Chapter 11

The Interview

"Don't open it." Mina said from the doorframe.

Serena jumped. She didn't think anyone had been watching her.

It was early, the sun had just risen and the majority of the occupants of the Cherry Hill Temple were still asleep. Serena had stolen away to the fire room where she had hidden the box Fabian had given her. She hadn't been able to sleep that night. Her thoughts had been on the box. What was inside? What could it possibly hold that Fabian went through such extreme trouble to get it to her?

Despite her reservations, Mina and Serena hadn't revealed the existence of the box to the scouts. They had agreed not to open it until Amy and Raye could properly examine it yet here Serena was, sitting in her pajamas with her disheveled blonde locks rippling about her, watching the box as if it would open itself.

Mina trudged into the room, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "How is it I always can sense when you're about to make a terrible decision?"

Serena felt a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Don't lie, you couldn't sleep either."

"Well I WAS sleeping but… not well." Mina sat next to her friend. She wore a robe open over a shiny black sleeping dress. Her hair was in two long pigtails that rested on her shoulders and a pair of black rim glasses were on her face.

Serena did a double take. "Since when have you worn glasses?"

Mina waved her away, ignoring her comment as she picked up the box. She brought it to eye level and rolled it around, examining every corner. "I don't trust this thing."

"What dangers could be in a box this size?" Serena asked as she too watched the box.

Mina ran her thumbs over the worn green leather. It felt smooth but heavy. "It could be anything… don't let it deceive you. What if it opens a portal for them to steal you? Or a monster that will jump out and kill us all."

Serena rolled her eyes as she flicked her long hair back. "If they wanted to steal me Fabian had the perfect chance to last night. Besides, you heard what he said, Nikko wants me to come willingly."

"This Nikko guy sounds like a total creep." Mina added as she set the box back down on the floor. "And I wouldn't put it past the bad guys to lie. It's kind of what they do."

Serena pursed her lips into a thin line. She didn't disagree with Mina but she couldn't shake the feeling that Fabian had been sincere. He hadn't harmed either girl even though he was clearly capable. His actions didn't fit in at all with those of his team. Femi and Rhea had attacked without much hesitation. Fabian had barely lifted a finger against them. He also seemed to have a thing for Mina, surprisingly.

"Put it away." Mina told her as she heard a rustling behind her.

Serena pushed the box underneath a nearby pillow and slid it underneath a bench that was along the wall.

Kunzite appeared, yawning widely. He was dressed only in a pair of pants. His long white blond hair was loose, cascading down his chiseled shoulders and chest.

"I've got to get breakfast started, lots to do before our night out tonight..." Serena said quickly as she felt her cheeks flush. She quickly left the room as Mina got to her feet.

Mina felt a sinking feeling within her stomach. She hadn't spoken to Kunzite since their kiss in the van the previous night. In fact, she had been so preoccupied with Fabian that she hadn't even thought of how she had left things with Kunzite.

"Hey." Kunzite spoke as Serena slipped out. "I was thinking… I know Serena and Blake and Zoisite and Amy are going on that double date tonight. While that sounds awesome I know you're still … recovering from what happened yesterday. I thought that we could have a night in. We can order in and watch that… what's it called on the TV? Netpicks?"

Mina chuckled. "Netflix." She corrected as she drew closer to Kunzite. She resisted the urge to reach forward and feel just how hard his abs were. Instead she pulled her robe tighter around herself. "And sure, I'd love to."

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"You look great, don't worry about the hem." Serena told Amy as the two girls walked into Moonlight, one of the fanciest restaurants in Tokyo. They had made reservations for four for a sunset dinner. It was a well-deserved night out that Serena was genuinely looking forward to.

Amy tugged at the bottom of her skirt. Anything above her knee was automatically uncomfortable and earlier that day she had let Serena talk her into the short, tight aqua blue dress. Amy had really liked the dress despite its length. It had a sweetheart neckline that was somewhat lower than she usually tolerated, but was still nice. The sleeves were made of a sheer, lighter blue fabric that fell off her slender shoulders. It was truly a beautiful dress. Amy felt great in it, but the only thing that had worried her was how tight and short the skirt was. Now as they walked through the restaurant doors she was reconsidering her decision to wear it.

"He'll love it." Serena reassured her as they came to a set of glass double doors. She peered at her reflection for a moment. She was wearing a deep burgundy dress. The top was corset like, hugging her curves but modestly cut while the skirt split mid-thigh and sprouted downward, just barely kissing the polished floor. Her long blond hair was down and loose but slightly curled at the ends. Serena applied another layer of pink lipstick as Amy gave the hostess their names.

