AN: I do not own these characters.

Chapter 5: Meet the Parents

"So she said what's the problem, baby?
What's the problem I don't know?
Well maybe I'm in love (love)
Think about it every time
I think about it
Can't stop thinking 'bout it...

How much longer will it take to cure this?
Just to cure it cause I can't ignore it if it's love (love)
Makes me wanna turn around and face me but I don't know nothing 'bout love

Come on, come on
Turn a little faster
Come on, come on
The world will follow after
Come on, come on
Cause everybody's after love."

- Accidentally in Love, Counting Crows

Mia sensed herself traveling swiftly over water and then almost as suddenly as they started moving, the group was brought to a jarring stop. Mia's eyes tried to blink open as she bordered on consciousness – fighting the weight of her eyes, but the strain was too great. As much as she wanted to stay awake for her Princess, the journey had been too taxing on her system.

Nearby, Darien looked around and smiled when he spotted the familiar figure. Looking up at the great statue, Lady Liberty, he offered up a small prayer of thanks that he had returned safely to his home country. They had somehow managed to transport themselves to a more remote spot on the historic island. Checking off "safety" on his mental check list, he looked around and realized his traveling companions were passed out around him. He quickly ran to Serena's side and found she was breathing lightly, but had a normal pulse. Darien checked each of Serena's court, and found them in the same condition.

Darien sat back a moment and tried not to get angry at himself. Where was his ability to lead? What had come over him?

Minutes...hours...days ago, he wasn't sure; he was in Ginzuberg, now he was sitting in New York.

Gritting his teeth together, he noted first and foremost, they needed a secure place to begin operations. Knowing that the U.S. government would be more interested in Serena's mysterious and powerful Crystal than her, he wouldn't seek refuge on a military base. Furthermore, it would be next to impossible to explain how he had managed to leave the country and come into the States without anyone noticing. Darien knew his best option would be to go to the sprawling Shields estate in northern New York.

How to get the girls there?

Darien glanced at the Crystal hanging from Serena's neck.

We are connected...perhaps it could work...

No. The jewel was hers exclusively and he would let her decide where and when it would be used. In a move to settle himself, Captain Shields took Serena in his arms and willed her to wake up. He felt a warm glow and some sort of energy transfer occur. Serena slowly blinked her large silver blue eyes open and smiled up at him.

He kissed her hand and said gently, "My Queen..."

Serena looked around her and sat up with a start realizing her friends were passed out cold around her. Darien held her tight and whispered, "They're fine."

As he hugged her close, Serena's form changed from Moon Princess to her regular self. As she changed form, the girls' fukus were replaced by the clothes they had been wearing for the past week. Darien watched Serena's face. She was struggling with what she had asked of her friends and the consequences of leaving her country. For most teenagers, they might have sat down and refused to go any further, but this Queen was made of sterner stuff. She looked at Darien, took a deep breath, and said, "Maybe we should've thought this thing through a little more."

"You're safe here, that's what matters," he assured her.

"How exactly are we going to explain our sudden appearances?"

Darien smiled faintly, "I thought we would go to my family's estate and plan our attack from there. No one knows your here and most of the world thinks you're dead. I'd say it will be pretty easy."

"Do you...is there anyone you have to report to?"

"Not just yet," he answered, still thinking of how to deal with that particular problem.

There was something in his voice that made Serena pause, but she decided not to press the issue. Instead, as her heart pounded, she heard words echo in her ears. She stood up slowly, clutched the Crystal, and as if in a trance, whispered, "Moon Healing Activation!"

A silver glow radiated from the Crystal and washed over the girls. They started stirring almost immediately. Mia came awake first and looked up, sighted Lady Liberty, and breathed a sigh of relief.

Once sorted, Rae flirted shamelessly with the old man running the ferry and managed to get the group to Battery Park for free, just as the city was waking up. Darien dashed into a bank to secure funds for their journey. Amy, ever curious, picked up a discarded newspaper and was immediately engrossed in the headlines.

On a nearby bench, Mia commented, "I'm not even sure what day it is."

