Chapter 2

Beep, Beep, the loud annoying noise called Serena from her video game. 'Darn,' she thought 'and I was just about to beat Rinni.' Stopping the game she reached inside her bag and brought out her communicator, making sure no one but Rinni was paying attention. "Moon here,"

Rei's aggravated face appeared on the screen. "Moon we have a problem here there is monster in down on the industrial docks. "

Serena nods "I'll be there as soon as I can."

"What ever just get down here!" Rie fumed and signed off.

"Hey why did you stop? Oh well I beat you; I beat you! Take that!" The pink haired child gloated

"Rinni I need to talk to Andrew I'll be right back." Serena got up and left Rinni in the middle of her victory dance. Walking to the counter she watched Andrew come over.

"What can I do for you Serena, want another milkshake?"

Serena smiled at the tall blond man "Actually, no thank you Andrew but I need to ask you favor."

"Sure Serena what do you need?" The man beamed in his almost sickening happy go lucky way.

"I need to run and do something could you please watch Rinni. She won't be a problem and I'll leave money for her tokens, so you won't even know she's here. In fact go ahead and make her useful, put her to work if you want."

Andrew looked over at the child contently playing a video game. There was something very familiar about Rinni but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. "Oh well" he thought, turning back to Serena. "Sure I'll watch her, you go, and we'll have a great time. Do what you need to; don't worry about a thing."

Serena flashed her million dollar smile and want back to Rinni. "Rinni I have to go, but you can stay her with Andrew, okay?"

"Alright" Rinni agreed absent-mindedly.

"Great be good and stay out of trouble. I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Alright mommy, love you."

Serena knew she didn't have time to think about what Rinni said but it still stuck in her mind as did the ever-resounding questions "who is her father?" bounced around her head. "I love you too Rinni." Serena patted the child's head, heading out the door and turning into an alley. Transforming, she leap onto a roof and took off. Making for down town Tokyo.

Once there she found the scouts battling against a rather sickeningly grotesque monster who seemed to have the upper hand.

Rie narrowly escaped being slimed as Serena made her grand entrance. She began her speech allowing the scouts time to regroup.

"Where did you come from? It's no matter I'll destroy you along with the rest" it wheezed.

"How predictable can this get?" I thought. "That's where you're wrong. My name is Sailor Moon; I fight for love and justice. I will right wrongs triumph over evils, that means punish nega trash like you!" I spat out a random speech, not my best one but it would do. I look behind me and saw the scouts were ready, a little shaky but waiting.

"Is that so Sailor brat?" an undignified cackle sounded to my right. Closing my eyes I readied my scepter. Quickly turning around I let lose the power, dusting the monster.

I opened my eyes to see Emerald's face caught between a grimace and a look of profound shock. Sadly she recovered quickly, "You little pieces of trash, how dare you?" Emerald lunged at me. I sidestepped and let her pass, turning around.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" a voice in behind me asks. I know that voice, I whip around to see Tuxedo Mask looking most dashing standing up on a tree.

"Don't you talk down to me Cape Boy!" I hear Emerald fume. A blast goes off and I hear Rie cruse. Jumping around I see Ami limping and Emerald looking as smug as a cat.

"How dare she, how low can she go?" "You can attack me all you like but when you attack my friends you go too far." My voice comes out deadly calm. I felt the crystal stir within me, and my fingers begin to tingle. My wand comes out and without thinking a beam of white light is emitted from my wand catching Emerald off guard. Wounding her greatly, she sidestepped and disappeared. Departing with a final "Mark my words Sailor Brat, I will get you!"

I suddenly became aware of myself. A great weariness comes on me and I brace myself, as the blackness surrounded me.

Rie's stinging voice brings me back. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Keeping my clam, I gather my dignity. "I dusted the monster what more do you want from me?"

"Get here sooner, I was slimed?" she snapped surprising everyone including myself.

"I'm sorry Rie I'm not a mind reader. I had other obligations." "I wasn't yelling or crying, why?" I was simply too tired, I felt drained. I just wanted to get home, pick Rinni and sleep. I looked at Rie, judging by her face she wouldn't be a spiting out any smart comebacks for a while and I turned to go. Sadly I was wrong.

