The Secret Is Out

Note: A few of the ideas used here were ideas I had originally given to some of my fellow authors. I assure you though, this is a hundred percent my warped imagination. Sigh. I have no one to blame save myself.

Also. This is not a Hentai.

Having said that.

Serena is a baseball Player? No, then why the bat? Darien tied to the bed? Naked? And who were the four people he loved? Let's find out.
Chapter Nine:

The Meatball-head And The Zit.

Helena and Hubert started at the ruckus the girls made as they stomped down the stairs. They had never really had a group of girls over this large. Ok, so Mina had never brought any of her friends over, so what? Still they were amazed at Irene's patience. As they heard her call out to her daughter, they had expected a sever reprimand.

"Serena. A little less noise on the stairs please." The amusement in her tone shocked the Helena and Hubert. It sound a bit half hearted.

"O.K. Mom." Came Serena's cheerful reply, which also lacked remorse to it as she continued to make a beeline for safety.

As they looked around the room, they realized none of the family seemed to notice anything out of the ordinary.

Noting their stare, Grandpa Hino chuckled.

"No Mrs. Heart, we are not being invaded. Its just five normal, so to speak, teenagers."

Their lack of understanding was sticking out. They had a lot to learn about teenagers.

Serena quickly made her way to her Mother seeking her protection. She barely managed to dodge around her friends to avoid interrogation. 'Thank goodness for all those years of racing to school.'

She grinned at the disappointment of their expressions. Though she knew it to be but a temporary solution, for the time it seemed to work.

Luna cleared her throat, gaining the attention of the room.

"Now that the situation has been rectified, we can move onto more important matters."

Serena's glare at the cat did not go unnoticed by her, and she sweat- dropped.

"Yes, Well, Now that the relatives are aware of the Scouts, we must set up a few rules."

Irene agreed, but it was unlikely that Luna would.

"I agree Luna. First of all, no more secrets are to be kept from us. As well, we wish to be informed when ever there is an attack, as well as a call at the end of the attack."

Startled, Luna simply stared. When had she lost control of the meeting? Of course it was a meeting Irene set up, but that was beside the point.

Dr. Anderson put her input next. "Also, I want to see each of you regularly for a check up. At least once a week. And any one injured in battle as well."

The girls groaned at that, but the parents agreed to this.

"Actually Mother, it might be easier on us if I just do a scan of us all after the battles and down load it into the home computer. Often the battle is at night and the lack of sleep would effect us more, as our healing abilities make all save massive injuries infinitesimal."

She scowled at her daughter. This reminded her of them retrieving Jupiter after her accident. She proceeded to berate Amy on this subject.

"What on Earth did you think you were doing taking Lita out in her condition? She could have died from those injuries."

A bit hurt at that, Amy tried to stutter a reply. But Mina was her savior in this.

"But Aunt Linda," Helena seethed at her calling her that. The traitor. "Amy did a intense scan of her first. And the treatments given would have hurt, not helped her. Her healing powers were enough, as you can see. Not a scar is on any of us. Plus there was the possibility of another Yoma attack, on both her and the hospital. We had to get her out."

Remembering 'Nurse Mina', Dr. Anderson scowled at the blond, but at her daughter's confirming nod, reluctantly conceded the point.

"Very well. I can't argue with that. But I want to do a physical on each of you. Full physical. Blood work, Urine, Stool, the works."

"Why do you want to give us a chair Aunt Linda?"

Mina would never make it as a nurse.

As her cheeks had cooled from the explanation given her, Serena hesitantly raised her hand, but then quickly lowered it.

Sammy, ever the observant brother (Had to be to get the stink on her), saw this and brought it to everyone's attention.

"Yeah Serena? Did you have something to say?"

Her glare and blush were all the signals her parents needed.

Her Father pinned her with a domineering stare and asked, "What is it Serena?"

With the promise of retribution in her glare, she pinned her brother to the wall with its intensity, trying to come up with an excuse.

Her Mother had other ideas however.

"NOW SERENA."

Lowering her head, she mumbled.

Mumble, "Icn'go."

"What?"

Mumble, "Icn'go."

"SERENA."

Sigh.

"I can't go to the bathroom."

The room stared at her for a moment, then cracked up.

"Oh Serena, I don't mean right now. Later is fine."

Her toe dug into the rug signaling that wasn't what she meant. Her face was so red that Lita wondered if she had any blood anywhere in the rest of the body.

"I mean I can not go to the bathroom."

Her Mother started to understand.

"Oh sweetie, are you sick? What's wrong?"

Helena grabbed the ears, yet again, of her want-a-be medics as they moved towards the defenseless girl, much to Serena's relief.

Irene went into full doting Mom mode, and sat her child on the chair she threw her grumbling husband out of. The same said husband that was soon fawning over her. Asking her if she'd like a treat for his sick baby.

She snatched the candy bar from her Father and inhaled it before Mother or Dr. Anderson could tell her that it might be best to wait until Linda had examined her to eat it.

"Serena, until I examine you, please refrain from eating."

"WAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH. NO EATING? BUT I'M HUNGRY. WAHHHHHHH."

Irene's hand covered her mouth and she tried to reassure her.

"Now dear, its just till we find out why you can't go to the bathroom. It may be irritate you stomach."

How food could irritate the stomach was a mystery to Serena, and her look showed it. But the reminder of why this conversation came about had her blushing again.

"I meant I haven't been able to go to the bathroom since I was four."

Silence filled the room. Even the sulking Luna stared slack jawed.

Dr. Anderson gaped at her. In all her years this had never come up. Mentally she made a list of the local Psychiatrists in the area.

"Serena. As a Doctor I can assure you that you have had to go to the bathroom to relieve yourself. You had to expel the waste products."

A confused Serena stared, so Raye informed her.

"You eat so much Meatball-head that you probably live in the bathroom. Heck it's amazing you're not a blimp by now."

Serena pouted at the priestess, who flushed at her Grandfather's frown.

'Blast. I insulted her again.'

"That's because I'm always hungry Pyro."

But a thought struck Dr. Anderson as she remembered the meal she ate with Amy and her, and her amazement at how much she could hold.

She took her hand in hers and asked, "Serena, are you bulimic?"

"HUH?"

"Do you intentionally throw up your food after you eat to keep your weight so slender?"

Her parents looked on in horror. They had never considered that. It would explain so much.

And was so off. For if the horror on her parents face was terrible, the look on Serena was worse to the max dude.

"THROW UP PERFECTLY GOOD FOOD? INTENTIONALY? THAT'S SICK."

Before Dr. Anderson could explain that this was an illness not a disease, Amy's voice cut in.

"SERENA. Where is that candy bar you ate?"

Serena Sweat-dropped. "Uhhmmm, Amy, I ate it. I'm sure we have more if your hungry."

Amy just stared from her computer to her best friend. Shakily she took from Mr. Tsukino's stash five more bars.

"Serena, I want you to eat all these."

JOY. HEAVEN. LOVE TO THE WORLD. Serena practically dance with joy.

She ripped open the bars, heaven's doors opening, when good manners over came her.

Holding out the remaining bars, she reluctantly asked. "Would anyone like one?"

To her horror Mina reached for one, only to snatch her hand back as Amy slapped it. Tears came to Serena's eyes. 'Amy, you're my bestest (I know that's not a word) friend.'

"These are all yours Serena."

"But..."

"EAT."

Not needing further encouraging, she devoured the treats in seconds. But still her hunger raged.

Amy and the now stunned Dr. Anderson stared at the readings they received.

"Is this thing right?"

Her Mother was stunned at her daughter's glare. 'How dare she insult her computer? And what did she mean by 'thing'? Grrrrr.'

Frostily she responded. "YES."

But again became caught up on the information the computer delivered them.

Irene and Ken started to worry. What had they seen that enraptured the pair?

