Shadowed Love

CHAPTER 2

Tokyo, Japan

Haruka stared up into the blue sky as the warm afternoon fell through the forest of trees. The entire Sailor team was standing around the entrance of Rei's temple. They were all talking about the news that Princess Fireball had just told them. A new threat was on its way. They had no idea who or what it was; ore even it's purpose, but it was coming. It was important enough to bring Fireball and the Starlights all the way to Earth. Not to mention Sestuna was acting very oddly, often looking away from Haruka when the other senshi would glance over.

Usagi as usual was being her hysterical self and it was up to Rei and the others to calm her down. No one wanted a new enemy. They were enjoying their peaceful lives. That included Haruka and Michiru.

Hotoru suddenly stopped talking; her mysterious eyes turned to the entrance of the temple and she frowned. Michiru noticed first.

"What is Hotoru?"

The young girl was quiet; her eyes narrowing as she stood up quickly and approached the the stairs. She turned just as suddenly and looked at Haruka and Michiru. Her gaze went to Sestuna, the oldest Senshi was intensly staring at the open entrance. They both seemed to sense something was approaching.

"Michiru?" Haruka glanced at her partner and the woman shrugged. If she hadn't sensed anything, then what was happening?

As if on cue a shadow fell on the last step and a figure appeared at the entrance of the shrine. Haruka glanced over and couldn't believe her eyes. Standing not ten feet away was Frost.

She was dressed all in black, as usual. Her mini skirt hugged her upper thighs as she kept her hands in her jacket pockets. Her black silk jacket tugged around her ankles in the soft breeze; the afternoon sun sparkled on her silver-brown hair.

Reminding Haruka again of moonlight in the sun.

The young woman was standing there calmly and looked around. Her gaze settled on Haruka and she glanced at Michiru. Frosts' eyes flared brilliant green for a second before she dropped her gaze to the ground.

"Is the temple closed?" Frost asked easily.

Rei gathered her wits and shook her head, "No, no. We're open. How can I help you?"

"I'd like a protection charm."

"Oh sure," Rei nodded quickly, "We have those. It is for your boyfriend?"

Frost looked up quickly; she was smiling gently, "No; it's for my brother. I don't have a boyfriend."

Rei looked Frost up and down, "I find that hard to believe."
Frost gave a shrug of her shoulders, still smiling gently. "My father says that too."

Rei went off to the fortune hut and came back a moment later, "What does your brother do that he needs a protection charm?"

"He's a Formula One racer."

Haruka had to keep herself from reacting. That would mean Frost would be here for at least a week! The only thing to do was to keep herself away from the other woman for the next seven days.

"Oh wow!" Usagi and Mina gasped in unison. Frost glanced at them. "We've never seen a live race before! Haruka used to be the best driver in Japan!" They both looked at the blonde senshi who was trying very hard not to stare at Frost.

Frost glanced over with a challenging sparkle in her eyes. "Is that so? The very best driver in Japan?" Humor floated through her voice. "Even better then Frost Stovick?"

Usagi and Mina glanced at one another, "Who?"

Frost chuckled, it was a happy sound. It made Haruka melt inside.

"An American born, Japanese raised, Formula One driver. She's the best in America right now."

Usagi burst out laughing, "I'd like to see her race against Haruka."

Haruka was started as she realized that Frost had agreed; what had Usagi done now?

"You hear that Haruka?" Usagi turned those big sapphire eyes to the outer scout.

"Hear what?" Haruka asked coolly.

"She says that you could race against the American." Usagi was looking at her with all the wide eyed hope of a child.

"I don't know." Haruka put her hand behind her head and feigned disinterest. "She's an American."

Frost smirked and put a hand on her hip; the move stretched her dress across her hips. Haruka forced herself not to look at her. "That's an insult." Frost was teasing, but only Haruka would pick up on that.

As if on cue the group suddenly started to apologize to Frost.