Amy consulted the paper, then announced, "If this paper is a day old, then we arrived on the same day we left. Transporting only took a few minutes."

As the quiet girl looked back at the paper, she inhaled sharply.

An empathetic Rae asked, "What's the story, Ames?"

With her sea blue eyes shimmering with tears, he answered, "The Queen is officially dead and we are all presumed dead!"

Lita cracked her knuckles and promised, "Well, just wait and see what happens when they find out we're alive!"

A beeping car caught their attention - Darien had returned with a rental. Within the day, the group had made their way to the Shields estate. As they jumped out to stretch from their long ride, Serena looked down and wished they had taken the time to buy some new clothes. She wasn't about to make a very good first impression on her new in-laws to be.

Darien paused at the front of the long drive that marked the beginning to the property, and the girls got their first look at the Shields estate. It was a large Tudor mansion with immaculate gardens, an enormous fountain, and stables at the rear.

"Welcome to 'The Kingdom.'"

Even though the young women lived in a fabulous palace in their home country, they were still properly impressed by the enormity of the Shields estate.

Mia was struck by the humor of the situation and giggled, "You guys are going to be the world's richest couple!"

Serena looked over at the blonde and rolled her eyes, "Mia – there are more important things going on right now."

Darien nodded, "Agreed. So, just so we're clear, here's the story we're going to tell my parents. I was ordered by the government to keep you safe and out of sight until a future date. However," Darien paused to look and smile at Serena, "I didn't plan on falling in love in the process. We'll make no mention of the Crystal, my men, or anything that went on in the forest. There is no need to complicate things."

Serena continued, "When we think enough time has gone by – Darien will elaborately propose and we will all go back to the city for a quick civil ceremony."

Amy, always a stickler for details, asked, "Umm...Serena, you aren't a U.S. citizen, I'm sure there's going to be all kinds of red tape—"

The senshi of Love interrupted, "Amy, Amy, Amy. This is true love we're talking about, not to mention Serena is regent of a country. She can pretty much do as she pleases."

The regent in question looked at her court, "And this regent has her country in mind. So, during our very short engagement, I'm guessing my new in-laws will want to have some big, lavish reception in our honor."

Darien agreed, "My parents run in very influential circles...all the most important people in the country will be there."

Rae looked at Darien, "Are you sure your parents are going to do what you say?"

Darien smiled and responded, "This is exactly what they raised me for. The Shields' have been using their name and power for generations to get their way. I'm a late bloomer!"

Everyone shared a nervous laugh and walked up to the house. Someone on the staff must have alerted the elder Shields' that their son had returned. Ever since his acceptance to West Point and appointments in the military, Eleanor and Jonathan Shields knew to accept their son whenever and wherever he made an appearance. They always kept a full wardrobe of fashionable clothes prepared, from riding attire to formal evening wear, ready for their son. His room was kept clean and available, should he require it. When he had started driving, they also kept his favorite automobile maintained for his rare and impromptu visits.

Walking in the front door, Darien gave his father a rousing hug and kissed his mother on the cheek. While Darien had brought home school chums before, and even a girlfriend or two, he had never brought home five women at one time. Seeing the shocked look on their faces, Darien smiled and began introductions, "Mom and Dad, may I present Queen Serena I of Ginzuberg and her court, the Duchesses Mia, Rae, Lita, and Amy."

Of an older, more sophisticated school, Eleanor dropped a curtsy and Jonathan bowed deeply.

Serena blushed red, and stammered, "Please don't do that on my behalf."

Eleanor walked over and took Serena's small hands in her own, "Just like Selena... We were so sorry to hear about your mother, dear, but are pleased to know you are very much alive. As your mother may have told you, we were good friends many years ago. Why, we even visited you at the palace and it is our honor to have you here at our home," Eleanor took a breath and continued, "Now, I'm sure you girls are tired from your journey. Would you like to freshen up? I'm not sure what exactly we have in the way of young ladies clothing, but let me worry about that. Alfred?"

If the elder Shields' had any questions as to why the royalty of Ginzuberg was in their foyer, they were too well bred to ask. Alfred, the butler, appeared and completely unfazed by the royalty, asked in clipped tones, "Your Highness? Ladies? Please follow me."

