Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon, but please don't copy my storyline.

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A week had gone by since that fateful morning that Jupiter was found. Darien, shocked by Serena's declaration, made hasty excuses to leave. He did not seem to be able to deal with everything that was happening, especially having the object of his hidden affections in both persona's declare their love to him. He could not believe that she had answered his kiss just as a princess would in that fairytale he had been joking about before initiating the kiss with Serena. Also, she was Sailor Moon. He had worked along side her, had lusted after her, and had dreamed of her in that persona. Rei and Amy, whom he had not had much contact with were Sailor Mars and Sailor Mercury. He had worked with these girls, but knew nothing about them. Now, there was also a fourth girl, this Sailor Jupiter or Lita. It was to much to process all at once for him.

Serena had awoken a few hours later, completely disoriented and remembering nothing after seeing Jedite. She could not remember being hit, Darien, or his kiss. She was excited to hear that Lita was Sailor Jupiter, and that there was one scout remaining to be found if Rei's predictions were correct. Serena also seemed slightly changed by the whole incident. She seemed to have new knowledge that had never been tapped before, never used in her life. She was much more graceful, such as would be expected of royalty or something. There was an astounding change in her intellect. She was now reaching, and occasionally exceeding Amy's scores on school assignments and tests that were given during that week. While she had a long way to go to improve her overall grade, she had made huge strides in just the one week. She also showed much more decorum in her daily life. She still maintained the enthusiasm for life that she had always had, it just seemed much more restrained and organized. She still ate everything in sight, but at a slower rate. It was as though some of her innocence was missing after the fight with Jedite and everyone felt the loss.

Rei was similar in that her personality changed, but not to the extent of Serena's. She could not remember much of the fight, simply that she was trying to protect her when something hit her. Luckily she did not remember any of the pain associated with the injuries. She did know that something or someone had revealed some important information to her subconscious during her coma. She also knew that it was very important that she did not reach that knowledge until the time was right. She would be the leader for something, but what it was eluded her. This knowledge grated on Rei, as she was used to having her fire reveal all important information too her. Now it was resolutely still, simply being there to calm her during her frustration. She was able to remember more from their lives in the Moon Kingdom, but she felt that it was insignificant information. She knew that they had loved their princess with a passion unrivaled by anything else they had known. She knew more of their individual roles, and had discovered that they had basically fallen into the same pattern this time around. She still could not remember anything of Serena or the specifics of the moon princess. The only thing that she was certain of was that they all had died trying to save that one special girl, as well as their world.

Life continued on slowly as the others adjusted to the changes in Serena and Rei. Ms. Haruna was in a state of shock about Serena's dramatic turn around. She had almost given up hope of ever getting Serena to show her true potential. She had seen the intelligence in the girls eyes, the hunger for more knowledge, but no drive to show how much she knew. It was as though Serena wanted to be seen as ignorant. She had almost inadvertently given Serena detention for cheating or scheming or something, but had recovered in time to really pay attention to her student. Serena seemed to have a calmer aura around her, something not quite natural. There were times during her week that she wanted to see the Serena she knew, instead of this sweet stranger who had taken her place.

Serena's parents were just as mystified with the change in their daughter as her teachers were. They could not understand why she had suddenly turned into this perfect student and child. They had grown to love Serena's rambunctious ways, her infectious laughter, and her ever-present smile. True, the improvement in grades was something to rejoice over, but simply because in the end that would offer their little girl far more opportunities in her future. They only wanted the best for her. Now they suddenly had the perfect little girl that they had always thought they wanted. It just proved to them beyond a shadow of a doubt that you shouldn't wish for what you don't have, as you just might get it and find it to be much worse than dreamed about. All they could do was hope that this change was for the good and that they would eventually see their exuberant girl in this formal stranger.

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Serena sat looking out her window. She knew she was shocking everyone with these changes that had overcome her. She didn't feel quite responsible for them, but knew that there was no reversing them, simply living with her new lifestyle. She was confused why people would be upset with the changes though. As long as she could remember she had teachers and her parents harping for her to shape up and act her age, to mature and do better in school. Now that she had done those things, they would congratulate her, but have a slightly sad look in their eye. She still wasn't what they wanted her to be. Would she ever be able to get it right?

She was also having problems with Darien. He was completely avoiding her. She had asked Amy and Lita if something had happened the night of the accident, but the two girls clammed up and would just shoot glances at each other, as though they were hiding something. She did not know if it were to protect her or him, but she knew it was just easier to let it drop. The two girls did not deserve to be caught in-between her and Darien. This was something she was just going to have to figure out for herself. All she knew for certain was that she and Darien had been fine before the accident, but since she had woken up he was no where to be found. She did know that he had discovered her identity that night, and that they had found out that he was Tuxedo Mask. Serena, however, knew something else had happened that night. There had to be some reason for his behavior.

