The Truth
The scouts, Darien, Kacee and the cat's all sat around talking. Smiles gleamed on the girls' faces; it had been so long since they'd had hope. And now that Serena and Darien were back, hope seemed to come naturally.
"She's so smart!" Amy sang. "Serena was never like this."
Kacee smiled, "Thank you, but I'm still not sure I can help you. Even if I am this Serena you speak of, I don't know anything about you besides what I've read."
"What about her transformation broach?" Raye asked. "Nobody knows where it is."
"Can't Luna just zap up another one?" Mina asked.
"No, Serena's power evolves on it's own, she needs the Imperial Crystal. If it's lost, Sailor Moon ceases to exist," Luna explained.
"Does the enemy have it you think?" Darien asked.
"No, they would've killed us by now, perhaps they don't know it's power," Amy suggested.
"It's possible," Lita agreed. "But what if they don't have it, then where is it?"
"Excuse me," Kacee cut in. "Is this what you're looking for?" She held out the broach.
"You've had it the entire time?" Raye asked.
"My grandmother gave it to me before we left," Kacee told them. "She said she wasn't supposed to give it to me, but she did anyway."
"Have you tired to transform?" Luna asked.
"Transform?" Kacee was confused.
"Yes, hold up the broach and yell 'Moon Cosmic Power'," Luna instructed. Kacee shrugged, but did as she was told. She did in fact transform, but it was not Serena's usual outfit. All the things that were normally red were now purple, the blue was now black, and the yellow was now blue.
"Why does she look so different?" Mina asked, gaping at the girl in front of her.
"While she is not exactly Serena she does have traces of the princess in her blood. Therefore, she will transform, just not to the usual thing," Luna answered.
"So she won't be as powerful, will she?" Raye asked.
"Power comes from experience," Artemis chimed. "Something Kacee has none of."
"But she can help us," Darien said. "That's all that matters."
"He's got a point," Amy agreed. "We can finally face Lily and win."
"Who's Lily?" Darien asked.
"A super powerful demon. She looks human, sort of, but she's fast, and really strong," Raye explained.
"I see," Darien looked at Kacee. "If you want to de-transform, just think it and it will happen."
"Oh." Kacee stood, and was soon back in her normal clothes. "Thanks Darien."
Amy stood, "I hate to say it, but I've got to go. I'll see you all later."
Mina stood also, "I should go too, lot's to do." Soon Lita left as well.
"I'm sorry I doubted you Darien," Raye said when everyone was gone.
"I understand why you did," Darien told her.
"Are you gonna take her home?" Raye wondered.
"No, not until we have Serena back," Darien answered. "I don't want to get their hopes up." Kacee yawned and looked at the tall man next to her. He smiled, "See you later Raye."
The two headed to a hotel, and were soon in their room. Kacee lay down on the bed and looked at Darien. "This is all so strange," she said.
"You'll get used to it," he said sitting down beside her. He stared at her, then leaned down and kissed her. "I love you."
Kacee pushed him away and sat up, "No you don't, you love the Serena part of me."
"No," Darien wrapped his arms around the girl's waist. "Now that I know you can fight with us I don't care if we ever get Serena back."
"Please don't say that," Kacee begged.
Darien kissed her again, "You should get to bed, we've had a long day."
"Okay," Kacee agreed. "But you have to come to bed too, you're not just gonna sleep on the floor." Darien agreed and soon the two were in bed, Kacee's head on his chest. She took a deep breath, then closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.
"Kacee," a voice called her name.
"Who's there?" Kacee looked from side to side, and soon spotted a figure in front of her.
"It's me, Serena," Serena appeared in her Imperial Princess garb.
"You're Serena?" Kacee stared at the princess. "You do look just like me."
"You've got to let me out Kacee, the scouts need me."
"I know, but I don't want to leave Darien."
"If you don't let me out, Darien could die. You don't know how to use your powers, or protect him the way I do."
Kacee looked at Serena, sadness washing over her face, "I know."
"Then you know what must be done," Serena touched her shoulder. "Don't worry about anything. Maybe the scouts can come up with a plan to get you out of me."
Kacee shook her head, "I've got no life."
"No, that's not true. We will find a way, I promise."
Kacee nodded, "It's time. But may I kiss Darien once more?"
Serena nodded, "But then you must release me."
Kacee woke up and looked at Darien, he was still asleep. She quietly sat up, then leaned down and kissed him. "Good bye," she whispered. She sat up and began to glow. A few second's later Serena sat where Kacee had.
Serena gasped, the trip had been stranger than she thought it would be. She looked around, finally she was seeing things with her eyes again, there was no more darkness. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
Darien stirred, "Kacee, are you okay?" He started to open his eyes, but Serena covered them quickly.
"Darien," she spoke softly. "Did you mean what you said about Serena?"
"What's going on?" Darien asked.
"Please, just answer me," Serena begged.
"Kacee, what's the meaning..." Darien started to speak.
"Just answer," Serena demanded. "Did you mean it or not?"
"Yes, I meant it," Darien answered.
"Oh," Serena said sadly. "I see," she removed her hand and looked down at the bed sheets.
"Kacee..." Darien sat up and looked at the girl and stopped his sentence. In the dark it was difficult to see the difference between the two girls, but the way the moonlight coming through the window shimmered on the girl's hair gave it away. "Serena?"
Serena looked at him tears filling her eyes. "You really don't love me anymore do you?"
"Oh Serena," Darien wrapped his arms around the girl. "I do still love you."
"I missed you so much," Serena spoke quietly. She pushed Darien back gently, "I knew you would understand the dreams I sent you. I knew you would come for me. But I never thought that you would fall in love with Kacee."
"Serena I..." He searched for words. "I'm sorry," he looked away from her, then back at her. "How did you know what I said to her?"
"I've heard everything Darien. I was inside her mind the entire time, I heard her thoughts, her words, and what other people said to her. I heard everything, but saw nothing, I was surrounded by darkness, and I couldn't get out," tears slowly brimmed over her eyelids. "I could influence her sometimes, but she never knew it was me. I was so scared," she leaned into Darien's shoulder. "It was so dark," she sobbed.
"Oh Serena," Darien ran his hand down the girl's long hair.
Serena pulled away and wiped her tears, "We need to defeat Lily as soon as possible so we can set Kacee free, she's inside me, I can feel her."
Darien nodded, "I understand." He looked at Serena, "God I missed you so much."
"We should get some sleep," she lay down and turned to face the wall.
Darien lay down beside her, "I'm sorry I hurt you Serena."
"Good night Darien," Serena said in reply.
"Good night Serena," Darien turned his back to hers and soon fell asleep.
Serena watched the wall and tears formed in her eyes, silently they fell from her eyes and stained her pillow.
The next morning was a quiet one, neither knew what to say to each other it had been so long. They dressed and ate, then checked out of the hotel and began walking down to Raye's temple.
Serena breathed deeply, "It feels so wonderful to be home." She looked around her and took in every thing. "Darien," she faced him.
"Yeah?" He smiled at her.
"I want to go home," Serena admitted. "I want to see my mom, and my dad, and my stupid little brother Sammy. I wanna go home."
"Let's go," Darien grabbed her hand and the two walked to Serena's house.
Serena looked at the house and tears filled her eyes. "Mom, dad, Sammy?" She let go of Darien's hand and ran into the house. She quickly kicked off her shoes, "Mom, dad, Sammy?" She called again.
"Serena?" Her mother peaked around the corner.
"Mom!" Serena flew into her mother's arms, tears streaming down her face. "Oh mom, I missed you so much."
"Oh Serena, my baby," Serena's mother held her tight.
"Dear, what's..." Serena's father walked into the room and saw his daughter. "Serena?"
"Dad!" Serena quickly switched from her mother's arms to her father's.
"Oh Serena, we thought we'd lost you," Her father held her tight.
Darien slowly walked into the house and shut the door. Smiling he watched as the family rejoiced.
"Where's Sammy?" Serena asked, pushing away from her father.
"He's at a friends house," her mother replied. "Oh, my dear child, I've missed you so," she once again embraced the girl and kissed her forehead.
"What happened to you?" Her father asked.
Serena looked at her feet, she hadn't quite thought about how to answer that. "It's a long story."
"Why don't we go sit down, and you can tell us," her mother suggested. Serena nodded and they walked into the family room.
Looking around Serena noticed a Shrine devoted to her. "What's that for?" she asked.
Her parents looked at each other. "You've been gone for almost two years, we searched everywhere for you. When we couldn't find you, we thought we'd lost you," her mother explained.
"We didn't want to make that," her father motioned to the small table. "But time, and many friends told us that there was little chance that you were still alive."
"I understand," Serena nodded, then smiled. "We'll you can take it down now."
"Serena, what happened?" her mother asked.
Serena looked at Darien who was standing in the doorway to the room. Her parents followed her gaze.
"Did Darien do something to you?" her father said without thinking.
"No, no, no, no, Darien's the one who found me," Serena smiled at him and held out her hand to him. He walked over to her and took her outstretched hand. She looked into his eyes, then turned to her parents, "I don't think I'm ready to talk about it."
"That's okay dear," Serena's mother smiled at her.
"We're just glad that you're back," her father smiled at her.
"Me too," she stood. "I'm gonna go visit Raye and the other girls now, I'll be back later tonight, I promise."
