Chapter Four: And So It Begins

'The Song Remembers When' Trisha Yearwood

The crowd gave a roar of approval and Sere was gently pushed forward as the music started. It took a minute to recognize the music but she did in enough time to start the song at the right time. The last song of the evening was 'The Song Remembers When.' As she sang she started to cry but was able to hold most of the sobs back until the song was over.

//I was standing at the counter
I was waiting for the change
When I heard that old familiar music start
It was like a lighted match
Had been tossed into my soul
It was like a dam had broken in my heart

After taking every detour
Getting lost and losing track
So that even if I wanted
I could not find my way back
After driving out the memory
Of the way things might have been
After I'd forgotten all about us
The song remembers when

We were rolling through the Rockies
We were up above the clouds
When a station out of Jackson played that song
And it seemed to fit the moment
And the moment seemed to freeze//
[Sere]


//When we turned the music up and sang along
And there was a God in Heaven
And the world made perfect sense
We were young and were in love
And we were easy to convince
We were headed straight for Eden
It was just around the bend//
[together]

//And though I have forgotten all about it
The song remembers when

I guess something must have happened
And we must have said goodbye
And my heart must have been broken
Though I can't recall just why
The song remembers when//
[Sere]

//Well, for all the miles between us
And for all the time that's passed
You would think I haven't gotten very far
And I hope my hasty heart
Will forgive me just this once
If I stop to wonder how on Earth you are//
[together]

//But that's just a lot of water
Underneath a bridge I burned
And there's no use in backtracking
Around corners I have turned
Still I guess some things we bury
Are just bound to rise again
For even if the whole world has forgotten

The song remembers when// [Sere]

//Yeah, and even if the whole world has forgotten
The song remembers when//
[together]

Unbeknownst to her the guys had gathered around her, like they were in the picture in the magazine, about mid way through their voices blended with hers perfectly and it was as such that they ended the night with that song.

She was barely able to make it backstage before she was in full fledge tears. She had written that song when she had first realized what it meant to leave the Scouts, to leave Tokyo. The guys came in right after her and tried to get her to calm down, reminding her that their were supposed to be some people coming backstage, and it wouldn't do to see her crying uncontrollably.

She knew that they were right and had calmed down completely before they made it back. She had even made it look like she hadn't been crying; it was amazing what few tricks she had learned over the years.

A group of seven was lead back to the dressing room, where the group was relaxing, and acting as if nothing had happened. They were all talking among their selves. It was obvious to the guys that they all knew each other. Kaz was still sitting by Sere when they came in and had his arm around the back of her chair.

As they came in Sere, wanted to run. She didn't expect it to be ALL of them. She knew Andrew and Rita but…oh this was not her day. 'Put on a good face trust the guys. TRUST THE GUYS! Yeah these are the same guys that were asking a ton of questions about them yesterday.'

Nate and Jag were the first to speak. "Hi, welcome." Jag said first his eyes going momentarily to Rei.

"Hey guys, allow me to introduce the group." Nate said while glancing back at Lita. He waited until the group had nodded their assent. "I'm Nate." He said with a wink at Lita, which caused her to blush slightly. "The one that looks stunned at the moment is Jag." He said pointing him out. That caused a chuckle from a few of them and a hard glare from Jag. "The three in the back are Kaz, Sere, and Zane." He pointed each out in turn.

Zane had been openly looking at Ami, who by this time was turning pink. Kaz gave Sere's shoulder a reassuring squeeze before standing and offering her a hand up. Sere saw Mina's eyes flicker with something that looked like jealousy.

"The concert was great." Lita exclaimed, trying to break the tension that was obviously building.

"Thank you." Nate spoke for the group. "We do try to do our best when we are out there. Have a seat, you are probably tired of standing." He motioned to the chairs that had been brought silently in. The group resumed the seats that they had had before they had come in.

"You know who we are but, who are you?" Jag asked forwardly. He wanted to find out the name of the goddess with the black hair.

"I'm Lita. And my friends are Rei, Ami, Mina, Andrew and Rita, and Darien." She said pointing out each in turn.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Kaz spoke for the first time. At the sound of his voice it was obvious that Mina was in love. It still hadn't dawned on the girls that these were the same people from yesterday.

