Chapter 8
Old Enemies . . .


Tuesday about 7:00 P.M.
Sailor Mercury, computer in hand, looked at Sailor Moon worriedly, "Yes, but he's obviously back!"

"What is it?" Saturn asked wearily. She was bone-dead tired and just wanted to get some sleep. It had been a very rough day for all of them.

The four Inner Scouts and Sailor Moon replied somberly, "Malachite!"


"They're back!" Ryan told Bryce over the phone.

"Who?" He demanded quickly, not in the mood for games.

"Well . . . Uh . . . The Sailor Scouts, of course." Ryan was slightly taken aback by the tone his cousin was using. He had thought, or at least hoped, Bryce was getting over his waspishness.

"What!"

"There was a. . . . Uh . . . Thing at the fair. They showed up."

Bryce felt as if someone had just dumped a cold glass of water over his head, "Track them!"

"I'm already on it!"

"Excellent! Just be careful!" Bryce warned.

"Hey, it's me! Ryan out!"

"That's what I'm afraid of." He mumbled under his breath, hanging up the phone.

Bryce turned his chair around to the computer. Waiting for it to load the most current information he'd obtained on the Sailor Scouts, he leaned back and glanced at his guest distractedly, "If my assumption is correct, Serena and her friends will show up anytime."

"You think they are the Sailor Scouts?"

Nodding his head slightly, "I do. Question is, what will I do with this information?"

Stepping behind Bryce, he answered, "I can't help you there." Leaning over Bryce's shoulder, he touched a button on the computer and pictures of Raye, Lita, Mina and Amy and hand drawings of the Scouts came up on either side of the monitor. Pointing at it, "I will tell you this though. If they are, it makes this idea of you getting Serena back much more dangerous."

"It does. But nothing, I think, that we can't handle."

"Are you sure?" The guest asked skeptically.

Bryce raised an eyebrow, curious about the insistence in the voice, "Positive. As long as it's done right, there shouldn't be any problems."

"How so?"

Bryce shrugged. "Of that, I'm not sure yet. You'll know when I know."

"Hmm . . . " There was still skepticism in his voice, but in the next words, the tone was more amused, "One other question. If Serena is friends with the Scouts, which you seem to think she is, what role does she play in with the Scouts, as they would obviously go to any length to protect her."

"I don't know." Bryce replied quietly, wondering what game Serena was playing. "But I certainly intend to find out . . . "


"Malachite!"

"Yes, Sir?" Was his sneering reply.

"You failed!" Rubeus was furious. He was waiting for Malachite to come up with an excuse for the failure. His imperious attitude was only furthering to fuel Rubeus' anger.

"They have nine Scouts."

"I saw that . . . You still failed!"

"I didn't fail." Malachite answered simply, then taunted, "I did as you commanded, and it didn't work."

"Another words . . . You failed!"

"I created the most powerful droid yet and . . . " Malachite stumbled to his knees as a bolt of Dark Energy struck him in the chest, paralyzing him.

"You are useless!" Rubeus told him as he walked up to him. "I'm sending you back to your worthless Queen." He laughed. A ruthless laugh, making even Malachite internally cringe.

"Fortunately for me, you won't remember your time here, not so fortunate for you, though. It would be interesting to see you explain your sudden . . . Ahh . . . Disappearance to her. Hope it's better than the explanation of your failure to me!" With that, Rubeus opened a portal and tossed Malachite through it.

"Rubeus!" He jerked around quickly at the unexpected voice.

"Wise Man, I didn't . . ."

"Another of your plans falling apart?"

"No." Rubeus replied nonchalantly, to cover the fear he felt. "I just didn't like his attitude."

"We're no closer to getting the shield over Crystal Tokyo down than we were before. Therefore, you must be failing here as well. If you do not succeed in finding the child and the Crystal, your fate won't be as pleasant as his was." That said, he faded away, leaving Rubeus alone to contemplate his words.


"How is this possible?" Sailor Mars asked, looking very tired.

"I have no idea, but it's definitely his rank on this pin," Mercury had kicked at the ashes on the ground and uncovered a blackened square piece of metal that was so familiar, that even Sailor Moon had recognized it almost on sight. "I haven't seen this on any of the other droids. Usually it's a crystal or a jewel, or something." Mercury typed a few things more, then, "Yes, this was definitely created by him . . . "

"Let's get Reenie and get home." Sailor Saturn stated, not yet ready to take on Past ghosts on top of the Present ones they already had to deal with.

"Yeah. I don't like being out here like this for long." Pluto agreed. "Especially when we have so much unwanted attention . . . " She pointed to where a crowd was gathering, at a safe distance, behind them.

Sailor Moon yawned, "Besides, we can talk about this when we get inside." She was thinking about the implications of Malachite being here, in this time, and what it means to them, and it was exhausting her.

"Ladies, go ahead." Tuxedo Mask said (a little too pleasantly in Sailor Moon's opinion), "Sailor Moon and I need to talk."

As the others left, Sailor Moon turned to him and smiled brilliantly, "Wanna go to the fair?"


Ryan watched from the crowd as the Scouts began to disburse. Seeing nine of them had nearly shocked him into an early greying. Bryce is not going to like this at all. Though he silently commended their work, he was also wondering how so many ended up in the group. Who the hell am I supposed to follow? He stood there, irresolute, until he saw only one Scout remained. From rumor, he knew that this was the leader. At least, he assumed she still was, though it was hard to tell with so many now. Sailor Moon. This makes it much easier . . . The guy in the cape shouldn't be a problem either . . . What are they doing? Ryan approached the two cautiously, trying to get a better look, and perhaps, overhear what they were talking about. They aren't talking; they're fighting! He almost laughed out loud, but checked it in time to prevent attention being brought to himself. He walked to where the creature had died and listened raptly to their words. Ryan didn't have to be near them to hear the next word; a person half a mile away would have heard it easily.
"FAIR!" Tuxedo Mask asked furiously.

Lowering his voice when he noticed the stares in his direction, "I thought I told you to stay put?"