"Okay dear, they will be so glad to see you," her mother stood and hugged her, holding her tight. "I love you."
"I love you too, mom," Serena kissed her mother's cheek. "I love you dad," she smiled at her father.
"I love you too Serena," Her father winked at her. "Now go visit your friends."
"Let's go Darien," Serena turned and started to lead Darien to the door.
"Oh and Darien," Serena's father called to him. Darien turned. "Thanks for finding our daughter," he wrapped an arm around his wife.
Darien bowed, "You're welcome." He then turned and walked out of the house with Serena.
The two walked silently to the temple hand-in-hand. A smile adorned Serena's face, and she moved with a grace Darien had never seen before. Once at the temple Darien stopped Serena, "Let me go in first." He entered the temple and after a while emerged with all four scouts and two cat's behind him.
"Darien, what's all this about?" Raye asked as they walked outside.
Lita looked at the girl sitting on the steps of the temple. "Raye, look," Lita pointed to the blonde meatball-head. Raye immediately brightened, "Serena!" Serena stood and turned around to meet all five scouts' hugs. A jumble of sound erupted as each scout vocalized their joy.
Serena bent down. "Luna," she opened her arms and the cat jumped into them happily.
"Oh Serena, I've missed you so," Luna rubbed her head against Serena's cheek.
"I missed you too Luna," Serena hugged the cat tightly. She then stood Luna still in her arms, "I've missed you all so much."
"What happened to you?" Mina asked. "Besides the fact that you were kidnapped and turned into Kacee."
"I wasn't turned into Kacee, I was trapped inside my own body. They gave my body a new appearance and a new mind, so to speak. I was there the entire time, I was simply locked away in the darkness," Serena explained.
"That's horrible," Artemis stated.
"I'm back, that's all that matters," Serena smiled.
"So where's Kacee?" Amy asked.
"She's still inside of me," Serena answered. "We need to defeat Lily as soon as we can and set her free."
The scouts all nodded. "I've been watching the news lately, but there hasn't been much going on," Lita said.
"Well she'd better come out soon," Mina said. "Now that we've got Serena back she's gonna get some major butt kicking."
"You don't suppose they know Serena's back do you?" Amy asked.
"There's no way to know," Luna said. "But don't put your guard down, Lily will strike again."
"Why don't we go back inside and we can formulate a plan," Raye suggested.
"Sounds good," Serena agreed. They all smiled at one another and walked into the building.
"I've got the news on right now," Raye said.
"Anything exciting?" Lita asked.
"Not really," Raye answered. "They talked about us for a little while, but nothing out of the ordinary."
They sat down in front of the TV. "Is this local or world news?" Amy inquired.
"World, these guys like to strike outside of Japan," Raye stated.
"On other news, and elderly couple was brutally murdered last night in San Francisco California," the newscaster announced. Darien and Serena looked at each other. "Authorities announce that they appear to have been stabbed several times."
"May..." Darien whispered.
"And Mark," Serena added.
"The couple seem to be May and Mark Campbell. Police have not clue as to who might have done this but they are investigating the matter right now," the announcer then changed subject.
"Darien," Serena whispered tears filling her eyes.
"What's wrong you two?" Mina asked.
"Those two were Kacee's grandparents," Darien explained.
"I had a bad feeling last night," Serena's right hand went up to her chest balled in a fist as if holding onto a pendant.
"Oh Serena," Darien pulled her close.
The scouts, who had been expecting a loud wail, were surprised at the reverence and quiet of the girl. They looked at each other, surprise and sadness in their faces.
"Who did this do you think?" Raye asked.
"It must have been Lily," Darien said quietly. "I can imagine that they weren't too happy when we were allowed to leave."
Serena sat up and wiped her eyes. "We need to find her and kill her," she announced. "May and Mark didn't deserve that, we must find Lily and make her pay."
The scouts nodded.
"Aw, they missed the best part," Lily complained as she turned of the television.
"They suffered?" The man asked.
"Very much my lord," Lily said gleefully.
"Good," he smiled at her.
"But they still missed the best part," Lily complained again.
"Which was?" the man asked.
"If you put the bodies together they spell out Sailor Moon," Lily announced.
"Killed with the name of those they adored. Excellent."
Serena lay beside Darien sleeping. Though she had tried to stop herself she had continued to cry through the entire meeting.
"She sleeps, but still continues to cry," Raye said quietly.
"She cries for two people. May and Mark were Kacee's grandparents, she loved them very much. She can hear what happens out here, and she grieves as well," Darien explained.
"How very sad," Luna walked up the sleeping princess and laid down beside her.
"I wish there was something we could do," Mina said.
"She's changed so much," Raye admitted.
"No kidding, she actually paid attention to one of our meetings for once," Lita pointed out.
"She didn't wail like she used to," Amy added.
"She moves like a real princess, so full of grace," Darien said.
"And she speaks softer than she ever did," Mina agreed.
"She's really grown up over the past two years," Luna said.
"I'm so glad that she's back," Raye smiled at the sleeping figure.
"We all are," Artemis said quietly.
"What are we going to do about Lily?" Raye asked.
"We're going to kill her," Darien said. "We have to kill her for Serena, Kacee, May and Mark. She must die."
"Even with Serena back, I'm not sure we can do it this time," Mina said.
"She's stronger than she used to be," Darien said. "Just have a little faith in her."
The scouts nodded, and looked at their sleeping princess.
"Serena, you have to kill Lily," Kacee sobbed into Serena's chest. They were both kneeling on the floor, Serena's arms around the sobbing girl.
"We will don't worry," Serena comforted her.
"It's just not fair," Kacee cried. "They let you go, and they died for it."
"They're happy, they're with their family," Serena assured her. "I need for you to stop crying though. Your emotions channel through my body, just as mine channeled through yours. I cannot fight if I'm crying."
"Okay." Kacee took a deep breath and smiled at Serena.
"That's better," Serena said. "I'm going to leave you now, but I promise you that I will avenge your grandparents." She stood and her figure soon disappeared.
Serena's eyes fluttered open, and she sat up, wiping the remaining tears from her eyes. She took a deep breath and looked at her friends, and stern expression on her face. "As soon as Lily appears again, we must do everything in our power to destroy her."
The scouts nodded, not knowing exactly what to say.
Serena stood. "I'm going home now, if anything happens I want you guys to call me on the communicator," she said.
"Do you still have yours?" Lita asked.
"It should still be in my drawer at home," Serena answered. "See you guys later."
Darien stood, "I'll come with you."
"Okay." She didn't argue, knowing that it was pointless, and that he was only concerned about her. They walked silently out of the Shrine, and got onto the bus.
"I'm sorry that I hurt you Serena," Darien said quietly. "I was starting to doubt..."
"Shhh," Serena silenced him, her pointer finger meeting his lips. "I know, and I forgive you."
"I love you Serena, I truly do," he told her.
Serena smiled. "I love you too Darien," she whispered. Darien leaned down and kissed her lovingly. She melted in his arms, it had seemed like forever since their last kiss, and now time seemed to stop as their tongues danced joyously together. They soon parted. "I missed that," Serena admitted.
"Me too," Darien echoed.
"Where are you going to stay tonight?" Serena asked. "Your apartment has probably been sold by now."
"I sold it and most of my belongings before I went looking for you," Darien admitted.
"So where are you staying?" She asked again.
Darien mumbled something softly.
"What?"
More mumbles.
"Darien, you have to speak up, I can't understand you." Serena said.
Darien sighed. "I.. I'll get another hotel room," he said.
"Why don't you stay with me?" Serena offered.
"No, it's your first night home for two years. I don't want to impose, I'll be fine," he promised her.
The bus stopped and the two slowly got off the bus. "Are you sure you don't want to stay with me tonight?" Serena asked when they reached her house.
"I'm positive. You go home," He kissed her softly, and nudged her toward her house.
"Good night Darien," Serena said.
"Good night Serena." He smiled as she walked slowly into her house, then he walked slowly around the corner.
"I'm home," Serena called as she walked into the house. No sooner did she close the door, than a crying Sammy flew into her arms. Serena smiled and happily wrapped her arms around her little brother. "Hi Sammy."
"Serena," the boy sobbed. He was taller now, but he still had the same face. "I missed you so much."
"I've missed you too Sammy," Serena replied.
"I didn't mean it Serena," Sammy said pulling away.
"Mean what?" She asked.
"What I said that morning you got taken, I don't hate you," Sammy admitted.
"I know you don't, I've always known," Serena said.
Serena's parents walked into the room and smiled. "It's good to see you two together again," her mother said.
Serena stood up, and hugged her parents again. "It's so good to be home."
"It's good to have you home," her father said.
"Dinner is ready if you'd like to join us," Serena's mother said.
Serena's stomach growled, "Most definitely."
After dinner Serena walked quietly up to her room, she opened her door to find that everything was the same way she'd left it. There was, however, now a queen sized bed where her single had been. Her mother walked in behind her.
"We got that thing two days after you disappeared," she explained. "Your father and I didn't have the heart to send it back. We'd even bought the sheets and bedspread that you'd wanted."
Serena walked over to it and peered down and the star and moon covered bedspread. "Thank you," she said. "Sleep well my dear," her mother said leaving the room.
