Chapter 1: A Meeting

20th century Tokyo

"The Starlights told me… that if I don't give up, they're always with me! It's possible that everyone is really gone when I give up."

The night after the final battle, Serena sits on her bed contemplating everything that has happened. The Starlights went home. Luna did a number on her parents and brother's memories so she wouldn't be in trouble for being gone so long.

Serena was able to enjoy the rest of the evening with her scouts and boyfriend/hero/prince. So much had happened, they really didn't need to talk about it so much as just be in each other's company.

But this didn't stop Serena from thinking about it when she went home late that night. Each scout was a vital part of her life. They were her guard, more than that, they were her deepest, dearest and truest friends, sisters really. And that is what made her so sad when she thought about them. She has seen her friends happy, broken, excited, bleeding and dead.

Darien, well, Darien has been through everything with Serena. On the moon, he was her prince, come to love her and make her life full of joy. He protected her and pushed her to be strong and brave. He gave her something to live for other than herself and her duties to the moon kingdom. On Earth, Darien was her nemesis, friend, crush, savior, hero and eventually her boyfriend. No matter what life time, her friends and her love have stood by her side.

Now that Chaos is gone, maybe her friends will have some peace. Maybe they can have a normal life.

Serena was frustrated because her friends were forced into this life. Defend the princess, fight beside Sailor Moon, stand guard over Earth, forgo all personal time. Tired as she was, Serena couldn't bring herself to go to sleep. The moon beams shine down on her bed as she stared into the night. A soft breeze stirring her golden locks through the open window. Luna sleeps on her bed in the corner, unaware of her charge's emotional pain and guilt that was threatening to overwhelm her.

I didn't give up. I couldn't give up. I had to win, to beat Chaos. I just wanted everyone to be happy again. The years of battling have taken away some of my innocence, but so much of my friend's life too. I don't feel so care free anymore, running to the arcade to veg out on Sailor V games. My life has become a broken record of living from one battle to the next. Chaos is gone, but there is still chaos raging in my heart. What if I didn't win? What if I wasn't strong enough? I would be alone. My friends would have died for nothing. The believed in me, but so many times I have let them down and seen them suffer because I wasn't strong enough to act without watching them sacrifice themselves first. If only I was strong enough. Strong enough to not need their help so they could live their dreams and be safe, safe from me needing their sacrifices. I can't lose them!

Serena sat on her bed, unaware of her bunny covered pajamas quickly becoming soaked in the tears pouring down her face. The toll from the battle, the drain on her body and spirit finally breaking through her happiness over the victory. With her friends she felt secure. Alone in her room, her defenses came down and allowed her emotions free reign.

A rustle of the leaves was the only change in the sounds of the night. "Serena?" Startled from her reflections, Serena looks up to see Tuxedo Mask sitting on the tree branch outside her window, calling to her still form.

"Darien, what are you doing here?" Serena whispered back as she rose and walked to the window frame, leaning to see his face in the shadows.

"I couldn't sleep. After everything that has happened I couldn't rest without knowing you were okay. I transformed to get here quickly and unseen. I was going to just watch you to make sure you were resting, but then I saw you sitting there crying. Can I come in?" Darien was always the gentleman, never forcing his presence on his princess.

"Umm, Y-Yes. But please be careful, I don't want my parents to find you in my bedroom." A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he lightly lept from the branch and into her room as Serena stepped back to let him in.

"Oh, Sere. I wish I was here sooner. You shouldn't have to suffer alone." Taking one step into her room was enough time to detransform. Walking to his beloved, Darien takes her in his arms and gently wipes the tears from her face with his thumbs, caressing her face to calm her shaking body from her sobs.

"It's okay. Really, I'm just tired." Serena lied hoping he would not worry. She hated to have people worry over her. It seemed all she ever did was leave others to take care of herself. She had enough, now she would be stronger to not need their help.

Darien steps closer, closing the gap between their bodies and hugs Serena's small body to his own. She was unable to resist his warm embrace and molded herself to him. After what felt like hours, her tears stopped and her shaking slowed so she was able to breath normally again. Pulling back to look into her face, Darien lifts her chin to let the moon beams illuminate her features, causing her eyes to sparkle.

They both held soft smiles on their lips as they stood accepting and giving comfort to one another. Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing at all.

Slowly, gently, he lowered his gaze to her mouth and looked back into her eyes. Serena seeing his invitation stretched on her toes to meet his lips. Sometimes the best kisses don't take your breath away, but allow you to sigh your stresses into the night.