"Linda?"

Whispers between Mother and Daughter.

"Linda?"

Whispers.

"LINDA?"

"Huh? Oh, Irene. Uhhmm, yes. Now Serena, you said you have not been to the bathroom since you were four?"

Scratching her head, she laughed. "Ahaha. Yeah. I had told Mommy about it, and she said she was going to take me to the doctors. I had just got my shots and was afraid I'd have to get another one. So I went into the bathroom and flushed the toilet. Then I came out and told Mommy that I didn't have to go anymore. After that I went in and pretended to go every now and then."

Irene remembered this, but thought nothing of it for years. 'What?'

"Linda, what is going on?"

Amy and Dr. Anderson exchanged glances.

"Well according to these reading, she metabolized the entire bar by the time it reached her stomach. And, if our readings are right, the food is reduced to a form of pure energy that her body utilizes for cellular reproduction, healing, growth, and we believe part of her powers as Sailor Moon. But none of the other Scouts do."

The group stared dumbfounded. All save Grandpa Hino.

"Of course she does. She's a Lunarian Avatar. The Moon Royalty always had this gift. It should not surprise us that they're chosen should possess it as well. If you'll down load the data base of the Silver Millennium Moon Royalty, I think you'll have the answers you need."

The assembled stared at him wondering how he came about this information.

But an equally confused Amy had automatically done as requested and excitedly exclaimed.

"I've got it. I've got it. It says here that the Royal line of the Moon is capable of assimilating their food intake into its most basic form, energy (Scientific note: Students reach for their notebooks: At its most basic form, all matter is a form of energy.) and utilizes it in maintaining their power level. As they have a far higher level of power then any other life form their need for energy is greater so they need to ingest a greater amount of dietary intake. If not, they will weaken and require a larger amount of sleep. As well as be lethargic during waking hours, prone to spontaneously falling to sleep, and their attention span will be reduced. This will continue until their twentieth year in which their growth will stop and they take on their eternal form. At that time they bodies will be able to generate their own energy, as well as absorb the energy for the existence itself. Though they have the ability to adsorb energy before it will be automatically absorbed at this time. They will still be able to eat and assimilate, but will no longer require to do so."

Sammy gawked. "You mean the human garbage disposal actually needs to eat like she does?"

At his astonished tone Amy responded, "Yes. She even needs to increase her intake. Hmmm. Interesting."

She and her Mother again became engrossed with the data flashing across the scene. Serena's unique physiology perking they're curiosity.

'Hmmm. Yes, have to get her in for a complete physical.'

The girl in question was blissfully unaware of the two mad scientists plots for human experimentation. But she was still hungry.

"Aunt Linda? What's interesting?"

Amy revealed her hidden mischievous side at the question.

"Well Serena, it seems that there are certain dietary intakes that would be most beneficial to you. A diet of high fiber and roughage. You need to stay away from caffeine and all dairy products. As well as keeping glucose and all culinary dishes that use cacao beans."

Linda barely maintains a straight face, while Lita covers her ears awaiting Serena's wails.

"HUH?"

"You can't eat chocolate or milk products, including all shakes. All coke beverages. And have to keep sugar to a minimum. You need at least six servings a day of burnt toast and vegetables. Primarily carrots."

Serena paled considerably as she saw her life flushed down the toilet. With each word Amy damned her to a lower and lower ring of Hades. But with the listing of the accursed toxic of life, her control slipped.

"WAAAAHHHHH. CARROTS? NO CHOCOLATES? NO SHAKES? KILL ME NOW AND BE DONE WITH IT."

As her parents strove to sooth their distraught daughter, Amy, unable to contain herself any longer, burst out with laughter, soon followed by her mother.

"WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH."

The gathered followed Lita's example and covered they're own ears at the wretched wailing of one sentenced to a fate worse then death. All her parents efforts in vain.

Linda however, realizing that this was most unprofessional, attempted to placate the horrified Serena.

Attempting to compose herself, a few chuckles escaping despite her efforts, she tried to get her attention.

"Serena. Serena. It was only a joke. Amy didn't mean it. You can eat anything you want."

Needless to say the rest of the assembled were less then enthused about the prank, which showed on their features.

But the girl was inconsolable. The damage to great.

Her Mother, after years of experience, managed to halt the wails. Leaving her to her Father's care, she proceeded to the kitchen, returning shortly after with a huge Banana Split (YUM. I want one) offering it to her.

Catching a whiff of the food of the gods. And forgetting entirely what she wasn't supposed to have, she snatched it from her mother's hands with a short thank you.

Helena and Hubert had their first glimpse at the rate and amount this child could eat. And Helena found herself quite resentful of all the exercise she needed to do to maintain her figure.

As Serena licked the bowl, she came out of her stupor, she now consciously remembered hearing Aunt Linda telling her it was just a joke.

Pouting, she ignored her blue-haired friend and turned her back on her with a "humph".

Amy realized maybe she went a little to far with her teasing.

"Gomen Serena, I couldn't resist. Truth is food goods high in sugar, chocolate, and dairy are actually the best for given their chemical compound. You should eat as much of them as you can."

She glared at her friend, trying to see if this was another cruel joke. But seeing nothing but sincerity in her face, she forgot her earlier anger and enveloped her in a hug. In the other's view this bone crusher was more then enough payback for their anguish.

After her breathing returned too normal Amy continued examining the data and came to an appalling discovery. In an appalled whisper said.

"She should be dead by now."

Her statement floored the gathered.

"WHAT?"

An entire room screaming the same thing at the same time can be quite loud. Serena's parents were so pale now that it was surprising that they remained conscious.

With the realization of her mistake she quickly added.

"I meant the amount of food intake she consumes each day is insufficient. What with her battles as Sailor Moon, and the energy she expends, she should not have been able to have survived on the amount she eats per day."

"Ahaha."

The Meatball-head haired female with her hand behind her head laughed, signaling that she knew something no one else did.

Under the gaze of the assembled, she weakly laughed yet again.

"Ah, well you see. Uhhmm, I've got a stash of food in my subspace pocket. A really large one. And it stays fresh and at the same temperature as when I stored it there. There are some advantages to having a large savings account."

Her parents were a bit torn on how to handle the knowledge of her fortune, while Luna was upset with the usage of the Sub-Space pocket.

"Really Serena, how many times must I tell you. The pocket is for Scouts use only."

Her tone caused four other girls to cringe, hoping she didn't find out about their usage of it. However Serena was getting a little annoyed with it.

"Oh come on Luna, this is a bit of Scout business. After all one of the reasons I need to eat so much is because of me being Sailor Moon. It wouldn't do for me to fall unconscious during a battle should it?"

Logical reasoning from her. A few of the lesser-willed individuals passed out at that.

But after awakening Sammy, Raye, Artemis, and Luna (Now every one of them passed out. Snicker), Luna continued her ranting.

"But you did not know that at the time."

With a wicked gleam, Serena picked up the protesting cat, turned her upside- down, and proceeded to shake her.

Before anyone could protest this objects fell from Luna's own pocket.

The catnip, yarn ball (Which Irene had been looking for), milk containers (Upsetting Serena, having been blamed for drinking them), stuffed mouse, picture of Artemis (Scouts make more notes to share at gossip session. I mean sleepovers), and two transformation pens came pouring out.

Serena bent over and retrieved the pens. The girls had gone over the symbols of the other planets in this solar system, so she recognized the moon symbol on one, but did not recognize the other one.

Embarrassed at having been caught, she wisely decided that maybe this subject was better left unsaid.

She managed to return most of the objects back in there proper place, shirking at Irene's glare at the ruined ball of yarn, and Artemis's smirk at his picture being in there (Praying she did find her picture in his). But Serena held unto the pens.

"Luna, who do these belong to?"

She exchanged a glance with Artemis and slowly replied.

