Chapter 9
New Allies . . .


Wednesday . . . About 6:00 P.M.
Sailors Mars, Venus, and Uranus got to them in time to see Tuxedo Mask lift up the injured, exhausted Sailor Moon.

Sailor Mercury followed, slowly, as they were all battle damaged. She carefully checked Sailor Moon's arm, the remaining Scouts helping each other near her, watching her worriedly, "She's lost a lot of blood, but I think she'll be fine after some rest and after I get this shrapnel out. She took a deep breath, "But then," she threw up her hands in disgust, "I've been wrong before!"

Saturn put her hand on Mercury's shoulder, "Calm down. I'll help you."

Mercury smiled her thanks, "Yeah, let's get her back to Darien's."

"Maybe then we can figure out who our mystery guest was." Mars added, watching the shadows where she was sure the man had been.

"Ladies, we'll meet you there." Tuxedo Mask turned and was gone.

The girls watched him leave and, again helping each other up, they stumbled from the clearing. When they were out of sight of any onlookers, they powered down, continuing home. Each thinking the same thing, "Four at once–it just seems to be getting worse all the time."


Rubeus smiled as he watched the Sailor Scouts leave the battle scene. It was quite a fight. By combining Jedeite and Zoicite's powers, they had come up with four stunning droids. I know the Wraith wasn't destroyed. Although damaged, he should find his way back here. It's Zoicite's turn to go after the Crystal . . . And Sailor Moon.

Recently, Rubeus had been informed of a major change in plans. Wise Man and Prince Dimando had found a new way to disrupt the Future. Sailor Moon had the Crystal they'd been looking for, and they wanted it. "Zoicite!"

"Sir?"

"When the Wraith returns, have four new droids ready. We can't allow the Sailor Scouts time to rest or regroup. Sailor Moon is still just out of our reach. We need her!" He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "now, we should be able to bring her here as she was hurt again and is still weak."

Zoicite arched an eyebrow, "That's two battles she's shown up to, in almost as many days. Weak? I don't think so. This time, she took on all four . . . Alone. It seems to me that she's growing stronger."

Rubeus mused on her words a moment, "You may be right. This may pose quite a problem to the plan."

When he was again silent, she asked, "What are your orders?"

"Lead the next battle yourself. Take the droids and the Wraith. We have to weaken those wretched Scouts until they can't fight any more."

"I agree. However, what about that other fighter? We didn't see him, but he took down Slythe in one blow."

Rubeus rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, we'll just have to make sure he doesn't interfere. And if he does, wear him down, like the rest."

"He is powerful," She observed.

"Yes," Rubeus nodded slowly and turned to the viewing window to gaze down at Tokyo, "But not, I think, immune to pain."


"So, you obviously didn't tell them."

"Why should I have?"

"How about the fact that you've saved Sailor Moon's life?"

"It's my job," he replied, bitterness seeping into his voice. "So you've told me."

"What about the others?"

"What about them?"

"Are you going to tell them?"

"No. Not unless it's necessary."

"They need to know their jobs." Came the voice of reason.

"Enough! I won't be badgered!"

"What are you afraid of?"

"I'm not."

"Then, what's the problem? If you tell them, it'll make things much easier on you and the Sailor Scouts."

"Yeah? How so?"

He shrugged off the question. "More of you."

The man sat back in his chair and ran his hand through his hair in frustration, "Look, I'm still trying to get used to the idea myself."

"I understand that, but . . . "

"I said, enough!"

"Fine . . . For now . . . " He acquiesced, then he was gone.


Darien restrained Serena as she tried to draw away from the pain that even unconsciousness could not ease. "Hurry, Amy!" He gritted out.

"I'm trying, Darien, but this almost feels like it's imbedded in the bone." Amy had been prodding and pulling on the palm sized piece of metal for almost ten minutes. The wound was bleeding profusely again, making it more difficult to get a grasp on it.

"Little fool," Darien swore for at least the 100th time, looking down at Serena, "What the hell did she think she was doing?"

"Who knows?" Raye answered his question with one of her own.

"Let's face it, guys," Mina put in, "We were in pretty shitty shape back there. Chances are, she was trying to buy us time."

"Yeah, and we needed it, too." Lita agreed.

Darien, releasing Serena, brushed Amy aside and, once again, took command. "Haruka, hold her shoulders. Lita, hold her legs. Keep her absolutely immobile." When the two moved to do so, he turned to Michiru. "Bring me two towels and a washcloth." When she returned, he used one of the towels to wipe the blood away from the wound. Then, Darien wrapped the wash cloth around the piece of metal and braced her arm to keep her steady. Looking at the girls, "Ready?" At their nods he glanced quickly behind him where Hotaru was standing, "Better be quick." With all his strength, Darien pulled the shrapnel out of the bone. That done, Amy covered the gaping wound with the last towel. Hotaru laid her hands on it. A purplish aura surrounded her hands and then Serena's arm as she sealed the damaged bone and closed the laceration. She smiled wearily at Amy and nodded. Hotaru sagged back against Setsuna who'd come up behind her when she'd seen the strain the healing was causing.

