I still don't own these characters.

2/26/06, made a few changes. The dialogue from the mini-senshi comes right from SailorMoon SuperS #1 and #2.

1/2/08, added the song lyrics.

11/23/08, lemon-y content towards end of chapter.

Chapter 2: Awaken

"It seems crazy but you must believe
There's nothing calculated, nothing planned
Please forgive me if I seem naive
I would never want to force your hand
But please understand, I'd be good for you.

I don't always rush in like this,
Twenty seconds after saying hello...
Telling strangers I'm too good to miss
If I'm wrong I hope you'll tell me so
But you really should know, I'd be good for you
I'd be surprisingly good for you.

I won't go on if I'm boring you
But do you understand my point of view?
Do you like what you hear, what you see
And would you be, good for me too?

I'm not talking of a hurried night
A frantic tumble then a shy goodbye
Creeping home before it gets too light
That's not the reason that I caught your eye
Which has to imply, I'd be good for you
I'd be surprisingly good for you."

- Evita, I'd Be Surprisingly Good for You

It was almost midday before Malcolm stopped Morning Star for a rest. The morning had been very uncomfortable for both riders. Mia, exhausted, but proud, was embarrassed to find that she kept leaning back into the protective, muscular arms of Malcolm. Malcolm was having a difficult time admitting to himself that he wouldn't mind riding like this for quite sometime. He was also having a difficult time making sure that his body cooperated with his mind.

In a single fluid motion Malcolm dismounted Morning Star and, without thinking, turned around to help Mia. Mia, with Malcolm's large hands around her slender waist, slid off her mare's back and then found herself trapped awkwardly between Morning Star and Malcolm. Stoic Malcolm couldn't get his hands to remove themselves from around Mia's waist. The blonde duchess looked up at Malcolm with a confused look in her beautiful blue eyes.

Perhaps it was the lack of sleep, or maybe the months it had been without female company, but Malcolm confidently leaned down and kissed the radiant girl in front of him. Mia, surprised at herself, returned the kiss with passion. Her arms immediately went around his neck, and for an odd moment, she felt she should be running her hands through thick locks of silver...

Where did that come from?

Distracting thoughts aside, Mia happily gave her undivided attention over to the handsome and very attentive soldier.

In the Palace, although it was getting late, the girls were all excited about their potential find. Amy wasn't sure if it was the combination of no sleep, the threat of the Nazi soldiers, or the late hour, but her thoughts were very clear. The pictures from the story kept running through her head. Tapping a delicate finger on her lips, she asked Selena, "So, as far as you know the legend - the Queen of this country holds the key to a very powerful, but undefined, weapon?"

Selena answered, "I'm not sure if it is actually a weapon. I just know it's something we can use to protect the country and its people with. As far as I know, it has never been used."

Lita and Rae were still staring at the picture. Lita wondered aloud, "I wish we could ask these girls what it all meant. They look like they could take on the Nazi army single-handedly."

Rae nodded her head in agreement, "They sure do. I wonder what their strange uniforms mean. They certainly are eye-catching."

Amy got another look at the picture, "Look, there, what do you think those tiara things are on their foreheads?"

Serena peeked her head over Rae's shoulder, "I don't know, but I wonder what the girl asleep on the Moon is doing. How in the heck did she manage all that hair?"

Each of the young women looked at the image, searching for an answer to their thousands of unasked questions. Who were these strange women from the past? What answers did they have? What had happened to them? The Crown Princess got up and looked out the window at the moon, "I hope Mia is okay."

The girls were silent for a moment.

Selena went over to her daughter and said comfortingly, "It was a split second decision. As the unofficial leader of your court, I felt Mia was the best decision to send. I needed the rest of your girls here, with us, for protection. Hopefully, she will find help with the Americans."

Amy continued flipping through the book and commented, "What's unique about this fairytale is the fact that there is no happy ending. Everyone is dead at the end."

Serena shook her head, "Well, Amy, I don't know if you're right about that. The Queen did sacrifice her life, but it was so that everyone could have another chance. I don't think most people get a second chance at their happiness. And look, their time on the Moon wasn't all bad. They all found their true love and most people, even today, don't get that far. I know I haven't…."