"Where were you yesterday? We had a meeting, you never showed!" she barked.

"How could I have forgotten the meeting? I had taken Rinni to the park and I was going to take her home and then go to the meeting but I had been attacked." I had meet Prince Diamond but I somehow I couldn't bring myself to tell them about him. It didn't seem right.

"Well we are waiting! Did you sleep in or were you at the arcade. I know; you were mooning over Darien! Get over it and grow up! He's moved on and so should you" she mocked.

My mouth refused to work and I listened as Ami chimed in. "Yes Serena, if you spent more time studying and less time feeling sorry for yourself you wouldn't have a problem with your academics."

Next came Lita "Yah Serena, while you were ogling Darien, Ami was hurt. Think of someone besides yourself for once."

"Ya Serena," Mina concluded the little round.

"They were right, I was a failure, and they didn't need me." Before me I saw a picture of Rinni, she needed me. "I would change, they would see." "I'm sorry." I choke out.

Rie must have gotten her second wind because her flames billowed. "Sorry is not good enough! What will it take for you to wake up to the real world, one of us getting killed?"

My mind shuttered "Of course not Rie, I'm trying."

That didn't seem enough for Rie. "Grow up Serena, wake up and get over yourself, its not about you."

Darien's silk voice cascaded down. "That's enough Rie, go home."

I looked up gratefully towards him. I couldn't see his eyes but I could tell by his posture this was not a loving gesture.

"Whatever" Rie boomed and began to walk off. Ami sent me a disappointed look as she walked away supported by Lita and Mina. Soon only Darien was left. I couldn't understand why he was staring at me like that. It was unnerving and I wanted him to stop. I should have been happy he was finally paying attention to me but the affect was quite the opposite. I was becoming annoyed. "Yes" I asked pointedly.

"Where is Rinni?" he asked.

"She's safe." I respond.

"Why are you not looking after her, you didn't lose did you?" he sneered.

"No I left her with Andrew at the arcade. She's safer there then here in the middle of a battle." I reasoned. "Why did he care?"

I watched him stiffen and swoop down and land right in front of me. Our faces were inches apart and for a moment I thought he might kiss me.

"That's where you are wrong. See here I am able to protect her!" he replied in a cocky tone that implied so much more.

"Protect her and let me be dusted! This is what I was destined for?"

He turned a cold shoulder and walked away leaping into a tree, then to a roof and disappeared.

I tried to feel anger towards Rinni but I knew it wasn't her fault. I had never seen Darien like this. That wasn't completely true; when he had been under Beryl's spell he had been different angry and confused, but with an underlying warmth of a subconscious love, that was gone now. "Why, was he under a new spell?"

My mind desperately groped at the idea as I subconsciously detransformed. Black dots invaded my vision and my head spun. By all rights I should have fainted, long ago, from using the crystal. My body was catching up to my mind and my mind was losing its iron grip. My legs gave way and I began to descend towards the earth gracelessly.

Once again I never hit the ground. Two strong arms encircled around me and the weightless feeling took over. I gazed up into Diamond's dark face. It was a grim mask and his eyes raged.

Despite the hostility and violence I sensed in him I was not afraid. Instinctively I knew it wasn't directed at me and for that I was thankful.

I felt a change in the wind and looked around. We were no longer down town but now in a beautiful pleasure garden. Flowers sprung up in a controlled chaos and a fountain serenely watched over the garden. He carried me over to the fountain and sat down. I was again contained in his lap. Strange he hadn't said a word and seemed upset.

I began to feel a nagging panic, and suddenly I didn't want him to speak. I couldn't take anymore-harsh words. I couldn't bare him upset with me as well. I turned my face into his chest and tried not to shake. All the harsh words everyone had said to me came flooding back and I felt myself tear up.

"They were right I was cry baby and a bad leader. I should just find a bridge and jump off!"

I felt him tense and warp his arms tighter around me. I don't know what came over, it must have been over exhaustion but I couldn't help myself. "I'm so sorry I don't mean to be so weak. I try, I do and I'm getting better. I don't know what to do... I'm so sorry, I'm so stupid; I should just do the world a favor by finding a bridge and throw myself off..." I broke off with a sob.