"She'll be fine." She whispered gently. Amy removed the towel to see hardly a scar where once had been a potentially life threatening wound. Hotaru placed her palm on Serena's forehead and Haruka and Lita released her when Serena ceased thrashing, now resting peacefully. Hotaru looked up suddenly and almost forcefully stated, "she is not to move from this bed! No fights. No out. Nothing, for at least twenty-four hours. She was still weak from her mother's healing and over exerted herself. This just pushed her back another week in recovery." At their nods, Hotaru allowed Setsuna to lead her back to Darien's spare room to sleep. Luna came in and curled up by Serena's legs and the others went into the living room, knowing Luna would get them if there was a problem.

"Anyone have any idea who our mystery person was?" Michiru queried. The girls just shook their heads, too tired to think.

"Artemis?" Darien looked at the cat, hoping he had some answers.

"On this one, I'm totally clueless."

"He was very powerful . . . " Lita mentioned between yawns.

"Yeah." Mina put in. "But at least he seemed to be on our side."

"Sure. He saved Sailor Moon's butt back there." Raye agreed, stifling a yawn of her own. At her words, Darien frowned slightly, frustrated that they hadn't gotten to Serena in time to prevent her being injured.

Setsuna, coming up behind where he was sitting on the couch, gently rested her hand on his shoulder. When he glanced up at her, she said, "It wasn't your fault. You can't help her impetuousness. She was protecting us."

"She could've waited." Darien muttered, still more than slightly irritated with Serena's reckless behavior.

"Serena gave us the time we needed to regroup." Setsuna returned.

"Yeah, well, we're supposed to be protecting her, not the other way around." Haruka asserted.

"I'm actually proud of her." Raye said softly. "She was very brave."

Then she smiled and continued in what could only be labeled as pure sarcasm. "Not normal for Serena by any stretch of the imagination."

"True enough." Mina acknowledged amid laughter from the group. As a thought struck her, she sobered, "But once again . . . "

"They were after her . . . " Darien finished, his voice sounding ominous in the room that had quickly turned deathly silent.

"Uh huh." Lita concurred, "And they're getting persistent about it. Not to mention, more in number and stronger." She yawned again. "To be honest, guys, I'm beat. I'm turning in."

The others agreed, adding that they'd finish the discussion in the morning.

"Darien, wait." Setsuna said as he walked toward the bedroom door.

He turned to her and waited patiently while she thought about what it was she wanted to tell him. "Don't be so hard on yourself, or Serena. She needs all the love you can give her–not the guilt you want to bear." Seeing Darien about to speak, Setsuna shook her head, "listen to me. Serena loves you, desperately. She loves us all more than her very own life. She'll do what she feels is right to protect us. You can't prevent that or you will make her less than what it is you love about her." Considering her words, he nodded slightly, and left to join Serena and Luna in the bed.


Thursday . . . Early Morning
It was about two hours before dawn when the group was awakened by Sailor Pluto on the communicator. "There's five this time, guys, and they're doing some major damage near the center of town. Better make it fast!"

"Hang tight. We'll be there soon." Was Darien's reply as he climbed out of bed.

"Well, I'm certainly not going anywhere!" She answered, sarcasm dripping from her words.

The girls wearily stumbled out of bed. Even after sleeping better than eight hours, by no means were they well rested. Too much had happened and their strength was dwindling, but they wouldn't let that stop them. The seven Sailor Scouts and Tuxedo Mask were gone before they could even finish grumbling about being so rudely awakened.

Serena, however, was not with them. She'd sat up when the call came in, but Darien, though glad she was awake, gently but firmly pushed her back into the pillows. For once, she complied, without even a whimper, feigning exhaustion. As soon as they were gone, Serena threw the blankets off the bed and stood up. "Luna, look after Reenie." Though a little lightheaded from the blood loss, she felt fine, even flexing the muscle in her right arm to make sure everything still worked. Pulling her locket off, she opened her mouth to call out her transformation, but Luna interrupted her.

"Serena, you just can't go! You can't do this."

"Oh, Luna," She griped in annoyance, "Don't you start, too. I've about heard enough!" The aggravation she felt eased with her next words:

Moon Crystal Power!

Luna tried one more time to get her to listen to reason, "Sailor Moon, don't go, please. You're still weak . . . "

"I am not! And I will go!" She said fiercely, then picking Luna up and petting her gently, "I have to go. Don't you see? They're as tired as I am. I need to help them. I could never forgive myself if something happened to one of them and I wasn't there to help. Help prevent it . . . or something . . . " Coming out of her serious mien, she carelessly tossed Luna on the bed, "Anyway, just watch Reenie."

And she was gone. Shaking her head, Luna sighed heavily, already hearing another fight between Darien and Serena.

