AN: I do NOT own the characters.

Chapter 7: There and Back Again

"Sunrise like a nosebleed,
Your head hurts and you can't breathe...
You been tryin' to throw you arms around the world.
How far you gonna go
Before you lose your way back home?
You've been trying to throw your arms
Around the world.

I'm gonna run to you, run to you, run to you
Woman, be still
I'm gonna run to you, run to you, run to you
Woman, I will."

- U2, Trying to Throw Your Arms Around the World

As Serena and Darien began preparing for bed that evening, the young regent had to blink back the tears in her eyes, concerned for her senshi and her country. Darien, thoughtful husband that he was, had drawn her a steaming hot bubble bath, which she gratefully stepped into.

Something is missing.

Serena chewed her lip as she thought about all the events that had taken place in such a short time.

Maybe not something, so much as someone…

Serena thought about her time on the Moon, but then blocked her memories out; it was still too painful to remember what they had all been through.

Still, there's something in the past that I haven't remembered yet. What could it be?

Gripping the brooch, she heard her a voice very much like her mother's say, "The power of the Crystal depends on the power of your heart..."

But how can I draw out its power...?

Darien listened to his wife splashing in the bath. As much as Serena didn't want to admit it, she might be overwhelmed. The marriage to her long lost love, losing her friends, and worrying about her citizens should be taking a lot out more out of her. It was amazing to witness how she carried on day after day.

Captain Shields walked towards his study, and wished desperately he could have some contact with his men. With the announcement of his nuptials, he had been given a temporary leave from the military.

It won't be long until they come for me… I'm sure they are going to try and use my position as 'King Darien.' However, if it does anything to further Serena's cause, I will be happy to participate.

Malcolm didn't want to waste a second, and every moment that he was away from Mia was pure torture. However, the girls asked for a few moments to discuss things. They stepped out into the hall.

"Should we really do this?" Amy asked hesitantly.

"Do you think we could stop him if we tried?" Lita countered.

"True."

"I think as long as he knows, under any circumstances, he is not leaving with her, we should be okay."

"Do you honestly think he can accept the situation?"

"We'll have to trust he can."

They walked back into the room. The look of relief on Malcolm's face was enough to know that they had made the right decision.

"It seems to me that, Amy, you might be able to lay in some of the densest fog this city has ever seen and, Lita, I might need some strategic thunder strikes while I'm at the Palace. Think it can be done?"

The senshi nodded.

Malcolm turned to his remaining men, "I'm afraid it's going to be just me tonight. If anything should happen, I will, of course, disavow any knowledge of you or my connections to the—"

Nick finished, "United States Government. Blah, blah, blah…we know Malc, it's not like we've never been on a mission before."

Zach finished for him, "Besides, someone has to make sure Jake gets home okay. I wonder where he is anyways…"

Lita and Amy shared a knowing look. No doubt Jake had followed Art, who had led him right to his fiery senshi.

Malcolm looked around and stated, "It's settled. Let's go."

"Mercury power!"

"Jupiter power!"

while the girls transformed, Malcolm quickly changed into all black fatigues and smeared his face with darkened paint. Creeping out into the night, the unlikely trio weaved their way through the unnaturally quiet city. When the trio was in sight of the Palace, Malcolm nodded at the girls.

"Shabon spray!"

Instantly, the area filled with a dark fog. The very Palace they had just been looking at was no longer visible in front of them.

Mia paced nervously in her room. She was supposed to be a professional but was wondering if she had the heart to go through with 'it.'

Did anyone ever say being the Leader of the Senshi was going to be easy?

If only I had had time to prepare.

And how exactly does one prepare for this?

Mia heard a scratching at her window. She walked quickly over to it, smiling briefly at the countless suitors who had sought to get her attention this way before the war. She didn't see anything outside.

Must be the branches…

She gazed out a few moments longer, when suddenly someone grabbed her roughly from behind and put his hand around her mouth.

