Chapter 2
An Old Love?
Tuesday . . . about 8:00 A.M.
Darien spoke softly to Serena, not wanting to frighten her more than she so obviously already was. He did, however, want her to know who she was with, hoping maybe that would calm her somewhat. "Open your eyes and look at me."
"I cannot. It is too bright."
Darien left the bed and closed the curtains. He went to the bathroom to get a clean wet washcloth and glanced at his watch. Tuesday! Damn, I knew I was tired, but this exhausted? No nightmares either . . . Between Serena's illness and the dreams of the last month . . . He shook his head in awe. Must have all caught up with me. He smiled suddenly. I bet the girls are climbing the walls by now, I know I would be. Returning to the bedroom, he glanced at Serena as he pulled on a clean shirt. Somberly, he thought, what else could go wrong? He sat down on the bed, wiped the tears away with the cloth, then placed it over her eyes.
"Thank you." She whispered brokenly.
"Now, open your eyes and look at me."
"I..."
"Please, just do it."
Cautiously, she opened her eyes to see a smiling Prince Darien staring down at her.
Rubeus began his search immediately. He had a general idea where the objects, a major portion of his plan, were to be found. What he needed now were more specific locations . . .
Bryce wanted to find Serena. He'd called her. She wasn't home. Her mother said she was staying with Raye for a few more days. He thought about calling before going over there, but since he was already in that part of town, figured it wouldn't hurt to just drop by and see if Serena was there. Once he arrived, he got out of the car, walked up the steps, knocked on the door, received no answer. He knocked again, louder, still, no answer. Checking the grounds for signs of life, he walked around to the back of the temple. He saw an old man, eyes closed, clearly deep in meditation. Bryce smiled and approached him. Not wanting to break his concentration, Bryce waited patiently for the man to speak.
After about fifteen minutes, he was rewarded with a, "Yes, what can I do for you?"
"I'm looking for Serena." Bryce answered.
"Serena?"
"Serena Tsukino, Raye's friend." At the man's questioning frown, Bryce attempted to further explain. "Blonde hair . . . Weird ponytails . . . "
"Ah yes, her. She's not here."
"Do you know where I can find her?" Bryce asked excitedly.
"No." The old man replied.
"Is Raye here?"
"No."
Now Bryce was getting flustered. His patience was wearing very thin. "Well, can you, at least, tell me where she is?" He snapped.
"I could . . . "
"Good." Bryce relaxed. Now I'm getting somewhere.
"If I wanted to."
Bryce groaned in helpless anger. "This is useless." He mumbled between clenched teeth.
Grandpa Hino opened his eyes and studied the young man standing near him. Not one to trifle with for long. He watched as the man regained his self control, a distinctly difficult task, from what Grandpa could see. He smiled as he decided to relieve the man's discomfort. "Raye and her friends are having a slumber party at Lita's house." He raised a hand to stop the question he knew was coming and continued, "And before you ask, I don't know where Lita lives. All I do know is that Raye took the child with her and told me she may not be back for a few days. That was yesterday."
Bryce thought for a moment . . . Child? Reenie, maybe. But why is she here instead of with Serena's family? Why is Serena lying about where she is? Is Serena with them? Shaking his head to clear his jumbled thoughts, he said, "Thank you, Sir, and I apologize for the impertinence."
"Accepted," was all he said as he closed his eyes again.
Bryce turned on his heel and left.
Grandpa watched the retreating back through shuttered eyes. That's one to watch . . . Carefully.
"What are you doing here?" Was the first coherent thought in her head and out her mouth.
"Before I answer that, tell me . . . " at her raised eyebrows, he continued, "Who am I and who are you?"
Thinking how odd the questions were, she replied, "That's easy enough. You are Prince Darien and I am Princess Serena," and then smiled at him in her bemusement.
Darien put his head in his hands at her unknowing confirmation of his thoughts. He closed his eyes, sighing in overwhelming frustration and bitterness. 'She' doesn't belong here.
Not understanding what was wrong, Serena sought to ease his pain. She touched him on the arm, and when he reached for her, he met with no resistance as she came to his arms willingly. He held her tightly for a moment before saying, "I am going to ask you to trust me."
"I already do," she assured him.
"Yes, but, now you must trust me more than you ever have."
"I trust you with my life. I love you."
"I know . . . , I know." He said as she happily curled up in his arms. Serena did not quite understand all that had happened yet. Mainly, how she got here. Wherever here was. Or how Darien was here with her. She couldn't recall anything that happened the night before, and that worried her. She was just very glad that it was Darien she woke up with and not someone else. There would be time for explanations later.
Raye, Lita, Mina, and Amy were in Lita's living room talking in lowered voices so Reenie, in the bedroom playing checkers with Artemis, couldn't hear them. Luna had left an hour before to see Serena.
"Did you call Serena's mom, Raye?" Lita asked.
"Yeah, I told her she'd be home in a few days, that we decided to sleep here, –i.e., No Phone.
"Good idea," Mina agreed, "At least she can't call wanting to talk to Serena."
To Lita, she laughingly added as an afterthought, "Well, you're stuck with me for the summer. My parents went to England and let me stay with you til they get back. I'm glad they like you or we'd have been down another Sailor Scout as Sailor V would have been packed off to England, lock, stock, and barrel."
"Yeah, I suppose . . . But, geez, Mina, you brought enough clothes to last a millennia. I was wondering where we were gonna put it all . . . " Everyone but Mina laughed.
"Humph! Well you never know what you'll need." She smirked as she loftily raised her nose.
Amy took this chance to interrupt them, "You know, we haven't heard from Darien since almost two days ago. I'm starting to get really worried."
"That's why we sent Luna to see them." Raye told her.
"True, but Darien seemed very concerned about whatever it was he wouldn't tell us. He seemed to have," She paused, thinking. "I think a haunted look in his eyes when he was talking. He also kept glancing at the bedroom door. I just wish he'd have said something." When the others looked at her curiously, Amy shrugged, not really knowing why she was being so grave.
That is until Raye quietly elaborated on her thoughts. "You know, there was something there, Amy. I felt it"
"What was it Raye?" Lita questioned, almost afraid of the answer.
"Fear . . . "
Lita, Mina, and Amy looked at Raye suddenly. All getting the same feeling . . . Of foreboding.
Luna entered Darien's apartment through the balcony window and made a beeline for the bedroom. What she heard when she approached made her stop quickly. Why would Darien ask Serena to trust him 'now more than ever'? She already does, as far as I know. She walked in the room slowly and what she saw, surprised her more than Darien's words had. Serena, obviously conscious and on Darien's lap. He was holding her as if he were afraid she might disappear. Must be relief at her being all right. Not wanting to break whatever spell the two were under, instead of speaking, Luna simply walked over to Darien and rubbed on his leg.
Startled, he looked down. When he saw Luna, he put a finger to his lips and a thumb to the door. Luna took the hint and quietly went into the living room to wait.
When Darien was sure Serena was asleep again, he laid her back down and went to see Luna.
Wearily, he said, "Luna, we are, she is in very real danger now."