"Good night," Serena replied just before the door shut. She sat on the bed and stared at her room, taking everything in. She was home, after two years she was finally going to sleep in her own room, knowing that her family was just down the hall. She slowly got up and walked to her dresser, she opened it and pulled out some pajamas. After dressing she slowly crawled into bed, took a deep breath, and fell asleep.
She woke early the next morning, another trait she had picked up from her brunette counterpart. Her parents were quietly conversing in the kitchen, and both were extremely surprised to see her so early. They offered her breakfast and she politely declined, Kacee had also gotten her into the daily routine of running in the morning before breakfast. She threw on a jacket and quietly left the house. She jogged all around the town, taking in everything, overly enjoyed to be home. Upon reaching the garden in town she stopped for a break. As she walked through it, she noticed a figure bundled up on one of the benches. She stopped for a moment and stared at the figure, it was a male, bundled up in a single brown coat. She walked closer, and immediately noticed that the figure was Darien. Sadness washed over her face as she knelt down in front of the bench. He was huddled, and shivering.
Serena choked back some tears as her hand ran down her love's face. "Darien," she whispered. The man stirred, and shivered, but his eyes did not open. "Darien, wake up," she whispered again. "Oh Darien." Sadness filled her voice.
Darien's eyes fluttered open, and they met Serena's, whose eyes were filled with both love and sadness. "Serena?" He asked quietly.
"Darien..." Serena tried to speak, but words couldn't escape her mouth.
"What are you doing here?" Darien asked sitting up.
Serena searched for words. "Kacee," she finally said.
Darien nodded understanding what she meant.
"Darien, why are you..." She couldn't ask.
"I couldn't afford a hotel room, so I decided to sleep out here. I'd done it for a year, I'm used to it," he said. "I didn't want to intrude on you, your first night back."
Serena looked up at him. "You wouldn't be intruding," she assured him. "Darien, I love you, you could never intrude."
"I'm sorry Serena." He looked away from her eyes.
"Come home with me," she offered.
"I couldn't," Darien protested.
"I'm not letting you stay here. Now that I know you have no money I'm not going to let you stay here," she insisted.
"I'll be fine," Darien said.
Serena stood up. "You spent a year looking for me, and now you're going to break my heart?"
Darien sighed. "I'll go with you, if it'll make you happy."
"It will, so come," she said. Darien stood up, and looked into Serena's eyes. "I love you."
Serena smiled. "I love you too." She stepped forward so she was only inches away from him. He smiled down at her, then kissed her.
The two then walked out of the park and back to Serena's house where Darien was welcomed and they ate breakfast.
While talking to Serena's parents, Darien discovered that his remaining stuff was up in their extra bedroom. Darien had left them with a friend, but during the two years that he was gone, the friend had moved, and decided to leave his things with Serena's family. The ten boxes were stacked up in the spacious closet, so the bed was accessible. But Darien would have to stay with Serena for a while because Sammy had a friend that was going to stay for a few weeks because his mother was going on her Honeymoon.
Serena and Darien spent the rest of that day going through the boxes looking for clothes and other necessities. And that night they both climbed into Serena's bed. They cuddled close and soon fell asleep.
The next morning they were woke by the beeping of Serena's communicator. She had forgotten to pull it out of her dresser, but it was loud enough to get through to her. She hopped out of bed and quickly recovered it.
"What's up?" She asked.
"Lily is down town," Mina said from the other side. "She's threatening to blow up Tokyo Tower if you don't get down here soon."
"Okay, we're on our way," Serena said. She turned to Darien who was getting out of the bed. "Just put something on quick. We'll tell my mom that we're going for a run."
Darien nodded and the two changed quickly and ran out the door. They transformed in an alley close to the tower and ran the rest of the distance.
"I'm getting bored," Lily complained. "I think I'll amuse myself and kill a few people." She swooped down from her position in the air and went after a teenage couple.
"Stop right there Lily," Serena called.
Lily stopped and looked at Serena. "Ah, I was beginning to think you weren't going to show." She floated into the air.
"You put me away for a while, but now I'm back and you're gonna be meat. I stand for love and justice, and in the name of the moon, I will punish you."
"Your Sailor Brats couldn't hurt me, what makes you think that you could do any better?" Lily asked. "You caught me off guard last time, but this time I'm prepared for you, and you're gonna pay. What you did to May and Mark is unforgivable, and I'm not letting you go unspoiled," Serena challenged.
Lily laughed. "I'm anxious to see what you think you can do."
Serena scowled at her opponent, a look that would kill if possible. "I'll show you what we all can do." They then engaged in combat (Once again, guys, I'm not very good at battle scenes, so you'll have to fill in the gaps). Serena's anger empowered her, and she hit Lily a few times. At first the scouts stood back and watched, it was great to see their leader back in action, but soon they joined in.
Attacks flew every which way, and soon Lily was down on the ground.
"I don't understand," she complained. "How is it that you brats can have this much power?"
"Hope does a lot, and now that we've got Sailor Moon back, we can do anything," Mina told her triumphantly.
"And now it's time for you to pay for what you did," Serena said. She summoned her power and pointed her scepter at Lily. "You die now."
"I think I'll pass," Lily said as she stood. "Later." And she disappeared in a storm of flower petals.
"Darn it, we almost had her," Lita said angrily.
"It's okay, we'll get her next time. I swear I will kill her no matter what it takes," Serena announced.
"In the mean time, let's all go home," Raye suggested.
"What happened my love?" Lily's lover asked her when she returned home.
"Now that Serena's back the scouts are stronger than ever," Lily said falling to the floor. "We may be in trouble yet."
"Don't fret my sweet," the man said walking toward her. His beautiful silver-white hair flew behind him as he walked, and his light red eyes looked upon her with love. "I shall help if needed." He lifted her off the floor and walked over to the nearby bed, where he laid her gently. "We will destroy those girls, and I swear the moon kingdom will be yours."
"Thank you, Freesia," she said running her hand down his beautiful face.
"Rest now my beautiful flower, when you are well we will destroy those pesky girls, and their Darien." He leaned down and softly kissed Lily's pink lips. "Sleep now." And he walked away.
Serena tossed and turned that night. All day long all she could think about was Lily, and Mark and May. She was mad with herself for letting Lily go, and frustrated because she wasn't sure if she'd be able to do it next time.
"Serena," Darien whispered. He laid a hand on the girl's side. "Serena, wake up." Serena's eyes fluttered open. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"You're tossing and turning, are you okay?" He looked at her inquiringly.
She sat up. "Uh, yeah. Just a little worried I suppose."
"About Lily?" Darien asked, even though he already knew the answer.
"Yeah, I just can't believe that I let her go."
Darien grabbed her hand. "You didn't let her go, she ran off. Don't worry about it Serena, we'll get her next time. But for now, go to sleep, otherwise you'll be too tired to fight," he told her.
She took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay," she agreed. She lay down, and looked at Darien, and he stared down at her. "What if I can't defeat her next time? What if today I just got lucky?" "Don't worry about it Serena, you're a strong girl, I know that you can beat her." He leaned down and kissed her. "Now go to sleep." He lay down beside her and she cuddled up to him, laying her head on his chest.
"Good night, Darien," she said quietly.
"Good night, Serena."
Nothing happened the next day, or the next. Serena was getting restless, as were the rest of the Scouts. The only one who didn't seem to mind was Darien. He had told the girls that there was no reason to worry about anything because the next time Lily would appear they would kill her, and that worrying about it would only make them tired. They had agreed with him and calmed down a little, but deep down inside there was still some anxiousness, and worry.
Lily and Freesia floated above the park near Serena's house and looked out at the many houses.
"There are so many people," Lily said.
"And they will all obey you once we've destroyed those Sailor brats," Freesia told her. He looked down at the park and saw a group of kids playing together on the swings. He turned to Lily, "And then our child can have as many friends as he wants."
Lily nodded as she placed a hand over her stomach. "Let's get those girls." They took themselves down to the ground and waited until Lita walked through the park on her way home from work. Lita stopped the moment she saw the two, and immediately took out her communicator. Lily laughed as Lita realized that she couldn't call her companions in front of all the people. Her eyes widened and she ran into a nearby alleyway, Lily and Freesia in pursuit.
Lita transformed immediately, and had barely pushed her all-call button on her communicator when Lily attacked her. Lita dodged, but dropped her communicator in the process. Freesia laughed as Lita hit the wall behind her.
The faces of the scouts appeared on the communicator and they all looked out to see Lita fly over the communicator. "Scouts help, I'm in the alley way next to the park," Lita said.
Freesia picked up the communicator. "Yes," he said. "Come to the aid of your friend, she may die otherwise." he laughed and crushed the communicator in his hand.
"Who was that?" Darien asked Serena.
"I don't know, but we've got to help Lita," Serena replied. She and Darien ran down the stairs and out the front door. They hid for a moment and transformed, then went to Lita's aid. When they arrived, Lita was lying on the ground behind Raye and Amy.
"You've arrived just in time Sailor Moon," Raye said.
"Lily," Serena shouted. "Your fight is with me, leave them alone."
Lily turned to Serena. "Gladly," she agreed. Serena led the monster out of the alleyway and attacked her in the park. The two fought ( imaginations ) as the scouts stood by and watched, careful not to do anything that might jeopardize the fight or anger their leader. Soon Lily and Serena faced each other, both breathing heavily, the fight almost seemed to be a stale mate. "I'm not going to loose," Serena said. Just then Serena's body began to glow. Her eyes turned yellow, her hair turned a bronze color with gold streaks, and her uniform shone brightly, the red parts were now a maroon color, the blue was now very dark, and they yellow shone a bright green. "This is the last straw Lily, you've hurt too many people." Though only one mouth spoke, two voices seemed to escape from it.