"Oh Serena, Serena, Serena. Look at me." He cooed.

I couldn't. I felt his hand slip under my chin and gentle hand lift my chin up.

Diamonds P.O.V.

She wouldn't look at me so I leaned forward to get her attention the best way I knew how. I gently placed my lips upon her delightfully soft ones. Waiting a second I deepened my kiss. I felt her melt in my arms and her slightly erratic thoughts whip around her head. I waited for them to slow and stop, letting my hands relax her shoulders and upper back.

Finally she was calm and I reluctantly released her mouth. Gazing fully into her clear blue eyes I began, "Now dear Serena, allow me to make a few things clear. I don't think you're weak; in fact you are quite the opposite. You get up everyday do all the things normal people do then go and face things that most people would turn and run from, and then you go on and carry on a normal life. Now your friends turn on you and you keep your head high. That doesn't make you weak but it makes you a wonderful strong amazingly beautiful and graceful woman. Don't let anyone tell you different!"

I tighten my grip around her shoulder and she flinched. She must have still been injured and that wouldn't do. "Serena how is your health?"

"My health? Fine I suppose, why?" was her shaky response.

"Well you took quite the beating yesterday. I simply wish insure you're all right." I said smoothly.

She looked a little chocked but hid it under a smile. "I'm fine" she assured me as she attempted to sit up. Her attempts failed and she clasped against my chest.

Alarmed I listened to her thoughts to see where she hurt and quickly decided it merited a healer. "Sapphire!" I thought "Come quickly to the rose garden!"

A blue haired man appeared promptly and Serena shifted in my arms moving deeper into my embrace. I smiled reassuringly at her, "Allow me to introduce my brother Prince Sapphire this is Princess Serenity."

Serena looked over at him and gave a shy smile.

Sapphire approached and knelt to her current eye level. "Nice to meet you, your highness, now it seems something is bothering you. Perhaps I can be of help. I have some skills as a healer." Sapphire smiled. I had always admired his bedside manner and I was thankful for it now.

Serena put on a brave face, "I'm quite all right; just a little bumped and bruised."

Sapphire read deeper into her words, "If you don't mind I'd like to make sure you're all right." Serena must have known a lost cause when she saw one because she stopped protesting and nodded.

"Now where do you hurt?" Sapphire asked.

"My ribs" she said quietly.

"Well I'm going to have to have a look at them perhaps my brother should excuses us." Sapphire jested.

"I know certainly will not!" I protested.

Sapphire knew not to argue with me and compromised "Alright then brother close your eyes and loosen the death grip you have on my patient."

I obliged and buried my face in Serena's golden tresses, shifting my arms so Sapphire could treat Serena.

Sapphire's P.O.V.

'So this is the great Queen Serenity at least what she once was. For the ruler of Crystal Tokyo she seems so venerable and innocent.' Sapphire thought as he lifted Serena's shirt a little. Amazed at the bruises and abrasions he found beneath. 'With injuries like this a normal person would have passed long ago from the pain."

'She is not a normal person Sapphire. She is my Serenity." Diamonds voice protruded into Sapphires mind. 'What is your diagnosis?'

'I'm not entirely sure but by the look of her I would say just a few contusions and maybe a concussion, give me a few more moments and I will have a more complete analysis.' Sapphire responded. He took a good long look at her. 'She must be sixteen but still beautiful and feminine. Diamond is certainly taken with her. Though I can see why.' Sapphire smiled at Serenity "I'm going to probe mind, even though you don't always consciously know what is wrong, your body is telling your mind exactly what it feels. Is that alright with you?" Sapphire tried to sound as reassuring as possible.

"Okay" Came Serena's timid answer.

Sapphire looked deep into Serena's blue eyes and brought a finger to the middle of her forehead.

He watched as flash of light erupted and then the insignia of the white moon family appeared on her forehead. Her eyes glazed over and Sapphire was given access to her mind.