Rae asked Amy, "So, how exactly did this legend get to Earth? It's not exactly the story of the Greek or Roman gods and goddesses."

Amy replied, "That's another thing that's odd. If you look at similar fairy tales from the region, this story is not similar at all – in length or subject. The Moon Kingdom does not exist anywhere except this story."

Serena questioned, "Was there any way people from the Moon could have come to the Earth?"

Lita grinned at the Princess, "Serena, come on, people on the Moon? Coming to the Earth?"

Serena frowned, "You don't know. People could have."

Selena decided it was late enough, "Come on girls, it's late enough. We all need to be at our best tomorrow."

Everyone agreed. Rae decided however she was going to stay awake and keep watch in case anything was going to happen. As the girls fell asleep quickly, Rae found herself staring into the roaring fire in the massive fireplace. Her eyes drooped heavily. Suddenly she saw in the midst of the fire were two tiny girls with raven hair like her own – they looked like fairies…

"Princess Mars…"

Princess? Rae thought hazily…she was only a duchess. Serena was the princess.

"Time to morph, here's your Mars Crystal. Remember us. Remember your past."

They reached out to her and touched her forehead. Fire shot through Rae's body. Images flew through her head – she was wearing the same costume as the girl in the picture, she was looking at the Earth from far away, she was wearing a long red dress and being introduced at a ball…

From the planet of Fire, Princess Mars...

She was dancing happily with a cute blonde man, she was fighting…fighting the same blonde man she had been dancing with. So many emotions…then darkness...

The little ones spoke to her again, "Awake Senshi from the Planet Mars – and sling em' with your Mars Arrow!"

They passed to her a small pen and then faded into the fire.

Rae woke up abruptly. How long had she been asleep? She remembered what had happened. In her hand was the small pen. She got up and looked at the picture again…she was looking at herself…Princess Rei of Mars, Sailor Senshi of the Inner Planets and part of Princess Serenity's Court. Was it possible the others were also reincarnated versions of these Princesses?

Rae didn't know what to do with the information she had just dreamed. There were words were ringing through her head...

...Mars Power...

Whether it was minutes or hours later, Mia couldn't tell, but she finally broke the kiss. She and Malcolm were both breathless. Neither of them could think of anything to say. Malcolm awkwardly made himself busy by trying to put together a meal out of the supplies they had been given. Mia walked away from Malcolm, unprepared for the emotions she was experiencing. She was Duchess Mia, the biggest flirt in Ginzuberg. She had a long string of beaus. She was the one who made men weak. What was going on with her? She wasn't just some girl who would drop everything because she had been kissed. And how had she let herself get into that position anyway? The innocent kiss had heated up quickly, and she blushed at the memory. Her partner's hands had also been busy, happily divesting her of the rough cloak, eager to get closer to her skin below. In a matter of minutes, the embrace had escalated to a complicated, unexpected, but very heated exchange.

Straightening her clothes, and trying to fan the red from her cheeks, Mia reminded herself that she had a duty to her country to fulfill – to her Princess!

Malcolm, while gathering supplies, was expericing similar emotions. How could he ruin the integrity of the mission he had been assigned? Why was he taking advantage of a foreign woman in the middle of nowhere? Had living abroad weakened his senses? Had separating from his team changed him somehow? He had a duty.

Only a short time after Rae's odd encounter, Nazi soldiers roughly barged into the Queen's chambers.

"We're moving! Queen Selena - you will come with us!"

Before the girls could do anything, the men had roughly grabbed the Queen and separated her from the younger women, taking the regent from the room. Serena burst into tears. Lita tried her best to quiet the sobbing Princess and whispered, "Your mother is a strong woman, Sere, they won't do anything to her. If they did, the country would revolt. Shhh."

Amy and Rae began gathering what things they could. Amy quickly put the book in her bag, needing more time to study it. Rae was growing madder and more frustrated by the minute. The Nazis couldn't order her around like this. They had no right to treat royalty this way. Before she knew what she was doing, she held up her pen and yelled out, "Mars Power!"

