I really tried to clarify the scenes in this chapter - I'm not sure why I originally had it so convoluted!

Flashback scene is from The First Generation.

I've also updated to reflect NT's desire that the Lights are females (who cross-dress as a disguise) and not the anime version where they are men who change into women. From what I could read, she was adamant senshi are all female.

AN: I do NOT own the characters.

Chapter 10: All Alone in the Moonlight

The men quickly rushed through the city with their captive. They had already prepared a room to interrogate the suspect. Darien did not want to resort to torture, but prepared for the option should they need it. Malcolm felt sick that a part of him was actually looking forward to such an occasion.

Maybe this is how it happened... Maybe this is how we got under Beryl's spell...

After they had secured Jake's clone in the room, tying him tightly to a chair, Malcolm gathered everyone outside. He spoke to them, "Darien, I think you should be the only one to speak to him."

Three heads turned at looked at the platinum haired solider.

Darien asked, "Why?"

"I get the feeling that we don't need to connect with the darker sides of ourselves right now. I'm worried what might happen."

Zach nodded slowly, putting the pieces together, "The situation is not all that different. We're separated from our home, we're at war, the girls are in our lives again."

Nick nodded solemnly, "We're not going to let history repeat itself."

Darien cracked his knuckles, "Agreed. I'll do what I can."

Nodding to his men, their Captain entered the room, closing the door quietly behind him. They had already decided it was best if the hostage remained with his head covered. Seeing Jake's face might be too much for any of them to take. Darien clenched the box of stones in his hand - somehow sensing they were connected, but unable to put everything together. Speaking in perfect unaccented German, Darien stated to the captured soldier in front of him, "Your orders have changed."

The man was silent.

"We can do this the easy way or the hard way. I am a higher rank than your General. One word from me and you will be killed. Do you understand?"

The man nodded his head.

"Good, then let's begin. What is General Steig's mission?"

The captive was at war with himself. Why would he be captured in this way? The man interrogating him had help earlier. Where were those men now? What if this was an elaborate set up by Steig to test his loyalty?

The German soldier spoke slowly and tried to make his answer as vague as possible, "We are to hold the country until further orders are issued from Berlin."

"Of course. Is there anything else?"

"There was a disturbance at the castle last week."

"I've been informed. What has Steig done to remedy the situation?"

"He has been seeking—"

"Who is responsible?"

"We're not—"

"Your life depends on the information you give me."

The hooded man sighed and began to speak, "As you may or may not be aware, we have evidence the monarchy of Ginzuberg is in possession of a super weapon…one that can change the course of the entire world. The last thing we heard, Serena had been captured. She had possession of the Ginzuberg diamond - believed to be the key to the weapon."

Darien's body filled with anger had to fight not to let emotion get the better of him.

Serena, be strong. Don't let them use the Crystal.

***

In her cramped quarters, Serena was filled with a moment of renewed strength. Warmth surrounded her, enveloped her and she heard Darien's words.

I will be strong Darien. For you, and for…our daughter.

***

Darien believed, for the briefest of moments, he had connected with his wife. It was exceedingly rare for him to feel powerless, but he felt utterly worthless that he could not do more for Serena.

I love her. I would do anything for her. Somebody give me the chance.

I was hoping you'd say that.

The former Prince of the Earth was surprised when he glowed warmly for a moment, and watched in wonder as the box of stones from his pocket floated from his pocket. The four stones circled each other, first slowly, then gaining speed, until he could not see between them. Darien blinked once, and there, in the middle of the stones, a crystal which glowed brightly, filling the room with incandescent brilliance. It was like Serena's Imperium Silver Crystal, except that it was golden.

Prepared to protect their Prince, his three soldiers ran into the room and stopped suddenly.

The masked man in front of him whispered, "Endymion?"

Darien looked at the captive sharply, and was so surprised he asked in English, "What did you call me?"