"I wonder if the boys beat us." Amy wondered as she continued to pull at the hem of her dress. She too caught a look at herself in a nearby mirror. She had allowed Serena to put a little bit of makeup on her and a pair of long earrings that dangled just above her shoulder. She was surprised at how different she appeared. Thankfully, with this look she appeared almost unrecognizable. Amy only hoped that the people in the restaurant wouldn't give her a second glance. The last thing she wanted was a reminder of her true identity.

"Right this way, the two gentlemen have already arrived." The hostess stated as she gestured to the right to a staircase.

Serena and Amy followed her as she led them up to the next floor. The view from the top floor the Moonlight was breathtaking. The restaurant was elevated, at the top of one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city. The top floor was almost entirely surrounded in glass, giving a perfect view of skyline. The sun could be seen setting just below the city's edge as darkness creeped behind. Serena watched as one by one, the lights of the buildings within the city flickered on. It was mesmerizing.

"Ladies." Blake and Zoisite stood as the girls approached.

Zoisite's long blond hair was slicked back into a man-bun. He wore a gray button down shirt with a loose black tie and jeans. Next to him, Blake too had styled his hair back but the length was nowhere near Zoistie's. He wore a white button down shirt beneath a gray vest with jeans.

"You both look very handsome." Serena stated as she went to Blake. They embraced just before their lips met.

Amy blushed as she approached Zoisite, all thoughts of her dress forgotten.

"You're very beautiful tonight Amy." He took her hand and kissed it.

Her cheeks, if possible, grew redder. "Thank you. You look well yourself." She whispered back.

"Please, sit. Blake and I ordered a bottle of wine for the table. Our server told us it was good. Blake said it must be at that price." Zoisite stated as he pulled out her chair for her and she settled down next to him.

Across the table Serena and Blake were whispering to each other behind their menus. Amy suddenly felt her nerves overcome her. This was her first date in a very long time. She didn't know Zoisite that well. She had agreed to the date only because Serena and Blake would be present, but if they were going to only to talk amongst themselves Amy would be left on her own. What could she and Zoisite possibly have to talk about? Battles? The times he tried to kill her? His previous life of evil deeds and deceit?

"You're nervous." Zoisite commented as the wine arrived. A waitress, dressed in a black uniform with a white tie, circled the table, pouring each of them a glass.

Amy's hands shook as she lifted the glass to her lips. The wine was rich and sweet. "Yes." She said at last. "I don't do this often. Forgive me."

Zoisite shook his head. "There's nothing to forgive. It's my first date too."

Amy felt herself smile. "You never dated back… back when you served Darien?" Now that she said it, it seemed silly. That was a long time ago.

It was Zoisite's turn to blush. "No… there wasn't much time for a courtship then. Times were different. I was a soldier. I was furthering my career and traveling across the galaxy. A woman wasn't on my mind then."

Amy watched as he took a long sip from his glass. He quieted as the waitress came back to the table.

"Would you like to hear about our specials?" She asked with a friendly smile.

"Holy s-" Serena said as her eyes settled on the top of the stairs.

Everyone's attention turned to the front of the restaurant. There stood Darien, looking incredibly sharp in black slacks with a black button down shirt complete with a deep red tie. On his arm was a tall woman with a sleeveless tight black dress. Her head was inclined towards him as she whispered to him. Her long curly white blond hair danced just along her waistline and her deep brown eyes were focused solely on him.

Idra.

It took less than a minute for Darien to see them. He said something to Idra and walked over to the group with her still on his arm.

"Well, this is a surprise." Darien said as he came to the table. "No one told me the two of you would be on a double date."

"Serena right?" Idra asked as she focused on her. "You certainly clean up well."

Serena wasn't sure how to take that comment but thankfully held her tongue from making a smart reply, opting to nod her head instead. "As do you."

"Good to see you Darien." Zoisite said, oblivious to all of the feelings going on around him. "Won't you join us?"

Serena opened her mouth to protest but felt a sharp kick from Amy's heel underneath the table.

"I will get two more chairs." The waitress stated and immediately disappeared.

"Let me introduce you to everyone." Darien stated quickly. "Idra these are some of my dearest friends. Amy, Zoisite, Serena of course, and Serena's boyfriend Blake."

"Fiancé." Blake corrected as he took Serena's hand in his own.

Serena felt herself smile as Blake's warm hand grasped hers.

"Right, fiancé." Darien said, his tone now strained. "Everyone, this is Idra."

"Hello." Idra smiled as the waitress arrived with two chairs.

Darien and Idra sat down as the waitress handed them two menus. "I'll give you some more time." She stated and left.