"What do you mean? She looked fine to me."
"She's not sick anymore. She's recovered, but still weak and very tired."
"Whatever is wrong then? I want to see her, Darien." Luna insisted.
"You can't. She isn't the same."
"What do you mean? Would you please tell me what's going on?" This she very nearly shrieked.
"Physically she has recovered, but," He paused, carefully choosing his next words, "she's the Moon Princess."
Luna was extremely exasperated, "I know that, we all know that."
"You don't understand, Luna." He interrupted harshly, "She's the princess. Princess Serena!"
Luna gave up. She watched as Darien put his head in his hands, thinking about what he had said. Suddenly, Darien looked straight at her. Her eyes widened in understanding. "Oh dear God!"
His head dropped once again. "I can't leave her now, even if I wanted to." He whispered so softly that even Luna's keen ears almost missed it.
"Do you?"
"Huh?"
"Want to leave her?"
"No, of course not." He answered as if that were a stupid question.
"Then why did you say that?"
"Never mind that now. What's important now are getting her memories of today back. The memories of this life."
"Yes. But are you sure about this?"
He nodded. "I wish I wasn't. I really do."
"How could this have happened?"
"I don't know. I just don't know."
"You know, as long as she's like this, she's in more danger than ever."
"You think I don't know that?" He demanded.
Luna was silent for a moment before saying, "I must call a meeting at once."
"No, not yet. Let me get Serena used to all of this first." He waved his hand around the apartment vaguely and Luna guessed he meant the world at large as well.
"How long?" She questioned.
Again he replied, "I don't know."
"I'll tell them. They have a right to know."
"NO. I'll tell them."
"Fine. So, what now?"
"We find a way to get her memories back."
"Luna's been gone a long time."
"Artemis," Mina said, "Serena's been sick, near death, dead, then brought back. Where do you think Luna'd rather be? With us or Serena?"
"Point taken."
"Well I, for one, am tired of waiting." Raye added, frustrated. "How can we do any thing here?"
"You will remain here . . . " Came a voice from the window.
"Luna!" They all called out, elated.
She gave the closest thing a cat could to a smile, then continued, "until Darien calls a Scout meeting." The questions began to pour out, "How long?", "How's Serena?", "When can we see her?", and on and on, until Luna yelled, "QUIET!" Immediately the girls ceased the onslaught. To the now silent room, she finished, "He'll call in a couple of days. Serena is better and awake, but still very tired. You can't see her yet. It's most important that we–all of us–remain here."
Before the shocked looks on their faces could fade and more questions begin, Luna started giving orders, "Lita, tomorrow you need to call Mrs. Tsukino and ask her if Serena can go with you and the other girls to your cabin in the mountains for a few weeks. It may take some time to convince her, but try. Oh . . . and tell her Reenie will be going as well." She turned to Amy, "Tell your mom the same."
"Uh . . . That won't be a problem. She's going out of town to a seminar anyway." She mumbled, worried about Luna's behavior.
"Good then, it's settled."
"Luna, please tell us what's got you so psyched up?" Mina pleaded.
"I can't. It's for Darien to tell. He made me promise."
"Humph! Who died and left him leader?" Raye said bitingly and unthinkingly as she crossed her arms.
Luna jumped to her lap in anger and put her claws under her nose. "Don't you ever say anything like that again!"
"Sure, Luna. Sorry, geez." When Luna looked at her again, she softened her tone. "I said I was sorry and I meant it. We'll do as you say and wait. Though I don't like it, not one bit . . . "
As Bryce drove away from the temple, he thought about the illusive teenager that had caught his fascination. I must find her . . . And there's only one way to do it. He pulled into the Cosmos Lab where he worked.
It was late afternoon and most people would be leaving for the day. He was unconcerned with this as he stepped out of the car and into the high-rise building. "Hi, James!" He called out to the security guard at the information desk.
"Hello, Sir, anything I can do for you?" James asked distractedly. He asked this same question almost every day and always received the same answer, so wasn't really paying attention. His mouth fell open when the man replied in the affirmative.
"Yes, I need you to send for Brandon, Jeff, Ashton, Ruark, Nathaniel, Cameron, and Ryan. That's all of them I think. I'd do it myself, but I have calls to make. Tell them to meet me in my office at 6:30." He smiled to the guard and walked away.
"Right away, Sir."
Rubeus smiled. He had located the first one and managed to obtain it with little trouble. There had been no sign of the Sailor Scouts of this time, which he considered a disappointment because he knew that they were not as strong as they are in the two futures that his people fight them in. Then again, if he met up with them, he would have to expend more energy to fight and Wise Man would be even more displeased with him than he already was. As he readied the object for transport, he thought, Soon, I will have them all and then there'll be no stopping us.
As the men began to come in, Bryce watched them as they talked quietly about all the secrecy. He refused to say anything until everyone arrived and they were still waiting on the always late Brandon. I should have told James to tell him 6:00, at least he might have been on time for a change. Still having sour thoughts about the individual in question, Brandon rushed in with a wry grin on his face. "It's about time, Brand." The man just shook his head and smiled.
The men followed Bryce to a much larger room. The sign on the door they went through read BRYCE COPELAND, President, CEO. He sat down at the head of the board room table and the others' followed and waited for him to speak. He steepled his hands under his chin as he thought about how to broach this subject. "I have to find someone." He said suddenly.
Brandon laughed and Bryce frowned at him.
Jeff spoke up, "You know we'll help you in anyway we can."
Brandon was still laughing, but nodded with the others in agreement. He was trying very hard to compose himself, but was having little success. "It must be a woman," he said between snickers. Ruark and Ryan, seeing the humor, laughed as well.
Bryce watched the three lunatics at the table for a moment before he, too, laughed softly, and said, "You know, for my brothers you're not very smart." The rest of the men joined the laughter as they waited for him to continue. When the mirth died down, he did. "Nat, I need your expertise in making bugs. We need the latest technology. Ruark'll plant them. Ash, I need you to follow someone. You too, Cam."
"So, tell us who it is Big Brother," Ruark interrupted with a knowing grin.
"It isn't a woman," he paused, sensing that the others were not going to like this at all, and Brandon looked at him curiously, "however, it is a teenage girl."
"Do what?" Ashton cried out, jumping to his feet. "I will not be accused of kidnaping an innocent!"
"We arenot going to kidnap her," Bryce stated patiently. "She's missing and I just want to find her, that's all, at least for now."
"Well Bry," Nathaniel added, "usually when you call us for a meeting like this . . . "
"I know," he smiled slightly, "but this is different and we have a lot of work to do before morning. Here's the situation as it stands now . . . "
Bryce was on the balcony of his penthouse. He had a drink in his hand and was staring at it introspectively. His three brothers sat around him silently.
"The meeting went well," Ruark said, attempting to break the stilted silence. Bryce, not in the mood for any more discussions, stood and walked to the door. He was about to step inside when brought up short by Brandon's question.
"What aren't you telling us, Bry? There was much you did not say tonight, and I, we," the others nodded, "would like to know what it is."