Turning her back to him, "You did. But they are my Scouts and I won't let them fight without me." Sailor Moon chanced a quick glance behind her, and, seeing Darien grinding his teeth in, what Serena guessed was frustration, she hurriedly continued, "Besides, they needed my help. And I won't sit and do nothing while they're getting hurt."

Frustration was an understatement. Tuxedo Mask clenched his fist to attempt to bring his boiling blood pressure under control. How can she . . . Shit . . . It's just not worth it. He sighed, deeply. The wind taken out of his sails, commenting, "You are the most infuriating female."

Hearing him sigh, Sailor Moon knew she'd won, and that he was no longer angry. She turned and smiled sweetly into his eyes, "I know. But what kind of leader would I be if I stayed behind and others got hurt when I could've helped?"

Tuxedo Mask pulled her into his arms, "Leader or no, you've been sick." Then he threatened, "Next time, you'll stay or I'll tie you to the bed!"

Sailor Moon giggled. Still laughing, she replied, "I'll be fine, but I'm tired and I'd really like to go home and discuss this later, OK?" She looked at him pleadingly. Swearing profusely, Tuxedo Mask, conceding the moment to her, picked up Sailor Moon and jumped.


Ryan was a little more than slightly shocked to hear that Sailor Moon was recently sick. He had assumed that these individuals were nearly infallible. Now, he stood, watching in disbelief as the guy in the tux carried Sailor Moon to the one place he couldn't follow . . . The roof. Shaking his head, Ryan mumbled, "Better call in . . . Bryce is definitely not going to like this at all."

In his office, Bryce sat, steepled fingers under his chin, thinking about all that Ryan said. Nine Sailor Scouts! When . . . How in the hell did this happen? He remembered reading the latest account of their battles before tonight. It was a Saturday, a week or so ago, and the papers mentioned only five Scouts, of that he was positive.

As if reading his mind, his guest stated, "That's a great deal more than even you had anticipated."

"Uh huh . . . And who's the guy in the tux? I don't remember ever hearing about a guy in the group."

"Chiba." Was all the guest answered.

Spinning in his chair to face him, Bryce demanded, "Are you sure?"

His guest raised his eyebrows indignantly, "Of course! When I do offer you information, I am never wrong!" When Bryce grinned at him skeptically, he amended quickly, "Well, almost never. Look at it this way, Ryan said the guy threw roses. Correct?" At Bryce's slow nod, he finished rather smugly, "You said you saw rose petals when he'd been watching Serena from the trees in the park . . . "

As understanding dawned, Bryce smiled, leaned back in his chair and laced his fingers together behind his head. "Roses. Rose petals. It all fits . . . I have to call the others. They need to know this. And it's time to form some sort of plan to draw out Serena and her friends. Though, to be honest, my friend, unless this wily group slips up . . . " He shook his head, leaving his guest to finish the thought.


Wednesday, a little after 8:00 A.M.
The apartment was dark and silent when Serena tiptoed, with extreme caution, to the door. The shades were down and everyone was still asleep. She was careful to keep close to the wall to primarily avoid stepping on anyone sleeping on the floor, but also, so she wouldn't clutz out and wake anyone up. Serena missed her parents. It had been nearly two weeks since she'd last hugged her mom, and, although, she loved Darien and the Scouts, she needed her mom, especially after everything she'd been through. What she really needed was to touch base with reality. A reality beyond that which she'd been living, or, perhaps, dreaming, these last several days. It was almost impossible to pry Darien's arm from around her waist without him waking up, but she'd managed. What surprised her was that she was also able to get dressed with no noise. She almost giggled at that thought, but covered her mouth in time, glancing worriedly to the sleeping bodies scattered around the living room. Reaching the place where the door should be, Serena timidly touched the wall and watched, slightly awestruck, as it shimmered and a door appeared. Still fascinated at the fact that she did that, Serena, after leaving and quietly shutting the door, turned to it and watched as it faded back into a wall. Excitedly, she whispered, "Totally cool!" She frowned and scratched her head a little, "Wish I could figure out how to do that at home . . . That sure would keep Sammy out!" Giggling at the thought of what her mother would think of a magic door to her room, Serena ran down the hall to the elevator.

As Serena walked down the road toward her house, she began thinking about last night's discussion with the Scouts. They were all quite astounded that Malachite could be back. Amy had deduced that he had to have come from before they fought him in the Starlight Tower. "More time travelers . . . " Serena had moaned to the group, "What else is next?" Turning onto a well-worn path, Serena sighed audibly, remembering:
"Well, if he is here now," Hotaru asked, confused, "then who are those Scouts fighting?"
Raye thought for a moment, "You know," She started to say, but stopped and shivered. Raye felt like someone had just walked over her grave, and when everyone turned to her, she continued, looking very pale, "I remember there was about two weeks, after I became a Scout, that there was no fighting at all."
Amy nodded, "Yeah, I remember, too. We spent a lot of time training with Luna then."
"But that means . . . " Serena began.
"That even Jedeite was busy elsewhere." Darien finished ominously.
"That's right. And soon thereafter, all hell broke loose with Jedeite," Luna added. "As if making up for . . . "
"Lost time." In unison, everyone finished the statement.
"It seemed, then, too, that we were fighting every day." Serena recollected. "I remember being tired all the time!" She sighed.
"Yeah," Darien agreed, "I was always coming to your rescue!" His words effectively squashed all tension in the room, and smothered giggles could be heard from all the girls. When Serena eyed them crossly, the giggles turned into choked coughs with the girls beating each other on the back to avoid looking at her. "Hey . . . I wasn't that bad." Serena muttered.
"Huh!" Luna told them, "worse!"
When the girls could no longer suppress their laughter, Serena stood up haughtily, stuck her nose in the air and announced, "Bash me all ya like! I am not going to listen to it!" She strode into the bedroom and shut the door.

That was the last of the conversation Serena recalled because she'd gone to sleep. She hadn't even planned this little excursion beyond getting out of Darien's apartment. She picked up her pace in excitement as she rounded the last corner to her street. On approach, she felt disappointment flash through when she noticed both her parents' cars gone. Hoping she was wrong, Serena unlocked the door and went inside. "Mom? Dad? Sammy?" No answer. "Hello?" The rooms eerily echoed her voice back as she wandered through the house. This was the first time Serena could ever recall getting the creeps in her own home. It never occurred to her that her instincts were trying to tell her something.