Suddenly, a strong icy feeling filled her. She knew that her week reprieve from fighting was at an end. Quickly she pushed the all button on her communicator. Serena waited quietly as all the scouts answered her call. They were all asking questions over each other as to why she would call them at once. When the last scout answered, Serena simply stated, "Girls, we have a problem."

Each of the scouts face fell. They had never heard Serena speak in such a detached voice. They were surprised by the cold each of them felt, the fear working its way into their stomachs. Rei was the first to respond. "What's going on Serena?"

"Youma. I don't know where it is yet, just that it has generated and will start to hunt soon. I would like to get to it before any innocents are injured, but I doubt we will have a chance like that."

"Since when can you sense the creation of a youma Serena? We have always had to wait for them to attack someone before able to knowing they were even around," asked Amy in a small voice. She was scared by this new Serena. She held just a small role in the collection anymore, and was more than a little afraid that with Serena's new intelligence, she would no longer be needed.

"I"m not quite positive yet Amy, but I simply know it's true. I think that it means some of my prior abilities are starting to come back to me after the accident. And do not worry Mercury, you will never, and can never, be replaced. You are our intelligence guru. Without you we are lost, just as though you made a blanket of fog to hid us from our goal."

Amy blushed. How did Serena know that was what she was thinking. While it did feel good to have her fears out in the open and addressed, she was concerned she was able to be read so easily. Serena continued through Amy's musings. "Amy, I need you to get out your computer and search for any unusual energy readings. Once we have that, we should know where this creature is and hopefully stop it before it does much of anything." And before Serena was done saying the sentence, the eye computer was out and Amy was searching. "There is a huge negative energy source around Tokyo Towers. I have a feeling that's where this creature is. My concern is that this signature is too large for one being, we may have multiple youma to deal with."

"Alright girls, you know what to do. Henshin and get there as soon as possible, I'll be there shortly after you."

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Darien felt Serena henshin, but could not feel danger around her. What was going on and why was she calling to him? Did she know that such an affect on him? He still could not get what happened the day of the accident. He could not even bring himself to talk to Amy or the other girls, even though they had nothing to do with the incident. He felt so confused inside, which was very unusual for him. Everything in life had a plan and a reason. The only thing before this that had fallen out of wack was his dreams of a princess and his transformations to Tuxedo Mask. But with those he had worked through them himself and gotten by. For some reason Serena's declaration meant more to him than anything ever had, but he knew that it wasn't real, and he was unable to get over the pain it caused him. He realized, as the pull from Serena grew stronger, danger more imminent, that only she held the answers, and only with her would he find the peace he sought so desperately.

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The girls arrived at basically the same time, all henshined and ready for action. As soon as they arrived, they noticed a crowd surrounding a girl. As they walked closer they noticed that she looked identical to Serena as Sailor Moon, but wasn't. She did not have the sparkle, the flair that surrounded the mythical superhero. This was simply a girl with some powers who was Sailor Moon's twin. "That's right, I have decided that I am not going to help you pathetic humans anymore. What have you done for me other than pursecute me in an attempt to find my identity and therefore ruin my life. Don't call on me anymore," and with that flippant statement from the imposter, she jumped from her impromtu podium and ran away, disappearing into the mist that had appeared around her as she left. The scouts looked to each other, then to the creature left by the fake Sailor Moon.

Out of nowhere, another scout ran to join them. She looked very similar to Sailor Moon as well, but with long flowing blond hair tied back with a red bow. Her uniform was lined with orange and had a white cat perched on her shoulder. "What are you girls waiting for? We have to get these civilians out of here." And with that, the white cat jumped to the ground and scurried off.

As the scouts looked to the civilians, all they saw was chaos. People were running everywhere trying to get over each other just to get away. Some were simply screaming, standing in one place causing a roadblock for those fleeing. The injured were rising, but it was not from the youma yet, who was simply making a lot of noise as to what it was going to do to get energy. Amy looked at Rei, "We need a plan."

"Universe Release!" echoed through the air. All the scout flipped around to see a girl about their age, in a similar fuku, holding a crystal and blowing on it. As she did a shower of sparks floated through the area surrounding Tokyo Towers. The people began to calm, then fall asleep where they stood. Quickly the only people left awake were the scouts and the youma. What was going on?

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Sorry for the long wait on update. I had a bit of writer's block. I hope that this chapter makes up for that. Have a great day and REVIEW!


Firelightz