"The one with the Moon symbol should have belonged to the Sailor of the Moon, but that was what your locket was for, so we assumed that it was a back up for you if one was captured or destroyed. The other was to belong to Sailor Astria. The Queen of Astria was pregnant with the first Scout of that doomed world at the time of its destruction during the Silver Millennium."

"Is that the Princess we seek?"

Lita's question again brought the families back to the subject at hand.

Patricia Haruna, unable to stand it any longer burst out.

"How can you people take this so calmly? Talking cats. Unheard of planets. Super powered teens. I have worked with teens every day for years, and I can barely maintain my composure." She stated having now lost hers.

But she did have a point, why were they so calm about not only this, but their daughters' place in it.

Grandpa Hino stood at this and serenely spoke.

"There is a reason for this Patricia. You see all of us, save you, have a past history that involves this."

His Granddaughter pondered his words. He had said that before to her, but had kept much hidden.

"Grandpa, what is this past you and Luna have spoken of? Does it have to do with the Princess and crystals we seek?"

"Now is not the time Granddaughter."

"Why?"

At Irene's blunt statement, Grandpa Hino turned slowly towards her and cringed. Her expression did nothing for his sense of peace. But being a Priest, and the training in control that came with it, he responded.

"When the time is right you shall be informed."

His statement did nothing to appease anyone in the room.

"What do you mean we will be informed? Who made you the boss of our children?" Asked the irate Hubert.

"Oh no. The Boss was in England."

At his daughter's statement he turned to the blushing Mina who had been just a bit careless in her reply. At least that's what she believe given the sharp claw marks that now marked her ankle.

"Who is this Boss?" Asked the now confused Ken. There was too much information coming and not enough fact.

With a glare at his charge, and a fearful gaze at his Love, err, Luna, Artemis informed them.

"The Boss is the head of Central Control. He coordinates the efforts of the agents. We all report to him."

"By whose authority?" Asked the irate Luna. There was more going on then they had told them so far. Even herself. "I am the Moon Princess's guardian after all. By what right does he have authority over me?"

"I thought you were my guardian Luna?"

At Serena's question she carelessly answered back, "No. Just until the Moon Princess is found, then I shall take my proper place at her side."

Serena said nothing at this; but a feeling a bit betrayed.

But before anything could be said on the subject Grandpa Hino continued.

"You were needed to oversee the Scouts Luna, so it was decided that you should remember with the others."

A hiss greeted that statement. No, Luna had not take that well.

"Grandpa, you make it sound as if your part of Central Control."

"I am."

More then a few protests came from this. None liked this turn of events. And Lita was furious at being kept in the dark.

"Wait a second. We risk our lives. Bust our buts. Sacrifice nearly everything. And you keep us in the dark?"

"For years to arm." Added an incensed Mina.

Hubert moaned. "To boot Mina. To boot."

Raye just stared at her Grandfather with a betrayed look, which affected him the most. But the decision had been made.

"I'm sorry, but until we are ordered to reveal the full truth it must be kept secret."

"Ordered by who?"

It was the first thing that Serena had said during this part of the conversation. She had been studying her friends and family, seeing their distress at this.

"By the Princess."

"But the Princess is not here. Who speaks in her behalf?"

"I do of course."

Grandpa Hino glanced at the prideful cat (Sorry. I sometimes just feel she comes over a bit to full of herself and felt she would eventually get in trouble because of that). She would not take this news easily.

With a sigh he countered, "Actually no. I have had certain visions in the great fire that another has been appointed to speak for the Princess in all matters."

Logically Amy concluded; "This would be the Boss."

"No."

OH MY GOD. AMY WAS WRONG.

"Actually the Boss was the first guardian to be awoken by the main computer. The fire showed me another would speak for her."

Raye thought she had the answer. "You. Through the fire."

A smile crept on his face at her logical reply.

"No to that as well. The vision I received was more of a.How can I say this in a way you would all understand? It was a recording. A message left by the Princess so we would know her bidding."

"So you haven't been in contact with her."

Disappointment at the statement lowered the spirits of the group. For every answer there seemed to be two more questions discovered.

Patricia was still baffled at the term Princess though.

"You keep telling us about a Princess. What Princess?"

Finding an answer that he could actually respond to, Grandpa Hino leapt at the chance.

"Ten thousand years ago (I know it was only a thousand by the Manga and Anime, but I always felt there would still be proof left if that were so) there existed in this solar system a great Empire known as the Silver Millennium. It was composed of the empires of the planets and kingdoms of this solar system. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Astria, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, And Pluto. All save the kingdoms of the Earth and Sun."

A spell seemed to be cast over the group as images flashed through their minds. Familiar to all save Patricia.

"But the most powerful of all the realms was the Moon Empire. Ruled by the line of Serenity. This had been the way of things for one hundred thousand years, up to the reign of Queen Serenity the twenty-ninth and her Daughter, the Princess Serenity."

At this name a feeling of protectiveness encompassed the hearts of all save two. Patricia and Serena.

"The Princess was a joy to behold. Kind hearted. Spirited. At one with sentient's and nature alike. With a love that embraced all. All who met her fell before her spell. One she did not even know she cast, as she was so innocent. None knew of the origin of her birth save that the Queen said she was a gift given unto them from the heavens in more ways then one. None of her people refuted that."

'He speaks as if he were from there.' Thought Patricia.

"The Princess's court consist of the Royal line of the planets and would make up the Sailor Scouts." All started at that. There were Sailor Scouts way back then? "They were her friends and guardians. The Princesses of their own worlds, they were sent to school and train with the Princess."

"There were many who sought the hand of the Princess, but she felt naught but the love of friendship for those who courted her. Several of the Princes of planets from distant stars begged to be betrothed to her, but this was not the way of the Silver Millennium." A chuckle escaped him at this.

"The Royals of Venus would never have condoned it. They believe in Soulmates too much. So they were compassionately turned down. Much to the Princess's diplomatic skills, none had left with hated in their hearts, but as new allies to our Empire."

"But the Silver Millennium was not the only Empire in this solar system. The Earth Kingdom had united with the Sol Kingdom just that generation creating the Golden Kingdom. Queen Terra had become the first Avatar of the Earth. Her four sisters, Princesses Gaia, Tellus, Erde, and Chikyuu (All names of the Earth) were her court. The Queen and her court had married the court of Sol. King Apollo and his four Brothers, Princes Solaris, Sunrise, Starshine, and Sunbeam (They were greatly teased as they grew up)."

"The Princess had one great fascination though. The Earth. Despite it being the forbidden Planet, she often escaped to there, despite her guard's surveillance. This did not sit well with the Princess of Mars."

"There she met and befriended the Prince of Earth himself and his court. This would set a course that would be both the doom and salvation of the Silver Millennium."

Spellbound, none spoke.

"For the two fell in love. Indeed many did." The last said sadly, with great pain in his voice. "After the two star-crossed lovers had finally convinced the King and Queen of the Moon and the King and Queen of the Earth and Sol that their love was true, with the aide of the Queen and Princess of Venus as they tried to explain the magnitude of their soul bond, it was decided that the two Empires would be united."

"But this caused a great evil to hasten her plans. Metallia and her minion Beryl captured and enslaved to her will most of the Earth court and armies to again attack the Silver Millennium. As they had done once before, but were repelled at a great cost. That was when Astria was destroyed. The day I'm told the Princess was conceived."

"Beryl had planned to enslave Endymion as well, her original plot had been to make him her mate and together rule the Universe, but with Serenity's love encompassing him her vile charms were ineffective. Indeed, her powers barely controlled the four guardians."

"But attack they did and with the aide of the enslaved managed to destroy the planets one by one until only the Moon stood in her way."

Tears flowed down most eyes as they relived the fall of a great empire.