Serena and the girls were delighted to find immaculate guest rooms had been prepared. Alfred showed an exquisitely decorated pink room with a single bed to Serena, "For the Queen? I believe your mother joined us on more than one occasion and used this very room."

Mia spoke up, "If it's possible, we would like a room with two beds for Serena."

Alfred nodded calmly and continued down the hall, Mia explained, "Starting now, we're on a rotating guard duty. I will take tonight. One of us should be with Serena at all times."

The others nodded. Then Rae spoke up smiling, "If no one minds, I will take the single room for tonight."

Hearing no complaints, the raven haired priestess practically skipped off to her room.

Alfred called after her, "Dinner will be served at 7 o'clock this evening."

With Lita and Amy settled in the room next door, Mia and Serena flopped themselves on their comfy beds. Mia looked across at Serena, glad to see her smiling and queired, "You know, Serena, it's been a long time since we were alone together. Are you really okay?"

The new regent looked out the window, which overlooked the extensive stables. Darien was walking with his parents in the gardens. She replied, "Being the Queen means certain responsibilities to your people. In times of war, a royal's worth can be tested, but I can take pride in my mother's death. I'm sure she did everything possible for the safety of her people. Everything I do now is a tribute to her legacy."

"And Darien?" Mia was curious.

Serena blushed, "Don't you mean, 'Endymion?'"

"Is that how you see him?"

Serena sighed, "I'll admit, it's a little confusing, but there are more important things going on. However, I have to admit, having him in my life somehow completes me in a way I didn't know was possible."

Mia picked up a brush and began stroking her long hair, "It's weird, but somehow, I think knowing what's happened in the past and having those memories has made us stronger."

"How do you mean?"

"I just think we know what's really important. We have a better understanding of ourselves. Life is more precious. What we know and treasure can be taken away at a moment's notice."

Serena grinned, "Are you sure this has nothing to do with the appearance of a certain silver haired soldier?"

"Maybe."

"Well, I hope everything does work out this time."

Darien looked up to see Serena smiling down at him from a window. He waved up at her.

Eleanor asked gently, "Son, should I even begin to wonder how, or why?"

"Sorry Mom, I can't tell you, I'm under orders, but let me say, your country appreciates your help."

His mother knew when not to press a subject and commented, "She looks just like her mother did at that age."

Jonathan nodded, and then laughed, "Can you believe we have a Queen staying with us?"

Eleanor agreed, "The Vanderbilts are going to be so jealous!"

Jonathan asked, "This wouldn't be any more than a mission, would it?"

Actually Dad, she's my long lost love from centuries ago. We've already had a ceremony, and I'm now the King of Ginzuberg...

Instead, Darien winked at his dad and didn't respond.

In the dense forest, the men knew what they had to do. Malcolm began a fast paced march back in the direction of the Ginzuberg palace. There was no need for words. This mission, whether they wanted to admit it or not, was now very personal. With the thoughts of the crimes they had committed in their former lives fresh in their heads, there was an urgency to start a resistance in Ginzuberg as soon as possible.

Malcolm's thoughts drifted to a special blonde, he hoped she would remain true to her words. He thought about the sensation that the "missing, presumed dead" royalty were going cause and wished he would be there to see it.

The girls knew the whereabouts of the Queen of Ginzuberg would not stay hidden for long. In these times, any news that was not war related was welcomed as a happy diversion and their story was one of the best. Darien's parents were forced to hire security to keep prying reporters out of their estate. Through a few well intentioned phone calls, Eleanor had slept to a few close friends (and gossips) that the new Queen had shown up at her doorstep. Now that the world knew where the Queen's whereabouts, Mia and the girls were diligent in keeping someone on guard duty 24 hours a day. They were not naive enough to think that Nazi influence had not crossed the Atlantic.

Amy had leaked a press release that had been picked up by wires around the globe. The girls had been up the better part of a night crafting and carefully wording the article. They wanted the maximum effect. Mia, fashionable girl that she was, also chose what Serena would wear for the picture to accompany the article. It was a beautiful, flowing white dress - conservative and very regal. Mia looked at the dress critically, white stood for peace and, as the blonde smiled to herself, brides always wear white.

