Chapter 4
Serena . . . Gone?


Thursday evening
After three long, practically sleepless days and nights, Bryce thought longingly of his bed upstairs. He yawned tiredly after he hung up the phone with Nathaniel. "Is it done?" He asked his guest.

"It is."

Turning around Bryce asked, "I assume you saw to the tiniest of details?" At the nod, "Good, we must be prepared for her, and I want nothing left to chance." Bryce yawned again. "I, for one, am beat. There's no use in you sticking around, nothing's going to happen tonight. Good night, my friend."

"Sleep well," was replied solemnly.

Bryce was just laying down when the phone rang. Shit, no one's monitoring, so, of course, it'd come here. "This better be good." He grumbled into the phone. All Bryce heard were ecstatic, garbled words.

"What? Calm down, Little Brother, I can hardly understand you. Hang on a sec, let me get back to the boardroom." Bryce transferred the call back downstairs and hung up the phone. Looking at his guest as he entered the room, Bryce smothered another yawn and affirmed, "I guess it's going to be another sleepless night."

In the board room, Bryce picked up the phone again, "Yeah."
"Chiba's gone!" Brandon repeated, then rushed, "I sorta . . . um . . . listened at the door for an hour to make sure no one was home. I used my . . . uh . . . key . . . to get in when I didn't hear any thing. I went into that room Chiba wouldn't let me in and you're never going to believe what I found . . . "
Bryce's heart began to race as he listened in anticipation. "Was Serena there?"
"No, but she was!"
"How do you know?"
"There's three suit cases full of enough stuff to last a..."
"... Month?" Bryce interrupted.
"Yep, and then some. There're also pictures of them together on his bed stand." Brandon told him. He was silently thankful to finally make some head way in this very strange missing persons game they were playing.
Feeling a familiar rush of excitement, Bryce asked, "How did they leave?"
"I don't have a clue, but it looks like they'll be back, soon probably."
"Well, watch for them. I'll send for Ruark."
"Already on his way, Big Brother. I'll be outside to let him in and to watch in case Serena and whoever she's with comes back."
"Perfect." Bryce said, then quietly added, "But what puzzles me is, where are Raye and Reenie?"
"I don't know, maybe they stayed here with them." Brandon replied.
"Maybe." Bryce mused. Signing off he said, "Check in every thirty minutes, I want to know if even a mouse squeaks."
He laughed even though he knew his brother was serious, "Sure, Brand out."

"Interesting."

"What is?" Bryce asked his guest.

"Why would Serena hurriedly pack a month's worth of clothes to stay at her boyfriend's house? It doesn't make sense, considering she could go home for clothes any time she wanted."

"First of all, we don't know if it was Serena that packed the clothes. Second, we don't know if this Darien Chiba," Bryce picked up a photo off the table, looked at the individual in question, then tossed it back on the table in frustration, "is her boyfriend or not. Most important, I'd like to know how they, Serena and whoever else, have managed to slip through our fingers since Sunday."

His guest thought a moment, "I'll agree to your first and second points, but on your third, remember, you only put in his description last night. If Serena's been there the whole time, then, of course, you would not be able to find her until now." The guest smiled at Bryce, "You'll get your answers. I know you well." Looking closely, he whispered, "The question is, what will you do if he is?"

"Huh?" Bryce asked, somewhat confused in the abrupt change in conversation.

Emphasizing each word, he repeated, "What will you do if that man," pointing at the picture of Darien that Bryce had carelessly tossed on the table, "is Serena's boyfriend?"

Bryce's head snapped around and he gave him a penetrating look. "You know the answer to that."

"Indeed?" At Bryce's nod, "Very well."

Bryce turned back to the phone and set up a conference call with the group, "I have a plan in the works, listen closely . . . "


Serena came awake slowly. Her first thought was how hungry she was. The second thought, overplaying the first, was her three very separate, very unique lives. She sighed and sat up. Standing up, Serena reached behind her and covered Reenie with the blankets. She touched her locket to assure herself of its presence and went to look for the others. Unfamiliar with the temple, Serena wandered around for a few minutes until she heard voices. She reached for the door handle, but shook her head. I need to think, alone. This whole mess is just so strange. She shuddered and walked back to a door she'd passed a few minutes ago. It led out the back of the temple. Seeing a small copse of trees not far away, Serena walked to them, not worrying about anyone seeing her, as it was obviously well past dark. Wandering among the trees, deep in thought, she came across a small fountain. After glancing back to make sure she could still see the temple, Serena sat down. Thinking how drastically her life had changed over the last few days, she began to cry. It is just too much. I cannot do this. Her crying turned to painful, racking sobs.

"Darien, calm down." Luna implored softly, trying not to wake Reenie, who slept on despite Darien's shouting, "Serena has to be here, but the only way to find her is if you calm down."

