Chapter 8: Revealed Secrets

A few weeks passed by, and there were plenty of Youma attacks. They always seemed to be directed at the opposing sides of the city, and more often than not Serena found herself separated from the rest of the Sailor Scouts. Though this made the battles tougher, it also made Serena stronger. She found as she fought, that her powers grew steadily, and her energy could sustain her longer. Also, Sailor Sun and Sailor Sol would magically appear whenever Sailor Moon was in trouble. As time went on, Serena came to know them better, though they refused to reveal their identities, and wouldn't allow her to do the same. Serena found it all intensely frustrating, due to the rest of the Scouts rising dislike of both Sailor Sun and Sailor Sol. With each Youma the Scouts vanquished, the monster would call out the Solar Warriors, saying it had failed. This was Sailor Mars' big sticking point, especially at the meetings. The others were obsessed with finding Sailor Sun and Sailor Sol. Mars especially with her fiery temper was angling for a fight, and Serena worried about what would happen when the two finally met. There were times when she almost agreed with the others, except that the next day, when she was going on a walk with Sayuri and Katsu, a Youma would attack. Then out of nowhere, Sol would miraculously pull her to safety, and Sailor Sun would distract it. Serena soon discovered it was a race over which of them could destroy it first. When she was with them, Serena found warm and supportive friends. Sometimes they'd even stay afterwards and Serena would tell them about her problems with the Scouts. She knew that she shouldn't. Sol would slap her on the back, and tell her to keep her head high. Sun would give her a hug, and tell her not to worry, that it would all be okay. Sometimes when Sol saved her, she saw a glimmer of concern in his dark blue eyes. She found it cute, and began to rely on them. However, unlike Tuxedo Mask, Sailor Sol never helped her unless she was in real danger. There were times, when she cried, that he'd give her a tough stare, and then tell her to toughen up. There were moments that she thought she saw sympathy in those eyes, but it was always gone the next moment. During these weeks, Serena found herself growing stronger. She cried less, and began paying attention in school. That was Sayuri, who refused to accept that Serena was dumb, and Katsu who would tutor her in math after school. But as she got closer to new Scouts and new friends, she felt her old ones slipping away. After attack after attack, when Serena couldn't come or came late, the Scouts were beginning to lose faith in her. They'd refused to listen when she told them about the Youma, and blamed her tardiness on laziness or associating with the enemy. Serena felt that she was becoming…

"Guilty by association?" Sayuri asked, as she looked up from her textbook. Serena nodded, and looked down. "Hey, don't worry about it." Sayuri said, putting her pen down, she walked over to Serena and sat beside her. Putting a comforting arm around her shoulder. "They'll come around."

"Eventually." Serena said with a sigh. "I'm just worried that they're mad I'm spending so much time with you guys." Twirling a finger around her golden locks, she glanced at Sayuri. "Do you think they're jealous?"

"It's a possibility." Sayuri said, smoothing her skirt. She looked into Serena's eyes. "Look." She said. "Sometimes, our friends act weirdly." She flicked Serena's forehead. "It's not always about something you did. You might want to try asking how them." She leaned back.

"Asking them…" Serena mused, glancing at her friend. The other girl was casually looking up at the ceiling. "Speaking of which…" She gulped. "How are things…I mean between you and Darien." 'I'm not jealous…I'm not jealous…I'm not jealous that he talks to her and not me…I'm not jealous that she has the eye of every guy I like…like Katsu…I'm not jealous.' Oh, who was she kidding? Serena was definitely jealous.

Sayuri leaned forward and mussed Serena's hair. "You don't have to worry about that." She said, suddenly looking out the window. "I haven't talked to him in weeks. I don't know what I did to piss him off." She said, shaking her head. "Let's get back to your English exam." Chewing on her pen, Sayuri shifted through the papers until she pulled out a practice English exam. She slid it in front of Serena.

"Maybe it's because of you and Katsu." Serena said, rubbing her eyes. "No! No more English! I can't take it!" She yelped as Sayuri smacked her with the couch pillow.

"Because of who?" Katsu said, stepping into the living room. His arms were laden down with groceries, and topped off by a pizza. The aroma of fresh cheese pizza filled the room. "Could one of you lovely ladies give me a hand?"