The soldiers and girls alike stared, as Rae was surrounded by fire. She somehow emerged from the fire unhurt and clad in a strange red, white, and purple costume – complete with red stiletto heels.

Mars called to her friends, "Hurry! Go, I'll catch up!

The trio didn't need further encouragement and ran out the opposite door. Mars now stood defiantly between the soldiers and her friends. She really had no idea what to do next. However, something deep in her subconscious was triggered and she gathered her strength, placed her fingertips together and yelled out, "Mars Fire SOUL!"

A wall of flame shot out in front of her. The room instantly caught fire.

Oops…guess I don't know my own strength.

The soldiers could not get penetrate the wall of fire in front of them, and Mars had no choice but to exit the room via the window. Finding herself on the roof, she hastily looked below and sighted a large bale of hay that would hopefully break her fall. Her body instinctively caught herself as she landed. During her fall, she felt herself detransform – and was back to her normal self, utterly exhausted. Narrowly avoiding a number of soldiers, Rae struggled to the stables. She found a deserted stall and passed out.

Serena, Lita, and Amy were doing their best to keep out of sight. The castle was overrun with soldiers. Fortunately, Rae's "distraction" was diverting the attention from them. The girls were making a quick exit through the servants quarters. Lita remembered a hidden shortcut through the kitchen. The girls ducked behind one of the great hearths just as a bunch of soldiers came through the room. They ran from the castle as fast as they could, heading towards the smaller summer guesthouse that the royal family sometimes used.

Out of breath, but safe for the moment, Lita asked what was on everyone's mind, "What in the hell happened back there?"

Amy spoke first, "I have no idea. But somehow, the whole scene looked familiar."

Lita and Serena nodded, while Amy began to dig through the bag she had packed. She pulled out the fairytale and flipped to the picture, "Wouldn't you say that's almost exactly what Rae looked like?"

Lita and Serena agreed, and the Princess asked, "But how?"

Lita shook her head, "I'm not sure, but we'd better keep going."

Chewing on her fingernail, Amy didn't want to give the subject up so fast, "Well, Rae has always been the most in touch with her 'magical' side. Maybe this was something in her that she just tapped into."

Walking forward, Serena twisted her hands nervously, "Are you sure we shouldn't go back for my mother?"

From behind the her, Amy and Lita exchanged and look and Lita said quietly, "Serena, your mom would never want you to endanger yourself. We need to put as much space as we can between here and the castle. Do you understand?"

"I do."

Darien led his men through the heavy underbrush. They were quiet and stealthy as they made their through the countryside. Darien felt something powerful urging him along. He didn't need to look at a map to see where he was going. Something was calling to him. The others must have felt it too. There was something unresolved ahead of them.

Darien and his men arrived at the castle as it was nearing dusk. The vague plan was to get in the structure, locate the royalty, and get out and without being seen. The elite team had stopped at the edge of the forest and were about a half-mile from the extensive palace grounds. Darien looked over the immense building in front of him. Somehow, the architecture seemed familiar to him. Shaking his head, he looked at his men and stated, "Jake, I want you to try the stable entrance that Mia told us about. Zach, you go with him. In case you find the girls, they might need some medical attention. Nick and I are going to try and 'borrow' some soldiers uniforms and enter the castle. Don't do anything to get noticed."

Captain Shields pointed to a distinct tree and said, "If anything happens, you will all immediately abandon the mission and return to this spot. We are all getting out of here alive. Understood?"

His men nodded seriously, then broke into two groups and headed into the fading light.

Finishing a piece of bread, Mia broke the silence and asked conversationally, "How long have you been with your team?"

Malcolm looked off in the direction they had come from, "Sometimes it feels like forever. But I guess it's only been a few years now. "

Mia nodded, "I know the feeling. I mean, I grew up in Princess Serena's court, but me and the other girls…I just think we would have been friends no matter where we had been born."

Malcolm wanted to stop the similarities between he and the blonde. He had a job to do. He answered bluntly, "Well, we'd better get on our way."

