Cherry Hill Temple

Mina walked up the steps to the temple to seek a certain fire discerning priestess who had demanded she come over immediately following last bell for class that day for a 'discussion' about their visions. Not really sure what to expect with the fire scout, Mina walked across the courtyard looking for her sister-in-arms and best friend Raye Hino.

Raye had just dropped off her book bag and was making her way under the cherry blossom trees when she saw honey golden hair blowing around the face of one of her best friends. True, Raye clicked more with the other scouts in different areas but she loved all are friends with the same fierce passion. Groaning at having to face the love goddess over this whole mess, she made herself visible and called out to Mina.

"Mina over here, lets talk in the tea garden."

Following Raye, Mina continued to drag her feet across the cobblestones to see what the big deal was.

As they entered the garden through a small gate behind the Shrine, the girls walked along the winding path to a stone bench beside the serenity pool. Raye always found the tea garden to be a comfort and a sanctuary when she needed space to clear her head. Raye sat staring at the blooming azaleas trailing the river rock path while she gathered her thoughts and prepared herself for an uncomfortable conversation.

"Why did you call me here early Raye? I was going to get a milkshake from Andrew at the Crown." Mina was whining.

Oblivious to the pink and white blossoms that captured her friends attention, Mina punctured the peaceful bubble Raye had lost herself in. Mina was obviously deprived of her afternoon nourishment. Mina could not function without high levels of sugar and or caffeine and preferably both at the same time.

"Did we or did we not agree Blondie, to look for clues about these mystery guys you claim are our soul mates?!" Ray Fumed.

"Down pyro. I'm listening. So have you seen something in the sacred Fire?" Her interest piqued it wasn't difficult too forget about her desperately sugarless situation.

"You could say that." Raye breathed a sigh of relief once she realized Mina was paying attention but at the same time it felt like a rod was attached to her back causing her to feel so uptight.

"I was meditating this morning before school and while I was seeking answers to the vision you had, there was a sequence of images. At first it was hazy and all I could see was the four us and four shapes. I could tell it was us because of our hair and we were in our scout uniforms. But the longer I watched the more the details became clear. I saw blue, green and what looked like silver eyes and all four guys were distinctly proud in their stature. Their hair was short and their clothing seemed relaxed and casual. Then the guys were all on the knees before us. The vision was almost over until the one with light blue eyes looked straight into mine and seemed to pierce my soul and I saw the gold chain stretch out of my heart and he looked down and saw it connect to his! So yes now I believe you but I am also freaked out! I mean, really, first we no have boyfriends and practically non-existent social lives outside of the scouts. Now I don't have a choice in the matter?" You could almost see steam rising out from under her raven hair and pouring out of her ears.

"This is great! You finally believe me and now we have a few more clues. Handsome, eye color, casual clothing, and proud stature. That bit about them being on their knees was interesting. Groveling maybe?" She mused. Mina was positively tingling with excitement. She looked like a chihuahua that was just about to get a tasty treat.

Air rushed from Raye's mouth as she huffed in response to Mina's declaration. Leave it to the goddess of love to be excited. I am more concerned about my lack of choice or even consent rather than if they are 'dream boats'. And why were we in our uniforms before these so called 'soul mates'? "Look Mina, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, maybe we lay off about the 'soul mate' thing and lets just finish out school with passing grades. I don't know about you but I want to go on this vacation without summer school hanging over my head. And I really don't think we should tell the others just yet."

It wasn't like Amy and Lita didn't already know, of course they did. But Raye just really wanted to avoid the scrutiny and added pressures of everyone wanting to search for these guys. She just wasn't ready for that level of tension. Raye had a hard enough time connecting to people. Her only and closes friends were all super heroes or could make really mean milkshakes. Why subject herself to the added stresses?

"What? Why? I had a vision and you just had one that confirms it so why can't we tell them? This could be just the distraction Serena needs to get over this whole Chaos funk she has been in. I talked to Amy again after Artemis told me he and Luna have been watching Serena sleep at night. Listen, she has nightmares, the kind where you wake up screaming and can't remember if it was a dream or a figment of your imagination. Luna told Artemis that she calls out for our names almost every night begging us not to die and leave her. And Darien has to sneak in every night to try and keep her calm. I don't know about you but this could really give her something positive to think about and I think that is more

important." Mina crossed her arms as she felt herself victorious over the scowling priestess. She could see her resolve wavering as she considered Serena's problem handling what Lita calls 'survivor guilt'.