"Sure." Serena was on her feet in an instant, relieving Katsu of his pizza. "I'll take this." Happily she skipped back to the couch, dropping the pizza on the sofa table. The cardboard bounced on all the textbooks, and the pizza box started to flip over. Sayuri reached out, catching it just before it went over the edge. With her free hand she cleared stacked the loose papers in the corner. "Sorry…" Serena said, sheepishly relieving her friend of the pizza.

"No prob." Sayuri said. "Next time though, look where you're putting it down. Or else." She tapped Serena on the nose. "You'll be cleaning it up." Serena nodded, still smiling, and set the pizza down in the cleared glass area.

"Jeez." Katsu said. "All that, and still I get no love." He staggered slightly beneath the weight of the groceries. "'Yuri…" He yelled. "I'm going to fall over!"

"Oh!" Sayuri said, sprinting over to him, carefully she relieved him of a few bags, and then she smiled. "Better?"

"Much." He said, with a grin. "You're a life saver 'Yuri."

"I know." She said, winking at him, she turned around and walked into the kitchen. "Serena, could you get us some plates. There should be some empty ones in the left cupboard."

Serena, who had been watching the entire scene play out, couldn't stop the twinge of jealousy. 'Why can't that be me?' She thought, even as she answered. "Sure." 'Why can't I be the one he calls a "lifesaver"?' Maybe she would've been, if she'd been quicker on her feet. 'And what about Darien?' She thought, glancing over at Sayuri. Even as she pulled out a three plates from the stack, she couldn't stop looking at her friend. The other girl was pouring soda into the three glasses. She put them on the counter, and opened a drawer. Then she took a few napkins from the drawer. 'He and I are meant to be…' They'd been reborn for one another. That was reality. 'Then why is Katsu the only one I think about…' Not to mention Sailor Sol. Sometimes, Serena found she wished a Youma would attack. Just so she could see him. 'Darien has no interest in me.' He'd made that perfectly clear. Completely.

"Whatcha thinkin' about?" Sayuri asked from beside her.

"Oh." Serena said. "I was worrying about that English exam." She looked down at her feet. "You know?"

"I know." Sayuri laughed. "It's gonna be doozy. But you'll pull through." She wrapped an arm around Serena's shoulders. Tapping her forehead against Serena's she added. "You always do." Her voice was soft and comforting. As usual Serena was warmed by it.

"I hope so." She said.

"You will." Sayuri said. "But right now, let's focus on getting these plates out. I know a hungry man who wants to eat." She winked at Serena. "A hungry woman too. Maybe after dinner, you two can study those math problems. Is it getting any easier?"

"No." Serena sighed. "Just less confusing."

"I know how that goes." Sayuri said, smiling.

"But Katsu is really good!" Serena said. "One of the best tutors I've ever had." 'I can't say the best…I don't think Amy would forgive me.' For the second time that night, she couldn't shake the guilty knot in her stomach. Amy had offered to help her with her math tonight, but Serena already made plans. Plans to be here. After all, on the last test she'd even surprised herself with the high score. It had been at least a B, and one of the highest she'd ever gotten. Serena didn't want to knock Amy's help; it was just that Katsu explained it in simpler terms. She just hoped that her friend understood. ''Things are already on thin ice with the Scouts.' Rei's temper flared up really easily these past few days. Serena was still trying to keep the peace. 'If I just knew who the Sailors of the Sun were...' But she respected that they wanted to keep their identities to themselves. She had a feeling it was far more precious to them than it was to any of the other Scouts. Sighing again, Serena set the plates down on the table.

Leaping over the couch, Katsu snatched it up. He flipped off the cover and grabbed the first piece. "This is good. I wasn't sure if the Japanese could make good pizza."

"Of course we can!' Serena snapped. "It's not that difficult."

"That's because this is the only pizza you've ever eaten." Katsu said. "Now, try a nice Chicago deep dish pizza…mmm." He licked his lips. "I guarantee it's one of the best things you've ever eaten." Then he took a bite out of his slice. "But I guess this stuff is okay too."

"Well excuse me for not being a world traveler." Serena growled, chomping on her pizza. With her mouthful she added. "I thought pizza came from Italy anyway."

"Now now." Katsu said, dabbing his mouth with a napkin. "There's a big difference between American and European pizza."