Darien was on the balcony staring at the night sky in general and the moon in particular when he heard Serena call his name. He went back in the room to find her looking around worriedly. She smiled in relief when she saw him walk in. He sat down beside her on the bed and asked, "Do you trust me?"
"Of course, I already told you that." She answered, smiling with childlike innocence.
Unthinkingly, he took her hand in his and said softly, "You must listen and believe every word I say, ok?"
She nodded slowly, wondering why he was being so serious, realizing that he had been very elusive each time she had been awake. In fact, he hasn't even . . . As the thought occurred to her, she smiled devilishly. "On one condition."
He was so relieved that she was willing to listen that he missed the mirth in her voice. "Anything." He promised.
"You have to kiss me first."
Darien turned away from Serena quickly so she would not see the pain in his eyes that her unexpected words caused him. Once more, the dream flashed through his mind. Their wedding, Serena being pulled away, crying, as the ground exploded around her. Not understanding, she rose up on her knees behind him, put her arms under his, and around his chest. He stiffened at her touch, then relaxed slightly. When she spoke, it was so faint that he almost missed her words.
"I know that I do not understand what has happened. But I am afraid and do not know why." He turned to her quickly. Serena leaned back when he moved so suddenly, but didn't pull away. Her hands remained on his chest, and when he looked in her eyes, saw unshed tears sparkling in their depths.
Darien touched her face softly with his right hand and felt her tremble as she leaned into his hand. He gently pulled Serena close to him with his left hand. When Darien kissed her, he felt like he'd just come home after being gone a long, long time. The kiss lingered, and when he finally broke it, wrestled down the overpowering urge to kiss her again. Darien smiled as Serena sighed audibly. When she finally opened her eyes, there was a dreamy, faraway look in them. He smiled thinking, Now 'that' looks like the Serena I know. She rested her head on his chest as she slowly came out of the world his kiss had tossed her in. "Serena, can we talk now?"
However can he talk? She nodded and was lifted on his lap. He raised her chin and gazed sadly into her eyes. "What is wrong, Darien?" She asked when he was so quiet.
"Look around and tell me what you see."
Serena scanned the room uncomprehendingly. "Things here are different from what I remember, but I do not know what you are asking."
"I will explain, but do not interrupt. I will do my very best to help you understand all that has happened to you."
"One question first."
"Hmm?"
"Where am I?" Serena asked, not really sure if she even wanted an answer.
"Let me just say that you are in my care and will be fine." I hope.
Petulantly, she said, "Oh, all right then, tell me what is going on and where my mother is. I really thought she would have come to see me by now."
Darien told her, as bluntly as he could, all that had happened. Beginning with the attack by Queen Beryl on Earth, he unknowingly put pieces to puzzles together for her that she had heard rumors of, but had been protected from because of her age. Then he told her about the attack on the Moon Kingdom and its destruction, how Queen Serenity used the Imperium Crystal to send them to the future, about her being Sailor Moon, her Scouts, and the destruction of Beryl. He left out their break up, but continued on about Reenie and the Dark Moon Family.
Darien watched Serena's face change from happy too tearful as he told her about the Moon Kingdom; from skeptical to downright disbelieving about being in the future. When he was done, he let her absorb all that she'd heard. He held her tightly to assure her that he was there for her. He whispered, "You have memories of two lives locked in your head. Right now, you're living our previous one, while our present one's safely tucked away."
"Oh Mother . . . " She murmured sorrowfully. And the tears began to fall. A million questions ran through her head, but all Serena could think to say was, "I love you, Darien, please do not leave me, I am so afraid."
"I love you, too, Serena, I won't leave you. Not even death has kept us apart." She looked at him with grief filled eyes and he promised, "We will get your memories back." Somehow. Darien carried her out on the balcony to get some fresh air. Serena glanced at the night sky, then gave a shudder, making Darien cringe internally, when she gazed at the moon.
Holding the door handle, Bryce looked at his brothers and thought about the meeting earlier that evening:
He told the men of his initial meeting with Serena and about her cousin Reenie. He detailed the visit to the lake and told them about the man he'd seen in the copse of trees watching her when he'd walked up. He finished the story by relating the two visits to the temple. They all listened intently, without question, but by the time he finished, something akin to shock was collectively registered all over their faces.
Cameron was the first to ask the foremost question on everyone's mind, "Don't you think she's a little young for you?"
Then chaos reigned as everyone began talking and questioning at once, thinking Bryce had totally lost his mind.
Ryan's voice was heard over the din of confusion, "You're twenty-six years old, for Christ's sake, Bryce, you could have any woman you want. Why this one?"
"Enough!" Bryce yelled. Looking at each man individually, he asked, "Do you trust me?" One by one they nodded. "Good then, because I need your help. This is something I have to do. I don't know why." He shook his head to clear his thoughts and continued, "Now, let me complete assignments. Nat, go to the lab. Get the best we have." Nat nodded. "Ruark, plant them at these two places." Bryce handed him a paper. "Ryan, Brand, park the vans around the corner and wait. Monitor all calls, send the important ones here, and Nat will triangulate positions."
"The Cherry Hill temple, hmm," Ruark said as he read one of the addresses, "I know this place." He shrugged when Bryce looked at him.
"I used to go there as a kid when I was still in the orphanage."
Bryce frowned at Ruark's reminder of all the years it took him to find his three brothers and the rest. It wasn't meant as a complaint, but Bryce was sensitive to it anyway. He turned to the others, "Cam, you and Ashton are to take a couple unmarked cars and follow these people." He tossed them pictures of a young, beautiful black-haired girl and an old man. "That's Raye Hino, she's not at the temple now, but she'll be back. Stay there until she gets there." He plunged forward at a rapid pace, "Then get the cameras, take pictures of where she goes, who she's with."
"We know the drill, Bry." Cam interrupted.
"Yeah, I know. Look, I didn't get a chance to get a picture of Reenie, but I did one on the computer. It'll have to do." He tossed a copy to all of them.
"This girl is very important to Serena. Find her . . . "
"Find Serena." They all finished for him.
Bryce smiled, they knew his thoughts almost as well as he himself did. "As more positions come in," he continued, "Nat will have more bugs for you to plant, Ruark, in the new locations. Within a week we should have a good portion of this town well wired."
"Do you want the wires anywhere besides the phone?" Ruark asked him.
"No, not yet. Let's see if we can't get a handle on things first, maybe this'll be enough."
Jeff waited for Bryce to meet his eye, when he did, Jeff nodded imperceptibly at the silent command.
"Is everyone clear?" When there were no questions, he closed the discussion with, "Great. Well, I, for one, could use a stiff drink. Care to join me?"
There was relaxed conversation when Bryce was posed the question about a minor detail that he had forgotten. A first time his brothers had ever seen him so absentminded, as Bryce was a stickler for detail.
"Bry," Brand asked almost laughing again, "If we find Serena, how are we supposed to know it's her if we don't even know what she looks like?"
Bryce looked up crossly. The men laughed as he muttered, "Oh damn."