"How long have you two been together?" Zoisite asked as he took another sip of his wine.

"One year." Idra responded with a bright smile. "That's why we are celebrating tonight, isn't it dear?" She kissed Darien's cheek.

Serena fought the urge to gag as Darien turned to meet her lips. She didn't buy Idra's happy persona at all. She knew a fake when she saw one.

"That's right." Darien replied once their lips broke.

"How long have you and Blake been together?" Idra asked as she looked straight at Serena.

"Just over three years." Serena replied, thinly disguising the distrust she felt.

"And when's the wedding?" Idra asked as she poured herself a glass of wine. "Soon I hope? Isn't that why you've come back?"

"We are still working on that." Blake answered as he sat up in his chair, avoiding the last part of her question as he became aware that his fiancé was growing increasingly hostile. "It'll be a big wedding for sure. I have a lot of family and Serena has lots of friends. We were thinking two ceremonies, one here and one in Chicago."

"That'll be wonderful!" Amy said with a big smile.

"Yes." Serena answered, not taking her eyes off Idra for a second. "It'll be soon. Blake is to be made partner next month and we are hoping to purchase a house in the suburbs."

"You didn't tell us that!" Amy stated, barely able to contain her excitement. "How exciting!"

"It is." Darien said through clenched teeth. "You're not wasting much time are you?"

Serena didn't miss his tone. She felt a pang of guilt. Here she was, in front of her destiny… with another man. Another man that she promised herself to. A man she loved, that she was to spend the rest of her life with.

Was it wrong to love him? She still had strong feelings for Darien. That much was evident from the presence of Idra in front of her. It wasn't to say that she didn't still love Blake. She adored him and loved him dearly. Could she be in love with two men? Was she still in love with Darien or was it just their history that she still harbored feelings for?

"Now Darien." Idra stated as she patted his knee. "Let's not press the bride to be too much. You'll embarrass her. You know, come to think of it, Darien never mentioned how any of you met."

It was Darien's turn to turn a bright shade of red while everyone else at the table glanced at each other, unsure of how to respond.

"Well… uh… you see, we've been friends for so long… it's hard to remember." Darien said, stumbling over his words.

"You couldn't have attended the same schools." Idra said as she turned to Darien. Her eyes scanned the table, taking everything in. "You're not the same ages."

"No." Serena admitted, being the first one of the group to speak. "We didn't attend the same schools but we all lived in the Juban area. The arcade was a place we all frequented. We bumped into each other a lot and well, the rest is history."

Amy, Zoisite and Darien looked visibly relieved as Idra nodded her head. "I suspected it was something like that. It's funny how little things can bring people together."

"How about those specials?" The waitress asked as she came back to the table.

Everyone looked relieved as the waitress interrupted the conversation. Each of them gave her their orders as the restaurant band started to play. Suddenly couples around them were leaving their tables, moving to the dance floor. The music was soothing and slow, perfect for an intimate dance.

Blake stood and extended his hand to Serena. "I think it's time we had a dance." He stated.

Serena beamed and stood, taking his head and following him to the dance floor. Amy, Zoisite, Darien and Idra followed suit.

Serena rested her head against Blake's shoulder as they slowly turned around the dance floor. It was peaceful in his arms. Serena loved just being against his chest, hearing his heart beat.

"I'd like to know what is really going on between you and Darien." Blake asked as the next song started. His deep blue eyes bore hard into Darien's back.

Idra didn't miss it. Her head lifted as she caught sight of Blake's glare.

"It's complicated—" Serena began.

"That's what you said last time." Blake said quickly. "I think I deserve to know."

Serena sighed as his grip on her tightened. She was in dangerous waters. She couldn't tell him everything and not be confident he wouldn't leave her. Her past wasn't something that an everyday person could comprehend and handle. The truth could send him running.

"Tell me Serena or I will leave tonight." Blake said, releasing her and turning to leave.

Serena caught his hand. "No… stop. I'll tell you, you deserve to know." She pulled him back to her. His arms circled her again as they resumed their slow dance.

She took a deep breath. "Remember how I told you that I used to be a princess?"

Blake nodded as his eyes focused on her. "Yes."

"Darien was my betrothed." She said with a sigh. "We loved each other very much during our last life. So much that when he died in the fight against Beryl I… I took my own life to be with him." Her voice grew quieter and quieter as she spoke but it didn't matter. Blake could hear every word.

"Wow." Blake took a deep breath. "That's… heavy."

"When we were reborn we didn't remember each other or what happened in our previous lives." Serena continued. "We found each other again when I was fourteen. I was Sailor Moon and he was Tuxedo Mask. It all came back then, our memories of our past together. We belonged together then."