"If you scream, angel, you'll wreck both of our chances of going unnoticed."

Mia would have recognized that voice anywhere. She spun around, with tears in her eyes and murmured, "Malcolm?"

He didn't answer her, but pressed his lips to hers, crushing her delicate lips in a rough kiss. He withdrew suddenly and left her breathless. Mia took a moment to right herself. In the dim of her room she could only discern a bright pair of silver eyes. Malcolm was dressed in head to toe black, including black face paint.

Mia finally found her voice, "What-what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same."

Mia looked down, unable to meet his angered expression, "You know why. And you know that your being here puts all that in jeopardy."

"I'm happy to see you too," Malcolm crossed his arms.

Mia reached out to him, but he moved away, tears welled up in her eyes and she willed them away, "What would you have me do, Malcolm?" then softly she added, "…Kunzite?"

Malcolm kept his arms crossed.

Remember, she's only doing what she's been trained to do. Duty first.

Somehow the brave soldier knew this wasn't the first time duty had gotten in the way of things. He said more gruffly than he would've liked, "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"Well, you can see that I am, obviously." Mia tried her best to keep the waver out of her voice.

On the outside at least, inside my heart is breaking just a little. How did we end up fighting...again...?

"Fine then. I guess I'd better leave."

Mia couldn't help the biting words as they came out, "In the future, I hope that you'll trust my judgment. We're on the same side, but sometimes situations call for drastic measures!"

"Thanks for the lesson, princess, or had you forgotten I was a General in a former life and have dedicated myself to the military in this one?"

"I hadn't forgotten."

"I'll see you later. Good luck getting your 'information.'"

Mia was seriously about to break down. With as much grace as she could muster, she said, "Good evening."

Malcolm had to hold in a lot of emotion not to completely twist the door handle off the door. As he carefully walked into the hall, he looked both ways and then ducked behind one of the long tapestries near Mia's room.

I can keep an eye out…just for a few minutes.

Heavy boots clicked at the end of the hall. Malcolm held his breath, and almost passed out as he glimpsed who walked into Mia's room.

But that can't be…

Mia listened to the door opening; she obviously didn't expect Malcolm to be the first one to break down, but was more than ready to make up with him. She kept her back to the door as she said softly in English, "I was hoping we wouldn't end things like that."

He remained quiet.

"The silent treatment, hmmm? I didn't mean what I said. It's just been so difficult…and seeing you. I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm sorry, I—" Mia turned around and was shocked to see Herr Kunsen standing in front of her.

"I..." The sound died on her lips.

From the nearby brothel, Michiru breathed in the fog that stretched below them, "This isn't natural."

It was if something was tickling the back of her brain, Setsuna looked up at the sky and had a momentary double vision. She glimpsed the four of them in weird clothing. It was a very intense scene, but not altogether unnerving.

Haruka looked around the room, "We have to help them."

"Who?"

"I'm not sure who, but I think our neighbor Mars might know something."

Hotaru answered politely, "It sounds like she might be, a little, occupied, until tomorrow morning. Maybe she can provide us with some answers then."

Jake held Rae tenderly as dawn was approaching, and she rolled over to look at her lover seriously, "What do you think it will take to end this war?"

Jake wrapped his arms more closely around her and answered, "Without the help of an outside military to oust them by force, we have to resort to guerilla warfare."

Rae, skilled senshi that she was, wasn't exactly familiar with all of the latest 20th century war techniques. She questioned, "What does that mean?"

"I think it's similar to what they call the Resistance in France, you do what you can, when you can, with what you have. We have been trying to do that here, but it has been difficult…just four foreigners and Art. I think when people know that Serena's court has returned home to help, we'll start to see a lot more action. Also, with your special abilities…well, I think we can turn things in our favor in a matter of months."

"So…what information can I get you?"

As much as neither of the pair wanted to admit it, the harsh reality of where they were and what was in the future was filtering into the room.