Rolling her eyes, Mia got up gracefully, walked past Malcolm and winking, said, "I think I can manage to get on Morning Star myself, thank you very much."

Stoic Malcolm answered, "I'll walk."

The Ginzuberg royalty walked further until they found a spot they felt was safe. Amy decided she would keep first watch. Her mind took longer to 'shut off' than everyone else's. The girls had collapsed for the night next to a small brook. Amy was determined to find whatever it was the Nazis were looking for. The petite duchess looked at the book for what seemed the millionth time. She looked at the girl who looked like her in the picture. The girl was so pretty and looked so happy with the handsome solider behind her. Amy's life wasn't a bad one…she loved being in Serena's court. But, unlike the other girls, she could never see herself settling down. Amy wanted to go study at a top American University and become a doctor. She wasn't sure if a husband was in the picture. Amy's blue eyes looked past the book and into the small stream next to her, and felt calmer. All her life, she had always loved water of any kind.

As if in a trance, Amy stared harder and harder at the water, until she could almost see her reflection in the moonlight. Suddenly, a girl very similar to the one in the book popped out of the water.

The sprite spoke while Amy simply stared, "Princess Mercury…"

Like Rae, Amy's first thought was that she wasn't a Princess. Amy's very rational side also tried to figure out what or how the apparition had appeared in front of her. The little pixie laughed as she watched Amy try and figure her out, "Nothing has changed has it, Princess?"

Amy looked confused.

The tiny one continued, "Princess Amy, you must wake up and become your true self – your Princess needs you." She dipped her wee hand in the water and touched it to Amy's forehead, and said forcefully, "Arise, Sailor Mercury!

The second the water touched her forehead, a wave of images cascaded through Amy's head: she was in a great library filled with books studying intently, she was training with her fellow senshi, and there, the shy princess was being asked to dance by a cute blonde soldier. What did it all mean? As her vision cleared, the tiny fairy passed a small pen to Amy, "Awake now! Your princess needs you!"

Amy awoke from the trance and immediately heard voices coming from the forest. They were speaking in German. Dogs were barking. What could the three of them do? The wheels in Amy's brain started spinning. If there was only some way to confuse the soldiers and force them get lost. Amy went over and gently shook Lita and Serena, then motioned for them to be silent. The voices and flashlights were getting closer.

Something inside of her found the answer to the equation and Amy shouted, "Mercury Power!"

She was immediately transformed in a flash of blue and silver light. The solders were attracted to the commotion, while Amy motioned her friends in the opposite direction. Once they were a fair distance away, the young woman yelled confidently, "Shabon SPRAY!"

Immediately, the surrounding area was filled with a cold, dense fog. Amy found she could see through it, however, she could not see which way her friends had gone. She was feeling very tired as well. Amy stumbled forward, fell down, and closed her eyes, feeling rewarded at how she protected her Princess. Nothing mattered now that her Princess had gotten away safely...

Jake and Zach managed to get to the stables unseen. They had split up and went around different ways to try and get into the secret door. Jake was making his way along when he heard moaning coming from one of the stalls. Whoever was in there wasn't feeling well. Jake listened again, and noted the voice was feminine. Creeping forward, he busted through the door the sound was coming from. There, on the floor, was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Like something out of his wildest fantasy, she had long ebony hair and strong features. While he stood transfixed, she opened her eyes slowly and looked up at him, revealing beautiful amethyst eyes.

Purple met blue and both were hit hard with déjà vu.

"Who are you?" They asked at the same time.

"Ladies first…" replied Jake suavely, finally finding his voice.

"I am Duchess Rachael of Giznuberg." Through years of training, Rae could play the part of royalty, even curled up and dirty on a stable floor.

Jake didn't know if he should bow or kiss her hand. Probably neither of the two considering they were surrounded by Nazis. She struggled to sit up. Jake was immediately at her side. Rae was grateful, but embarrassed for the help.

"My name is Jake."

They were interrupted by noises outside. Jake hurried his introduction along, "I'm an American. I know your friend Mia…she told me to tell you something about 'shitennou.' Anyway, I'm here to get you and the Princess out of here."