"What is this?" Lily asked, fear covering her countenance.
"We shall not let you go this time," Serena said, two voices still speaking. Her glowing figure pulled out and odd colored scepter, and pointed it at Lily. "Say your last good byes evil witch," she said. Then as an after thought she added, "And don't even try to run away."
Lily laughed, "Oh, what ever shall I do, she's pointing a piece of plastic at me," she mimicked.
Serena glared. "You die now," she said as an energy ball formed at the end of her scepter. She lunged forward, and before Lily could even wink, thrust the now sword-like energy into the woman's chest. Serena gracefully removed the energy sword, and stepped back to observe her work.
Lily gasped for air. "Freesia," she whispered. Her body swayed, and fell into her lover's arms.
"Lily!" Freesia's red eyes were wide, and his body began to shake.
"I'm sorry I failed you my love," Lily whispered. She coughed, and began gasping for air.
"No, Lily you cannot leave me, we were supposed to rule together," he told her. "I the king, you the queen, and our child the prince."
Lily's eyes widened at the mention of the child that lay inside her. Her weak hand traveled to her stomach one last time. "I'm sorry my child." Freesia's hand rested itself on hers, and she looked up at him. "I love you," she said. "I'm so tired Freesia."
Tears now fell from the silver-haired mans face, "Hush now, and sleep my love, I'll be here when you awake." He ran his fingers down her face and she closed her eyes, "I love you too." A smile decorated Lily's lips, and her body fell limp. Freesia's chest began to heave as he became angered. He gently laid Lily's body on the ground and stood to face Serena, his face filled with anger and hatred. "You! You!" he continued to repeat the word. "You killed her."
"We can make arrangements for you to go with her if you'd like," Mina told him casually.
"I'll kill you for that, I won't let you get away with this," Freesia said as he lunged toward Serena. His rage had made him blind, and he did not see the out stretched sword that Serena's still glowing body held. He ran right into it and it pierced his stomach. He pulled away, and continued to fight the Moon Princess.
"He's not even thinking straight, what makes him think he can beat her?" Amy pondered out-loud.
"Considering the hole in his stomach he's not doing bad," Lita pointed out.
"No, but Sailor Moon will kill him," Raye said.
Serena dodged all the attacks that the raged man threw at her.
"You grow tiresome," Serena said stopping and allowing Freesia to hit her once. She lifted her sword and stabbed the monster right in the heart. "Go now, and live in hell with Lily, and your child."
Freesia looked at Serena, a pained look on his face. Slowly a smile formed, "I thank you." His body fell to the ground, and his breathing stopped.
Everyone stood and watched Serena as she looked upon the two bodies in front of her. Slowly their bodies began to vanish, and as they did, the light around Serena began to fade. As they watched Serena they saw a spirit-like entity exit her body. As it lifted into the air it looked down at Serena, and softly said, "Thank you, and good-bye."
Serena smiled up at it and replied, "Good-bye Kacee." She continued to watch it until it was no longer in sight, then she turned to her friends. "Thank you for not interfering. That was simply something that Kacee and I had to take care of ourselves."
"We knew you could do it Sailor Moon," Amy said.
"Well, now that that's over I think I'm ready to go home and take a nap," Serena admitted.
The girls laughed at her, and she smiled. Then very quietly she walked into the nearby alley way de-transformed and walked out of the alleyway, Darien at her side.
Sammy was waiting for her when she walked into the door. There was no greeting for the girl, he just looked at her and asked one simple question. "Are you Sailor Moon, Serena?"
Serena and Darien stopped where they stood. "What makes you think that?" She asked.
Sammy grabbed his sister's hand and led her into the living room. He sat her down on the couch, and both her parents walked in the room.
"Ever since you left your brother has been very perceptive of things. He pays attention to a lot of little things more than he used to," her mother explained.
"We all want to know if your brother is right, Serena," her father said.
Sammy looked at her, "Are you?" he asked once again.
"What makes you think that I am?" Serena asked.
"When you disappeared, Sailor Moon disappeared. When you came back she came back. And every time you run out of the house in an extra hurry, she shows up. Serena, we just want to know," her brother told her.
Serena looked at Darien, then down at Luna who had followed her and Darien home. Luna inclined her head once, indicating a yes, and Darien shrugged. Serena took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, I am Sailor Moon." She then commenced to tell her family about the events of the past few years, and when she finished her family all got up and gave her a loving hug.
Six months later.
Serena had opened the front door to find an average height, black haired, brown-eyed girl, staring back at her. "May I help you?" Serena asked.
The girl smiled rather sheepishly. "I figured you wouldn't recognize me like this," the girl said.
"Do I know you?" Serena asked.
"Yeah you do, well, kind of. It's me, Kacee," she said using her fingers to put quotations around the name.
Serena's face brightened, "Kacee!"
"Yeah, hi," she said.
"Come in," Serena said opening the door a little more and moving aside. "Wow, you look so different." "Who is it?" Darien asked from the other room.
"It's Kacee," Serena called back.
"Actually, my name's Christina," the girl said.
Darien walked into the room and examined the girl. She was very skinny, almost to the point of being unhealthy, and she wore all black. Even her fingernails were painted black. Christina swallowed hard and looked down at the floor, deliberately avoiding Darien's eyes.
Darien walked up to her and lifted her chin. After looking into her eyes for a moment he said, "Yep, it's definitely her."
She smiled and hugged the man. "I missed you so much."
Darien hugged her back and when she let go of him, all three of them walked into the living room.
"So, what are you doing here?" Serena asked.
"I wanted you two to see who I really was, and I wanted you to know how you got into this mess," Christina said.
Darien and Serena looked at her curiously. She stood and held her hands out to her side allowing them a better look at her. Her face was pale, and was decorated with black eye shadow and eyeliner, and a dark brownish-red lipstick covered her lips. "This is who I am, this is who I have been for a long time." she let her arms fall to her side and she sat down across from the couple. "There's a reason I was chosen to be your alter ego, but there's also a very long story attached to that reason." She paused for a moment.
She took a deep breath. "You see, I've been a very depressed person for a very long time. My parents left me when I was ten, and I went to live with my grandparents. They were very good to me, and I loved them very much, but they weren't my parents, and I hated them for that. It was hard for them to understand me, and for me to understand them, so I started doing things I shouldn't have.
"I have always loved music, and I ended up getting a boyfriend that was the lead singer to band. We loved each other very much, but he was a drinker, and occasionally he would smoke pot. And because of that and my family problems I began to do those things with him."
"Why are you telling us this stuff?" Darien asked.
"Just listen okay, this will all add up in the end, I promise," Christina assured him.
"Go on then," Serena said.
"My grandparents found out somehow, and they grounded me. There was no way I could get a hold of anything, and soon I began to go through with drawls. So instead of taking drugs, I began to cut myself, the pain excited me, but perhaps a little too much." she pulled up her long sleeves to expose many cuts on her arms and wrists. Serena and Darien both gasped. "I was becoming more and more suicidal as the time went on. But it was topped off one particular day. "I had finally become ungrounded, and immediately I went over to my boyfriends house only to find out that he'd been cheating on me with some other girl. And that she was pregnant with his kid. I didn't want to go home, so I ran off to be by myself. I was crying so hard that I didn't see the man that walked up. He was a handsome man, and when he asked me why I was crying I told him to 'F' off. But he didn't go away, he simply kneeled down and told me that he could offer me another life if I wanted it. I didn't believe him at the time, and once again I told him to go away. He simply smiled at me, stood up, and said that he would come to me again. After I was done crying I went home.
"When I got home, both my grandparents were crying. It turned out that my mother and father had been on their way to come get me, when they got into a terrible accident and both died.
"At this point I couldn't handle it anymore. I ran into the bathroom, grabbed a bottle of pills, and locked myself in my room. Not only did I swallow all the pills, but I also cut my wrists, I was trying to make sure that I would die. I didn't care how, I just wanted to die. When I finally blacked out, that guy I saw in the alleyway came into my dreams. He offered me another life, and this time I took up his offer. "That's how I became Kacee. You and I combined to form her. I liked her, she was pretty, popular, and skinny. The things I wasn't."
"But you look skinny to me," Darien said.
"That's only because my real body has been in a coma since that time. Freesia was the guy who came to me. He had blocked some of my memories, but I always knew who I was, I always knew that it was a lie." Christina took a deep breath. "There you have it."
"You came all the way down to Tokyo to tell us that?" Serena asked.
"That's some of it, but mainly it was so I could see you again. You two have changed my life. Serena, you've opened my eyes. You went through so much, but you still stayed strong. I couldn't even dream of being as strong as you. I wanted to thank you both in person. You've strengthened me, and given me new hope."
The two smiled, and hugged the girl across from them.
"Thanks to you two, I think I can get back to my normal life."
Well everyone, that's it. It might not have the best ending in the world, I just thought that you might want to know what the real "Kacee" was like. Please review, and read some of my other stories. Thank you for reading, and have nice morning, afternoon, evening, or whatever.