The man responded in English, "My Prince. I would recognize you anywhere. Even with this mask on. I know it is you."

The blood drained out of Darien's face. He held the golden crystal in his hand and motioned the men to follow him. Wordlessly, they walked out of the room. Captain Shields looked down at the small jewel which seemed to pulse in his hand, "I don't know how it happened. I was thinking about Serena and it just sort of appeared."

Nick tried to make a joke, "Please tell me we don't need to remind you how to interrogate people. You're not supposed to let them see you and under no circumstances are you to give away your former identity."

Darien smiled tightly, "I didn't. He just knew who I was."

In the Palace, Jake shook his head to get his bearings straight. The last time he had been here…was ages ago. He had rescued Rae and simultaneously handed over his heart. Jake could easily imagine the building at another, happier time. He chuckled to himself imagining the young duchesses and Princess Serenity herself running around as young children, playing dress up and being royal terrors.

Not making eye contact with anyone, Jake walked towards the kitchens. He had been thoroughly briefed by both Nick and Art about the layout of the Palace. When someone who looked identical to Malcolm and motioned him over. Jake shook his head, wishing Nick had stressed just how identical these clones were. Jake was immediately taken to his last memories of the last time he saw…Kunzite.

***

Transporting from the earth to Moon, the generals were calm, ready for the battle ahead.

Kunzite asked Beryl, "Do you want prisoners?"

The red haired terror said coolly, "Only Prince Endymion will be allowed to live. There will be no survivors."

The generals had divided up the army into four separate commands. As they neared the Palace, Kunzite began to shout out orders, "Nephrite and Jadeite, breach the front door and find the Prince. Zoisite, take your group around the back, try and gain entry there."

The groups broke off one by one. Kunzite saluted each of his men as they rode away.

***

We never saw each other alive again. We were too busy killing our wives.

Jake shook his head to clear the vision and looked up into the General's cool grey eyes – wondering if the man in front of him could sense any of his past life. In German, Jake said, "Good evening."

General Steig looked him over critically and asked, "Where are you headed?"

"The kitchens, sir. I can't resist the yummy pastries in the kitchen," Jake said slyly.

There was a long disapproving glance before the General finally replied, "See that you are fit for tomorrow, soldier."

"I will, sir. Good evening."

Steig nodded sharply and walked away, boots clicking and cape floating. Watching "Kunzite" turn the corner, Jake snuck upstairs. Without disrupting things, Jake was to get as much information as he could before switching off with his clone. Jake took a deep breath and climbed the stairs to access where the former Queen's inner sanctuary used to be.

In his office, the General tapped his foot impatiently. Finally, a soldier entered the room, "Sir, we have Goode on a secure line."

The General picked up the phone, looking forward to connecting with his old friend. He barked, "Leave. Now."

Watching the door close, he picked up the phone with a grunt, "Basil!"

"Ben!"

"How are things across the pond?"

The pause in Basil's voice made Ben realize that things might be much worse than he or his government was aware of. Basil finally answered, "Oh you know, stiff upper lip and all that. Any chance you Yanks are going to get off those fat asses of yours and help anytime soon?"

Ben chose to vaguely answer the comment, desperately wishing he could pledge troops, money, guns, anything his old friend needed, "Soon enough, old chap. Soon enough."

"So what's this I hear about the Shields boy being in Europe?"

"We have reason to believe he's somewhere in Europe, most likely Ginzuberg."

Basil coughed loudly, "The boy moves rather quick then. It seems I just saw in the papers he and Queen Serena were married. Don't you know to give your boys some time off for a proper honeymoon?"

Ben responded seriously, "You can't honeymoon if the bride's missing."

"What happened?"

"The elder Shields believe she's been kidnapped."

"On American soil? That's preposterous!"

"I wish I could, old friend, but we have reason to believe…that is, we have the intelligence to support that there are Nazi factions in the United States. As Serena has yet to reappear and no ransom note has been found, we believe the Germans have captured her."

