Epilogue: We'll Meet Again

October 26th, 1995

Former American Embassy

3:30 AM

Darien and Amy were tending to Peter's injured arm in his bedroom at the embassy. The top of his suit removed and his shirt sleeve rolled up, he was whining as the final stitches were being applied, "Come on, my mom could sew a comforter together in half the time. Ouch!" "Dr. Venkman, stop squirming!" Amy demanded as Darien finished off the stitches. Clipping the suture thread, Darien explained, "You're lucky that the energy blast didn't move a few more centimeters up, otherwise they would have to read you your last rites. Lita must have moved pretty fast." Amy started blotting up around the stitches with alcohol prepping for bandages as Peter asked, "It was because of Dan's knowledge, wasn't it?" Darien was putting the first aid kit away after removing his gloves when he heard that. He began to slow a bit, answering a moment later, "What do you mean?"

Peter took notice of the body language. It was strange that someone that wasn't involved beyond being abducted reacting in such a way. He decided to play along, "Apparently Lita has the ability to read Dan's mind; Dan's brother was in the Marines and he showed him how to turn a tourniquet." Darien didn't look at him as he answered, "That's interesting." Now he knew something was up. He decided to just let off the questions, but there was something about the whole thing that pulled at his curiosity. Peter wasn't one for in depth analysis or statistics; he failed math 3 times in college. Nevertheless he began to think there was something more to Dan being one of these Solar Knights.

Despite everyone being exhausted, everyone attempted to wind down. Lita had prepared food with the stock the American Embassy supplied for the Ghostbusters and after everyone got cleaned up they had dinner. Everyone sat at the table as they raised their glasses, Ray leading everyone in a toast, "To the Sailor Scouts: The kindest hostesses and protectors Tokyo will ever know!" Mina joined in, "And to the Ghostbusters: New York's bravest heroes!"

Before anyone knew it Serena was already tearing into her food. Peter raised an eyebrow as he watched the teenager eat leaning over to Egon, him quietly commenting, "You don't think she's related to Slimer, do you?" Winston heard that and lightly smacked him in the arm. Peter yelped, "Aye! That's my bad arm!"

Luna looked up from the floor from the two dishes of tuna Ray put out for her and Artemis to Serena and saw how she was eating. She sighed, "Serena, it's rude to start eating before everyone else is at the table!" For a moment Serena stopped eating and spoke with her mouth full, "What ya mean?" Darien looked around the table and realized what the cat guardian was saying; there were a few people missing, "Yeah, where's Dan and Lita? It's only right that the heroes of the hour are here." Winston knew the answer to that, "After she finished cooking for us she went to get Dan." Finally swallowing her food Serena raised her hand to announce loudly, "I'll get 'em!" The girl quickly stood from her chair and rushed out of the kitchen.

Serena rushed into the living room of the embassy, she stated aloud with her eyes closed as though she was an announcer, "Your adoring public awaits, you two love…" she opened her eyes to a sight before her. She quickly stopped her comment short as she performed a small gasp. Darien and Peter walked into the room behind her to see what she saw. Darien put his hands on her shoulders as Peter crossed his arms and sighed as he spoke, "Poor guy. After this whole week."

What they saw was Dan sitting asleep on the couch, Lita curled up beside him with her head on his chest and his bandaged arm around her. They looked very peaceful. For Serena, it was the most content she ever saw Lita. Dan performed a slight shuffle, rolling his head to the side for him to rest it on her's. Serena and Darien heard a door open behind them and turned to see Peter going into the closet under the stairs to the living quarters. He came out with a folded blanket in his hands. The Ghostbuster turned to the young girl and smirked again as he handed her the blanket. It took Serena a moment to understand what it was he wanted her to do, but once she did a sparkle came to her blue eyes. Peter nodded and motioned toward the two.

Serena walked to the two of them as everyone else came out of the kitchen and joined them. They watched as Serena unfolded the blanket and gently put her friends under cover. Before pulling away she brushed some of Dan's blonde hair away from his forehead, revealing a bandage on it for the cut he got when he was thrown by Sailor Venus. She placed a gentle kiss on the uninjured part then spoke softly, "You're a brave man, Dan. Enjoy your dreams; you've earned them." She turned and walked away from the sleeping pair and back to Darien so as to escort her out. One by one everyone filed back into the kitchen, the last to leave the room was Egon.

The physicist stood for a moment as he watched the two sleep. A small smile began to creep onto his face as he watched for the first time the whole trip his junior member was calm and serene. He spoke, "You saved us again, Dan. I'm sorry I ever had doubts. I promise I'll not only respect your wishes, but I'll look after you. Thank you." Egon reached out and turned off the light switch. He turned to join the others before looking back into the dark one last time to the sleeping Sailor Scout and her protector. He knew what was next and it was unpleasant, but that was for tomorrow.