Jake didn't trust his voice. He took a moment to reply, "Any reports will do, maps too. If we can get solid evidence that the Nazis are going after America, then we'll have a good shot of getting some support from across the pond."

Rae nodded, the sooner she got hard evidence, the sooner this whole thing would be over.

Back at the headquarters, if knowing what Mia was doing wasn't enough, Art had found a new motivation to see this war ended and the troops out of his country…and her name was Luna. As special consult to the Queen, Art had had his share of flirtations and affairs throughout the years, but no one truly special in his life. It didn't matter to him Luna's current profession or how he came to find her, all he knew was that his life wouldn't be complete without her in it.

As Malcolm waited outside Mia's room, waiting for a scream or something to move him into action, he did another double take. At the end of the hall, in full Nazi uniform were identical twins of Nick, Jake, and Zack.

What in the hell is going on here?

The normally loquacious Mia still couldn't form a sentence. She could only hope that the German didn't speak English and hadn't understood her little diatribe.

Luck was not on her side tonight. Looking at her intensely, he spoke in crisp deep tones, accented English in German, "I assume you were not speaking with me, were you, fraulein?"

"No."

"You've had a visitors." It wasn't a question, it was a statement.

"No…I sometimes talk to myself when I am nervous."

"In a foreign language?" His tone suggested he definitely did NOT buy her story. Mia shivered, he had silently moved closer to her and was standing right behind her. Exactly the same height as Malcolm and so identical to her former lover's appearance was almost too much for her to take. She had to fight the urge to lean back into him.

She silently pleaded…Malcolm, I hope you didn't go far.

However, as Herr Kunsen reached out and traced the outline of her jaw with his finger, the similiarities between the men, past and present ended abruptly. Mia felt sickened by his touch and it took everything within her power not to run. She reminded herself of his contacts, the access he had, and how it would help Ginzuberg. His finger traced down her jaw and to the top button of her blouse. He whispered in her ear, "Are you nervous now?"

Mia gripped her transformation pen in her hand, "No."

His breath was hot in her ear, and he asked, "Do you know what we do in Germany when someone misbehaves?"

"N-no..."

"We punish them!"

To enunicate his words, the silver haired German slowly reached his other hand up and began to unbutton the top button of her shirt, roughly grabbing her left breast as he did. Mia did her best to remove herself entirely from the situation. As her heart pounded in her ears, a voice whispered underneath the thundering.

The leader of the Inner Senshi would not allow herself to be defiled by someone so vile as…him.

Inner Senshi? There are others?

To be revealed when necessary. Now, what exactly were you planning on doing here?

I--There is no other way.

Have times changed so much that you and the other senshi have to lower yourselves like this to get information?

Who is this?

Sailor Venus, miss, and don't you forget it.

Herr Kunsen had finished unbuttoning her blouse and his hand was quickly working its way below her skirt. She would not cry.

Well, he may look like my former husband, but I think that's where the similarities end.

Okay brilliant Sailor V, what would you have me do?

This!

As soon as it was thought, the pen flared orange and Mia transformed into Sailor Venus. Mia looked down at herself and caught her reflection in the mirror and smiled, "I couldn't have said it better myself."

Herr Kunsen's silver eyes flashed a moment of recognition, then anger, and settled on confusion.

Malcolm hadn't moved from his post near the door since his doppelganger had entered Mia's room. He saw a flash of orange light under the door.

She's transformed? That can't be good!

It took about two seconds of hesitation before Malcolm burst through the door, slamming it behind him.

The three people in room stared at each other.

Jake was saying his final farewell to his love, "I'll come as much as I can without attracting attention."

Tears were streaming down Rae's face and she was powerless to stop them, "I—"

"You don't need to say it. I already know."

Jake walked out into the street and was swallowed up by the fog.

Mia looked in disbelief at the two men standing in front of and Malcolm stared at each other, trying to make sense of the situation. As Herr Kunsen looked over at his twin and back to her, Mia's blue eyes flew open in understanding.