This time when Sailor Moon approached the scene, she did so cautiously. Observing the Scouts as they attacked and watching the enemies for signs of weakness, she tapped her foot, thinking about what she should do. No one's seen me yet. So, I've got the advantage of surprise! Not letting the fact that Darien was probably going off the deep end worrying about her bother her, she moved onto business. "Hmm . . . Looks like Rubeus got wise . . . "

Of the five, the first one reminded Serena of a giant plastic bag. It was tall with glittering black eyes that shot red beams of explosive Dark Energy at its victims, who, at that moment, happened to be Pluto, Venus, and Jupiter. Besides the eyes, a permanently opened mouth with large, sharp teeth encompassed most of its face. The rest of it was see-through, and, if a person wasn't watching its face, it could be only seen when it moved. The second one Serena immediately named Axeman. It had an axe where each arm should have been and saw blades for teeth. The third looked like a huge pile of molten lava. At about eight feet high, it spat rapid streams of rock filled fire at Mars and Uranus. In the wake of its movements, the ground was blackened, charred, and melted. The fourth could only be described as an overgrown mushroom. Tall and fat, with a cap the circumference of a small car, the creature slithered along on its tree trunk-sized stem, blasting every thing in sight with Dark Energy out of its enormous hands. The last one, Serena remembered from the last battle. It shifted with the shadows and used Dark Energy as its weapon.

Taking it all in quickly, Serena shook her head and sighed, trying to look at the brighter side of things, "Ahh, well . . . The more the merrier, I suppose!" Keeping to the darkness, she pulled off her tiara and aimed at the closest creature to her, Axeman.

Moon Tiara . . . Magic!

Though doing little damage, the tiara served its purpose. Axeman turned to the new annoyance behind him. When the Sailor Scouts heard her attack, they too turned in her direction, at least the ones not currently engaged. "Get her outta here!" Tuxedo Mask yelled from his position at the side of the monster he was fighting. But no one, not even he, could get to Serena in time.

Sailor Moon remained motionless as Axeman began walking toward her. Determining that, at point blank range, she might be able to take him out in one shot, Sailor Moon waited until the last possible moment, then, starting to pull out her Scepter, she heard, "Get down!" From behind her and immediately fell flat. When she glanced up, Axeman was about four feet in front of her, a whole lot closer than she preferred . . .

Cosmic Ice Fire . . . Destroy!

Sailor Moon watched in fascination as the icy flame hit Axeman, freezing and frying simultaneously. She stood up and:

Moon Scepter . . . Elimination!

Finished what their mystery guest had started. She smiled, slightly amused, as it melted into the ground, giving off a thick, slightly yellow smoke, immediately making her gag. "Ewww . . . What is that?"

"Get away from there, Sailor Moon!" Came the male voice behind her.

"Sailor Moon! What the hell are you doing here?" Sailor Uranus screamed.

Momentarily distracted by the words and the smell, Sailor Moon, coughing, missed the Dark Energy aimed at her by the shadowy creature. She suddenly found herself knocked breathless as Tuxedo Mask tackled her. "One of these days, I'm going to beat you senseless." He whispered quickly as he bounced up taking her with him. "Come on," He grabbed her hand, "I'm getting you out of here."

"No!" She tugged hard on his arm to get his attention. "I'm not going! And I don't plan on fighting now, either. Look!" She pointed to where the Sailor Scouts had split into groups to fight the four remaining monsters.

Tuxedo Mask saw the mutiny written on Sailor Moon's face; he also saw determination. "All right, damn it! If you must stay, keep to the shadows!"

She smiled, "Fine, just go . . . Help the others. I'll be ok here."

Sailor Moon watched Tuxedo Mask return to the fight. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the shadow that Tuxedo Mask had saved her from break away from its enemies. Horror filled her as it headed straight at the nearby Sailor Saturn's unprotected back.

"Saturn down!" Sailor Moon screamed.

Moon Tiara . . . Magic!

But before her tiara could hit it, the creature faded out of sight, then reappeared near Pluto.

"What the . . . !" Sailor Moon looked to her right, the plastic creature stood its ground as three attacks hit it:

Dead Scream!
Venus love Chain . . . Encircle!
Jupiter Thunderclap . . . Zap!

"Christ! What're these things made of?" Jupiter cried as she shoved Venus away from the red beams that were aimed at her. Invariably caught, she took the shot meant for Venus and hit the ground without another word.

Sailor Moon, frozen in shock, watched the same thing begin happening in the other groups. "NOOOOO!" She screamed in fury. She turned quickly to where she knew the unknown man was and demanded, "help them! Please!" She heard no reply, but watched the shadows as he crept up behind the lava creature that had taken down Mars and Neptune and left them unconscious (or dead, Serena wasn't sure which) to find its next victim. She waited until he was in position and then ran to Jupiter to aid her as she stumbled up after the blast she'd taken. Unfortunately, she was in the line of fire, so Sailor Moon jerked her out of the way and yelled, "Now!"

Cosmic Ice Fire . . . Destroy!

Already weakened by the previous onslaught, the creature cried out in agony as the power hit him, but he didn't die. Jupiter thanked Sailor Moon and she tiredly replied, "Get those two," she pointed to Mars and Neptune, "out of harm's way." Sailor Moon looked back in time to see Tuxedo Mask take a shot of Dark Energy meant for Mercury. A nearly blinding rage and fear, fear for him and the other Scouts as Serena was unsure if they would all make it out this battle alive, filled her. The others still on their feet turned in panic when Sailor Moon ran out into the open. They knew that there was no way to protect her at the distance she was from them. "Looking for me?" Sailor Moon called out angrily. The four creatures instantly turned and moved quickly toward her, well aware of whom she was and what their own mission entailed. "Come on, come on," she muttered under her breath, then called out, "Scouts unite!"