Sere had an idea. It was obvious that they liked each other well everyone deserves happiness. She figured this would be a perfect way to see if things could work out between them. She motioned to Kaz to lean down and whispered to him, "Why not get out of here. We could split up, one of us with one of them. You could get to know the girls…" That was all she had to say before he agreed. It was one of the few times that his smile was an actual smile and full of happiness.

She didn't feel right announcing the idea to the group but knew that Kaz wouldn't. But first she had to break into the chatter that was going on. She started by clearing her throat and when that didn't work she took matters into her own hands. "IF I MAY!" Of course it caught everyone off guard and received silence right away. "My friends have never seen Tokyo and while we are here would like to take the opportunity to see the sites. Since you have lived here and know the area I was wondering if you would show them around. One on one." She knew that they would.

"SURE!" Mina was first to speak. "I'LL DO IT!" Everyone agreed with her, everyone but Darien that is. "It was your idea so who do you want us to spilt up?" Mina asked hopefully.

"Oh, umm…Mina right?" She paused while she nodded. "If you go with Kaz. Lita…with…umm…" she glanced at Nate and he was almost begging her and was close to dropping to his knees, "with Nate. Zane if you would go with Ami. And Jag with, is it Rei?" After everyone agreed and was smiling happily they headed out. Leaving Sere, Andrew, Rita and Darien. 'Maybe' Sere thought 'they will find what they have been looking for in each other.'

Andrew didn't know what was going on but he knew that he had to break the ice. "So Sere, have you ever been to Tokyo?" He asked, already knowing the answer.

"When I was younger, I used to live here. But it has been a while sense I've been here." She answered absentmindedly.

"We'll how about the three of us show you around?"

"Can't I'm going to go on home." Darien spoke for the first time.

"And do what? Look at four walls? NO you are going with us." Rita informed him, her tone left no room for argument. "You need to get out of the stuffy apartment more often. And this is the perfect opportunity. And if we go dancing who will dance with Sere?" Sere knew then that Andrew had told Rita about her being back.

'Well that could be for the better or for the worst, but lets get on with the night.' She thought as they started to leave the building.

"So where are we going to go?" She asked as they headed away from the auditorium.

"Dancing sounds good. So why don't we head to one of the local clubs." Andrew suggested.

"Andrew, she hasn't been here in a while so why don't we show her around and if she wants to go dancing afterwards we will." Rita said. And so it was that the four of them went around town showing Serena the major sites and the best clubs.

After a few hours of walking around town they decided that it was time to have some fun. Darien was still trying to get out of going to the club. He had to get up early and by the looks of it he would be canceling all the meetings for the following day if Rita didn't let up soon.

They finally made their way to the Silver Moon Club. According to Andrew and Rita it was the hottest club in Tokyo. There was a line waiting to get in, and somehow they managed to get in with out waiting. Inside there were swirling lights of different colors and smoke seemed to drift up from the floor. The music was loud and there was a live band.

"Well guys let's have some fun!" Rita yelled over the noise before she drug Andrew off to the dance floor. Darien looked as if he would rather be somewhere else and at the moment Sere totally agreed.

'Since we are here might as well make the most of it.' She thought before she spoke to him. "Want to dance?" She called above the music.

"Yeah sure." With that he took her hand and lead her out on the dance floor.

After about an hour the other eight were all there and having a time of their life, dancing and talking, and just having fun. On the tour around the city they had gotten to know each other better. There was a connection between them that seemed to surface. It was about two in the morning when the girls all made up some excuse as to why they had to go, Darien followed right after. Rita and Andrew had left about an hour earlier.

Sere and the guys gathered together to figure something out. They knew what was happening but didn't know if they should help. "Ok let's go and just watch if they need our help we'll help, if not we'll get out of there before we are spotted." Sere suggested and they agreed, the next instant they were out of the club and on their way to the park.

"Why do they always pick the blasted park?" She asked between breaths.

"At least there are not many people there this time of night." Kaz responded.

The yoma appeared in the center of the park, the Scouts and Tuxedo Mask were ranged about it in a circle. The thing was an ugly shade of green and had nine eyes on top of antennas. Two huge arms came out from each side of it's torso, and the things legs where the size of tree trunks.

Sere and the guys stayed in the shadows of the trees, and watched as the Scouts hit it with a few attacks while it just stood there. Mercury was typing on her computer when the monster released an energy beam at her. The thing did it so fast that she didn't have time to think.  The beam knocked her back and into a tree, which knocked her out. Kaz had to hold Zane back form going and helping her.