"Luna's right," Raye added.

Darien looked up to find the girls standing around him worriedly. He took a deep breath and relaxed a little, letting his instincts take over, "I feel her pain." He shook his head, "No, not pain . . . grief." He stood up and followed where his heart led him.

When Darien found Serena by the fountain, he gently picked her up and held her as her grief threatened to shred what little sanity she had left. The girls had followed him out, with the cats on their heels. They lagged behind a little when they saw Serena was okay. When Darien picked her up, all of them saw her sorrow ravaged face. At the heart breaking sight, Mina covered her mouth and ran back to the temple, choking back a sob. Lita followed her, trying to keep from crying. Silent tears began streaming down Amy's face and Raye breathed a sigh that sounded as if it came from the bottom of her toes. She put her arm around Amy and gently led her back in the direction they had come. The cats turned, and with a quick glance back at the two at the fountain, slowly followed Amy and Raye.

Serena held onto the only sane thing left in her life. She knew he would keep her world from falling apart. As her sobs finally began to recede, Darien asked, "Are you all right now?"

Serena nodded and whispered apologetically, "I am so sorry. Once I started, I could not stop. I just wanted a little time alone."

He smiled at her, "I know. I'm surprised you've held up this long. The Serena that's locked away in there," he touched her forehead, "would've fallen apart long ago. Actually," he smiled again, wider this time, "no, she'd have had a full-blown wailing fit by now, as she's highly emotionally charged most of the time." Serena giggled at Darien's words, resting her head on his chest as he carried back into the temple. On seeing Serena being carried again, Raye remarked offhandedly,

"Look, there he goes again. I swear, Serena, I wouldn't be surprised if, in the future, that he is your legs." The other girls chuckled at her assertion.

Reenie, who had waken up when everyone came back in, sat up. She couldn't resist defending her mother, "Actually, Raye, in the future, Mommy has wings." Reenie smiled at the look of utter shock on Raye's face.

To be honest, Raye couldn't think of a thing to say. Serena looked at her as if to say, "Ha, beat that one!" Raye's look caused peels of laughter, through the entire group this time, that couldn't be stopped as the group sat down on the floor.

Reenie crawled on Serena's lap and asked, "What's for dinner, Mommy? I'm hungry." The loud grumbling of her stomach, testifying to her words.

Raye said, "Carry out."

At Serena's uncertain frown, Mina whispered, "They cook the food somewhere else, and bring it here, hot and ready for us to eat. It's good, you'll see."

Raye picked up the phone and called the restaurant. She ordered enough for everyone, including the cats, then hung up. "It'll be about thirty minutes. Think you can handle that, munchkin?"

Smiling broadly, Reenie nodded quickly.


Bryce, knowing it was useless to go back upstairs to bed, was resting on a cot in the board room when the phone rang. Again. Sighing, he sat up and pushed the button.

"Ryan here! Raye's back in the temple!"
"What . . . ! How?" Bryce questioned, coming fully awake.
"I don't know. I didn't see her go in, but get this . . . " Ryan paused dramatically, then rushed on before Bryce could speak, "She just called a food order in for eleven meals: ten adults and one child's."
"Do what . . . ? How in the hell . . . ?"
"I don't have a clue." Ryan answered, frustrated. "Ash and I have been watching that temple and no one–Imean no one– has gone in or come out. The only way in is through the front gate. The damn thing has a seven-foot wood fence all the way around it, for Christ's sake! There's no way anyone could've made it past us!"
"And yet, there, at least, is Raye, with a bunch of others." Bryce said, adding, "It's not your fault, so don't sweat it." Thinking quickly, "Do this, get Ash to intercept delivery. Get a camera on him. Tell him to get pictures of whoever answers that door and anything else that seems important, too. And tell him to call me as soon as he's done."
"I'm on it. Ryan out."

"Christ, eleven people!" Bryce shouted, beginning to pace the floor.

"That's a great number to deal with." The other replied thoughtfully.

"Indeed, but not, I think, impossible." Bryce said, going to the bar to pour himself a drink.

"For others? I would disagree. But for you and your team?" He only smiled.


The kid was easy to con. All it took was to pay for the meals and give him twice the cost of the meals for a tip. Ash grabbed the hat the kid gave him and approached the gate. He walked up the steps and listened for a moment at the door, hearing laughter, male and female, then knocked. A petite blonde answered.

She looked at all the boxes Ash had, glanced back and said, "Hey guys, I'm gonna need some help in here!"

Ash watched as Raye Hino, Darien Chiba, a tall brunette with a pony tail, and a petite blue haired girl came to take the food from him. He heard a woman's voice call to Darien and Ash listened attentively as he answered her with a laughing, "Hang on a second, I'll be right there."