Everyone knows that the silver crystal returned everyone's star seed but Serena had to first witness everyone dying in order to gain the needed strength to allow her heart to reach out to Galaxia and heal her.

Seeing Raye's foundation crumble, Mina gave the final blow, guilt. "You know, Amy has been doing some research and she believes that Serena's condition is actually diagnosable."

"Is diagnosable even a word?" Raye sighed knowing she was soon to be defeated.

"Not sure, but Amy thinks Serena is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD. Amy said she matches several symptoms and gave some helpful instructions on what to do to help Serena get past all this. Going on the vacation is definitely a step in the right direction. And having Darien around everyday is good too. But giving Serena something positive to think about will certainly help. There is more to it but I will let Amy fill us in when we are sitting together with Lita."

"You call chasing these guys down 'positive'?" Raye huffed at Mina.

"Yes, we are talking about true love. Soul Mates. Our perfect boy toys. That is definitely positive."

"All right you can tell them but please don't make a big deal out of me okay, this whole thing makes me feel vulnerable.

Like there is an attack coming and I can't defend from it. I really do want love. I just thought I would have a hand in who I was going to love."

"Well pyro, think of it this way if you don't like the guy, you can always roast his keister."

"I will send a text to Amy and Lita giving them the short version so they will know before hand. When we see Serena we can give everyone the run down on this whole 'soul mate' acquisition project of yours."

Smiling the girls made their way to the kitchen to make ready the snacks and tea before the girls arrived. If Mina was bad about studying without sugar, Serena was 10 times worse.

To Amy Mizuno, Lita Kino

I have had a vision that confirms Mina's vision. Our soul mates are here and we will be seeing them soon. We have a few more details to go on. Will explain later at meeting. CU There. ~Raye

To Raye Hino

Wow, ok great. ~ Lita

To Raye Hino

This is getting interesting. Keep notes! ~ Amy

Walking into the Crown Arcade, the girls smiled and waved at Andrew behind the counter who was taking orders. True to form, as soon as he was free he was making his way over to his most loyal and favorite customers.

Sliding into the booth, each girl deposited their bags under the table and slumped down as the weight of school fell from their shoulders.

"Yes! Finally our exams are over." Lita was exhausted from the tests the teachers poured out on the students at the end of the exam.

"Lets not forget our bags are packed and we hit the airport in the morning." Raye was greatly looking forward to getting out of the city for a while. Chad was taking over her duties at the Shrine and grandpa had a gaggle of girls around to help out since Chad's fan club now stalks him after his first single released a few weeks ago. Raye couldn't help but feel relieved to be free from her duties, even if it was only for a few days.

Deciding to celebrate their victorious finish to their school semester the girls met at their usual booth in desperate need of comfort food and therapy shakes. Although all of the scouts had at one time or another a heart wrenching crush on the waiter, now they all lovingly considered him their big brother.

"So girls, I hear from Darien you guys are headed to the new indoor beach. The water is even heat regulated so you won't be bothered by these late cold spells we have been having." Even now the girls could still admire his handsome face as Andrew came over and sat down next to Amy and Serena across from Lita, Mina and Raye.

"Yes lets just hope they don't open the top, can you imagine 60 degree F air rushing down on you while you are in a bathing suit on the sand." Amy was always about the facts and the collective group shivered in picturing themselves so cold and in their swimwear.

"It won't be that bad, 60 degrees really isn't that cold" Lita responded.

"Speak for yourself Lita. 60 degrees is the ambient air temperature, the water will be even colder, close to 55 degrees, give or take depending on various variables. The amount of skin showing with the slightest breeze will make it feel even colder. If it isn't indoors, then I am not going to the beach." Amy said.

"Well, no worries, it is indoors so we can all look our best in our swimsuits." Mina smiled remembering their shopping trip.