"Really?" Serena asked, looking curiously from one to the other. "Like what? How is it any different?"

"It's not really something you can explain…" Katsu said.

"Only a pizza connoisseur like Katsu would be able to tell you." Sayuri said, putting her finger to her chin. She frowned. "What is the difference?"

"Oh come on!" Katsu said. "You're an American! You should know everything about pizza! It's a staple of the American diet! It's a part of our country's history! Like baseball!"

"Uh…" Sayuri said, with a small shrug. "Obsessive much?"

'I wish I was American…then maybe I'd know what Katsu was talking about.' Serena suddenly felt left out of the conversation. She knew these two would go into discussions, ones that she could never follow. 'I'm just not a part of their world.' She thought, silently looking on as the two dissolved into a meaningless argument about the social incorporation of pizza in their culture, and how it influenced history. At the moment, Serena was inclined to agree with Sayuri on the subject. None at all. 'Is he always this interested in weird stuff.' Still, Serena wished that she was having the argument. Then she checked her watch. It was 9:15. 'Oh no! I promised the Scouts I'd meet them at the Temple!' Quickly, she started gathering up her stuff. "Guys?"

"Huh?" Katsu asked, looking up. "What is it Serena?"

"I kinda promised my friends I'd meet them…" Serena started.

"Say no more." Sayuri said, glaring at her brother. "We're sorry for taking up so much of your time. I'll drive you home." She walked over to the door, grabbing her purse. Sliding it up over her shoulder, she indicated the door. "Just tell me where I can drop you off." Then she disappeared out the door.

"Sorry, 'Yuri can be a little pushy." Katsu said, kneeling down next to Serena. "She's just busy busy busy. You know, like a bee." He glanced in the direction that she'd gone. "An annoying bee. Here." He said, handing Serena her homework. Their fingers brushed, and Serena felt a spark of electricity. Blushing, she quickly pulled her hand away. "Sorry." He said, letting go. "You better get going…"

"…Yeah…" Serena said, staring up at him. He was refusing to meet her eyes. 'Cool it Serena.' She thought. 'He's taken.' For a moment, thoughts of Darien didn't even flutter through her brain. 'By a good friend…' She knew that she couldn't steal Sayuri's boyfriend. Like she could even compare! Still, Serena looked over at Katsu. A slight flush colored his cheeks, as he systematically ran his fingers through his curly blonde hair. He wasn't looking at her. 'I bet he feels guilty.' After all, Serena knew how much they loved each other. But it was strange…she could see it in their eyes when they looked at one another. Still, it was odd. It was obvious they shared a deep connection, and yet. Serena looked at Katsu again. "My friends...I did promise…"

"Yeah, you did." Katsu said, and suddenly he didn't want her to go. 'Cool your jets Slim. She's in love with Darien.' He sighed, and rubbed his forehead. "Plus 'Yuri's waiting for you." He hated saying it, because her face fell. He wondered if she was threatened by his relationship with his sister. Most of his previous girlfriends had been. They'd never understood his connection with her, they'd been jealous. 'That's why I promised myself…I'd never fall in love…' Not with someone who couldn't love his sister as much as he did. 'Besides, Serena…' He knew she had a boyfriend. 'Sayuri and I, we're not free to love who we want.' That was the problem; sometimes he wished they couldn't be rich. It was at moments like this, that just for a minute, he wanted to be someone else. "You should get going."

"Yeah." Serena said as she stared down at her hands. "Right." She stood up, and picking up her bag. She smiled at Katsu. "I hope I can see you around soon."

"Same here." He grinned, and then Serena walked out the door. Katsu watched her go, a sinking feeling running through his stomach. He wondered what it would be like when they actually had to go. 'We can't be here forever.' Their Obaa-san already knew they were here. Their parents thought that they were living in the Maple, and once Ojii-san denied it. 'Our parents will call out the national guard.' It was just like his sister too. Being the rebellious one. That was when his phone went off. "Hello?"