Having decided to leave her mom a note, Serena went in the kitchen, grabbed a piece of cold fried chicken from the refrigerator and sat down to write. She told her mom that she loved her and missed her and would be home soon. That done, she almost bounced with happiness to the door. I'd better haul my butt back to Darien's before everyone wakes up, if they haven't already, and finds me gone. She laughed tightly as she thought of their reactions. First they'll tear the town apart, then they'll tear me apart. That idea made her slightly more reckless than usual as she dashed out the door.

WHAM!

"OH NOOOO!" Serena wailed, but strong arms encircled her waist to prevent the inevitable fall. "I am so sorry . . . I didn't mean . . . " She began, then looked up, stunned, into very familiar emerald colored eyes.


Cameron, set to observe Darien's apartment complex, watched as Serena strode right out of the building and right past the van he was sitting in. Thinking it was some kind of joke, or maybe even bait to draw him out, he waited until she was nearly a block away, with no sign of any others, before calling Bryce. "You're never going to believe this!"

"What?" Bryce asked quickly, immediately coming out a very strange dream he was having about men in tuxedos.

"Listen, Serena just left Chiba's building."

"Are you sure it was her?" Incredulity riding high in his voice. He hoped that the group would slip up, but in his opinion, he didn't think they were this stupid.

"Positive. Never seen pony tails like that before in my life. And get this, she's alone!"

"Are you kidding? There's got to be someone..."

"Nope. Even checked the roof tops. She's definitely on her own. Do you want me to get her?"

"No." Bryce ran his hand through his hair, thinking quickly, "Follow her. Tell me where's she's going. I'll meet you there."

"Sure thing!"


Darien sat up, a sense of overwhelming dread filled him. When he focused on it, he realized it was Serena's sense of dread that he felt. He bolted into the living room, calling her name, knowing it was useless. She was long since gone, and far away from him. The girls came out of sleep instantly when they'd heard Darien call for Serena. "She's gone . . . and in trouble. Transform now!" Was all he'd say.

Throwing up her hands in disgust, Raye growled, "Great! Here we go again!"


"Serena, so good to see you again."

"Bryce." Serena breathed, eyes wide and unfocused. She tried to pull away from him but his grip was like iron, tight and unyielding.

She took a deep breath to calm her reeling thoughts. "What are you doing here?"

He smiled gently, "Looking for you. And now that I've found you, time to go, Little Princess." He turned toward the car, taking her with him.

Fruitlessly digging her heels in the ground, Serena swore, "I'm not going anywhere with you." She struggled again to pull away, but he just seemed to move faster toward the car.

"Serena, we really have to talk." Bryce said by way of a reply. "I was quite put out by your sudden . . . Hmm . . . Disappearance last week."

"You had no reason to be upset," Serena ground out, "I had no intention of staying with you at all. And I don't plan to go with you now!"

Stopping, Bryce raised an eyebrow, smiled into her angry face, then taunted, "You don't have much of a choice. I know all your little secrets." He only partially lied, but he wanted her to know he was through playing her games. His had only just begun.

Serena's breath caught, "What do you mean?"

Ignoring the question, Bryce said, "It would be much easier if you'd come freely. Then you wouldn't have to worry about anyone but yourself." He looked pointedly back at the house she had just left.

Serena knew immediately what he meant, and tears spiked her eyelashes as she allowed herself to be led away.

"STOP! We can't allow you to take that girl!" Sailor Mars yelled from the roof of Serena's house. She jumped to the ground in front of them, placing herself between Bryce's car and the two walking toward it.

Bryce looked up in surprise and felt Serena sag against him in relief. "Remember, Serena."

Serena remained silent as he turned to Mars and bowed solemnly, not a hint of fear in his eyes. "Sailor Mars, so nice to finally meet you." He watched, mildly amused, as another seven Scouts circled him and Serena. Offhandedly, he noticed they were missing one, but what was important at the moment was keeping Serena scared enough to pull this off.

"I don't know who you are. But we're . . . ," Sailor Venus began.

"Let's dispense with the formalities, shall we? I know who you are, and I'm sure you know who I am." Bryce responded, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Now, before you do anything, Serena has given me her word that she will come with me."

"She's not going anywhere with you!" Uranus called, unconsciously echoing Serena words from earlier. At her gesture, the eight Scouts began to close the circle.

"Serena, tell them." Bryce insisted.

"Stop, Scouts!" Serena cried out, and with tears in her eyes glanced up to see Tuxedo Mask walking, with lethal purpose, toward the man next to her. She shook her head softly, heart aching. At her words, the girls froze. Tuxedo Mask, however, did not. Placing herself in front of Bryce to keep Darien away from him (or vice versa, Serena wasn't sure at this point), Serena whispered, "I'm going."

"Serena, we can prevent this," Sailor Pluto interjected.

"N... No . . . No you can't." Serena stammered. "It's my choice. Now, back off!" This she said to Darien, and he stopped about five feet in front of her. Darien's eyes narrowed when he viewed Serena's flushed face and he started to take the last few steps to her.

Seeing Tuxedo Mask, Bryce leaned down and whispered two words in Serena's ear, "Darien Chiba."

Her eyes widened and Serena thought she might faint, but, shaking off the feeling, she put her hand up when Darien was just out of arms' reach, "Don't try to stop me!"

Darien stopped when he heard the anguish in her voice, looked at Bryce and swore, "I will kill you if you hurt her."

"Move it, Mars." Serena demanded, attempting to still her raging emotions. It had taken everything she had to walk away from Darien and Serena was ready to throw caution to the wind and run to him, let him deal with Bryce . . . Until she thought of Sammy, Reenie, her parents . . . She couldn't let them get hurt because of her.

"Serena, we can't . . . "

Serena gave her a half smile, "You can and will. I'll be fine, you'll see."

"I won't harm her," Bryce added.

"You do, and I'll personally rip your black heart out!" Uranus forced out through lips white with tension and anger.