Clipping from New York Times:

Upstate New York, USA. The Queen of Ginzuberg is resting peacefully with her most trusted advisors at a family friend's estate in upstate New York after narrowly escaping the Nazi invasion of her country. Her Royal Highness, Queen Serena I, was devastated to hear about the loss of her mother (HRH Queen Selena II), but made this statement, "While I deeply mourn the loss of my mother, I am comforted by the fact that I know she did everything within her power to protect my nation. As my mother's daughter, I will take up her cause and do whatever is within my ability to rid my country of the evil that is now occupying it. I look forward to meeting with the leaders of those nations that might be able to provide aid."

Now, all the girls had to do was wait and see what those leaders would do. Serena felt it was inevitable the United States would enter the war.

On the romance rumor tactic, things were also progressing. It was easy to convince Darien's parents and all of the household staff that Serena and Darien were falling in love. Mia recognized all the signs that the couple was truly infatuated with each other: the shared looks, the constant need to be around each other, the romantic whispering... Mia was frustrated knowing that a certain soldier, given the chance, would be showering her with the same affection.

Within a matter of days, the Shields estate was being inundated with requests and invitations to polo matches, teas, dances and overwhelming number of letters of families that would be "delighted to give a reception in honor of the Queen."

"And present their very unmarried sons…" said sarcastic Rae, "It might as well be written after all the polite shit."

Mia smiled, adding, "They've never survived the European aristocracy like we have. This will be a cake walk for us. We've been fending off suitors since we could walk."

Amy rolled her eyes, "Remember when we had to get 'info' out of that Belgium duke?"

Mia looked unfazed, but grinned wickedly, "It was all in the name of politics."

The girls had gathered in Serena and Mia's room, which they were using as their base. A week had quickly slipped by and Serena was anxious to get things started so that she could begin saving her country. The Queen was scouring the stack of invitations and the room resembled a small florists shop. Somehow, one of the fashion magazines had discovered an article in which a young Serena described her love of roses.

Lita flipped through some of the cards, "Obviously, we have to chose our first event carefully. It has to be something the most amount of people will attend. While there are rumors of you and Darien, no one has seen it personally."

Mia continued, "When people see the two of you together, they will support you as a couple. Which is exactly what we need."

The girls continued looking through the stack, trying to find the perfect soiree to let the world know Captain Darien Shields and HRH Queen Serenity were officially an item. Finally, they found the perfect invitation – an upcoming BBQ and ball given in honor of the nation's Independence Day. Influential politicians from all over the States would be in attendance.

Darien was taking a meeting of his own. He was in his garage; not only a place to store his cars, but beneath the rows of magnificent and antique automobiles was small safe room. It was in this place he was meeting with a higher ranking officer. Darien was trying to keep his cool as the General yelled at him.

"Just how in the hell did you get here?" The General demanded.

"Well sir, I walked downstairs and you see, here I am," Darien answered sarcastically.

"You know what I mean, Captain. How did you manage to get a regent of a country, but her entire court out of Europe and here to your estate?" The General's agitation was palpable.

"Private jet, sir."

"What?"

"I rented one. It was less of a risk to Queen Serenity and her court. I used my own funds, sir, not the taxpayers money."

"This is not time for semantics or private school pranks, Shields."

"Yes, sir."

The General paced nervously, "I know you're a hot shot, but who are you kidding? How did you get past customs?"

"With the young women in disguise and presumed dead, we were easily able to bribe our way out of the country."

"And you expect me to believe this?"

"Yes, sir."

"What about your men? What about your original mission?" asked the General, almost afraid of the answer since Darien's story had been so strange from the start.

"They have returned to Ginzuberg to begin laying the foundation to disable Nazi communica—"

"They what?! Do mean to tell me that soldiers in the United States Army are going to be responsible for starting a Resistance in Ginzuberg?!" The General yelled, then muttered. "The President is not going to like this."