"If she wants to apologize, she can be at the track for noon tomorrow." Frost looked Haruka in the eye, "Then we'll see who's on top."

Frost thanked Rei for the charm and disappeared down the stairs. Haruka had to stop herself from heaving a sigh of relief and keep up the appearance of cool distain. Usagi, sweet, innocent Usagi had no clue what she'd just done.

Part of Haruka was thrilled; the rest of her was terrified.

There would be no avoiding Frost now.

It was long passed midnight; Haruka was outside, standing on the balcony. Her focus was on the sky above and not on the thoughts in her head. She kept going over the first race she'd had with Frost.

Flashback
The track had been cleared for this race; the stands were packed with unsuspecting fans. Haruka sat in her car; prepared to fly down the lane and claim victory. She'd been told less then an hour ago, her opponent on this practice race was an American super-star. Haruka thought nothing of it as she prepared to race.

"Drivers...ready! Start your engines!"

Haruka started her car and glanced over to the gleaming black body of the competitor's car. The sounds of their machines drowned out the cheering crowd.

"Drivers...Take to the track!"

Haruka pulled out and began the warm-up lap. All the while keeping an eye on the black car in her review mirror. Like a shadow it had stayed behind her. Never moving or trying to pass; just following her.

"Drivers...Begin!"

Haruka had shot forward in her car; easily gaining top speed in mere moments. When she glanced in her mirror she was stunned to see the black car right on her tail. Haruka grit her teeth and pushed the car to go faster.

"Tenoh, back off, this is just a practice race." The pit boss has warned her.

"He's not beating me!" Haruka had snapped and the car had reached maximum speed.

Once again she looked into her mirror and was stunned to see the car inching up on her. The driver suddenly moved and the car glided up beside Haruka. For a moment they stared at one another.

"Tenoh, be careful. If you clip or anything goes wrong, you'll end up in the crash too!" She shut off the radio and focused.

Haruka looked back to the track, but the black car never moved from beside her. For ten laps they were side by side at top speed, neither driver concerned over hitting or crashing.

As they approached the last few meters on the track the black car suddenly dropped back and Haruka finished first. But it had been a false win. The black car had deliberately lost.

Once free of her car, Haruka stormed over to the black car as the driver climbed out. The second driver smoothly pulled off her helmet. Her silver-brown hair tumbled around her shoulders. Haruka had been momentarily silenced by the amethyst-green eyes that sparkled at her.

"What do you mean by letting me win?" Haruka had challenged angrily.

"I was being polite." Frost had muttered in perfect Japanese. "The only proper place to take your title is during the race tomorrow. Not here." She had stared at Haruka with an utter cool that had intrigued and infuriated Haruka.

"Tomorrow, I will be taking you out." Haruka promised and startled when Frost chuckled.

"I believe you'll try."

As it was Frost wasn't racing the following day. Her father pulled a last minute switch and put in one of her brothers instead. Frost had been bitter for a long time. And Haruka had won, as was expected, but it hadn't meant as much that day.

"Haruka? What are you doing out here? It's late." Michiru came up behind her partner and wrapped her arms around Haruka. "You seem uneasy. Does the American unsettle you?"

Haruka shook her head, but kept her response to her self. No, facing Frost did not unsettle her, it excited her. It sent a rush through that no battle or enemy could ever match.

By afternoon the next day, Haruka and the full team were making their way into the Twin Rings Race Track.

"This is so exciting," Usagi muttered as she clung to Mamoru. "Haruka will probably win."

"Usagi," Rei chided, "We don't even know if there is going to be a race between them."

"Sure there will!" Mina cut in suddenly, "No one is better then our Haruka."

Off to the side of the group, Haruka heard them and had to smile. It was good to know the girls had so much faith in her. Turning her focus to the countless people, she took a deep breath. They were still in the spectator's area, but the air smelled faintly of the track.

"You seem very relaxed." Michiru gently squeezed Haruka's arm, "That is good. You were so tense last night."