Serena stepped into the hallway, looking around; she spotted Sayuri by the elevator. She was busily tucking her blonde hair behind her ear, arms crossed across her chest. Purse swinging from her shoulder, and she was glaring up at an equally angry Darien. Darien was waving his arms, and the two looked like they were in the middle of a shouting match. In all the time that Serena had been with Darien, as long as she had known him, she'd never seen that look on his face. Serena felt a twinge of jealousy, but no more than that. From what she'd heard from Sayuri, her relations with Darien were on thin ice. Though Serena wasn't sure why. It had something to do with Rini, and something to do with her. She was sure of that. 'I could go over there…and disrupt that.' She thought. 'But…it might be easier if I just get out of here.' Silently, she backed over to the stairwell. Glancing back at the Sayuri's room. She wondered for a brief moment if Katsu could give her a ride. 'Hold that thought. I've gotten to Rei's without Darien driving me.' She could get there by herself. She didn't need to see any of this; right now…she couldn't handle it. 'My life is falling apart around me.' She thought. 'The Scouts are going to be so mad at me.' They were going to think that her Sailor Scout priorities weren't at the top of her list. 'It's not true. I just lost track of time.' She walked down the stairs her steps were hurried. When she got to the next floor. She slipped out and pushed the button for the elevator. She knew that it would take forever to get to her. 'Still, it's faster than the stairs.'

Meanwhile, by the elevator…

"How can you say that?" Sayuri yelled. Pushing her blonde bangs away from her face, she stared up at him. "Is that really what you think? Of me?" Sayuri bit her lip, her brow furrowing, as her icy gaze attempted to penetrate Darien's eyes. "You think…"

"That you lied to everyone?" Darien asked. "Yeah I do. Look, I've been talking with Serena's friends. They've wanted to know what's been happening with her. She hasn't been around; she always has to be somewhere else. With you. Why?"

"Pushy much?" Sayuri said, her mouth parted in disbelief and she tried to get the words out. "We're just friends Darien. You know that. Serena's one of the few friends that I have. I thought you were one too." Her body was rigid, and her eyes flared. "How dare you accuse me of…of subverting one of my friends!"

"Listen." Darien said. "After our little escapade into the Maple Hotel, I looked some stuff up. About you and Katsu."

"Oh yeah, our lives are just an open book. If you wanted to know something Darien, you could have just asked!" Sayuri snapped, she reached out, but then stopped. Her fingers trembled in the air, and she shook. "You didn't need to go snooping into my background."

"Yeah, then why didn't you tell us the truth?" He asked, staring down at her. Even now, Darien wasn't sure why he was so angry. He just knew that he was. He'd been watching her all these past weeks. The smiles she'd shared with Serena and…Katsu. She barely came to see him anymore, and it made him angry. Upset. Even Rini would go over to hang out with her. At the moment, Darien couldn't fault her for it. 'And still it makes me so mad!' Rei had come to see him a last week. She'd warned him that there were two new Sailor Scouts, and that they were evil. At first Darien had trouble believing it. But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. These Scouts were coercing Serena, and they were probably using Sayuri too. Every time he'd come to save the day, they'd been there. Sailor Sun and Sailor Sol. Darien wouldn't say he'd snooped, but he had been in many of the same place that Sayuri, Serena, Katsu, and Rini had gone. He'd seen them in action, and yet, he was inclined to agree with Mars. They were dangerous. From what he'd seen they wielded a strange power over Sailor Moon. Sailor Sol in particular, he was always there at the right time. Yet, Darien fumed, he didn't always save her. Sometimes, she got hurt because he refused to step in. Sailor Sun too, his heart constricted. A part of him couldn't believe that she was evil. But it all made sense. And Sayuri, she was always there when the Youma's attacked. Right there with Serena, just like Katsu. It wasn't a stretch to say that Katsu was evil. In fact it made a lot of sense. He just had to convince Sayuri…and Serena. 'Why is she with him?' He wondered, as Sayuri continued to rant at him. 'Why doesn't she understand? Why does she stick up for him?'

"Because I wanted you to like me for who I am!" Sayuri yelled. "Not for my money or my status or …anything else!" She looked away from him. Her voice much softer, she added. "I just wanted to be me."

"I would have accepted you…" Darien said, gazing down at her. She raised an eyebrow. "I would have!" He repeated. Insistent, he grabbed her shoulders. "You didn't have to hide! And Katsu…"

"Don't start on my brother again!" Sayuri snarled, pounding on his chest. "What your suggesting is just obscene!"