"Queen Serenity had placed the Moon on alert, forbidding yet again contact with the Earth. But the Earth Prince and the remaining member of his court managed to sneak onto the moon in an attempt to warn them of an attack they had sensed though their bond with their court. But the warning came to late. Their forces were driven back and the Scouts made a last stand at the Palace. The Princess was put into hiding, much to her objections, but had escaped as her Guardians fell one by one. Until all that was left were those in the palace."

"The Queen had gone into a trance at the beginning of the war, under the protection of the most powerful Spirit-Seer of that time, save for the Martian Princess, in an attempt to counter this evil, but it was unknown what she had hoped to accomplish."

"As the last of the Guardians fell, Beryl reached the palace and confronted the Princess. Despite her lack of combat experience she defied the demoness and her minion. Endymion arrived at this time and battled Beryl. But not having come into his full power as the Earth Avatar he was slain. Serenity saw the blast heading for her love and threw herself in front of him. But this only led to her death as well."

Tears clogged his throat at this, having to take a few minutes to recuperate from the ordeal. None said a word.

Managing to regain his composure somewhat he continued.

"This threw the Queen out of her trance as she and the Seer race to her daughter's side. Crushed she faced Beryl, her Mistress Metalia, and Metallia's greatest warriors, the Seven Shadows. Using the crystal she freed the Guardians and the souls of the fallen and sent them to be reborn on Earth with several selected others."

"The shadows she managed to seal inside fragments of energy from her crystal. These she sealed inside three members of her court. And the four guardians of Endymion as penitence for their failures."

Serena frowned at that statement. For the first time believing the wise priest wrong in his analysis of the situation. But kept quite in respect for the tale.

"Then using the last of her power she sent them all into the future to be reborn."

Gazing with pride at his Granddaughter he said. "You dearest, are the reborn Princess of Mars. Guardian of Princess Serenity."

With her lack of response he addressed the other four girls.

"As you are Princess of Mercury, Princess of Venus And the Princess of Jupiter."

Confusion played across his features as he turned to Serena.

"You though Serena are an Unknown. There had never been an Avatar of the Moon. Who you were back then, even if you existed back then is completely unknown to Central Control."

A hushed silence filled the room. No one knew what to say.

Finally Serena found her voice.

"You said that the Crystals were sealed in the Guardians and members of her court. That means because the Crystals were inside of you, Sammy, and Andrew, you were members of that court (Note: Sammy, Grandpa Hino, and Andrew were the carriers as well as the four guardians. Yeah like you can't figure out who they are). You were the Seer weren't you?"

A smile graced his face yet again and he nodded.

"Yes. I do not know how, but Sammy and Andrew are both members as well."

Sammy preened at that. He was Royalty.

Haruna Patricia was the only one freaking at this. How could they take this so calmly?

"What is with you people? Yes your upset about the tragedy, but you seem to be taking this as if you already knew?"

They couldn't have answered if they wanted to. Their pain at the story to great. But Grandpa Hino could.

"At ease child. It does none of us good to loss control. And yes, there is a reason for this that will come out in time."

Upset by this, Serena threw caution to the wind. Her friends were not pawns to be used.

"Grandpa. You said that someone spoke for the Princess besides Luna. Who is it?"

"I can no."

"WHO?"

If they had been in a more coherent state, her parents would have scolded her for her tone with her elder. And Raye was too curious to be greatly upset.

The command was evident in her tone, and he had no choice but to obey given the truth of who spoke for the Princess.

"Through the fire I received a powerful message from the Princess. That the Scout of the Moon was her chosen champion and spoke on her behalf in all things until her return."

"Me?" She eeped.

"Yes."

It was getting to be too much for her. Sammy, a member of that the past Empire. Her friends all Princesses. A fallen Empire. Lost Love. And still not knowing where she herself fit into it.

Her Mother and Luna both when to comfort her, rubbing her back and purring in her lap.

With a smile of thanks she rose and looked over to Grandpa Hino.

"Then by my authority as Avatar of the Princess, I command you to assemble the entire members of Central Command and to call a meeting for tonight. No exceptions."

An almost regal glow seemed to surround her as she spoke.

He may have been able to refuse a request, but a direct command in the name of the Princess was another thing.

"They will not be happy about it."

She simply shrugged.

Sigh.

"I shall set up a meeting at the Crown Arcade this evening at closing (That's Nine Pm during the Week).

"The arcade?"

"That is where Central Command is located."

"Whoa. That was an even better buy then I thought."

At the looks they gave her she put her hand yet again behind her head and laughed.

"Well you see, when Onii-Chan had difficulties last fall with the arcade I sort of bought it. The remodeling was my idea, with my financing it of course."

Last November the arcade was shut for three weeks for major remodeling. Now it was the hottest site in town.

Five floors of arcade games. Virtual Reality simulators, which included a reality roller coast of her own design. One where you could create your own, with surround screen and sound. Laser tag. An enlarged restaurant (This is very similar to Disney Quest in Florida).

Raye snapped at her at this.

"Serena, you mean that drawing was fixed?"

What she referred to was the twenty prizes that were drawn for at the grand reopening. It was originally only thirteen, but seven added prices were added.

The first seven drawn were lifetime, all you can eat and play, game cards. All the machines worked on swipe cards and tokens. As well as unlimited food and drink. These were 'won' by Serena, Lita, Amy, Raye, Mina, Molly, and Sammy.

The other fourteen were just lifetime game cards. One of which was won by The Zit, much to Serena's semi-dismay.

"Well, kind of. The fourteen cards were the only ones that were publicized. And the tickets for it were free. But the super special cards were my idea. That way we could have fun at the arcade. Besides, I do own the place."

The last added indignantly.

Deciding it was time to again gain control of the situation, Luna spoke.

"Well for once I agree with Serena. We shall meet the rest of Control at nine and come up with a course of action in regards to discovering Serena and Sammy's place in the Silver Millennium. Where the remaining crystals are. And how to find the Princess. As it is, we only have one crystal."

Lita grinned at Mina. "Yeah Luna. And if Sailor V. hadn't made the scene that day at the wrestling match, Zoisite would have that Yellow Crystal that was in Sammy."

"Well I couldn't help it guys. When Molly and I went there, he appeared and attacked her. What was I suppose to do? Let her die? That fight was the main reason I thought to separate myself from her (Note: Molly and Melvin are not a couple. Have never been. Will never be. I just can't see the pairing. But softy that I am, Molly and Serena set him up with a girl that enjoys bugs and computers as much as he does. Their very happy together now)."

"Sometimes sacrifices have to be made Serena."

"Not when there's life left in me Luna. EVER."

Slightly, ok, significantly intimidated by her charge, Luna quickly changed the subject.

"Yes, well it was good that Mina was able to make the earlier flight or she would have been another week in arriving. And who knows what would have happen then. What with the enemies having already possessing four of the crystals to start with and another enemy gaining the other two. Plus the arrival of that new King Kunzite. He's furious at us for whatever happen to Zoisite."

Serena however was fumed at one of the statements.

"Tuxedo Mask is not the enemy Luna. Why are all of you so nasty to him?"

Ken however seethed at the mention of the male that has dared to enter into her life. Irene held onto her steaming husband.

Amy attempted to again be a peacemaker.

"Now Serena, we have no way of knowing whose side he's on. Or his intentions."

"Yeah Meatball-head. Get over your crush."

She really hated names being said about her hair.

"It's not a crush. Ok, so maybe he hasn't outright said he was on our side, but he's saved my life from the beginning. I mean I've lost count of the amount of times."

Pale, Irene mentally set up a training schedule to start with her daughter.

"And maybe he can be a bit arrogant like."

'Like The Zit. Huh? Weird thought.'

"And he's a bit mysterious, kind of like."

'The Zit is. Don't go there girl.'

"And yes he can be a bit of a stuffed shirt, just like."

'The Zit.'