Once inside he found a myriad amount of emotions and thoughts haphazardly swarming her frontal lobes. He knew he didn't have time to analyze them so he moved to her to her brain stem her, sinus rhythm was normal and her involuntary reflexes were working fine. He did a sweep of the rest of her brain and checked her organs. While being a little stressed from dealing with the latest abuse they had been put through, they were other wise fine. As he expected there was only minor bruising, little internal bleeding and a few sprains. Her body would bear the purple marks and be sore for a few more day but other wise it was fine.

Also he found the concussion a little more serious then he thought. That worried him. It seemed to him to be a secondary concussion. She would have to be monitored to make sure she rested and gave her brain time to heal.

Satisfied that he had given her, a complete work up Sapphire ended her trance.

Serena's eyes went seeing once more and she leaned back into Diamonds chest.

Diamond took it as a sign the exam was done and cradled her tightly in his arms. "Well?" he prompted.

'I certainly don't relish giving Diamond this news but it could be much worse.

Serena's P.O.V.

"Well as I suspected she has some minor bruising and a few contusions and a sprain to her right ankle. She should keep off it for at least all of today. Her vitals are good and her organs intact. I am slightly concerned because you do have a concussion. You should not sleep for more then two hours at a time and I would greatly prefer if you would consider spending the night here." Sapphire concluded.

I leaned further back into Diamond as he whispered into my ear. "Spend that night that would be so bad would it. We could have dinner together and you could relax and get some much deserved rest."

Diamond's offer was tantalizing. 'Dinner and the rest of the day without having to worry about Rinni, oh no Rinni! I had left her with Andrew and I know that was while ago. I had to get back but I hated to turn down such an offer.'

"As wonderful as that sound and as much as I would love to stay I can't Prince Diamond. I have some unfilled obligations that are really most pressing. If you could please take me back to the park I would be very appreciative." I tried to hide the disappointment in my voice.

"But you must keep off your ankle your highness and let yourself rest or you won't get better." Sapphire protested.

Diamond must have sensed it was something important. "He has a point Serena I can't let you walk around such as you are. Why don't I accompany you on your errands and then escort you home. Oh and please drop the Prince it sounds so formal and stuffy." He flashed me a million dollar smile and I melted a little.

"That would be very nice Diamond." I said

"If you insist Serena then at least allow me to get you something for you pain and to give your body a break."

'How long had a I left Rinni, oh if Darien find out he will never let me live it down. Honest why is he suddenly so interested in her?' "Really Sapphire that isn't necessary I'll be quite alright and I really must be on my way." I protest.

"It won't take any time at all and as a professional I can't let you leave with out something." Sapphire wouldn't back down.

"Surely what ever it is Serena can't be more important then your health.

'It would be faster just to give in.' "Alright but please hurry."

Sapphire disappeared and reappeared a few moments latter. He had with him a cup and three vials.

He handed me the cup, "Here drink this it will help with the pain and give you an energy boast. You will fill much better but don't be fooled the effects are temporary and will stop working if you push your self to hard."

I brought the cup shakily to my lip and drank the green liquid. It didn't taste like much and I was thankful.

"This back vial is labeled night but you are to take it as soon as you get home. Diamond see she take when you droop her off. It will make you sleep so you are to get some rest. The blue Vial is for when you wake and the green is to take with your lunch. Understand?" Sapphire gazed intently into my eyes.

'Man he sounds like my mother!' "Yes, black when I get home, blue when I wake up and green at lunch, got it."

Sapphire finally relented "Okay against my better judgment I'll let you go but either Diamond or I will being paying you a quick visit tomorrow."

"Perfect now I don't mean to be rude but I really must be on my way."

"Oh course," Diamond said and wrapped his arms around me.

With a flash of light we were back in the city. Standing in front of a nice red Porsche 911. Sweeping me off my feet Diamond gently deposited me in the front seat.

Hoping in the driver's seat he looked at me and grinned "Where to Princess?"

"The Crown Arcade," I said softly, bracing myself as Diamond squealed the tires and took off a lighten fast pace.

"Was he insane, no one should be driving this fast!"