He brought them the photos he had. Each took one and more than one jaw dropped, as, to a man, they admired her. It was shortly after that when the men began leaving to their assigned tasks.
"Earth to Bryce." Ruark said as Brandon waved his hand in front of Bryce's eyes. "I've never seen him this out of it."
"It must be bad." Ryan agreed.
"It's not bad, and neither is it good. But this is neither the time nor place for what I have to say." Bryce stated meaningfully as he opened the door and walked in the penthouse.
Wednesday afternoon
Serena stared at the city far below her, fascinated, as she thought about late last night when she had finally given voice to the questions in her head. She and Darien stayed awake the better part of the night while she plied him with them, but when he saw her yawn for the third time, he demanded that she get some sleep. Serena giggled as she thought about what happened next:
He carried her in the bedroom and laid her on the bed. He turned away saying, "I'll be on the couch, should you need me."
"Nooo," she cried, startling him. "You promised you would not leave me."
Darien looked at her curiously as he tuned back around, and she continued timidly, "There is room for you here, besides, it is not like you have not slept here while I was ill." Serena smiled, happy, when he chose to stay.
When she woke up this morning, she gently pried Darien's fingers from around her waist. She didn't want to wake him up because she knew how tired he must be. Serena had swayed as a wave of dizziness overcame her but held on until it abated. Now she stood, looking out at the afternoon sky, wondering what would happen next.
"I am soooo tired of waiting around here doing nothing." Lita complained loudly. "There haven't even been any bad guys to fight."
"You're starting to sound like Serena." Amy chided.
"Yeah, whining all the time." Raye added snidely.
While the girls were laughing, Amy's communicator beeped softly. Everyone dove for her wrist. "Whoa!" Amy yelled. "Back off!" The other girls began to stalk her as she stepped back with a smile on her face. She pushed the button, "Darien?"
"Yes, Amy. Let me talk to Luna."
"Yes, Darien?" Luna asked.
"Serena knows, everything." The girls looked confusingly around at each other as he continued to speak, "Bring the girls. Not Reenie, though. Take her to the temple. Tell Raye to get Chad to stay with her. He is not to leave her, not even for a minute. I have a bad feeling . . . Then get Raye to pick up clothes for Serena and Reenie. Come here, separately, and watch that you are not followed. Something's very strange . . . " He shook his head as if trying to rid himself of what he was feeling.
"Any thing else, Darien?"
"No, that should cover it. Just be careful you aren't followed." He frowned as a thought occurred to him, "In fact, use Sailor Teleport instead. It's faster and safer."
"But . . . " Luna began
"Yes, they have to risk being seen. There's just no other way. Just see that Reenie isn't allowed out or by the windows. I can't explain it, just do it." He pleaded. "Teleport here at 10:30 tonight."
"See you then." Luna turned the communicator off as Darien's picture faded.
All the girls looked at each other as if to say, "What the hell was that all about?"
They heard the fear in Darien's voice, but Raye, cynical as always, crossed her arms and stomped her foot in defiance. "No way. I will not risk being seen as Mars."
"Raye," Luna pleaded, "Please do this. It's imperative we do as Darien asks." When it was obvious begging wasn't going to work, she threatened. "If you don't, then you won't go."
"You can't do that!"
"I can and I will."
"All right," Raye sighed in defeat. "Let's do it. We have a lot of work to do before we leave for Darien's."
Rubeus had found the second and third objects and was thrilled. He had only to find one more. Wise Man had sent him a mental message that he was pleased. Rubeus watched as a third Scout joined Sailor Moon. This was the Scout he feared. The one with a sense for evil. He must quickly get the fourth object and get back to his ship before the new Scout detected him.
When Darien woke up, he panicked when he realized he was alone. He ran out of the bedroom and stopped to still his racing heart when he saw Serena on the balcony. He stepped out quietly and slipped his arms around her waist. She leaned back and smiled up at him. He kissed her softly then took her hand and led her to the couch. "I need to call the Scouts."
"I miss them." Her eyes had a distant look in them.
"Remember, they have very few memories of the Moon Kingdom. Also, you're Sailor Moon, their leader."
Her eyes widened. "I cannot be . . . "
"I know, but in this time, you are. When I tell them, I want you to stay in the bedroom. They'll overwhelm you in a second if you don't." Serena nodded, smiling, silently agreeing with Darien's prediction of the Scouts' behavior. "Do you know where the Moon Crystal is?"
She shook her head. "Will I need it?"
"Probably not, but it's on the dresser inside of your transformation locket, just in case." The Crystal, it just might work. Why didn't I think of it before?
After talking to Luna, Darien rejoined Serena on the couch. "They'll be here at 10:30."
"Why so late?"
"Just to be on the safe side, and they're coming through Teleport."
"But why? Why all the secrecy?"
"I don't know. It's just a feeling I have."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No, like I said, it's just a feeling." Despite his words, Darien gripped Serena's hand tightly.
"Chad, please!" Raye begged.
"I can't."
"For me, please, take care of Reenie. Just don't let her out or near the windows."
"Raye," he looked into her pleading eyes. "Oh all right. Help me pull the shades."
As the girls got ready to leave, Raye told him, "Reenie has clothes in the suitcase. We'll be back to get her tomorrow afternoon. K? Remember though . . . "
"I know. No outside or windows. Got it."
"Thanks Chad!" On impulse, Raye kissed him on the cheek, making him blush furiously.
"Yeah, thanks Chad!" The other girls called out as they followed Raye to the back of the temple.
"But . . . " he said to their retreating backs as he pointed, but they were already out of ear shot. "The door is that way." He finished under his breath.
Bryce slammed his fist on the table. "Damn, where is she? Where is Raye? Where is Reenie." It had been almost twenty-four hours and the only information he had was that a girl named Molly called Serena's house and Mrs. Tsukino said that Serena, Raye and the girls' went to Lita's cabin for a few weeks.
Bryce called Ruark. "Plant the bugs in the house and temple now. Maybe they came in a way we didn't see."
"Impossible," Ruark told him, hearing the frustration in his brother's voice, "We have every angle covered. Listen, it hasn't even been a full day yet. We're good, but give us a break, we're not gods!"
"I know, I know. It's just that . . . Wait, Ryan's on the other line, I'll patch him through."
"Bry," Ryan said excitedly, "there's been action in the temple."
"Tell me."
"I spotted Raye!"
"Going or coming?" Bryce asked calmly.
"Well, neither actually. She just appeared at the window, shut the shades along with that guy Chad. That's all I saw."
"How could you have missed her going in?" Bryce asked, voice beginning to rise in volume.
"I didn't miss her, she just appeared at the window, I swear."
Bryce calmed as he thought about Ryan's words. "Has she left yet?"
"Not that I've seen." Ryan answered.
"Ruark, get Jeff, he'll know what to do."
"Sure, Bry. What else?"
"Just keep me posted, both of you."
"Ryan out."
"Ruark out."
"You heard?" Bryce asked as his guest approached.
"All of it."
"What else can I do?"
"I don't know."