Rae struggled to absorb everything. Mia was alive! But, why would she send their secret word as a password? She took a deep breath, she finally responded, "The other girls managed to escape away from the castle, but I could only make it to the stables. They took the Queen – I'm not sure where."

"Mia mentioned there was a secret passageway to the main castle through the stables. Do you know if it works? "

"Yes." Rae tried to get up, but she was still too weak. "I'm afraid you're going to have to leave me behind."

"Not on my watch," said Jake. In a quick movement he swept Rae up into his arms. He crept out of the stall and into the main stable. As if she didn't weigh anything at all, Jake made his way to the stall with the trapdoor. Zach was waiting for him there. If the medic was surprised to see Jake had acquired a beautiful woman in such a short time, he didn't make it known. Zach had already found the trapdoor and opened it up. He allowed Jake to go first, and followed closely behind. Closing the door behind them, the trio was immediately enclosed in complete darkness.

Rae felt strength pouring through her. It was as if her contact with Jake was providing it. She cupped her hand and a small ball of flame appeared, illuminating the area. She had just enough light to see the shock and surprise on Zach and Jake's faces.

Inside the palace, Nick and Darien had found two soldiers separated from the group. With two well-timed hits, they were the proud owners of some authentic Nazi uniforms. They pulled their hats down low and made their way through the castle. They were making steady progress forward, when Darien stopped suddenly. Nick almost ran into him.

"What gives?"

But Darien couldn't respond. He was staring at a huge painting. The life size portrait was of a lovely blonde woman...a young woman who looked incredibly familiar. Nick had to drag his Captain along, "Come on, Shields – now you know what she looks like, don't you think we should find her?"

Malcolm and Mia had been quiet throughout the day – both lost in their own thoughts. Mia was struck by how quickly life could change and how very precious it was. She wanted only to see her dear friends alive once again. As the sun started to set, Mia pulled Morning Star to a stop, "This is far enough."

Malcolm agreed with her, but for the sake of arguing answered, "Are you sure, sweetheart? I wouldn't want to stop you from getting help from your friends at the American embassy."

Mia slid off her horse, maddened and frustrated by his tone of voice and words. She was angry that her country had been invaded and she had been separated from her friends. She was livid she was in the middle of nowhere with this random and very rude American. And she was even more pissed that she found herself strangely attracted to him. Mia couldn't hold it in any longer, and exploded, "For your information, I have a note from the Queen to one of your top Captains! I bet that he will come with an army of men and do a far better job helping my country than you and your team of five."

Malcolm was appropriately angry. Coldly, he asked, "What's the name of your precious Captain?"

"Captain Darien Shields." Mia resisted an urge to stick her tongue out.

Malcolm took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He thought over the conversations from the previous evening. The men had not taken the trouble to hide their names at all, but they rarely ever gave out Daren's name. The Shields family was exceedingly wealthy and Darien was the sole heir to the extensive Shields Steel fortune. Knowing the determined young woman he had recently been acquainted with - there was no choice but to try and reunite with his team. Malcolm could not stand in the way of Mia's orders from the Queen, and after his interactions with her so far, knew it would be futile to argue any other point. Malcolm went over to Morning Star and began unpacking the supplies.

"What? Aren't you going to say anything? Is Captain Shields that powerful?" Mia smirked, triumphant she had been able to get through to Malcolm.

Malcolm spun around and grabbed Mia by the shoulders, "Listen, princess, Captain Shields is my Captain. You're already met him."

The color drained out of Mia's face. She had been entrusted with one thing and so far had failed miserably at the task. Some great stateswoman she was turning out to be. She couldn't help it as big tears began to pour down her face. Malcolm towered over her, then sat down and put his arms around Mia, "There, there," he breathed into the top of her blonde head, "It's going to be alright. How were you supposed to know?"

"I could have at least asked," hiccupped Mia.

"We probably wouldn't have told you."

Mia wiped her eyes. She looked up at Malcolm, "Thanks."

Malcolm didn't know what to do, so he just did what was natural for him, and kept holding Mia in the dark night.