Haruka smiled down at her partner, "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I am sure you'll do just fine."

They shared a private moment; Haruka smiled softly and didn't look away from those sea-blue eyes. "Michiru, I-"

"Hey there."

The whole group looked toward the sound of the voice. It was Frost.

"Oh hi," Rei muttered. "So where's this Frost person? I thought she was going to be here?"

Frost smiled, it filled her eyes. "My apologies ladies, but the track officials wouldn't clear the schedule for today's little face-off. I do apologize for that. I can tell that Miss Stovick was really looking forward to it."

"Her father probably had something to do with it." Haruka muttered coolly.

Frost glanced at her, "Perhaps."

Haruka crossed her arms, "The Frost I know wouldn't let that interfere with what she wanted."

They stared at one another for a moment, "Perhaps the Frost you remember has changed." Her tone was icy and oddly empty of emotion.

Haruka blinked and realized that Michiru had gone still beside her. She glanced at her partner, "Michiru, what is it?"

"Something...the ocean is restless."

A moment later a dozen terrified screams ripped through the happy afternoon. Haruka sighed as she realized what this meant. When she looked over, Frost was gone and the others were running toward the sound of screams.

"Haruka?" Michiru's voice was oddly sad, "I have a bad feeling about this."

"Don't worry." Haruka pressed one hand into Michiru's and gave her a confident smile. "It was good while it lasted."

Frost paused in the shadows; she could see the battle from here. The colorful blasts, the shouting, the howls of the monster. It all seemed so familiar to her.

Absently she touched the band on her wrist. Perhaps it was time to take a stand again.

"If you do this, there will be no going back." She whispered to herself.

"It's too late for that."

Frost jumped and turned quickly, "Pluto?"

"It's Setsuna. That is my name here." Setsuna stepped from the shadows and stood beside Frost. "I will be telling Uranus the truth in a few days."

"Why? She doesn't need to know. She'll never believe you."

"Michiru is beginning to suspect something." Setsuna glanced at Frost, "Knowing you as I do, you are not going to just walk away from this."

Frost turned away from the battle and looked at the taller woman. "Are you asking me to?"

"I would never presume to do that. But I do question your motives for surfacing here. There is no need for you. The prophecy can be fulfilled without you."

Frost arched a brow, "Just like it was last time?"

Setsuna sighed, "Chandra, you will change history if you stay here."

"I know." Frost/Chandra sighed heavily. "But why should I continue to be denied when those of the White Moon are not? I am not a criminal, Pluto. I did nothing wrong!" Anger filled her body, made her eyes glow and look eerie for a few moments. "I've spent two millennia waiting to regain what I lost. I have died and been reborn many times. I suffered humiliation and pain at the hands of those you are loyal to." Frost glanced at the Senshi, "I was a part of that loyalty once, Pluto. I was there. I deserve my time, just like they do."

Setsuna was quiet for a moment, "Revenge will cause more harm then peace, Chandra."

"It's not revenge!" Frost glanced at the battle; the Sailor Scouts were beginning to loose. "You and I both know I am the only powerful enough to defeat what's coming." She glanced at Setsuna. "The Moon Princess, despite her Eternal powers, cannot win this."

"You will use this time to get what you want;" Setsuna stared at Frost with tired, old eyes. "I ask only one thing."

"What is it?"

"If she refuses you, there will be no punishment. The White Moon must survive or there will no future, nothing will happen."

Frost gave a shrug, "I won't make promises I cannot guarantee to keep."

"Chandra, please!" Setsuna touched a hand to Frost's shoulder, "For Chibusa's sake at least."

Frost tensed under that hand and harshly brushed it off, "We shall see."

Usagi/Sailor Moon collapsed as her attack faded. She looked up, hopeful. Only to gasp in horror; the monster still lived; the attack had not worked.

"Why isn't it working?" Venus asked as she regained her feet. "Mercury?"