"You're no help." Bry told him grumpily.
"I'm not supposed to be."
"What are you doing here, anyway? Isn't there someone else you can harass?"
"I was summoned."
"Fine, –now don't gawk like that."
"I don't gawk." The guest declared indignantly.
"Ok, then, –advice, now."
"I have none, except be patient."
"Like I said, you're no help." Despite his harsh words, Bryce smiled anyway.
Darien led Serena to the bedroom. "It's time."
"I know." She said softly.
"Are you afraid?"
She shook her head, "Afraid, no. Excited, yes."
He gave Serena a reassuring hug and left her to her own devices. Darien leaned against the closed door wearily, thinking that the last two nights had been the most restful in over a month, but had a feeling that the peace he felt was about to end. At that thought, he watched as a shimmering light appeared. When it faded, the four Scouts stood, in a circle, hands held, with two cats and three suitcases in the center. They immediately detransformed and rushed the door he was standing in front of. "STOP!" Darien demanded forcefully when they were almost upon him. At the sound of his voice, they froze.
"Move it, Darien." Raye said. "I want to see the empty Meatball Head."
"Sit down, Raye, Ladies. There's a lot you need to know before you see Serena."
"What's wrong, Darien?" Amy asked worriedly.
As he led the girls toward the couch, Artemis took Darien's place in front of the door, guarding it. Darien waited until they were seated, then began pacing the floor, thinking about how to tell Serena's best friends that she was 1000 years behind time. They waited patiently as he gathered his thoughts. He stopped suddenly and began the tale. "I know I already told you this, but you just don't realize how sick Serena was. Bouncing between ice cold and so hot I could barely touch her." They watched as he shuddered in remembered fear. Darien continued as if the girls weren't even there and they listened attentively. "She died, right here, in my arms," He looked at his hands in awe. "But I refused to let her go. I would not let that happen!" He whispered vehemently. By this time, the girls were sobbing softly, each seeing in their minds' eye Serena dying, as Darien's words brought the picture vividly to life. Darien continued, "I brought her back, demanded she not leave me." After a while, his eyes lost their shadowed look. He whispered to the girls, "she came back to me, but she's not the same. She's . . . " He shook his head. "She's lost her memories." The girls gazed at him, open-mouthed. "She doesn't remember being Sailor Moon or the Serena of this time."
"What?" Lita demanded.
Darien drew a deep breath and rushed on, "the only memories she has are of the Moon. She remembers all of you, but as princesses of her court."
Still confused by his words, Mina asked, "what are you saying Darien?"
He shrugged, saying simply, "she's the Moon Princess."
Raye stood up quickly, nearly shrieking, "no way that Moon Brain in there," she pointed to the door, "is the Princess of the Past!"
"Keep your voices down!" Luna demanded.
Lita, composing herself after the shock, walked over to the bedroom door, looked at Artemis and turned to lean on it protectively. Knowing that Serena was well protected, Artemis went to comfort Mina, who seemed like she might fall apart at any minute.
Amy, forever the logical one, asked slowly. "How did this happen?"
"I wish I knew," Darien replied.
"It had to be her illness or maybe her death." Amy mumbled as she pulled out her computer to run some data. "Was the Crystal on Serena when she died?" She inquired.
"No. But will it restore her memories?" He asked her hopefully.
"According to this, the likelihood is very slim."
"Would it have kept her from losing them if she'd been wearing it when she died?" He choked out, still aching over that memory.
"Unknown, but, according to this, it's probably less likely than if it could restore her memories."
"English, Amy." Mina said.
"No, to both questions. Here, take a look." Amy said as she handed Darien the computer.
"Damn," he swore, "I'd hoped . . . " His voice dwindled.
"So, what now?" Mina asked sadly.
"Now, I bring out Serena. Just take it easy on her. She knows everything, or at least as much as I could tell her in a day." He laughed lightly, remembering her reactions. "I'll be back shortly."
Lita stepped aside to allow Darien to enter and he shut the door behind him.
Serena was sitting on the bed, pale, but composed when Darien came in. She had heard the better part of the conversation and asked him one thing, "Why?"
"Why what?" He smiled.
"Why did you not tell me that I died here?" She touched his arms when he bent to help her to her feet. "And that you brought me back?"
"I didn't want you to be any more afraid then you already were."
"But . . . "
"Later, Serena, I'll tell you all that you want to know later. Now you must make an appearance to your Court, before they bust my bedroom door in."
She smiled at Darien's words, but frowned when she looked at herself, "like this?"
"Sure." Then he added mischievously, "you look great in my shirt."
Serena giggled and tried to put on her most regal air.
Darien smiled at her effort, kissed her lightly, and opened the door. They stepped out, first Darien, then Serena, gripping his hand tightly.
Ruark swore softly. "We need to get in there." He told Jeff.
"We will, when the time is right."
"How can you be so calm?" Ruark exclaimed.
"I'm calm because it's my job to be. Besides, Someone in this foolhardy mission has to keep a cool head."
The phone rang and Ruark answered, "Bryce, no word yet."
"When are you going in?"
"Tomorrow," Jeff replied into the speaker.
"Why so long? If you go in at night, you could see who's in there."
"True, but the old man is a Shinto Priest. He would know, then the game would be up." Jeff explained.
"You're right, of course, as always." Bryce sighed. "Check in regularly."
"Absolutely." Ruark answered.
Bryce ran his fingers through his hair.
"Are you all right?" His guest asked him.
"I'm fine, just . . . "
"Frustrated?"
"Yes, and more."
"What will you do when you find this girl?"
Bryce looked at the man suddenly and replied, "You know the answer to that."
"Very well."
Bryce touched a button on the phone, sending a signal for check in. The first to answer was Nathaniel. "Nat here. Bryce, is everything ok?" He asked, concerned.
"Yeah, are the devices ready?"
"Uh huh. I made them almost undetectable. Though it probably wasn't necessary. I also borrowed a cot, because it's obvious I won't see my bed upstairs for days." He laughed lightly and Bryce smiled.
"How many do you have?"
"Forty-eight, and I'm working on some special ones as well."
"What kind?" Bryce asked curiously.
"If I can get them to work, I'll tell you then."
"Fine, let me know."
"Sure will. Nat out."
"Ryan here."
"Brand here, too, Bro. What's up?"
"Check in." Bryce said simply.
"Nothing from this end." Brand stated. "The Tsukino house seems deserted. In fact, I saw the family leave earlier with a suitcase. And the last call that came in said they were taking a trip and wouldn't be back until Sunday."
"Well, keep on it. Serena may show up if she knows her parents aren't home. Ryan?"
"It's quiet. Looks like everyone's sleeping. I see Ruark and Jeff across the street, but other than that, there's nothing out there."
"Both of you rest when you can, but be on guard at all times."
"Sure, Ryan out."
"Wait, Brand." Bryce said.
"Yeah?"
"Check the Tsukino house, quietly, carefully. Check Serena's room to see if anything's missing."
"How will I know?"
"You'll know, use your instincts. Clothes, jewelry, brushes, toothbrushes, that sort of thing."