After they'd taken all the food, the blonde paid him, leaving a healthy tip to boot. Ash whistled, shaking his head, as he walked back out the gate. Too easy. When he got back in the car, he picked up the phone.

Bryce answered the phone almost before it even rang. "Well?" He demanded.
"Chiba's there. So's Raye and another blonde, not Serena. There were also a blue haired girl and a brunette. I have the pictures. Send Nat over to get them. I want to be here in case they leave again."
"Anything else?" Bryce asked impatiently.
"Yeah, there was at least one more girl inside."
"How do you know?"
"Well, the blonde that answered the door called to the others for help. The four others, including Chiba, came to the door and a woman called to him from another room and he answered her." Ash explained.
"Interesting."
"You're telling me." Ashton shook his head, still wondering how the group had managed to get past him and Ryan, "Don't forget to send Nat for the film."
"I won't. I want to get a run on these other three girls as soon as possible. Great work, my friend."
"That's why you pay me the big bucks, remember?" Ashton laughed, thrilled that this mission might, finally, be drawing to a close. "Ash out!"

Waiting for Nathaniel to call, Bryce contemplated the new twists this case had taken.
"Nat here."
"Go see Ash, pick up the film he has of the people in the temple."
"People in the temple?" Nathaniel asked, confused.
"Yeah, eleven of them, do you believe that?"
"Wow, when did this happen?"
"We have no idea. All we know is that two of them were already there and the rest just appeared." Bryce told him.
"Let's face it, Bry, there's no way nine people could have snuck in the temple under our very noses." Nat said sarcastically.
"I agree, yet and still, there's a bunch of people there."
"Is Serena with them?"
"I have to assume she is, although Ash didn't see her directly."
"Well, it looks like your search is almost over. I, for one, am most anxious to meet this young lady." Nathaniel stated, then added, "You know, Bryce, I think the only reason why we've stuck with this ridiculous venture this time is because things just keep getting stranger and stranger all the time."
"I'd definitely have to agree with you there." Bryce laughed, "If nothing else, we may get answers to the millions of questions this mission has left us with."
"Let's hope so." He laughed, too, signing off, "I'll get you the pictures as soon as they're done. Nat out."

"Now," Bryce commented aloud, "It is time to flush out our quarry."


Serena sighed as she leaned against Darien, petting Luna absently. After the incident at the fountain, her soul had begun to heal and she didn't feel as lost in this world as she did before. Reenie had, long ago, been put to bed. Raye had done a fire reading after that. It told her that Rubeus has been quiet, too quiet, lately. This was something they were well aware of and the question in everyone's mind was, "What is he up to?"

Darien answered the unspoken words with two of his own, "Gathering strength . . . "

After conversation picked up again, Serena stood up, giving Luna to Amy. At Darien's inquiring look, she kissed him on the cheek and said, "I will be back in a few minutes." He smiled and nodded, following her with his eyes as she left the room. Serena's one thought now was to talk to her time traveling daughter in the bedroom. The idea occurred to her at the fountain, but until now, hadn't had the time to do anything. Sitting down on the bed, Serena whispered, "Reenie . . . Reenie, wake up, Little One."

"Mommy?"

"Yes, Small Lady, we must talk." Reenie sat up and looked at her mother, wiping the sleep from her eyes. "Tell me . . . How did you get here from the future?"

The look Reenie gave her was pure mutiny as she said, "I can't tell you, Puu would be very mad."

"Who is Puu?" Serena asked, more than a little curious.

"She's at the Gate."

Reenie's answers were not getting Serena anywhere. In fact, they were just leaving room for more questions, "What Gate?"

"Mommy, can I go back to sleep now? I'm tired." Reenie laid back down as she started to drift off to sleep.

"I'm sorry, Reenie, but this is too important. This may be the key . . . " Serena started to explain.

"Key?" Reenie interrupted, "How did you know?"

Serena shook her head as if to shake out her, now very, jumbled thoughts. The little girl was making no sense at all. "Reenie, you must tell me."

"I can't." She whined, beginning to cry.

"Princess Serena!"

Uh oh . . . She knew that voice, and only one way to answer it. "Yes, Mother?"

"You will tell me now, Princess Serena, what I wish to know. Starting with the key." Serena demanded in the sternest voice she could muster.

Reenie hung her head in defeat, "Yes, Mother." Reaching inside her shirt, she pulled out a key. Placing it in Serena's hand, Reenie said, "It's this . . . The Crystal Time Key. I've tried to use it a few times to go home, but I think it's broken because it won't take me there."

Time Key? Aloud, Serena asked, "Who is Puu?"

"She stands at the Gate to let me in and talks to me sometimes when I'm lonely." Reenie replied, laying back down.