It can't be possible...

She grabbed Malcolm's hand in one hand and began slinging her love chain with the other. The Venusian senshi jumped up on the windowsill and kicked it open. Quickly, she swung the chain and looped it around a tree. She looked over at Malcolm, "Do you trust me?"

Malcolm nodded.

"Hold on tight!"

Malcolm grabbed his hands around Mia's tiny waist. She dropped off the ledge and into the air.

Jupiter heard the window kicked open, then looked at the coming dawn and smiled, "Looks like Venus will be joining us this after all!"

The dense air crackled. A small antenna raised from her tiara and she concentrated her fingers together, before looking up and yelling, "Supreme Thunder!"

They only dropped for a few moments before the Love Chain caught tight and they swung. Lightning crashed very near the pair. Something told Mia that was no natural lightning strike. Mia and Malcolm landed next to the large tree that grew next to Mia's room. They looked up. Malcolm shared an intense look with General Steig before the American soldier began pulling Mia towards the entrance of the Palace.

"No," Mia said softly.

Malcolm looked at the determined look on Mia's face.

"There's something I can't leave without."

Malcolm nodded, "Lead on."

Mia ran towards the nearest door. Something was calling Mia, driving her on relentlessly. As soon as she had transformed, a voice wouldn't let go of her.

Don't leave without me…

Almost directly behind them there was another powerful lightning strike. This strike was intense enough to start a fire on the grounds. Soldiers came running to see what the commotion was about. General Steig was the first on the scene.

One of the soldiers noticed he was looking different than usual, "Sir, is there a problem?"

"No, but search the grounds for a young woman with blonde hair and a man…who looks like me. I want them kept alive."

"Certainly, sir."

After a few close calls and Malcolm wondering how they would ever find their way out after they arrived at their destination. Mia's crazy path had taken them deep within the castle.

Thirteen-year-old Mia was looking for Serena. She had tried all of the usual places, the kitchen, the stables, but Serena was nowhere to be found.

"Serena…?"

There was some visiting royalty that Serena needed to get ready for and Mia was trying her best to locate the Crown Princess. The young duchess had wandered down a set of stone steps, deeper than she had ever been in the Palace. She felt a hand on her shoulder and jumped.

"Eeep!"

Mia spun around and saw Queen Selena. She quickly dipped a curtsy, "I'm sorry, your Highness, I was looking and…"

"It's quite alright, my dear, I was going to show you this room soon enough anyway."

The Queen took Mia's hand and led her into a room. Mia took a deep breath as she looked around. On the walls were weapons from every conceivable country and time period. She glanced a set of complete armor…as well as a beautiful hand mirror, a large staff set with a deep red stone, a very sharp, but weird looking sword, and a menacing glaive.

"What is this place?"

"This is Ginzuberg's armory. It's mostly for show these days. Weapons have come a long way since our country was founded. Not many people know of its existence…but please have a look. Let me know if anything looks familiar."

Familiar? I've never been here before in my life…

Never one to argue with a Queen, Mia strolled through the room…she stopped in front of a large sword that appeared to be made of stone…?

"See anything?"

Mia's hand unconsciously reached out to stroke the sword… "This…although I'm not sure why."

Selena smiled, "We both know a day is approaching where certain treasures might need protection. Promise me that if that day comes, you will not forget what is irreplaceable?"

Mia understood the double meaning. "Of course not, my Queen, but please do not speak that way."

"I'm sorry Mia, but…it's nothing. Let us leave."

"We're here."

Mia walked into the room. Malcolm could see objects glowing unnaturally from the depth of the room. Mia walked, as if in a trance, to a large sword. She placed a hand on the hilt, but did not lift it.

This is the sword…

She said aloud, "It couldn't be."

Malcolm was already backing up.

"Are you scared? I'm not going to hurt you. It's not like…"

Malcolm was already at the doorway, "Mia…"

Venus lay on the ground. She was dying. Something in Kunzite had slipped when he delivered the killing blow to his former lover, "Nooooooooooooo!"