"No problem, Brand out."
"Cam here."
"Anything new?" Bryce asked him.
"No, Raye Hino hasn't come out, but I'm still waiting."
"Are you sure she's still in there?"
"Well, not really, but there's been no sign that she's left."
"Let's face it, there was no sign that she entered either." Bryce amended wryly.
"True enough, but I'm wide awake, and will only sleep when I absolutely have to."
"I know. Check in regularly."
"Cam out."
"Ash here."
"Anything yet?"
"No, it looks like old man Hino is sleeping like the rest, and I, for one, am going to nap. Cam will let me know if he leaves while I'm out."
"Sure, rest well my friend."
"Ash out."
Bryce felt his nerves go taut at the thought that this one slip of a girl could elude him so completely. He had not been totally truthful with Serena when she'd asked him about work and school. But then, it was his job to be obscure. He suddenly stopped in his musings, remembering a minor detail that he'd mentioned to the others, but didn't think was important at the time. Aloud he said, "Maybe we are going about this all wrong!"
"You know something?" His guest asked him.
"I'm not sure, but it's possible." Bryce sat down at the computer as the guest watched him closely.
Rubeus knew his object was near by. He could feel its presence. All he had to do was wait here to get it, and he'd be back in his ship in no time. Things are working out better than I anticipated.
Serena walked out the bedroom with head held high and all the courage instilled in her by her mother. Knowing these girls and not knowing these girls was going to be confusing at worst, and difficult at best. They had transformed and when she stepped out, curtsied low to the floor. She looked at Darien in confusion who shrugged. "Please, do not do this. You do not do it on the Moon, and I would think that you do not do this now." Again, Serena looked at Darien, this time for confirmation, and he nodded. Seeing they were not going to listen to her, she smiled and again she spoke, authoritatively. "Rise, please."
The Scouts stood slowly and shamefully, heads still bowed.
"What is wrong?" Serena demanded.
Jupiter said simply, "We failed."
Serena glanced at Darien. He answered her unspoken question. "They're your protectors today as they were in the memories of the past that you have. They believe they failed you. They think it's their fault that you got sick."
"But . . . " She answered, and stopped when he shook his head and gestured to the Scouts. Serena knew what he meant and she walked first to Lita and touched her shoulder. Jupiter seemed to wilt at her touch. Serena placed her hand under Jupiter's chin and raised it to look in her eyes. "Princess of Jupiter, you are my protector still, as I am alive and" she smiled wickedly at the trembling girl, "mostly intact." Jupiter smiled slightly as well. "You are also my friend." At the gentle reminder, Lita could no longer suppress the urge to grab Serena in a fierce hug. When Serena could catch her breath again, she smiled into Jupiter's eyes and whispered, "Detransform."
As Jupiter obeyed, Serena walked to Amy, whose tears streamed down her face unchecked. She raised Mercury's chin and looked into her eyes, "Princess of Mercury, you did not fail me. You are my friend, my silent confidant."
"But I said the ink wasn't poisonous and would leave your body in a couple of hours. How wrong I was." She said forlornly.
"You were not wrong. I am alive, am I not?" At Mercury's nod, she continued, "And it only took a little longer than a couple of hours. It is gone now and was not your fault that the poison was so strong." Serena gently pulled her into a hug and allowed Mercury to cry out her grief.
When she calmed, Serena whispered, "Detransform."
Mercury did as commanded as Serena walked to Mina. Once again, she repeated the movement of lifting her chin until she could look directly into Venus's fear filled eyes. "Princess of Venus, you are the leader of my guard still."
"But it was because of me being caught that you were so close to the monster."
"No buts," Serena said forcefully. "You are my friend. You taught me how to laugh, flirt, and tease the boys." Smiling wickedly, gesturing with her head to where Darien stood, Serena whispered confidentially, "And it worked!" At that, Venus managed a tremulous smile.
"Oh, Princess," She cried brokenly as she hugged Serena close. She detransformed as Serena walked to Raye.
Her steps slowed as she approached her very best friend, who seemed like she would fall apart at any minute. Serena smiled as she thought of all the times on the Moon when the two of them would argue until it came down to an all out tongue war. At least until Mother would come and break us up. Serena stood in front of Raye, wondering how to broach this. Then an idea hit her. She raised Mars's chin and looked her directly in the haunted eyes. "Princess of Mars, you have not failed. You are my best friend and I miss our arguments." As Raye raised her eyebrows, Serena stuck her tongue out at her. Raye choked back a laugh and Serena waited, tongue out, toe tapping, until Mars finally returned the gesture. Behind them, Darien was trying, with much difficulty, to hold back a laugh of his own. It came out as a choked cough and Raye and Serena both broke into laughter at him.
Mars gave Serena a hug that lasted for several minutes. Serena walked over to the cats, sat on the floor in front of them and said, "Luna, Artemis, I did not forget you." She picked them up and they started purring, as she pet them lovingly, as if their motors might break. The girls and Darien joined their princess on the floor. Serena relaxed back against him, feeling as if a great burden had been taken from her.
Darien was the first to break the silence that had ensued. "How are we going to get your memories back?"
Luna and Artemis jumped off her lap and Serena said, "Luna Mind Meld is my only idea. I know she used to use it when Mother thought dignitaries were lying to her, maybe it will work on me."
"It probably wouldn't work, because it's obvious these memories are buried deep. Even deeper than the ones I had to retrieve to reawaken you after Beryl was destroyed." Luna said, thinking.
"Try any way, please Luna." And so she did. Serena's Crescent Moon appeared as Luna concentrated. It had unexpected results. Instead of Serena regaining her memories, Luna was the one to get hers as Serena gave in to the rushing tide of fourteen years on the Moon. Luna broke the contact with a soft cry.
Serena picked her up apologetically, "I am so sorry Luna. I did not know that would happen." She didn't notice the others gaping at her in surprise.
"Neither did I," she replied, amazed. "But now I know how to return everyone's memories of the past. Well, except yours of the present. Artemis," Luna commanded, "come with me." Then they walked to the bedroom.
"I wonder what that is all about." Serena said curiously. When no one responded, she looked around at their open mouths and asked impatiently, "Now what?"
Mina and Amy just pointed at her. Darien whispered in her ear, "Your Crescent Moon hasn't faded."
"Was it supposed to?"
"It usually does, yes. It should only be there when you are, well, who you are now. Perhaps that's why it's still there." He answered musingly.
"That's logical enough, but it's another thing to worry about." Raye said.
Getting her voice back, Mina asked, "What do we do now?"
Serena just shook her head, "I do not know."
Lita sighed, changing the subject. "Could we really get our memories of the Moon Kingdom back?" When everyone looked at her, she shrugged. "Where do your memories end, Princess?"
"I am not really sure. It seems to be slightly before Beryl attacked the Moon, maybe even before she attacked the Earth." She turned to look at Darien, eyes soft in mute sympathy. "I remember hearing rumors of destruction, but no one really would talk to me about it. They were all trying to protect me, I guess."