Zach and Jake were appropriately blown away by what had transpired. One minute they were running from the Nazis, the next they were in a secret underground cave with a beautiful young woman who was apparently quite adept at the art of magic. Rae was the first to recover. She found a lamp nearby and transferred her flame to the lantern. She acted as if she did this every day, even though she herself wasn't exactly sure what had just happened.

"Come on, guys, let's go see if anyone is left in the castle."

Jake looked at Rae. He was amazed by this young woman, however, he wasn't about to let her start calling the shots, "Okay, firefly, we're the ones doing the rescue here. How about you just let us concentrate on that?"

Rae made a face. Even though she was exhausted and hurt, no one was about to boss her around, no matter how cute he was, "Well, smart guy, I happen to live at this castle, so I think I can give you a little bit of advantage, don't you think?"

Zach rolled his eyes. He spoke up before either of them had a chance to snap at the other, "Duchess Rae, could you kindly tell us which way to go?

Rae smiled sweetly at Zach, "Certainly, kind sir. At least some people around here know how to treat a lady."

Worn out by the exhausting previous days events, Malcolm and Mia had fallen asleep. Mia was the first to stir. She felt comfortable…relaxed even. She became aware of where she was. Malcolm's warm, muscular body was wrapped around hers, their limbs were comfortably entangled. She lay back and snuggled closer to the American. Life since the Nazis had invaded the country had changed a lot of things in Mia's life. Waking up this morning, she realized just how important life was. She didn't want to waste any more of it. Turning around, she looked at Malcolm's sleeping figure. In his sleep, he didn't look gruff and mean. He looked like a handsome actor. Mia wondered what it would be like to kiss him again. Unable to hold back, she leaned in and connected her mouth to his.

Malcolm was having a great dream. He wasn't on Earth, he was somewhere else – overlooking the Earth. There was a gorgeous blonde woman with him, who bore a strong resemblance to Mia. They were dueling or something before Malcolm pulled her to the ground and they began to kiss. The dream seemed so real…he could literally taste those sweet rosebud lips. He reached his hands to run through her long blonde locks and came up short. Something was different. Malcolm realized that this was no dream. He was definitely kissing the beautiful Duchess Mia. Furthermore, she was kissing him back.

Malcolm's steel grey eyes came open with a start.

Darien and Nick had found their way to the Queen's quarters and found two guards posted at the doors. Working quickly, the eliminated the threats and snuck into the series of rooms. Hearing strange noises coming from an unknown source, Darien and Nick were instantly on guard.

Nick tentatively called out, "Wie geht's?"

Jake shouted back, "Not so good, you crazy Kraut!"

Jake, Zach, and a beautiful young woman appeared from behind the fireplace. Darien stood up straight, "Lieutenant! This is no time to joke, in case you forgot, we are on a mission here." Taking note of Rae, he continued, "I believe some introductions are in order."

Zach answered quickly, "It is my honor to present Duchess Rae of Ginzuberg, sir."

Darien leaned over and kissed her hand, saying suavely, "My name is Darien."

Rae felt the overwhelming desire to curtsy, but she wasn't sure why. As she looked closer at the commanding officer, she saw a double vision. Darien was dressed in elaborate armor, a cape swirling about him.

Nick spoke up, "Jake, is there any way we can get out the way you came?"

"No. The stables are crawling with soldiers."

Suddenly, there were shouts in the hallway. The fallen guards had been found. Rae looked around. She was not about to surrender to these disgusting soldiers. She spoke up, "The roof. It's our only option."

Nick agreed, "It's dusk out. There's less of a chance of us being seen."

Jake locked eyes with Rae, "Firefly, do you think you can lead us out of here?"

Rae led them to a large window. Quickly and quietly the quintet made their way on the roof. It took awhile, but they all managed to get across the roof and down to safety without being seen. Zach was visibly shaking when they got down, "I'm not going to even ask how you knew about that."

Rae smiled and replied, "The roof is the quickest way to see visiting suitors, how else?"