"Can you stay with me?"

"What about your parents?"

"Oh, well I guess it wouldn't be a good idea…"

"If I set an alarm to leave before the sunrise, then yes I will stay with you. I will always be here for you Sere."

"I know." Serena smiled as she stood back and led him to her bed. She climbed under the blankets and Darien tucked her in like a little child going to bed. Laying down beside her on the bed on top of the blankets, to preserve her modesty, Darien cradled his love in his arms and she rested her head on his shoulder.

It is a good thing I can pretend to be asleep. I am glad he is here. I really didn't know what to do for her.

But either as Darien or Prince Endymion, he has always taken care of her. Luna sighed and closed her eyes knowing her princess was safe for the night.

It has been one week since the defeat of Chaos. In every respect, life goes on. The people of Earth continue with the their lives and life is good. Kids still rush to the Crown Arcade for their milkshakes with pockets full of allowance ready to stake claims to the top marks on the video games. Streams of students in their uniforms stand in lines wait to buy tickets to the next Sailor V movie. Parks are seen throughout Japan flourishing with Spring's arrival as butterflies dance from one flower to another sharing in the glory of living. Mothers are pushing baby carriages in the park while fathers are at

work bringing honor to their home by earning a living for their families.

With all that has happened, it seems inconsequential to expect people to find it difficult to continue with the mundane after experiencing a dramatic impact on their perspective of life. In truth, after everything that has happened, the destruction of Chaos and the property damage of Tokyo, most people do not realize they lost their lives and were floating around as star seeds in space while the infamous Sailor Scouts defended Earth once more from evil. Yet, there are a few with whom these circumstances did not sit well, and it is with these few that our story begins.

"Mina?"

"Darien? I didn't know you had my number?"

"I actually took it from Serena's phone. I wanted to talk to you, as leader of the scouts, without Serena being suspicious. I thought a phone call would be best."

"Sure, what's wrong? Is Serena sick or in trouble?"

"No. But ever since the battle she is different. Every night I have been at her house, sleeping next to her. She won't talk about it, but she cries in the night and calls out our names. Sometimes I wake her up and she acts like she doesn't remember but I see this haunting look in her eyes so I feel like she is not being honest. I am starting to be concerned.

Seven days now and she rarely smiles. She has no desire to do anything but be near her family and go to school. This is not our Serena. I thought I could help her on my own but I see now she needs all of us to help her. How can we get her past the nightmares and bring back our Sere?"

"I was wondering how she was handling everything. She has seemed really down. Normally after a big battle we are all wore out of it for a couple of we go right back to our old routine as if nothing is different. Serena still meets us at the Crown. but she really doesn't say much. The scouts and I have been talking about it and were hoping that given enough time she would come around. We didn't know she was having nightmares."

"Yeah, and I know this has been hard for her. I was dead for 6 months and didn't know it. She was all alone. Now the battle is over, we have to do something to help her find her happiness again."

"I know. I will call Amy and see if her mini computer can give us some answers and then we will have a scout meeting."

"Good. Thank you. I know you love her as much as I do."

"Yes, she is our princess too. We will work together and help her get past this. Like everything else we have been through, 'this too shall pass'."

"Wow Mina, that was kind of deep."

"I have my moments. I will keep you updated, thanks Darien for calling."

"Yeah, thanks Mina."

I just want Sere back. Where is my smiling, klutzy, oh so beautiful dumpling head? Darien exhaled a breath of air he didn't realize he was holding as he slid his phone in his pocket. He was to meet Serena later that afternoon for a bite to eat. Darien was hoping to entice Serena to go to the park and ride the rowboats. Anything to try and make her happy.

Cherry Hill Temple, the same day

"Mina, whats wrong? Why have you called a scout meeting and Serena isn't here?" The frustration in Raye's voice evident as she surveyed her friend.

"Just a minute Raye, Lita is in the kitchen bringing out the snacks." Mina quipped in response.

"Just like some other blonde i know, cant get to the point without food in their stomachs." Raye couldn't help but "rib" her friend with her sharp tongue. For those unfamiliar with the raven haired priestess of Cherry Hill Temple you would expect to see aggravation in her eyes as she made spoke such barbs to her friends and yet those who knew her best could see the affection she hid under her sarcasm.

"I'm here and look who i found to help bring in the snacks." Lita and Amy walk in with trays of cucumber sandwiches and bean buns but were quickly pounced upon by Mina. Taking a tray and and stuffing a bun in her mouth she settled on the floor leading the other girls to gather in a circle to hear the reason for this impromptu and private meeting of the scouts.