"That poor girl." Basil, living in Europe and having worked royal detail more than a few times in his military career had glimpsed the radiant Crown Princess Serena on a number of occasions. He coughed, and said, "So, what else can I tell you about Shields and his men?"

"Weren't they stationed near the RAF before he and Serena returned to the States?"

"They were here, but I haven't seen him since…"

"Since when?"

"It was very peculiar. He and his men simply vanished."

"What was the timing?"

"Must've been right around the time Ginzuberg was taken over by the Germans."

"They couldn't have gone over land. Can you find out who took them and where their drop was?"

"Consider it done."

"Thanks, Basil."

"We'll be in touch. If I see your boys, we'll round em' up. Unfortunately I can't spare a lot of time or manpower at the moment."

"Understood. Just keep an ear out."

Ben hung up the phone, desperately trying to figure out exactly what Darien was up to or where in the world he was. If Serena had been captured by the Nazis, why wasn't Darien consulting his own government for help? What is Darien was a double agent? What exactly had happened while Darien was in Europe? He barked out an order over the intercom, "Get me the Wiseman!"

As soon as he made the order, the General started second guessing his decision. The Wiseman was a government urban legend. The word has always been he was capable of getting information no one else could get. He was only used in the most dire of circumstances and no one ever questioned the methods he used.

Ben considered his conversation with Washington. He had to know the location of Darien and with his latest assumptions, it was possible the fate of the entire country depended on his whereabouts.

Also on American soil, Eleanor and Jonathan were enjoying a night in and trying to make sense of the now thousands of leads that had accumulated since their move to New York. Pausing for a moment, Jonathan looked up at his beautiful wife and asked, "Has anyone mentioned to you where they think Serena might be?"

"Not specifically, I think people are too polite. What about you?"

"Same thing. I've been thinking about this for awhile and it might be best to try and trick the public and perhaps our own government and convince them that she has been returned safely."

"Why ever would we do that?"

"Well, I believe that soon enough people are going to start asking more detailed questions and when Darien comes up missing as well…"

"Couldn't we just tell everyone they've gone on an extended honeymoon?"

Jonathan leapt out of his chair and kissed his wife soundly, "Brilliant! All we have to do now is come up with a story about where she has been."

Eleanor tapped a manicured finger on her mouth and said, "Since we moved to New York so suddenly, we can explain to friends that we simply missed her."

"Will they buy it?"

"Even if they whisper about it behind our backs, they would all still be too polite to say anything to our faces."

"It just might work... Let me call the Times."

Clipping from the New York Times (Sunday edition):

HRH SERENA ALIVE AND WELL! Jonathan and Eleanor Shields released a statement late last night with the following information. Queen Serenity of Ginzuberg has been found and is safe. According to sources close to the Shields, the visiting regent was in a state of complete exhaustion after the death of her mother and recent marriage to their son, Captain Darien Shields. The young Queen apparently forgot to leave word that she was going to an exclusive relaxation spa before slipping off with her inner court. Mother-in-law Eleanor said, "The poor girl felt she had 'imposed' on us too much already. In all the excitement she needed to go and 'recharge.' We are just glad that she is okay." Jonathan added, "As a wedding gift we have sent the happy couple on a belated honeymoon luxury trip to the Bahamas. We hope Serena gets all the relaxation she needs!" Eleanor said the Queen told her to let the public know, "She had been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and compassion of the America people." Darien Shields, the groom, was unavailable for comment.

As Eleanor and Jonathan breakfasted the next morning, the phone rang off the hook with warm wishes and notes of encouragement for the Queen. Mary, the maid, came in and asked, "What would you like to do with all the 'clues'?"

Jonathan waved his hand, "Please try and organize everything in my office. The search continues!"