"What Gate?" Serena whispered to her as she started to drift off again.

"The Gate that brought me here . . . "

Serena sat next to Reenie, thinking. She looked at the Key in her hand and straightened suddenly as recognition dawned. "Princess Pluto!" She exclaimed.

Reenie opened her eyes and whispered sleepily, "Yeah, but she likes being Sailor Puu better."

"Thank you, Little One." Serena whispered in her ear, then kissed her cheek and stood up. Princess Pluto, Guardian of Time. She never realized it before now, but the others had never mentioned the Outer Scouts, Guardians of the Silver Millennium. I wonder if they were reborn here as well. Serena's eyes sparkled with tears as she thought of the other four Scouts that would watch over her while Queen Serenity was away. She smiled, remembering how she'd try to hide from them, but Pluto could always find her. Serena frowned then, thinking that the four of them watched her more closely than her own personal guard did. When the Outer Scouts were around, Serena could never get away with any of her antics. They always caught her. She would stomp her foot, but they would not be impressed and she'd be ushered off to do what she should have been doing in the first place. With the four Inner Scouts, Serena could get away with almost anything, mainly because they were her own age and usually in on most of her pranks. The Outer Scouts showed her her duty and the Inner Scouts showed her how to have fun. Serena smiled softly and took a steadying breath, I miss them so much. Now, how to contact Princess Pluto. She leaned over Reenie and shook her slightly. As her eyes fluttered open, Serena asked, "Small Lady, how do you talk to Puu when you are lonely?"

"I touch Luna Ball's nose." Pointing to the ball at the end of the bed.

"Thank you, Little Princess." Serena said as she picked up Luna Ball off the bed. She tentatively touched the nose, the eye flashed brightly, causing Serena to drop it in fear. It hung, suspended, about a foot from the floor and an image of Sailor Pluto appeared behind Serena.

The image looked at the blonde, and then at Reenie in the bed. Worriedly, she wondered why Reenie no longer possessed the Key. Serena turned slowly toward the flickering light behind her. When Pluto looked at the girl in front of her, her eyes widened as she comprehended who and what she saw.

"Princess Pluto . . . " Was all Serena could say as tears began trickling down her cheeks, her crescent moon glowing softly. Serena knew she was going to faint, but was determined not to give Raye the satisfaction. She lifted a trembling hand to the image and watched as it lifted the Staff in its hand, tapped it twice on the ground, and out of the image, stepped Sailor Pluto.

And Serena did faint.

Pluto stepped forward in time to catch the falling Princess. She knew whom she held, but how, is the question. And, where are the others? Do they know? She waited patiently for Serena to wake up. She didn't have to wait long. Serena's eyes snapped open, thinking it was a dream, but looked directly in Pluto's concerned ones, and smiled brilliantly. She helped Serena to sit up and asked, "Why didn't Darien come?"

"I blocked the bond so I could try to find you without being disturbed."

"That was a little more than stupid, besides, he should have known when you fainted." Serena shook her head fiercely and locked eyes with Pluto, imparting volumes of knowledge in that second.

Her eyes widening, again, this time, in fear, Pluto suddenly found her arms filled with a Princess that was lost in time.

When Serena sat back again, she began to tell Pluto what had happened since she woke up three days ago, with no memories of this time at all. Within a minute, Serena could tell that the Scout was totally and utterly confused. Serena lightly bit on a knuckle, considering what to do. Abruptly, she stood up and said, "Come on. I will reintroduce you to the Inner Scouts and Prince Darien. I assume they do not know anything about you, so it will be quite the surprise." Serena giggled softly, knowing what she was going to do next.

"Princess . . . Be nice."

"I will be, I promise," Smiling broadly.

The two walked down the hall to the room where the others were still talking. At her appearance, they looked up. Surprise registered on their faces at the sight of her crescent moon glowing softly.

"Can't you shut that thing off?" Raye complained loudly. Everyone laughed, except Darien as he saw the mischievous look in Serena's eyes. She stepped aside and Sailor Pluto walked into the room amid astonished gasps.

"No, she can't, Princess of Mars." Pluto answered for Serena.

The girls gaped at the new Scout as Serena, smiling smugly, made the introduction, "This is Princess of Pluto, Guardian of the Gate of Time, Protector, Defender, Guardian of the Silver Millennium, and Outer Scout, Sailor Pluto, also known as Setsuna."

Pluto sighed, looking at her prankster Princess, then said, "You could've waited to drop the rest of those bombs later, Princess." Serena smiled wickedly at her, shaking her head.

Darien stood up and bowed, "Princess."