Glancing at each other then her, the Sailor Scouts, helping each other up, moved slowly to surround Sailor Moon and the four creatures that were heading, with deadly intent, straight to her.

"Sailor Moon, get down!" Came once again from behind her.

When she remained on her feet, a weakened and exhausted Tuxedo Mask tackled her again, this time rolling to avoid a combined attack from the creatures that would have fried them on the spot. Breathing hard, the two paused. Looking up quickly, they watched in grim satisfaction as the Outer Scouts and the stranger retaliated with:

World Shaking!
Cosmic Ice Fire . . . Destroy!
Dead Scream!
Deep Submerge!

The well-surrounded creatures had no hope of escape. When more attacks began hitting them, they knew they were going to die. So, pooling all of their Dark Energy, they let it out in a burst, causing a tremendous explosion . . . The concussion sent everyone on their feet flying into nearby walls or to the pavement.

Struggling to their feet, Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon watched in fascinated horror as Zoicite appeared.

"Sailor Moon." She said, pleased. "So good to see you."

"If it's me you want, then fight me!" Serena called out and began backing away. To Tuxedo Mask she whispered, "Get to Pluto. Find out if she can get Zoicite back to the Past." She watched Zoicite's approach carefully and a thought hit her, "Oh, and see if she can erase her memories of today, too."

Darien shook his head, "Sorry, I won't leave you."

"Please, just go! We can argue this later, I promise. But right now we gotta get her," Pointing to Zoicite, "Back where she belongs."

In frustration, he yielded to her wisdom. Touching her cheek gently, he whispered, "Just be careful!"

The Sailor Scouts weren't going to pose much of a threat to Zoicite, still laying around in various positions after the last blast. She advanced on Sailor Moon secure in the knowledge that, although she couldn't kill her, Sailor Moon could be damaged severely before being turned over to Rubeus. "You can't possibly hope to beat me in your condition. I'm fresh and you are," Zoicite disdainfully gave Sailor Moon the once over with her eyes, then snorted, "to say the least . . . Battle weary?"

Sailor Moon shrugged lightly, unconcerned, "I am." Then growled fiercely, "But that doesn't mean I won't fight you til the end. You don't belong here and can't be allowed to remain in this time."

Zoicite raised an eyebrow mockingly, "And just what do you intend to do about it?"

Unbeknownst to her, the respite allowed the Sailor Scouts time to regain their strength and Serena could see them moving slowly to positions behind Zoicite. Tuxedo Mask managed to get to Sailor Pluto and she'd agreed to take Zoicite back to the Past, but said that only the Crystal could remove her memories. That thought did not make Tuxedo Mask in the least bit happy.

"Tuxedo Mask," Zoicite called out, "I see you've become quite close to Sailor Moon. Come, stand beside her." She shrugged, then taunted mercilessly, "Or, stay where you are and watch her die!"

"Where's your pal, Malachite?" Sailor Moon interrupted before Zoicite could utter another word.

Rage darkened her eyes as she replied, "It's all your fault, you bitch!"

Sailor Moon's eyes widened slightly, but then smiled faintly at the next words.

"He was sent back because of you!" Putting her hands together, Zoicite formed five large ice crystal shards, ones that Sailor Moon remembered all too well from the Starlight Tower, and with a sweep of her arm sent them flying at Sailor Moon.

"NNNOOOOOO!" The Sailor Scouts and Tuxedo Mask screamed from behind Zoicite. No one was close enough to get to her, though Darien, still feeling the biting pain one of those things caused, took off at a dead run toward her. Serena was rooted to the spot, too petrified to move.

Time seemed to move in slow motion for everyone, and, as they watched, Sailor Moon closed her eyes and felt herself be hit, but there was no pain, simply a warm body, not the shards. She fell to the ground on impact and then looked up to see the shards melting into the back of her savior as he stumbled away.

The entire group had forgotten about the stranger lurking in the shadows. "OH NOOO!" Sailor Moon cried out, tears pooling in her eyes as Tuxedo Mask came to her side and helped her up. The man walked about fifteen feet and fell to the ground.

Zoicite raised an eyebrow, amused. "Well, too bad, Sailor Moon. At least, he's out of the way!"

Sailor Mercury and Sailor Saturn ran toward the injured man, but before they could get to him, a figure materialized from the darkness, lifted the man and was gone.

"Wh . . . Who was that?" Saturn asked quickly.

"Did you take him, Zoicite?" Sailor Mercury demanded, furious that she didn't get the chance to help him.

Zoicite snorted derisively, "What the hell would I want him for? I have two purposes." She looked at Sailor Moon, "And you're both of them!"

"Not this time, Zoicite! Now, Scouts!" Tuxedo Mask yelled, pulling Sailor Moon into the safety of his cape as the assault began.

Because of the Dark Energy Rubeus had infused in her, Zoicite was stronger than before, but each Scout, hitting her with a full strength attack, brought her to her knees. Seeing Sailor Venus' chain firmly binding Zoicite's arms to her body, Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask walked up to the weakened general.

"No . . . I can't go back!"