She shook herself out of these thoughts and latched onto something more pleasant.

"But he can be really sweet, just like."

'When The Zit brought that lost boy to his mother. Buying him an ice cream and not complaining when it fell on top of his head when he carried him. Even bought him another one.'

"An.and he can gentle when he carries me. Just like."

'The Zit when he helps me up from the walk.'

Desperately she continued, getting more distraught by the second.

"And his strong arms and his hard yet skinny chest feels so good as I'm pressed against him. Just like."

'Kami. Kami. Like The Zit's when I fall on top of him.'

News bulletin: Red-faced Father injures neck from attempting to escape Martial artist's wife hold. News at Eleven.

"A.a.a.and his Black hair is so silky as it brushes my face. And his eyes so deep a blue you get lost in them, even with the mask."

'Jus.jus.just like The Zit's. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.'

Defeated, the golden girl collapsed back into the chair, a dejected look on her face.

'But he hates me.'

It was the only thought that course through her being; even the tears were unable to fall at the concept.

That moved even Ken. Never had he seen Serena just give up.

"Who is he?"

At Luna's commanding tone, Serena returned to reality.

"Huh?"

"Tuxedo Mask. You obviously figured it out. Who is he?"

With baited breath the others waited for her reply.

"No."

"Now see here young lady."

"NO. He saved my life to many times Luna. And if he is who it think he is, that only reconfirms to me he is not an enemy. Just a."

'Zit.'

With a quick glance at the clock revealing it to be only two-thirty pm, she rose and headed for the door.

Her Mother sensing her mood applied a nerve pinch to her Hubby. Nap time.

"Be careful dear."

Serena smiled at her Mother.

"I'll meet you at the Arcade. I have to meet Molly at five and explain everything. Grandpa, you make sure you get every one there. And no talking till I get there."

He nodded his head and proceeded for the door himself.

Mina and Raye held the squirming cats in a vise grip, and covered their mouths at the same time.

Amy smiled at her friend and call out. "Call us if you need us Serena."

"Yeah if he tries anything I'll turn him into a pancake."

With a smile to her friends she left the house to face her destiny.

Inside however the cats were demonstrating the sharpness of their fangs.

"OWWW."

"YEOWCH. ROTTEN NO GOOD CAT."

With a hiss, Luna bolted for the door, but Irene arrived first, bolting it, and snatching her by the cuff of the neck.

As Luna considered her claws, Irene glared.

"I hear the vet has a special on declawing obnoxious cats. Two for the price on one."

Artemis halted his break for the kitchen door and meekly returned.

"Irene, how can you and the rest just sit back when she's going into the enemy's lair?"

But before she could reply, Raye beat her to it.

"It's a matter of trust Luna. Do we trust Serena?"

That this would come from Raye stunned most. But it was a thought that circled the room.

"But."

Amy took up the notion. "Do you trust her Luna?"

"But."

"LUNA."

She closed her eyes and contemplated the thought.

Sigh. (There's just something about sighing in this story, huh?)

"Alright, fine. But if he dares to hurt my charge, he answers to me."

Irene grinned at the cat. She hid it well sometimes, but she really cared about Serena.

Ken's groan was heard, and Irene sweat dropped at how she was going to alleviate his anger. Besides knocking him again unconscious that is.

She put her hand on his neck.
**************************************************************

'It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be. It can't be. It has to be.'

The chat ran like a mantra as she raced towards her destination. Never had she ran so fast to a place she so desperately wanted to stay clear of.

Years of high endurance running prevented her from even being winded as she screeched to a halt outside of her objective (Also know as late for school. Meetings. Dinner).

Slowly she walked through the sliding doors to her doom. Or as she felt it to be. She scanned the room looking for her prey, only to heave a sigh of both relief and regret as its lack of appearance.

Discouraged, she slowly made her way to the counter bar, sitting down and cradling her head in her folded arms upon the counter.

This was how Andrew found her. Silently he filled up a super-sized-triple- chocolate-special for her.

As he quietly went about this, Serena felt a warmth about her heart. She looked up and found herself looking into his eyes.

'Oh why can't he be Tuxedo Mask? Why The Zit?'

But as she silently stared at him, the warmth increased startling her. She had never felt this about him before. Just about.

As she gazed down to where the warmth emitted from, astonishment filled her being.

'I DON'T NEED THIS NOW.'

"Serena-Chan. What are you doing out of school at this time?"

Confused, she realized to late that she was suppose to be in class right now. But his high school was as well. To give herself time to think she asked.

"Why aren't you Onii-Chan?"

He played along with her, answering; "Our senior class is having the week off for teacher/parent conferences. So I decided to come and make some extra money for when I start collage next year. (Here like in the Manga, they are only eighteen and in their last year of High School.)"

She wanted to bang her head on the table. The Zit wouldn't have been here any way. It was to early. 'Great. Now I have to track him down. And what's this with the week off. It's like fate is playing this right into my hand.'

(Comet Moon cautiously peeks from his key board hoping she wouldn't figure out it's his doing.)

'Or like some author is making a lame act of connivance. A really bad one too.'

(EEP.)

She shook her head at that absurd thought bringing herself back to reality.

"Why are YOU not in school Serena?"

At the use of her name she realized he had been awaiting an answer.

"Mom and Dad took me out for the rest of the week as well. So are all the girls."

"Nothing's wrong is it?"

"Oh, no. Actually things are turning out mostly right. Save for what I'm here for now."

As her voice trailed off, Andrew noticed that her shake remained untouched. This was not a good sign.

As she looked into his deep green eyes (Ok, I prefer to describe her endlessly deep, gorgeous blue eyes, but I'll get to that later. Dang it), she realized he could help her.

"Onii-Chan. I need The Zit's address."

'What? His address? What for? To kill him in his sleep?'

"Serena-Chan, I can't give that out to you. It's not my right to."

'Dang. He had to show morals now. Why not when he's teasing me?'

"It's really important Onii-Chan. I need to talk to him about. Uhhmm. Roses."

He leapt back at that. 'Roses? What? Why?'

Apprehensively he laughed, "Ha, Ha, Ha. What on Earth would he want with roses? Ha, Ha, Ha."

Her head snapped up at that. It was too similar to her own laugh when trying to hide something. He squirmed and sweated under her penetrating stare,

"You know."

It was whispered softly, but put the fear of death into him.

'He'll kill me.'

"Know? Know what?"

Stalking him across the empty room, she cornered him against the wall.

"ONII-CHAN. You either give me his address or I'm going out to the street right now and scream that The Zit is a rose-carrying-cape-boy."

He whimpered. No other way to say it. Writing down the address, he handed it to her as if it were his own execution orders.

She squealed at this and hugged the quivering boy.

"Oh don't be such a wuss Onii-Chan. This is a good thing. I promise. Sort of. Oh yeah, and bring your family here at nine tonight. Mine will arrive here at that time. Tell them I told you to stay."

With a kiss on the cheek, she zipped down the street to the expensive area of Juuban. She gazed in wonder at the teaming skyscraper in front of her.

'Wow, he lives here too?'

When she created the identity of Luna Moon, she set herself up with a penthouse apartment to give herself a cover. When she had bought it she thought that she liked the feel of the building. Now she wonders at that.

Breaking out her disguise pen, Luna Moon appeared and entered, greeted warmly by the doorman.

As she moved towards the elevators, she punched her penthouse button, but as well the twenty-first floor as well.

Deactivating her disguise, she exited at The Zit's floor. Her feet seemed to drag as she made her way to his door.

She looked at the door to the number Andrew had haphazardly written down. It was like looking at the door to Hades. She steeled herself with the strength of a Scout and pounded on the door.

After a few moments of she pounded again, jarring it open.

Startled, she peeked her head into his room. Calling out his name.

"Zit?"