The table on which Jonathan and Eleanor were breakfasting was still littered with letters, articles, and maps. The sun broke through the clouds and light poured into the room. Both the elder Shields' eyes were drawn to a plain brown envelope that had been overlooked until this moment. Jonathan picked it up slowly. There was no return address. Jonathan carefully opened the letter. Scanning the contents, he said to Eleanor, "It's a typed letter, dated…the same day we made the initial statement. There is no signature."

"What does it say?'

Jonathan read aloud, "We know the Nazis took your daughter-in-law. We also have information the U.S. Government was planning a similar action. If you want to know what we've learned, meet us in Central Park near the zoo. We will be there every day at noon until you meet us."

Eleanor's eyes widened at the information, and she asked, "Is there anything that indicates who wrote it?"

Jonathan looked up with the same cobalt blue eyes he passed onto his son and answered, "It's simply from 'The Three Lights.'"

Eleanor looked at her husband, "You aren't actually considering this are you? You know people have done crazier things to get at our wealth. This could all be an elaborate set up."

Jonathan dropped the letter, "No…maybe. Something about this seems different."

"The Lights?" Eleanor asked, raising a wary eyebrow, then asked, "Do you really want to go?"

Jonathan nodded, "I get the feeling this could be legitimate."

"Promise not to put yourself in danger?"

"I won't." Jonathan looked at his watch, "I'm going to clean up and try and meet them today.

Eleanor looked at the phone, which was ringing and said, "You're leaving me to all of this?"

Jonathan reached across the kitchen table and kissed his wife's hand, "You'll do fine."

She smiled charmingly back at him, "Flattery will get you everywhere."

As Jake stole through the Palace, he kept moving until walked passed a room and discreetly listened in. The former parlor had been converted into a telecommunications office. Jake walked confidently in. As far as Nick has learned, each of their clones were superior ranked officers.

The lone soldier in the room, looked at him and said, "Good evening, sir."

"Any new information?"

"No, sir."

Jake looked around the room and knew he would need some time to himself in order to find out anything. He looked over at the soldier, "What's your name?"

"Brandt, sir."

"I need a private moment to make a phone call," Jake fumbled in his pocket, and flipped up a pack of cigarettes, saying, "Take a break."

"But, but General Steig said…"

"I'm not going to tell General Steig. Now, go!"

The soldier quickly scooted out of the room. Jake chuckled, "You really should listen to your commanding officer."

He quickly found a variety of maps and letters - all useless. He was about to stop when he uncovered an elaborate drawing. The details were all in German, but he was able to determine that whatever it was, it had come from the highest levels and that it was the design for a weapon of some sort. Jake shrugged and tucked it under his arm, mentally noting Zach would be able to figure it out.

Jonathan felt like a young man again as his driver pulled up to Central Park. In his excitement, he didn't realize the not one, but two cars that pulled out to follow his Rolls Royce Phantom. The older man's expectations were minimal, but this was the cloests to real information they had received yet, and he owed to his wife, son, and daughter-in-law to follow it through.

The elder Shields attempted to act nonchalant as he strolled in the direction of the zoo. Thinking back fondly, he remembered bringing Darien. His son had loved all of the different animals and unlike many children his age, had showed no fear. Jonathan chuckled and went to buy a ticket for entrance to the zoo and walked through the gates. Unsure how to proceed, he leaned casually against a rail near the Lion cage.

A man was sitting on a bench close to him, reading a newspaper. From behind the pages of the newsprint, a husky voice murmured, "You've been followed."

Jonathan looked around. He didn't see anyone that looked like they had been following him.

"I'm behind the newspaper. Don't look at me."

Slightly unnerved Jonathan remained looking ahead at the lions who were sleeping peacefully in the sun. Angry he had not been more cautious, the elder Shields asked, "Are you one of the Lights?"

"I am."

"Why should I believe you?"

"You and your wife's life depend on it."

"What do you mean?" Johnathan couldn't keep the shock or disbelief out of his voice.