Sailor Moon looked down at her with something akin to pity in her eyes, "Give my regards to Beryl!" Then she opened her locket, revealing the very much in demand Silver Crystal.

"What do you plan to do with that?" Zoicite asked, eyes wide.

Closing her eyes in concentration, Sailor Moon shook her head, "You will never know."

Moon Crystal Power!

Serena commanded the Crystal to remove Zoicite's memories of the Present and the woman collapsed to the ground at her feet. Sailor Moon leaned wearily on Darien and they walked over to the others as Venus, Pluto, and Zoicite disappeared behind them.

"We need to get some sleep." He told the group. "You," Glancing down at Serena, "shouldn't even be here."

She covered the yawn the word sleep immediately set off. "Well, I am here. And I'm glad I was. This was a bad fight."

The group moved slowly to the alley near the battle scene and powered down. Glancing back out, they were astounded by the size of the crater left from the Dark Energy explosion. "The city is not going to be happy with us," Lita commented wryly.

"I've never seen anything with the power to kill after death." Michiru said softly.

"Yeah. Amy, check out that pile of yellow ooze over there. There was something strange about it." Serena added, pointing. "It really smelled bad and made me sick."

The group walked over to where Serena had indicated, but Serena lagged behind with Darien. "I hope that guy was ok, Darien. He saved my life." She started crying then, her fear for everyone overwhelming her. "It never seems to hit me during the battles anymore," She whispered. Darien turned Serena in his arms, and she buried her face in his shirt, sobbing. Her heart aching so much that she didn't know if she could bear the burden anymore. "What happens if someone dies, Darien?" She shook her head, "I couldn't deal with that."

He raised her chin and wiped away the tears, "No one's going to die! Do you hear me? That's why we have each other."

"But what about . . . ?" She glanced to the spot where the stranger disappeared.

"We can only hope . . . " His voice trailed off. Seeing the others moving back their way, he whispered, "Come, my Almost Fallen Princess, time for bed."

"Bed?" She groaned, "What about food?" And thus she grumbled as the group made their way back to Darien's apartment.


An hour after dawn, it was a thoroughly exhausted group that stumbled to their beds to find whatever sleep they could before they were called upon to fight again. Hotaru had done her best to heal everyone's injuries, but was only partially successful due to her own fatigue. Setsuna and Mina came in shortly after the others' arrival and they too fell into their beds, too worn out to even smile at having accomplished their objective.

Serena and Darien stood on the balcony, spending a few minutes enjoying each other's company and the morning before turning in, "I want to tell you something, Serena."

"Hmm?" She smiled at him.

"Please, stop taking so many chances."

She sighed, here we go again . . . "But, Darien, they're after me . . . "

"Precisely my point. They are after you." When Serena was about to speak, he put a finger over her lips to quiet her, shaking his head.

"What happens if they get you because you took a chance . . . Just think about what could happen. Try and think logically, please. It could mean your life."

Serena folded her arms and turned away from him petulantly. It was hard for her to remain quiet during his gentle chastising, but she did. "Darien, I just don't want anyone getting hurt because of me."

"I know, but we don't want you getting hurt, either. It's our job to take chances, not yours."

Frustrated at him for, what she thought was his lack of understanding of her feelings, Serena replied, "I don't want to argue this anymore. Let's just drop it." For now.

However, Darien did understand her feelings. More than she knew. But, until they found out what Rubeus wanted with Serena, or Sailor Moon, they–she–had to be extremely careful. Regardless of whether she wanted it or not. Darien was not about to let her win this one, but for now, he simply nodded and led her back to the bedroom.

As she bounced on the bed, she smiled brilliantly at him. "Ya know, I kinda like this . . . " Her voice trailed off. Darien looked at her questioningly and she shrugged, continuing timidly, "Waking up next to you all the time." Then she whispered, "I'm going to miss you when I have to go back home."

Climbing in the bed next to her, he pulled her close and kissed her softly. Laying down, he replied, "Me, too, Serena. Me, too."


"Bryce! Oh, Dearest Brother of Mine! Where are you!" Brandon called out as he made his way through his brother's penthouse.

"In here!" Bryce mumbled into his pillow.

Brandon opened the bedroom door to find his brother sprawled out on his stomach on the bed, face buried in the pillows. "What? My brother, still asleep! Heart attack! OOHH NOOO!" He stumbled laughingly to his knees, hand over his heart. "It's after ten and you haven't met this glorious day yet?"

"Go away! It's been a long night." Bryce muttered.

"What? Still mooning over the, again missing, Serena Tsukino?"

"You are a pain." He sighed, annoyed. "What do you want? If it isn't important, then get out. I need my sleep."

"Can't do that, Big Brother. I've come to ease your lonely plight!"

"I don't need easing. I need my sleep."

Brandon stopped his joking, "Are you all right? Are you sick?"

Bryce shook his head, but Brandon braced his hand on Bryce's back to find his forehead and check for fever.

"GET THE HELL OFF OF ME!" Bryce cried out with agony ridden words.

Brandon jerked back from him as if burned. "What is your problem?" He went to move the blankets from Bryce, but the man rolled over to prevent it.