"Well Darien is a brave man, I can't imagine how grown up you girls are and the five of you all ready for the water with only poor Darien to beat the boys off….. I wish i could be a fly on the wall to see it." Andrew chuckled having collected his orders of milkshakes, fries and burgers, he was off to make ready to feed the remarkable skinny yet ever hungry teens.

All 5 girls, well young women really, considering they were no longer 14 year old Youma butt-kicking scouts but 17 year old ladies on the cusp of womanhood who were well on their way to fully controlling and harnessing their powers, were equally put out by Andrew's remark. Gone were the days temper tantrums and hair pulling (unless it was between Raye and Serena). So it was not surprising to Andrew while he walked away to hear the 5 ladies sigh in exasperation after hearing his barb to their potential stage-stealing scene they would make at the indoor beach. Andrew loved the girls and

knew just how to rile them up.

"Well speaking on behalf of the love goddess, me! I know for a fact that Darien will be completely preoccupied watching Serena in the new bathing suit we picked up last week to even spare a thought as to what the rest of us are up to. That is why I took extra care in helping Serena pick out her ensemble. I need my get away card as we all go hunting for hot boys.

Can you imagine, 5 smoking hot girls with perfectly fitting swimsuits… we will own that beach! What is the use of all the years of sailor training if we can't look good enough to snag us a hot date."

Everyone rolled their eyes at Mina's exuberance and Serena added her own flush of color to fill her cream cheeks while considering Darien seeing her dressed in the tastefully designed piece she had bought. Thinking back to when she bought the suit she could still hear Mina's encouraging words about her rose pink one piece with the matching wrap around the waist.

Serena, come look, you must buy this one, it is just the right color to set of your complexion. And look it is a one piece just like you wanted. It will have everything covered and still give a good view of all those lovely curves for Darien to inspect later. "Mina!" Mina walked away with a wink and a laugh as she considered the jaw dropping possibility before her.

"Serena, hello is anyone in there?" Lita sniggered as she watched the emotions play across her friend's face. It was apparent that she was both equally excited and a bit embarrassed by Mina's exposition on their shopping trip.

"What? Oh sorry Lita, I was just a little distracted."

"Mmhmm sure you were dumpling head." Amy and Lita couldn't help but laugh at the old reference to the space case Serena was in their youth.

"Raye!"

"Alright girls…"

"Andrew!" The scouts all chimed together to reprimand their oldest and best comrade.

"Excuse me, ladies, I present a feast fit for the Dallas Cowboys Defensive line or if you prefer a, meal fit for JJ Watt."

Andrew smiled and he brought the tray to the tables edge only to have the plates and glasses snatched from his tray before he could stand straight again.

Smiles returned his comment and he backed away knowing he was safe from retaliation from his quip with the 'ladies' being preoccupied with their meal. It wasn't long before slurping and burping (mainly from Mina and Serena) was all that was left in the way of conversation as 5 ladies with abnormally high metabolisms devoured their high caloric meal.

"Ah well, know that the hunger beast has been slain for this afternoon I would like to make an announcement on behalf of Raye and myself (boldly, Mina gives Raye a highbrow look to challenge her inclusion in her statement). A couple of weeks ago I was asleep in my bed and I had a vision. I saw Lita, Amy, Raye and myself together with our soul mates. At first I thought it was just an ordinary dream, I do have an active imagination. I would be lying if I said I have not been looking for my soul mate. I am the goddess of love after all, or the reincarnation anyways. And up until now I have seen

nothing in the way of a bond for any of us with a guy. But when I woke up I saw coming from my heart the same golden chain leading out of my room to my soul mate somewhere just as I had in my vision. And when I ran into Lita, Amy and Raye I also saw the same bonds stretching away from their hearts as well. I was instantly excited and curious so after talking to Raye she agreed to consult the sacred fire."

Looking to Raye to pick up, Mina directed her gaze to meet her friend's eyes. Taking a deep breath Raye began, "I know that at first I was extremely skeptical (Serena was the first to roll her eyes at her friend) but I agreed to consult the fire. For the first few days I was only catching blurry images, several in a row that were difficult to understand. But after a week of looking and asking for direction the sacred fire granted me a similar vision. I saw the four of us and our four, well for a lack of better words, 'counterparts'. I was confused but convinced it was the same as Mina's vision because I too saw the

golden bond from my heart to the heart of one of the guys in the fire. I was shocked really because I have never seen bonds and I think the only reason I saw this one was because I was looking for it after Mina prompted me."

