconda. She sliced the youma's scaly frame and grabbed Venus' hand as her body became loose dropping to the ground. They managed to get away from the snake before it was engulfed in electricity.

With one blink the youma was gone.

Sailor Jupiter punched her fist into the air in triumph.

"Yea, no one can resist the power of electricity!"

Moon shook her head.

"What's wrong?" Venus asked noticing the seriousness in her expression

"Something's not right, I don't think it's over……"

"What do you mean? That youma was completely defeated!" Mars said frowning

"Did you see that person it was attacking when we first arrived? He just ran away…….."

Everyone exchanged confused looks. Mercury's mouth dropped open….

"He just ran away without injuries………his bones should've been broken………"

As soon as Serena agreed, there was laughter from behind. They turned around to see a man whose body was half human and half youma. His yellow eyes glowered at each of them with a kind of malice that not even Zoicite held.

"Who are you?" Serena asked

He smirked.

"It doesn't matter. I am only here to deliver something……"

"Deliver what?" Venus asked, her eyes showing cautious anxiety.

He smiled cruelly and snapped his fingers. The ground began to glow until a battered body appeared. His frame held cuts and bruises as blood stained his ripped uniform. His eyes remained closed and his chest remained still. Serena gasped as she recognized him immediately.

Zydec gestured to the limp corpse

"A gift from Queen Beryl. I guess, this was his punishment for betraying his mistress."

He gave one more harsh laugh before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.

Serena's breathing was shaky as she hesitatingly lowered herself to kneel next to Malachite. Tears shined in her eyes as she brought a hand to his wrist and pulled back quickly as if burned. There was no pulse. She placed her ear on his chest and when she couldn't hear the pounding of his heart, she cried out.

"Malachite don't do this to me………wake up! Open your eyes!………Don't you dare die on me!"

She was gripping his shirt and shaking him. Her tears were freely falling and sobs were racking through her body. When Darien tried to pull her away, she fought him off punching and pushing until he gave up and moved away to witness in sorrow with the rest of the scouts as Serena pounded on his chest watching her arms grew tired.

She held Malachite's body to her chest.

"Why!!!!" she screamed to sky.

She couldn't help, but think her mother had something to do with this. She knew it wasn't possible, but in the back of her mind it wouldn't be a surprise if the queen arranged this in some form. It was déjà vu all over again only this time, it was him dying in her arms.

The grief was so strong, Serena didn't pay any attention to the soft glow that surrounded her body. Even when she watched the seven rainbow crystals appear in front of her face, she still didn't move. She just stared at them in sadness. She already knew what was happening as the seven crystals united and the silver crystal took their place.

Serena began rocking Malachite's dead body. Shaking her head, she closes her eyes.

Last chapter next…………

Yay! I'm done! Aren't you proud of me? I'm sorry to be finishing this so late. I just had so much to do this summer and my writer's block showed up again, but everything worked out for the better. Again, thanks for the reviews……….I needed them and thanks to everyone who stuck by me. Only one more chapter to go……..

Tenshi655: I agree with you completely. I love Darien/Serena but I need diversity

Pika-ki: You've lost me. Malachite/Kunzite are the same (long white hair), Jedite/Jadeite is short blonde hair, Zoicite is long blonde hair in pony-tail often used as both sexes, and Nephrite/Nephlyte is the one with the long brown hair. That's what I've always gone by.