Not one to be left out, Raye quickly grabbed the tray of sandwiches from Amy and helped herself to a couple before the beautiful blonde vulture swooped in and devoured them as well.

Having all eyes on her, Mina tosses her golden strands over her shoulder to get to business now that her hunger is being attended to. "So, I have asked you girls here today, without Serena's knowledge as you pointed out so well (sticking her tongue out in Raye's direction while Amy and Lita snickered into their snacks), for two reasons. The first and most important reason is simple. Serena has had a week since Chaos and though Darien continues to tell me she is whole and well, but neither myself nor Darien can get Serena to open up and talk about what has happened. I wouldn't be concerned if it was anyone but Serena. We all know how affectionate and open she is with us."

"So where is dumpling head?"

"Darien took her to the park, hoping some food and sunshine would encourage a little happiness. And we are all concerned so I called the Tsukino home yesterday and Mrs. Ikuko assures me that she is healthy. But Serena's mom shares my concern of her lack of energy or desire to get out of the house. We all know that Serena can be a bit of a crybaby."

"Hmmph, a bit huh? dont you mean a lot of a cry baby?" Raye most certainly could now help but interrupt Mina to deliver that particular criticism of Serena given how often she was apt to display sensitive emotions in front of the girls.

Being the voice of reason, Amy defends Serena, "You know Raye, Serena is 17 now and she really hasn't lost control over her emotions in a while. You saw how Darien went missing for 6 months and we all assumed everything was fine.

She just continued everyday with a smile and never complained. We would have never known if it hadn't been for Chaos telling us what happened."

"Exactly my point Amy, I couldn't have said it better myself, that is why I am so worried about Serena, she isn't our little bunny anymore. She has become stable and in control, not flighty or one to back down from pressures like she tended to do so often in the past. Serena is strong and more and more we see the grace of Princess Serenity coming out of her.

But now she has wholed herself up and wont talk to us. Sure she answers questions and smiles but she doesn't engage in conversations and her smile never touches her eyes. That is why after 7 days, I think we need to do an intervention before she finds herself in such a whole over this mess, the 'everyone dying' business. We need to remind her about life and love and happiness. Where is our hope filled Serena?" Mina shot back.

You could see the emotions flitting across Raye's face as she listened to Mina analyzing their leader's reaction to the final battle. True, Raye was concerned about Serena. She had spent every morning staring into the sacred fire looking some indication of the return of Serena and after finishing every mornings meditations there was still no change.

Everyone expected Serena to need a couple of days to recharge from the battle but no one thought she would lose her vivacious attitude or energetic appetite.

True to form Darien, was by her side. At first Mr. Kenji Tsukino felt quite a bit of trepidation, allowing an older man into his home to see visit his daughter. But after the first day, it was apparent they way Serena's eyes would light up every time Darien would arrive and present his daughter with a beautiful deep red rose. Now her room held a vase on her desk with and ever growing collection of roses, filling her room with their wonderful scent.

Of course to Kenji and Ikuku Tsukino, the reason behind Serena's attitude was unapparent. In their eyes, they saw their daughter in the middle of completing her education at Juuban Municipal High School and knew there were stresses involved with completing the curriculum before taking her final tests. Luna was quite good and keeping their memories blocked of certain insightful events. Unaware of their daughter's love life or how deeply she was committed to her beau, they were immediately charmed by the educated demeanor and good looks of Darian Shields. Really, who could resist

the pea green sport coat and black turtle neck that he so frequently sported? In truth, Serena's parents were astonished and delighted that she found herself engaging the attentions of such a promising young man.

Without the knowledge of their daughter's alter ego it was impossible for Kenji and Ikuku to realize the turmoil of their daughter's dilemma. Who really could empathize with the pressures of having Sailor Moon as an alter ego? The entire city was praising Sailor Moon and the Scouts efforts to save the city and the Earth. Everyone knew how much they sacrificed to stand vigilant in the wake of evil. But how could they identify the courageous leader with their daughter who ate like 2 grown men, was over emotional about everything, had a room covered in bunnies, and had life just bubbling out of her everyday. Not to mention the obvious responsible nature of Sailor Moon and the contrasting, yet continuously late to everything, Serena Tsukino. Of course, no one was expecting Sammy to understand his sister's emotions, he is only a boy after all.