Fear took over as no response came. What if he had an accident? Was robbed? Had a heart attack? As scenario after scenario flew through her head, she grabbed for the baseball bat she found next to the door, silently wondering why he had such a thing there.

Hideous screeching emitted from his bedroom. Obviously he was being robbed right now, and the fiends were torturing him in sadistic pleasure.

She moved stealthily towards the door to the bedroom where the awful sounds came. Silently she opened the door, only to realize the sounds came from the room adjacent to it.

She put her back against the wall, steeling her courage to attack the scum that dared to hurt her Tuxedo Mask. Even if he was The Zit. But the sudden absence of the inhuman sounds increased her fear to an unknown level.

Raising the bat high, she opened the door with a scream charged to the rescue.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH."

"AHHHHHHHHHHHH."

"EHHCCCHIIIIIII."

"MEATBALL-HEAD. What the h*#^ are you doing in my bathr."

At the sight of his naked form, she let go of the bat, sending it soaring into his head, knocking him unconscious. Blood gushing from the wound at the back of his head.

As he hit his head on the way down, doubling his trauma, Serena peeked through her fingers.

"Zit?"

At his lack of response, she rushed over to him, not even glancing at his nudeness.

Much.

She attempted to wake him by shaking, but this just resulted in moans from him. She also feared that he might get pneumonia.

So she dragged him across the floor, and managed to pull him onto his bed, one limb at a time. Then she hastily rubbed him down with a towel, not wanting him to catch pneumonia, and covered him with the blanket. Not looking at him the entire time.

Much.

She then rushed to the kitchen and retrieved an ice pack, wet washcloth and pan of warm water, ignoring the ice pick her mind suggested to bring.

After placing the pack on his head, she dipped the washcloth, wiping away the dripping blood. Much to her relief it was barely a scratch. Head wounds tended to bleed profusely.

Another groan signaled his return to consciousness.

"Darien. Darien. Wake up. Please."

The voice of his angel called out to him. As he awoke his dazed eyes wondered at the golden angel glowing in front of him.

The light bore down upon her from the window behind her, giving her a golden aura that he easily confused for her soul.

"Angel."

The dopey grin he gave her shocked Serena.

"You finally came."

The blush spread across her face, giving her an even more enchanting look.

"Uhhmm, No Darien. It's me Serena. Sorry I hit you."

'Serena? Here? In my room? And I'm naked.'

Memories returned of her attacking him and he shot out of bed. Only to shoot back in at his lack of clothing. That and the headache this caused.

Serena sprung off the bed, covering her eyes.

"You shouldn't have moved so fast. You may have a concussion."

Gritting his teeth he growled. "And whose fault is that?"

With an indignant sniff she retorted.

"Well see if I ever save you from robber and torturers again. And what was dying in there anyway?"

"WHAT? Oww."

"The sounds of torture that came from there before I burst in? What was dying?"

Grrrrr. "I was just singing Meatball-head."

"Don't call me that Zit. And I know singing. That was not it."

Finally he realized that she had not intentionally attacked him, he calmed. Slightly.

As he attempted to regain control of himself, she gazed around the room. It was immaculate. Boring, dull white covered the walls and ceiling. With only a poster of, to her shock, Sailor Moon adorning the walls.

And it was spotless. Minus the blood on the carpet anyway, and one could hardly blame that on her. Not a shirt on the floor. And no dust on the tables as well. In fact the only thing on the table was a picture.

Curious she reached for it, only to have her hand slapped away by The Zit.

"Owie. That hurt you big meanie."

He snarled at her for daring to touch his prized picture, refusing to give into guilt after her attack.

Much.

A mumble that almost sounded like an apology issued from him. But he set the picture face down even so. To tired to think of any comebacks he got straight to the point.

"How did you get in Meatball-head? And why are you here?"

Serena, being Serena, went for the straight truth.

"I'm here because I know your Tuxedo Mask."

He fainted.

She giggled.

Then she moved to the bed and again applied the washcloth to his cheek.

"Darien. Darien. Wake up. Please."

The voice of his angel called out to him. As he awoke his dazed eyes wondered at the golden angel glowing in front of him.

The light bore down upon her from the window behind her, giving her a golden aura that he easily confused for her soul.

"Angel."

The dopey grin he gave her shocked Serena.

"You finally came."

"Uhhmmm. Didn't we just do that?"

"Ack. Serena. Tuxedo Mask. Ha, ha. Meatball-head, what an absurd concept. I don't know how your mind comes up with these things. Ha, ha."

"Why do you hate me?"

Her Quietly spoke question brought him to a stand still. All thoughts of the Tux issue ceased.

"I don't hate you Meatball-head."

Snort.

"Yeah right. You just insult me every day. Hurt my feelings. Degrade me. Make me feel like I'm a lower form of life. Sure, you don't hate me."

The sarcasm in her voice could not have been missed if he tried.

"Ok, maybe I tease you a little, but."

"A little? Try every day. About everything. What? Does it make you feel more manly putting someone down. Do you actually get pleasure from someone's pain?"

The accusations hit a little to close to home and as was his want he went on the defensive.

"Look MEATBALL-HEAD, I can't help it that you're a lazy, idiotic pig that can't walk two steps without creating enough chaos to bring an entire city to a standstill. I mean who'd want anything to do with you, unless they were forced to?"

Her back had been turned to him as he yet again lashed into her with his ranting. Slow tears escaped her eyelids as realization that her hero truly felt she was worthless.

Darien felt barely a twinge of guilt at this. After all it was the truth. And she was the one prying into his life. He had every reason to dress her down. So what if she was the most caring person he ever met? So what if she could brighten a room with her smile? Even if it wasn't ever directed at him. So what if he loved to see her face flush with anger as she screamed at him? He didn't care for this girl. It was just coincidental that he timed his walk to school at the same time as hers. And stayed at the arcade until she arrived. He just wanted to see Andrew.

Yes, he defiantly did not care for the angel.Klutz in the least.

'Wait a sec. She called me Tuxedo Mask. She knows.'

Furious at this and the fact she somehow tracked and entered into his very expensive, very exclusive apartment building, and found out his secret he turned to the girl in question and was about to give her the fourth degree, when he noticed her shoulders shaking. Soft sobs made their way to his ears.

Ok, here came the guilt.

Not even thinking what he was doing, he stood and took her tenderly into his arms, cradling her head to his chest.

Serena gazed up into his eyes and.

Her hand flew back and punched him hard on the nose.

"ECCHIIII. You pervert. How dare you take advantage of an innocent, young maiden like myself?"

As she continued to plummet him, quite well in fact, he became conscious of his nudity and reached for the bed covers. But as he leaned, she sung. He tripped on the sheets and slammed his head yet again against the wall.

Night, night Darien.

Serena stared in horror as her nemesis collapsed yet again. Here he was, attacking a sweet innocent like her, and she felt guilty that he hit his head again.

Well she wouldn't make the same mistake again.

Dragging him on the bed again, she searched his apartment for the appropriate items. Locating them in his kitchen near where she found the ice pack. Properly equipped, she made her way back to the bedroom and took the correct measures.

Now that she felt safe, she dumped the remaining water upon the Zit.

Sputtering, Darien attempted to wipe the water from his face.

Attempted to.

He found himself tied to the four poles of the bed, covered completely by his blanket. And nothing else.

There standing a few feet from him was the Meatball-head, menacingly holding the bat at the swinging position.

About to berate the steaming girl, he considered his disadvantages. Coming up with the probability that he might be on the losing end of a confrontation; he smiled his most charming smile at the girl (Though it looked a little sickly to her. What with his pallor being green).

"Ahhh, Meatball-head."

At her scowl he hasten to correct himself.

"That is Serena-Chan."

The scowl increase at the familiarity of the name.

"That is Serena."

Scowl

"Ms. Tsukino?"