"I'm having trouble reading it. This is like nothing we've ever faced." Mercury was typing frantically into her computer. "I don't even know half of what I am seeing here."

Clouds blew over the sunshine, casting a grey shadow on the race track.

Uranus helped Sailor Moon to her feet, "Perhaps you should try again?"

"I can't, not yet."

The group formed a loose circle around Sailor Moon and Uranus, "Where are the Starlight's?" Someone asked.

"They won't be of much help," Mercury said darkly. "This creature is-"

"Sorry to bust up this party."

Everyone looked to the left as the clouds cleared and a strange sight was revealed. The woman was in a black Sailor Senshi outfit: Black mini skirt, black bow on the front of a white body cover, with a black and silver collar around her shoulders. She wore black finger gloves and knee high black boots. The edges of her outfit were trimmed with silver and blue. Her tiara sparkled, it was made of silver metal. The black gemstone in the center crackled with silver light.

"Who are you?" Uranus ordered angrily.
"No one." The new senshi responded coolly.

The monster roared and it shook the ground. Everyone looked at the creature.

"Can you try again?" Uranus asked Sailor Moon."

"I can try." Sailor Moon gripped the rod, "Silver Starlight Honey Moon Kiss!"

As the light cleared the monster was still standing.

Sailor Moon started to cry, "I don't understand."

Frost had to keep her surprise to herself. She really had thought Usagi could defeat the monster; with a resigned inner sigh she held out her right hand.

Uranus saw the new senshi move and instantly frowned. "What are you doing?"

On mental command, scepter appeared in her hand. "Shadow Moon..." The end of the rod extended down as she twirled it to her left hand, "Silver Frost..."

The black rosette shaped gem on the top flared with black and silver light. The twin bars on either side of the gem glowed as the silver light intensified.

Both hands gripped the silver staff as she pointed the top of the scepter-staff at the monster, "Eternal Kiss!"

The energy blast shot out of the gem in a rush of power. The black/silver explosion ripped through the monster and expanded out in a perfect black circle, like an eclipse. There was a deafening explosion of silver energy from within the circle, the silver light never breached the black sphere and it vanished completely a moment later.

Sailor Moon was blinking too quickly at the spot where the monster had been. "Wow."

The group was quiet as the sounds of the afternoon filtered back into reality. Warm sunshine made the air hot and at the same time refreshing. It spoke of summer, fun, and a day at the races.

"We can't linger," Tuexdo Kamen informed them, "We should go."

Clouds blew in again, shadowing the area and just as suddenly they cleared.

Uranus glanced to where the mysterious soldier had been, but she was gone. Something about that stranger put her on edge.

"Uranus?" Neptune touched her arm, "Are you alright? Or just disappointed she defeated the monster before you?"

They shared a smile and Uranus sighed, "It's nothing."

Frost kept resisting the urge; she had to just forget about it! But she couldn't. She stepped out of the flood of people and made sure no one could see. With her back to a wall, she cupped her hands together and willed the object into life. There was a muted black glow, when it faded she exhaled slowly. The device was large, filling the centre of her hand. But the object was weightless.

The black cover shimmered in the brilliant sun; causing a silver ripple to cross it's surface. Two silver lines cut across the middle of the black sphere. Either line was dotted with miniature colored stones. There were seven stones; five on the left line; two on the right. Between the lines was a brilliant silver-black gem. It rose of out of the centre of the cover from underneath.

Frost ran her thumb over the gem and felt the hard, faceted surface. Gently she pressed down on the stone; the black lid gave a soft pop-sound and she lifted it away. Frost stared at the black orb within; it glowed and sparked with its own light. In the exact centre of the case was this perfectly spherical gem about the size of a fat strawberry. On either side of the gem were two other smaller tones; one on either side, shaped like those on the front. The left stone was a deep garnet colored red, the other, on the right, was a mysterious black-purple.