"We can't be do anything at the moment. Just watch." And watch they did until it was obvious that they needed help.

"Keep to the shadows, stay out of sight, and try not to hit the girls. Distract the thing and I'll try to get rid of it. If they see you and ask questions ignore them and split up, go different ways until you get back to the hotel, if the follow you do whatever you have to." Sere spoke quickly here eyes never leaving the yoma.

The guys nodded and went to where they could be directly behind one of the scouts. Sere also moved so that she was behind Tuxedo Mask. She counted slowly to five before the first attack from the guys struck home. Four different colored streaks of lightning came from the shadows and hit the monster. She waited some more. It was almost time to act. Just a few more attacks, that was all that was needed. And they came, both from the surprised scouts and Tuxedo Mask, as well as from the guys. 

Sere whispered her new attack; one that she had gained five years back but never had a chance to use. "Falling Star CASCADE!" and with the final word the sky was light up as the monster was pounded by falling stars. A few short minutes later all was once again dark.

"Show your selves!" Venus called as Jupiter helped Mercury up.

"COME OUT!" Mars was right behind her. They guys had all gathered around Sere and were waiting for her to move. Her attention was focused in the sky above where the monster had been. Forming there was a portal of black, dark green, and purple. It slowly opened to revel a Sailor Scout, she was holding a staff in one hand that resembled a giant skeleton key and in the other she was holding a child's hand.

"Who are you?!" Mars called up to her.

"My name is not important Mars, but if you must know, I am Sailor Pluto." She said while she looked the ground over. She seemed to be able to see right through the shadows to were the Sere was standing. After a moment more of looking she kneeled down so that she could speak directly to the child with out any one over hearing.

"It's time, are you ready?" The little girl could only nod. "When you step out you will fall, but don't worry you won't hit the ground. You will know the person that catches you. You have to trust her." The little girl once again nodded before throwing her small arms around Pluto's neck. "All you have to do is call, I'll be here." With that removed the little girls arms from around her neck and gave her a reassuring smile.

The little girl took a deep breath and stepped from the portal.

@~%~ Sere's POV ~%~@

All Sere saw was the little girl falling. A fall like that could kill her, what was Pluto doing. Before she knew what she was doing she had raced from the concealing shadows and towards the falling child. Jupiter was also racing toward her. Before Jupiter could do anything Sere jumped into the air, using Jupiter's shoulder to get more air, hoping to meet the girl half way.

She had moved before the guys could do anything. They stayed in the shadows and watched her. The Scouts also stood astonished as the mysterious girl came from the shadows beating Jupiter who was closer to the little girl.

Sere stretched out her arms to the falling child, finally able to get her arms around her pulled her close.  Now they were both racing to meet the ground. Sere turned so that she would hit the ground and the little girl would hopefully be unhurt by the impact. They hit the ground with a thud that caused everyone close to cringe. Pluto watched all this from the Portal and smiled to herself. Sere laid there the breath knocked out of her, dizzy and seeing double, but still holding the child. Once she had hit the ground and didn't move the guys were out of the shadows and around her.

Zane and Kaz trying to make sure she was okay, while Nate and Jag stood protectively in front of them. They were in a stare down with the Scouts daring them to move. Each had a hand resting on the hilt of the sword they wore around their waist.

"I'm…I'm ok." Sere was finally able to say after regaining some of her breath. The guys helped her to sit up and she turned the little girl so that she was cradled in her arms. She had her eyes shut tight and looked terrified, but other than that she seemed fine. "Are you ok?" She asked the little girl. Trying to bring her back to reality.

The little girl slowly opened one eye and nodded somewhat. Sere smiled and was about to ask her something else when she was interrupted.

"WHO ARE YOU?!" Mars practically yelled.

She sighed knowing that there was going to be a problem very soon. "Help me up." She said her voice low. Kaz nodded and helped her up while Zane took a place beside Jag and assumed the pose that they held. Kaz made sure she could stand by herself before letting her go. He stood behind her in the same in the same position as the three in the front. Sere shifted the little girl so that she was holding onto her neck for dear life.