"Not before I do!" Tuxedo Mask amended in a deadly tone.

Bryce just smiled. "Let's go, Serena." Getting in the car, Serena didn't even look back. She couldn't. It would tear her sanity to shreds if she saw their faces one more time.

"Pluto," Darien said, in the same tone, "Follow them." With that, she was gone. The other Scouts stared after Serena, still in shock.

They couldn't believe Serena had gone with Bryce willingly. It didn't make sense. "Next time I see that man, I will kill him." Tuxedo Mask's voice echoed through the silence.


In the car, Serena was more angry than afraid. "Now, would you kindly tell me what it is you want with me?" She asked snidely.

Not even bothering to answer, "What happened to your birthmark?"

Totally thrown off track, Serena frowned, "Huh?"

"Your crescent moon?" Bryce replied pointing at her forehead.

Serena shook her head, confused, "Oh . . . I told you, I cover it."

"How?" Bryce was very curious about this because, as observant as was, he could see nothing on her face that would cover the mark that, he recalled, could glow rather brightly.

"None of your business." Serena was determined to get back to the original subject and not tell him anything about herself in the process. "Now, would you answer my question?"

"I told you. We need to talk."

"I'm all ears." Serena said sarcastically. "Say what you have to, then LET ME GO HOME!" This she nearly screeched. She crossed her arms over her chest when he didn't answer and looked out the window at the passing cars, "You do realize that I am fourteen years old, right? You, however are . . . Old. I could have you arrested for kidnaping... twice!"

Bryce was silent through her short tirade, then pulled off the road into a parking lot. He took her chin in his hand and turned her face to his. He leaned over so they were almost nose to nose and Serena had no choice but to look directly into his eyes. "You won't do that, though, will you?" When Serena opened her mouth to say something, he shook her head slightly with his hand and she snapped her mouth shut to let him finish. "I'll tell you why you won't. First of all, I don't think you want your family to know where you've been the last several days. Also, besides the danger to others, you don't really want your friends' alter identities bandied about town, now do you?" Serena, eyes wide, simply shook her head softly. "Good. At least we understand each other on this account."

Serena lowered her eyes from his in resignation and Bryce started back toward the lab. Once again, looking out the window, she felt a spark of true fear because of this man, but she wasn't sure if it were for herself or for the others. Serena now knew that this man had it within his grasp to keep her against her will for an eternity if he so chose.

She heard him continue conversationally, "For your information, I am not old. I'm twenty-six."

She said nothing, felt nothing. It was if she were dead inside.

"Serena . . . Serena!" Bryce demanded.

"Wh . . . What?" She answered, coming out of her introspection.

"I repeat, 'You've won my undying curiosity'."

Serena laughed bitterly, "Truly? You? Curious? It seems like you know everything already . . . What in the world could you be curious about?"

"What role do you play with the Sailor Scouts?"

Serena glanced at Bryce quickly, thinking he was making some kind of joke. All she saw was an intensely serious look on his face. She almost laughed at the irony of it. I guess that's one thing he 'hasn't' figured out yet. I'll die before I tell this fool anything. Actually, no, I think 'he'd' die if he ever does figure out that he had Sailor Moon in his hands not once, but twice. Something no enemy yet has been able to do to me. This time Serena smiled. Feeling a lot more secure, and a little more confident, "I don't know what you mean."

"Don't lie to me!" Bryce shouted.

Serena cringed, but didn't give in. Instead, she replied contemptuously, "Look, I've dealt with much worse than you, and you cannot hold me long against my will! My friends will come after me."

"No, they won't. You won't let them." Bryce sneered.

"Excuse me? But they do have minds of their own." Serena sweetly smiled into his angry, flushed face. He could beat her for all she cared. She wasn't going to give an inch. The worse thing, in Serena's mind, was that she was actually beginning to enjoy this game. And she knew that could be a dangerous thing indeed.

"But they–the Sailor Scouts–and your friend, Darien Chiba," (He studiously ignored her when she threw in boyfriend.) "listen to you, why?" Bryce was determined not to be swayed from his questioning. He wanted answers and was going to get them.

"If you're so smart, you figure it out!" Serena was only half paying attention when Bryce parked the car in a garage under the lab.

"Oh, I will." He assured her, getting out of the car. Opening her door, he took her hand, led her through a door, and down the stairs to the room she remembered all too well.

In the room, she asked grimly, "Planning on locking me up again?"

When he nodded, Serena continued, "Why do you want me? Of all people?"

"Later, Serena." Without another word, Bryce turned on his heel and left, locking the door behind him. Serena was left standing alone in the room, wondering how her life could get much worse. Head bowed, silent tears began running down her cheeks.

Bryce leaned against the locked door and sighed. Another battle won and lost. How do I always manage to act like an ass? He frowned slightly when Jeff walked up to him.

"She's right, you know." He said, motioning to the door behind Bryce. "You won't be able to hold her for long. We've seen the power her friends have. It's more than we've ever had to deal with. Go in. Talk to her. Find out what you want, then leave her."

"Jeff, I . . . I don't know. I don't even know if she'll listen to reason."

"Make her listen." Jeff looked closely at his careworn friend for a long moment, then added, "Do you love her?"

Bryce glanced at him sharply, "I don't know . . . " More frustrated than he thought possible, Bryce turned to go into the room.

When he walked back in so suddenly, Serena turned tear-filled eyes to him. "What do you want now?" She asked brokenly, feeling the weight of being protector of the world, the future, and the lives of her friends and family pulling her under. Bryce only made her feelings multiply because, Serena knew, there was more at stake with him, then anything Rubeus could toss at them at this point.

"Can we talk?"

"About what?"

"If you already had someone that you cared for, why did you meet me at the lake?" Bryce asked, taking her hand and leading her to the bed so they could sit down.

Serena didn't even try to resist him, knowing it was useless. "He and I were having some . . . Umm . . . problems." She shrugged, mainly because she still had no idea what those problems were, but, also, to let Bryce know that meeting him that day was no big deal to her, "I needed some company and you were the first to call me."

"You don't seem to be lacking in the friends department." He replied wryly, referring to the Sailor Scouts.