"Excuse me…brother?" Darien said, suddenly surprised. This hadn't been what he'd been expecting. Not at all. But Sayuri wasn't listening to him.

"There is no way, and no how! I can't even…what would even…why would you…" She turned away. "Let go." Darien's grip tightened around her shoulders, Sayuri's face swung towards his, and she looked up at him with startled blue eyes. Her lips opened in a small "o", and utter shock followed by rage flashed across her thin countenance. Her fists pounded on his chest, but Darien refused to move. Instead, he pulled her face to his and pressed his lips against hers. The kiss lasted for a moment, but for Darien it lasted an eternity. It was a strange feeling. For the few seconds they were connected, and nothing around them mattered. Electricity tingled up and down his spine. Fire danced on his mouth, and then it was over. She pulled away from him. Her eyes were confused and hurt, as she said. "I have to go." Then she turned and practically ran back to her room. Darien watched her go. Angrily, he punched the wall. His own emotions were confused, angry, hurt, and a little relieved. Then, he wondered if he'd blown it. Slowly, he backed into his room. He'd give her until tomorrow, he'd have to, and this was something that he'd have to sleep on too. Darien closed his door, and took a seat on his couch. Rubbing his temples, he sighed. He'd just have to wait until tomorrow. It was bound to get better by then.

Sayuri opened the door, and saw her brother talking on the phone. "Bro? Who are you talking to?" She asked, looking around. "Where's Serena?"

Covering the bottom of his cell, Katsu said. "Ojii-san, and I thought she was with you? She left ten minutes ago." He turned away. "Yes, yes, Ojii-san I'm still here…no…no…we'll be at the Maple soon. Yes, I promise. No, Ojii-san I won't let Sayuri slip away. No, Ojii-san she's not going anywhere. Yes, we'll be here when you get here. I promise Ojii-san." Close to him, Sayuri was shaking her head. "I promise! Yes, I'll be in touch soon. Yes Ojii-san, we're ready to fly to Rome. Tonight? I don't know about that sir." He glanced at his sister. "We're doing important stuff here…the grand opening? No sir, I hadn't realized. What? Yes, I'll be here. Six o'clock tomorrow? Okay, we'll do it. See you soon; yes I love you to Ojii-san. Sayonara." He looked up at his sister.

"What the hell was that about?" Sayuri snarled. "Where is Serena?"

"We're flying to Rome tomorrow." Katsu said, calmly staring at his sister. "You better start packing."

"Look, there's no way in hell that I'm leaving." Sayuri growled, hands on her hips. "I'm worried about Serena, I had an argument with Darien in the hall. She might have seen it. I need to explain."

"Hey!" Katsu said, standing up. "You and Darien had an argument? Serena saw it? What happened?"

"For some strange reason he thought you were evil." Sayuri said. "I don't know…it's like he knew about us. I mean that we're Sailor Scouts. But…I don't…" She looked over at him. "You aren't in secret communication with the Negaverse right?"

"Of course not!" Katsu yelled. "How can you even ask that?"

Sayuri shrugged. "I just had to make sure. I believe you." She said as he started to advance. "It's not like I suspected you. Anyway, I need to find Serena. I have a bad feeling about this."

"Yes, you are as ever the vigilant Jedi." Katsu snapped, glaring at her. "If something hurts Serena…"

"We're not going to let that happen, brother." Sayuri said. "That's why we need to find her. She was heading for the Temple. I'll head that direction. You…go to the park or something." Katsu snorted, but nodded. The two took off running towards the elevator. They knew she was already out on the streets, but if Katsu knew his sister's feelings, they were never wrong. A small part of him could feel it too, a malevolent energy was out on the streets of Tokyo, and an all too real fear gripped his belly. What if it hurt Serena? How could he protect her? When soon he and his sister would be leaving for Rome, Milan, and wherever else their grandparents decided to ship them. The bell on the elevator dinged, and the two rushed in. They both hoped that they'd find Serena soon, before anything had a chance to hurt her.