She forced herself to let out a breath and pressed the lid closed. She clutched the device to her chest and had to close her eyes. She both hated and loved this and what it represented. The conflict had worn her out years ago, so she had forgotten about it; but now, she had no choice but to take up this old battle.

Frost was surprised as she started to cry; she rubbed the tears away and dismissed the object. It vanished from her hand. Sucking in a breath she shook her head and stepped out into the flood of people.

"I wonder where she went?" Usagi kept peering over the railing; she leaned over it to the point where she nearly fell. Mamoru gently pulled her back, wrapping his arms loosely about her shoulders.

"I'm sure she is just fine." He said lovingly, "She probably hid somewhere."

"Who hid where?" Frost's voice came from behind them.

Usagi let out a happy squeal and rushed up to Frost. The older girl tensed as the blonde bounced to a stop a few inches away.

"Oh good, you're safe!" Usagi cast a glance at Haruka, "Without you, I'm sure there would be no race between Haruka and this other person."

Frost smiled despite her unease, "That is quite true."

Rei walked up and leaned in, "We never learned your name."

Frost grinned and chuckled, "It's late, so there will be no race today. I'm sorry; I know how much you were all looking forward to it."

Usagi pouted, Rei nudged her, and they started to argue. Frost's expression softened, she gave a gentle laugh. They both looked at her.

"Forgive me; I have only brothers, so I enjoy seeing friends argue."

"I have a brother," Usagi said unhappily, "I don't like him much."

"I would trade my brothers to have a friend like Rei." Frost muttered sadly.

Rei frowned, "How'd you know my name?"

Frost hid her surprise and gave a loose shrug, "Haruka mentioned it."

Haruka frowned; she'd done no such thing, ever. For the first time in her life, she began to wonder if about the secrets Frost kept. An instant later she regretted those thoughts. Frost had never given her reason to be suspicious of anything. Never. It was unfair to suddenly be worried.

That's when she realized her dark mood was from the battle; this wasn't about Frost, it was about that mystery Senshi.

"I think that would be great." Frost said and laughed again.

Haruka blinked and realized she was staring at the other girl. She looked away and focused on Usagi.

"Oh good!" Usagi clasped her hands together happily, "So tomorrow, you'll meet us?"

"I sure will." Frost looked at Mamoru and the two outer scouts. "If they don't mind."

Usagi ran up to Mamoru and put her arm through his, "This is Mamo-chan, my boyfriend."

Frost dipped her head, "Hi."

He nodded in return but said nothing.

Usagi was grinning happily as they left the race track. "She's very nice."

The group agreed with her except Haruka and Mamoru. He'd been oddly quiet since the battle.

The following afternoon the five girls went off to meet Frost for a movie. Haruka, Michiru, and Mamoru were all seated in the Outer scouts house. On the coffee table between sat a tea pot and enough cups, Michiru was the only one drinking tea.

"You're quiet, Mamo-san." Michiru set her tea cup aside.

He blinked and shook his head, "Just thinking."

"About the new threat?" Haruka offered.

The future king nodded, "We couldn't even scratch it and yet that mystery senshi completely destroyed it." He rubbed his left eye. A habit he had developed since the battle with Galaxia. "Who is she? Where did she come from? And if she's so powerful, why did we not know of her before?"

"Those are excellent questions, your Majesty." Setsuna walked, Hotoru followed. They both looked far too old and sad.

"What's going on?" Michiru asked.

Hotoru looked at Mamoru, "You recognize this senshi, which is why you are so troubled."

He gave a nod, "It's a memory, a very faded one. But yes, I recognize her. It must be from the Moon, before the battle with Queen Beryl. And yet, there is something else." He sighed and shook his head, "A feeling of knowledge that does not come from the past."

Setsuna nodded, "That would be correct. In Crystal Tokyo, she is there. You know her there as well."

"Who is she then?" Haruka snapped angrily. Michiru touched her partner's thigh.