"It's not the same thing, Bryce." Serena sounded exasperated. She would have stood up then, but Bryce gripped her hand a little more tightly.

He waited until Serena met his eyes and whispered, "Who are you, Serena Tsukino?"

She looked away quickly, trying to prevent him from digging into her soul and finding the secrets hidden there. "I don't know what you mean."

"I think you do. The Scouts seem willing to lay down their lives for you. Why?"

"Ask them; I don't have a clue."

"Stop lying." Bryce demanded, getting fed up. I do have a trump card, yet, though, Little Princess.

"No. If you want to find out, do it on your own." That said, Serena jerked her hand out of his, fearing she might have left some skin behind, and stood up. Moving away from the bed, rubbing the injured hand, she almost missed what Bryce said next. Almost.

"I saw your little show when you were here last." At her questioning glance, he elaborated, "Your shiny little birth mark, doing exactly that." He watched as understanding dawned in her eyes.

Serena spun away from him quickly. "I... I don't know what you're talking about." She stammered softly.

"Who are you?" Bryce repeated, walking up quietly behind her.

"That is something I'll never tell you."

Bryce turned her around and lifted her chin to look into her eyes.

"Don't you touch me." Serena pleaded as she tried to move away. He seemed to hold her tighter in that vice-like grip she remembered all too well and hated just as much. "Let me go!" Serena demanded, to no avail.

"Quiet!" He returned, still staring down at her.

At the intense look Serena saw in Bryce's eyes, Serena froze, having seen that look once before, Just before . . . As his head lowered, Serena tried, unsuccessfully once again, to pull away. Just before his lips touched hers, she whispered, "Don't." Bryce didn't listen. Serena stood stock still as he kissed her, softly and fleetingly, but a kiss, nonetheless. When he stepped back, he never

even saw the hand that rose when he released her. WHAP! Eyes snapping fire, "The last time you kissed me, I wasn't feeling my best. But this time, Bud, I'm 100 percent Serena Tsukino and I will not tolerate you manhandling me!"

Bryce rubbed his hand over his cheek, still feeling the sting of her palm. "Quite a little Spitfire, aren't you?"

"Yeah! And there's more where that came from, so back off!"

"Why are you so different from the girl of last week, Serena?"

Thrown off course again, Serena looked at Bryce crossly, assembled the pieces of conversation, then answered, "I told you, I was sick."

"No, you're different, too. It's almost like you're two different people. Being sick wouldn't make you that way." He started to say something else, but stopped when Serena smiled and muttered, almost to low for him to hear.

"You'd be surprised what a little cold can do to you." Louder she continued, "Will you just go away and leave me alone!"

"I can't." It was Bryce's turn to smile. Serena's behavior was becoming something of an entertainment to him.

Stomping her foot in frustration, "Why not?"

"That, Princess, will wait for lunch."

Stubbornly, Serena turned her back on Bryce, "I refuse. I am not afraid of you."

Bryce almost laughed at her apparent act of bravado. "You needn't be. I won't hurt you." Then, in an almost threatening tone, "But you will come, or I'll drag you there."

"I'll be long gone before then." Serena replied grimly, tossing her head, and crossing her arms to give an air of strength she didn't necessarily feel at this particular moment.

"I don't think so." Bryce took two steps toward her and Serena faced him and stepped back quickly, until she met with a sturdy wall directly behind her. She raised her eyebrows in question. "If your friends come, tell them you don't want to go."

"I will do no such thing! I can and will disappear where you will never find me."

"Certainly." Bryce shrugged. "But you can't stay hidden forever. Your family would worry about you." He cocked an eyebrow, knowingly, "And you, them?"

"Look, you don't understand," Serena pleaded softly, "I have work to do. I can't stay here." She waved her hand around vaguely as her emotions began to boil.

Stepping in front of her, Bryce whispered, "So, make me understand. Tell me what you've been so secretive about."

"I can't." Now Serena was becoming hysterical, there was only so much she could take after all! Pointing at the door, "WOULD YOU JUST GET OUT!"

Bryce smiled, giving in. He knew that trying to talk to her when she was like this wouldn't be worth the effort. "I'm going, but I'll be back."

"Like I said," Serena remarked snidely, "don't bother. I won't be here. Oh . . . and by the way," She waited until he reached for the door handle and turned back to her. Smiling grimly, "I don't need the Sailor Scouts to get out this time, I'm more than capable of leaving on my own!"

Bryce, arching an eyebrow, replied, "Remember, Serena." That said, he walked out, locking the door behind him.

"OOOHHH!" Clenching her fist at Bryce's nerve. "That . . . That . . . JERK!" Was the severest word she could think of at the time. Still fuming, Serena pulled out her brooch. Determination raged through her as she thought about what she needed to do. I know this place is wired. Glancing around the room, she paused. Staring down at her only means of escape, question is, will you protect my transformation? Realizing she wouldn't get an answer and how truly ridiculous she felt, talking to an inanimate object, Serena shrugged lightly. Only one way to find out . . . She touched the brooch to her forehead, with a silent prayer, please . . . He is the last person on Earth that needs to know who I am.

Moon Crystal Power!

Sailor Moon stood, tapping her foot, staring at the door, debating what to do next. "I don't want to blast it open, but it looks like the only way." Grinning, I just hope there isn't anyone on the other side. Sailor Moon silently amended as she pulled out her Scepter.


As soon as the monitors in the viewing room were scrambled, Bryce and Brandon, smiling at each other, hit the door running. The other men followed close behind.

As she stepped over the wreckage of what used to be the door to, in her opinion, Hell, Sailor Moon smiled broadly, then sighed dramatically. "Just a small piece of vengeance, but ultimately satisfying!" She looked up in surprise as a door across from her slammed open. Eight men came barreling through at a rapid pace.

"Sailor Moon!" Bryce exclaimed. Then his eyes narrowed as he viewed the carnage left by her apparent rampage. "Where's Serena?"