"Do you want me to tell you what you want to hear, or do you want me to tell you the truth?"

The older man sighed deeply and replied, "Even though the United States has not declared war on Germany?"

"A matter of time, sir." Darien answered respectively, "My men have been thoroughly trained in diplomacy. They will not give themselves away as Americans."

"Do they know the real reason why you went into the country?"

Darien shook his head, "No. On the chance we were captured, I did not want them to have that information."

"So, you went in..."

"Look, I'm not going to explain myself. I sensed we would have a chance to look for the jewel while the country was in upheaval. On our way to the Palace, we found the court and Her Highness. What was I supposed to do?"

The General walked away, shaking his head. Then he turned suddenly and spat at Darien, "This girl – she's done something to you, hasn't she?"

Darien thought for a moment, but decided it was probably best to keep quiet about Serena's abilities. There had to be some way of getting through this interrogation with diplomacy in tact. The General was calming down. His commanding officer asked quietly, "And any sign of the jewel?"

Darien paused for the slightest second, before saying, "No, sir. None of the young women have seen or ever heard of it."

The General heard the pause, but chose not to acknowledge it. Darien was hiding something, but the General needed to know what it was and why he was hiding it.

Four nights later the girls got ready for the party. Mia was upset she couldn't find anything remotely resembling a tiara for her Queen.

Serena looked at her fellow blonde and said diplomatically, "It really doesn't matter, I promise, we'll recover the jewels of Ginzuberg one day."

The party was an overwhelming success. It was the distraction the citizens of the United States had been looking for. At this ball, there was not only a visiting monarch, but also her entire court. The girls were each wearing their signature colors. Long ago, when they had first starting attending balls and state affairs, they had all flocked towards gowns in certain colors. Darien's mother had called specific designers and had haute coture gowns sent directly to the house. Mia was pleased with her wispy yellow dress that complemented her golden hair. Rae looked gorgeous in a stunning, tightly cut red dress. It was just long enough not to be indecent. Amy looked positively pretty in her blue, full skirted dress and Lita took everyone's breath away in an enchanting emerald gown. Serena had opted for a long, white Grecian style dress that enhanced her aristocratic air, and would start a new trend as soon as pictures from the party were released.

Serena hoped somehow images from the event would manage to make their way to Ginzuberg. It would be wonderful to give her citizens hope.

Darien smiled as he looked at Serena and her court.

If only my men were here to see it…

The Captain looked away, pain etched on his face. They had given up so much for him. He would never be able to repay it all. Serena saw the emotion and joined him, asking with concern, "What's wrong?"

"I was just thinking of my men…"

"I'm sure they're fine. They will look out for each other just as my court would do," she replied, trying to calm his worries.

Darien smiled down at Serena. They were making it easy for the rumors to start flying about a budding romance. While the Queen had tried not to play favorites throughout the night, she often found Darien at her side.

The girls busied themselves chatting up politicians, enlightening them on the many natural resources Ginzuberg was home to, trying to find any connection they could between the two countries. Eleanor and Jonathan had helped out immensely by giving the girls a crash course in who controlled what in American politics. They knew it was a matter of time before the United States entered this horrible war on the side of the Allies, and were happy to try and get things started.

At the end of the night, the entire Team Ginzuberg met in the Shields' expansive kitchen for a recap. Cook had whipped up some delicious delicacies for everyone to munch on. Darien's parents were now full members of the team. They had shown their worth tonight by dividing and conquering in a number of ways. Eleanor had commented to a number of the party goers how excited she would be to see her son happily married. Mrs. Shields had personally assured people this was not politically motivated, but a love match.

The girls' main objective of the evening was to try and somehow arrange a meeting between Serena and someone in the President's office.

Serena, mouth full of pie, asked, "So, where are we?"

Mia spoke, "We're doing very well. Each of us has made contact with our assigned Senators or military personnel. As discussed, we purposely went after those families with eligible sons in order to arrange for more personal meetings in the near future."

Jonathan put his head in his hands, "They probably never knew what hit them."

Amy addressed the group, "The Darien/Serena intrigue is going very well. I expect to see a blurb in many of the papers tomorrow."