Hotoru and Setsuna exchanged a look. Setsuna left the room quietly, a moment later she was heard loading the dish washer.

Michiru spoke gently, "Hotoru, what is going on?'

"The senshi you all saw today is the Sailor of the Shadow Moon. She was once a powerful ally of the White Moon Kingdom."

Mamoru rubbed his left eye again, "She never fought against Beryl when she attacked the Moon."

Hotoru shook her head, "No, she did not fight."

Mamoru stared at her, "There's more to this story, then you're sharing."

Silence followed.

Haruka stood up abruptly, breaking the staring contest between the King and Hotoru. "None of this matters. Whoever she is, we have to keep an eye on her. She's obviously powerful and perhaps even, a threat." She turned to face the rest of the group. "We have a duty to protect the King and Queen. That's what we will do."

Frost stood at the bridge, watching the traffic flow steadily under her. The evening was cool; but she wore no coat. Her bare arms were folded on the railing; her gaze steady on nothing in particular. A heavy sigh would heave out of her every once in a while, reminding her that she was indeed alive.

"Perhaps this was a mistake," Frost whispered to the night, "I should have just walked away."

She closed her eyes as if pained; too many things spun in her mind. Past life memories; today's memories and the memories of a happier time.

"Frost?"

She jumped and looked up quickly; her gaze focused and she ended up blinking. "You're..." As she finally saw the person, several names came to mind. She was silent; which name did she use?

The person came to stand beside her, staring out at the flow of traffic. "It's a lonely life for us."

Frost shook her head, looking anyway but at the person. "I know."

"Yes, you do. Better then most of them. Except perhaps the outer scouts."

"You have a point, I'm sure."

"This time is a dangerous one for you to resurface. There is so much at stake."

"Pluto told me all about this afternoon." Frost's was angry as she spoke. "But to be honest. I am more powerful then your scouts, so why should I be forced away?"

"Perhaps you are stronger then they are. But there is one who can defeat you."

Frost flinched and crossed her arms as she stood up. She finally looked at the person. "Is that a threat?"
"It's a promise." The other person stared up at her and their gazes locked. "The King and Queen have faced much worse then you. They will not break under your presence."

Anger roared through Frost, it was ancient, deep, and still as painful as the day it had been borne. "You little..." Frost bit her tongue and tired again. "I am not here for them!"

Angrily she turned and ran. As she ran the thoughts began to crowd her mind again. They were shouting at her, angry sounds, the chaos of battle, screams and so much more. All Frost could do was run. But she knew that when her body collapsed and could run no further, she would still be left with the anger and suffering she had now.

Lonely.

That was one word for it. Another word, probably better suited, would be cursed.

The life of a Senshi was cursed.

Frost was blinded by tears but still she ran; perhaps if she ran far enough, the world would end and she could fall into the abyss of complete nothingness.

Mamoru woke gasping and slick with sweat; he clutched at the sheets around him and struggled to identify where he was. This room was so plain compared to where he thought he was. Where was the crystal and the glittering beauty of the Royal Bedroom?

He looked around again and realized he was still in the present; the future was still a long way off. He drew in a deep breath and got out of bed. Making his way into the living room, he pulled open the patio doors and went out. The cool early morning air made him shiver, but it also cleared his head.

The last couple of days, since the battle with the new enemy, since that new senshi appeared, he'd been having wild dreams. Some of the past, some of the future. Every time he would see this mystery solider. He would speak to her; they were good at working together. She was a brilliant strategy, her tactics were flawless. Each time Shadow came up with a battle plan, it would mirror the one Mercury also drew.

But there was more then just battle planning; Mamoru ran his hands through his hair. The memory glimmered just below his awareness. It only came when he slept and it would vanish when he woke. He let out a frustrated sound and closed his eyes. The dream would not come to him. It had vanished, like always.

"Who is she?" He muttered to the sky. "Why do I feel so...odd around her?" More questions spun in his mind. He would have to try and talk to Sailor Shadow Moon the next time they saw her.