"I'm not sick, Brandon." He gritted out. "I'm just beat. That's all."

"Look . . . Something's wrong, Bryce. I can tell. You've been known to stay awake days at a time . . . Not to mention that you've never yelled at me like that before . . . " Brandon was really worried. He'd never seen Bryce act this way. It was almost frightening. And hardly anything rattled Brandon.

"It's all right . . . Don't worry." Bryce opened bloodshot eyes and smiled weakly at him.

"If you say so . . . " His voice died as he watched Bryce's face pale as he shifted positions on the bed.

"I do."

"By the way, there's still no sign of Serena." Brandon said, still eyeing his brother carefully.

"I know."

"The Sailor Scouts have been busy, though."

"Yeah. I know that, too."

"They seem to have a new guy on their side, as well. Unfortunately, we missed the fight this morning, though. By about fifteen minutes."

"Hmm." Was all Bryce said.

"When we do manage to catch up with them, we've tried to watch them to see where they go, but they always seem to elude us . . . "

"Yeah, well, don't watch too close. I don't want you getting stomped on by the Scouts!" Bryce smiled slightly with his own words.

"Hey! This is us!" He laughingly retorted. "But, since you're obviously not getting out of bed, I'll leave you to your dreams . . . " Brandon looked at his brother closely once more, "Should you have a need . . . "

"I know. I'll call."

Bryce opened his eyes again and, watching his brother's retreat, came to a decision. "Wait, Brand." He turned back to his brother and raised an eyebrow expectantly. "Call the others. We need to talk."


Rubeus hadn't thought it possible that his plan might fail. Zoicite was captured and gone. "Back to the Past, probably." He mused bitterly. It had been three hours since the battle ended and he knew that he himself was running out of time. The Scouts were wearing down and he had to act fast.

"Nephrite, Jedeite!" Appearing before him, they listened patiently as Rubeus began to rant. "I need Sailor Moon and her Crystal! Wise Man is not all pleased that we, I, continue to fail. The Scouts are down but not yet out. The only way to get Sailor Moon is to due away with those pathetic Scouts completely."

"We shouldn't forget about their new companion–the one that took Zoicite's shards for Sailor Moon." Nephrite reminded them.

"Hmm . . . Yes . . . " Rubeus clenched his fist, fury filling him again, "that fool, Zoicite! I told her I wanted Sailor Moon alive. Her own thirst for vengeance ruined the best laid plan."

"One more battle should do it, though." Jedeite speculated.

"Maybe." Rubeus looked dubious, but asked the question anyway, "what's your intention?"

Jedeite shrugged, "We go to the fight ourselves. Take enough droids to keep the Scouts busy, diverted from watching Sailor Moon. In the interim, one of us," He looked at Nephrite, "escapes with Sailor Moon when no one can interfere."

"She'll fight you or I, or both of us, tooth and nail . . . " Nephrite tossed his head, disgusted.

"And if Zoicite didn't manage to kill the other warrior?" Rubeus interrupted before the two could come to blows.

"If he interferes, we kill him." Nephrite replied without thought.

Rubeus nodded his agreement, "Good. But if you fail, your fate will be one worse than death." Thinking themselves dismissed, Jedeite and Nephrite turned to leave, but stopped to listen when Rubeus added, "Be careful with Sailor Moon. Wise Man wants her alive, no physical damage. There's no telling what he plans to do with her . . . "


Thursday . . . Around Noon
Serena woke up alone in bed. She stretched, wondering dreamily what it would be like to wake up next to Darien for the rest of her life. She blushed at the direction her thoughts were taking, then sighed. It would be a very long time before they were married. Not that it mattered, though, because she'd been enjoying all the aspects of a married couple for almost two weeks. "Well, almost all . . . " Serena amended, blushing again. "My father would freak if he knew where I was right now. He wouldn't care if it was perfectly innocent . . . Probably aim a gun at Darien and end up shooting himself in the foot in the process." She laughed at the sight her thoughts portrayed. Her dad hopping around on one foot, swearing. Shaking her head, Serena thought about what Amy had said on the way home from the fight earlier. The creature Serena had killed melted into poison. Something like Cyanide or close to it. Serena could still hear Lita's ringing remark, "Even time travelers invest in chemical warfare . . . " 'Power to kill after death,' Michiru had said. She believed that thought was weighing heavily on everyone's mind now. Noticing there was no noise coming from beyond the door, curious, Serena got up and walked in the living room. She frowned when she saw the room was empty, save Reenie.

The little girl ran to give her a hug, and jumped on Serena's lap when she sat on the couch, "Hi, Mommy!"

"Mornin', Munchkin. What's up?"

"Oh, nothing. Just trying to figure out a way to tell Luna and Artemis that they have a kitten in the future." Reenie giggled when Serena's eyes widened, then she, too, laughed.

"Uh oh . . . I think Luna will be quite hysterical over that one." Reenie, still smiling, quickly nodded her agreement. "By the way, where is everybody?" Serena glanced around curiously, still, there was no sign of anyone.

"Uh . . . " Reenie began sheepishly, "They, uh . . . Went out." She grinned innocently at Serena, pleased with her own logic.