"Those men following you mean business. Now that the public eye has been taken off of the search for Serena, you are in even more danger than you were before."

Johnathan sighed deeply and asked, "What should I do?"

"Nothing. Go back to your penthouse. Act like nothing has happened. We will come see you tonight and arrive promptly at midnight. We will not come via ordinary means, so please do not be alarmed. It is imperative that no one sees us enter or depart."

"I assume there are three of you then?"

"You are correct."

"Why are you helping us?"

There was a pause behind the paper, then, "We would do anything for our Queen and her family."

Across the small room, Malcolm and Darien looked warily at each other. In all their combined years of experience, they had never come across anything remotely like this. Darien said, "Before anything else happens. We need to get to the bottom of this."

Nick looked at his watch, "We don't have too much longer until we have to switch, um, whoever's in there with Jake."

Darien looked at Zach and asked, "Why don't you do the questioning? At the minimum, we have to figure out what mental delusions this man is suffering from."

"If you think it's best."

Darien opened the door and and ushered Zach in. Having only a crash course in psychology, the medic didn't really have the first clue where to begin. Still, something was better than nothing. He began speaking, "Sir—"

"Who's that?" The captive asked alertly, "Zoiscite, is that you? Where did Endymion go?"

Zach looked around the room, and answered calmly, "Yes. It is me. Is that you, Jadeite?"

"Who else would it be? Why do you guys have me tied up like this?"

Zach looked up, then replied, "This is going to sound weird, but I need to know what your last memory was."

The captive was silent for a moment, "The last thing I remember we were all gathered together, the day before our wedding."

***

On the eve of their nuptials, the Shitennou had gathered in the billiards room. Prince Endymion was dining with Serenity, his parents and Queen Selenity, finalizing state issues between the two kingdoms. He had given them all a much-needed night off. With all the preparations, this shared time was a special event. Nephrite had coaxed Mako to create a "man's feast" for their last meal as single men. Kunzite had used his influence to transport some finely aged liquers. Jadeite took the lead, and began pouring a glass for each of the men.

"I never saw it happening like this…" he said, a good natured smile on his face.

"What exactly did you have in mind? Us spending our later days all alone, with only each other's company?" asked Nephrite.

"Well, for starters, I thought Endymion would have some sort of arranged marriage to some old maid with a huge dowry on Earth, not a beautiful Princess of the Moon," Jadeite said continuing, "Furthermore, I really could never picture any of us actually getting tied down. Kunzite didn't like anyone, let alone a woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, and Zoisite was so shy, I never thought he'd have the courage to even ask out a woman, let alone marry one…I was obviously born to flirt. Nephy, you were the only one who I thought would have a chance."

"Thanks a lot, Jade," said Kunzite gruffly, straightening his uniform.

The Generals all shared a laugh. They had seen some difficult times together on Earth. In that moment of laughter, a presence entered the room. Even though it was bright outside, the room suddenly seemed darker and chillier.

Now…the entity knew this was the only time they would all be alone…when their energy was most susceptible.

Kunzite went on guard, seconds too late. The Generals all went into a trance. The entity had them under its spell.

***

Zach asked, "And who were you about to marry?"

"Please don't tell me you've forgotten Amy. Wait, is Rae okay? Has something happened to her?"

Zach said reassuringly, "She's fine. I'm going to just leave you for a moment. I'll be right back."

Closing the door behind him, for the first time in a long time, Zach was utterly confused. He considered himself a man of above intelligence, but this development made absolutely no logical sense. He could even understand their souls had been reincarnated here in the future, and just maybe that the "evil" half of their souls had come to live in Nazi Germany. What he could not believe was the seeming complete transformation of the man in front of him.

Stepping into the room, he looked at Nick and asked, "And you're sure there's no way he could know about, well, our past lives?"

Nick shook his head, "Unless they've captured one of the girls, tortured her and made her tell the entire story, which I believe they would be disinclined to accept, I don't know how they could've found out."