Kunzite recognized the woman at his feet. Her blonde hair was limp and chopped in certain places. Her fuku was torn and bloodied…but it was his Mina.

Venus opened her eyes. Was Kunzite crying? He was coming over to her. What more could he do…? Venus's primal instincts kicked in -- summoning the last of her strength, Mina lifted the Sword of the Moon and thrust it into Kunzite as he bent over her.

Mia nodded and wiped stray tears from her eyes, "You weren't the only one. Serena picked it up and ended her life with this sword."

"Why did you come for it?"

"I think it's ready to redeem itself. It's a birthright...and before it caused so much sadness and grief, it was a holy sword meant to protest the princess. I hope it will do the same again."

"I hope you're right."

They shared a meaningful look across the room. Malcolm, wanting to avoid the prickling behind is eyes, coughed gruffly, and nodded to a glow deeper in the room, "What about those?"

Mia walked over. She remembered these objects from her only other visit to the room. The mirror. The garnet scepter. The foreign looking sword. The lethal glaive. They were glowing the same color as the sword…a faint silver. Mia tucked the Sword of the Moon in her chain and gathered up the objects, tucking the other sword and mirror on the other side of her chain, "Can you grab the glaive?"

Malcolm looked at it hesitantly, "Are you sure it's not going to attack me? No offense, but I'm not exactly sure these things are of this world."

Mia looked at the glaive, "If memory serves me correctly, these magical items should only respond to their actual owners. I'm pretty sure that's not you or me."

Malcolm picked up the glaive and whistled apprieciatively, "This thing looks like it could do a lot of damage."

With Lita's lightning inspired fire still raging in the courtyard and another burst of dense fog from Amy, Malcolm and Mia made it out of the Palace unscathed and unnoticed. Malcolm put his finger to his lips as the group quickly and quietly returned to the headquarters. Mia looked down and realized that Malcolm had not released her hand since they had left the Palace. She squeezed his hand. His silver eyes caught her cerulean ones and he gave her a rare smile.

When Mia showed up lugging two swords, a garnet scepter, and a mirror, Amy and Lita shared a look, but knew better than to ask about the objects the pair were carrying. As the quartet arrived, Jake was walking up…a very pained expression on his face.

As they walked inside, Malcolm addressed everyone, "I'll see everyone in five minutes."

As much as Mia wanted to provide some explanations to Malcolm, her first order of duty was getting the weapons to a safe place.

She looked behind her shoulder, "Amy, Lita, come with me. Malcolm, the glaive?"

He tossed it to Lita, who instinctively caught it. The girls walked to the kitchens.

Lita twirled the weapon in her hands, "Want to tell me what these are about?"

Mia cracked a smile, "I missed you girls so much I got you some presents."

Lita grinned, "Very funny. Seriously, what are these all about? No offense, Mia, but it's going to take more than some archaic weapons to defeat the Nazis."

"Promise you won't laugh?"

"Promise."

"A few years ago the Queen took me to this room deep in the Palace. Inside was this sword," Mia hefted the large sword so the girls could see, "The rest of the objects were also in this room."

Amy whispered, "That's not…"

Mia nodded sadly, "Yes, it is."

Lita crossed her arms, "Then why did you bring it back here?"

"It told me to."

Amy walked over and felt Mia's forehead, "Feels normal. You're telling us the sword commanded you to retrieve it?"

"Yes, it did. The other objects were all glowing the same color. I wasn't sure the next time we would be back…plus…"

"What?"

Mia looked each girl in the eye, "Do you remember anything about being an 'Inner Senshi?'"

Amy and Lita looked at each other, before shaking their heads.

Mia continued, "Neither do I, but it seems that's what we are."

Amy asked thoughtfully, "Implying there are Outer Senshi?"

Mia said, "That's exactly what I was wondering."