She stared at him a long moment, "Stop that nonsense. You didn't do it in the past and you don't do it in the future." Despite her words, Pluto smiled at him. She tapped the Time Staff twice and in a flash of light, Setsuna approached the others, ready to answer what was sure to be an ungodly amount of questions. There was only one question asked.

Luna, having all her memories, although not surprised that the older Scout was here, put voice to the question in her mind anyway. "Pluto, why are you here?"

"Hello to you, too, Luna." She smiled. "Princess Serena summoned me, although she didn't realize it. What I'd like to know is how she's here."

Serena walked over to Darien and sat down beside him as each settled in to tell her a very long tale. She nestled under his arm and drifted to sleep as Darien began the story of Sailor Moon and Octoram.

When Luna told Setsuna about the Crystal and what Serena had done, her eyes widened in fear once again, as she was the only one that knew that Serena was now in mortal danger. No one knew Setsuna well enough to notice her sudden preoccupation, as she stared at the sleeping Princess.

Setsuna was brought out of her thoughts by Mina's question, "Do you know what we can do? This is like . . . All too weird."

"Yeah," Lita added, glancing at Amy, "Isn't amnesia supposed to be temporary in most cases?"

Amy shook her head, "Not always. Let's face it, this," glancing at Serena, "is one for the record books."

Setsuna listened to the exchange in silence, looking at the others in the room. She knew that they would lay down their lives for Serena, as she herself would. But she also knew that they needed help, for the road ahead of them would be dangerous, to say the least. "I have to awaken the other three Scouts." Setsuna said softly. At their shocked expressions, she touched her fingers, "Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune."

"Wow! Nine Sailor Scouts!" Echoed around the room. Darien shook his head, frowning, nothing surprised him anymore.

"We are the Outer Scouts," Setsuna began, "We guarded the Silver Millennium in general and Princess Serena in particular. Although you are her personal guard, you aren't as powerful as we are. In fact, one of us has enough power to destroy an entire world." Setsuna paused, smiling, at the many jaws that had dropped in the room. Continuing in a somber tone, she said, "Serena is in danger in this time, as she is now. If Rubeus were to catch her . . . If Dimando were to see her . . . If Wise Man were to know . . . " She shook her head, letting the thoughts go unfinished. She had let just enough panic seep into her voice to scare the others to be fully alert. They didn't know who Wise Man and Dimando were, but Setsuna did. She also knew what the two were capable of and she needed the Scouts and Darien ready for any type of danger. "As Sailor Moon, Serena is the most powerful among us, but she can't use those powers, which makes things harder on the rest of us."

Setsuna was interrupted by Lita's, "Do you know how to help her?"

"I think I do, but it'll be more dangerous than anything you've dealt with before."

Thus far, Darien had been silent, considering her words, as he watched Serena sleep. When Setsuna said "more dangerous," his head shot up and, intensely, he said, "Then find another way. I won't have her in danger."

Serena, only half asleep, sat up and interrupted, looking hesitantly at Darien, "I already am in danger." Then turning to the Scouts, she added, "My very presence here is a danger to all of you, as well. What is it you want to do, Setsuna?"

"I'll tell you after I've brought the other Scouts here. We can, then, lay out all the plans at one time, and, hopefully this will work." She shrugged, uncertain as to what could or would absolutely bring back the lost memories. "Although, at this point, there are no guarantees."

Serena barely suppressed the urge to shout. "We have to try . . . I cannot go around like this forever . . . "

"Serena!" Luna reprimanded, "Calm down. You'll do no one, especially yourself, any good getting all worked up."

Darien pulled Serena close, as, duly chastised, she quieted and hung her head.

"There are things you should know, Setsuna," Artemis told her, "Serena is very weak," At this, Setsuna smiled sadly, nodding, when he finished with, "she needs time to rest, regain her strength, without any more shocks."

"All of her things are at my place, she'll stay with me there." Darien asserted.

"She shouldn't be alone or go out in public. No one should see her. It would be dangerous if she met up with someone that knows her." Setsuna added thoughtfully.

"Why all the secrecy?" Serena asked wearily.

"Oh yeah, here you are, gallivanting around town, not knowing anyone," Raye said snidely, "I can see Molly now . . . and Serena just being totally confused . . . worse than the ditz she is. Oh, I'm sure that would go over really well with all your friends."

"Oh . . . " Serena whispered, "I had not thought of that."

"That was way harsh, Raye." Mina scolded, none too gently.

"Yeah, well . . . " Raye started to argue but was interrupted by Setsuna.

"Girls, girls, please . . . Let's not do this." And turning to Serena, "It's for your own protection. Since, for now, Teleport is the safest way to travel with you, take the Crystal off and give it to Darien to hold. There should be less a drain to you that way, not much less, but enough I think."

Before Setsuna could continue, Serena shook her head. "I cannot . . . " When the others turned puzzled looks her way, sighing softly, she whispered words that terrified every one of them, "it is the only thing sustaining me."