Zach looked at Darien and nodded towards the jewel, "May I?"

Darien handed over the golden crystal. Zach held it up and inspected it. He pursed his mouth together and said, "This has to be the key to everything."

Darien nodded, "When it appeared, he looked in its direction and then he was speaking to me in English and calling me by my former name."

Nick said, "So, what do we do now? We can't return him in this state."

Darien sighed heavily, "Let's workd this out. The man in there, formerly a German soldier, formerly what we believe is the evil version of the General Jadeite had now reverted back to his good self, but the self that was on the moon. Furthermore, he has no recollection of what has happened since then, including how he got here?"

Zach nodded slowly, "That's what I believe."

Darien continued, "So, if we follow this train of through, the Golden Crystal was able to heal him?"

Zach sighed, "That is my best guess, but I don't ever remember seeing the Crystal when we were on the Moon, or during our time on Earth."

Nick looked up suddenly, and asked, "What if something has happened to Jake? What if he's ceased to exist?"

Darien plucked the Crystal back from Zach and clenched his other hand around the box in his pocket, and said, "No, I would know if something happened to one of you. I think somehow, we need to ask for Pluto's advice. She's the Keeper of Time."

Malcolm stated, "They're not due back for a few days yet."

Nick said, "We could ask Jake to keep up the charade until then."

Clenching his jaw, Darien said, "I wouldn't want to leave any of you there."

Malcolm agreed, "Rae will burn us to a crisp if anything happens to him while she's away."

Nick looked towards the door where the captive was being held and said, "Can we risk Jadeite's life?"

Darien looked out the window. Part of being a good leader was making difficult decisions. He took a deep breath and replied, "Nick, you will go to Jake tonight and tell him to continue the façade. Do NOT mention what has happened here tonight."

Nick nodded and headed out into the night. Darien looked at Zach and continued, "It is imperative that Jadeite does not see any of us. Make him as comfortable as possible without removing the blindfold, and yet be as vague as possible."

Zach thought a moment before he answered, "What will you ask of Pluto?"

The former Prince tapped his foot, "If my theory is correct, I'm going to ask her to go back in time and put Jadeite where he belongs. If that doesn't work, I have another longshot idea."

Malcolm asked, "And if she refuses? I can't remember much about her, but messing with the space / time contiuum does not sound like something she would go for."

Zack said, "She only learned she was a senshi less than a week ago. If I recall from our studies, the Goddess of Time has three rules that must not be broken. I'm pretty sure going back in time and screwing with things is one of them."

Malcolm added, "Besides, why not go back and take out Hitler? That would solve everyone's problems."

Darien shook his head, "Don't tempt me. Anyway, there's something we're missing. How and why did your souls separate into the pre and post-Beryl versions?"

Basil Goode strolled through the offices of the RAF. If he didn't trust Ben so implicitly, he would think his friend had sent him on a wild goose chase. However, if this had anything to do with finding and returning Queen Serena to safety, well, he would do everything in his power to see that it happened. He personally checked through the logs. Just when he was about to give up, there was a scribble, barely legible. It was one Daniel Burite, 1st Battalion.

Basil immediately strode over to the barracks where Dan was housed. The ranked officer strange looks walking through where the soldiers were housed, but couldn't be bothered - this was serious business. Not finding Dan anywhere, he asked one of the young soldiers, "I'm looking for Private Burite, have you seen him anywhere?"

The soldier frowned briefly and replied, "Danny Boy? He took heavy fire on his last mission. I think he's recovering in the Health wing."

"Thank you, soldier."

Basil walked as quickly and as dignified as possible, until he finally found Dan, who's injuries were severe, but he was stable. Dan tried to sit up when he saw the General approach him. Basil smiled and said, "No need to look good for me, soldier."

"What brings you here, sir? Is there anything wrong with my family?"

Basil shook his head, "No, son. I need to ask you about something. Confidential."