She winked in Jake's direction. Jake scowled. For some reason, he didn't want to think about Rae visiting other men. From this vantage point, Darien could easily see the path the Nazis had taken – they had made no attempts to hide their tracks leading into the nearby area. Furthermore, he could somehow sense that the Princess was definitely in that direction, "Let's go this way. I'll lead. Nick, you and Zach bring up the rear. Jake, keep an eye on Rae. Let's go!"

Throughout the next day, Serena and Lita were still on the run. As with Rae, they weren't sure what had happened to their friend, but were thankful for her sacrifice. As they walked in silence, Lita felt a change in the charged air, but she wasn't sure what it was. Last night she had dreamt of a tall, handsome man with long hair. It was weird dream to have in the middle of all that was going on, but on some level, it was reassuring.

Breaking the silence, Serena asked Lita, "Do you think my mother is okay?"

Lita, a maternal girl herself, smiled and answered, "The Queen is one of the strongest people I know. I'm sure she's okay."

"What about everyone else?"

"What does your heart tell you?"

Serena thought a moment and looked off at the horizon. The sun was setting. "I think they are fine."

"I think so too. " Lita looked up, "Well, Princess, have you ever slept in a tree?"

Serena shared a brave smile with Lita, and finding a good branch to start with on the great oak in front of them, answered, "There's a first time for everything."

After clearing the Palace, Darien and the rest of the company hurried on through the night. It had been a long trip at a fast pace, and Jake had taken the time to thoroughly memorizing the glorious backside of Duchess Rae. Her long black hair, the curve of her… Darien silently held up his hand to stop the men and direct everyone what to do next. Zach and Nick fanned out to check the area. Jake led Rae to a safe place behind some trees. She whispered in his ear, "What's going on?"

He replied softly, "Darien is securing the area." His warm breath warmed the inside of her neck, chilling her at the same time and giving her goosebumps.

Nearby, Zach wandered carefully in the underbrush. Something was out there; he could feel it. There it was – he saw a flash of clothing. It wasn't a soldier...

Amy came awake slowly. She wasn't in her bed or in the library, where she usually fell asleep. She was cold, alone, and in a forest. Amy sat up quickly. Where were Serena and Lita? Where were the soldiers? She curiously peeked out and found herself staring into the face of a handsome young man and froze. Her eyes scanned his clothes; he was wearing plain clothes and not a Nazi uniform. She breathed the tiniest sigh of relief.

He said queitly, "My name is Zach. I am here with a team of America soldiers to rescue your Princess. Duchess Rae is with us."

Amy nodded, and responded, "I am Duchess Amy."

She moved to get up and started to fall. Zach caught her. They locked eyes and Amy blushed deep red. Zach coughed politely and said, "It looks like you've lost some of your strength. I am a medic, let me take you back to the others and we'll see what's wrong with you."

Amy could only smile and try to conceal her blush. Zach picked her up and brought her back to the group, where she was immediately embraced by a now mostly recovered Rae. The short haired girl was perceptive enough to quickly take in that two of the men in the group were wearing Nazi uniforms, and struggled for a moment with Zach.

Rae held her hands up and said calmly, "It's okay, they are with us. The uniforms were only to gain access to the palace."

Amy gazed a moment longer, before deciding to trust the men in front of her. It was difficult for her brain to process all the events which had been happening at such a rapid pace, but these were desperate times.

Her friend continued, and asked seriously, "Did they capture the Princess?"

Amy fidgeted a moment before answering, "No, she was able to escape."

Zach noticed the look between Amy and Rae. He couldn't take his eyes off of the petite dark-haired girl since he had originally locked eyes with her and questioned bluntly, "How did you avoid capture?"

"I…um, well, I was the diversion and was able to hide from them."

Zach looked as if he didn't believe her.

Darien replied, "Well, we're glad you're safe. You can stay with us until we find the Princess."

Malcolm looked up at the sky. The sun was just rising in the east. He grunted, "We'd better be on our way."

Mia laughed bitterly and pulled away, feeling simultaneously rejected and angered. She asked, "That's all you have?"

Malcolm looked down at her, studying the beautiful woman in front of him, and responded with his own question, "What else do you want me to say, angel?"