She smiled as Bryce unknowingly just answered her prayers. Plastering the smile in place, Sailor Moon walked forward, appearing unafraid. In truth, just the thought of Bryce made her tremble because she knew he could or would follow through on his threats. Tread very carefully, Serena. "Yeah! I'm Sailor Moon, and Serena is GONE!" She walked right up to him and pointed her finger in his face, "And you stay the hell away from her! Or that fate," She pointed back at what was left of the door, "will be yours!" Sailor Moon had the pleasure of seeing Bryce's eyes widen at her warning.

"That goes for the rest of you, too." A tightly controlled voice agreed from behind them.

Bryce and the rest of the men turned quickly. None of them had heard the group that stood before them enter. No alarms. No footsteps. Nothing.

As the first words were spoken, Sailor Moon spun around to see the man she loves. "Tuxedo Mask!" She didn't run to him, but, stepping away from Bryce, watched him closely as he met Bryce's eyes with fury in his own.

Without even taking his eyes off his enemy, Darien replied softly, "Yes, Sailor Moon. Is Serena all right?"

"Of course! Was there ever any doubt?"

"Some!" Sailor Mars snapped from somewhere behind him.

"My, my . . . Isn't this a touching scene?" Jeff put in sarcastically, moving to Bryce's right shoulder.

The Sailor Scouts had silently crowded in the hall behind Tuxedo Mask, and Serena watched as Bryce's group moved near their leader as well. It looked to her as if a full-blown brawl was about to begin. Darien and Bryce, the tension building between them to a level that everyone could almost touch as they silently battled wills, started walking toward each other. Sailor Moon had the distinct impression that, among these fools, she'd been forgotten. In a now extremely high state of irritation at the nonsense, she stomped to the center of the hall, put her hands out to each approaching man and demanded, "Back off!"

"You've done your job, Sailor Moon. I have a score to settle with this man." Tuxedo Mask asserted. As a thought occurred to him, he added, "Saturn, Neptune, get her," he pointed at Sailor Moon, "the hell out of here."

My JOB! Serena almost laughed but chose not to because she could see the burning desire for revenge for real (and imagined) crimes against Bryce in Darien's eyes. It was then that she heard

his last words. The two Sailor Scouts walked up to her from behind, each gripping one of her arms firmly. "Oh no you don't!" She struggled for release.

"Don't worry, Sailor Moon, we'll take care of them. Just go!" Sailor Jupiter interrupted bloodthirstily as the two groups began approaching each other.

"Stop, Scouts!" At her command, surprisingly enough, everyone did. Still firmly grasped by Neptune and Saturn, she turned to face the group of men. Again, Serena almost laughed, this time almost hysterically so, as she saw that Bryce and his friends seemed not in the least bit afraid of the deadly Scouts.

"Gentleman, please . . . " She implored, though for what she wasn't sure. Serena sighed and tried again, all eyes, except Darien and Bryce's, turning to her. "Please . . . Serena has enough problems without the likes of you tailing and threatening her and her family."

She heard several shocked gasps and a 'do what!' from her Scouts. Maybe now they understand why I had to leave. Serena took a deep breath and continued. "If you persist in this, you may very well get yourselves killed. The Scouts have never hurt a human before, but there's always a first time." Sailor Moon raised an eyebrow pointedly, "We don't have time to chase Serena down every time we turn around, as we have a world to protect." She placed her hand to her forehead, confused. This is so totally weird. Talking about myself as if I'm not even here.

The Scouts, for their part, listened to Serena's words carefully. Some of them, Saturn, Pluto, and Neptune, were duly impressed by her attempt to manipulate this potentially fatal situation. While the rest of them were a little dumbfounded that Serena, of all people, could talk logically at such an illogical time.

Bryce finally looked at Sailor Moon. Folding his arms across his chest, he replied. "I won't give up." He, then, turned to Tuxedo Mask, "I know who you are."

The admission didn't faze Darien in the least, "I am at your leisure. Anytime . . . Anywhere . . . " At this point, what Bryce did or didn't know about him wasn't an issue. He was determined that Serena's (and his and the rest of the Sailor Scouts, as well) fear would end here and now. "Stay away from Serena and her family."

"I'm afraid I can't do that."

One thought raged throughout her being, though she couldn't understand why, "No! This has gone too far!" Neither paid her any heed and it seemed as if time stood still for Serena as she watched Darien and Bryce take the last few steps toward each other. "No fighting!" She whispered to the silence. Is there no reasoning with these guys tonight? Jerking away from Neptune and Saturn, she placed herself, once again, in harms way–between Darien and Bryce. Not a place she really wanted to be, but there was just no other way. Putting her back to Darien's chest to keep some space between the two men, Sailor Moon promised Bryce, "Leave Serena alone or I'll have no other choice but to let them do whatever they feel is necessary to protect her."

Challenging her words, Bryce replied, "Not until I get my answers."

Truly vexed at this pompous, arrogant man, Sailor Moon raised her fist under his nose. "Just leave her alone, damn it, or I'll dust ya myself!" Deciding to let the fools finish their little game alone, Sailor Moon ran down the hall, tears streaming, unchecked, down her cheeks.

Tuxedo Mask watched her leave, felt her pain, but didn't back down from the man less than a foot in front of him, fully intending to follow through on his earlier vow. They were almost equally matched, and both men knew it. Bryce, too, had watched Sailor Moon leave. His eyes narrowed as a thought occurred to him and he glanced back at his group, nodding slightly.

Bryce bowed to the Sailor Scouts and said to them in general and, meeting Darien's eyes, him in particular, "Another time, perhaps." As they left, the girls were left gaping in absolute astonishment.

Tuxedo Mask broke the silence, "Let's go get her." Under his breath, he bit out between tightly clench teeth, "he'll get his, and when he does, It'll just be he and I."


Sailor Moon made it outside alone and kept going. She was in no mood for the Scouts' attitudes problems so when she heard them calling her name, she took off at a dead run. At this point, she just wanted to be alone. Serena could hear the Sailor Scouts gaining on her and knew she had to get away. Trapped by the Scouts, trapped by Bryce . . . I can't deal with this. Sailor Moon ducked into an alley and hid behind a dumpster where she detransformed and waited until she was sure she could no longer hear them.