"Anything, sir."

"Do you remember the Yanks who were stationed here a few weeks back?"

There was a moment's pause before Dan replied, "Yes, sir."

"Did they request that you take them anywhere?"

Dan was instantly torn. He felt a strange loyalty to the men he had briefly helped. Dan's face contorted with pain and he replied, "Sorry, sir. Things are little hazy since I went down a few weeks back. Let me think about it."

Basil looked at him suspiciously, but answered, "Okay soldier. You rest up. Let me know if anything comes to mind."

"I will. Thank you, sir."

Serena clutched her abdomen protectively, but wasn't entirely surprised by the information. After all, she blushed at their tender encounters, they hadn't exactly made time to discuss birth control or the possibility of children.

It will be a girl. A daughter.

Serena recognized the voice of Princess Serenity.

Then I should give in to their demands! For the sake of our child!

Never! This child, conceived from the former Princess of the Moon and Prince of the Earth, is very special. You will teach her the lessons that will keep this planet safe for generations to come.

Serena sighed, but smiled a secret smile. She couldn't wait to tell Darien the good news.

If I ever see him again…

After countless cups of coffee, Eleanor and Jonathan paced their immaculate drawing room, waiting for the clock to strike midnight. It had been one of the longest days either could remember. With the press release in the Times, the strange meeting at the zoo, and the constant following up to make sure everyone actually believed Serena and Darien were in the relative safety of the Bahamas, plus waiting for this suspicious meeting, both of the Shields were on their last nerve.

Rearranging a vase of flowers for the fifth time, Eleanor asked nervously, "And you didn't get a look at who you were talking to?"

Jonathan clenched his teeth, "No."

"Well, I guess we'll see. I just hope they can help us."

Suddenly, the large grandfather clock began chiming. Bong….bong…bong. The Shields' looked around. Suddenly, there was a noise on the large penthouse balcony and a knock at the door that led out to it. Eleanor whispered, "But how? We're over twenty stories up…"

Jonathan went to the door and asked, "Who's there?"

A voice on the other side answered, "The Lights, let us in."

Jonathan cautiously opened the door, "Come in."

Three immaculately groomed and unusually tall people entered, and politely removed their hats. Although their height and physical prescence was intense, Eleanor couldn't shake the feeling they might not actually be men. The lack of broad shoulders, the completely smooth complexions... The one who seemed to be the leader had startling blue eyes and cropped ebony hair. The tallest had a neat brown ponytail and the same blue eyes. The shortest had platinum hair and eyes of violet. The leader stepped forward and said, "Thank you for meeting with us. I am Seiya."

"I am Taiki."

"I am Yaten."

As Jonathan shook their hands, Eleanor, ever the graceful hostess, gestured to the drawing room, "Would you care to take a seat?"

Yaken nodded, "Yes m'am."

Eleanor flushed and said, "Please call me, Eleanor. Also, I believe this time of night calls for a nightcap? Would you gentleman care for a scotch?"

After nods all around, Eleanor neatly prepared a tray with glasses and ice and the bottle and brought it over to the table. She was struck at how surreal this entire scene was. Never in all her life would she believe she'd be serving drinks near midnight to men who had entered via the balcony of her New York Penthouse. After everyone had had a solid sip, Seiya said, "Your graciousness is appreciated."

Jonathan opened his mouth to respond when Seiya held his hand up, "Excuse our manners, first we need to sweep the room. Standard really, but we believe you are under surveillance."

The trio quickly were up and looking through the room. Moments later Yaten exclaimed, "Aha!" and held up a small transmitter on the bottom of the phone. Taiki also was successful in retrieving a bug. Jonathan and Eleanor were shocked. Jonathan was the first to regain the power of speech, "But who?"

Taiki sat down and explained the situation, "Ever since Serena entered the country and made her presence known, you have been assigned your own personal government stooges."