Serena looked at her watch. It had only been about five hours since the Scouts went to bed and about four for her and Darien . . . Then she paused, if the others were out and as tired as she was . . .

"Reenie?"

"Hmm?" She asked, climbing off Serena's lap.

"Where are they?" Serena demanded. Standing up, she angrily put her hands on her hips.

"Don't answer that!" A voice called out from behind Serena.

"Luna," Serena cried, grabbing her chest, "You damn near scared the life outta me!"

"Sorry, Serena," The cat replied, although she really didn't sound contrite at all.

Turning back to Reenie, bending at the waist to look her in the face, "Now tell me where they are!"

"I can't." Reenie whispered.

"They're on a mission, aren't they?" Serena was furious now.

"Uh . . . Well . . . " She dug her toe into the carpet.

"Small Lady! Don't you lie to me!"

"Reenie!" Luna growled.

"I'm sorry, Luna," Reenie hung her head apologetically.

"Well?" Serena insisted.

"They're in the park. They got the call about twenty minutes ago when Lita went to town to get stuff to make breakfast."

Without another word, Serena transformed. Sailor Moon kissed the little girl, "Thank you, Reenie. You did the right thing."

Reenie knew better than that, and so did Luna, "Sailor Moon, you must not go!"

"Shut up, Luna," She snapped, "I've had it up to here," Serena put her open hand over her head, "With people telling me what I can and can't do. They need me, enough said!" Saying that, she was gone.

Reenie, tears in her eyes, glanced down at the cat. "Guess I goofed, huh?"

Luna sighed and tried to reassure the girl, "No, Reenie. You couldn't lie. But I don't like this." Her fur stood unnaturally high on her back and she shook her head. "Not one bit. Three in a row . . . I'm afraid it might just be too much, even for the Sailor Scouts."


Tuxedo Mask clenched his fist. Never had they had a battle as vicious as this. It made the last one seem like child's play. There had been eight this time, and certainly not enough Scouts to fight them all. Two were already destroyed, but, as Mercury had found earlier, they let off a poison gas, making Neptune and Venus violently ill because they were too close when the creatures had been destroyed. With six left and Sailor Moon on her way, Darien couldn't be any more frustrated.

The Scouts were tired and it was obvious which direction this battle was going. Jupiter, Mars, and Uranus combined attacks three times on one creature. Looking at each other, shock filled them as they had no effect. The blue, three horned monster gave a gravelly smile, knowing that even after its own death, the Dark Energy blast was intense. The three didn't see the creature crack until it was too late.

All the Scouts scattered, trying to get far enough away from the inevitable explosion. However, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus, the closest ones to the creature, were knocked flat, but not by the report, "What the hell!" Mars cried out.

"Sailor Mars," A male voice told her, "Stay down, please. We'll help the others."

She looked up to see a black-haired man smiling down at her. "Who the hell are you?"

"They'll be time for explanations later. Take a look." He indicated behind him with his thumb, "We're here to help."

Mars looked around as the stranger helped her to her feet. Each of the Scouts was now being aided by men similarly dressed like the one next to her. She glanced at him curiously. He wore black pants with an off-white shirt. Like Tuxedo Mask he had a cape, but his was blue and black and thigh length instead of longer. He was tall and looked vaguely familiar, but the magic that protected the Sailor Scouts' identities obviously worked for his as well. He also wore a mask, carried a sword of ancient design, but had powers of his own that he displayed as he pushed her back behind him:

Cosmic Night Storm . . . Blast!

Looking around him, Mars saw the four legged, centaur looking creature nearest Pluto explode as the blue beam of light struck it. Another man had managed to get Pluto out of the way just before the blast. Mars' jaw dropped. "That was incredible . . . " She whispered in awe.

He bowed slightly from the waist, smiling, "Thank You."

She started to walk by him, "Now there's only four left . . . And we have a definite advantage!"

"No." He replied. Gripping her arm lightly, he swept his other hand out and said, "Watch . . . "

As the Sailor Scouts stumbled back, out of the way, the seven men closed the distance on the creatures that were left. Surrounded and having no place to go, Mars saw the telltale signs of the pooling of Dark Energy. "Uh . . . " She muttered, clutching his arm tightly, "They're uh . . . ," her voice getting louder as she spoke, "Going to explode!" He just shook his head and smiled. For the second time in a matter of minutes, Sailor Mars was speechless. The attacks came at the last possible second:

Earth Shadows . . . Erupt!
Cosmic Dark Storm . . . Blast!
Earth Shards . . . Impale!
Cosmic Ice Fire . . . Destroy!
Earth Lights . . . Blaze!
Cosmic Wind Comet . . . Annihilate!
Earth Star . . . Shock!

After getting over his initial shock at so many dressed similar to him, Tuxedo Mask, helping Mercury and Neptune to a safe distance, turned back to look for Sailor Moon, knowing she should be there by now.