Rae added, "We all agree that we can go ahead with the plan after a few more social appearances."

Eleanor and Jonathan exchanged a look. They had been brought on to Team Ginzuberg, but had been kept in the dark about the upcoming nuptials.

Eleanor asked innocently, "And what plan would that be?"

This was going to happen sooner or later. Darien glanced quickly at Serena, who smiled warmly at him, before telling his parents, "Well, don't think of it as losing a son, so much as gaining a daughter," as he put his arms around Serena.

Eleanor was speechless. Jonathan managed to speak, "I'll assume this is the one part of the plan that has not been politically determined? Shields men have always married for love."

Serena said shyly, "It did start out that way…but, now…I can't imagine my life with anyone but your son."

The soldiers were making progress in Ginzuberg. Malcolm and company had made contact with Uncle Art. With the letter as a reference, and quick version of the story (minus all their past lives on the Moon), Art was easily brought on board. The American soldiers slipped covertly into life in the capital city.

Uncle Art turned out to be Artemis, aformer advisor to Queen Selena. He instructed the men where they could find stores of hidden supplies and who their best allies would be in the country. None of the men believed they could wage an all out battle against the Nazi soldiers, but they would do their best to slow down progress. Malcolm, Jake, Zach, and Nick worked quickly and without rest.

During the third week of their tireless work, Art called a meeting. In a secret room near the Palace he threw down a newspaper. There they were...the royal court of the Ginzuberg in their finest.

Art asked diplomatically, "I have trusted all of you implicitly. I haven't once questioned your motives or actions. However, I must know what the plans are."

Zach scrutinized the picture, looking closely at Amy, she's beautiful… "The original idea was that the girls would infiltrate American politics."

Malcolm grabbed the newspaper and looked at Mia, stunning and beautiful, "In addition to rallying support through legal venues, Darien and Serena are to be married."

Art looked blankly at the group, "The Queen is taking a husband?"

Jake smiled, "Yup. And a Yank to boot."

Art sat down heavily and pressed a tired hand to the bridge of his nose, "I hope she knows what she's doing. I hope you all do."

Nick clapped Art on the back and said grandly, "Don't worry, old sport, once the two are married they will become America's golden couple and our great armed forces will be here before you can say 'Ginzuberg.'"

Now that they had been properly introduced to society, Serena and the girls began attending as many events as possible. Sometimes by themselves, sometimes as a group, it didn't seem to matter. Everyone had been buzzing about what they could do to help the Ginzu cause. Serena had a definite charm about her and with her youth, people were lining up and becoming vocal about wanting to officially enter the war and help.

Clipping, New York Times (Society pages)

The visiting regent of Ginzuberg sparked rumors of an engagement as she turned up to a recent tea with a stunning diamond on her left hand. Onlookers noted she was "more radiant than usual." When asked if the ring had any significance, HRH Serena I blushed and refused to answer, however, friends of Mrs. Eleanor Shields say the society matron is delighted at the match. Eleanor Shields (nee McWhorter) caused a similiar scene in her own deb days when she married the firmly ensonced bachelor, Johnathan Shields shortly after they were introduced.

Will her Serena follow the trend? Keep reading.

Two weeks after their initial ball, the girls had taken up residence at the Shields' New York City brownstone near Central Park in New York City, so they could prepare for the upcoming nuptials and make their presence known in the city. In the week leading up to the big day, the plan usually went as follows: one of the girls would call and "accidentally" tell one of the reporters where Darien and Serena might be dining that evening. Once there, Serena would usually throw the press a patriotic quote; "I love dining in the States. I can only hope one day soon my people will be enjoying the same freedoms you Americans have." Then she would look lovingly at Darien (looking dashing in his dress uniform) and pose for a picture. Young women around the country were getting behind Queen Serena and her cause. She was intelligent, royalty, and dating one of the nation's most attractive young men.

Eleanor was busy behind the scenes - meeting with old friends, designers, and anyone who had influence. The patron Shields hinted at an expedited wedding date, dropping hints to hairdressers, "In today's unsure times, what do they have to wait for? Also, I've never seen a couple more in love." Serena and the girls were amazed by Darien's mother. Neither she nor her husband once got caught up in the fact that their only son was about to become the regent of an entire country.