October 27th, 1995

Tokyo International Airport

5:35 PM

On the tarmac of the military section of the airport both groups stood outside the C-17 Globemaster that brought the Ghostbusters to Japan. Ecto-1 and Lucky Black were loaded into the cargo area of the plane and the plane was almost ready to depart. The Ghostbusters and the Sailor Scouts were bidding their farewells to each other. They spoke individually among each other with their own goodbyes.

Mina and Ray…

"It's been a wild ride, Dr. Stantz. I'm glad I was able to spend it with someone like you." Ray smiled and nodded his head. He put down his bag and opened it. Mina watched as the scientist dug inside his bag and pulled out something. A small white plush with a little sailor hat on it. He stood and handed the stuffed object to her, "I was hearing you like stuffed animals. It was a bit of a task, but I managed to find one here in Japan." She took the plush and looked it over. She remembered the stories she heard about the character in her hands and recognized what it was, "Oh! So this is Mr. Stay-Puft!" Again, Ray nodded, "Yep. I have one just like it at home. A little something to remember us by." "He's cute!" Mina hugged the little marshmallow man with care for a moment before looking back to Ray, a smile on her face, "Thank you, Dr. Stantz," she walked up and hugged him as well, "I'll take care of him." He hugged her back, "You're welcome. And please, call me Ray."

Raye and Winston…

Raye looked to have had a look of guilt on her face. She was looking down as she spoke, "When we first met I was a bit intimidated of you," she finally looked up with her violet-color eyes to the man before her, "It wasn't because of anything other than you being a Ghostbuster. We weren't sure if you were an ally or not. I don't want you to think…" Winston held up his hand and sighed, "I know. Even if it was something else, it's a different land. I couldn't blame you if you had other hesitations." "The truth is," Raye rubbed her arm nervously, "I was afraid all of you would get hurt. Turns out you were the big brother I never had and you protected us through all of this," she hugged the man before her, a waver in her voice, "I'm sad to see you go, Winston." He returned her hug, "We'll see each other again, ya just gotta keep the faith. Best thing a Priestess can do, right?" "Oh! That reminds me," She broke her hug with Winston as she reached into her school bag and pulled out a stack of sutras wrapped in a ribbon, "These are for Ray." He took the scrolls and smirked, "From one Ray to another, spelling notwithstanding."

Amy and Egon…

"It was an absolute pleasure working with you, Dr. Spengler," the young girl held out her hand for Egon to take, "You've been an inspiration in both academics and bravery. I'm…" the blue-hair teen blushed a bit, "I'm honored to have worked beside you." Egon took the girl's hand and shook it gently, "The pleasure was mine, Amy. You're a very bright young lady and I'm sure you'll continue on your path with much success. I do have a warning for you, though; remember, there's more to life than studies and research. The Scouts do need your intellectual prowess, but they also need your friendship. As Peter always tells me you have to remember you're human," a saddened look came over his face, "I forgot that this trip here. If there's anything you can learn from the best, it's from your own - and other's - mistakes." Amy smiled, knowing the man was speaking from the heart and that it wasn't something he did often. She nodded, "I'll remember that." Breaking the handshake Egon reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a business card, "If you ever want to correspond, this is my Email and User ID for America On-Line." She took the card and looked at the Ghostbusters logo on it next to Egon's name. She looked back, "Thank you. I hope we'll talk soon."

Serena, Darien, and Peter…

"...And that was how we solved our first client's case," Peter told them about how they defeated Gozer and his minions. Serena was captivated the whole trip to the airport. There was a reason everyone broke off from Venkman; the rest of the Ghostbusters were sick of hearing how Peter told the story. Nevertheless Serena was enjoying it and was even excited by it, "Oh, wow!" She started to blush a bit, "You know, it's kinda embarrassing, but when I was really little I really wanted to be a Ghostbuster like you guys!" "Was that before or after you wanted to be a model?" Darien asked, clearly poking fun at her. She grunted, "Before, obviously!" "But not before being an actress?" She looked up to her boyfriend with a death glare making Darien chuckle nervously while rubbing the back of his head.

Peter smoothly interjected, "I had a lot of dreams too. When I was a kid I wanted to drive trains. When I went to college I took a course in Engineering. Found out engineering had nothing to do with trains, but…" he shrugged, "If it weren't for dreams - even crazy ones - we wouldn't strive to be the best we can be." Serena looked back at the psychologist before her and heard him out, "Everyone thinks I'm a goof; a class clown. They're not wrong, I did run my own underwear up the flagpole… while still wearing them," Serena covered her mouth to hold back a laugh, "but when things got tough, Ol' Dr. V was there. If I did what I was told and believed what others thought, I wouldn't be here. Don't ever let anyone tell you you can't be something. You do, it'll be a good way to become nothing." Serena looked back up to Darien, "See? Even Peter has faith in me!"