So astonished and afraid were they that no one said anything for several long moments. Serena turned soft eyes to Darien. Knowing she'd held this back from him, he whispered, almost harshly, into her ear, "What else haven't you told me?"

Serena looked at him almost pleadingly and started to apologize when Setsuna spoke. "Are you positive about this?" Almost afraid of the answer. Serena nodded her reply. Setsuna attempted to regain her never-shattered composure and continued, "Then go to Darien's and no further." This is bad . . . very bad. Serena nodded again as Setsuna finished with, "One other thing, Reenie should stay with one of us, too."

"Yeah," Amy agreed, "her crescent moon is still there, too."

"But at least we can band aid hers." Mina added smugly. "She knows everybody and can just say she scraped her head."

"Well, I guess that's about it and I have to be on my way. I'll be back in a couple of days with the other Scouts, maybe sooner if I can."

"Thank you, Setsuna." Was all Serena said, smiling as the Outer Scout stood up. The others wished her safe journey and return as she moved to stand near the door, and called out:

Pluto Planet Power!

Sailor Pluto called her Time Staff, tapped it twice, and was gone.

Finishing his drink, Bryce looked up at the late night sky. He needed to call a meeting. He had to have everyone here to go over the last details of the plans in his head. I think I'll call everyone except Ryan and Ashton . . . put them on conference call so they'll know what's going on. It'd be much easier to get Serena from the temple than anywhere else. He knew he had to act fast, or she might slip through his fingers again. After recalling the others, Bryce sat in his chair, fresh drink in hand, to wait. Once the others had arrived, he said simply, "We strike tomorrow." Each of them nodded, grinning, as he began to relay the remaining details.

After Pluto left, Darien walked Serena back to bed. He lay down behind her, pulling her close, as she shifted Reenie in front of her. He couldn't sleep. There was a restless disquiet in his soul, knowing that he could lose her at anytime. Why'd she do it? Damn it, her need to help us should not be paid with her life! When Darien did sleep, his dreams were troubled with a loss so profound, he could almost feel it.


Friday . . . Just after dawn
Serena, Darien, and Reenie were awakened by pounding on the door and the acrid smell of smoke filling the room. Leaping quickly from the bed, Darien ran out the door and straight into Lita.

"The Cherry trees are burning!" She told him quickly.

He swore loudly and ran out the back door to see the blaze. It wasn't very large, but needed to be contained, and soon, or it could get out of control and take the temple out, too.

Inside, Serena slid from the bed. She knew the danger, but also knew she could help save the temple. Opening a nearby window, Serena tossed Reenie outside, just in case she was wrong. Knowing everyone was outside fighting the fire, Serena opened her locket. Her crescent moon glowing, she concentrated on commanding the Crystal when something covered her nose and mouth. She tried to struggle against the strong arms that held her, but couldn't breathe. Beginning to see stars, she tried desperately to hold on to her locket, but it fell from her limp grasp as blackness overcame her.

Jeff lifted Serena in his arms, checked the halls to make sure no one was around, and carried her out the front door. He was totally oblivious to the little pink haired girl watching him through the window she'd been thrown out of.

Reenie peeked around the corner to see the strange man, carrying her mommy, walk out the front gate. She sat down on the grass and began to cry softly, more afraid now than she'd ever been, as the fire trucks pulled up.

After the fire was under control, Darien ran back in the temple to make sure Serena and Reenie were all right. He found an empty bedroom and the window open. Thinking she and Reenie went out of it, Darien went out the front door to find them, not seeing the locket that rolled under the bed as it fell from Serena's hand.

Making herself calm down, Reenie ran around the back of the house, but none of the girls could tell her where Darien was. They just pointed back to the temple.

Darien couldn't find Serena and Reenie anywhere out front. He walked inside and looked up as Reenie came running down the hall. "Daddy!" She wailed and propelled herself into his arms, babbling incoherently.

Darien smiled as he held her reassuringly, thinking that she was upset about the fire, "It's all right, Munchkin, the fire's almost out."

Realizing he didn't know, Reenie cried, "Oh Daddy . . . She's gone! She's gone!"

"What . . . ? Who . . . ?" Darien asked, trying to calm the nearly hysterical girl.

"MOMMY'S GONE!"


"We'll be there soon, Bry, but she's still out of it." Ruark told his brother.
"Was there any trouble?"
"No, it was easier than I'd thought it'd be. No force needed." Jeff answered.
"Perfect . . . I'll expect you within the hour then.

Bryce sat back in his chair, grinning at his guest.

"You succeeded."

"Was there ever any doubt?" Bryce replied.

"Not really, I just hope you know what you're doing . . . " The guest said ominously.