I looked over at him, his hair blowing in the wind, a smile graced his face, and his shoulders were relaxed, and his posture at ease. He looked free and in complete control of the car. Some how it made me feel safe, I turned foreword and enjoyed the ride.

We reached the Crown Arcade in record time and Rinni saw us through the window. She came running out followed by Andrew.

"Guess what mom... Serena Andrew showed me how to make Milkshakes and I made all the customs some. Andrew said I was a big help didn't you..." Rinni looked back at the blonde haired man.

Andrew didn't look too stressed out, "Yes you were Rinni," he said scratching his head in typical Andrew fashion, "You can bring her back any time Serena we had a lot of fun today didn't we Rinni?"

"Yep," Rinni said as she looked over at Diamond.

"Who is this Serena?" Andrew asked.

"What do I say?" "Andrew this is a friend of my Diamond and Diamond this is a very good friend of mine Andrew." I said looking at the two.

Andrew got a funny look on his face and then he looked at Rinni, "Well time for you to go Rinni," He picked her up and set her in the back seat of the car.

Rinni started to protest but stopped and let her self be most unceremoniously plopped into the back seat of the car. "Bye Rinni, you be good now, come back soon." Andrew said as he began backing away, "Bye Serena, nice meeting you Diamond." Andrew hustled back in the store.

"Rinni what did you do? " I asked eyeing the child suspiciously.

"What I didn't do anything he didn't want me to..." She said passionately then muttered under her breath, "How was I to know that ice cream would spray if I hit that button?"

I heard Diamond chuckle but I chose not to pursue the subject further. Soon we were in front of my house, sooner then I expected.

I opened the door and felt a hand on my shoulder. "Don't forget the medicine Sapphire gave you, Serena." Diamond's voice was filled with concern

I looked back and smiled at him. "I won't don't worry I'm fine." I reassured him as I lifted the seat for Rinni. She climbed out an alarming rate and came to stand beside me, practically gluing her self to my side. I smiled down at her. "We'd better get in the house, thanks for everything Diamond..."

Rinni grabbed my hand and began to drag me toward the house "Yup, bye now, time to go, see ya." She said not looking back as she dragged me into the house.

"Rinni wait stop," I protested. At the door I turned and waved at Diamond as Rinni threw open the door and pulled me inside, slamming it behind me.

"Rinni what was that all about honestly there is no need to be so rude." I said looking down at her.

"I don't like that man..." Rinni said a little too loudly.

"Serena you're home. What's this about a man, Serena?" My father said forcefully. He put on his protective father look, "You know the rules no dating till you're at least thirty if not thirty-five."

"As if..." "I know Daddy, Rinni is just being delusional, I'm going upstairs for a shower now, love ya." I kissed him on the cheek grabbed Rinni's hand and hustled up the stairs as best I could.

"Hehe, what a look on dad's face, oh well if you can't beat them confuse them."

When we reached my room I stopped, shut the door and sat down on my bed. I turned to face Rinni, "Okay lets make a few things clear, never mention guys or men or anyone of the male gender around dad unless you want him to blow gasket." I said with a cringe; that was lesson hard learned.

"Ok, but I still don't like what's his face." Rinni said harshly.

I motioned Rinni to come sit next to me, "Why is that?"

"I don't know there is something familiar about him and I get a funky vibe off him." She said harshly.

"I see well, I don't know what to say, there is really no reason for you to dislike him, he has been nothing but good to me." I sighed reminiscing about his gentle manner and caring ways. The nagging question of Rinni's parentage once again came to mind. "Rinni I need to ask you this, who is your father?"

"His name is King..." she made a sour face, " I can't tell you, it is bad for you to know too much about your future. I am sworn not to reveal anything." She spoke in a solemn tone.

"Ok well, don't worry, I'm sure everything will turn out fine." "I'm feeling strangely better. Almost well enough to do my homework..." Then I remember Sapphire's warning, I should take that vial and have a nap I guess." But I really need to take a nap so go play till dinner."

The child brightened up immediately "Ok mommy, have a good sleep." She had all but skipped out of the room when I opened the vial and was about to drink form it

"Wait!" the vial froze, suspended halfway to my mouth.