Darien looked to his girlfriend then looked to the scientist before them. He extended his hand for Peter to shake, "Dr. Venkman, again, thank you for everything." Peter grabbed Darien's hand and shook it mildly. After a moment he yanked his hand abruptly, "Oh, come here you!" Darien was surprised as the American man pulled him into a hug enough to pat him on the back. After Peter released him Serena walked up and beckoned the Ghostbuster to kneel down. She kissed the man on the cheek signifying her thanks.

Dan and Lita…

Dan and Lita held each other. How the others were saying goodbye; it wasn't as painful for them. These two souls were among the only ones that not only didn't want to, but knew it was going to be devastating when they did. Lita's voice broke as she spoke, tears in her eyes, "I'm really going to miss you, Dan. I've never met anyone like you before. I wish you could stay." "We've been over this," the rookie Ghostbuster said, his voice stressed, "I still have a duty in New York. The guys need me. If anything happened there and they needed me, then the world would be putting your life in danger." "Then why can't I just go with you?" the girl asked, "My life would be incomplete without you! I don't want to be alone!"

Dan gently pulled away from her to look her in her tear-laden eyes as he explained, "Lita, the other Sailor Scouts need you here. You have to protect Tokyo much like I have to protect New York. While I'm there I can stop things from happening. I can protect you while I'm there."

A tear streaked down the girl's red cheeks. Dan could see Lita was a very strong girl. She had conviction and heart, but he saw she was missing one thing. The horrible part about it was it was the very thing he needed with her as well. Dan gently wiped away her tears and spoke, "There's more than enough reasons for me to go, but only one that makes me want to stay. I don't want to be alone, either, and it's as hard for me as it is for you, but I know you'll be okay. You have the other Scouts, and even if that isn't enough, you still won't be alone. So long as you remember me," he pointed to her heart, "I'll always be here because you'll always be in mine."

The engines of the Globemaster started up making a very low hum. The other Ghostbusters walked their way to the rear of the plane, baggage in hand. This was it. Everyone else went to board the plane through the ramp as Egon stopped beside Dan and put his hand on the young man's shoulder, "Come on, Daniel, the flight crew is ready." The young man nodded, turning back to look the physicist in the eyes. Egon saw the look and understood he wanted one more minute. He nodded and patted the man on the arm before turning to the ramp of the plane.

Dan looked back into Lita's eyes. He could sense her chest start to tighten as her face became flushed. Dan drew a very difficult breath, his own chest hurting as he stared into her beautiful, vibrant, green eyes one last time, "I have to go now, Lita." They kissed for the last time, slowly and fully. They kept their eyes closed as they broke, pulling away as they slowly opened their eyes. Dan whispered, "I love you. We'll meet again…"

Lita completed the whisper, "…On the Dark Side of the Moon."

Dan took a few steps back, gathered his duffle bag, and walked into the back of the plane. She saw a tear come down his own cheek as he turned and looked to Lita one last time. They looked to each other until the last, the back ramp of the plane closing up before them.

A few moments later the Sailor Scouts and Darien watched the military cargo plane taxi to the runway from inside an enclosed terminal. The plane picked up speed and lifted off into the air as it became more distant. Lits watched as the plane disappeared into the clouds high into the sky. She put her hand on the window and started crying. At first it was a few soft whimpers, but then it turned into a full breakdown. She fell to her knees as her fellow Scouts and Darien came to side and comforted her. The Ghostbusters were gone, as was a piece of Lita Kino's heart.

October 31st, 1995

Ghostbusters HQ

New York City, NY USA

9:22 PM

It was a cold Halloween this year. It wasn't because of the weather as much as it was in Dan's heart. The moon was in its first quarter but the night was full. Muffled music came from downstairs in the garage area of the old firehouse as the annual Ghostbusters Halloween Party was going on. Dan stood on the roof of the firehouse still in his uniform, looking to the moon in the sky.

From out of the roof access a dark figure crept out of the door. It moved slowly as it approached the rookie member of the outfit. It looked like the Creature from the Black Lagoon, jumping to full height and letting out a loud - and cheesy - roar. Unfazed, Dan continued looking to the sky and spoke in a depressed tone of voice, "Hi, Venkman."

Peter removed the mask of the costume with a surprised look on his face, "How'd you know it was me? I kept this costume secret the whole month!"