Gohaun
The scouts, Darien, Kacee and the cat's all sat around talking. Smiles gleamed on the girls' faces; it had been so long since they'd had hope. And now that Serena and Darien were back, hope seemed to come naturally.
"She's so smart!" Amy sang. "Serena was never like this."
Kacee smiled, "Thank you, but I'm still not sure I can help you. Even if I am this Serena you speak of, I don't know anything about you besides what I've read."
"What about her transformation broach?" Raye asked. "Nobody knows where it is."
"Can't Luna just zap up another one?" Mina asked.
"No, Serena's power evolves on it's own, she needs the Imperial Crystal. If it's lost, Sailor Moon ceases to exist," Luna explained.
"Does the enemy have it you think?" Darien asked.
"No, they would've killed us by now, perhaps they don't know it's power," Amy suggested.
"It's possible," Lita agreed. "But what if they don't have it, then where is it?"
"Excuse me," Kacee cut in. "Is this what you're looking for?" She held out the broach.
"You've had it the entire time?" Raye asked.
"My grandmother gave it to me before we left," Kacee told them. "She said she wasn't supposed to give it to me, but she did anyway."
"Have you tired to transform?" Luna asked.
"Transform?" Kacee was confused.
"Yes, hold up the broach and yell 'Moon Cosmic Power'," Luna instructed. Kacee shrugged, but did as she was told. She did in fact transform, but it was not Serena's usual outfit. All the things that were normally red were now purple, the blue was now black, and the yellow was now blue.
"Why does she look so different?" Mina asked, gaping at the girl in front of her.
"While she is not exactly Serena she does have traces of the princess in her blood. Therefore, she will transform, just not to the usual thing," Luna answered.
"So she won't be as powerful, will she?" Raye asked.
"Power comes from experience," Artemis chimed. "Something Kacee has none of."
"But she can help us," Darien said. "That's all that matters."
"He's got a point," Amy agreed. "We can finally face Lily and win."
"Who's Lily?" Darien asked.
"A super powerful demon. She looks human, sort of, but she's fast, and really strong," Raye explained.
"I see," Darien looked at Kacee. "If you want to de-transform, just think it and it will happen."
"Oh." Kacee stood, and was soon back in her normal clothes. "Thanks Darien."
Amy stood, "I hate to say it, but I've got to go. I'll see you all later."
Mina stood also, "I should go too, lot's to do." Soon Lita left as well.
"I'm sorry I doubted you Darien," Raye said when everyone was gone.
"I understand why you did," Darien told her.
"Are you gonna take her home?" Raye wondered.
"No, not until we have Serena back," Darien answered. "I don't want to get their hopes up." Kacee yawned and looked at the tall man next to her. He smiled, "See you later Raye."
The two headed to a hotel, and were soon in their room. Kacee lay down on the bed and looked at Darien. "This is all so strange," she said.
"You'll get used to it," he said sitting down beside her. He stared at her, then leaned down and kissed her. "I love you."
Kacee pushed him away and sat up, "No you don't, you love the Serena part of me."
"No," Darien wrapped his arms around the girl's waist. "Now that I know you can fight with us I don't care if we ever get Serena back."
"Please don't say that," Kacee begged.
Darien kissed her again, "You should get to bed, we've had a long day."
"Okay," Kacee agreed. "But you have to come to bed too, you're not just gonna sleep on the floor." Darien agreed and soon the two were in bed, Kacee's head on his chest. She took a deep breath, then closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.
"Kacee," a voice called her name.
"Who's there?" Kacee looked from side to side, and soon spotted a figure in front of her.
"It's me, Serena," Serena appeared in her Imperial Princess garb.
"You're Serena?" Kacee stared at the princess. "You do look just like me."
"You've got to let me out Kacee, the scouts need me."
"I know, but I don't want to leave Darien."
"If you don't let me out, Darien could die. You don't know how to use your powers, or protect him the way I do."
Kacee looked at Serena, sadness washing over her face, "I know."
"Then you know what must be done," Serena touched her shoulder. "Don't worry about anything. Maybe the scouts can come up with a plan to get you out of me."
Kacee shook her head, "I've got no life."
"No, that's not true. We will find a way, I promise."
Kacee nodded, "It's time. But may I kiss Darien once more?"
Serena nodded, "But then you must release me."
Kacee woke up and looked at Darien, he was still asleep. She quietly sat up, then leaned down and kissed him. "Good bye," she whispered. She sat up and began to glow. A few second's later Serena sat where Kacee had.
Serena gasped, the trip had been stranger than she thought it would be. She looked around, finally she was seeing things with her eyes again, there was no more darkness. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
Darien stirred, "Kacee, are you okay?" He started to open his eyes, but Serena covered them quickly.
"Darien," she spoke softly. "Did you mean what you said about Serena?"
"What's going on?" Darien asked.
"Please, just answer me," Serena begged.
"Kacee, what's the meaning..." Darien started to speak.
"Just answer," Serena demanded. "Did you mean it or not?"
"Yes, I meant it," Darien answered.
"Oh," Serena said sadly. "I see," she removed her hand and looked down at the bed sheets.
"Kacee..." Darien sat up and looked at the girl and stopped his sentence. In the dark it was difficult to see the difference between the two girls, but the way the moonlight coming through the window shimmered on the girl's hair gave it away. "Serena?"
Serena looked at him tears filling her eyes. "You really don't love me anymore do you?"
"Oh Serena," Darien wrapped his arms around the girl. "I do still love you."
"I missed you so much," Serena spoke quietly. She pushed Darien back gently, "I knew you would understand the dreams I sent you. I knew you would come for me. But I never thought that you would fall in love with Kacee."
"Serena I..." He searched for words. "I'm sorry," he looked away from her, then back at her. "How did you know what I said to her?"
"I've heard everything Darien. I was inside her mind the entire time, I heard her thoughts, her words, and what other people said to her. I heard everything, but saw nothing, I was surrounded by darkness, and I couldn't get out," tears slowly brimmed over her eyelids. "I could influence her sometimes, but she never knew it was me. I was so scared," she leaned into Darien's shoulder. "It was so dark," she sobbed.
"Oh Serena," Darien ran his hand down the girl's long hair.
Serena pulled away and wiped her tears, "We need to defeat Lily as soon as possible so we can set Kacee free, she's inside me, I can feel her."
Darien nodded, "I understand." He looked at Serena, "God I missed you so much."
"We should get some sleep," she lay down and turned to face the wall.
Darien lay down beside her, "I'm sorry I hurt you Serena."
"Good night Darien," Serena said in reply.
"Good night Serena," Darien turned his back to hers and soon fell asleep.
Serena watched the wall and tears formed in her eyes, silently they fell from her eyes and stained her pillow.
The next morning was a quiet one, neither knew what to say to each other it had been so long. They dressed and ate, then checked out of the hotel and began walking down to Raye's temple.
Serena breathed deeply, "It feels so wonderful to be home." She looked around her and took in every thing. "Darien," she faced him.
"Yeah?" He smiled at her.
"I want to go home," Serena admitted. "I want to see my mom, and my dad, and my stupid little brother Sammy. I wanna go home."
"Let's go," Darien grabbed her hand and the two walked to Serena's house.
Serena looked at the house and tears filled her eyes. "Mom, dad, Sammy?" She let go of Darien's hand and ran into the house. She quickly kicked off her shoes, "Mom, dad, Sammy?" She called again.
"Serena?" Her mother peaked around the corner.
"Mom!" Serena flew into her mother's arms, tears streaming down her face. "Oh mom, I missed you so much."
"Oh Serena, my baby," Serena's mother held her tight.
"Dear, what's..." Serena's father walked into the room and saw his daughter. "Serena?"
"Dad!" Serena quickly switched from her mother's arms to her father's.
"Oh Serena, we thought we'd lost you," Her father held her tight.
Darien slowly walked into the house and shut the door. Smiling he watched as the family rejoiced.
"Where's Sammy?" Serena asked, pushing away from her father.
"He's at a friends house," her mother replied. "Oh, my dear child, I've missed you so," she once again embraced the girl and kissed her forehead.
"What happened to you?" Her father asked.
Serena looked at her feet, she hadn't quite thought about how to answer that. "It's a long story."
"Why don't we go sit down, and you can tell us," her mother suggested. Serena nodded and they walked into the family room.
Looking around Serena noticed a Shrine devoted to her. "What's that for?" she asked.
Her parents looked at each other. "You've been gone for almost two years, we searched everywhere for you. When we couldn't find you, we thought we'd lost you," her mother explained.
"We didn't want to make that," her father motioned to the small table. "But time, and many friends told us that there was little chance that you were still alive."
"I understand," Serena nodded, then smiled. "We'll you can take it down now."
"Serena, what happened?" her mother asked.
Serena looked at Darien who was standing in the doorway to the room. Her parents followed her gaze.
"Did Darien do something to you?" her father said without thinking.
"No, no, no, no, Darien's the one who found me," Serena smiled at him and held out her hand to him. He walked over to her and took her outstretched hand. She looked into his eyes, then turned to her parents, "I don't think I'm ready to talk about it."
"That's okay dear," Serena's mother smiled at her.
"We're just glad that you're back," her father smiled at her.
"Me too," she stood. "I'm gonna go visit Raye and the other girls now, I'll be back later tonight, I promise."