Looking back to Mina to indicate she was finished Raye release a breath she had not realized she was holding.

The blue haired ice scout was also quick to add her conclusions and reasoning to support the claims of her fellow scouts. "You all know that I take facts and figures over any other source however I cannot dispute two of our scouts sharing similar visions, especially when we all know that Raye does not follow along with anyone she does not expressly agree with. Therefore, although I am skeptical of the end result of these visions I cannot hide my curiosity. I am eager to discover where and what this will lead to." Amy knew all about the visions but she wanted to reassure Serena that it wasn't a hoax.

After turning a pit pink and ducking her head Amy finishes her declaration to the general shock of the group. It was rare for Amy to be so accepting when so few facts are presented to support the claims of the spiritual world.

"Well I for one am very happy for you all, I know that Mina has never been wrong in her understanding of bonds in this life or in the Silver Millennium so I very much look forward to meeting these future husbands." Smiling to herself, Serena looks around at the girls who each have emotions evident across their features ranging from embarrassment to indignation. Of course it is never hard to guess who would be indignant at the thought of having a future foretold for herself.

This statement from Serena was instantly appreciated by the group. This was exactly what they were hoping for, a distraction for their 'fearless' leader and something for all the girls to share in as they 'hunted' their soul mates.

"Well, since we have all finished with our girl talk I think I want to get ready with the last few essentials I need to pack and go to bed early. We have an early flight in the morning and 1,200 miles is nothing to sneeze at so I want to rest up before we leave tomorrow." With that, Lita said her goodbyes and walked out the door to her apartment.

"I need to go home also and make sure some college forms are in order before we leave and I won't have a chance to get back to them for a few days. See you guys in the morning. At Serena's right?" Amy stood and watched the girls nod and she took her leave and turned her attention once more to her academics.

"Yes and I need to make sure Chad stays focused. I swear a little bit of a fan club and his head has inflated 3 times! I almost miss the days when he had a crush on me, at least then he got his work done!" Raye huffed and quickly hugged Mina and Serena before charging up the street to the temple's steps.

"Oh look here comes Prince Darien, coming to escort his lovely princess home." Smiling sweetly while clasping her hands under her chin with a dreamy in her eyes, Mina watched as Darien walked over the give a hand the the princess as she rose from her seat. Mina savored the sight of her best friend who was enjoying the affections of her one true love knowing that for right now, all was right in the world.

Biting her lip to hide her smile, Mina grabbed her bag and waved goodbye to the love birds as she went home to check one more time that she had packed enough changes of clothes everyday to emulate a runway model on her mini vacation/ boy hunting trip.

After the other scouts had gone their separate ways with the promise to meet early at Serena's house for a quick breakfast compliments of Mrs. Tsukino and fatherly talk by Mr. Tsukino, Darien took his love's hand to lead her through the park on to her house.

"Sere."

"Hmm"

"Who is taking care of Luna and Artemis while we are all gone? Won't they be cranky without their special cat food."

Darien couldn't help but chuckle while he imagined the two furry counselor/ guardians and their domestic life.

"Well I bribed Sammy with a special edition Sailor Moon doll that was signed of course." Serena smiled at her little inside joke. The doll did cost a little of her pocket money but Sailor Moon was always more than happy and able to sign a bobble or two for Serena.

"You know eventually we will have to tell him and your parents. Some day you will be Neo Queen Serenity and I will be King Endymion, surely you would want them to know before we assume the throne?"

"Sure I do, I just thought that I would wait until after high school. I will tell them but I don't think it will interrupt anything to tell them now so I was just happy waiting. Do you think that is a bad idea?"

"No, I just wasn't sure if you had considered a timeline is all. Waiting till after high school is a good idea. But I do want to have them know before we are married." Slyly stealing a glance at Serena, Darien was satisfied at the soft smile that graced her lips when he mentioned marriage. Despite everything that they had been through together it still took his breath away and caused his heart all sorts of palpitations when he saw her blush or reveal her innocence. Serena would never cease the hold on his captivated heart or his mind.