"Me too." He laughed at the other's serious mien, picking up the phone as it rang.

"Ryan here."
"You saw?" Bryce asked him, still smiling broadly.
"Yeah . . . It was awesome!" Ryan relayed the story, "After Ash, Nat, and Brand set the fires, people started running out the door, the back door that is. After there was no sign of anyone, Brandon let Jeff know that Serena didn't come out with the others and that she was seen near a window with Reenie. He and Ruark went in the front door and a few minutes later Ruark came out, followed shortly by Jeff, carrying Serena."
"Were they seen?"
Thinking for a moment, Ryan answered, "There wasn't anyone in the front of the temple that I could see. Of course, you'd have to check with the others to be sure, they were covering the walls."
"Well, so far, so good . . . " Bryce said.
"Uh huh . . . and the only thing that I've seen since Ruark and Jeff left in the van was Darien. He came out the front door, looked around and went back inside. No one else but fire men since."
"Well, keep an eye out. Once they find Serena gone, all hell's going to break loose on that end."
"Yeah, I know . . . " Ryan replied grimly. "Outta here!"

"It's us."
"How'd it go?" Bryce asked.
"Easy as pie." Brandon responded cheerfully.
"Yep," Ash added. "And we did it just like you said. We made the fire small, natural, and easy to put out."
"Nat?" Bryce questioned. "Did Ruark mange to get any taps planted?"
"I think he only had time for one, but it was a good one!"
"Well, it'll have to do. Get back here, guys. We have a lot of work to do. Debriefing at three." Bryce stated.
"Got it." Brand replied. Laughing suddenly, he added, "By the way, I . . . , we . . . , hope you've considered a healthy Christmas bonus?"

Bryce laughed as they signed off. He stepped out on the balcony in his penthouse. Looking out at the brightening day as the sun rose over the city, smiling, he whispered aloud, "It's going to be a beautiful day."


Setsuna had found and reawakened Sailors Uranus and Neptune. She'd explained to them every thing she could about what happened to Princess Serena. They were well prepared to help the Inner Scouts, even though, historically, the two groups clashed frequently. Setsuna stood outside the gate of a rather large home, thinking about how the Inner and Outer Scouts would compete for supremacy during the Silver Millennium. That aside, she knew, during times of trouble, they would come together and become a force to be reckoned with. Setsuna still had her biggest job in front of her, Sailor Saturn. This fifteen-year-old was powerful and unpredictable, but she also had healing talents that, Setsuna hoped, could help the princess. She walked up the steps and lifted her hand to knock when the door opened suddenly. Hotaru looked up at her and said, "The princess is in danger, we must find her." Setsuna gaped at her in absolute astonishment.


Darien, still holding Reenie, stood in the hall, numb to everything but her last words, still echoing through his mind. Grandpa touched his arm. He glanced at the wizened old man without recognition. The man said, "She's alive . . . ," and walked away.

Raye and Lita came in, laughing, talking about how the fire could have been much worse. They stopped when they saw the look on Darien's face. "Uh . . . Darien?" Raye began. He just looked at her vaguely.

Lita took Reenie from him, as the door opened and the Amy and Mina came in, the cats riding on their shoulders. Luna assessed the scene with little understanding, but she knew that there was only one thing that would cause Darien to act so strangely, and that one thing was, "Where's Serena?" She asked quickly.

Looking at her, "She's gone . . . " he said softly.

"Gone? Gone where?" Raye demanded. "Has that mixed up Moon Brain gotten herself lost or what?"

"I guess." Darien replied, shaking himself out of his stupor, "She probably wandered off in the confusion . . . "

"No, Daddy," Reenie interrupted, trying to tell him what she saw.

"Wait, Reenie," He asserted, closing his eyes, searching his instincts, "Wha . . . What? This can't be right . . . " He said, then louder, added, "She's not nearby!"

"Daddy!" Reenie demanded impatiently, climbing down from Lita's arms.

"In a minute . . . " Darien, lost in thought, missed the look of hurt that crossed her face, but Luna didn't. But before she could ask anything, Mina picked Reenie up and asked, "What's up, Munchkin?"

"Somebody took her . . . " Reenie whispered in Mina's ear.

"Oh my God!" Mina cried. Everyone turned at her exclamation and, almost in tears, she said softly, "Reenie, repeat what you just told me."

"I said 'Somebody took her'." Amid fear-filled looks, she slipped out of Mina's arms and ran back to Darien, who scooped her up, "I'm sorry Daddy, there was nothing I could do!"