Sailor Moon ran up in time to see the seven attacks on the monsters. "Wow!" She stopped to watch from a short distance away. "That's him! The one that saved me before! This is so cool . . . And such hunks, too!" She hit herself in the head with her palm, Raye's words rebounding through her mind, "OK, Meatball Brain. Don't you think you should keep your mind on more important things!" Watching the men closely, her eyes widened, "Oh my God!" she gasped out, then whispered, "I believe things have just gotten a whole lot more complicated . . . "


Tuxedo Mask couldn't see Sailor Moon anywhere. Though he knew she was nearby, she hadn't shown herself yet. "Damn good thing, too." He muttered under his breath, watching the trees for signs of her. "Damn it! Doesn't she know how to listen! If that girl does anything in our lives, it'll be to put me in an early grave." Checking on the Scouts, he glanced back toward the picnic area and felt a small sense of relief when the creatures blew up, the report causing the ground under his feet to shift slightly. The seven attackers managed to protect themselves and the Scouts nearest them as well, so no one was injured.

Darien shook his head as a strange sense of deja vu filled him. He shrugged it off quickly, because it was then that he saw a movement near the trees he hadn't had a chance to check yet . . . And he also noticed what she had not . . . Jedeite and Nephrite right behind her. "Sailor Moon! Behind you!" Everyone glanced in the direction he called out to.

"Huh? What . . . ?" She questioned, turning in his direction. Sailor Moon saw him pointing and spun around quickly. "Oh man!" Crossing her arms across her chest, "Not you guys!" They said nothing but separated and moved to come at her from both sides. "Can't you guys ever just stay where you belong?"

"Sailor Moon . . . " Jedeite, on her right, spoke first.

"Care to join us for a little two on one?" Nephrite finished for him.

"Now why would I want to go and do something that stupid?"

"You do know we're taking you back with us . . . " Nephrite said abruptly, still moving slowly toward her.

"I don't think so! If anything, you guys are going back where you belong!" Sailor Moon reached for her Scepter, but stopped as a thought struck her, "Why would you want me anyway?"

"You have one of the most sought after items in the Galaxy, perhaps the Universe." Jedeite replied. Her hand immediately went to the locket she was wearing.

"Yes, Sailor Moon. Your Crystal." Nephrite spoke her thoughts.

Serena glanced behind her, Tuxedo Mask was about fifty feet back, the Scouts and men on his heels. Jedeite and Nephrite watched the others approach with amusement clearly written on their faces. They had anticipated the move, and, as one, they lifted their arms. A Dark Energy shield surrounded them and Sailor Moon; Tuxedo Mask, running, slammed right into it.

"Great . . . ! Just great!" Mars yelled, throwing up her hands in disgust.

Mercury grabbed her computer, "There's gotta be a way in there . . . " As she typed, she frowned, and, receiving the answers, her frown deepened. Turning to Darien and the men that had gathered around him, "Well . . . I've got some bad news and I've got some worse news."

Darien watched, his countenance filled with anxiety, as Serena stood in the middle of the shield just talking away at the two Generals.

"The worse news?"

"The wall is impenetrable. A combined attack by all seventeen of us wouldn't even scratch it."

"And the bad?" He demanded, getting more terrified by the moment.

"...is that it can be broken from the inside, but we can't tell Sailor Moon that because the damn thing is sound proof!"

"You know, guys," Sailor Moon continued on as if nothing had happened. "You could have come up with something a little more original. I mean, come on now . . . A dome? This has been tried and failed." Serena had to keep talking, lest her fear get the better of her. She couldn't figure out why the others hadn't tried to get in yet, but she hoped it would be soon. Turning around, she could see them trying to say something. Why don't they just blast the damned thing?

"They can't get in." Jedeite said simply, eerily answering words she knew she hadn't spoken.

Nephrite brought his arms down and walked toward her. Shaking her head in disgust, "geez. I've had enough of this!" Sailor Moon grabbed her Scepter:

Moon Scepter . . . Elimination!

She aimed directly above herself, and, as the shield began to crack, she quickly turned her strength on Nephrite before he could get to close to her. Serena smiled bitterly as Nephrite stumbled. Jedeite attempted to reinforce the shield, but Sailor Moon, sinking to her knees, raised the Scepter above her head again, directly at the earlier break. Praying for the power to keep up the attack, she put all the force she could behind it. Suddenly, Serena dropped her Scepter to the ground, closed her eyes tightly, and covered her ears as a loud ringing sound reverberated from the top of the barrier. With a loud crack, the shield shattered into large pieces. Serena, ears aching, glanced up to see the bright afternoon sunlight beating down on her face. She couldn't hear the Scouts begin attacking the two Generals, but smiled sweetly at Darien when he pulled her into his arms. As he walked her back to the group, and, seeing the last two of Beryl's generals firmly bound together there was only one thing left to do . . .

The eight men had moved away from the group of Scouts to allow Sailor Moon time to do what needed to be done. Once Sailor Pluto and Sailor Venus were gone with the defeated Generals, the remainder of the Scouts, Sailor Moon, and Darien walked the short distance to the others. A somewhat awkward silence ensued.

Serena, unwavering faith in mankind, not to mention her memories, took Darien's hand and, moving in front of the men's apparent leader, simply stated, "I know you, don't I?" Sailor Moon could hear the collective gasps of surprise from behind and she smiled inwardly.

"You know them?" Tuxedo Mask asked cautiously.

She looked at him misty-eyed for a moment and whispered, "Yes. And so do you."