Satisfied that Darien could wait a little longer, Serena enjoyed the gentle humming of the city as it slowed down in activity.

It was relaxing enjoying a walk in the park knowing that people were going home to their families safe from danger and there were no threats looming on the horizon.

As they walked through the park, the couple came to the blossoming cherry blossom trees that gently rained down their petals on the couple. It was almost as if the universe was celebrating the couple and foreshadowing the happy day when they would be man and wife and crowds of family and friends would throw petals of red roses on the happy couple (if a flower was to be used, none other could substitute for the infamous flower). Darien could not help but stop his progress to her house and take advantage of the romantic moment by making one more happy memory for Serena to cherish. Too

many opportunities were lost because of Chaos and Darien would not allow another to go by unappreciated. Too many nightmares cause his love distress. Satisfied that keeping Serena distracted was the best course of action until the girls were able to have a heart to heart, Darien turned up the romance.

Gently pulling on her hand to cause Serena to face him, Darien took his other hand to gently rub his thumb across her jaw and come to rest behind her neck. Looking into his face with her eyes half closed, smiling in contentment Serena gazed upon her love.

As the sun was setting, Darien was thanking the heavens for making his moment ever more perfect as the setting rays lit Serena's hair with a golden hue that shamed the poets, for words could not describe what Darien felt while drinking in the sight of his beloved glowing with love for him.

Slowly, ever slowly Serena raised on her toes while Darien lowered his lips to hers. Seeing how Serena would glance at his lips and then back to his eyes Darien was satisfied knowing that she desired him as much as he desired her. Just before their lips met they both shared a quick smile before eagerly crashing their lips into one another. As arms snaked around his neck, he slid his own around her waist to pull her against him to revel in the feel of Serena against himself.

Pulling apart they sighed and shivered in turn to the loss of heat from their embrace. Tugging on her hand once more, Prince Charming walked his beautiful princess home.

"Mina! How can you have so many bags? We are only staying 3 nights and somehow you have managed to have a bag for each day we will be there?" Raye was shocked to see the love goddess defending her poor packing skills by declaring she needed to be ready for anything.

"Lets go ladies, we need to load up." Darien called as the girls scrambled to grab their bags and still manage one more bite of the delicious muffins Mrs. Tsukino had prepared for their departure.

"By mom!"

"Thanks Mrs. Tsukino!" The girls called as the hung out the windows waving to Serena's mom. It was almost like watching lightning dancing in the sky to see the girls so excited about their trip.

After making a wrong turn at the terminal they finally filed out of the cars to drag their luggage up to the counter and get ready to board their plane. After a hasty head count and making sure the airline personnel had their luggage accounted for, the girls climbed aboard the plane and settled in for their flight. To the amusement of the scouts a Sailor V movie was being aired and snacks were passed around by the flight attendants.

None too quickly, the tires hit the tarmac and the girls were roused from their various trivial entertainment pursuits to debark from the plane. After a harried experience gathering their luggage and traveling by bus to the hotel, the girls eagerly crashed on their beds for a well deserved rest before consenting to get ready for supper. Darien was grateful for his own room, not that he would share with one of the girls, well maybe one. After all the noise on the plane he needed his own quiet sanctuary. Everybody was also very disgruntled by the meager rations the airlines were proud to call their 'in flight meal'.

Once everyone was settled and in their respective rooms, Amy and Ray in one room and Lita, Mina and Serena in another with Darien across the hall, the girls all took turns getting ready for supper. It was promptly agreed upon to not have Raye and Serena in the same room given their tendency to turn the simplest of request from one another into a hair-pulling, pillow-throwing war.

Once everyone was presentable they all stood outside their rooms and eagerly compared outfits before heading to the elevators. As Mina stood evaluating each of the girls ensembles she opened herself to her powers and allowed her focus to expand to the bonds between them. An audible gasp came from the group and all heads turned to the shocked expression on Mina's face.

"They're here!"

"Who?"

"Our soul mates."