As for the wedding itself, only family and Serena's court would attend, but they would leak some romantic pictures of the ceremony to certain media outlets. Mia could feel they were closing in on their target. They had worked their way through Senators and were closing in on some of the advisors to the President. She hoped everything would culminate in a meeting with FDR that resulted in the full military support of the United States.

Not too bad for a group of girls who weren't allowed to legally drink...

It was the day before the wedding was scheduled. As the unofficial maid of honor, Mia had booked a day at the leisurely spa and a surprise trip to a designer wedding dress shop. The girls were enjoying their moments together. Everyone had been completely busy during the past few days taking meetings and guarding Serena, they hadn't all been collectively together in some time. Even though Serena had already chosen a beautiful white Dior suit to wear to the judge's chambers the following day, Mia thought that trying on the gowns couldn't hurt anyone. The bridal shop mistress was happy to comply with the visiting royalty. She had closed down the store for the afternoon so the girls would have the place to themselves.

The girls were settling in for tea when Amy sighed deeply.

Lita asked, "What's the matter, Ames?"

Amy looked at Serena, who looked beautiful in an exquisite wedding gown she was modeling and said, "I was just remembering the last time we were all getting ready for a wedding..."

The multiple wedding on the Moon had been such a joyous occasion – full of love, family, friends and promise. The girls had had no idea of the horrors that were about to fall upon them or their kingdom.

Mia teared up and admitted, "I never told anyone this, but why not now? It was a lifetime ago."

Serena sat next to her, "What happened?"

…It was now Venus's turn. The marriage ceremony for Venus was very simple, but very intense. Kunzite turned to Mina. The couple locked eyes. Time seemed to stand still… Kunzite saw their entire relationship flash before him…the first time he had seen her across the dance floor…the first time she transformed…the first time they had made love. Mina returned the loving looks…she saw the same things he did. A glimpse of the future appeared …the loving night they would share tonight…then nothing. Mina blinked. This isn't how it's supposed to be, I'm supposed to see the rest of my life with him, our children, growing old together – what's wrong! Kunzite looked at her alarmed. Mina shook herself back into his stare. Maybe it's because he's Terran. That has to be it.

Mia sighed and answered bitterly, "I never saw our future together because we didn't have one! I should've known then. Some leader I turned out to be…"

Rae said gently, "It wasn't your fault. It wasn't their fault either. We had no way of knowing."

Lita stood up and clenched her fists, "And we're sure as hell going to make sure nothing like that happens in this lifetime. Hitler is enough of a demon and we're not going to let him take control of our people or the men we love."

Everyone broke out into grins. Serena looked at Lita, "The men we love?"

"Admit it, I'm just saying what everyone else is feeling."

This was news to Serena. She had been so wrapped up in Darien, the Crystal, and the death of her mother, she hadn't recognized what had been going on. The Queen looked around the room, "This is true for all of you?"

Mia, Lita, and Rae nodded proudly. Amy blushed.

Serena suddenly started crying. Mia was already at her side, "What's wrong?"

Serena looked up and replied angrily, "It's just not fair! None of this is working out like it's supposed to! My country is under siege, my mother has been murdered, I can't get any help from other nations. I'm only seventeen, and worst of all I get to be here with Darien, getting married no less, while the former loves of your life who you just found are across the ocean in God knows what danger!"

As Serena was talking, the Crystal started glowing brighter and brighter, until there was a brilliant burst of light and suddenly there was Serena in a senshi fuku of her very own.

The girls stood staring, shocked at the transformation. Serena's fuku looked like theirs, with a slight variation, but it was amazing to see their Princess…their Queen...in this ensemble. Serena looked down at herself and said, "I am Sailor Moon."

Then she collapsed and detransformed into the wedding gown she had been wearing. The shop mistress came back to check on the girls, "Is everything okay back here?"