The scouts looked the group of new comers over. The four guys were all wearing black armor the three in the front had detail done in light blue with a matching cloak, another had it done in the palest green possible with a matching cloak, and the other finally had it done in blood red also with a matching cloak. The tallest one was standing in the back and had gold detail his cloak was also gold. The girl in the middle had platinum hair that was pulled back into a high pony tail, she was wearing a pair of loose fitting black pants with a five different colored strips going down the side, her top was also black but with detail done in five different colors along the shoulders. She wore boots like the Scouts.

The little girl that she was holding tightly had cotton candy pink hair and was wearing a black shirt with pink trim along the bottom; her top was also black but had pink and silver trim.

"I asked you a question." Rei said again.

"And I didn't answer you Mars." Sere said coldly.

Jupiter had to hold her back so that she wouldn't charge the girl. "I apologize for using your shoulders as something to push against Jupiter, but I had to reach her." Sere added.

She didn't respond since she was busy holding Mars back, but she did nod her head to show that she heard.

"Our names are not important. If you must call us something call us friends."

"It would only be fair that we know your name after all you do know ours." Mercury added thoughtfully.

"I guess it would." Sere responded just as thoughtfully and was grateful that Mars had clamed down somewhat. 'Guys can you hear me?'  When she got an affirmative from all of them she went on. 'Can't tell them you are Generals, so what am I to tell them?'

'Princess I can answer that better than they can.' A new voice spoke in her head.

'Pluto?'

'Yes. The Generals are the Eclipse Knights, and for know they may call you the Sailor Eclipse. It's not time for Sailor Moon to reappear. We will talk more later, I must go.'

With that there was a flash from where the portal had been that was bright enough to blind everyone momentarily. 'Ok guys you heard her. I suggest that you come up with some names real quick I will give the group name and mine you will introduce your selves.'  She sighed before speaking out loud. "I am the Unknown Sailor, Sailor Eclipse. They are the Eclipse Knights."

"Knight Eros." Kaz spoke first and offered a slight bow in the direction of Venus.

"Knight Jove." Nate spoke next offering a small bow towards Jupiter.

"Knight Diomedes." Zane was next, with a full bow to Mercury.

"Knight Deimos." Jag was last and nodded his head to Mars.

"Now that you know our names would you properly introduce your selves so that we can be away?" Eclipse spoke her voice holding a stern and commanding tone in it.

"Tuxedo Mask, guardian of the Sailor Scouts and the Princess." He didn't bother to show any sign of respect.

"Sailor Mercury, guardian of water and ice." Mercury spoke next, while she put her computer away. And nodded her head to Eclipse.

"Mercury there is no record of us so the computer will show you nothing."

"Sailor Venus, guardian of love and light." She said with a nod to the Eclipse and Eros.

"Sailor Jupiter, guardian of thunder." She nodded to Eclipse.

"Sailor Mars, guardian of fire." She nodded slightly to Deimos. It was about that time that two cats walked out of the shadows behind the scouts. They came to stand in front of the Scouts and surveyed the other group.

"We'd love to stay and chat but we really have to be going." Eclipse said, knowing that if they stayed any longer Luna and Artemis would start asking questions.

They group turned and went off into the night. Leaving a stunned group of Scouts behind them. "Follow them, see where they go." Mars was the first to speak, she didn't get the whole thing out of her mouth before they had ran off the way they had went.

"Guys we've got to split up. They are following us. Take the long way back to hotel and stay out of sight." She had been stumbling that was how she knew they were being followed.

"Will you be able to make it by your self? Do you want me to take the little girl?" Kaz asked as the others ran off.

"She won't go to you. I should be able to make it, if I'm not there by the time that the last of you get back come looking in your regular clothes." Kaz nodded and took off.

"Where to go? I'm not going to be able to run, that's for sure. I wonder if I can out smart them." It was then that she noticed the little girl was crying. "Shhh…it's going to be okay. I won't let anything happen to you." With that she took off in the direction that Nate had taken, it would safer to follow him right now and then change directions later on since he was the first to go. Once she was out of the park she took to the buildings, jumping from one to another. Of course it did nothing to help her aching side. But it did get her back away from the scouts.

AN: Well that it's for this chapter; I really hope that it turned out okay. I'll go ahead and admit that I've never been the best at writing fight scenes, and this…well I'm not sure what it is. If you have any questions please email them to me, and I'll do my best to answer them to the best of my ability, I kind of tend to forget about them if they are in the reviews. Please review, and thanks to all that have.