Mia exploded, and dropping all formal pretenses, began shouting at the soldier, "Listen, friend, in case you missed it, there's something going on between us. Ever since you crashed into me in the middle of the field, something has been up between us. You'd have to be blind or, impotent not to recognize it!"

Malcolm was silent while Mina raged on, "So if you want to pretend that something didn't just happen there, or last night, or yesterday, then you're just an asshole. I don't know, maybe that's just how you Yanks do things, but this whole hot and cold thing is really getting bloody annoying. In the past three days I have done and seen things I never thought I'd do. Before we go a step further, I just need to know where we are."

Something had cracked in the usually stoic Malcolm, and as a bubble of emotion rose to the surface, he answered her curses and accusations, "I'll tell you where we are, sweetheart. I like you. I think you are the most beautiful woman I have ever met. There, I said it, but look at us. You're a duchess and I'm an American soldier. We're in the middle of a war, in case you forgot. We both have responsibilities. What chance do we have?"

"That's what's holding you back? Aren't you the romantic? 'I'm sorry Mia, I'm unbelievably attracted to you, but duty calls?'"

As soon as she said it, they were both shaken by the words.

"Well, I don't know what you want me to do."

"I don't know, scaredy cat, how about truly owning up to your feelings and taking it a day at a time? Obviously, none of us knows what is even around the next corner. We could be heading for our death today, and I'd like to die with no regrets. So, it's about time I started doing things the way I really wanted. I don't want to meet my death wondering what might have been."

Jaw twitching, he was silent for a few moments. Mia had no idea what his reaction was going to be. She had put all of herself out there. After another minute, he said gruffly, "You really want me?"

Mia smiled, she was getting somewhere, she looked into his eyes and said honestly, "I don't think I could keep away from you if I tried."

"Glad we're on the same page."

They both looked off at the sunrise.

"So what's this about being on our way?" Mia said innocently.

Malcolm looked at the sky and down at Mia, "I think we can spare a few minutes."

Mia raised her eyebrows, "A few minutes?"

"As long as it takes," Malcolm said gently, as he laid Mia down and began carefully undressing her - intent on personally discovering all of the delicious curves he had felt under the parachute. If he had expected an unresponsive noblewoman, he received the exact opposite. While he thought he might be taking advantage of her innocence and young age, he was both delighted and somewhat angry to find out she had a number of tricks up her sleeve - teasing and taking him to the edge. Like all men, he wanted to believe he was in territory unknown to his partner, however, as little minx below him cried out passionately, he was actually relieved she was not a shy virgin.

"You're sure about this?" He asked huskily. There was still a moment left before they passed the point of no return.

"Absolutely."

Completely divested of her clothes, Malcolm was once again surprised... Here, in the growing light, Mia did not shy away from her nakedness, she embraced it. As Malcolm kissed each glorious inch of her, he was struck by how right the situation felt to him. Easily sliding into her, he realized Mia's body fit his like a glove, as if they were meant for each other. She brought out a side of him he had never felt before. In his past conquests, sex was merely a release. Now, here in the forest, it was a celebration.

They came - panting, breathless, and sweaty. In that moment, Malcolm knew he could never be with another woman again.

Lita and Serena were in the middle of a cold night high up in a tree. Lita was watching out over the moonlit forest, strangely calm when suddenly, the girl from the picture, in miniature format, was sitting right in front of her face on a tree branch and talking to her, "What are you doing showing your weaknesses to the enemy? Did you forget your mission? Who is going to protect Princess Serenity, Mars, Mercury and Venus without butt-kickin' Jupiter?"

The sprite touched her forehead. Lightning crackled in the air. Lita reached up to rub her forehead and images poured into her head. There she was in a giant kitchen laughing with the rest of the girls – all dressed in bizarre dresses, there she was in a giant rose garden, and there was the man from the her dreams the night before. Lita's images faded to black and she saw the girl like herself being attacked by a large army.

"Who are you?"

The little pixie shook her head and shrugged, "I guess I am your other self. I'm always watching. Fight on!"

She handed her a small golden pen with green flourishes and disappeared.