Startled by her out burst I looked up, "Why?"

"Because he gave it to you didn't he?" Rinni accused.

"Yes but what does that matter?" I asked unperturbedly.

"How do you know it's not poison? Exactly how well do you know this Diamond?" she asked with wisdom beyond her years.

"How well did I know Diamond? But wait he had saved me a few times, taken care of me more then once and had been given numerous opportunities to kill me, and why would he give me all those vials if only one was needed? Who am I kidding, a guy has never been so good to m; of course I trust him. " "Well enough to know he won't hurt me." I downed the vial and was surprised at its sweet taste.

"There see, now go play," I smiled reassuringly at her. I watched her slink out the door.

I changed in to some sweats and a tee shirt and then lay down on my bed.

Getting under the covers I waited for sleep to come. For once it didn't. I opened my eyes and gazed lovingly at the familiar room." Perhaps the pink bunny bed spread was a little childish and the soft pink walls overly feminine but I didn't mind. It was mine and in many ways it reflects who I am". I gazed out the window looking at the soft white curtains my mother had sewn for me an age ago. The soft carpet I loved to lie on and read comics and finally I watched in the mirror as my door opened and my guardian Luna appeared.

She jumped on to my bed with feline ease and moved to my pillow, sitting before me staring me right in the eye. She paused for a moment and then began what ever it was she planning to say. "I talked to Airtimes and he informed me that you and the scouts had a disagreement today."

"To put it mildly, you could say that." I said my voice ripe with sarcasm.

"I see, according to Rei you ignored your duties and jeopardized the other because of your lack of care." She said evenly trying to gage my reaction.

What ever it was I had taken was starting to take effect and a new longing for sleep came over me and I simply wished to end this interview. "I made a mistake, I let my guard down for only a moment and Emerald took a cheap shot at Amy... I had dusted the monster and I thought everything was safe..." I said punctuating my sentences with large yawns.

"Serena you need to improve your focus in battle, and off the battle field as well. You have to understand the enemy doesn't play fair and will attack when ever and how ever they can. You need to be careful. As Princess and leader of the Scouts the responsibility falls on you. You must never forget that."

She must have noticed my drooping eyes; "Serena are you listen to me?" he prodded.

"Yes Luna, I'm sorry I feel awful I would never want any of the scouts to get hurt. I am listening I'm sorry I'm just so sleepy please can we talk later. I just need sleep... I promise I'll try harder next time." I said as I snuggled in bed and drifted to sleep.

Narrator's P.O.V.

Luna looked down at the girl and smiled, "I know you are Serena, you are becoming more and more like your mother ever day. It will just take a little time for the others to see. Sleep well Princess." She licked her charges cheek affectingly then silently hopped form the bed.

Making her way out of the room to keep an eye on Rinni.

From the open window Diamond watched the exchange take place. He smiled to himself and without a sound teleported himself inside Serena's bedroom.

He smiled at the serene beauty lying before him. Not being able to resist he reached out and stroked her petal soft cheek.

In her sleep his leaned in to his touch and sighed contently. He sat down on the bed and watched her sleep. Guarding her repose so she might have the time she needed to heal.

Seconds turned to minuets and minuets to hours and Diamond lost himself, gazing at the beauty that lay before him.

Finally a noise outside the door stirred him and looked up questioningly. Turing himself invisible he watched Serena's cat walk into the room.

The cat jumped on the bed and began rubbing Serena's face in an attempt to wake her.

Serena groaned and tried to burry deeper in the pink pillows.

Diamond was about to remove the offending feline when the cat spoke. Diamond was mildly amused by this. A talking pet was something he had never encountered before.

He watched as Serena opened her eyes and sat up.

Seeing she was up and there was nothing to be done about it, Diamond slipped form the room to give her the privacy she would need to ready herself for her dinner.

MOONLIGHT

NIGHT

There I finally updated. I am most sorry for not updating sooner. I would have if this story had not been locked on my father's computer. But I guess really there are no excesses, even if I have been working on another story, going on a mission trip and am working at a job I truly dislike. Anyway its rather late so God bless you all and goodnight

Estelbain