Blake remained silent for several moments as they continued to dance, lost within the crowd of couples around them, all oblivious to their conversation. "Something must have happened. Why are you not together anymore?"

"We grew apart." Serena stated with a sigh. "We are two different people in this life. Our lives are so different this time around. I think the weight of our past got in the way. It kept us from being a real couple…" She cast a look at Darien. Their eyes met for a brief second before he looked away.

"I will always have feelings for Darien." Serena continued without thinking. "It doesn't mean I don't love you, because I do. I have a long history with Darien but that's all it is. History. You are my present and my future." She said to Blake, looking him straight in the eye. "I love you. I choose you Blake."

Blake's jaw tightened. He didn't say anything for several moments as he processed everything Serena had told him.

"The food's arrived." Zoisite said, interrupting both Serena and Blake's thoughts. "Let's eat."

They followed him to the table where Darien, Idra and Amy were already seated.

"It looks delicious." Amy said as she cut into her salmon.

"Definitely a good choice." Zoisite confirmed with a mouth full of steak. "We should come back next week."

Idra nodded. "Oh yes, the food is wonderful here. Darien has taken me here at least once a month since we have been dating." She took a long sip of her wine as her eyes settled on Serena.

Serena numbly pushed her salad around with her fork. She didn't like that Blake was noticeably being quiet since they had spoken on the dance floor. She watched as he took bite after bite of his food, keeping his attention on his plate or glass without saying a word or making eye contact with her.

"I hope this isn't too awkward." Idra said suddenly, cutting through the silence.

Serena's fork clanged as it fell to her plate. "I'm sorry?" She asked, suspicious of what she meant.

"Darien and I kind of interrupted your double date. I can see it bothers the two of you." Idra said as she refilled her wine glass.

"No." Blake said, surprising Serena who jumped. "It's not the two of you. Serena and I are just tired. It's been a long week."

Idra chuckled as Darien squeezed her hand in an effort to get her to drop the subject. "Oh, I thought it was something like that. Who knows… two sailor scouts have been ousted this week. Maybe you'll be the next."

Zoisite knocked over his glass of wine as the entire table grew silent. No one moved to stop the wine that was flowing from the glass onto the white tablecloth.

"Sailor scouts? Us?" Serena asked, trying to keep the nerves from showing in her voice. "What makes you say that?"

"Oh you know, all this business about those two sailor scouts that were exposed. They're about your ages and lived in the same area. You must know them. In fact, Amy, you look remarkably like Amy Mizuno, Sailor Mercury." Idra's features curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"That's because I am." Amy said as she righted Zoisite's glass. "That was my past. What of it?"

Idra's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Oh... I didn't… I didn't actually think…"

"Idra." Darien looked at his girlfriend long and hard for several moments. "There's no use in discussing this subject at dinner. Let Amy have her peace. You can only imagine what she's been through… "

Idra's hand immediately went to her chest. "You're what?!" Her voice cut through the restaurant, silencing all the conversation at nearby tables.

Suddenly dozens of eyes were upon them.

"Idra…" Darien began as he looked nervously around them. "Maybe we should step outside."

"But she's…. she's a… wait… wait a minute." Idra shook her head.

"Let's go." Darien said as he pulled Idra to her feet. He cast a glance at everyone at the table briefly before turning his attention to his girlfriend.

Serena watched as they left with many eyes in the restaurant following them. "Well that was awkward." She whispered. She looked at Amy briefly. She definitely didn't like the vibe she was getting from Idra. Something wasn't right about her.

Blake cast one look at Serena and rose from the table. "I think I should go." He put his dinner napkin down over his plate and nodded to Amy and Zoisite. "You two enjoy your evening." Without speaking to Serena Blake turned and headed for the exit.

Serena's jaw dropped as she watched him. He was leaving her without so much a goodbye. He couldn't seriously be doing this now, afte rall they had been through and after what she had just told him. "Excuse me." Serena said as she sprinted from the table.

"Well… so much for our first date." Zoisite said as he poured the rest of the wine into his and Amy's glasses.

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"I have to begin with the most obvious question: how have you kept this secret for a decade?"

Mina smiled. She could feel the familiar glare of the studio lights blaring down on her. For some people, the lights accentuated less desirable features: shiny noses, skin blemishes, even an extra roll here or there. Luckily, Mina's makeup was impeccable. Her skin was smooth, her cheeks rosy, her sapphire blue eyes were perfectly highlighted underneath her thick eyelashes. Her golden hair was loose, framing her face and hanging just below her bust line. She was dressed in her best: an elegant lacey orange dress with sky high black stilettos. She crossed her legs as the reporter, the infamous Shelly Rose, pride and joy of Tokyo's number one news station, sat before her.