Bryce sat in the chair, impatiently waiting for Jeff to bring Serena in. It took them four days to locate her, and only a day to retrieve her. Not bad timing, but we've had better. The men didn't like the idea of snagging this teen-age girl, it wasn't their style, but they obeyed him, as always, trusting in his judgment. Before now, when the group had a job like this to do, it was for someone paying them exorbitant sums of money to find someone and detain the individual for a time. Never had the person been this young and this was a definite first for personal reasons. Ruark opened the door and Jeff carried the small girl in, going directly to the bed to lay her down. As Bryce made to follow, Ruark intercepted him, "Why didn't your pictures show the gold birthmark on her forehead?"

"Huh? What birthmark?"

Stepping away from the bed, Jeff said, "Take a look. I've never seen anything like it."

Bryce leaned over and brushed the hair away from her eyes and there it was . . . "I've never seen it before."

Looking over his shoulder, Jeff added, "Well, it certainly doesn't detract from her natural beauty."

Ruark nodded, "More like, it enhances it." Then offered, "Maybe she'd covered it with make up or something."

"Yeah . . . or something," Bryce pondered. "I'll ask her when she wakes up." He turned to them and continued, "Debriefing at three."

The two nodded and left. Bryce sat down next to Serena, wondering silently just what he was

going to do with her now that he had her. She's so young . . . Looking at her, What is it about you, Little Princess? It was only 7:30 in the morning, but already, Bryce felt himself in need of a stiff drink. Leaving the room, he shut off the light, completely satisfied with the day's events.


After calming Reenie down and assuring her it wasn't her fault that Serena was gone, Darien preceded the girls into the bedroom. He set Reenie on the bed and she explained, without interruption, what happened as only a child can, "Mommy put me out the window to be safe. I thought she was coming, too, but then she didn't so I looked back in. She stood by the bed, took off her locket and opened it. Then her moon started glowing and then he put a hand over her face. I was soooo scared I couldn't do any thing but watch. Mommy tried to get away, but couldn't. He picked her up and walked out. I peeked around the corner and he walked out the gate with her."

"What did the man look like?" Darien asked in a menace-lined voice.

Reenie bit her lip, thinking, then replied, "I didn't see him very well, but he was as tall as you, I think, with dark brown hair. That's all I remember, because mostly I was watching Mommy, then I only saw his back when he walked out."

"Did he look like he was trying to get the Crystal?" Mina asked.

"No, he picked her up."

"Where is the Crystal?" Luna queried, "Did she have it with her when he took her?"

"I don't know." Reenie answered impatiently. She started to cry then and as Darien cuddled her on his lap, whispered, "I just want my mommy . . . I don't care about the Crystal."

"I know. Me, too, Sweet Heart. And we'll get her back, I promise." Although softly spoken, Raye was shocked at the lethal undertone she could feel in the words.

"We need Mercury to scan the room." Artemis stated.

Too numb to do anything other than what she was told, Amy called out the words she hoped would clear her mind:

Mercury Star Power!

As Mercury was transforming, Luna said to Artemis, "Serena took the locket off . . . "

Sailor Mercury pulled out her computer, and using it and her visor, scanned the room. "The Silver Moon Crystal is under the bed." She said businesslike, feeling more in control once again.

As Darien bent down to find it, Lita moaned, "Oh nooooooo . . . If it's supposed to be keeping her alive . . . "

He stood up, open locket in hand. Snapping it closed with almost a vengeance, Darien looked at Sailor Mercury and in a deadly tone, commanded, "Find her, Mercury."

Raye looked at Darien and trembled visibly. His eyes, in his rage, had darkened to almost midnight blue. She knew in her heart, the man that harms Serena, will not live to draw his next breath after Darien finds him.

Mina sat down and put her head in her shaky hands. "We failed her again."

Sailor Mercury, still working feverishly on her computer, looked up suddenly. "Quiet everyone!"

"Did you find something?" Luna asked.

Mercury nodded and, handing Darien the computer, said, "Look!" as she pointed at the monitor.

Darien's eyes widened. Meeting the other Scouts eyes, he put his finger to his lips as he passed the computer around to them, pointing to the one word boldly displayed on the screen. "BUGGED!"


Serena awoke in slow degrees. What happened? Did I use the Crystal? Keeping her eyes closed, she searched her memory. She remembered opening the locket, and then strong arms, struggling, not being able to breathe . . . , then the sensation of falling. Serena opened her eyes, and found it to be darker than night. Did I sleep all day? Sitting up slowly, she listened for any kind of noise in the room. Nothing. Where am I? Still slightly groggy, Serena shook her head, trying to dispel the lingering cobwebs. Oh, this is ridiculous! Her mind shouted, If I pass out and find myself in this position again, I will SCREAM! The lights in the room came on and Serena blinked her eyes quickly to adjust to the brightness. That done, she looked around and saw a dark-haired man smiling at her.

"Welcome back to the land of the living, Serena." He said gently.