At the Temple…

The Scouts sat in a semi-circle waiting for Serena. Each one had their own bone to pick with their leader. Rei's fingers tapped the linoleum table, as Amy checked her watch for the fifth time that hour. Luna and Artemis glanced from one Scout to another, their tails twitching in agitation. Everyone was on edge. The meeting had started thirty minutes ago, and true to form Serena was incredibly late. For the fifth time that evening Lita looked at the cookies she'd baked, chocolate chip and oatmeal raison, Serena's favorites. They were supposed to be a peace offering, something to smooth the cracks that were fracturing their friendships. Not that Serena was to blame for that, Lita reminded herself. She was just refusing to see reason. It was obvious as day to each of the Sailor Scouts that Sailor Sun and Sailor Sol were enemies. But Serena still clung to the idea that they were good. Just because they helped her destroy their own Youma…over the past weeks Lita, Mina, Rei, and Amy were convinced that those two were plotting to break up the group. After all, they'd only ever appeared in front of Serena. Not once, in all this time, had they seen them. They were the phantom Scouts. They showed up to save the day and then vanished like they'd never existed. It didn't help that lately Serena was spending all her time with those two Americans. 'What were their names?' Lita wondered, and then snapped her fingers. 'Katsu and Sayuri.' Lita had seen them with Serena in the park, or with Rini at the plaza. Serena wanted to spend every waking second with them. What was worse, they doing things for her that her real friends had never managed. Over the past weeks, Lita had watched Serena do better on tests, become more confident, and started acting less and less like the crybaby that they all knew. The crybaby they loved. Whoever Sayuri and Katsu Tanaka were…She'd met them once at the movies. The girl was pretty and the boy was handsome. If it hadn't been for them completely taking over Serena's time and distracting her from her friends, Lita would have found him completely crush worthy. She sighed. 'Poor Amy.' Their sensitive genius had recently taken to feeling useless. Amy thought that she'd failed Serena, because she'd never been able to produce the same results that Katsu and Sayuri had. Now, Lita constantly had to tell her that it simply wasn't true. Amy had always tried her best, and they'd all done better because of her tutoring efforts. She watched as her blue haired friend checked her watch for the fourth time. "Maybe we should go find her?" Lita said.

"What's the point Lita?" Rei asked, her eyes dark. "It's obvious where she is, with her two new wonderful friends." Rei had taken it hardest out of all of them, while it was true that she and Serena shared one of the more complex relationships. But beneath all the bickering and fighting, the two shared a deep bond. It wasn't the first time that Lita wondered if all their feelings were stemming from jealousy. After all, they'd always been Serena's closest friends. Nothing had ever challenged that until now. "She's out of the picture. We need to figure out how to deal with these two traitorous Scouts."

"Rei…what if?" Mina began. "I mean, I'm for this as much as the rest of you. But what if Serena's right? Maybe this is a Negamoon plan to split us up."

"No." Rei shook her head. "That doesn't make any sense! It's obvious that they're trying to subvert Serena. She's so entranced by them that she won't listen to reason! We can't do the same! Or else they'll have their way!"

"Rei…" Amy started. "I agree with you. But we need to find Serena, she has to be a part of this." She pursed her lips and her brow furrowed worriedly. Tapping her index finger against her lips she added. "We have to be united."

"Yeah. We need to find her. I'm worried." Mina chimed in, looking over at Luna and Artemis. "What do you guys think? Luna? Artemis?"

"I've attempted to talk to Serena." Luna said, her black tail twitching as she leaped onto the linoleum table. She landed lightly and soundlessly, her small black paws slid a little, and then she looked around at the Scouts. "Serena is convinced that these Scouts are good. However, I have yet to see them myself." She shook her head. "A part of me refuses to believe that they even exist. However, what is important now, is that Serena believes in them. We have to put our trust in our leader."

"Our leader is being subverted!" Rei snapped, and the others nodded. "You don't get it Luna, you haven't fought with these recent Youma. You haven't seen their brutality. Some of the scars are permanent! They all serve the Solar Warriors, they've said so themselves. These guys work for the Negamoon! Queen Metallia herself came from the sun! How do you explain that?"

"It's true that in the past some of our most dangerous enemies have emerged from the sun, however that doesn't make it inherently evil!" Luna argued, sitting down. "Serena talks about them constantly to me. Apparently they've taken quite a few hits for her. She told me that Sailor Sun's shoulder was badly damaged in the attack on the Maple Hotel. Yet you all seriously believe that these Scouts are evil, without ever having met them yourselves?"