It was a whimper. No doubt about it. He was tied naked to a bed. Multiple lumps on his noggin. She knew he was Tuxedo Mask. And she had a bat ready to swing.

'Great. Famous hero found dead. Naked and tied to his bed. Not how I envisioned it.'

"What did you think you were doing you.you scum?"

She had never used such a term on him before. He found he didn't like it.

"WHAT ARE."

Bat rose above him.

"Ahhh, what are you talking about Ms. Tsukino?" He asked in a calm whisper.

Lower bat.

"I mean when you attacked me earlier. Naked and lusting after my body."

Choke.

"WHO'D WANT YOU'RE SCRAWNY."

Bat rose.

"I mean I was just trying to comfort you."

Bat Rose higher.

"I mean I was trying to apologize for making you cry Ms. Tsukino."

Bat Lowered.

She looked into his eyes as he spoke, seeing that maybe he meant what he said.

"You never cared that you made me cry before."

It was more a statement then a question, but it brought him up short.

'I made her cry before? When?'

"When did I ever make you cry Meatball-head?"

Bat rose.

"I mean Ms. Tsukino."

Bat lowered.

"Well let's see. In the past nine months I have know you, you have made me cry myself to sleep twenty-three times."

His startled gasp did not escape her.

"I did what?"

"Well, what do you think I feel? I get it from every one. You most of all. Ditz, Klutz. Lazy. Pig. Do you all think I have no feelings? That they mean nothing? Whoever said that sticks and stones bit was a moron."

Glaring down on him she questioned; "Why? Why do you take so much pleasure at hurting me?"

The emotional turmoil she unleashed in him had him responding before he could think.

"You deserve it Meatball-head. You are nothing but a ditz, klutz, lazy, pig."

He realized his mistake as her face reddened and the bat sung far back over her shoulder.

Of course we all know that sweet Serena-Chan would never have hit him. Just frighten him a bit.

But he didn't know that.

In desperation he spilled his guts.

"I'm attracted to you, Ok? You're kindness and caring. You're joy for life. You're ability to enchant everyone around you. You're wonder at the simple things in life. And you look so adorable when you're angry, face red and steam coming from your ears. I fell in love with you ok? Blazes I fell in love with four unattainable people. You. The Moon Princess. Sailor Moon. And my Angel. Ok? I'm just a jerk who can't decide who he wants and it's tearing me apart."

The bat dropped from her hands, which flew to her mouth.

'He loves Sailor Moon and me? And the Princess and some Angel. What chance do I have against them?'

Shaking, she turned from him, her emotions in turmoil. The truth to his words was written in his eyes. How was she to cope with this?

Steadying herself, she turned to the stone-faced man and proceeded to untie his bonds.

Turning around she walk out of the bedroom and sat on the couch in the living room.

Darien was in as much turmoil as she. Here he had just poured his heart to another and had no way of knowing what to do next.

He rose and dressed himself in his favorite ensemble, feeling the need for some regularity.

Detouring to the kitchen, he made his favorite hot chocolate and brought two steaming mugs out with him. He set one before her and crossed the room to sit in the chair opposite her.

"How'd you find out?"

No emotion showed itself in his tone. It was like he had just asked her about the weather.

"Your chest feels the same when I fall on you as it does when you save me as Sailor Moon."

Answered with no emotion either.

But it did break him out of his stupor and the hot Coco fell into his lap.

"OWW. DANG BLAST IT. SHOOT."

(Ok, so those weren't the words he used, but then I'd have to raise the rating of the story.)

He staggered into his room and took off his green jacket, orange shirt, and purple pants and threw them in the trash basket. Already he mourned their loss, as he would never have managed to remove the stains on them.

A passer by (Yeah on the twenty-first floor?) asked; "Hey, what about shout spot remover? Oww. Hey. Stop. It was just a suggestion."

The large mob of enraged fashion police locked the culprit up and threw away the key. Then went out on a weeklong party.

"It's dead, It's dead." It was a chat heard around the world for years to come. Always bringing a tear to the eye.

Coming out in a well wore pair of blue jeans and a dark blue shirt he stared at the girl calmly sipping her coco and ran a mental tab.

Meatball-head. Check.

Klutzy. Check.

Wails. Check.

Caring heart. Check.

Beautiful smile. Check.

Luscious body. Don't go there.

"The Champion of Justice is the Meatball-head." Sigh.

She stuck out her tongue at that.

"And the dashing knight is the Zit."

Scowl.

"You love the Moon Princess and an Angel?"

He noticed she said nothing about him mentioning her and her Sailor Moon identity.

"The Princess has been with me as long as I remember. Since the accident that took both my memories and parents away."

Despite his attempt to keep his voice neutral, she heard the pain inside and ached for him.

"Where did you live after?"

"Orphanage."

"."

"I don't need your pity Meatball-head."

She just stared at him for a time, before deciding truth was the best method.

"I don't pity you because of you being an orphan Darien. It's your condescending attitude I pity. I respect that you have made something of your self despite your hardships and sympathize with the child you were. But that does not give you the right to just hurt others."

His fury mounted at her assessment. That it had a ring of truth to it did nothing to stay his rage.

"You didn't grow up alone. Having everyone around you put you down either."

With more then a little empathy she held his gaze. Much to his shock.

"Alone? No. Degraded? Give me a break."

'Touché.'

"Darien, we have to get past this. This is about more then just you and I. We have an enemy that is trying to take over the entire Earth. Your, 'I might be the enemy', lines aren't helping."

He started to rebut that, but Serena forged on.

"Let's take this one at a time. The Scouts are trying to save the Earth. Do you have a problem with that?"

"Uhhmm. No."

"We're trying to save the innocent victims in this war. Problems?"

"Ahhh. None."

"We are the guardians of the Moon Princess Serenity and swore to fight for justice."

"Serenity?"

His startled exclamation brought the questions to a halt. He never knew the name of his Princess, but in his heart knew now it was Serenity.

"I also have been trying to find Serenity and the Ginzuishou. She has been sending dreams to me to find it for years." With a glare he asked, "Any problem with that."

"Yes."

"WHAT?"

"Darien, if you just focus on the objective, you can loss sight of the big picture. You have basically made the rest of the Scouts consider you an enemy. How does this help the Princess and Earth."

He was at a loss. How could he respond to that? 'Blast it. When did she get so logical?'

"What happen to you Meatball-head? When did you start using your brain?"

Furious, she launched into a long explanation about her Idiot Uncle (See chapter eight).

It managed to take the wind out of his sails. Maybe he didn't know everything.

As she spoke of her past and the meeting with the Scouts and families, he made his way to the couch she sat upon and lowered himself down next to her. The tears that fell at parts of the story tore at his heart. When she finally finished, the two sat in a companionable silence.

After a time, Serena gazed up at him in question.

He rose then; leaving her to feel rejected and made his way to the bedroom, returning shortly with a framed picture in his hand.

"I was seven they believe when I lost them. I was found at the crash site out side of Urawa. I was in a coma in intensive care for five months. When I recovered it was discovered that I had amnesia. I could remember nothing of them. Or myself. I was at the hospital for three months after."

Serena placed her hand on his arm as he spoke, trying to lend him strength.

"The staff just saw me as a number. A nuisance. But as I grew in strength, I snuck out for a while for little walks in the woods outside. There I met the first friend I remember ever having. He was injured and hunted as well. I often snuck food out to him after that. But that friendship was soon to go away. He had to leave, or he would die."

He added nothing to that, leaving her to ponder its meaning, but paid attention to him as he continued.

"When he told me I cried for the last time. I broke down I tears at the bedside crying my eyes out. I had not even a present to give him to remember me by."

His eyes grew slightly misty then as he remembered a treasured memory.

"Then my golden Angel came. Giving me a gift to give him. One that in the end suited me perfectly."

"I ran to the roof and gave him my gift. He left, saying someday he would return with a gift for me. I saw neither of them again."