"Okay dear, they will be so glad to see you," her mother stood and hugged her, holding her tight. "I love you."
"I love you too, mom," Serena kissed her mother's cheek. "I love you dad," she smiled at her father.
"I love you too Serena," Her father winked at her. "Now go visit your friends."
"Let's go Darien," Serena turned and started to lead Darien to the door.
"Oh and Darien," Serena's father called to him. Darien turned. "Thanks for finding our daughter," he wrapped an arm around his wife.
Darien bowed, "You're welcome." He then turned and walked out of the house with Serena.
The two walked silently to the temple hand-in-hand. A smile adorned Serena's face, and she moved with a grace Darien had never seen before. Once at the temple Darien stopped Serena, "Let me go in first." He entered the temple and after a while emerged with all four scouts and two cat's behind him.
"Darien, what's all this about?" Raye asked as they walked outside.
Lita looked at the girl sitting on the steps of the temple. "Raye, look," Lita pointed to the blonde meatball-head. Raye immediately brightened, "Serena!" Serena stood and turned around to meet all five scouts' hugs. A jumble of sound erupted as each scout vocalized their joy.
Serena bent down. "Luna," she opened her arms and the cat jumped into them happily.
"Oh Serena, I've missed you so," Luna rubbed her head against Serena's cheek.
"I missed you too Luna," Serena hugged the cat tightly. She then stood Luna still in her arms, "I've missed you all so much."
"What happened to you?" Mina asked. "Besides the fact that you were kidnapped and turned into Kacee."
"I wasn't turned into Kacee, I was trapped inside my own body. They gave my body a new appearance and a new mind, so to speak. I was there the entire time, I was simply locked away in the darkness," Serena explained.
"That's horrible," Artemis stated.
"I'm back, that's all that matters," Serena smiled.
"So where's Kacee?" Amy asked.
"She's still inside of me," Serena answered. "We need to defeat Lily as soon as we can and set her free."
The scouts all nodded. "I've been watching the news lately, but there hasn't been much going on," Lita said.
"Well she'd better come out soon," Mina said. "Now that we've got Serena back she's gonna get some major butt kicking."
"You don't suppose they know Serena's back do you?" Amy asked.
"There's no way to know," Luna said. "But don't put your guard down, Lily will strike again."
"Why don't we go back inside and we can formulate a plan," Raye suggested.
"Sounds good," Serena agreed. They all smiled at one another and walked into the building.
"I've got the news on right now," Raye said.
"Anything exciting?" Lita asked.
"Not really," Raye answered. "They talked about us for a little while, but nothing out of the ordinary."
They sat down in front of the TV. "Is this local or world news?" Amy inquired.
"World, these guys like to strike outside of Japan," Raye stated.
"On other news, and elderly couple was brutally murdered last night in San Francisco California," the newscaster announced. Darien and Serena looked at each other. "Authorities announce that they appear to have been stabbed several times."
"May..." Darien whispered.
"And Mark," Serena added.
"The couple seem to be May and Mark Campbell. Police have not clue as to who might have done this but they are investigating the matter right now," the announcer then changed subject.
"Darien," Serena whispered tears filling her eyes.
"What's wrong you two?" Mina asked.
"Those two were Kacee's grandparents," Darien explained.
"I had a bad feeling last night," Serena's right hand went up to her chest balled in a fist as if holding onto a pendant.
"Oh Serena," Darien pulled her close.
The scouts, who had been expecting a loud wail, were surprised at the reverence and quiet of the girl. They looked at each other, surprise and sadness in their faces.
"Who did this do you think?" Raye asked.
"It must have been Lily," Darien said quietly. "I can imagine that they weren't too happy when we were allowed to leave."
Serena sat up and wiped her eyes. "We need to find her and kill her," she announced. "May and Mark didn't deserve that, we must find Lily and make her pay."
The scouts nodded.
"Aw, they missed the best part," Lily complained as she turned of the television.
"They suffered?" The man asked.
"Very much my lord," Lily said gleefully.
"Good," he smiled at her.
"But they still missed the best part," Lily complained again.
"Which was?" the man asked.
"If you put the bodies together they spell out Sailor Moon," Lily announced.
"Killed with the name of those they adored. Excellent."
Serena lay beside Darien sleeping. Though she had tried to stop herself she had continued to cry through the entire meeting.
"She sleeps, but still continues to cry," Raye said quietly.
"She cries for two people. May and Mark were Kacee's grandparents, she loved them very much. She can hear what happens out here, and she grieves as well," Darien explained.
"How very sad," Luna walked up the sleeping princess and laid down beside her.
"I wish there was something we could do," Mina said.
"She's changed so much," Raye admitted.
"No kidding, she actually paid attention to one of our meetings for once," Lita pointed out.
"She didn't wail like she used to," Amy added.
"She moves like a real princess, so full of grace," Darien said.
"And she speaks softer than she ever did," Mina agreed.
"She's really grown up over the past two years," Luna said.
"I'm so glad that she's back," Raye smiled at the sleeping figure.
"We all are," Artemis said quietly.
"What are we going to do about Lily?" Raye asked.
"We're going to kill her," Darien said. "We have to kill her for Serena, Kacee, May and Mark. She must die."
"Even with Serena back, I'm not sure we can do it this time," Mina said.
"She's stronger than she used to be," Darien said. "Just have a little faith in her."
The scouts nodded, and looked at their sleeping princess.
"Serena, you have to kill Lily," Kacee sobbed into Serena's chest. They were both kneeling on the floor, Serena's arms around the sobbing girl.
"We will don't worry," Serena comforted her.
"It's just not fair," Kacee cried. "They let you go, and they died for it."
"They're happy, they're with their family," Serena assured her. "I need for you to stop crying though. Your emotions channel through my body, just as mine channeled through yours. I cannot fight if I'm crying."
"Okay." Kacee took a deep breath and smiled at Serena.
"That's better," Serena said. "I'm going to leave you now, but I promise you that I will avenge your grandparents." She stood and her figure soon disappeared.
Serena's eyes fluttered open, and she sat up, wiping the remaining tears from her eyes. She took a deep breath and looked at her friends, and stern expression on her face. "As soon as Lily appears again, we must do everything in our power to destroy her."
The scouts nodded, not knowing exactly what to say.
Serena stood. "I'm going home now, if anything happens I want you guys to call me on the communicator," she said.
"Do you still have yours?" Lita asked.
"It should still be in my drawer at home," Serena answered. "See you guys later."
Darien stood, "I'll come with you."
"Okay." She didn't argue, knowing that it was pointless, and that he was only concerned about her. They walked silently out of the Shrine, and got onto the bus.
"I'm sorry that I hurt you Serena," Darien said quietly. "I was starting to doubt..."
"Shhh," Serena silenced him, her pointer finger meeting his lips. "I know, and I forgive you."
"I love you Serena, I truly do," he told her.
Serena smiled. "I love you too Darien," she whispered. Darien leaned down and kissed her lovingly. She melted in his arms, it had seemed like forever since their last kiss, and now time seemed to stop as their tongues danced joyously together. They soon parted. "I missed that," Serena admitted.
"Me too," Darien echoed.
"Where are you going to stay tonight?" Serena asked. "Your apartment has probably been sold by now."
"I sold it and most of my belongings before I went looking for you," Darien admitted.
"So where are you staying?" She asked again.
Darien mumbled something softly.
"What?"
More mumbles.
"Darien, you have to speak up, I can't understand you." Serena said.
Darien sighed. "I.. I'll get another hotel room," he said.
"Why don't you stay with me?" Serena offered.
"No, it's your first night home for two years. I don't want to impose, I'll be fine," he promised her.
The bus stopped and the two slowly got off the bus. "Are you sure you don't want to stay with me tonight?" Serena asked when they reached her house.
"I'm positive. You go home," He kissed her softly, and nudged her toward her house.
"Good night Darien," Serena said.
"Good night Serena." He smiled as she walked slowly into her house, then he walked slowly around the corner.
"I'm home," Serena called as she walked into the house. No sooner did she close the door, than a crying Sammy flew into her arms. Serena smiled and happily wrapped her arms around her little brother. "Hi Sammy."
"Serena," the boy sobbed. He was taller now, but he still had the same face. "I missed you so much."
"I've missed you too Sammy," Serena replied.
"I didn't mean it Serena," Sammy said pulling away.
"Mean what?" She asked.
"What I said that morning you got taken, I don't hate you," Sammy admitted.
"I know you don't, I've always known," Serena said.
Serena's parents walked into the room and smiled. "It's good to see you two together again," her mother said.
Serena stood up, and hugged her parents again. "It's so good to be home."
"It's good to have you home," her father said.
"Dinner is ready if you'd like to join us," Serena's mother said.
Serena's stomach growled, "Most definitely."
After dinner Serena walked quietly up to her room, she opened her door to find that everything was the same way she'd left it. There was, however, now a queen sized bed where her single had been. Her mother walked in behind her.
"We got that thing two days after you disappeared," she explained. "Your father and I didn't have the heart to send it back. We'd even bought the sheets and bedspread that you'd wanted."
Serena walked over to it and peered down and the star and moon covered bedspread. "Thank you," she said. "Sleep well my dear," her mother said leaving the room.