"Of course, that's why we didn't tell you, Serena, it wasn't a problem you needed to be faced with unless absolutely necessary." Darien stated, remembering the need for secrecy around the Princess.
"You remember that?" She asked incredulously.
"I told you, I do remember some things." He shrugged. "And the more you talk, the more I get glimpses of things, though most is still shadowed."
"I do not know why you felt the need to keep something so important from me. It hurts to know that you did not trust me." Serena whispered.
"It's not that I, or we, including your mother, didn't trust you, it was a matter of keeping you safe and not letting Beryl get to you in anyway. That was the most important thing to all of us." Darien explained.
"Oh, all right, I suppose I understand." She thought for a moment and turned back to the girls. "The last memory I have of us together is a small social, with just a few high-ranking dignitaries. Prince Darien was there, but was highly agitated and very distracted. I remember being very disappointed at his lack of attention." Serena smiled at him as everyone laughed and Darien blushed. "At least now I know why, but that is about the last clear memory I have." She was about to add something when, "No way!" interrupted her thoughts.
Everyone turned to the source of the shout, and Artemis came out of the bedroom, still shaking his head. "It's too dangerous in her current state." Artemis finished.
"What is too dangerous?" Serena asked.
"Princess, I said I know how to restore everyone's memories of the Moon Kingdom . . . " Luna began.
"And?"
"Well, you would need to use the Crystal." Luna finished.
"NO!" Darien interjected when she said that.
"Wait, Darien, let her finish." Serena entreated.
"No, I won't allow it! You've been too weak and that would only weaken you further." That said, abruptly he stood up and walked onto the balcony.
Serena turned tear-filled eyes to the girls who had listened wordlessly through the entire exchange. Raye came to sit beside her, took her hand, and said, "Serena, Princess, using the Crystal draws from your energy. The more you use it, the weaker you become from the loss."
"Oh . . . You see, I was never allowed to see the Crystal and have only heard about it through legend. I have no idea what it looks like even."
"That's because your mother, Queen Serenity, didn't want you to have the responsibility to care for it until you were old enough." Luna told her.
Raye looked around at the other girls and spoke for all of them when she said, "We won't allow you to use your energy, or the Crystal, for something like this. We've lived without our memories and can continue to do so. It's no big deal." Raye felt the need to lighten the mood somewhat so she added, "Besides, we don't want to end up as messed up as you are."
Everyone laughed as Serena exclaimed, "HEY!" Thoughtfully gazing at the balcony doors, she added, "I have to go to him." Raye released her hand as she stood up.
"Darien?" Serena whispered as she stepped out. He turned to her and she ran into his arms. "I did not know."
"I know, but Ican't allow it." Darien's tone belied his softly spoken words.
"Do you not want your memories back?" Serena queried.
"I don't know. You see, my life before 'today's Serena' and the Scouts, was a never-ending search for me." At her questioning look, he clarified his thoughts. "I had no memory of my family here, as they died in a car wreck that left me with permanent amnesia when I was young. As I got older, I kept having dreams, of a princess, so beautiful she took my breath away. I didn't know who she was, hell, I didn't know who I was. It was very confusing. Then weird things started happening. I'd get these awful headaches, blacking out. I didn't know it at the time, but that's when I'd become Tuxedo Mask, with the overwhelming urge to protect a certain new superhero." He laughed a little in remembrance.
"Later on, I found out that I was the Tuxedo Mask in my dreams, but still didn't know who the princess or Sailor Moon was. And I certainly had no clue they were one and the same." Serena waited patiently when Darien paused to gather his thoughts. His eyes grew shadowed, and his voice dropped as he continued, "After I did find out, I was taken away from the woman I just remembered I was supposed to know and love, and brainwashed to fight against her. It was hard for her, for you. Once again though, I had no memories at all. Eventually, Sailor Moon managed to heal me, but shortly thereafter, after she, you, defeated Beryl, we were separated again by memory loss. It's confusing, like I said. All the search for my identity did was cause more problems. Some good, some bad. I don't really think it matters anymore, whether I know who I was or not. What's important is the here and now. Crazy, don't you think?" Darien knew there was a lot about them he wasn't telling Serena, but it was too soon to bring up the more recent ghosts that have been haunting him.
"Besides," He added almost as an afterthought, "You've been too weak to use the Crystal, and I can't allow you to put yourself through anything that may set back your recovery."
Serena had listened attentively during his speech. She had many questions, but knew that the important thing right now, was the issue of memories. "I think I understand what you are saying." She turned from him then, looking out at the night sky. "It is hard for me, now, because I know about that time. If I do get my memories of today back, will I still have the memory of my home? What happens if I never find those of today? Will I ever be normal again? Whatever normal is supposed to mean anyway. Do I belong here or there? How will I ever mix memories of both lives together so that I do not go insane?"
Darien turned Serena in his arms so she faced him again. Not knowing the answers to her questions affected him deeply, and when he spoke it was with enough conviction that it almost startled her, "No matter what, you'll be fine. You have the Scouts and me. We'll work this out together. I promise." With that, Darien took Serena's hand and led her back into the living room where the others still waited.
Those in the living room had been trying, unsuccessfully, to find a way to break the barriers in Serena's mind. When Serena sat down, she ventured, "I have an idea. Something Darien said made me think . . . What if I try to transform into Sailor Moon?" She glanced back at him to see if he was ok with her idea.
He shrugged. "It's worth a try, unless anyone has any better ideas." When the girls shook their heads, Darien brought her the locket as Luna began to explain what she needed to do.
"Serena, you have to want, in your heart, to be Sailor Moon or it won't work." When she nodded and closed her eyes. Luna said, "The words are Moon Crystal Power."
Serena drew a deep, calming breath and repeated the words as they formed in her mind and soul.
Moon Crystal Power!
When she began the transformation, Darien felt the same pain that always told him when Serena transformed. As Sailor Moon stood there, Darien transformed to Tuxedo Mask to stop the pain, but as he finished, he doubled over and cried out in pain. Sailor Moon rushed to him. "What is wrong?"
She didn't get to finish as Luna yelled, "Detransform now Sailor Moon!"
"I do not know . . . !"
"Touch the locket and think the word!" She did as told, and in a flash of light, once again Serena was in Darien's t-shirt. Darien also detransformed, but remained doubled over as the pain was just beginning to recede.
"Holy Shit!" He exclaimed as Serena knelt next to him. "What was that?"
All the girls were watching him with worried eyes. Amy transformed and Sailor Mercury pulled out her computer and used her visor to examine Serena and Darien. "He'll be fine. As for you, Princess, don't do that again until you have your memories of this time back."
"What happened, Mercury?" Mina asked. "Why did he react that way to Serena's transforming?"
"Yeah, I've always felt some sort of pain, but this felt like a sword in my chest."
Before Mercury answered, she typed some more on her computer. "If you become Prince Darien, the pain will ease quicker." He did as requested and began to feel remarkably better. He powered down when the pain was gone.