"That afternoon I was taken to the Orphanage. The next six years I spent as the outcast. The freak. The one to pick on and tease. It went on until I turned fourteen and was accepted into the Infinity Academy (I know he didn't go to that school. But it was logical. Plus he would have graduated by the time the Death-Buster saga arrived.). I was taken out of the Orphanage on a scholarship and lived in the dormitories. That is until my parents' insurance policies came to me when I turned eighteen last November. Then I got my own apartment and commuted to school. It was nearly as bad there as in the Orphanage, with most of the guys anyway. The girls became annoying in another manner."

With a smile he continued.

"But it was there that I met Andrew. My first and only real friend. He had accidentally spilled his soda on me the first day, and needless to say I was upset. The entire next month he spent trying to make it up to me. But all I did was give him the cold shoulder. I finally had enough and slammed him into the wall asking what it would take to get him to leave me alone. He said for me to be his friend. We've been best friends ever since. Though he keeps trying to get me to go to his family gatherings, I never feel right at them. No experience I guess."

He stopped then, and turned a lopsided grin at Serena, expecting her to smile back. But instead he turned to her and saw tears streaming down her eyes, a look of disbelief plastered across her face. He knew his tale was a bit sad, but she seemed to take it personally.

She had reached into her sub-Space pocket and took out her special Bunny and held him through out the story. The one she told all her secrets too. The one that she wished a special wish for each night.

She hugged it tightly to her as he stopped and had reached with her free hand for the picture in Darien's hand, Her beseeching eye's begged him to release it to her. As he did her shaking hand raised it for her to view.

A sob escaped her as she recognized the small boy shown. Though she wondered at how he came from such dissimilar parents, the young boy was unmistakable.

Darien stared in mystification at her. She seemed to be in a world of her own, lost in some terrible memory. A feeling he knew to well.

But she came out of her stupor as she felt his gaze on her, but refused to look him in the eye.

His eyes however never left her as she rose from the couch. She made her way to the dining room table, set down her bunny and pulled out three of the red roses that he always kept there.

She made her way to the couch, the roses grasped tightly in her hands. So tightly the thorns started to dig into the skin. She knelt next to him, rested her face on his lap, and looked into her astonished eyes,

"Don't cry."

In his head he heard himself ask; 'Who are you?'

"You shouldn't cry. Usa-Chan became an Onee-Chan today. Mama had a baby. It's a happy day."

As though in a trance he replied.

"But my best friend is leaving today and I don't even have a gift for him. Now I'm all alone."

"I'll be your family. Papa and I got these pretty flowers for Mama. Here, this is for you. Congratulations."

She handed a single rose to him, which he accepted. On autopilot, as he was incapable of any rational thought.

He stared at the rose she gave him and at the girl that left his side to pick up the stuffed toy and squeeze it as if it was all the stood between her and despair.

'MY ANGEL. MY ANGEL.'

The realization hit him like a ton of bricks.

'Of course. Who else has a soul that radiates such love, hope, and kindness? No one save my Princess.'

But her anguished sobs tore him out of his daze. He could not for the life of him figure out why she cried that way.

Again he took her into his arms in an attempt to comfort her. Though he kept himself ready for another attack.

But all she did was cry harder into his chest.

Slowly he made out the words that were muffled by his chest.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I deserved all the teasing and torment I got. I broke the promise. You weren't there when daddy brought me back. I couldn't find you. I kept you alone. I'm a horrible person."

She continued with this rant for well over five minutes. He could not begin to understand how she felt that a four year old was responsible for his pain. But the thought that she had returned warmed yet another piece of his frozen heart.

A chuckle rumbled though his frame, startling Serena. She expected rants. Accusations. Condemnation. Not laughter.

She pulled away, her deep blue eyes, that any mere mortal or god would lose themselves in, looked to him in bewilderment.

"Silly," He said good-naturedly; "How could a four year old have done anything? It wasn't your fault. It was that memory and the dreams of the Princess that saw me through the years of darkness."

"But I promised." She said into her bunny.

He tried to come up with a response and realized the advice he heard her give a friend at the arcade (He wasn't eavesdropping on her. Really. Uh- huh) would be prefect.

"Well, what if it had been me that made that promise and the exact same thing happen to you? Would it have been your fault?"

"Hey. That sounds like familiar advise. Now when have I heard that before?"

'Please don't let her remember that was the exact same advise she gave someone.'

Serena wondered at Darien's pale complexion, but let it go as she tried to trade places with him in her mind. As she ran the scenario through it was as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. He could see when she came to the proper conclusion and squeezed her slightly.

As she snuggled closer to him, they both realized how close they were.

Suddenly they were on other sides of the room from each other.

"Uhhmmm."

"Ahhh."

Despite they're witty repartee, the tension refused to ease.

Inanely Darien asked about her bunny as something to change the focus of discussion.

"So who's your little bunny friend?"

He had never seen her blush quite so deeply before. And her mumbled reply only increased his curiosity.

"What was that? I couldn't hear you."

Softly she repeated, "Dare."

He jerked at that. It sounded like his name.

"Dare."

She gave in to the inevitable.

"When I couldn't find you, I was a bit depressed. Father and Mother were busy with Sammy, but Aunt Nodoka saw my pain and listened to my story. She bought me this bunny and said I could tell him everything I'd tell the little boy at the hospital. After that I talked to Dare every night. Telling him my secrets and fears. He always listened and was never judgmental. I sort of used the bunny as a substitute for you. With every thought and wish I was praying was for your well being."

What do you say to something like that?

Finally he regained usage of his tongue and choked out; "So three of my temptations are the same."

At his statement Serena recalled the four he loved. But that made matters worse as she realized who he had to be.

"Your Endymion."

It was said as a statement of fact. A fact that again blew him away.

'Endymion. So right.'

"Endymion?"

She reluctantly went over her knowledge of his engagement and love with the Princess. The one she knew was the Princess in his dreams.

Joy course through him at that. He was loved. His Princess was real. She loved him. And he was worthy. The Prince of Earth itself.

As he became jubilant, Serena shriveled up inside. She cared nothing of titles and power. For her it was the soul that mattered. And heavens help her; she fell in love with this man. Despite his flaws. She loved his hidden kindness. His courage. His intellect. And a need to protect him blossomed inside.

'I'll protect them both. They deserve to be happy after all the pain they have gone through to find each other in both lifetimes.'

She mustered a smile for him and told him.

"Don't worry Zit ('Dare'). We'll find her and save this beautiful planet."

He looked at this girl, recalling his earlier mention of love for the other three girls in his life.

'But I have to remain true to my Princess. She's the one. The only one. The safe one.'

Ignoring the last thought he hardened himself to his feeling for this girl. The need to distance himself from her raged inside him.

Coward.

"I don't think it proper to call the Prince of Earth a Zit, Serena (Usako)."

'Not even Meatball-head, huh?'

She grinned and told him. "You'll always be a Royal Pain to me, Zit."

Despite himself he chuckled. He couldn't find it in himself to reprimand her at this time.

"So what's the time of the meeting with Central Control." He asked to again change the subject.

Startled at the change in subject she automatically responded.

"Nine O'clock at the arcade." She said with a glance to her watch.

4:58 pm.

"WAAAAAHHHHHH. I'm soooo late."

A streak exited his apartment leaving a Meatball-headed shape figure cut out of the door.

He tried not to pay attention to the emptiness that seemed to fill the room. More then it ever had.

In the back of his head a voice seemed to be screaming that he had made the biggest mistake of his life so far.

With a groan he made his way to the phone and called maintenance to replace the door,

'How am I going to explain this?'
Authors Note: Yep. Another one. This chapter and the previous one's are with my editors and will be revised as they come in. Hope you enjoyed it so far. Much more to come.

Ja ne

Jim