With this in mind it was becoming apparent that the inner scouts needed to intervene to help Serena adjust to life once more. They really wanted Serena to be able to trust again, that happiness was attainable, and hope was nothing to give up on.

"Well I have an idea." Amy quietly interjected to the silent war that was being waged with the invisible daggers flying from Mina and Raye's eyes. Instantly the girls redirected their attention to Amy. Although she was the least domineering, every scout respected her methodical and thoughtful perspective. Rarely did Amy miss something, so it was important to take note when she came to a conclusion. "What about a change of scenery? We have been battling Chaos and her minions

for so long, as well as trying to understand the mystery behind the Starlights. Now that everything is quiet we could take a group vacation and try to relax."

Lita instantly set up. "That's right. The end of the school year is in 2 weeks which gives us plenty of time to decide where to go and everyone can get permission. I bet the beach would be amazing this time of year."

"OOOh and don't forget all the hotties in their swim trunks." Mina's eyes were glazed over contemplating all the boy watching she could do.

Raye was excited but couldn't restrain herself from sighing at Mina's response. "Be serious for a minute Mina, this was your idea to do something to help Serena, and Lita mentions the beach and you instantly start drooling. If that gets on my floors you are cleaning the Shrine!"

"Raayeee"

Amy decided it was time to intervene before things got out of hand between the girls and derailed an obvious unanimous decision. "How about I talk to my mom and I ask her to talk to Mrs. Tsukino. That way she will be more likely to agree instead of 4 high school girls showing up asking to go on a vacation together."

"Leave it to Amy to convince the Tsukinos. She will be able to present it in a much more sophisticated manner than we ever could. Besides, as little as Serena has been willing to talk to any of us she may reject our offer but coming from the adults it leaves little room for her to back out." Causing Amy to blush and duck her head at the compliment from her friend and fellow scout, Lita could not hide her excitement about spending some R&R with the girls without the threat of Youmas or evil henchmen and their deranged bosses.

Taking charge of the meeting once more, Mina grabs everyone's attention "The only question now is when do we go shopping for bathing suits?!"

"Well I for one have one point that could drive a nail through this idea," Raye was a little put out that no one thought of it before actually, "Who is going to tell Darien? And how does anyone expect him to not go when he was officially dead and missing for 6 months? We all saw the passionate kiss he shared with Serena after the Starlights left and no one can miss the possessive way he looks at her. Its like he is afraid he will wake up and she will disappear or something, it almost gives me the creeps. If I didn't know they already had a long history together I would have to do some major butt roasting."

"Yeah but you can't blame the guy, he practically proposes and then parts from his body. Seeing her again and knowing she saved the world without his help was probably a really proud moment. It may have even given him insecurities about whether or not Serena needs him since she defeated Chaos without him. Not to mention the fact that Seiya made it very obvious he/she was in love with Serena and was totally hitting on her while he/she was leaving. the whole he/ she thing still freaks me out by the way." Lita added.

"Yeah, did you see the look Seiya leveled at Darien? His final words were 'protect her'. Who could miss the, 'or else', look he gave Darien. How do you feel coming back to life and another guy was already encroaching in your territory? Creepy." Raye added.

"Well as the goddess of Love, I can vouch for my Princess and promise you that Darien is and always will be Serena's soul mate. We just need to reassure them both that this trip is for the greater good. And because I would love to find a boyfriend before entering our senior year of high school."

"Wouldn't we all. Its not like we have had much time what with defending Earth and the Princess. And we have died what, like twice now. We don't exactly have the best track record when it comes to relationships apart from the loyalty and love we each have for each other." Raye finished on a sigh.

"Aww, Raye you're getting sentimental on us!" Mina exclaimed bouncing on her knees with her hands clasped under her chin.

"Can it blondie. I can still roast you!"

"Alright girls. I think we have finished with the first order of business. Am I mistaken or didn't you say there was a second reason to this meeting?" Lita asked the girls hoping to disrupt the girls, as daggers were being drawn for another war of the eyes.

"Yes, thank you Lita for reminding me. Pyro totally distracted me for a minute there. I admit I was really excited about Amy's suggestion but the second order of business is this…. I have had a vision of sorts, I know I am not Raye and cannot consult with the fire but, in my vision I saw all of us scouts with our soul mates."

"EEEEEEE!" Lita was on her feet jumping up and down.

"Wow, way to drop a bombshell blondie."

"Are you sure, how can you know this is real and not just a dream?" Amy asked, obviously she was confused and scared at the same time. How can this happen and why is it happening now?