Jonathan exclaimed angrily, "We never asked for them, nor were we notified of them!"

Yaten answered calmly, "It is as we expected."

Eleanor asked, "Is there anything else we should know?"

Seiya looked at his companions, who nodded, and slowly took a deep breath, "I'll need you to suspend what you know for a few minutes. What we are about to tell you, is going to sound made up and ridiculous, but I need you to keep an open mind. Can you do that for me?"

Jonathan took Eleanor's hand and they nodded.

Seiya looked out at the moon which was glowing brightly in the cloudless sky, and began the tale, "There is a prophecy which has been passed down for generations. We believe the prophecy is going to come to pass in the near future."

Yaten continued, "Many years ago, there was a beautiful kingdom and race of people that resided on the Moon. A sudden darkness came upon this magnificent place and a warrior from the Moon was sent to Earth to seek the aid of the Earth's Prince, Endymion, and his powerful Generals.

The beautiful warrior was successful and she returned to the Moon with the men. Upon meeting the beautiful Princess of the Moon, Endymion fell instantly in love. His love was powerfully returned and he was not alone. His mighty Generals had found love with the Princess's Inner Court. Yet, there was something special about these women. They were beautiful and Princesses of their own home planets and also serious warriors."

Taiki finished the sad tale, "But their loves were not to last. A jealous malevolent spirit took over the Generals and brought war to the Moon. The Generals and the Princess's warriors killed each other. Endymion sacrificed himself for his Princess, and in the end, overcome with grief and sadness, she took her own life.

The Queen of the Moon had enough strength to send all of their souls into the future at a time where they might wake up and find each other again."

Tears began to silently drip down Eleanor's face.

Seiya announced, "This is where the prophecy begins. It has been said, when those souls are reborn on this earth, the end of the world is near. When the Prince finds his Princess, their union will begin a chain of events that will bring about a great war, the rebirth of the world, and the arrival of the Queen's daughter."

Yaten said quietly, "We believe Darien is the Prince reborn and Serena the Princess. Before we could get to them, they have been wed and now all we can do is hope to support them in the coming war."

Eleanor and Jonathan were stupefied, and finally Eleanor asked, "Do Darien and Serena know of the prophecy?"

Taiki shook his head, "We're not sure. It's possible, especially given what they've both been through. High emotion and stress could've triggered their past selves."

Jonathan asked, "Does the prophecy say who will win?"

Seiya shook his head.

Eleanor, with tears still in her eyes from the story, said, "But...if the prophecy is true, I'm going to be a grandmother?"

For the second time that evening, Nick snuck quietly back into the Palace and waited. His friend came strolling up the path shortly after and announced, "Phew! I was hoping you'd be here, I am so ready to get the hell— Wait, where is everyone else?"

"You're staying."

"What?!"

"Darien's orders."

"Do I want to know?"

"No, you don't."

For a moment, Jake looked like he was going to protest, but thought better of it. He dug in his coat and handed the stolen set of plans across to Nick, "Take these to Zach, I'm not sure, but I think it's the designs for some sort of super weapon."

Nick nodded and clapped Jake on the shoulder, "Darien seems to think this will all be cleared up by the time the girls get back."

Jake sighed, "Three whole days?"

Nick nodded, "I'll be in touch with you. Just look for my usual tricks. Stay strong."

After waiting a number of minutes and hearing a strange series of pops and whistles, the General had finally connected with the Wiseman, who had instantly agreed to the mission. The General had received the cryptic instructions to send all available confidential information on Darien and his men to a local P.O. Box and await further instruction.

The General had included the following note:

Suspect Capt. Shields is operating under alternate direction…please determine who he is working for. Also determine whether his men are acting independently or if he is coercing them (bribes, blackmail, etc.). Keep an eye out of Queen Serena. Although she is reported safe and sound, believe otherwise. Contact me at 5-6287 with any information of request for backup, and proceed with all caution and discretion.