Amy examined each of the objects carefully, "Do you think that these might be theirs?"

Lita shrugged, "I don't know, but whoever can wield those weapons would be a welcome addition to our side."

Mia held the sword lovingly in her hand, as if another part of her had been returned.

Amy looked at the weapon, "I would do anything to get into a lab and figure out exactly what this sword is made of."

Mia looked at a clock on the wall, "Alright, girls, don't want to keep our men waiting. I think the danger has passed, let's detransform."

With a moment of quick concentration, the senshi reverted to their former selves.

Malcolm was pacing. Finally, everyone (minus Rae) had convened in the command room. With all that had happened in the past night, no one seemed to realize that they were all going on about an hour of sleep.

Malcolm started, "First of all, a report from Jake."

"Yes, sir. Duchess Rae is safe and accounted for."

"That's where you've been for the past 6 hours?" Malcolm queried.

"I had to make sure she was safe, sir."

Everyone did their best to cover the laughing and inappropriate comments with coughing.

Malcolm focused his stare on Jake, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, I need you to return to her location and move everyone inside to safety. I fear their identities and lives may be in jeopardy."

Art spoke up, "I'll go with him."

Jake looked at Malcolm, a gaze of gratitude in his eyes, "Where should I take them?"

Mia answered, "Bring them back here. I'm the one who put them in danger; it is my duty to find a safe place for them."

Malcolm nodded, "Agreed. Now, there is something I want to discuss with all of you and I'm not sure exactly how to say it or how it relates to everyone. There is Nazi soldier who looks exactly like Malcolm."

Malcolm continued, "And also one that looks like Zach, Jake, and Nick."

Mia looked at him, "When did you see them?"

"Right after you kicked me out of your room!"

The remaining senshi and shitennou shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Experience told them NOT to get involved in an argument between these two. Amy rolled her eyes and held her hands up for silence as she was curious about the situation, "When you say looks alike, do you mean 'exactly?'"

Mia looked at Malcolm before answering, "Actually, he looked like Malcolm looked, well, he looked like Kunzite, down to the long hair and everything."

"And the other soldiers looked like exact duplicates of Nephrite, Jadeite, and Zoisite."

Amy nodded, "Interesting."

Mia kept her eyes on Malcolm as she continued, "I have a theory."

Amy asked, "What's that?"

"It's a little involved so hear me out," Mia took a deep breath and said, "I think that when Queen Selenity used the last of her strength to send us all into the future she sent not only our souls, but also those of the Shittenou."

Zach nodded, "That would explain everything thus far, including our past memories."

Mia continued, "I also think that at the point when Moon Kingdom was completely destroyed, the souls of the Shitennou were somehow split between their original selves, the ones we knew and loved, and those evil souls that Beryl had gotten hold of and completely warped. When we were all reborn in this lifetime, the original souls and evil souls were born at the same time."

Nick looked around the room, "But what does that mean for us? Are we running around with incomplete souls?"

Mia looked thoughtful, "I don't think so. Herr Kunsen and Malcolm were in the same room and the earth didn't explode or anything. So, I think it's just something that happened as a result of Queen Selenity's final wish."

Nick commented, "Then I guess they are in the right line of work. If they are pure evil, they probably have no trouble fitting in as Nazi soldiers."

Malcolm spoke up, "Now that everyone is aware, please be extra careful in the city and addressing each other. We would not want to make a mistake in identity. Jake and Art, please hurry to retrieve Rae and the rest of the citizens at that address."

Rae wrapped a shawl around herself, trying to stop the shivering.

Aren't you the senshi of fire? Since when have you ever been cold?

She was feeling as if her heart had been completely broken. She was surprised to hear someone next to her.

"Here drink this. You'll feel better," the woman named Uranus said gently.

Rae took the warm mug and began sipping the tea. Both women looked out at the early morning from the small pation adjoining Rae's room. Neptune joined them silently, and Rae was more than a little surprised when Uranus put her arms around the smaller girl. She saw a look of love pass between them that she recognized. She had been given that look only a few hours before.