"I met her." Rei said stubbornly. "She could have killed Catzie but she didn't, she could have revealed herself, but she didn't! Instead, Sailor Sun remains masked, only helping one of us when we're in danger. They're always there when Serena is attacked, but not when we are. They never come with Sailor Moon, when she arrives to help us finish off the bad guy. We don't even know if Serena has actually been fighting! We never see the signs! We just take her word for it! She's late! She's lazy! And we're getting hurt because she isn't there for us!" Fuming, Rei stood up. "Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go find our brave leader and drag her here by her pigtails if I have to!" Standing up, she stomped out of the Temple. The rest of the Scouts were on her heels in a flash. Amy was talking to Lita in hushed tones, and Mina was arguing with Rei.

Artemis sighed. "Whether they meant to or not, those two Scouts have certainly thrown a wrench into the group dynamic."

Luna nodded in agreement, looking on sadly as the Scouts walked into the night. "I'm afraid Artemis, that nothing good will come of this."

Sighing again, the white cat curled up beside her. "There's only one thing we can do Luna." He said. "Wait." Overcome by the feeling of helplessness, the two felines looked at one another. They knew that it was bad, and they had a feeling that it was about to get much worse.

Meanwhile…

Katsu was running it felt like he'd been running for hours. His lungs were laboring for breath, and the oxygen pounding through them was coming in increasingly short supply. He stopped, by the Jubon Kindergarten gates. Looking up, he remembered this place. Running his fingers along the fine concrete blocks. Katsu sighed. This was where he'd met Sailor Moon for the second time. That bumpkin Rini had been here too. It was raining, as he remembered it. One filled with thunder and lightning. He'd been helping Serena pick Rini up from her swimming practice. Sayuri had met them, and grabbed his arm. She'd told him that there were two Youma in the area. So he'd had to say goodbye to Rini, and promise that he'd see her swim another time. 'The Youma was a tough one.' He thought, leaning against the wall. It had attacked the children on the playground. He and Sayuri had shown up just seconds after Sailor Moon. It forced him to admit that he really enjoyed her sermons. Normally, he and Sayuri cracked jokes about the Youma before the battle. Merely to get its attention. But Sailor Moon, the definitive "Champion of Love and Justice" was always righteous. She said cute things like "I'll punish you" and that was normally followed by a scream a few seconds later. When the Youma bowled her over. Then he and Sayuri would leap into action, he knew that Sayuri thought Sailor Moon's sermons were a bit over the top. But her naiveté was cute. Katsu hated to admit it, but he had a crush on her. It didn't seem fair to Serena, because he really liked her too. Still, he had a feeling that Sailor Moon was a person who could really understand him, and he enjoyed fighting with her as a team. He hoped that she enjoyed fighting with him too. He found that Serena lifted their spirits in a similar way that Soren did. It was nice to feel that way again. He knew that Sayuri wasn't Sailor Moon's biggest fan, but he knew that she'd grudgingly admit that she liked her too. Her hairstyle was very similar to Serena's, maybe that was what had attracted him in the first place. With a sigh, Katsu hopped over the fence, and landed on the soft grass. He looked at the elementary school, and then over at the little playground. His eyes flicked over the sandbox, the rusting slide, past the monkey bars, and finally rested on the swings. There sat Serena, her golden pigtails wafting dejectedly behind her. From where he was standing, he could see her tears glimmering in the flickering florescent lights. Silently he pulled out his phone, like a shiver up his spine, he could feel malevolent energy approaching. He knew he'd have to protect Serena from it. But he couldn't transform without his sister. That was the problem with only having two Solar Warriors, the lacked the necessary third that allowed them to transform without sharing their power. On the other end he heard. "Moshi moshi?" "Yeah, Sayuri? It's me; she's at Jubon Elementary. Hurry!" He said. "This Youma is so bad even I can feel it coming." She affirmed, and said that she'd be right there. "Sayonara." He said, and closed his phone. "Serena?" He called.

She turned around and looked at him, surprised. "Katsu?" She said. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same question." He said, sitting down on the swing next to hers. "What are you doing out here?"

"I realized that I was too late, after I left." Serena said, her head hanging. She looked so dejected that Katsu's heart went out to her. "Since I already knew the welcome I was going to get, I decided, why go?"