"I was warned of your antics," the young man sighed, "I'm really not in the mood." Peter heard the dread in his voice; the tenure spoke volumes of his depression. He attempted to get the man out of his funk and tried to rally him, "Come on, Dan, get your costume on! We're gonna have an apple bobbing contest in ten minutes. You can have first crack… at…" the more he tried to rally the man, the more he could feel the tension come off of him. Dan ended up responding to the incomplete statement, "No, that's okay. I already filled the costume change quota for the next month."

Peter walked before Dan and sat on the roof ledge in front of him, him putting his costume's headpiece down, "Dan, you're starting to make all of us worry. You've been like this since we came back. You don't eat; you don't socialize. The only time you've been off this roof is for a call or to go to bed." There was another silence as Peter took notice of the moon above. After the whole experience in Tokyo this time around he had to deduce what was going on. It wasn't hard, "You miss her that bad?" Dan nodded.

Peter sighed. He was just going to have to say it, "I know what you're feeling. Now before you say anything, I know all about the Silver Millennium thing. Egon told us the entire picture. I know in your previous life you were a Knight and she was a princess… what happens between a man and a woman is near universal, class has no bearing. You love her and you did what's right for her. Even when it hurts." Dan looked away from the moon to Peter when he said that. It sounded painful for him to say. It made Dan take pause before asking, "What happened?"

"Dana Barrett," Peter took a breath before going forward, "After the Vigo incident we had a renewed vigor from the public. Dana was the one that came to us about Zuul, Gozer's minion. I'll admit, at first I took interest in her for superficial reasons. When she became possessed I knew things just went sideways. At first, I thought I lost her when we closed the temple on top of her building. I knew exactly how you felt on the roof of the tower. When we came back together and I learned she had a son during the Vigo thing, I felt I had a chance to correct something I did. Come to find after the paparazzi started to harass her and her son Oscar, I…" he looked to the gravel floor of the roof, "I broke it off. I didn't want to, but that kind of attention was going to be bad for her and him. It's been a few years, but…"

Dan had paced back and forth as Peter spoke, but now that Peter explained how well he understood the situation he walked to the edge of the roof beside him and looked down to the street. A couple had walked to the door and was knocking on it. As they waited for Janine to invite them in he took a close look at their costumes. The girl was dressed like a princess and the guy was dressed as a medieval knight. It made him think of what he left behind, "I left a piece of me in Tokyo, Peter. I left a girl that actually…"

"Cared?" Dan looked to man in the sea creature costume. He nodded as he turned around and paced a bit more, "I've met a lot of people in my life. A good amount of them couldn't care about another person unless there was something in it for them. I still don't know why Jamie did what she did to me. I thought that was how people were going to be and I should give up on them," Dan stopped pacing as a smile came on his face, "Then I met Lita. Before either one of us knew it we could feel we could trust one another."

Peter walked up beside the man and put his hand on his shoulder, removing the flipper that was part of the costume as he addressed him, "That was it all along. At first Dana couldn't trust me. Like I said, I had other reasons to get to know her, but after I saved her life…"

"You said you had to correct something," he looked the senior Ghostbuster in the face, "What did you do?" Peter sighed, "I did what I always do; make jokes. I started calling her the 'Ol' Ball n' Chain.' I violated her trust. I insulted her in front of others." That perplexed Dan, "Why?" Peter grunted at the question, "I make jokes when I'm nervous or uncomfortable. I couldn't be honest with myself so I would cover myself with humor so I inadvertently insulted Dana. You're a far more honest man than I am, which is why you'd never violate a person's trust."

Dan scoffed, "Oh, that's such bullshit."

"Not bullshit!" Peter said with no hesitation. Dan looked to Peter again as he told him outright, "After what happened with your last girlfriend I noticed another thing about you that would make you think otherwise; you don't think highly of yourself. An honest man knows he's imperfect and places limits on himself. You know trust is a rare thing, but you respect that it is rare and wish to hold onto the trust you earned. That was the reason I left Dana and Oscar; because I know I regained her trust and that I have to keep the prying eyes away from them. Dana understands why I did it now. Before she didn't and thought I was being a jerk to her again, but now…"

"You did it because Dana trusted you and didn't want anything to ruin it." Peter nodded, a small chuckle in his voice, "Pity you became an engineer; you would have made a great psychologist."

"If there's anything I could say I learned from all of this…" Dan hesitated to say it. Peter saw it on his face as he beckoned the young man to say it, "What?"

Dan looked back up to the full moon in the sky and sighed, his warm breath turning to steam in the cold October air. A very small smirk came across his face as he looked to the moon's luminous glow, but then shifted to the darkened part of the lunar surface. He thought back to the park on Tokyo Bay and remembered Lita's eyes. He spoke with warmth in his voice; a voice of hope, "It's that I can never look at the moon the same again. I know of the love that existed in its shadow. The love a princess and her knight had on the Dark Side of the Moon."

The End