Neptune said softly, "That was some fog we had last night."

It sounded innocent enough, but Rae could hear an underlying context there.

Do they think I had anything to do with it? That's impossible!

Instead, she commented, "Sure was."

The tall woman, who went under the alias Pluto, commented to no one in particular, "Life is too short these days to waste time."

What do these women want from me?

Neptune, seeing the look of alarm on Rae's face, put a comforting hand on Rae's arm, "We just want to help…oh my, you're burning up!"

The hot tea had recharged Rae's inner fire.

You have know idea…

"I have a medical condition."

"Is it serious?" asked Saturn with her large purple eyes, similar to Rae's own.

"Not to me…" Rae said quietly.

Uranus seemed agitated, "Mars, do you get the feeling that we may have known each other from somewhere?"

Rae was guarded, "Maybe."

At that moment, the door to the brothel flew open. Rae blinked her eyes and called out, "Jake!"

"My lady."

"What are you doing here?!"

"Under orders, m'am," Jake drawled, "Seems as though our good friends Malcolm and Mia got up to some trouble at the Palace and now this place is probably top on the Nazis list of places to check out."

Rae rolled her eyes, "I can't wait to hear what their excuse is." She looked around Jake and asked, "Is that Art?"

"Duchess Rachael," the older man smiled closing and locking the door behind him, "I'm happy to see you survived as well."

The happy reunion was cut short as they heard the sound of soldiers' boots walking quickly down their street. Jake looked up and saw the four other women, "Please, I've been instructed to take you all to safety."

Uranus crossed her arms, "And why should we trust you?"

Rae looked at the older woman pleadingly, "I think there will be a few questions answered when we all get back together," she looked at Pluto, "It's like you said, life is too short to waste time."

Jake said winking, "Trust me, I think I'm offering a better choice than the alternative."

The women shared an unspoken agreement and quickly ran to gather their things.

Art looked at Jake and Rae, "I'll be right back."

Art wandered through the brothel until he found Luna's room. He walked in softly, and gazed down where the woman who had captured his heart the night before was sleeping peacefully. He gently touched her cheek, "Good morning, beautiful."

Luna's dark eyes opened and she stretched like a cat, "Morning yourself, handsome."

"Remember how I asked if I could call on you again?"

"I didn't think you'd take me up on your offer so soon."

"Well, it seems as though the Nazi's might want to take you to the Palace, and I'd rather keep you with me."

In record time the group had assembled. They could already hear the Nazi soldiers pounding on the front door to the building. Luna addressed the group, "This way."

They filed out a back entrance into a narrow alley, when Jake stepped to the front of the line.

"I don't think so, soldier," Rae smiled as she stepped in front. Looking at Jake's bewildered face, she said, "This is my home turf. Just tell me where the headquarters are and I'll get us there safe."

It was late in the night, but Amy couldn't sleep. Something was calling her. In a trance, she made her way to the command room, where they were storing the weapons. The Sword of the Moon, large and menancing, but not reflecting any light, lay still, but positively humming with its own energy.

"Hello?"

"Oh..." Amy answered, suddenly shy at Zach's appearance. "I couldn't sleep."

"The weapons?"

"The sword in particular. I'd like to investigate it further."

"Can I help?"

"Sure."

The pair worked in tandem, doing preliminary tests on the sword. In the morning, a sleepy Mia appeared to them and asked, "Were you able to find anything out?"

Amy nodded and stated, "I think we can safely assume they are made from special components we've never seen before."

Zach agreed, "From what we can tell, it was hardened into this form."

"More interestingly, the components are quite toxic."

Mia blinked her eyes rapidly and asked in disbelief, "You learned that all from one night?"

Zach shrugged on behalf of the pair, "What time is it?"

"7AM."

Amy giggled, "We were up all night?"

"Just like old times."