"That doesn't sound like you." Katsu said, kicking at the sand. He looked over at her, blue eyes full of concern. "You should face them no matter what, they're your friends."

"Well lately they've been making it clear that they don't want to be friends." Serena said, looking out across the playground. "I'm wrecking everyone's lives."

"That's not true." Katsu laughed, he reached out and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You aren't wrecking mine." As an after thought he added. "Or 'Yuri's. In fact, I don't know what we'd do if we hadn't met you. I know that we'd be pretty lonely."

"That's sweet." Serena said. "Even if it isn't true." She hung her head. "Lately I seem to be causing nothing but trouble."

"Nah." Katsu said, mussing up her hair. "That's not true. You need to listen to what I'm saying Serena." He laughed. "If you make me go on like this, I'll start breaking into song." Tapping his chest, he added. "Though I do have a lovely voice." Serena's lips curled into a small smile. "See!" He said, pointing to her mouth. "A smile! I knew I could coax one of those babies out."

Serena giggled. "Okay, you got me." She said, and then froze. It was like an electric surge, it ran through her and it was coming from his hand. It was dark and malevolent, but somehow she was certain that it wasn't his. "What is that?" She asked, pointing towards the sky.

"Danger." He muttered, and then it surged through him again. It was strange. 'This thing has to be strong if I'm sensing it.' Normally only Sayuri picked up on approaching monsters. "Serena, if anything happens, I want you to run." He said standing, setting himself into a fighting position, he put his fists up. 'Where the hell is Sayuri?' He thought, as he looked back at Serena. 'There's no freaking' way I can fight by myself.'

"No!" Serena said. "You run." She stepped in front of him. "I'll be okay, I promise. There's no reason for you to stick around." 'Does he really think he can fight this thing? Is he psychic or something? This is crazy!'

"No!" Katsu said, grabbing her shoulders. "I'm not going to let you stick around here. You'll get hurt and I…" He looked away. "Get here Sayuri." He muttered.

Then it landed. A swirling vortex of black energy spewed down from the clouds over their heads. Then suddenly it vanished, revealing a tall monster. The beast was nearly six feet, and it's scarlet tornado hair added at another foot at least. The monster wore a skintight black body suit, and its orange eyes gleamed in the darkness. "Mmm." It said, approaching. "Two yummy morsels, this is looking like a good night." It laughed.

'What do I do?' Serena thought. 'I can't transform because Katsu's here, and I can't leave him here by himself. I couldn't face Sayuri if anything happened to him…in truth…' She sighed. 'I couldn't face myself.' She knew that there was really no other way. She had to save Katsu, and if this was the only way. Then so be it. She trusted him to keep her secret. Raising her hand over her head she yelled. "Moon Crystal Power!" At the same moment, Sayuri landed behind them. Warm pink light surrounded Serena as she transformed. It covered her like a protective orb, and she exchanged her sailor uniform for a Sailor Scout uniform. Then she stepped in front of Katsu. "Don't you dare hurt this man!" She shouted. "I Sailor Moon, the champion of Love and Justice and in the name of the Moon, I'll punish you." Serena looked over her shoulder at a shocked Katsu.

Katsu's mouth worked soundlessly for a few seconds. 'Serena is Sailor Moon…Serena is Sailor Moon…' And suddenly a lot of things started to make sense. Why she was always there at the same time as a Youma, why they shared so much personality in common…it all made a lot of sense. He looked over his shoulder and saw his sister running towards him, wearing an identically shocked mask. Coming up to him she took his hand. "Serena…" He said. "Serena is…"

"There isn't time for that now." Sayuri said. "We have to transform. Now!" Hands clasped together they raised their arms. "Solar Twin Power!" They yelled together, and their bodies were encased in red and golden light. When it faded the two stood ready behind Sailor Moon. They knew that this would be an important battle.

Serena stared at the two of them, shocked. "You guys…" She started.

"There isn't time for that now, Sailor Moon." Sailor Sun said. "Right now we have to focus on beating this monster." Slowly, Serena nodded. The three scouts faced the monster, and for a moment their energy was in perfect harmony. Trust and understanding ran together, and filled each of them. They knew that they were going to win.