"Good night," Serena replied just before the door shut. She sat on the bed and stared at her room, taking everything in. She was home, after two years she was finally going to sleep in her own room, knowing that her family was just down the hall. She slowly got up and walked to her dresser, she opened it and pulled out some pajamas. After dressing she slowly crawled into bed, took a deep breath, and fell asleep.
She woke early the next morning, another trait she had picked up from her brunette counterpart. Her parents were quietly conversing in the kitchen, and both were extremely surprised to see her so early. They offered her breakfast and she politely declined, Kacee had also gotten her into the daily routine of running in the morning before breakfast. She threw on a jacket and quietly left the house. She jogged all around the town, taking in everything, overly enjoyed to be home. Upon reaching the garden in town she stopped for a break. As she walked through it, she noticed a figure bundled up on one of the benches. She stopped for a moment and stared at the figure, it was a male, bundled up in a single brown coat. She walked closer, and immediately noticed that the figure was Darien. Sadness washed over her face as she knelt down in front of the bench. He was huddled, and shivering.
Serena choked back some tears as her hand ran down her love's face. "Darien," she whispered. The man stirred, and shivered, but his eyes did not open. "Darien, wake up," she whispered again. "Oh Darien." Sadness filled her voice.
Darien's eyes fluttered open, and they met Serena's, whose eyes were filled with both love and sadness. "Serena?" He asked quietly.
"Darien..." Serena tried to speak, but words couldn't escape her mouth.
"What are you doing here?" Darien asked sitting up.
Serena searched for words. "Kacee," she finally said.
Darien nodded understanding what she meant.
"Darien, why are you..." She couldn't ask.
"I couldn't afford a hotel room, so I decided to sleep out here. I'd done it for a year, I'm used to it," he said. "I didn't want to intrude on you, your first night back."
Serena looked up at him. "You wouldn't be intruding," she assured him. "Darien, I love you, you could never intrude."
"I'm sorry Serena." He looked away from her eyes.
"Come home with me," she offered.
"I couldn't," Darien protested.
"I'm not letting you stay here. Now that I know you have no money I'm not going to let you stay here," she insisted.
"I'll be fine," Darien said.
Serena stood up. "You spent a year looking for me, and now you're going to break my heart?"
Darien sighed. "I'll go with you, if it'll make you happy."
"It will, so come," she said. Darien stood up, and looked into Serena's eyes. "I love you."
Serena smiled. "I love you too." She stepped forward so she was only inches away from him. He smiled down at her, then kissed her.
The two then walked out of the park and back to Serena's house where Darien was welcomed and they ate breakfast.
While talking to Serena's parents, Darien discovered that his remaining stuff was up in their extra bedroom. Darien had left them with a friend, but during the two years that he was gone, the friend had moved, and decided to leave his things with Serena's family. The ten boxes were stacked up in the spacious closet, so the bed was accessible. But Darien would have to stay with Serena for a while because Sammy had a friend that was going to stay for a few weeks because his mother was going on her Honeymoon.
Serena and Darien spent the rest of that day going through the boxes looking for clothes and other necessities. And that night they both climbed into Serena's bed. They cuddled close and soon fell asleep.
The next morning they were woke by the beeping of Serena's communicator. She had forgotten to pull it out of her dresser, but it was loud enough to get through to her. She hopped out of bed and quickly recovered it.
"What's up?" She asked.
"Lily is down town," Mina said from the other side. "She's threatening to blow up Tokyo Tower if you don't get down here soon."
"Okay, we're on our way," Serena said. She turned to Darien who was getting out of the bed. "Just put something on quick. We'll tell my mom that we're going for a run."
Darien nodded and the two changed quickly and ran out the door. They transformed in an alley close to the tower and ran the rest of the distance.
"I'm getting bored," Lily complained. "I think I'll amuse myself and kill a few people." She swooped down from her position in the air and went after a teenage couple.
"Stop right there Lily," Serena called.
Lily stopped and looked at Serena. "Ah, I was beginning to think you weren't going to show." She floated into the air.
"You put me away for a while, but now I'm back and you're gonna be meat. I stand for love and justice, and in the name of the moon, I will punish you."
"Your Sailor Brats couldn't hurt me, what makes you think that you could do any better?" Lily asked. "You caught me off guard last time, but this time I'm prepared for you, and you're gonna pay. What you did to May and Mark is unforgivable, and I'm not letting you go unspoiled," Serena challenged.
Lily laughed. "I'm anxious to see what you think you can do."
Serena scowled at her opponent, a look that would kill if possible. "I'll show you what we all can do." They then engaged in combat (Once again, guys, I'm not very good at battle scenes, so you'll have to fill in the gaps). Serena's anger empowered her, and she hit Lily a few times. At first the scouts stood back and watched, it was great to see their leader back in action, but soon they joined in.
Attacks flew every which way, and soon Lily was down on the ground.
"I don't understand," she complained. "How is it that you brats can have this much power?"
"Hope does a lot, and now that we've got Sailor Moon back, we can do anything," Mina told her triumphantly.
"And now it's time for you to pay for what you did," Serena said. She summoned her power and pointed her scepter at Lily. "You die now."
"I think I'll pass," Lily said as she stood. "Later." And she disappeared in a storm of flower petals.
"Darn it, we almost had her," Lita said angrily.
"It's okay, we'll get her next time. I swear I will kill her no matter what it takes," Serena announced.
"In the mean time, let's all go home," Raye suggested.
"What happened my love?" Lily's lover asked her when she returned home.
"Now that Serena's back the scouts are stronger than ever," Lily said falling to the floor. "We may be in trouble yet."
"Don't fret my sweet," the man said walking toward her. His beautiful silver-white hair flew behind him as he walked, and his light red eyes looked upon her with love. "I shall help if needed." He lifted her off the floor and walked over to the nearby bed, where he laid her gently. "We will destroy those girls, and I swear the moon kingdom will be yours."
"Thank you, Freesia," she said running her hand down his beautiful face.
"Rest now my beautiful flower, when you are well we will destroy those pesky girls, and their Darien." He leaned down and softly kissed Lily's pink lips. "Sleep now." And he walked away.
Serena tossed and turned that night. All day long all she could think about was Lily, and Mark and May. She was mad with herself for letting Lily go, and frustrated because she wasn't sure if she'd be able to do it next time.
"Serena," Darien whispered. He laid a hand on the girl's side. "Serena, wake up." Serena's eyes fluttered open. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"You're tossing and turning, are you okay?" He looked at her inquiringly.
She sat up. "Uh, yeah. Just a little worried I suppose."
"About Lily?" Darien asked, even though he already knew the answer.
"Yeah, I just can't believe that I let her go."
Darien grabbed her hand. "You didn't let her go, she ran off. Don't worry about it Serena, we'll get her next time. But for now, go to sleep, otherwise you'll be too tired to fight," he told her.
She took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay," she agreed. She lay down, and looked at Darien, and he stared down at her. "What if I can't defeat her next time? What if today I just got lucky?" "Don't worry about it Serena, you're a strong girl, I know that you can beat her." He leaned down and kissed her. "Now go to sleep." He lay down beside her and she cuddled up to him, laying her head on his chest.
"Good night, Darien," she said quietly.
"Good night, Serena."
Nothing happened the next day, or the next. Serena was getting restless, as were the rest of the Scouts. The only one who didn't seem to mind was Darien. He had told the girls that there was no reason to worry about anything because the next time Lily would appear they would kill her, and that worrying about it would only make them tired. They had agreed with him and calmed down a little, but deep down inside there was still some anxiousness, and worry.
Lily and Freesia floated above the park near Serena's house and looked out at the many houses.
"There are so many people," Lily said.
"And they will all obey you once we've destroyed those Sailor brats," Freesia told her. He looked down at the park and saw a group of kids playing together on the swings. He turned to Lily, "And then our child can have as many friends as he wants."
Lily nodded as she placed a hand over her stomach. "Let's get those girls." They took themselves down to the ground and waited until Lita walked through the park on her way home from work. Lita stopped the moment she saw the two, and immediately took out her communicator. Lily laughed as Lita realized that she couldn't call her companions in front of all the people. Her eyes widened and she ran into a nearby alleyway, Lily and Freesia in pursuit.
Lita transformed immediately, and had barely pushed her all-call button on her communicator when Lily attacked her. Lita dodged, but dropped her communicator in the process. Freesia laughed as Lita hit the wall behind her.
The faces of the scouts appeared on the communicator and they all looked out to see Lita fly over the communicator. "Scouts help, I'm in the alley way next to the park," Lita said.
Freesia picked up the communicator. "Yes," he said. "Come to the aid of your friend, she may die otherwise." he laughed and crushed the communicator in his hand.
"Who was that?" Darien asked Serena.
"I don't know, but we've got to help Lita," Serena replied. She and Darien ran down the stairs and out the front door. They hid for a moment and transformed, then went to Lita's aid. When they arrived, Lita was lying on the ground behind Raye and Amy.
"You've arrived just in time Sailor Moon," Raye said.
"Lily," Serena shouted. "Your fight is with me, leave them alone."
Lily turned to Serena. "Gladly," she agreed. Serena led the monster out of the alleyway and attacked her in the park. The two fought ( imaginations ) as the scouts stood by and watched, careful not to do anything that might jeopardize the fight or anger their leader. Soon Lily and Serena faced each other, both breathing heavily, the fight almost seemed to be a stale mate. "I'm not going to loose," Serena said. Just then Serena's body began to glow. Her eyes turned yellow, her hair turned a bronze color with gold streaks, and her uniform shone brightly, the red parts were now a maroon color, the blue was now very dark, and they yellow shone a bright green. "This is the last straw Lily, you've hurt too many people." Though only one mouth spoke, two voices seemed to escape from it.