Mercury paced the floor as she attempted to explain what happened, "you can't be Sailor Moon." When it looked like Serena was about to speak, Mercury hurried through her thoughts, "It's in you to become her, yes, but you are the Moon Princess now." She shrugged. "You can't be both at the same time."
Serena stomped her foot in vexation, "I do not understand!"
"Look, even when your tiara appeared, the Crescent Moon didn't fade. It shouldn't even be there in the first place." Luna told her.
Mercury intended to be as blunt as possible to make Serena understand, "Quite simply, if you become Sailor Moon while you're still the Moon Princess in body and soul, you'll kill him." She pointed at Darien. "And then you'll probably die as well." The only thing that could be heard in the shocked silence was the sound of Serena's locket hitting the floor. She dropped it as if it had burned her.
"Oh great," Raye complained loudly, "so, we're one up on a princess and one down on the Scouts. I don't know which is worse, having a meatball brained Scout or a moon brained Princess."
Serena stuck her tongue out at her.
Amidst laughter, Lita, Darien, and Mina chorused. "Same old Serena."
Serena, on a more serious bend, asked curiously, "Why does me being Sailor Moon hurt Darien?"
Luna decided it was time to tell her something she didn't know as the princess and was only partly aware of as Sailor Moon. Glancing at Darien's face she guessed that he knew, at least part of it, anyway. "Serena, Sailor Moon transformation is a sign of danger. Darien always knew when you became her, and through the link the two of you have, was always able to locate and protect you. He felt what you felt, but, in essence, mostly it was your fear. You felt it too, but never realized what it was you felt. Your tie to him was not as strong as was his overwhelming need to protect you, making his bond the stronger of the two. Do you follow me so far?"
Serena nodded and said, "I cannot be all that dumb, that I do not know my own feelings, can I?"
Raye had to put her two cents in, Serena leaving her the perfect opening for it. She smiled brilliantly as she said, "Dumb? Oh, that's one of your better titles, ditz is one of my favorites. Then there's spaghetti brains, crybaby, whiner . . . " She continued to tick them off on her fingers as she listed Serena's most obvious faults.
Mina and Darien both hid laughter behind their hands at Serena's shocked face. Lita just fell on the floor laughing hysterically. Between giggles, Amy whispered emphatically, "Never, never give Raye an opening like that, you'll live to regret it in the long run."
"Are you quite through?" Luna asked, still businesslike. The girls made an attempt to control themselves, but one look at Serena's amazed face sent them rolling again. It was a full five minutes before they managed to get it together and nod.
Luna continued, "Now, Serena, you are as you were meant to be, the Moon Princess. When you, as you are now, transformed to Sailor Moon, the pain became lethal to Darien, because it meant only one thing to his instincts, mortal danger to you, which means his duty to you failed and there's no reason for his existence any longer."
"You're not making a lick of sense, Luna." Mina admonished.
"Look at it this way, on the Moon she wasn't Sailor Moon. There was no Sailor Moon, that's who Serena is right now, of the Moon." She stressed the words to make a point. "And over the last five days, the two of them have strengthened their bond, making Darien's instincts even more receptive to Serena. So, just do what Mercury says and don't transform again." Serena nodded emphatically at the command.
Artemis took the opportunity to add something, something that hadn't been done in many centuries. He looked at Darien and waited for the man to meet his eye as he began speaking, "The bond you two have forged can't be broken. Don't try or it'll break you. It began over 1000 years ago and will last through eternity." Darien nodded, just slightly and Artemis, satisfied, went back to Mina and jumped to her lap.
"Did we miss something here?" Mina whispered to Lita.
"I don't know," Lita replied, and then to the others said, "What just happened?"
Serena sat there, staring open-mouthed at Artemis.
"Serena," Raye stated sarcastically, "you look like a landed fish."
Still in shock, Serena ignored the comment and asked Artemis in a soft voice, "Do you realize what you have done?"
Smugly, Artemis replied, "Yes, Princess, I do."
Still snickering over Raye's last comment, the girls almost missed the conversation, but caught the tail end in time. "What?" They demanded impatiently.
Luna sighed and lowered her head wearily. "I didn't know you had the power to do that, Artemis."
"There's a lot about me you don't know, Luna."
"Enough of this," Lita insisted, thoroughly fed up with being ignored, "somebody spill it!"
"Lita, it's an old ritual." Darien explained as Serena smiled at him sublimely. "Usually only done when a bond can turn fatal if broken by an outside force," then he added dryly, "or any force for that matter. It's supposed to be stronger than any wedding vow and, according to legend, lasts beyond death."
"How romantic," Mina sighed
Darien shrugged, "From what I can recall, in history, there's rarely been a bond as strong as mine and Serena's."
"This is way cool!" Lita added to Mina's thoughts.
"But, you said 'broken by outside forces'," Darien nodded and Amy asked curiously, "What did you mean?"
Serena had fallen asleep by now, and as Darien shifted her to his lap so she'd be more comfortable, he answered forcefully, "That is a long story, for another time." As he spoke, though, Darien was seeing the nightmare that plagued him until the night Serena got sick. "Look, it's late, and we should all turn in." He stood with Serena, still sleeping soundly in his arms and called out as he walked toward the bedroom, "The couch folds out, the guest bed is made, and the blankets are in the closet next to the bathroom."
"Where do you plan to sleep Darien?" Lita snickered knowingly.
At the door to the bedroom he turned toward her, smiling, and raised an eyebrow, "The same place I've always slept . . . , in my bed." The girls oohhed and aahhed at him as he went in the room and shut the door leaving enough space for Luna to come in if she wanted.
Luna followed soon after and, as Darien lay Serena down, she jumped on the bed and said approvingly, "You've handled things really well these last few days, Darien. Queen Serenity would be very proud at how well you've taken care of her daughter." As Darien looked at her, she added, smiling, "Whichever daughter Serena happens to be, that is."
Darien chuckled and remarked, "Yeah, well, I just did what I had to."
"Right, uh huh," Luna replied sarcastically, "that's why Artemis felt it necessary to mediate the Soul's Eternal Bond? Care to explain?"
"Someday, maybe." He laid down and pulled Serena into his arms. He drifted to sleep as Luna curled up directly in front of Serena protectively.
The other girls had already fallen into a weary sleep. Artemis prowled the house nervously. He went into Darien's room and saw the three on the bed in the moonlight. He holds her tightly, even in sleep. At least she's safe there. As he walked back into the living room, he noticed the locket that Serena had dropped on the floor. Artemis lifted it to the living room table with his teeth. He knew that Serena didn't want it now, but would need it again, soon probably. Artemis turned from it and began to leave to check on Mina and Lita in the guest room, when he saw a flash of light. He jumped and turned to it in attack position. He watched in awe as the locket opened and the Crystal began to glow. Smiling as only a cat can, Artemis turned away again, his sense of nervousness gone, knowing they were safer now than ever before. He went to Mina, curled up next to her and drifted into a sound sleep.
The Crystal rose up, out of the locket and flashed brilliantly once more. The light faded, but the Crystal remained, suspended in air, as it protected the eight sleeping forms from the prying eyes that had almost located its prey.