Serena walked out of the alley in the opposite direction of the last sounds she'd heard. Eventually, she noticed it was approaching mid afternoon. She frowned when she realized, also, that she was dead tired and that she hadn't eaten anything today. The latter of the two bringing the larger frown to her face. So preoccupied was she at her own thoughts and troubles, Serena didn't even notice that Tuxedo Mask watched her from above. He jumped from the roof, powered down and began to follow her, wondering what she was up to. This time he was determined to be there to prevent any mischief. Serena walked slowly, with no true destination in mind, just thinking about everything and nothing. I am soooo tired of fighting. All the time, it's the same thing over and over. But now, on top of everything else . . . Now I have to fight off a man foolish enough to want take on the Sailor Scouts! How stupid can a person get? She sighed softly in her musings as she continued meandering down the road. Somehow, Serena managed to make it to the park and to the lake. She walked out on the dock and leaned on the rail. Rasing her chin to catch the warmth of the sun, she sighed again, this one accompanied by a shudder. Closing her eyes, she tried to block out the world, two weeks . . . two weeks of pain, shock, craziness . . . She opened her eyes, raised her fist to the sky, and whispered, "Will it never end?"

Serena began to cry then, a heartrending sob that, Darien, standing behind her could feel as well as see. Knowing she wanted to be alone, he was loathed to disturb her, but he couldn't just stand there and watch while she cried out her soul to the wind and water. He walked up behind her and slid his arms around her waist.

She sighed deeply, I should've known he'd find me. Serena didn't turn around. Truth be told, she didn't even want him here. Not this time. This was something she had to work out by herself. And yet, here he is. Serena began to pull away, but when he held her tighter, she just leaned back against his chest and let the tears continue to fall. When she began to cry harder, Darien turned her in his arms and held her tightly.

As the sobs eased, he lifted her chin, gazed into her tear filled eyes and said simply, "I love you, Serena."

She said nothing. There wasn't words to express what she felt for him. Darien kissed her gently then lifted and carried her off the dock.

Serena snuggled closer in his embrace and spoke softly when he sat down with her beneath the trees, "I'm sorry I ran away like that. I just needed some time. First, you and the others wouldn't let me go anywhere. Then, that idiot Bryce thought he could threaten me into staying." Darien stiffened at the name but remained silent. "I had about all I could take."

"Are you all right? Did he hurt you?" He inquired gently.

"Yeah. Fine." Serena looked up at him imploringly, "But you have to understand, Darien. I'm a big girl. More than capable of taking care of myself. It's not that I don't like having a dashing man in black coming to my rescue, it's just that, in doing so, with someone like Bryce, you risk yourself," Serena paused for a moment, seeing that she wasn't making any head way with him. Frustrated, she continued, "What about Reenie?" Darien looked away from her, but, gripping his shirt tightly, she forced him to meet her eyes again. "The Sailor Scouts? My family?" She shook her head, "I won't have that." It was her turn to look away, speaking so low Darien almost missing her next words. "I'd give my life to prevent that."

"Like hell you will!" He snarled. "Do you have any idea what that man wants from you?"

Serena drew back slightly, eyes wide, "Well, no, but . . . "

"Well I do!" His eyes darkened in barely suppressed fury, "He will never come near you again."

"But Darien . . . "

"No buts." He interrupted again, this time venting some of his anger at her. "You can't be left alone. Your leaving before anyone was up this morning was utterly stupid."

Serena tried again, "But Darien, I . . . "

"I don't want to hear it, Serena. You could have been hurt, or worse!" She pulled away then, madder then ever. Darien tried to hold her, but she struggled until, afraid he'd hurt her, he released her.

Serena got up and stormed away from him. Throwing up her hands angrily, "Look! There you go again! I will not have people dictating to me!"

"Serena, wait!" He moved to follow her, more than a little surprised at her vehemence.

"No, Darien. Just leave me alone. I'm sick and tired of . . . " He restrained her with his hand on her arm and she turned to him impatiently demanding, "What?"

"I..." He paused for a long moment. "Serena, I know how you feel. Your family at risk . . . But you can't do it alone. We'll make sure nothing happens to them, and each other as well. However, you are taking needless risks that very well may get you killed. And then where would your family be?" Darien was trying his hardest to make Serena see reason. It apparently worked and he breathed an inaudible sigh of relief when she acquiesced.

"I know. It's just that, well, I don't really think Bryce would hurt me. Or my family, for that matter." Serena looked up at him a little sheepishly and frowned, "You, however, are another story. And the Sailor Scouts, too, perhaps." She paused. "One thing is certain, though. He doesn't know I'm Sailor Moon. I count that as a blessing."

"Yes," Nodding, Darien agreed and seemed to be looking far away, "But who is he, Serena? Why is he so adamant about you? He knows who I am."

"I know," She whispered, "He told me. But I don't know how, Darien. He knows who you are, and probably most, or even, maybe all of the Scouts, too, at this point, except Sailor Moon. Why would he be so persistent? If he had the houses wired, like my mother suggested, before we knew the taps were there, wouldn't he know who I am, too?"

"One would think so. But, we really ought to go back and discuss this with the others. Maybe, together, we can come up with the answers."

She nodded slowly then visibly cringed at the dressing down she knew she'd receive when she got home, "They're probably beating the streets to find me." She grumbled.

He kissed her gently to calm her fears, "As long as you're safe, they'll be happy."

She looked up at him doubtfully, "But . . . Uhh . . . I was really angry."

As they started walking back toward his apartment, Darien pensively gazed down at Serena, "Why? Why were you mad?" "I don't know really. Except that we, you, shouldn't fight with Bryce." She pursed her lips wondering where that thought came from and why it was really was so important to her that the two men not fight.

"It doesn't matter. He'll get his. I swear it." When Darien said nothing more, Serena took his statement as an end to the conversation. Shortly thereafter, Serena started sagging against him in exhaustion. Darien picked her up and she dozed off in the comfort of his arms.

Twenty minutes later, his and Serena's communicators blared.

Amy's frantic voice came across loudly, "Three of us down! We can't hold them all!"

"All?" Darien asked quickly.

"Four of them! Downtown market! Hurry! Serena are you there?" Even over the communicator Darien could almost feel the fear in Amy.