The day was wonderfully hot; the air was thick and it was the perfect day to be at the beach. The group had taken a collection of food baskets, blankets and even found a few large umbrellas. Their laughter and happiness joined the other happy people and the day was wonderfully peaceful.

Usagi and Mina were in the water, playing around. Setsuna and Hotoru were getting the group ice cream cones. Mamoru was seated in the shade with a rather large textbook. Amy was also reading, but she lay out in the sun. Michiru and Haruka were sharing an umbrella and just enjoying each others company. Makoto and Rei had yet to show up, but Rei had called to say they were almost there.

"Hey everyone!"

Mamoru and the others looked over, he frowned at the sight.

Makoto and Rei had brought someone along. Frost walked beside them, carrying one end of the picnic basket that Rei had. She was dressed in a long black knit sweater dress. There were no sleeves.

"Sorry we're late." Rei smiled happily at them, "We got lost on our way to the train station. But it turned out to be a good thing; our mystery friend here was coming to the same place, so we invited her along." Rei glanced at the other girl who offered a gentle smile.

"It's good you finally came." Ami admitted quietly, "Usagi will be happy."

As if on cue there was a joyful shout from the water and Usagi came running toward them. Mamoru watched the girl in black, she was on her feet, and moving away as Usagi threw her arms around Rei and Makoto. He watched the girl in black rather then listening to the excited chatter between the girls. It had something do with food, which he expected.

Their mystery guest was standing off to the side and looking out to the ocean. Her silver-brown hair flowed easily down her back and glistened in the warm sun. She lifted a hand to her face; he saw the black band around her wrist. Something about it shook him.

"Mamo-chan, look!"

He was forced to look away and focus on Usagi. "This is delicious."

"Makoto was saying we could have lunch." Usagi laughed, "I think that's a good idea."

"Then I think we should." He admitted. He glanced up at their mystery guest; to his surprise he saw her wading into the ocean. Something about that image stirred a memory for him.

At that same moment, Haruka looked at Frost. The water glistened around her body as she sank slowly into the ocean. The image was one she had seen before. In the past...Haruka shook her head, it was impossible! She had no memories of Frost from the Moon. Just this life, here on Earth.

"Michiru, I need to cool off." Haruka stood up and stripped out of her shirt and shorts. "I'll be right back." She walked to the ocean and sank in.

Frost turned expectantly, she smiled, it was a coy expression. "You don't like water."

"True, but it's hot." Haruka didn't go any further in the water.

Frost began to wade in closer and smiled at her, "You look at me like I'm a shark."

Haruka gave her an amused expression, and suddenly leapt on her. Frost laughed and tumbled back into the water. Haruka surfaced first and looked for Frost. She didn't surface.

"Frost?"

Suddenly hands touched her hips and she was yanked off balance. She fell sideways into the ocean. The gentle hands were playful as the touched her arms and Haruka opened her eyes. A moment later soft lips touched hers. Haruka melted inside. Her hands cupped Frost's head and the kiss deepened.

After what seemed an age, Haruka was released from the kiss. It took a moment but she pushed herself to the surface. It was only as she stood breathing the air, that she realized there had been no need for oxygen under the water. That was an odd thing to happen.

Frost surfaced beside her and flipped her hair back. Haruka grabbed her on instinct. Frost slipped below the water and surfaced out of arms reach. She stood facing Haruka, who had her back to the shore. The look in Frost's eyes was odd, she looked annoyed.

"What?" Haruka asked.

"They can see us." The words were cold and Haruka suddenly remembered Frost was right.

"Damn." Haruka turned to the shore and indeed the group was watching. She waved and they waved back, with smiles. She looked at Frost and the desire to kiss her was too much. She turned and started wading from the water.

"Haruka," Frost's tone stopped the other woman.

She looked back and was stunned at the look of pain on Frost's face. "Yes?"