They could only nod speechlessly. The shop mistress left them, noting to herself what a wonderful group of friends the Queen must have…they were literally rendered speechless at the sight of her in her wedding gown.

Across town, Darien had a sudden blinding headache and looked down to see himself wearing a tuxedo, complete with top hat and cane. Almost as instantly as he was changed, he flipped back to his regular clothes.

The next day, the happy group headed for the courthouse - the ceremony was scheduled for 12:30PM. The judge, a friend of the family, was delighted to receive the happy couple in his chambers. Serena was practically glowing as she held Darien's hands and repeated the vows after the judge. Everyone was happily surprised when Darien produced a beautiful ring for Serena's delicate ring finger. Even though it was a simple ceremony, everyone was in tears by the end of it.

Following the ceremony, in one of her first official acts as Queen, Serena had announced that Darien, not a nobleman or Ginzuberg native by birth, was - effective immediately - acting King of the country. She did not want to waste time with the 'Royal Escort' title, and believed with all her heart that if something should happen to her, Darien would nobly and justly be able to lead her beloved country.

If the senshi or Shields' were equally delighted at the decision. Mia was especially proud of young Serena, and her ability to make difficult decisions on her own. The Venusian senshi had every confidence that Darien would make a fine King. Furthermore, the politically charged couple would simply have to to be received by the President, if nothing more than for a belated congratulations.

That night, while the royal couple celebrated their wedding night in the Bridal Suite, the girls collected in a nearby suite to discuss their plans. Mia said thoughtfully, "I know we should probably wait until we get the meeting with the President confirmed, but I think it's time for us to return. Darien will have to watch her by himself. Our country needs us."

Amy nodded, "I agree."

Rae looked out the window, "How do you think she will take it?"

Mia smiled, "Judging by yesterday's outburst, I'd say she's the most protected out of any of us."

The girls couldn't help but agree. The most recent version of Serena looked ready to do some serious damage before she passed out. Amy considered aloud, "I wonder what her powers are. I mean we know what ours are based on experience, but I'm curious what attacks Serena might have."

Mia answered seriously, "Hopefully, we never will have to know. I don't think it's a good sign that Serena transformed."

"Come on, girls, let's cheer up and have some champagne," Lita said as she picked up and examined a small package, "Do you think she'll like it?"

Rae winked, "I think she'll love it! She can't go around wearing a the Crystal around her neck without attracting some sort of attention, plus we all know the girl loves jewelry."

After they had secured the happy couple in their hotel room, Mia had carefully concentrated on the Crystal. Asking each of the girls to press their pens to it, they had been able to create a broach that would enclose and protect the jewel.

Mia nodded, "While we're gone, she only has Darien to protect her. If Hitler was after the Crystal, we can't be so naïve to think that the U.S. Government wouldn't want its hands on it as well. The brooch is a good way to disguise what they might be looking for."

Lita questioned, "Technically, Darien's part of the U.S. Government, do you think we can really trust him?"

Mia thought a moment before saying, "He has memories of the past as well. None of us knew that he sacrificed himself for Serena in their final moments together. I think he would do anything to keep her safe in this life. Let's give him a chance to prove himself."

It was a moonless night. Darien had pulled a few strings and gotten everyone back to the Statue of Liberty after hours. The girls transformed. It was easier now. They had been practicing in secret on the vast Shields estate and could now change forms with ease and without the need to have Serena in danger.

Serena fingered the brooch. It glowed as she held it tight. It seemed the jewel had something to say…

A distinctly female voice flowed through the girls' ears…

Return to your homeland and save those you love. Make this lifetime count. Remember that you are royalty as well, Princesses of a different era. Use the strength of your respective planets to save the people of Ginzuberg.

Find the sword…and use it wisely.

Mia paused for a moment...she knew of a sword...

Serena smiled bravely at her friends, and said regally, "If there comes a time when you need me, I am with you."

The girls joined hands. They had decided to transport near the castle, find the soldiers, and then up the speed the Renaissance. With their powers and attacks, they hoped to risk as few of their people as possible. The girls joined hands and then called upon there power. "Sailor Transport Power!"

Darien and Serena were left alone in the cool night.