"She's with me! We're on our way!" Moving quickly into the nearest alley, Darien shook her gently, "Serena, honey, wake up."

"Don't want to . . . " She mumbled.

"Wake up! The Scouts need us!"

"Wh . . . Huh?" Serena rubbed her eyes as he stood her up.

"Transform now!"


When Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask approached the scene, they heard:

Deep Submerge!
Mars Celestial Fire . . . Surround!

What they saw scared them more than anything: Four Scouts staggering under the onslaught of Dark Energy and metal shards, and four Scouts down, in various places, seemingly unconscious.

"NOOOO!" Sailor Moon cried out and, as she watched, Sailor Mars went down. "Get her!" She yelled to Tuxedo Mask.

The creature nearest Sailor Moon growled, "We want you!"

Slightly startled at the revelation, her eyes widened, then narrowed with anger as she scanned her friends again. Smiling with a sweetness that belied her wrath, she pointed at her chest. "Me? Really? Well, I'm right here! Come and get me!" She turned and ran from the scene to, hopefully, give the Scouts a chance to collect themselves. She heard the creatures lumbering in her wake and Tuxedo Mask yelling for her in the distance. Fear, for the Scouts and herself, drove her to keep running until she came to an open clearing. Nodding grimly, "This should do it." She turned as her enemies followed her into the clearing in pursuit.

Waiting patiently, she examined each for visible weaknesses. Having Mercury around does have its advantages. The first one looked human in body, though much taller, with, what looked to her like, tree limbs for arms and, metal leaves for hair that it used as very effective weapons. This was the only one she had seen use something other than Dark Energy in the fighting. The second had three eyes, snakelike armor, long legs and a huge tail. The third one was, in Serena's opinion, simply a giant, downright ugly, rock with wings. The last one was indistinct in size and shape and she could put no name to it, though it apparently shifted with the shadows. All this she absorbed in the time it took the creatures to surround her.

"Master says we must take you back unharmed." The rock with wings gritted out.

"Are you going to come at me one at a time or all at once?" Sailor Moon asked as she pulled out her Scepter.

This seemed to confuse him as he knew who she was and thought there'd be more resistance. He smiled (which, to Serena, looked like a tooth filled yawn) and pointed to the others to close the circle.

Sailor Moon paused to listen for signs of the other Scouts but heard nothing. She waited another half second then threw her Scepter at the armored creature closest to her. Then pulled off her tiara.

Moon Tiara . . . Magic!

She didn't watch what damage it wrought, knowing it was to only be a distraction. Sailor Moon held up her hand to catch the returning Scepter.

Moon Scepter . . . Elimination!

She watched as the tree creature was struck and smiled slightly when it turned to dust, though not before it managed to get a few of its metal leaves off at her. Sailor Moon dodged the first two, but the last one planted itself in her upper right arm. She staggered in pain, but did not fall. She managed a grim smile as she faced the remaining three. She again reached for her tiara but froze when she heard something that shocked her to the core:

Cosmic Ice Fire . . . Destroy!

It was a male voice and she thought it was aimed at her. Sailor Moon turned slowly in renewed panic. The fear immediately dissolved, though. As she watched, with one attack by the stranger, the snake like armored creature was blasted to dust. Totally cool! Lost in fascination, she missed the winged creature approach her from behind.

"Sailor Moon! Look out!" The male voice yelled from the shadows. His warning came too late for her to get away as the creature grabbed her by the arms. She cried out as its claws pushed the metal piece deeper into her arm, her head reeling in pain. Feeling herself being pulled backward, Sailor Moon, a tight-lipped grimace on her face, used what strength she had left and dug her heels in the ground. She nearly fainted in relief when she heard the familiar:

Venus Love Chain . . . Encircle!

The chain hit the creature on the wing and wrapped around it firmly. Sailor Venus yanked hard and the creature toppled over, taking Sailor Moon with it. "Well . . . Hell!" She exclaimed, putting her hand on her hip. Frowning, "That was not supposed to happen!"

Off to the side, the shadowy creature, knowing that there was no way to succeed in the mission today, began to slip away, but found itself caught between Mercury and Uranus:

Mercury Ice Storm . . . Blast!
World Shaking!

"Shit! Won't anything kill these things?" Uranus yelled, jumping away to avoid a blast of Dark Energy.

Silence Wall!

Saturn, moving between the creature and the Scouts, blocked the deadly Energy. When the blast ended, she moved back and yelled, "Pluto, now!"

Dead Scream!

A ball of green light hit the shadow at point blank range. The shadow, however, did not turn to dust, it simply dissipated.

The Scouts had not attacked the now prone rock creature as Sailor Moon was beneath it. They were afraid to hit her, but Tuxedo Mask had no intention of letting this monster take off with Sailor Moon.

The creature righted itself and looked around. There were eight Sailor Scouts surrounding him now, plus two men and he had lost his back up. He reasoned the best way to keep them at bay was to disable his captive. "Don't come any closer." It said in a gravelly voice. "See her arm? It's already damaged and bleeding."

The Scouts cringed and Sailor Moon cried out in pain as the creature pushed harder on the disk in her arm. Fresh blood poured out of the wound. "I'll do more if you don't get out of the way." He applied a little more pressure, this time Sailor Moon just blanched and sagged, the pain and exhaustion becoming too much for her.

Tuxedo Mask waited while the creature backed up, the Scouts making a path for it. When it was directly in front of him, the creatures back to him, Tuxedo Mask bashed it on the head with his cane. Startled by the move, the rock creature released Sailor Moon and she fell to her knees, gripping her arm. Once more, from the shadows, she (and the others for the first time) heard:

Cosmic Ice Fire . . . Destroy!

The creature stumbled at the onslaught and Sailor Moon watched as Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter's attack joined the unfamiliar one. Under the combined attacks, the creature collapsed.

Sailor Moon heard the others calling her, saw them running to her, as she staggered painfully to her feet. She felt Tuxedo Mask grip her waist, looked up and tried to smile her reassurance to him. The pain was excruciating, Serena lifted her hand to his face . . . And never even felt his grip on her tighten as she gave in to the darkness that beckoned her.