Frost opened her mouth, than shut it. "Nothing, go on. You're missing lunch."

She joined the group with a quizzical look from Michiru. "That was refreshing." She sat down beside her partner and ate lunch. The group chatted happily and laughed at jokes and stories.

At one point, Rei glanced around, "Where's the mystery girl?"

Haruka looked out to the ocean, Frost wasn't there, and her clothes were still on the sand.

Everyone stood, except Haruka.

"Where's Setsuna and Hotoru?" She asked, realizing they hadn't shown up either.

Frost saw the two senshi battling the monster. She turned to leave when something stopped her.

"No," She whispered, "This isn't my fight."

But instead she willed the device into her hand and held it up. "Shadow Moon Crisis...Make up!"

As the black light faded, Frost/Shadow Moon joined the battle.

A moment later the three senshi stood a few feet back from the monster.

"Our attacks aren't doing much good." Saturn mused and looked around, "I don't see the others."

"They aren't aware of this fight." Pluto commented as she held her staff at a defensive position. "It's just us."

Shadow Moon was looking between the two of them, "That's all we need." She held out her right hand, her scepter appeared. "Pluto, let's combine our powers."

Pluto nodded, "It will work if we do that."

"Shadow Moon, Silver Frost" The scepter began to length as the black rosette gem flared with energy. To her left Pluto summoned her attack, Shadow gave a nod and they both released at the same time. "...Scream!" "...Eternal Kiss!"

The blast of red and black-silver energy wiped the monster out and there was nothing left.

Shadow Moon willed the transformation away and staggered as her appeared in her swim suit. Setsuna approached wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Hotoru was watching them in her plain clothes.

"What?" Frost demanded.

"Chandra, you are still remarkable." Setsuna smiled gently, "Forgive me if I doubted your ability."

Frost eyed her coolly, "It's not my abilities you doubt, Pluto. Neither one of you doubt that." Frost stepped away from them, "It's everything else." She couldn't help the next words that came, "Something's never change." The bitterness and anger in those words surprised even her.

Hortoru sighed, "No, some things never do."

Frost shot her a cold glare and that anger surfaced. "Has it ever occurred to you two that I could crush that precious little Princess of yours?"

"Of course it has." Setsuna said gently, "But you won't."

"You sound so sure of that." Frost said icily.

"I am sure of it." Setsuna countered. "You're heart may not love her as ours does. But you're a loyal person, Chandra. Your troubles with the moon died with Queen Serenity on the Moon. Usagi is not to blame for her mother's crimes."

Frost waved her off, "I will decide that."

"No, you won't." Hotoru said coldly. "It is true, we as senshi cannot destroy you. But that decision has already been made for you. We love Usagi more then our lives. There is no other decision to make."

Frost shook her head and turned to leave, "Serenity once believed that. Yet, look at the choice she made. She failed her Kingdom and her people."

With that Frost left. The anger in her heart was too strong to stand and listen to them anymore.

Hotoru sighed as she watched Frost run, she turned her gaze to Setsuna. "She is still very angry."

The Time Guardian nodded, "She has every right to be angry. Even after all this time."

"Do you think she'll really destroy us?"

Setsuna shook her head, "No. Chandra is too much in love to destroy us."

"She will never accept the outcome, never. She didn't on the Moon, she won't here."

"Then let us hope that she is not the same now as she was then."

Hotoru sighed, "We need her; that's the problem. Her warrior skills are needed."

Setsuna agreed, but paused. "Have you told Mamoru the truth?"

"No. He is not ready for it."

The Time Guardian closed her eyes for a moment, "For whatever reason, the Shadow Moon has been called to our aide, after more then two thousand years. We must trust that the history that haunts her will not repeat its self. If it does, neither you nor I can interfere."

Hotoru nodded slowly, "I fear that these coming days will be dark for all of us."

Setsuna smiled gently as she opened her eyes, "We'll be fine."

Continued in Chapter 3