"I had to keep my identity a secret for this very reason." Mina explained as she kept eye contact with Shelly. "Being a sailor scout doesn't pay the bills. When I am Sailor Venus I can only protect and defend those that need it. Mina Aino on the other hand can contribute to our economy, become educated and make the world a better place, start a family and grow old with a dozen grandchildren around her, at least hopefully one day." She laughed.

Shelly's smile brightened as she too crossed her legs. Shelly's infamous ebony black hair and bright gray eyes were what made her the face of the news station. She was stunningly beautiful and great at getting those around her comfortable enough to speak on camera and spill their secrets, but Mina wasn't so easily swayed. She knew the business. She knew those smiles and thinly veiled compliments were a ploy to get to the real story from her lips.

"Mina… you could've been a celebrity. People would have nearly worshiped you." Shelly stated.

Mina laughed. "That's a bit much for a fourteen-year-old." She stated bluntly. "My biggest desire then was a boyfriend, not a million Twitter followers or to be the star of some fancy parties."

"You could've had any boyfriend you wanted." Shelly noted.

"True." Mina cast a glance off camera where Kunzite stood in jeans and a tight white T-shirt that showed the outline of his hard abs. She felt herself smile under his watchful eye. "I'm actually pretty happy with the one I have."

Shelly uncrossed her legs and moved to the edge of her seat. She looked right at Mina. "Tell me, our viewers are dying to know, how did all of this start? Who made you Sailor Venus? Who gave all of the scouts their powers?"

Mina thought of Luna and Artemis, probably asleep, curled on her bed at the temple. She couldn't share that information of course; she'd get committed to a mental hospital right away. "I cannot explain it." Mina said as she looked down at her manicured hands. "Our power comes from within." She looked back at Shelly who was studying her intently.

"And your friends? Will they all be revealed as well?" Shelly prodded.

Mina hesitated. Yes, they all knew what was to come. Unless they surrendered Serena, Nikko and his Shadow Warriors would continue to expose all of the scout's identities, however Shelly Rose didn't need to know that. "I don't know." Mina said with a shrug. "It is possible. The Sailor Scouts have faced many enemies before. They've targeted our friends, our families, our communities, even our lovers, but their current focus on our identities is merely their latest attack."

"Who is next? Neptune? Mars? Perhaps Sailor Moon?" Shelly asked as she sat back in her chair. Her features curled into an almost cruel smile. "There are rumors that Sailor Moon has left. Of all the scouts seen around the city she has not been spotted."

Mina hadn't expected Shelly to pick up on that detail though she shouldn't have been surprised. Sailor Moon was the face of the Sailor Scouts, her absence would no doubt have been something a renowned investigative reporter would've noticed. "Sailor Moon has not left our team." Mina said. "She is here in Tokyo and is helping the fight as best she can. Sometimes, the greatest aid we can receive is from those not in a sailor scout uniform."

Shelly Rose nodded as if she was commending Mina on her answer. She shuffled to the next card in her hand. "What will you do now Mina? How much longer will you be Sailor Venus, do the Sailor Scouts have an expiration date?"

Mina uncrossed her legs and moved to the edge of the chair. She looked Shelly right in the eye. "I will be Sailor Venus as long as I am Mina Aino. I will continue to fight until I am no longer needed… that is my job."

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Serena turned away from the television in the temple. She was proud of Mina. She and Amy were handling the exposure of their identities like true champions. She wasn't so sure she could have continued with such strength as they had shown.

She pulled her sweater tighter around her shoulders as she settled onto a plush pillow in the fire room. Even now she wasn't doing well with her identity still a secret. Blake wasn't speaking to her. He had left the restaurant in such a hurry Serena hadn't been able to catch him. When she got back to the temple his things were gone. All he had left was a text saying he was at a hotel and that he'd come find her when he was ready to talk again. She worried that he wouldn't return now that he knew so much about her past with Darien.

Without thinking Serena laid back on the pillow and cried out when she felt something hard press into the back of her skull. She turned over and saw a green leather box. It was the box from Fabian. She had nearly forgotten about it. Her fingers ran over the smooth leather as she turned it over and over again within her hand. Mina had told her not to open it. They didn't know what it was.

Serena felt herself growing more and more curious as the box seemed to heat up within her fingers. There was something inside. It had to be something important. Perhaps a peek wouldn't hurt.

She put her fingers over the cool button latch and with a deep breath, she pushed.

The box popped open.