"What is this?" Lily asked, fear covering her countenance.
"We shall not let you go this time," Serena said, two voices still speaking. Her glowing figure pulled out and odd colored scepter, and pointed it at Lily. "Say your last good byes evil witch," she said. Then as an after thought she added, "And don't even try to run away."
Lily laughed, "Oh, what ever shall I do, she's pointing a piece of plastic at me," she mimicked.
Serena glared. "You die now," she said as an energy ball formed at the end of her scepter. She lunged forward, and before Lily could even wink, thrust the now sword-like energy into the woman's chest. Serena gracefully removed the energy sword, and stepped back to observe her work.
Lily gasped for air. "Freesia," she whispered. Her body swayed, and fell into her lover's arms.
"Lily!" Freesia's red eyes were wide, and his body began to shake.
"I'm sorry I failed you my love," Lily whispered. She coughed, and began gasping for air.
"No, Lily you cannot leave me, we were supposed to rule together," he told her. "I the king, you the queen, and our child the prince."
Lily's eyes widened at the mention of the child that lay inside her. Her weak hand traveled to her stomach one last time. "I'm sorry my child." Freesia's hand rested itself on hers, and she looked up at him. "I love you," she said. "I'm so tired Freesia."
Tears now fell from the silver-haired mans face, "Hush now, and sleep my love, I'll be here when you awake." He ran his fingers down her face and she closed her eyes, "I love you too." A smile decorated Lily's lips, and her body fell limp. Freesia's chest began to heave as he became angered. He gently laid Lily's body on the ground and stood to face Serena, his face filled with anger and hatred. "You! You!" he continued to repeat the word. "You killed her."
"We can make arrangements for you to go with her if you'd like," Mina told him casually.
"I'll kill you for that, I won't let you get away with this," Freesia said as he lunged toward Serena. His rage had made him blind, and he did not see the out stretched sword that Serena's still glowing body held. He ran right into it and it pierced his stomach. He pulled away, and continued to fight the Moon Princess.
"He's not even thinking straight, what makes him think he can beat her?" Amy pondered out-loud.
"Considering the hole in his stomach he's not doing bad," Lita pointed out.
"No, but Sailor Moon will kill him," Raye said.
Serena dodged all the attacks that the raged man threw at her.
"You grow tiresome," Serena said stopping and allowing Freesia to hit her once. She lifted her sword and stabbed the monster right in the heart. "Go now, and live in hell with Lily, and your child."
Freesia looked at Serena, a pained look on his face. Slowly a smile formed, "I thank you." His body fell to the ground, and his breathing stopped.
Everyone stood and watched Serena as she looked upon the two bodies in front of her. Slowly their bodies began to vanish, and as they did, the light around Serena began to fade. As they watched Serena they saw a spirit-like entity exit her body. As it lifted into the air it looked down at Serena, and softly said, "Thank you, and good-bye."
Serena smiled up at it and replied, "Good-bye Kacee." She continued to watch it until it was no longer in sight, then she turned to her friends. "Thank you for not interfering. That was simply something that Kacee and I had to take care of ourselves."
"We knew you could do it Sailor Moon," Amy said.
"Well, now that that's over I think I'm ready to go home and take a nap," Serena admitted.
The girls laughed at her, and she smiled. Then very quietly she walked into the nearby alley way de-transformed and walked out of the alleyway, Darien at her side.
Sammy was waiting for her when she walked into the door. There was no greeting for the girl, he just looked at her and asked one simple question. "Are you Sailor Moon, Serena?"
Serena and Darien stopped where they stood. "What makes you think that?" She asked.
Sammy grabbed his sister's hand and led her into the living room. He sat her down on the couch, and both her parents walked in the room.
"Ever since you left your brother has been very perceptive of things. He pays attention to a lot of little things more than he used to," her mother explained.
"We all want to know if your brother is right, Serena," her father said.
Sammy looked at her, "Are you?" he asked once again.
"What makes you think that I am?" Serena asked.
"When you disappeared, Sailor Moon disappeared. When you came back she came back. And every time you run out of the house in an extra hurry, she shows up. Serena, we just want to know," her brother told her.
Serena looked at Darien, then down at Luna who had followed her and Darien home. Luna inclined her head once, indicating a yes, and Darien shrugged. Serena took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, I am Sailor Moon." She then commenced to tell her family about the events of the past few years, and when she finished her family all got up and gave her a loving hug.
Six months later.
Serena had opened the front door to find an average height, black haired, brown-eyed girl, staring back at her. "May I help you?" Serena asked.
The girl smiled rather sheepishly. "I figured you wouldn't recognize me like this," the girl said.
"Do I know you?" Serena asked.
"Yeah you do, well, kind of. It's me, Kacee," she said using her fingers to put quotations around the name.
Serena's face brightened, "Kacee!"
"Yeah, hi," she said.
"Come in," Serena said opening the door a little more and moving aside. "Wow, you look so different." "Who is it?" Darien asked from the other room.
"It's Kacee," Serena called back.
"Actually, my name's Christina," the girl said.
Darien walked into the room and examined the girl. She was very skinny, almost to the point of being unhealthy, and she wore all black. Even her fingernails were painted black. Christina swallowed hard and looked down at the floor, deliberately avoiding Darien's eyes.
Darien walked up to her and lifted her chin. After looking into her eyes for a moment he said, "Yep, it's definitely her."
She smiled and hugged the man. "I missed you so much."
Darien hugged her back and when she let go of him, all three of them walked into the living room.
"So, what are you doing here?" Serena asked.
"I wanted you two to see who I really was, and I wanted you to know how you got into this mess," Christina said.
Darien and Serena looked at her curiously. She stood and held her hands out to her side allowing them a better look at her. Her face was pale, and was decorated with black eye shadow and eyeliner, and a dark brownish-red lipstick covered her lips. "This is who I am, this is who I have been for a long time." she let her arms fall to her side and she sat down across from the couple. "There's a reason I was chosen to be your alter ego, but there's also a very long story attached to that reason." She paused for a moment.
She took a deep breath. "You see, I've been a very depressed person for a very long time. My parents left me when I was ten, and I went to live with my grandparents. They were very good to me, and I loved them very much, but they weren't my parents, and I hated them for that. It was hard for them to understand me, and for me to understand them, so I started doing things I shouldn't have.
"I have always loved music, and I ended up getting a boyfriend that was the lead singer to band. We loved each other very much, but he was a drinker, and occasionally he would smoke pot. And because of that and my family problems I began to do those things with him."
"Why are you telling us this stuff?" Darien asked.
"Just listen okay, this will all add up in the end, I promise," Christina assured him.
"Go on then," Serena said.
"My grandparents found out somehow, and they grounded me. There was no way I could get a hold of anything, and soon I began to go through with drawls. So instead of taking drugs, I began to cut myself, the pain excited me, but perhaps a little too much." she pulled up her long sleeves to expose many cuts on her arms and wrists. Serena and Darien both gasped. "I was becoming more and more suicidal as the time went on. But it was topped off one particular day. "I had finally become ungrounded, and immediately I went over to my boyfriends house only to find out that he'd been cheating on me with some other girl. And that she was pregnant with his kid. I didn't want to go home, so I ran off to be by myself. I was crying so hard that I didn't see the man that walked up. He was a handsome man, and when he asked me why I was crying I told him to 'F' off. But he didn't go away, he simply kneeled down and told me that he could offer me another life if I wanted it. I didn't believe him at the time, and once again I told him to go away. He simply smiled at me, stood up, and said that he would come to me again. After I was done crying I went home.
"When I got home, both my grandparents were crying. It turned out that my mother and father had been on their way to come get me, when they got into a terrible accident and both died.
"At this point I couldn't handle it anymore. I ran into the bathroom, grabbed a bottle of pills, and locked myself in my room. Not only did I swallow all the pills, but I also cut my wrists, I was trying to make sure that I would die. I didn't care how, I just wanted to die. When I finally blacked out, that guy I saw in the alleyway came into my dreams. He offered me another life, and this time I took up his offer. "That's how I became Kacee. You and I combined to form her. I liked her, she was pretty, popular, and skinny. The things I wasn't."
"But you look skinny to me," Darien said.
"That's only because my real body has been in a coma since that time. Freesia was the guy who came to me. He had blocked some of my memories, but I always knew who I was, I always knew that it was a lie." Christina took a deep breath. "There you have it."
"You came all the way down to Tokyo to tell us that?" Serena asked.
"That's some of it, but mainly it was so I could see you again. You two have changed my life. Serena, you've opened my eyes. You went through so much, but you still stayed strong. I couldn't even dream of being as strong as you. I wanted to thank you both in person. You've strengthened me, and given me new hope."
The two smiled, and hugged the girl across from them.
"Thanks to you two, I think I can get back to my normal life."
Well everyone, that's it. It might not have the best ending in the world, I just thought that you might want to know what the real "Kacee" was like. Please review, and read some of my other stories. Thank you for reading, and have nice morning, afternoon, evening, or whatever.
Gohaun